I installed the new live writer and I discovered my Picasa plugin does not work.
I read somewhere on the new that the inserted pictures will be posted to my picasa so we will see. I know this is boring but I need to test.
I just got an e-mail today. (surprising I know.)
"Brother" to Extended:
By the way, Christmas lists for "Sister", "Brother 2", and "Brother 3" & "his wife" have been updated on google documents, and mine will be up in a matter of hours (by "Sister"). We're waiting on the other lists, but if you wanna get started buying presents you can.
"Brother"
It's interesting to note that less than a month ago, the "family" address was just that. Now it appears there has been a distinction made between what is "family" and what is disowned Extended. They had this big discussion also last month about voting and who would get vote's, Land Owners (Original Siblings) and who wouldn't, peasants filth of the earth (spouse and offspring of an Original Sibling).
I am so glad to be part of this Democratic party (Asses) who show you can have the Christmas spirit without giving up your normal self-Righteous Holier than thou should ever contemptuously hope to be identity.
Merry Christmas to all and to all beneath I , GOOD RIDDANCE!
As is the tradition this time of year we draw names to see who will buy for who.
- Jeffy drew out Daddy
- Aleia -- Jeffy and Linky ( the baby)
- Tommy -- Aleia
- Eric -- Laena
- Clint -- Mommy
- Mommy -- Eric
- Daddy -- Clint
Well my daughter turned 17 today.
I'm not sure what to think about this.
She's the snooty one on the right in the white dress. Way too cute for her own good.
I am a fan of yogurt. It's good stuff. You have to get the low-fat, of course. It's pretty healthy stuff. Whfoods.org has an article on yogurt that will give you more information on yogurt than you would probably ever care to know.
Basics:
- Contributes to weight-loss.
- Boosts the immune system.
- Quick and easy. (who has free time anymore.)
Okay here's the situation. A friend of my best friend is engaged to be married. She has to my knowledge been a Christian for the better part of 20 yrs. Her fiance is a proclaimed Atheist. Isn't marriage a religious institution? I had believed that the differences in marriage were due to the differences in the religious practices and beliefs of the individuals entering into marriage. Is it really just a union or contract? Depending on the individual, aren't there a religious references throughout the entire process? Here's a list of things I thought of.
- Ceremony conducted by a religious leader.
- Vows are an similitude of covenants, Religious contracts between "Man and God."
- "Giving away the Bride" another transfer of responsibility. First being from a Heavenly Father to an earthly father.
- Bride "taking the Last name" stems from religious conversion. When one converts to a Christian Faith they take the Name of Christ as they covenant to be like Him.
- Wearing the ring on the fourth finger. This denotes a completion of
- Father
- Son
- and Holy Ghost
These are just a few! So what are they going to do? As an Atheist will he refuse to do these things? If he does, will he not mean it? If that is the case wouldn't that violate their contract? So do they just contract at the court house?
It's all confusing. My advice marry within your belief system. Saves time and answers a lot of questions. Maybe I'm just crazy. 
What are your thoughts?
We finally went and saw "Pirates 3" on Saturday. Basically 3 strikes. 
- It was long... 168 mins.
- It was stupid.
- I lost interest. ( I found myself looking around the theater for entertainment.)
I don't know maybe I'm old. Maybe I missed something in "Pirates 2." It was confusing. Should you watch it? Yeah probably but wait for the DVD. I found it confusing. I even tried to care! But I didn't.
So if you liked it help me out, leave a comment. Correct me!
Pirates 3: At World's End? I just wanted it to END.
Well, my Dad passed away on May 4, 2007. It wasn’t a total surprise and yet it was. He had told us 5 weeks ago that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. However all of my life he has been healthy and strong. At least there won’t be any more suffering. The one thing I learned, go and get your annual exams done.
I am at peace. I don’t feel bad. My father had a strong belief in the hereafter and I believe he is where he wanted to be. Life is good and there is value in death.
I am sitting here in my astronomy class. 
Sorry I haven’t written for awhile. School and life have been a bear.Thankfully this will be my last class. Finals are next week but I am going to be in California. Yeah, work is sending me to a business conference. I am hoping to stop in at Mecca, Minitruckin’ Office.
Good or bad, I will be taking summer and fall off. I need a break from school. I think I may actually be going crazy! Really! Okay, I have always been a little off.
My other class, Race and ethnicity, is practically over. 
I finished my term paper. It is titled "American Bushido". I am toying with the idea of selling it on the internet. It is original work. I still have to take the final. Luckily the final in my astronomy class is a take home.
SWEET!!!
I have so many projects I need to work on. My house for one. If not my wife may kill me. Bright side, I fix some things around the house and I might actually get to work on my truck, the Slave-10. Later.....
