Somewhere Down the Road

Saturday Night Sappiness

2011-10-29T20:43:00.003-05:00

I feel that I'm in a very good place in my life right now. True, drastic life changes are happening in my world, changes that are normally considered traumatic or devastating, but I feel a sense of renewal. I feel like this is God's way of giving me a second chance to get it right, and to be honest, this is the happiest I have been in a long time. Amazing friends have come into my life in the past few months that I am tremendously thankful for, and I have finally met some of the best friends I've ever had. I feel like myself again, like I'm free to be who I am without the risk of ridicule or punishment. If there is one lesson I have learned from my marriage it would be this: never think you can change someone before you go into a marriage. Wendy and I both came into this marriage not completely satisfied with who the other was, and that is what brought this divorce on. You have got to find that one person that you can look at and say "She is beautiful, amazing, and perfect just the way she is right now, and whatever changes she goes through, I will still think she is just as beautiful, amazing, and perfect." I have absolutely no regrets about getting married to Wendy because I was blessed with my son, but I hate that this divorce has to happen for him. I can;t tell all of my friends, who are actually more like a family to me, how thankful I am for your love, support, and for just being yourselves.

The Times They are A'Changing -- Again!

2011-08-29T19:00:00.002-05:00

Seeing as its been over a year since my last blog post it seemed like the right time drop in say "Howdy" to all my faithful readers. I'm sure most everybody that reads this rag keeps up with via Twitter or the dreaded Facebook, but if there are any of you non-interweb socialites that see something worth reading in what I have to say, here is my last year in a nutshell.

My son, Jake, is truly a miracle from God. My life has never been the same since he has come along, sometimes he can be a handful, but he is truly a blessing. He has had an amazing 15 months of life, and he has touched the hearts of everyone who meets him. Healthwise, God has blessed me with an extremely healthy and resilient child, although we went through a six month stage of VERY frequent, severe ear infections, but nothing that quick ear tube procedure couldn'y clear right up. Now his little feet are running 90 to nothing throughout the house, and he is jibber jabbering up a storm, I thank God everyday for that little boy.

On a more dark and somber note, I am about a month into divorce proceedings with my wife, Wendy. As much as I hate it for our son, this is the right decision for everyone involved. There is no alchoholism, drug addiction, abuse, or infidelity to contribute this to, just two people realizing how wrong they are for eachother and that their son should grow up seeing them apart and happy, rather than together and truly miserable. One of the most amazing things that has come to light in this situation is my realization of just how strong of a support system that I have behind me. My family and friends have been my foundation through all of this. My long time blog friends have been there for me through thick and thin, I was even fortunate enough to go out for an evening with some of the best friends I'd never met, and had one of the best times of my life. Anobiter, Sili, Jarhead, Gator, Buenohead, Gerald, and all of you guys that have sent me your words of love and support, I am eternally grateful to all of you, you guys are truly some of the best friends that I've ever known. New friends have also given more support than anyone could ever possibly imagine, friends who don't know me from Adam but only want the best for me, friends who truly love me despite all my shortcomings in life and this situation, no names on this one but you know exactly who you are.

So in short, even though I am going through the darkest period of my young life, I am one of the luckiest guys on the planet to have the friends and family that I do. I look forward to meeting all of my "blog friends" soon, and being able to thank you guys in person for always being there for me.

2010-08-08T22:13:00.002-05:00

The smiley face outfit and the hat come to you compliments of Obi and family, Thank you again!

This big boy just keeps getting bigger! When he was born he weighed in at 9lbs. 2oz., at his two month check up he weighed 14lbs. 3oz.!! He is two months old and already wearing 6 month outfits.

I am thankful to be able to say that we have been blessed with a very healthy child. Besides a little bit of tummy trouble that was solved by switching to soy based formula, Jake has been perfectly fine. He is already sleeping through the night every couple of nights, and even on his worst nights he only wakes up twice. Jake has finally started really smiling and laughing, and he even clicks his tongue at us! He is holding his head up pretty good by himself, and I don't think it will TOO much longer until he figures out that he can roll over. Now burping him is a different story, he is very hard to get to burp, even with gas drops. Anyone with any tips, I will gladly accept the advice. He is hard work sometimes, but worth every bit of it!

The Times They Are A' Changing

2010-08-08T21:51:00.003-05:00

I know I sound like every other first time parent out there, but I honestly cannot believe how much our lives have changed since we brought Jacob into this world two months ago. Along with meeting and marrying Wendy, this has been the greatest experience of my life, and it's only just begun. Parenthood can be best described as this : the most joyful, terrifying, stressful, calming, hopeless, uplifting, boring and exciting thing ever. And I have been loving every minute of it. Here are a few things I've observed since Jake showed up:

--I used to stay up until 12:30 or 1:00a.m. playing video games or watching TV. Now, we are dragging if we aren't in bed by 9:30.

--I used to gag and get as far away as possible when my sibling would change their kid's diapers. Now I've learned that can hold my breath for a solid two minutes.

--That white truck that drives in the left lane everywhere it goes has a "For Sale" sign on it.

--A night in three times as exciting as a night out used to be.

--I understand why people put those "Baby On Board" stickers on their vehicles, geez I think every car is out to hit our C-RV.

Everyone told me our lives would change more than I could ever imagine, mostly for the better, I honestly didn't believe them. Things have changed and I could never imagine my life without Jake or Wendy in it. So yeah, I'd say everything has changed for the better! So I just want to take this chance to thank everyone on the blog and Facebook for all the kind words of congratulations and encouragement (and gifts!). An especially big thanks to all the blog friends, Obi, Jarhead, Sili, RPM, Denney, Gerald and anyone else out there!

He's already growing up!

2010-06-11T21:24:00.000-05:00

Jacob Ryan

2010-06-03T19:22:00.000-05:00

Born 1:49 p.m. 6/3/10. 9lbs 2oz 21 1/2"

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Good Stuff

2010-04-30T11:35:00.001-05:00

Painstakingly copy & pasted from Fox News.

Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law of the prophets. Matthew 7:12

This past week the creators of Comedy Central's edgy cartoon series "South Park," wrestled, as they have in the past, with their network over their depiction of the Prophet Muhammad on their show. Why? Because the 200th episode of the show included a caricature of Muhammad disguised in a bear suit. Muslims do not allow Muhammad to be represented as an image, and they consider it a great insult when someone does it.

When a non-believer shows Muhammad as an image, extremists have been known to resort to revenge murder. When 12 cartoons depicting Muhammad appeared in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, worldwide protests ensued. The result was shooting deaths and the burning of Danish embassies. One of the artists, Kurt Westergaard, has had to fend off at least two murder attempts since the publication of his drawing.

A radical Muslim group last week suggested that "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone may end up like Theo Van Gogh, a newspaper columnist and movie maker gruesomely murdered on a city street in Amsterdam for his criticism of Islam.

While I condemn the violence and threats, as a Christian I’m obligated to follow the teaching outlined in the book of Matthew. I must at least consider the insult Muslims are feeling when Muhammad is drawn. When I ponder this, I wonder how I would react if the sacred icons of my religion were similarly disrespected (it matters not that I don’t understand how a drawing is disrespectful, it matters to them). I can think of two times in my own lifetime where similar insults happened to Christian images.

In 1999, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani made news when he cut funding to the Brooklyn Museum after it displayed a painting by the artist (again, I use the term loosely) Chris Ofili. The painting depicted the Blessed Mother Mary surrounded by pornographic images and covered in elephant dung. A judge later reinstated the funding.In 1987 the artist (I use the term loosely) Andres Serrano photographed a crucifix in a bottle of his own urine, and titled it “Piss Christ.” It caused a public uproar, first because of the insulting treatment of the symbol of Christianity and second when it was revealed Serrano received a $15,000 prize, partly from the taxpayer-funded National Endowment of the Arts.

As a Christian I was no less outraged by the disrespect of the symbols I revere than Muslims are when they see any depiction of Muhammad. I find an insult to religion as unnecessary in discourse as they do.

The difference, of course, is that unlike extremists, I’m bound by a religious covenant against violence, a legal covenant against violence and a personal morals covenant against violence. When my religious symbols are disrespected, I suffer the great frustration of not being able to do anything about it. It hurts. Muslim extremists do something about it.

This leads to the question, why should Muslims or I be put in the position of having to do anything about it? The beginning of our inquiry into this problem should not start with what the reactions by the insulted will be. The first inquiry is – what do the folks hurling the insults get out of doing it?

What does it bring to the cartoonist drawing Muhammad or the painter disgracing Mary for them to do those things? I can’t think of a benefit to them or anyone else when those things are done. The hurt and pain to the religious are obvious.

Some will argue the non-sequitur: “They have the freedom of speech to do it.” So what? With freedom comes responsibility. I’m free to say a whole wide mess of things that can insult and hurt people. I don’t. I live in a society with others – and while I’m not going to curb my behavior for subjective claims over arguable insults – when something is widely understood as being hurtful to many, I’m a better person to refrain from doing it. I don’t use racial epithets, and I wouldn’t draw Muhammad or put Christ in a glass of urine. Why not? It would hurt others, and I gain nothing.

