Thoughts, Rants, & Wonders:

Feeling of Loss

2009-11-25T05:12:00.000-05:00

Today is a sad day for me. My heart is hurting and I need to get home so I can cry.

I watched two patients expire tonight. It is my first deaths since I started here.

My consolation is that I only had to watch the electrical activity of their hearts slowly become flatline. I didn't have to see the patient expire.

One was a patient I was monitoring, the other was being monitored by someone else. Both were Do Not Resuscitate but I had hopes they would pull through.

This is part of my career and it will happen again.

The first one is tough.

Book Sale

2009-07-20T09:57:00.001-04:00

Just a thought.

Our public library is holding a book sale.

Shouldn't they keep the books they have?

Frame me and hang me on a wall

2009-07-15T09:33:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite lyrics. It starts off 'I've been feeling so much older, frame...'. Yep, just the other day I was thinking of some things I can't do now that I'm older.

Get free drinks at the bar.

Dance by myself, on a stage, shirtless.

Listen to loud music.

Play in the yard until the sun sets.

Stay awake until the sun sets.

Get out of the chair in one fluid motion.

Eat a large order of nachos without repercussions.

Eat a piece of bread without repercussions.

Drive around town until midnight just to be out until midnight.

Perform more than once a day.

See my feet.

I could go on and on and on. But I don't want to bore you or have to open another bottle of wine.

The more you know

2009-07-14T23:20:00.002-04:00

Let me start by saying,

"When I was in school, I wanted people to learn. I would help those having a tough time learning a concept or adding numbers or just plain understanding. I enjoyed sharing thoughts and doing study groups."

Times have changed. Now I enjoy it when my classmates can't understand or fail tests or ask the same questions over & over. I hope they don't get it and I hope they fail.

I am up against fellow job seekers. People wanting the same job I want. If they fail, good for me. It's not like there are 18 jobs out there waiting for all of us. Oh no, it's a cat fight and I intend to be the winner. The one of 18 who is crowned the most learned in his class. The one who can proudly and confidently start a new career. The best student ever.

Let them struggle. I'll just sit at the back of the class with my A average and my head overflowing with knowledge. No, I can't help you. Only you can help yourself.

(Rainbow and star shoot across the page. Piano notes play.)

Banana Pudding

2009-05-19T12:48:00.002-04:00

What do you do when you have 5 bananas ripe and ready to eat? Ready now. One more day is trash.

Make pudding!

This is my first time making pudding but I know you need nilla wafers. Off to the market. I read one box and it has recipe from scratch using eggs and baking it but I don't want to take the time. There is a recipe inside the box for fast pudding. I could rip open the box to read what other ingredients I need, but what if I don't like that recipe? Off to another market, I need ice cream anyway.

I pick up name brand box of wafers--no recipe on box!! What kind of BS is this? Doesn't name brand know the only reason people buy their wafers is for pudding? On to generic. Good--recipe for fast banana pudding. The only item I have for this is banana. OK. Where's a shopping cart?

Checkout total-$13.45. Ice cream was $3. Only items I bought were for the pudding. Store brand except the instant pudding--not available. I get home and begin. Easy to do. Pudding mixed, wafers open. Time for the spin.

I use a casserole bowl instead of recommended 13x9. Why slice bananas when you can rip into chunks and stir into pudding? Pour wafers on bottom, pour pudding, pour wafers, pour pudding. Yes, pour the wafers. Why bother placing one at a time? Besides, the wafer are broken anyway. No garnish or pretty top. I am the only one eating this and I don't care what it looks like. Put in frig.

Things I learned:
banana pudding cost too much to make
everybody has their own way of doing this, just google, if you dare
don't eat bacon while mashing your bananas
save up for a bowl from your local hole in the wall, it probably tastes better
make bananas foster instead

Grandma Caulder's Dirty Feet

2009-05-14T08:36:00.002-04:00

Lately I've been thinking about Grandma Caulder.

I remember how she always was barefooted and had callused and dirty feet. She worked a garden of peas, greens, beans. I see her out there with her hoe tending to the plants. Always barefooted.

I like to do yard work barefooted. My feet get so dirty it takes two or three days for the stains to go away. I don't mine. There's something about the feel of the grass and dirt that brings you closer to nature. It humbles you. It releases a feeling of well-being, a quiet calm.