Well it’s true again. I’ve got the bug. I am going to do a Triathlon this summer. I picked up the new issue of TriathleteMag. I have run the St. George Marathon 2 times. I attempted the Salem Spring Tri in 2003. That has been awhile. I like most novice triathletes struggled with the swim. The water temperature was at 55 degrees.
I was able to complete the bike (with one flat, no pump, some nice dude helped me out!) The run was no problem. I didn’t actually cross the finish line.
It was a good experience. I want to train more this time around. I am contemplating joining a Tri Club. There’s the DesertSharks or maybe the Team Telos.
For now I am starting the tri workout in the TriathleteMag. It’s a 12 week course to prepare for a sprint distance race. Today I ran on the treadmill for 10 minutes to warm up and then it was on the stationary bike for 22 minutes. So it’s a start.
This cold is driving me nuts. I have the usual congestion so every time I cough my head hurts. I didn’t sleep well. My shoulders ache. I just feel miserable. (I probably should have taken a sick day 
.) So here’s the recipe I am going to use.
- Sleep- I need more.
- Chicken Noodle soup- It’s cliche` but seems to help.
- Water- Lots of it!
- Cartoons- Laughter is a good thing!
Any ideas are welcome in the comments.
I have to admit this cartoon made me chuckle.
The Blaugh.com guys make a poignant statement. The "Blogosphere" is the Shiznit! But really come on now. There are things that happen everyday to each one of us that will have much more significant impact that will never hit the Blogosphere radar. For instance, the person who wrecks into you at the mall. What about the network going down at work? Think about when your daughter’s or son’s friend contracted cancer? These are things in everyday life that will make an impact on our individual lives. I know I have commented on just a few things that I have recently encountered, but what is it that has happened to you and your family recently. It is things like this that can actually get us to stop and THINK. We have all heard the phrase, "Thoughts precede action." It really is true.
The trick is to focus and control those thoughts of ours so we can move forward and be the ones who will make a change in others lives, whether or not it hits the Blogosphere.
It sounds like the Real Salt Lake will play their last season at the Rice Eccles stadium. The Utah Legislature is unwilling to front the taxpayers $20 million to help build the Real arena. The United concerts promoter is now looking to book over at the Usana Amphitheater.
Rocky Anderson, Salt Lake City Mayor, thinks we are missing an opportunity. Are we really? I don't think the demand is there. If it was going to funnel funds into the city, why wouldn't they want it?
I know Utah helped Larry Miller out. That agreement HAS brought capital to the State. Would Real Salt Lake do the same? It doesn't appear so to some Legislators. They definitely haven't convinced me. I know Soccer is a big World Sport and it's great for kids. I just don't see it being huge in America.
However 12 million illegals could prove me wrong.
Darren Rowse wrote an excellent post Friday. I live here in Salt Lake City and was here in 2002. I hate it when I miss that which is right in front of me. However this reminds me of a personal event in my life.
About 8 yrs ago I was delivering soda to a truck stop. While there in pulled a really sweet Prevost MotorCoach, towing a matching Jeep. The owner came over and I commented on how nice it was. The conversation went like this.
"What does a Prevost like that cost?"
"Well lets just say they 'start' at about 400 grand"
"Wow, You must be doing something right!"
"No, I'm just 'Lucky' that's all"
"It had to be more than 'Luck'. Come on now."
"Luck is when opportunity meets preparation"
I will never forget that. He hit it square. I truly believe this and would like to add that to Darren's comments about Steve Bradbury. In getting the Gold Steve Bradbury went through 12 years of Hard Slog. There are challenges to be met, character to be built, and a foundation to be laid.
Apparently in the land down under they have been using the phrase, "Pull a Bradbury." Well I think we should all "Pull a Bradbury." Roll up our sleeves and get to work. When we succeed, we can help others. That just makes it all the sweeter.
Well, did you check out the State of the Union Address? I missed it. I had to go to school. Anyways here's a list of political talk show hosts that I like.
This is another good one from Blaugh.com I saw over at Techzi.
These guys remind me of some of my friends. They have to have the latest technology, the newest car, this years Snowboard (like there's a big difference in snowboards from last year!?)
I guess that's why my car is paid for. I guess it's all about perspective. I'm not saying it's good or bad. Just different.
"If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Just coming off the holiday, I thought it approriate to quote the Man of human rights. Funny thing, I couldn't remember if the Martin Luther King holiday was a paid holdiay. So I asked and was told,"We get presidents day off, we don't however recognize human rights!"
Have you discovered what you would be willing to fight for, up to the point of loss of blood, to loss of life? What is your passion? What is it that makes you want to get up every morning? Is it a loved one, child or spouse? Is it an idea?
Me? I am not sure. I have tried to ponder this and come up with what it is I am most passionate about. I know I could die for my wife and children. I would be willing to give up my life in defense of country. At least I think so, I haven't had to make that decision so I don't know. On the other hand my family, I have already decided that. So I guess it is my family that is my "something".