One can criticize Islam without drawing a picture of Muhammad. One can criticize Christianity without creating horrid images of Jesus or Mary. The purpose of criticism is persuasion, and not one person has ever been persuaded by being insulted.

I’m certainly not suggesting anything be outlawed. It shouldn’t be. Here’s what I am suggesting:
Fight like hell for the right to draw a picture of Muhammad – then choose not to.

Tommy De Seno is a writer and attorney. Read more at JustifiedRight.com.

Friday Freeze Out

2010-04-23T23:22:00.002-05:00

--Why freeze out? 'Cause that's what I wanted to say. Big whoop, wanna fight about it?

--I locked the keys in my work truck today and had to break into it, I felt like a real bad ass. People would drive by and stare at me, so I would hit them with the "Yeah, I'm stealing this truck, you got a problem with that? Try to stop me and I'll cut you" look. Yeah, they knew....

--Wendy got me a MacBook Pro for and early Christmas/Anniversary present, now I can play with the cool kids! Ever since we got an iMac, I am a total Apple user. I hate using my PC at work now.

--I've been watching a ton of movies here lately, so rather than review each one, I'll just give them a 1 to 5 star rating.

-The Men Who Stare at Goats - * - (This movie could have been GREAT with the cast, but it just sucked. Hard.)

-Law Abiding Citizen -****

-The Big Lebowski - ***** (I can't believe I had never seen this before, awesome movie.)

-Gamer - *

-Up in the Air - *****

--Next on my list to buy: Avatar and Crazy Heart. I really stoked about Crazy Heart, just because Jeff Bridges is such a great actor.

--In seven weeks I'll be a DAD!!! I really can't believe how fast Wendy's pregnancy has gone, I guess that's just a precursor to how fast Jake is going to grow up.

--After three of the five baby showers, I've come to the conclusion that our families are going to spoil that boy rotten. I have cut tags off so many clothes, washcloth, and bibs it's insane.

--That's all I've got for tonight, have a great weekend everyone!

Calling all Gearheads!

2010-04-23T22:37:00.004-05:00

First off, if you don't like working on cars this isn't the post for you. All right guys, I've myself in a bind (literally), and I need HELP! I've tried just about everything I know to do, so I'll take any suggestions. So, here goes...

A long, long time ago, in a land far, far away....Actually, earlier this week, in Bridgeport, I had a customer come in looking for an intake manifold for a 1948 Jeep Willys with a 134 4 cylinder, so I thought no problem and I pull out the handy dandy Dorman catalog. Uh-oh, Dorman doesn't the intake manifold, uh, isn't Dorman supposed to make everything!?!?! So I betray the ways of the old time parts guy and put away the dusty old book, and pull it up on the net, of course I find it at KaiserWillys.com, which I can't buy from due my boss not trusting me with a company credit card, and uh I'm not using my personal credit card.

To make the long story about getting the part short, I picked up a used intake/exhaust manifold assembly from 820 Jeep in Fort Worth, which is a really cool place if your into old Jeeps. The exhaust manifold is cracked, which is no biggie because he doesn't need that part, and they're just bolted together so he can take them apart. Now, I'm not sure if it was boredom, or me just being an extremely nice guy, or just wanting to get my hands dirty, but I decide that I'm gonna take the manifolds apart for the customer, and sandblast it and get it all nice and purrrty.

Here is where the real dilemma begins. There are four little bastards, er bolts, that hold the exhaust and intake manifold assemblies together, I try to take the first one off and immediately round the head off. A minor annoyance, I should have know better but no big deal, so I soak the rounded bolt along with the other three in PB Blaster for a good six hours, I just keep going back and spraying and spraying hoping that the lubricant can get under the bolt head and down the threads. I go back and try the next bolt, with a cheater wrench on the end of the original wrench it busts loose and backs right out. Great! This is gonna work out just fine, right? Wrong. The next bolt loosens after about the same amount of pressure as the second, and comes out, only it didn't come out. The head broke right off the bolt. OOOOOk, that's not as bad as rounding the head off, but this is still going to SUCK.

So, I spray some more Blaster on the final bolt and go back a few hours later ready to take it out. I put the pressure on it and snap, it breaks too! In case you lost count, that's two bolts broken clean off, one with a rounded head and one that came out without a hitch. The flange where manifolds come together is only threaded in the exhaust, so I get a cut-off wheel and take of the head of the rounded bolt and separate the assemblies. Now I'm getting a little cocky thinking that I've got this under control, I'll just get a stud remover, bite down on 'em and pop these bad boys out. Nope. Instead these little bastards BREAK THE STUD REMOVER. Ok, ok, Plan B, or C, or D, or wherever the Hell we're at now: EZ Out. I go up to the front, get some cobalt drill bits and drill the studs/broken bolts out, which was waaaay to easy, and put the EZ Out in and start twisting. What happens? You guessed it, the EZ Out snaps, I actually snapped two of them on these things, a spiral and a square design.

This is where I need help, I've tried everything I can thing short of heating it with a torch because I don't have one readily available, but that might be the only option Do any of you guys have any suggestions? I'm getting desperate!

'Atta Boy

2010-04-09T23:35:00.000-05:00

Newest Sono Pics of Jake

2010-04-09T16:35:00.001-05:00

Funny Stuff #2

2010-04-09T15:12:00.003-05:00

Thanks again to WonsAndZeros

Funny Stuff

2010-04-09T15:09:00.001-05:00

H/T WonsAndZeros

2010-04-09T08:47:00.009-05:00

--31 weeks as of Tuesdsay! 9 more and I'll be a Dad!

--I can't believe just how fast Wendy's pregnancy has gone, it seems like just last week we had the first Dr. appointment. I guess it's just a precursor to how fast Jake will grow up.

--I haven't been in much a writing mood at all here lately, not a bad mood, just not a blogging mood.

--I've let my yard get out of control, the previous spent a ton of money on the landscaping and I've completely let it go, I guess I just didn't get my Dad's green thumb. This weekend I'm going to try to change that though, I've recruited my little brother-in-laws and were gonna pull some weeds, cut some grass, spread some mulch, and plant some shrubs. Either that or they'll do it and be around for moral support, gotta mold those young minds, ya know.

--Anyway, after several trips to Lowe's, we should be ready to get started this afternoon, wish me luck...

--So, it turns out that if you have a dog that likes to chew, along with your AC unit in the back yard, bad things will happen. Like the little bastard chewing through the wires and causing you to have AC repairman come out to add freon, only to find out he chewed the wires and popped a fuse.

--I don't have a dog anymore.

--Congratulations to Sili on BabyAlley #2!

More Keyboard Cat!

2010-03-16T09:47:00.000-05:00

My Current Guilty Pleasure:

2010-01-15T22:35:00.002-06:00

I love it, in all its cheesy, glitzy, big-haired, shoulder-padded glory. I actually think it's more of a "comfort" thing to me. Dallas has to be my Dad's all-time favorite T.V. show, I used to sit up late and watch the reruns with him on TNN, The Nashville Network, when it was still on cable. I'll always remember the way he calls J.R. "that ol' swindler". He would send me off to bed but when I would hear the closing credits I would start humming along with that familiar theme song, just to get yelled at to "shut up and go to sleep!". I guess it just let's me revisit some special childhood moments me and my Dad shared. Who would have ever thought a 1980's soap opera would give a guy memories about his childhood? I started watching the series again just a little while after we found out Wendy was pregnant, when we were discussing name choices. We told my parents that if was a little boy, we would be naming him Jacob Ryan. The first words out of my Daddy's mouth were "We're gonna have a little J.R.!", and he gives Wendy fits over it! So that got me to thinking about the box set of the first two seasons I bought him for some occasion a few years back, I dug them out of the cabinet still sealed up like new and popped the first disc in and haven't been able to stop since.

Anyway besides nostalgic value, it's just a damn good show. I'm currently on season 6 on DVD; which is the only way to watch a series I might add. Jock's gone, Pam and Bobby are split, J.R. and Bobby are in war over Ewing Oil, Miss Ellie and Clayton are getting hot and heavy. You never see shows like that anymore, sure it's got sex, lies, ALOT of drinkin' and cheatin', but it somehow just seems more "wholesome" than some of the crap on T.V. today. Now don't get me wrong, I'm addicted to Brothers & Sisters on ABC, but most of what is on T.V. could be replaced with reruns of Home Improvement or Family Matters I think everyone would be in a little better mood, but I guess that's what they have T.V. Land and Nick at Nite for. Is Nick at Nite still on anymore?

Christmas Morning

2010-01-12T12:15:00.000-06:00

My sister-in-law took this picture early Christmas morning at my grandparents house, I just thought it turned out pretty cool.

Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday

2010-01-12T12:00:00.002-06:00

-- Its starting to sink into my mind that in less than six months, I'm going to be a Dad. That's exciting and incredibly scarey all at the same time.
-- It really irritates me when someone lives to correct other's spelling and grammar mistakes, not that it makes me feel dumb, I just don't really see the point in pointing out an obvious "typo" in a BLOG COMMENT. Ah well, I guess some people need to squeeze that little bit of nastiness in to complete their day.
-- This weather is wreaking havoc on my hands, if I make a fist my knuckles bleed all the way across. It's actually pretty bad ass looking, one might presume I had a been in a bar room brawl.... Yeah that's what I'll tell 'em.
-- I guess I could put lotion on my hands, but that would be gay and not nearly as bad ass as a bar room brawl look. What a dilema...
-- I have never really been into video games, even in high school when my friends practically lived on the things, but I am completely addicted to Halo 3 on XBox Live. Sure, I look ridiculous wearing my headset and yelling at the eight year old kid across the world that just killed me at the top of my lungs, but I just can't stop playing it!
-- I am still an idiot when it comes to Facebook, when MySpace was "it" it was just so much easier, maybe then I just cared about how many friends I have. Blogger friends are way cooler anyway, their some the nicest people I've never met!
-- I'm in a lazy rut this morning that I can't seem to get out of, I blame it on the democrats.
-- Or is it "Democrats"?
-- That there is my Christmas present from my most awesome wife, I give her a kid and she gives me a Beatles box set. Sounds like a fair trade off to me.

Testing out the blogger app for iPhone

2010-01-12T11:31:00.000-06:00

If your reading this, it works.

It's A Boy!

2010-01-08T17:35:00.004-06:00

Well, after Wendy's doctor appoint on Wednesday, theres no doubt about it!

Meet Jacob Ryan:

Monday's Updates

2009-12-07T23:37:00.002-06:00

--No pictures this time, but we got to hear the baby's heartbeat today! Talk about exciting stuff, it made it feel so much more real.
--In less than a month on January 4th we get to find out what were having, I can't wait!
--After trying to think of a million ways to get out of it I dragged Wendy along with me to my company's Christmas Party on Sunday, and was surprised to actually have a really good time!
--I love Christmas, so I tried to ape shit with the Christmas lights this year, but holy cow that stuff is expensive when you have to buy a tree and everything! I am for sure gonna stock up on stuff right after Christmas this year. I'll be the Clark Griswold of the block, you just watch. Or not. Maybe.
--Commercials that really irritate me: the Old Navy "Modelquins", the Levi's "Pioneers" commercials, the hamburger commercial where the guy is eating the tiny little meal, any commercial that uses the term "anal seepage" or "have a happy period". Nice.
--I had a whole list of these in my head when I was watching TV twenty minutes ago.
--Oh yeah! Those commercials for that damn Flip video camera, I bought one when they came out two years ago and it was a royal piece of crap. It wouldn't work with the then cutting edge Windows Vista.
--I get irritated when someone goes out of their way to spread their bad mood around. I get irritated when people get about things that cannot be controlled. I'm in a really "irritated" mood this evening.
--The s*#% was definitely about to hit the fan on Twitter Saturday night, that was tense. Why do Mommy and Daddy always have to yell?!?!?
--FYI, never drive all the way to Wal Mart to pick up Dramamine four your nauseous, pregnant wife. IGA is about the only place that has it.
--Something I'm not afraid to admit: My wife got me completely hooked on Brpthers and Sisters.
--This blog always feels like a burden when you don't update it, but it's pretty satisfying once you get to typing.
--I went against my better judgement and watched Bruno the other night. My review: DONT.
--Start Trek really ended up being a really cool "crash, boom, bang" kind of flick, and that was the first time I have ever watched Star Trek.

Top Fuel Dragster Facts

2009-12-07T15:43:00.002-06:00

I stole this off my company's forum, crazy stuff!
I can't stand any type of professional racing but these numbers are insane!

One Top Fuel dragster 500 cubic inch Hemi engine makes more
horsepower than the first 4 rows of stock cars at the
Daytona 500.

Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1-1/2
gallons of nitromethane per second; a fully loaded 747
consumes jet fuel at the same rate with 25% less energy
being produced.

A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to
drive the dragster's supercharger.

With 3,000 CFM of air being rammed in by the supercharger
on overdrive, the fuel mixture is compressed into a
near-solid form before ignition.

Cylinders run on the verge of hydraulic lock at full
throttle.

At the stoichiometric (stoichiometry: methodology and
technology by which quantities of reactants and products in chemical
reactions are determined) 1.7:1 air/fuel mixture for nitro methane, the
flame front temperature measures 7,050 deg F.

Nitromethane burns yellow. The spectacular white flame seen
above the stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen, dissociated from
atmospheric water vapor by the searing exhaust gases.

Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is
the output of an arc welder in each cylinder.

Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass.
After halfway, the engine is dieseling from compression,
plus the glow of exhaust valves at 1,400 degrees F. The
engine can only be shut down by cutting the fuel flow.

If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro
builds up in the affected cylinders and then explodes with
sufficient force to blow cylinder heads off the block in
pieces or split the block in half.

In order to exceed 300 mph in 4.5 seconds, dragsters must
accelerate an average of over 4G's. In order to reach
200 mph (well before half-track),the launch acceleration
approaches 8G's.

Dragsters reach over 300 miles per hour before you have
completed reading this sentence.

Top Fuel engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from
light to light! Including the burnout, the engine must only
survive 900 revolutions under load.

The redline is actually quite high at 9,500 rpm.

Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the crew worked for
free, and for once NOTHING BLOWS UP, each run costs an estimated
$1,000.00 per second.

The current Top Fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.441
seconds for the quarter mile (10/05/03, Tony Schumacher).
The top speed record is 333.00 mph. (533 km/h) as measured
over the last 66' of the run (09/28/03 Doug Kalitta).

Putting all of this into perspective:

You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter
"twin-turbo" powered Corvette Z06. Over a mile up
the road, a Top Fuel dragster is staged and ready to launch
down a quarter mile strip as you pass. You have the
advantage of a flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up
through the gears and blast across the starting line and past the dragster at an honest
200 mph. The 'tree' goes green for both of you at
that moment.

The dragster launches and starts after you. You keep your
foot down hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal whine that sears
your eardrums and within 3 seconds, the dragster catches and
passes you. He beats you to the finish line, a quarter mile
away from where you just passed him.

Think about it; from a standing start, the dragster had
spotted you 200 mph and not only caught, but nearly blasted
you off the road when he passed you, all within a mere 1,320
foot long race course.

Edited to add:
I learned also that as of the last few years, Top Fuel dragsters are now limited by the rules to not exceed about 330 mph for safety reasons.

9 Weeks, 2 Days

2009-11-09T22:45:00.003-06:00

Wow.

2009-11-05T21:23:00.003-06:00

That's about all I can say about today's tragedy at Fort Hood. I guess because my brother was stationed at Fort Hood up until last September and I am somewhat familiar with the base and the area, this really seemed to hit home for me. I send my prayers and condolences to victims and their families, while at the same time am extremely thankful for my brother's transfer to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. While at Fort Hood he served as a military police officer and all I could think of is had he still been there, would he have been right there? I feel awful thinking selfish things like that, but this has truly effected and saddened me. I am thankful that this shooter is still alive so that he can see what pain he has caused, and so that he can pay for actions. I am not in the military but I would presume that when one enlists, you agree to fight any war your country sends you to, regardless of your support for the war. Hearing these psychiatrists on the mass media outlets try to justify what this bastard has done makes me absolutely sick. This isn't a case of post traumatic stress syndrome, the coward had not yet been deployed overseas, therefore this should be considered an act of TERRORISM. These 'politically correct" liberals who care less about a life than they do someone's feelings have ripped the backbone right out of this country. May God have mercy on his soul, because all Hell is about to break loose on him.

But, like Denney Crane, I could be wrong.

Halloween '09

2009-11-03T21:21:00.003-06:00

--No kiddo for me this year, so here are the nieces and nephews.
--It was pretty fun on my street for Halloween, they shut the street down and make a really big deal out of it.
--The Bridgeport Police "Central Command Combat Headquarters" was practically in my front yard, which was cool in an annoying kind of way.
--Most original costume: A guy in a huge Wheaties box with a hole cut out where his face goes.
--Transformers seemed to be the popular costume for the kids this year.
--Whatever happened to saying "Thank You" after someone gives you candy?? Seriously, I probably had only about thirty kids say thank you, and most of those were mumbles while they were high tailing it across the street.
--The Father's House church out on 380 had a really cool "Light The Night" set-up at the Preacher's house, that guy is super nice, and seems to really be in touch with the youth.
--I think there should be a cut-off age for trick-or-treating. If you can drive yourself from house to house, it's time to give it up. Seriously, aren't kids that age supposed to be egging teacher's houses or something?

Amen, Brother.