I don't remember helping Grandma in her garden. She probably wouldn't let me anyway, as all Caulders are stubborn and politely refuse help of any kind. But she showed me how man and nature can work together, how a love of nature is a love of people, and affirms your place in this life.

Grandma, thank you for your quiet example.

Thank you for your dirty feet.

Off with his head!!!!

2009-05-04T08:46:00.002-04:00

Saturday was my first encounter with shrimp.

Raw shrimp.

Beady eyed shrimp.

Wanda bought some and I volunteered to help prepare them. I'm not squeamish about these things, just inexperienced. I learned how to pick a good shrimp, the differences between types of shrimp, parts of the shrimp, the sex of the shrimp, and finally how to prepare.

Pinch here and here and twist off his head. Wash away the roe and de-vein. Leave on the shell for flavor.

We then did a flash-freeze to keep them for later.

I am prepared should I ever be called upon to prepare shrimp.

We had fun and I learned a lot.

Thanks Wanda.

Cold and foggy

2009-01-31T19:24:00.004-05:00

I'm just now getting over this cold. Taking off two days and having two off after helped so much. Rest is the one thing that I forgo when trying to get well. Now that I'm older, I know how important it is to rest.

I did go to class thurs nite to take a test and then I left. On the way home I realized I had missed 2 questions. One I misread the question and second I forgot creatinine. I'll find out tues if I missed any more. Medicine made me forgetful. And when are we going to start sticking each other? That's what I waiting for, some action.

That's why I do that

2009-01-20T08:34:00.003-05:00

This article is interesting.

http://bookoutlines.pbwiki.com/Predictably-Irrational

It takes a while to get through it, but don't try to analyze it.

Just read it.

How much of yourself did you recognize?

School Days

2009-01-18T12:21:00.003-05:00

Classes are going fine right now.

I see that I should study extra hard as I am old and it's hard to keep info in my head.

Soon we will be sticking each other every class.

Here come the bruises.

Keep your mouth shut

2009-01-18T12:06:00.002-05:00

Just because I work in retail environment doesn't mean I have to agree with your comments. Sure, I try to be friendly and smile at you and get you out the door as fast as possible.

I was explaining to a lady about her order being shipped on Mon possibly Tues. But I wasn't sure if UPS was running on Mon. And the I mentioned Inauguration Day being Tues and she said "No it's not!" and gave me one of those looks. I said nothing but in my head I was laughing at her stupidity.

Many other people have said things that I listen to everyday and just smile and get them out. Join a group that believes the same as you. Stay home with your family and share your feelings. I don't care what you think. I'm here to help you with your shopping. That is all. I don't want to be your friend.

As a customer, I don't thrust my opinions on a worker. As a worker, I don't thrust my opinions on a customer.

I don't remember reading in the Retail Lawbook that I must agree with everything a customer may say. And it's getting to the point that I am going to say my mind if you feel you can.

My best advice to you--

Keep your mouth shut.

Update

2009-01-14T08:21:00.000-05:00

Arrrgh!

Eye Doctor

2009-01-07T16:49:00.005-05:00

Why does an eyeglasses prescription require an eye doctor's signature?

Do people forge glasses scripts so they can get different strength lenses?

Will getting a stronger or weaker lens give you x-ray or microscopic vision?

I went to get a script for my now needed lenses and the medical asst printed it out and then had to get the dr to sign it. I didn't think about it at the time, but now that I'm just sitting here the thought dashed across and I had to momentarily ponder.

My vision has weaken and I am on a need to see setting for wearing corrective lenses. I have a cheap geeky pair of glasses I wear to watch TV with but I am finding out I need them more for everyday things. So I want to get a nice pair that is suitable for my face.

Do Over

2009-01-04T07:49:00.002-05:00

It's that time again.

Time to regain control of my body.

Time to refocus my energies on being better.

I'm glad we get do overs in life.

Imagine that once a decision was made there was no changing it. I would probably be sitting in front of an old gas station wearing the only clothes I had, cigarette hanging out the corner of my mouth, 40 oz in a paper bag, bearded, bony, smelly, begging.

I saw this person when I was in my 20s and for some reason I thought that will be me one day.

It made me change my ways. Some of them.

Thank your higher power that you get do overs.

Chocolate with sea salt

2008-12-30T15:34:00.001-05:00

Let me make this easy.