Monday was a fairly stressful yet beautiful day. Our four year old, "Deedle", had to have an inguinal hernia operation. He has always been the typical boy, runnin', jumpin', and horsin' around. He has that grin that drives all the storm clouds away. He just cracks that smile and life IS good. So it can be quite tasking emotionally when he has to endure a some measure of pain. Parents want to protect their children from danger and pain. He needed this operation however and we couldn't avoid it.
Two of our other children got sick over the weekend and needed to go to the doctor. (Influenza and 2 ear infections, we are so lucky!
) So Mom took the 2 and I took Deedle.
Things went smoothly and like a trooper he did amazingly well. (I would still be layed up.) In post-op he told me he was doing "fine". They had given him a local pain killer and a general pain med. through the IV during the surgery. Since then he hasn't needed any additional pain killers. What a guy! We asked him numerous times, if he was ok? Every time it was, "I'm fine."
Oh, to be young again.
Yeah I think it would be sweet to have a million bucks! But this made me stop and think why? Do I really need a million dollars? I agree I may not really have the desire just for myself or family to be a millionaire. I just want to be rid of debt. That is what seems to plague me financially. (Lately I have reduced the debt to more of a bad sickness.)
I am very intrigued to ponder the "good" I could accomplish with a fat bankroll!
Thanks for the post Steve, you are a Millionaire in my opinion.
I know I should probably get into these social bookmarks, like DIGG, Del.icio.us, or Furl.
I understand it can boost your search engine rank and stuff. It seems to take alot of time. So how to evaluate the "value"? I guess it is all about your objectives. (I like "objectives" over "goals", seems a bit more concrete.)
This is definitely something I wasn't contemplating. However the wife came in today and proposed it. I was floored. I really didn't expect it. I mean, I haven't seen myself as a member of a board of directors. I almost thought,
"Has she looked at me? I am a truck driving geek@!"
Well the meetings aren't until March and I think I just might volunteer. I could see it as a very enlightening experience. It seems every day I learn I don't know. Tons of stuff. I try, and I am making progress. I do know that there is a lot I can learn from others.
"Nourish beginnings, let us nourish beginnings. Not all things are blest, but the seeds of all things are blest. The blessing is in the seed." -- Muriel Rukeyser.
Every day is a new beginning may we all take that opportunity and make the best of it.
Last year was surprisingly great. I hope I can maintain a bit of momentum into 2007. So here are a few areas I have setup some plans.
Fitness:
- Triathlons: 4 April, June, August and September.
- Half-marathons: 2 June and October.
- Swim a mile at my kids Summer Camp.
- Just get regular again.
School:
- 2 classes this Spring: Astronomy and Race & Ethnicity.
- 2 or 3 classes this Fall: College Intermediate Algebra and Intro to Human Anatomy and Physiology.
- Online learning: Blog technical.
- Work: It's a constant learning environment.
Blog:
- Write more: at least 3 posts a week.
- Better Design.
- Add more value to the Blog.
Family:
- Run with my son more.
- Read more stories to the little ones.
- Spend more time with my lovely wife.
It's gonna be a bumpy ride, but hey I like adventure!
New Years Eve was spent at the Conference Center here in Salt Lake. There was music and singing from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with a few guest performers; Peter Breinholt, William Joseph, and Ryan Tani. They sang some traditional hymns as well as a few more current pieces. They performed, with help from the Orchestra at Temple Square, a song from "Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring." I don't know the young mans name but he was about 12 and did an excellent solo.
There were 3 speakers. Susan Tanner, Jeffery Holland, and Gordon B. Hinckley. I enjoyed all of the talks, however President Hinckley's talk seemed to carry more relevance to me. He directed his talk to the youth. (It was a Youth event.) However, in light of the fact that President Hinckley is 97 and I am 37 years old, I have 60 years left, possibly. That is a lifetime practically. Here are his 4 points.
- Be Grateful.
- Be Smart.
- Be Clean.
- Be Prayerful.
1st. I know we have much to be grateful for. This holiday season we were able to give more. We also received more. (Maybe the two are connected?!) We had a really good year, challenging yet rewarding.
2nd. I won't say I am smart, just not as stupid as I used to be.
3rd. I have been fortunate to not have had a drug or alcohol problem. I could lead a "cleaner" life with less donuts, chocolate, and Soda. I have kicked the caffeine habit but it hasn't been easy. I will get a headache 24 hours after I have a dose of caffeinated soda, without fail.
4th. This is an area I plan on increasing by about 50% this year. I'm pretty good about saying a prayer at night, mornings aren't near as good. Whether you believe in a higher power or not it doesn't hurt to ask for help or express appreciation.
I know I probably haven't done the talk justice. You can listen to the audio at LDS.org .
Have a happy New Year!