2009-10-19T21:56:00.000-05:00

Everyone has probably already seen this, but I thought it was pretty funny.

From Denney Crane's blog

2009-10-17T19:09:00.001-05:00

And so true.

Liberal vs Conservative

If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn`t buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn`t eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy. A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life. If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.

If a black man or Hispanic is conservative, they see themselves as independently successful. Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection.

If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.

If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (unless it's a foreign religion, of course!)

If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a conservative slips and falls in a store, he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed. If a liberal slips and falls, he grabs his neck, moans like he's in labor; then sues.

If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh. A liberal will delete it because he's "offended".

Isn't there something just a little bit illegal about this?

2009-10-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

Interracial couple denied marriage license in La.

...and on, and on, and on...

2009-10-15T22:21:00.002-05:00

--My friend and I watched the runaway balloon live at work today until it landed. The best part? The goofy guy chasing after it trying to catch the huge thing as it landed.
--Was anyone else getting dizzy from the camera spinning in circles?
--My iMac has turned me into a computer snob, I feel like all PC's are inferior to my computer. HAHAHA!
--I'm still having Big Brother withdrawals, I got way too into that show this season. Survivor is O.K. But still...
--I can't wait to hang up Christmas lights on our house. I love Christmas, I'm kinda like Clark Griswold on steroids.
--I have a huge crack in my iPhone screen, too bad AppleCare protection plan I bought doesn't cover damage cause by concrete.
--I have to keep my hands in pockets at all times in Wal-Mart, just thinking about how many people have touched EVERYTHING in there grosses me out. They should just go around with a spray bottle of Purell all day.
--Ever watch a pregnant chick pass out while having blood drawn? I have, scary stuff.
--I remember one time in college we were standing in class watching a movie and Wendy started getting light headed and leaned over to me and said "I think I'm gonna..." and starts falling face first. So naturally, being the loving and caring boyfriend that I was, grabbed the first thing I could reach, the hood of her sweatshirt. Too bad it was a zip up and it unzipped causing her face to meet the door. Hard. Man, I've never been so scared in my life.
--GoodNight Folks.

Swish and spit

2009-10-15T22:16:00.004-05:00

I will admit since finding out Wendy is pregnant I've pretty much become a certified germophobe, so I'll consider it my civic duty to pass along this email I received yesterday. It really makes a lot of sense, I had a scratchy throat yesterday and tried the salt water gargle, cleared it right up!

Please realize that this is not official advice!

H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced:

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications) .

2. "Hands-off-the- face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households, and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals

Edit: Spell check wanted to change germophobe to homophobe. Te He He.

"Shut up! I'm better than you!"

2009-10-15T22:10:00.002-05:00

This kid is a freakin' nuts. And it's great. This is my favorite one, search "Greatest Freak Out Ever" on YouTube for his other masterpieces.

Rambling on, and on, and on....

2009-10-14T22:16:00.002-05:00

--In the infamous words of a very rude commenter over at The South 40, this will be a post where I "just yammer on for the sake of hearing myself talk."
--Geez, some people. If your bored or don't like what your reading, JUST LEAVE. There is no reason to leave a snarky comment or report the blog. (i.e. Anonymous 8:04 to Denney Crane)
--Two things the blogging community needs back: Jarhead and Anobiter.
--We went to the Bridgeport Police town hall window peeper meeting last night that was practically in our front yard. They said they were stepping up patrols in the area. And that's pretty much it. Well I feel safe now. THIS is a prime example of why citizens need guns.
--Sitting in the waiting room of the ObGyn or baby doctor, or whatever the heck its called, felt exactly like the scene in Knocked Up.
--I watched Top Gun for the first time in a long time the other day. What a corny, awesome movie.
--Every time i tread to read a blogs comments on my iPhone and it opens a separate window, my phone locks down and I have to reboot it. Crazy.
--2012 looks awesome in a gay, retarded kind of way. Do you think John Cusack's character will go out wearing a trench coat and holding a boom box over his head in the final scene of death and destruction?
--I actually really want to go see Where The Wild Things Are, loved the story when I was little. Same goes for Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs.
--I'm a caveman when it comes to Facebook, its like rocket science to me.
--Twitter is awesome though.
--I didn't get a picture of it, but in today's All Around Wise I saw an ad for a home builder that read "You Deserve a Real Home" and had a big red X over a mobile home. Wow, that could probably be a little more PC.
--Like I said, just to hear myself talk.

I'ma be a baby daddy!

2009-10-14T16:17:00.001-05:00

About two weeks and five different pregnancy tests ago we found out
that were expecting our first baby. Right now I'm about 99% excited
and 1% scared TO DEATH, or maybe it's the other way around. Either way
this is going to be an awesome journey.

Out first doctor appointment was this past Monday, they said she was
about four weeks along, a little less than we thought. Because she was
so early we didn't get a due date, but I will try to update this blog
a little more often now that I've actually got something to write about!

2009-10-14T16:03:00.001-05:00

Monday Mumbles

2009-09-21T23:00:00.002-05:00

--I've finally been given a five day work week again, I had forgotten how it felt to have Saturday AND Sunday off.
--The yellow lab had to go this last week, our yard was just way too small for him and he had started digging, and digging, and digging, you wouldn't believe the holes I had to fill in. I really hated to see him go, which is weird because I'm not an animal lover at all, but I know he will be happier out in the country. It's not like he was much of a guard dog anyway, Wendy was walking him through the Fair Oaks addition in Bridgeport and a shiatsu started barking at him, and what does he do? He cowers down and starts crying until the shiatsu leaves him alone, the big baby. I will miss him though, he was a pretty good dog considering.
--I posted a few months ago that brother's little boy was sick, well he got sick again and they finally found a birth defect in his neck, something that didn't close properly but I really don't know the details. He's going to be having a surgery in October to correct it, so please be in prayer for him, and my brother and his wife.
--I've said it once before and I'll say it again: Rahm Emanuel looks like a total Douche Bag.
--Is it douchebag or douche bag?
--I was completely hooked to Big Brother this season, I'm glad the game ended the way it did.
--Twitter is quite possible the most addicting thing ever. I've heard people say the same about Facebook, but I really can't get into it, way too complicated.
--I always feel weird in Lowe's when I have to pull the extra large utility cart, and I know one day I'm gonna hurt somebody with that thing
--Mosquitoes are INSANE this year, and I don't remember seeing the City of Bridgeport spraying once.
--I've probably used my sprinkler system 4 times since we have moved into our house, partly because we've had rain and partly because I'm just a tight wad.

Don't Let Me Down

2009-09-21T22:47:00.005-05:00

I've never really been into video games, even when I was a little kid and all my friends would stay up all night playing Final Fantasy or MarioKart, but when they came out with The Beatles Rock Band I had to get it. I have Guitar Hero and thats pretty fun, but Rock Band is awesome, especially since its all Beatles tunes. I may suck at the game, but I have a blast with it. It has alot of hits and alot of songs you wouldn't expect to see, but I was kinda surprised at what you don't get to play, Where is "Yesterday", "All You Need is Love" and "Elenor Rigby"? Shouldn't these be staples for this game? Oh well, enough nerd talk and back to real life. Enjoy the viedo of me playing the game abaove.

Cussin', Paintin', and Movin'

2009-09-08T22:45:00.003-05:00

Ok, ok, ok, people stop the harassing phone calls and banging on my door at 4 a.m. I'll update my blog. I know you want more but I'm just one man! In all seriousness, I guess I've put this off way too long. It's been well over a month now so I guess it's time to rant about my closing-on-the-house-but-almost-didn't-close fiasco...

We show up at Wise Title company and meet our realtor, both of us are excited and nervous, as is expected when buying your first home. Now, I try to be a glass-half-full kinda guy all the time, but I just cannot stop thinking "This is going way too smooth, something is about to hit the fan." But I let my better judgment calm my nerves and we go ahead an commence with the paper signing. Everything is going great until we hit one little piece of paper from the appraisal district or company whatever its called, claiming that everything looks great except one little spot one the northwest corner of the house that will have to be repainted BEFORE they will allow the loan to go through. WOAH!

Now lets go back a few weeks when I had the home inspection performed. Nothing major, just a few little things here and there that are common with a house of this age, its actually in GREAT shape for this old of a house (early 70's, I believe). Anyway, he points this are on the northwest corner out to me and suggests that I paint it. OK, great that will be my first project as a homeowner, I'll just worry about that after closing. (By the way the inspector did an awesome job, I recommend Tim Martinets with Alpha Omega Home Inspection to anyone.)

SO lets fast forward to the closing date, apparently after the inspection, when the house was appraised they saw the same patch of peeling paint that will have to be repaired and reinspected before closing can occur. The mortgage company's underwriters, however, simply looked over this little tidbit. Of course I offer to go get my painting clothes on and go fix it right now, and everyone agrees that would be just fine. After sending Wendy on a bat-out-of-Hell trip to Lowe's me and my nephew Corbin get to scraping, and that little northwest corner turns into the entire north side of the house as well. Now, I am by no means a professional painter, so it didn't look to grand, but it was white and not peeling any more, so I felt like a regular Bob Villa.