Bite a piece of regular dark chocolate.

Pour a tablespoon of salt in your mouth.

Eat this.

Yeah, it's that terrible.

1000 Words

2008-12-17T23:54:00.002-05:00

I love this picture of Sophia Loren and Jayne Mansfield.

RIP Joel

2008-12-17T23:47:00.003-05:00

I read this obit and found it to be refreshing. I have always wanted a little more info about a person, especially young people. I always wonder why a young person died. This was written honestly and thoughtfully. Just the other day I was telling Eric how I wish I could know how people die.

I post this with respect and sorrow.

Joel Alexander Wier IV

TRINIDAD, Calif., - Joel Alexander “Alex” Wier, IV, originally of Columbia, South Carolina, died December 4, 2008, in Trinidad, California. He was twenty-nine.

Alex had struggled for many years with depression and alcohol issues, and he had spent much time and effort searching for solutions. He searched for something that would enable him to exist happily on the earth in this day and time. But many of those close to him felt that Alex was not of this place and time.

He travelled to Mexico, Guatemala, and the Amazon jungles of Peru, meeting with native peoples and learning about and embracing other cultures and civilizations. He wanted to find a better way of living than he saw in our world today, and he wanted to fix all the wrongs he saw. Alex was a courageous person who embraced many adventures and challenges that most would find unthinkable.

Happiest when he was outdoors, Alex loved the forests and wilderness, the rivers and oceans.

His exuberant embrace of God’s earth and its natural beauty, his free spirit, his generous nature and concern for those less fortunate than he, the happiness he found in music and the many, many books he read, his love for his daughter Savannah, and the joy he took in spending time with other children, his love for his family members and his friends, all were endearing qualities and Alex was loved by many.

Alex ended his life in a time and place of his choosing, on a beautiful forested bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We trust that he is now with our Lord, and at peace. We will miss him terribly.

He is survived by his daughter, Savannah, mother and father, Diane and Joel A. Wier, III, sisters, Laurie Scholl and Heather Wier, brother-in-law, Harvey Scholl, and nephews, Nolan Wier-McMillan and Max Scholl, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 20, 2008, at one p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to NAMI Mid-Carolina, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) P.O. Box 2526, Columbia, SC 29202.

Beautiful Butterflies

2008-12-15T09:44:00.003-05:00

I ereceived this pic from Frank and I want to thank him for it.

It is the most beautiful pic I have seen lately.

Nature wise. I also got a pic of my nephew which is the most beautiful person pic I have.

Weird growth

2008-12-15T09:32:00.003-05:00

I saw this growing by my porch. I'm sure I didn't plant it. It probably came along with the mulch.

Anyway, aren't molds beautiful?

See what you can do (a short quiz)

2008-12-14T07:20:00.001-05:00

Tell me I don't know anything!!!!!

High School Diploma Rules!

Medieval Torture Device or Bed Bath & Beyond Gadget?

Score: 100% (10 out of 10)

Family Tradition

2008-12-13T21:02:00.003-05:00

This one word has caused me more concern than any other--tradition.

It gets thrown around so much.

It gets used so often as a scapegoat for our behavior. Especially around the holidays. If you've ever done anything more than once at the same time of the year, it becomes labeled tradition.

I read this and wanted to share:

Habit: A behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance. An acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.

Custom: A usage or practice common to many or to a particular place or class, or habitual with an individual. Long established practice considered as unwritten law. Repeated practice. The whole body of usages, practices, or conventions that regulate social life.

Tradition: An inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or social custom). The handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. Cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions. Characteristic manner, method, or style.

Ritual: The established form for a ceremony; the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony. Ritual observance: system of rites, a ceremonial act or action or a customarily repeated often formal act or series of acts.

I'm not one to get drawn in to this behavior. I don't accept tradition as a way to live. I like difference and rebellion.

There are a couple of traditions that I do half hearted. Just because. There are some I skirt around.

I guess if you have a family, it's nice to start sharing moments. I also think couples and families should have their own shared moments. I was taught that when a man grows up, he finds a mate and leaves his parents for a new life. This is how our world is. In my family, from grandparents to my cousins, my sister and I are the only ones who have moved away from the "pack". All my others have stayed in the same 15 mile radius of each other. Are any of us better for this? It's a personal decision. I needed to move on to start living. Some of my cousins prefer the comforts of home, so to speak. People move to other places for different reasons.