The mortgage company paid for the final inspection and got the guy out there ASAP the next morning, so I was still a happy customer, even though I got to move in a day late. It was hectic, but it was all worth it, we've been here a little over a month and still love it.

Moving...

2009-07-28T12:18:00.001-05:00

In the midst of packing, painting and turning off my Internet, this
blog has neglected, more so than usual. But I will be back on soon!

A pleasant surprise

2009-07-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

Ugh, it's raining in my apartment

2009-07-14T21:28:00.000-05:00

Uh....

2009-07-12T22:16:00.001-05:00

Night View

2009-07-12T22:15:00.000-05:00

Day View

2009-07-12T22:14:00.000-05:00

Chocolate fountain at The Bellagio

2009-07-12T22:13:00.000-05:00

And this thermometer is inside

2009-07-04T16:04:00.000-05:00

Independence Day Work Woes

2009-07-04T14:03:00.003-05:00

--I was sitting here about to fall asleep while watching viedos of people getting tazered on YouTube, and I thought I should do something productive at work. So I'll blog!
--My weeks vacation starts in three hours and nineteen minutes, at five twenty nine you'll see a dust trail where my truck was parked, I am so ready to get away frrom this place for a week.
--My vacation won't consist of much rest and relaxation though. On Monday we'll go to big Sis' house and spend the day at Hurricane Harbor, then catch a flight for vegas at 7:30 the next morning. Fly back in Thursday night and round out the week camping with my wife's family up in Oklahoma. I think I will soon find out how it feels to "need a vacation from your vacation".
--On top of everything else, hopefully we'll be moving into our new house by the end of July, just keep your finger crossed. If not I'm going to have to find a place to live for a few days, 'cause I refuse to pay a months rent for 5 days in a apartment. Maybe thats why I get called a cheap bastard from time to time.
--Joe Biden spoke in a ceremony in Iraq for U.S. troops that were becoming American citizens today. "We did it in Saddam's palace and I can think of nothing better. That S.O.B. is rolling over in his grave right now," huh, I didn't think the guy had it in him. For a split second there, I kinda liked the VP.
--Scare for my brother and sister-in-law this past week: my nine month old nephew contracted rare strep infection that caused a large absess(sp?) to grow on his neck, the doctors up in St. Louis had to do surgery to drain it. And on top of that the doctor at the Army hospital in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. gave him an overdose of pinicillen(sp?), the doctors in St. Louis said that if it had been any other drug, he probably would't have made it. Seriously? How could someone be that careless? But as you can see, he kept on truckin' .

--We'll be staying at the Bellagio and we already have tickets for "O", but does anyone else have any suggestions for a first anniversary Vegas trip?

--Me and Wendy went and picked up a few fireworks yesterday, nothing real big, just some roman candles and what-not. The guy behing the counter kept trying to sell me a $400 firework for $200. Why would I pay $200 bucks when I can just throw a match in a bucket of gas and get the same effect? I just wonder how much of a profit margin you could make running a fireworks stand; anyone?

I can't stop looking at this picture

2009-07-04T12:19:00.001-05:00

Billy Mays Tribute

2009-06-29T09:42:00.003-05:00

Well, not really a tribute, but pretty funny. As loud and obnoxious as he was, this guy always seemed like he was really likeable, and I was really getting into that "Pitchmen" show. Anyway, I saw this a few months back and thought this would be a good time to post it.

Another fire pic

2009-06-28T20:34:00.000-05:00

Fire in Bridgeport

2009-06-28T20:33:00.000-05:00

Freakin' Awesome

2009-06-27T23:47:00.001-05:00

The Whacko Jacko Post

2009-06-25T22:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'll probably get the insensitive bastard tag here, so if your a Michael Jackson fan, just stop reading. I'll start off by saying that my thoughts and prayers do go out to his family, it's the media's portrayal of him as a saint that has got me miffed. I know Michael Jackson was an amazing entertainer in his time, but how can some people see only that and not his infamous later years? I hate it that the guy died and my heart goes out to his family, but this "man" had some serious issues! I mean, the guy actually said there was nothing wrong with sharing a bed with a child. If it's your kid and they sleep with Mommy and Daddy because the storm woke them up or the boogey-man is waiting in the closet, thats fine, but when it is just random kids coming over to "share the love by sharing a bed" that is just disgusting. I'm too young to have been around in his glory days, but just from watching T.V. I think he forfeited the title of "King of Pop" a LONG time ago. It made me sick to see Farrah Fawcett become old news this afternoon, someone who didn't lead a perfect life, but a lot more respectable than Michael Jackson's. I guess thats the mainstream media for you though. I will give it to the guy though, he was an awesome performer. I remember watching Thriller on MTV when I was a kid, and at the time I was thinking "what the hell is going on??", looking WAY back, the guy was actually pretty good.

Uh, mmmm?

2009-06-24T11:16:00.001-05:00

Belated Father's Day Post

2009-06-22T21:56:00.000-05:00

I was once asked who my hero was, and I hadn't ever thought about it much, but I automatically knew the answer: my Daddy.
I have been very fortunate to have my Dad around my whole life, I know many people out there don't get to have that experience, so I am truly grateful for how I have been blessed.
Neither my Daddy nor I are big talkers, when we go anywhere together we don't say much. But in all those quiet rides or visits, interrupted only by small talk of the weather or cattle, there is always the mutual feeling of love between a father and son. My Dad is always know as the joker of the family, when he walks in a room the the mood automatically lightens. He also has the "patriarchal" wiseness about him when I go to him for advice, and as I'm slowly coming to find out, Dad's usually right, even when I don't agree with him.
I remember growing up in the little single-wide trailer house down the road from Meme and Pop's house and right next door to Mammaw Crenshaw's house, it wasn't much but it was home. My Dad busted his butt in the oilfield, but he was ALWAYS there for me when we needed him, he always provided for us, even when money was short. And as times got better and we got a better house and nicer things, only the superficial things changed, Dad was still there just like before. My Dad is the perfect example of what a successful man is. First: He started out at the bottom and worked his way up into an extremely successful career, while never neglecting his family. Second: he and my mother have instilled Christian values in, without which I honestly don't know where I would be today, Third: He and my mother raised four amazing adults (if I say so myself), that are putting those values to work in their own families. Finally: my father is an extremely humble man. He admits when he has screwed up, and I love him that much more for it. He may think he has let us down a few times, but I assure you my Dad has NEVER let me down.
I'm not trying to boast with this, I'm just trying to express my gratitude for my blessings. It may not be the best written piece of work, but its from the heart. My father is great man, I can only pray that I will be half the Dad he is to me.
What's the thing I am most proud of? Being known as Scott Ferrier's boy.

T-Minus 15 days...

2009-06-22T11:25:00.000-05:00

Until my birthday trip to Las Vegas. My wife is the best!

Testing...

2009-06-22T11:20:00.001-05:00

... Mobile posting

Wouldn't "chew toy" have a better ring?

2009-06-19T18:01:00.000-05:00

Mmmm, femur.

Hey, remember me?

2009-05-26T23:01:00.000-05:00

--Wow, I didn't realize how long it had been since I had been on here, sorry for the delayed comment approvals, guys.
--Those were some wicked looking clouds this evening, I was totally expecting a full fledged Steve McCaully F5 super tornado.
--We bought my wife a new car this last week, a Chevy Equinox. I really wanted a Tahoe but without kids, I just couldn't make myself drop that much money on something that big. But one day...
--We actually ended up getting a great deal, after some haggle coaching from my Dad and Sister. I would recommend Jerry's in Weatherford to anybody looking for a new vehicle, super nice people down there.
--Satelite radio is quite possible one of the best inventions ever.
--I've noticed that I go to Weatherford to do pretty much anything, is it really that much closer to Bridgeport?
--Even thought I have always hated Start Trek, that movie still looks cool to me.
--I hate working long days to do end of month paperwork, no matter what the conditions are, its stress to the max.
--The powers that be at my job recently put us on direct deposit payroll, I'm not very crazy about it so far.
--It was freakin' hot today. Remind me of that mid-August.
--I put in paperwork for vacation the week after July 4th to celebrate my birthday and anniversary. Well, just anniversary, since I got married on birthday, that doesn't exist anymore.
--But it's all worth, its been the best year of my life.
--Any suggestions of a good restaurant/hotel in the metroplex for a first anniversary?
--Me and Wendy(Mrs. Ryan) watched Here Come the Newlyweds last night on ABC. Now that's actually a pretty funny show.
--Well, I'm about to pass out on my keyboard, so I'm outta here.

Cool Pictures from Tonight's Storm east of Bridgeport

2009-05-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

Back In Action

2009-04-09T22:09:00.000-05:00

--I want to start off by thanking all of y'all out there for your prayers and uplifting comments, you don't realize how much just a nice word can change your outlook on a situation. Please just keep my family in your prayers,
--This is my first post on my new iMac desktop. My old Gateway laptop suffered a shattered LCD screen, and these thing were just too cool to pass up at Best Buy. But, man, talk about some getting used to.
--There's not much going on in Ryan's world here lately, or at least that makes a good excuse for not blogging. Just a lot of Bridgeport monotony.
--I used to check the news websites about a million times a day to make sure I was staying on track with things; now it rarely even happens once a day. What ever happened to good news? No wonder there are more mass murders going on, everyone is depressed from watching the news. Especially the Drudge Report, I think it was Barry Green who called them fear-mongers here a few months back. Amen, brother.
-But I guess Drudge does get a few points for being "conservative". If anyone even knows what that is anymore.
--I tried to figure it out, but I have no clue who the guest blogger is that Jarhead turned the keys over to for the weekend.
--Has anyone else tried the new Fried Pie Shop here in Bridgeport? They're not bad, just remember to ignore that tingling in your left arm after you eat one.
--You know, living in an apartment was great for the first few months, but now this just sucks.
--I happened to be driving through Balsora this afternoon just as the fire was getting cranked up. There were a few moments where I bet I couldn't see 10 feet in front of me.
--That's all I got for tonight, maybe now I will update this thing more often.
--Nah, probably not.
--Goodnight, folks.

Calling Out for Help.

2009-03-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

I'm going through some personal issues right now, and I just wanted to ask everyone to please keep my family in your prayers.

Saw this on Denney Crane's Blog...

2009-02-24T11:46:00.000-06:00

I thought it was pretty clever....and to prove I haven't been lured to "The Dark Side."

Politics and Poetry
No Hard Feelings....

The election day is over,

The talking is done.

My party lost,

your party won.

So let us be friends,

let arguments pass.

I'll hug my elephant,

you kiss your ass.

Supporting cringe BHO

2009-02-23T22:59:00.000-06:00

Let me start off by saying that I did not vote for Barack Obama nor do agree with his policies, but he is the President and I will support him within reason. I consider myself a conservative and look forward to the day the true GOP regains power, not Dubya's GOP, not Rush Limbaugh's GOP, but a true conservative party with the best interest of the American people at heart, not personal agenda.

That being said, I do feel some sense of pride knowing that America elected a man named Barack Hussein Obama to lead her. It infuriates me when liberals throw a hissy fit every time someone uses President Obama's middle name when referring to him, why should that be upsetting? If anything you should be proud of your country when you hear that, knowing that racial and cultural walls of hatred have been torn down. There is no doubt that some use the name in a derogatory sense, but that just opens a chance to attempt to tear down more walls. Maybe the "Change We Need" starts with us, not the White House. The only way we will ever see "Change" is if we all try to move forward. So, like I said, I will give the President my support within reason to better this country, let's just hope that's actually where were headed.

2009-02-21T12:50:00.001-06:00

--I could lie and say I've been too busy to blog, but I just really haven't wanted too. My evenings are just way to packed with Cartoon Network's Adult Swim to pull the computer in front of me.

--My iPhone was no more as of Valentine's Day, it seems that when you drop it in the toilet it just becomes a piece of sh*t. Sorry about that last one I couldn't help it. He he he....

--Anyway I was due for an upgrade on my AT&T plan so I opted for the new BlackBerry Bold, at first I wasn't sure about it but now I can't put it down. I gotta admit, I didn't think I would like anything other than the iPhone, but now I'm sold on BlackBerry.

--Speaking of, can anyone out there with a BlackBerry please help me set up my voice mail?!?!

--My wife's grandfather had a massive heart attack on Wednesday, he might be able to come home soon, so please keep him in your prayers.

--We watched FIREPROOF the other night and, cheesy dialogue aside, every married person out there should watch it.

--We also watched W. All I saw was a liberal love fest.

--How is that no matter how nice an area is when a hospital is built, it always becomes a ghetto sooner or later? Case in point: Whichita Falls.

--Eric Holder seems like a real douche. I may be wrong but that's just the vibe I get. Timothy Geithner too.

--I usually think the race card is played all too often, but regarding the New York Times chimp cartoon, I think the cartoonist did cross a line there.

I'm still alive, I promise

2009-02-20T16:42:00.000-06:00

Updates will resume soon.... Maybe
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

I've got mixed feelings about this one...

2009-01-14T22:11:00.000-06:00

I'm a huge Springsteen fan but his new stuff is just too politically charged, and on most views I am way off to the right compared to his. I am so tired of hearing everyone praise Obama and slam Bush I could puke. True, Bush made many mistakes that will undoubtedly marr his legacy, but I fear in the not too distant future we may regret the liberal storm we brought on this country. But anyway I'll give "Working on a Dream" a shot, but I don't predict anything better than an Obama commercial. Too bad we'll never get another "Born To Run" or "The River" again.

--I bet I can name at least one person that will comment on this one.
Giggity-giggity. Giggity-goo.

Monday Night Updates

2009-01-12T21:57:00.000-06:00

--Nope, I didn't pull a Jarhead, I'm still around. I've been insanely busy, but it seems like I have gotten absolutely nothing accomplished.
--My wife and I have finally bagan shopping for our first home of our own. Good Lord I wasn't ready for the flood of bullcrap you have to wade through in this process. Ah well, I guess its just one of those crazy deals that make life great. (But don't forget to say a little prayer for us if you can.)
--I hated to see Jarhead go, but I also understand where he is coming from. Even though I don't update this thing very regularly, sometimes it just feels like a burden, just knowing it's there.
--I think all Christmas lights should e taken down by Jan. 5th. I mean, I love Christmas, but c'mon man.
--I think anyone my age getting credit card is very irresponsible. But then again, maybe not if they can control themselves. I dont trust myself that much, so I just shy away from the Capital One envelopes.
--Pretty much any Subway commercial sucks. Hard.
--Well, thats all for now folks, I'm outta here.

2008-12-30T23:55:00.000-06:00

--I hope everyone had a good Christmas. I really hated to see it go this year, I guess I just really got into the Christmas spirit. One good thing I took from this year though is that I need to celebrate the true meaning of CHRISTmas year round. It seems that here lately I have been only turning toward Christ whenever times were rough and cmpletely forsaking him when all was well. This has always been my weakness since my salvation, so I'm lucky to be surrounded by people who will support me in my walk with God.
--I got a Nintendo Wii for Christmas, man that thing is addicting. Especially the Wii Fit game.
--I have heard from several people that the new movie Marley and Me is really good. I guess I'll have to check that one out.
--The new iPod Nano's are freakin' awesome, I finally had to get a new, higher capacity one to accomidate all my music. Its hard to watch music videos on a inch and a half screen though...
--Had it not been specially requested(Thanks, Gerald), I probably would have went weeks without posting.
--My grandmother made gumbo for Christmas lunch this year, thats was a welcome change. Cajun food is probably my favorite next to mexican.
--Well thats all I can come up with for now, Happy New Year everyone if I don'tpost again before then!

Christmas Eve Eve Thoughts

2008-12-23T22:26:00.000-06:00

--I wen to IGA after to work to pick up some butter for my wife, that place is insane aroun 6 o'clock.
--We were surpisingly busy this morning at work, then it just kind of dropped off in the afternoon.
--I have been doing good on my mission of concentrating on the real meaning of Christmas this year. I like that the radio stations are playing just as many Baby Jesus songs as they are Santa Clause songs.
--I wonder how many news stations will be covering how the Obama's are celebrating Christmas. Oh yeah, every single one.
--I hate how commercialism has made such a great time of year so hectic for many people.
--The new movie Doubt looks dark. Dark, but good.
--Well I'm off to bed, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
(NOT HAPPY HOLIDAYS!)

Christmas Ranting

2008-12-17T23:30:00.000-06:00

I must have got it from my Mom, cause I know it didn't come from my Dad, but I love Christmas. I never really have been into it quite as much as this year though, maybe because it's mine and my wife's first Christmas since we were married, maybe not. She and I are polar opposites when it comes to Christmas, I have Christmas music playing all day and she hates it when Ive got it on in the truck. Oh well, I still wouldn't trade her for anything in the world.

I can't wait to get out of this apratment just so I have my own hous that I can light up like Clark Griswold. While I love all the music and decoraitons of the season, I also hate it because I know its all just commercialization of the holiday, rather than the actual celebration of Christ's birth. It really bothers when you can tell someone is saying Happy Holidays to keep from avoiding a liberal, that to me is very offensive, but apparently there is a double standard to this rule. This was supposed to be a happy post about the joys of Chrstmastime, but in this day and age joy and sorrow seem to go hand in hand. The powers that be are attempting to take the joy away from Christmas by pulling the foundation right from under it. Credit card companies jump at the chance to take advantage of a struggling parent, and the sucking them deeper in the whole. It's a shame when a family is forced into debt just to be able to put a smile on their child's face, and don't get me wrong I am not blaming parents, I'm blaming the corrupt uppers of America. Why not give this season not take, take, take? To hang on to last cent of profit?