So now I'm 42 and have no traditions of my own.

That's OK. I have family and friend who share.

Chocolate Tastes

2008-12-13T20:52:00.002-05:00

Today I completed a chocolate taste test. I tested Chipotle Chili Dark Chocolate.

It taste fine. First you get the chocolate, then a hot chili flavor that hits you in the back of your throat. Not too fiery but enough to know you had it.

I enjoyed it but will not have again unless it is part of a theme night or in a restaurant.

My next will be chocolate with sea salt.

Previously I tried pomegranate, which was just flavored. The chili had chili pepper in it.

More taste tests soon.

The Knack

2008-12-07T06:26:00.002-05:00

Not the band.

The ability.

I have a knack for finding great gifts for people. I can make anyone's face lite up with a great big smile when they unwrap my gift.

It's not an easy thing to do. You must have talent.

I have talent.

The Knack.

What?

2008-11-24T13:39:00.002-05:00

This is the longest recipe name I've seen:

Sweet chili-glazed breast of duckling and pan jus lie over peanut butter grits with warm Asian slaw

It was in the State newspaper.

If I saw this in a menu I would ask the waiter "Can i get fries with that?"

Where has the time gone?

2008-11-24T12:28:00.003-05:00

I have been losing time. Things are happening and don't seem to have time to post.

We went to a fantastic concert. Reba & Kelly (Clarkson). Awesome, marvelous, stupendous, extraordinaire, funliscious.

Time to bulk up for winter. Eat more within reason. So hard to resist with the holidays. Will someone please make turkey day and dec 25th at least six months apart.

I decided to expand my chocolate palette. I got some different flavored chocolates to test. More later.

That's all I have time for 2day.

Cult Classic

2008-11-07T15:43:00.002-05:00

If a movie says Cult Classic, do not watch it. Unless you're in that cult.

I have tried to watch cult classics and have been Disappointed.

Maybe if I watched them in a group (cult) I would find some satisfaction with it.

Kinda like Rocky Horror. Viewing by yourself not so much fun, with others an instant party.

Next time I'll get the cult together and pop the corn.

that is all

2008-11-04T08:09:00.001-05:00

Killer Thriller

2008-10-27T07:49:00.002-04:00

I admire people like this. It just amazes me.

François Macré - Thriller (reprise A'cappella 64 pistes)

François Macré recorded Thriller using 64 tracks of only his voice! A Babelfish translation from the French description:

Description: Here a resumption of the title “Thriller” which I completely recorded with the voice. I thus imitated each element of the original title (instrumental, vocal, rhythmic elements and sound effects) by using 64 superimposed audio-video tracks (as this clip attests it; -). This recovery is thus a piece of a’ cappella multitrack, comprising only the sound of my voice, without addition of any instrument, sampler, limps for deforming rate/rhythm or purposes (only effects used being of Réverb and light Chorus). Moreover, I used the technique of the loop for the parts which are repeated (like the rhythmic one). Finally, on the whole of the piece (which contains thousands of notes distributed on the whole of the tracks), I transposed 8 notes which were impossible for me to sing in the acute ones.

Perhaps that does not have the air, but this musical project proved to be relatively titanic! At all events, I hope that you will take as much pleasure to listen to this piece than I had of it to record it. Thank you, in advance, to encourage me by your comments. Good listening and in Bientôt

What time is it?

2008-10-25T23:14:00.003-04:00

Why is it that we always hear the phrase " the middle of the night"?

e.g.: I woke up in the middle of the night.
The phone rang in the middle of the night.
It's the middle of the night and I...

When is the middle of the night? Is it always the same time? Does 3AM or 4AM qualify as the middle of the night? Would 6AM be the bottom of the night or the top of the morning?

I'm just wondering.

I woke up thinking about it in the middle of the night.

Finally, some good news

2008-10-25T08:07:00.003-04:00

This is going to revolutionize the treatment of high blood pressure.

I have already signed up to be a test subject.

And a donor.

http://www.livescience.com/health/081023-farts-blood-pressure.html

Rated A

2008-10-22T14:37:00.002-04:00

I have been USDA certified healthy person by my doctor.

I just need to take some maintenance drugs to help my body sort out a few things.

Oh well, you can't fight genetics.

On my way home

2008-10-19T21:13:00.002-04:00

I started thinking about some things. The only one I remember now is:

Why are napkins, tissue, kleenex and paper towels white?

More later.

Road trip!

2008-10-11T08:10:00.003-04:00

Had a week off and a lot has happened and not a lot has happened.

Eric, Frank and I took a road trip to Mississippi. It was no White Castle adventure, but was a good time. I do remember seeing NPH, though. The Gamecocks won and we ate at Corky's. Luv me some bar-b-q.

Eric and I took a road trip to Lexington(SC). Did some shopping and ate at a fantastic deli, Baker Bros. Luv me some deli.

Eric, Andy, Devyn, Frank, Macon and I took a road trip to the SC State Fair. We enjoyed chocolate milk, peanuts, mini donuts, corn dogs, fries, pizza, honey candy and elephant ears. Eric splurged and got all of us 2 chocolate chip cookies, freshly baked. Luv me some cookie.

My next trip is to the vet for shots. Not for me, the kittens. Luv me some kittens.

Off the Wagon

2008-10-02T09:01:00.002-04:00

I started eating PopTarts again. I know they're not that bad but I can eat them for breakfast, lunch(dinner), and supper(dinner). And nothing but PopTarts. This leads to other quick and convenient foods.

Of course only eating PopTarts could help in a way. At only 200 calories a pastry, eating 2 at a time, 3 times a day, & a snack--that's only 1600 calories a day. And with my walking I'm sure to burn off the belly fat. It's kind of like the Special K or Cheerios "diet" of eating one meal and then only cereal. Hey, maybe I'll try it. NO! I can't live off PopTarts. I crave meat and veggies.

I have also started organizing again. This one really kills me. I organize, get sloppy, organize, pile up stuff, organize.... I have major plans for the garage and the upstairs junk room.

So, I have both physical(PopTarts) and mental(organizing) problems right now.

Time to double up on my meds.

Just take the Meds?

2008-09-27T09:33:00.003-04:00

I have a problem.

It involves knowing people that rely on medication to treat their problems. And only rely on meds.

I am on meds. I am also working to get off the meds. In one more month, I will be off the BP med. I have no plans to stop the happy pills. Hey, $4 a month can buy a lot of happiness.

It hurts me when people don't try to help their condition by lifestyle changes. They just let the pill take care of them. That may be fine for you, but think about the ones around you that care and want you better. Some conditions need daily meds but can be helped by diet & exercise.

I'm not a doctor, but I do play one. I stress the importance of lifestyle changes to take care of yourself to everyone I talk to. I talk to my co-workers about health, even the customers. But the hardest ones to talk to are the ones you love. It feels like you're browbeating them or you're mad at them. And you want them to be happy, so you let it go. Maybe it shouldn't be that way. Maybe I should get mad. Maybe I should just say it.

You need to fucking take care of yourself. I don't want you to leave me or the rest of your family.

It's time to decide to live. Ask me for help, but don't get mad when I give you help.

I care.

2day's 2dos

2008-09-21T12:11:00.001-04:00

Just waiting for the dryer to finish so I can cut the grass.

Is that what you say, "cut the grass"? Some people say "mow the lawn". The machine is called a lawn mower and not a grass cutter.

Mow the lawn is something a professional does. Like on a golf course. Or the front of the White House. (it is the Front Lawn, after all)

I am also finishing up the potato chips, cookies, beans, and potato salad left over from tailgating. Even a hotdog later 2nite.

I finished the chips and half the beans. Needed some energy to cut the grass with.

Skin eating bacteria

2008-09-20T07:17:00.002-04:00

My hands are under attack by a skin eating bacteria. I always have flaky hands but now it is getting worse. My fingers have gotten to the point where they are bleeding. And it hurts.

If you look closely, you can see pinpoint size brown "colonies" of bacteria. They are multiplying and slowly eating the first layer of skin off my hands. Lotions only work temporarily.

It is such a bad sight especially since customers see my hands. I am not contagious just horrible looking.

I should see a dermatologist. I did once but he blew it off as psoriasis which I know it is not.

My mama has the same condition.

Water makes it worse. Plain water.

What can I do? As usual, I will complain about it and then do nothing.

Any medically trained persons reading that can help?

Any old folk remedys?

Any spells or potions?

Until I get to a doc I am going to bring glove wearing in style again.