This may not make much sense caused I'm all riled up, and it may not do a damn bit of good, but it feels better to get just a little bit off my chest.

Wednesday Night Ventings

2008-12-17T23:14:00.000-06:00

--My wife and I went to Grapevine this evening to try and wrap up some Christmas shopping. I tried to leave early where we would miss traffic, so naturally we Trophy Club/Southlale right at rush hour.
--I bought my Dad one of those electric ciggarettes I heard about on the news, man that thing is pretty cool. It will be well worth the money if it actually causes him to trash the real deal.
--I hadn't been to Grapevine Mills in years, it seemed a lot smaller, I guess I'm just bigger.
--I found a "nostalgia" store call Past and Present or some such bullcrap, that was a pretty neat store, I wouldn't mind going back and browsing longer in there. I did find some old Springsteen records to add to my collection though. (Feel free to come over and enjoy them anytime, Jar!)
--I had to force myself into Victoria's Secret to grab my wife, man II just always feel like every woman in there thinks I'm a pervert.
--I had my first Kincaid's hamburger tonight, albeit the one in Southlake not off Camp Bowie. Wow, that place is awesome!
--I saw a store in the mall displaying a cardboard cutout of Barack Obama. Theres really too many crude, smart ass things I can say about that one, so I'm just gonna walk away from it.
--One of those foreign ladies that work at the kiosks between stores try to interupt me during a phone call to give me sales pitch. She looked super pissed when I pointed at my phone and veered the other way. Serves her right, rude ass.

Tuesday Night Thoughts

2008-12-16T22:36:00.000-06:00

--Rahm Emanuel seems like real douchebag. Just the kinda guy you want to just punch right in the face cause it makes you feel better.
--Alan Colmes falls in that same category.
--I wonder how many people scoffed at Steve Jobs, or whoever at Mac, when they said, "OK, heres a new idea, were gonna call it the iPod."
--I like the Safari browser on my phone, but not on my computer. But then again I've never really like using a Mac when I have had the oppurtunity.
--A hot shower turning is one of the worst things ever.
--I watched the season finale of The Biggest Loser tonight, man that show and what it does for those people is amazing. Its one of the few reality shows that doesn't suck hard.
--I think I have seen pretty much every episode of Family Guy, and they're still funny.
--I bought some microwaveable cans of Hormel chili at IGA today for lunch. That, my friends, was a very bad idea. Very bad.

One Last Stones Thought

2008-12-15T23:36:00.001-06:00

LONG LIVE KEITH RICHARDS.

Jumpin' Jack Flash

2008-12-15T23:14:00.000-06:00

I may have done a post about this already when I first watched it a few months ago but I don't really care, I am a HUGE Stones fan. I decided the take a break from The Dark Knight and pop this one in tonight. I had a chance to go to their concert in Dallas with my Dad a few years back but let my Mom go in my place, sometimes I wish I would have went though, but oh well. This movie is awesome though, the perfect mix of concert and history. I was afraid it would be all interviews and no full performances but Martin Scorcese slam dunks on this one. But like I said, I'm a huge Rolling Stones fan, so I may be a little biased. Anyway, if you like the Stones or classic rock in general I would definitely recommend this one to you.

Monday Night Thoughts

2008-12-15T20:02:00.000-06:00

--Nope I'm not lying dead in a ditch somewhere, it's too damn cold for that.
--I can't believe how big of a deal the news stations are making over the "possibility" of freezing DRIZZLE, we won't get our real winter until about late January or early February and then they'll really be flipping out.
--We live on Halsell street in Bridgeport so when we heard the sirens for the parade the other noght we decided to go out and watch. The sirens were the end of the parade, maybe I'm wrong, but aren't the fire trucks and cop cars first? Ah well, I wasn't too excited about it anyway.
--I went to walmart about 8:30 Sunday morning, man that is the time to go, there was nobody there.
--I wonder if Channell 33 is the laughing stock of DFW local news, they seem the least funded. I like to think about what the back alley news anchor fight from Anchorman would be like with all our local anchors. I can pretty much laugh at anything Will Ferrell is in.
--We went to The ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine for the second time this year on Thursday, thats an amazing experience. Kinda pricey but well worth the money.
--Sometimes I just wish that I had absoluetly no outlet to the news, I'm tired of bad news in every headline.
--I wonder if December rivals the hot summer months in electric bills.

Abbreviated Thoughts

2008-12-04T23:38:00.000-06:00

--Is it just me, or does it seem like most everyone has plagued by the anti-blog fever here lately?
--Did any one else not e AT&T being down in the Bridgeport area this afternoon?
--I know I'm fixing to be sick. I don't feel bad yet, I just have that pressure on my chest everytime I coughs that's just screaming Get ready!!
--O'Harlies in Bridgeport is always good ..and clean.
--For some strange reason, I've come to love the smell of Bondo. I used to hate that stinkin' stuff.
--I want to see them go all the way, but I've got a feeling the Bulls may get stomped this weekend. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
--Holy crap it's almost midnight! I thought it was like 9:30.

Four Christmases

2008-12-03T21:21:00.000-06:00

Took my wife out to the movies n Fossil Creek for her birthday to see this. It was pretty funny and lived up to all the reviews I had heard so far. I gotta admit that as much as I try i can't really like Vince Vaughn, but he was actually really funny in this one. So for a good Christmas flick I would definitely recommend this one.

This is going to replace my McCain/Palin Sticker...

2008-12-03T21:16:00.000-06:00

Get your own here. The perfect Christmas gift for your liberal friends to knock 'em down a notch or two.

He. He. He.

2008-12-02T08:25:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Eve Thoughts

2008-11-27T00:21:00.000-06:00

--I don't know why I'm up at 12:30 right now, I worked late yesterday and went in super early this morning to wrap up end of month paperwork before we met the masses. Speaking of end of month paperwork, what a load of crap! I hate doing stacks of redundant reports that corporate can print themselves with the push of a button, but oh well, thats why they sign my check.
--The new Bad News Bears with Billy Bob Thornton is quite possibly the most hilarious movie ever. But I must be a big Billy Bob fan, cause Bad Santa is a very close second. But sometimes that guy is just weird.
--You wouldn't believe the number of people who asked us if we were open for Thanksgiving. WTF?
--Good deals be damned, there is no possible chance that you could get me into Wal-Mart or any other big store on Friday.
--I actually had a guy today griping about gas prices dropping so drastically. Seriously.
--Everybody have a GREAT Thanksgiving!

I'm 99.999% sure I'm addicted to this stuff.

2008-11-24T09:17:00.000-06:00

2008-11-21T07:07:00.000-06:00

Photo of said traffic carnage.

2008-11-19T23:08:00.001-06:00

Wednesday Night Thoughts

2008-11-19T22:37:00.000-06:00

--I'm still fighthing this "anti-blogging" mood I've been in here laely, it's been winning the past few days.
--Today was a really weird day. I took half the day off, that never happens, and it just completely screwed me up. Now I;m not saying I didn't enjoy it, it just felt weird not be enslaved by work.
--I really want to go see "Role Models". Probably just because it has Stifler in it.
--I went to Hulen Mall to get birthday/Christmas presents for my wife today, I'm glad I picked a weekday to do that. Traffic was horrible in Fort Worth driving home, it was only four o'clock, I don't get that.
--It seems like every one of my wife's friends is pregnant....
--I bought Madden '09 this weekend. Greatness.
--Is it wierd that we already have our Christmas tree up and decorated?
--I don't see how any guy could buy something in Victoria's Secret except a gift card. I always wonder if those women in there know I'm a husband buying a gift card, or just a sicko. I thnik I'll just buy it online next time.
--I caught myself running my hand on the rail of the escalator and balcony today. Immediately followed buy a purchase of hand sanitizer.

My work day just got a lot funner

2008-11-13T14:07:00.000-06:00

Wednesday Night Frustrations

2008-11-12T23:26:00.000-06:00

--Another boring day at work. However, I did get the chance to spend a super-exciting 2 hours on the phone with Certegy Check Protetcion Customer Service. Yeah!
--I am in the processing of having to restore my iPhone to the original factory settings cause I locked myself out of it. I'd throw it across the room but I wouldn't want to break anything in here.
--The people that I have had to deal with from PPG Industries have always been extremely friendly, always.
--We've finally had someone move into the apartment above us. Ugh, I've been spoiled.
--So I just finished my iPhone restore, aaaand no dice. Its still locked up. Great
--So, I'm off to Apple support. Good night everyone.

Taco Mayo Sucks

2008-11-12T12:47:00.000-06:00

Tuesday Nighter

2008-11-11T23:53:00.000-06:00

--Not alot going on today to blog about. With the election over I don't pay attention to the news that much anymore, and that feels really good. I just hated seeing bad news all the time, and sure its still there, but I'm not looking at it all day trying to see who is ahead in the daily tracking poll or whatever they call that crap.
--I couldn't help but think how special this Veteran's Day would have been for John McCain if he was our President-Elect.
--The crack in my windshield is growing. Luckily its on the passenger side so I can put it off just that much longer.
--I had to go to Jacksboro this morning, it actually turned out to be a surprisingly pleasant trip.
--I hope I've hinted to my wife enough for a new, higher capacity iPod for Christmas, mine is down to 4MB memory on a 8GB model.
--About the only use I see for a Bluetooth headset is when your driving. Otherwise it just looks goofy walking around with that thing hanging out of your ear making everyone around you think you are talking to them.
--Speaking of, where in the does the term "Bluetooth" come from anyway?
--I just yesterday noticed the "Compose" tab at the top of this blogger-typing-dialog-box-thingy, I had been doing everything in HTML up until now.
--I've been getting up earlier here lately for some reason, maybe because the sun is coming up earlier, I'm not sure.
--I was prank called at work yesterday morning. I would have thought it was hilarious, had I not been in a horrible mood at the time. Looking back, I probably should have just lightened up.
--I don't think I would like a job where I sit at a desk all day long.
--I'm outta here.

For your viewing pleasure.

2008-11-11T20:31:00.001-06:00

SNL Cowbell - video powered by Metacafe
ANd to answer questions on my profile image. And cause its just awesome.

I don't mean to be rude...

2008-11-11T20:01:00.001-06:00

But this is just...gay.

Monday Night-ings

2008-11-10T22:41:00.000-06:00

--I used this picture in an old post last spring, but it still cuts straight to the heart.
--I've been in a very anti-blogging mood the past few days, I guess with the election over I don;t have much to rant about anymore.
--I find the political arguments that explode on the comments over at Liberally Lean hilarious.
--There was a mini-van driving behind me on I-35 the other night NO lights on at all, at about nine o'clock! I Wonder what happened after I called the cops.
--Thank you to all our veterans!
--I am of the opinion that military service should be a requirement for the President, I mean come on, the guy is the Commander in Chief.
--I'm noticicng more and more people jumping onto Obama bandwagon since the election. Man, that guy is gonna fall hard when the media hits him on his first little screw up.
--I don't like Obama at all, but it still bothers me when people actually hope that he is assassinated.
--I'm thinking about ditching my iPhone, any suggestions on a BlackBerry or something similar?
--I was really disappointed by the smug attitudes of most liberals after the election. But I can't say that I am surprised either.
--Be sure to tell JARHEAD thank you for his service!
--Twitter can be alot of fun when I remember I have it.
--

My Two Cents

2008-11-06T20:36:00.000-06:00

Now that the anger and disappointment from the [expected] Obama win has started to somewhat dissipate, I guess there is nothing else to do but get over, the man is our new President. I may not agree with his policies or morals, but he is our Commander in Chief none-the-less. I have to admit that I do feel a twinge of pride for living in a country that has just broken through a racial barrier, but that is about the only good that I see from the Obama Presidency. But, oh well, like Barry said the sun did rise on November 5th and we are all still Americans, now the only thing to do is attempt to heal the staggering rift that this election has torn through this country. I believe we are as divided right now as we have ever been, and to think just seven years ago we were as united as we had ever been, it should NOT take another terrorist attack for to unite one more. As conservatives, we should accept a setback for our party but use this time to strengthen the bond across the aisles. And Democrats should not abuse their majority to plague the country with their agenda, but to use it to strengthen the country as a whole. But what will actually happen remains to be seen, all I know is that America needs God now more than ever, and I pray we turn our eyes to him.

Speechless.

2008-11-04T22:07:00.000-06:00

And Here We Go.

2008-11-03T22:36:00.000-06:00

Finally in a few hours we'll stop seeing the campaign commercials, daily tracking polls and promises of a better America, and look forward to the inauguration of our new Commander in Chief. While I am in no way, shape, or form an Obama supporter, I have got to admit that I have a tremendous amount of respect for both of these guys. To Senator Obama for becoming the first African American to come this far in a U.S. Presidential race. And to Senator McCain for a LIFETIME of service to his country. I am praying for a John McCain victory tomorrow simply because I believe he is the more Godly candidate that will lead this country in a direction of honor and morality. I am also willing to accept the fact that if it is God's will for Obama to be the President of the United States, then so be it. But I implore you if you are still undecided to look at the FACTS, not the superficial exterior of a "superstar". Look at the heart of these two men, look at their record of service to their country, or the lack thereof. Our country has reached a point in her history where we can make the decision to jump on the popular bandwagon, or do what is clearly right for this country. Whichever way you decide to vote, be sure you have this country's best interest at heart, not your race's best interest, not your party's best interest, but our country's best interest. No matter what faith you have, be sure to pray for our country, John McCain and Barack Obama tonight. We all could use a little more prayer.

I gotta sneak this one in at the last moment...

2008-11-03T22:34:00.000-06:00

I knoe I've posted this picture before, but I like the twist on this one.

Sunday Night Thoughts

2008-11-02T23:38:00.000-06:00

--This is my newest nephew and my brother's first child, I just had to share this one of Blaine.
--In case I have any new readers, I'm a born-again, evangelical Christian, "right-wing religious nut job", and proud of it. Nice to meet you.
--VOTE MCCAIN TUESDAY!!!!!!
--I had a pretty fun weekend starting off with a little Halloween get together at my sisters house, it was good to catch up with my sister, it seems like I haven't talked to her in months.
--Last night we had the same sister's birthday party at a place in Fort Worth off of University called The Blue Mesa Grill. Not too bad, not bad at all.
--I could not believe the number of kids out trick or treating in Bridgeport, I don't remember there being that many when I was a kid.
--I agree with Jarhead when he said "Barack Obama spells the end of morality in this country."
--Every time I take a nap during the day, I wake up with a headache.
--You just can't beat Sunday dinner at Grandma's house.
--Breaking 8 foot fluorescent light bulbs is one of the funnest things to do. Ever.
--Will there ever be another non-biased news agency?

Thursday Night

2008-10-30T22:20:00.000-05:00

--I hate when people throw out completely off the wall accusations about either candidate.
--Since it has started to be cold of a morning, I've been thinking about getting an aftermarket remote starting system installed on my truck. Has anyone had any luck with those?
--I tried a McRib sandwich at McDonald's tonight. That was a very stupid, stupid idea.
--I made Twitter account the other day, I didn't really get it at first but now I'm starting to like it.
--My PhotoSwap days on the iPhone are over. I randomly got a very undesired photo. And that's all I'm gonna say.
--This is probably my favorite time of year. The only thing I hate about it is that EVERY year my hand get really dry and my knuckles crack and bleed. That is the one and only time I use lotion, I ain't no weenie Liberal. (Geez, I almost sound like an anonymous commenter over at Liberally Lean.)
--Remember folks: Vote McCain Nov. 4th
--Is MySpace pretty much dead? Or does it just seem like it because I never use mine anymore?
--I got frustrated the other night and tossed my iPod/iPhone holder thats in my truck onto the dashboard. It bounced up and cracked my windshield. And its now spider-webbed out to a little over a foot in diameter. Needless to say, I felt dumb.
--I have trouble remembering how old I am sometimes. And I'm not that old.
--The Lil' Bill O'Reilly videos that Jarhead posts are hilarious, I was crying I was laughing so hard the other day.

Closing Thoughts

2008-10-30T00:56:00.000-05:00

--My wife is really into watching The Biggest Loser and shes sucked me into it this time. The changes those people go through are amazing.
--I should pray more than I do. Sometimes I feel like I completely leave God out of my life.
--I can't stand Alan Colmes.
--I think I have to explain to people every single day that painting an automobile is not an easy process. If you haven't done it before, its probably going to look like crap.
--I have a month and a half old nephew that I have only seen pictures of. That's weird to me because I'm used to all my family being in pretty close proximity.
--I like the new Dodge Rams. Then again, I like any of the new domestic trucks.
--I've never really laughed at Larry the Cable Guy.
--Purple Rain is on VH1. Next Channel.
--I wish CommuniComm Cable had an interactive guide rather than just the TV Guide channel.
--I like to watch the Spanish channels sometimes even though I dont understand them,I make up my own dialogue for them in my head and laugh out loud at it sometimes.
--Whatever happened to Patrick Duffy? Maybe were all just dreaming and he'll be in the shower in the morning.
--Maybe I should get some sleep.

...And Heres to you Mrs. Robinson..

2008-10-29T23:36:00.000-05:00

Just finished watching The Graduate with my wife, another one of those I shouldv'e seen but just haven't. I stand by my prior statement that Dustin Hoffman is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors. I also put it together that the wedding scene in Wayne's World II is poking fun at The Graduare. The only drag was the overload of Simon and Garfunkel tunes, I mean I can handle Mrs. Robinson every now and then, but come on! Anyway I liked this one, as expected.

2008-10-29T11:34:00.000-05:00