Back in the House

2008-09-17T07:34:00.002-04:00

Finally, the new season of House has started.

I admire that character. I wish I could get as outspoken as him. I am almost there but I restrain myself from saying things that could hurt people. Sure I have cutting remarks about everyone and will speak my mind, but I don't take it all the way.

I don't want to cause adversity but I like being adverse. ??????

I'll work on it.

Nice for pay

2008-09-14T20:02:00.002-04:00

I have a friend who is always friendly and talkative. There are no strangers in his eyes.

I made the comment that I am only nice and friendly when I'm at work. That's because I get paid to be courteous and to make customers feel wanted and important.

When I'm off the clock, don't expect me to attempt to be friendly. Don't start a conversation with me in the grocery store line or at the doctor's office. If I am busy doing something, don't tell me about your cousin's dog that just learned to play dead; I don't want to know how long your kitchen faucet has been dripping and running up your water bill.

People I know understand my quietness and loner tendencies.

People I don't know...
I may never know.

And it's my loss. You're probably a great person and someone I have a lot in common with, but I'll never know.

Unless you come to my job.

Kitty Personality

2008-09-13T08:30:00.002-04:00

Ellie is the adventurer. She has the most energy. Ellie also is dominant.

Luke follows behind Ellie. Luke is needy and yells for attention. He also sleeps more. And what an appetite! Always hungry.

Both are loving and cute. They have climbed to the top of the cat tree and are slowly discovering their world. They like to be brushed and have no problem with being handled.

Today is the end of their first week at home.

Organizing

2008-09-13T08:28:00.003-04:00

I've had it!!!!!

I am done with organization.

I try over and over to keep things in their place, keep like things together, keep items where they are used.

I give up.

Of course, it'll take about a month for me to get back into organizing again.

NPH Crush

2008-09-13T07:29:00.003-04:00

After watching Harold & Kumar-- Gitmo I decided that Neil Patrick Harris is my new idol.

I am now determined to be NPH. I will study him, imitate him, and do all I can to be him.

Such a great role model.

Google is burning up trying to find pix and 411 about NPH.

We all need someone to admire and emulate. NPH is the 1 4 me.

Just to let you know: My other idols are House, and R Downy Jr.

"No Name" gets Name

2008-09-12T08:18:00.000-04:00

We have decided on a name for the girl kitten...

Ellie.

Cuteness arrives home

2008-09-11T06:00:00.003-04:00

We have news.

On Saturday Sept 6, we adopted two kittens.

They are 6 weeks old and just the cutest things in the world.

The black one is Luke. No name for his sister yet. C'mon Eric!

Carnivore

2008-09-01T19:01:00.002-04:00

Today I reverted to my caveman ancestry.

I ate nothing but meat. Chicken. Chikfila chicken. Today was free chicken strips day and free filet sandwich with footbll tickt. I took advantage of the strip deal twice.

If my calculations are correct, I ate 3 breasts of peanut oil fried chickn.

Yummy.

One Day Warrior

2008-08-31T09:14:00.002-04:00

Saturday was a day of complete and total yard work. It started at 7:30 AM with the cutting of the grass. I have a battery powered mower that is so quiet you can hear the birds and as was brought to my attention my wind breaking. The grass was wet so the mower was strained and I had to stop for the time being. A helper ELF came outside and pulled up some weeds. I proceeded to edge, weed eat and blow. Some pruning and bush trimming was needed and completed. Then came Roundup spraying in the wooded area. Next I spray washed the front and one side of the house and my truck while I had the supplies out. It was now 11:55AM. Part one Complete.

After a long nap and some supper, part two commenced at 6:30 PM. I finished the mowing, cleaned the equipment and plugged up the rechargers for the batteries. Part two Complete.

Yard now acceptable.

I like to do work all at one time. There is a satisfaction in completing a project that is unlike any other. Especially when you can see the results. And stretching out a task for more than 2 days is unacceptable. To me. I like to "finish it up".

The Prefix Tri

2008-08-21T07:47:00.002-04:00

Everyone knows that the prefix tri means 3. Trimester, triplet, triangle, trio. It's just common knowledge.

Everyone knows that at Mexican restaurants you can get combo dishes for your choice of 2 or 3. It's just common knowledge.

So, it you're eating at a Mexican restaurant and a dish has the prefix tri in it you are going to get 3 of something. Makes sense to me.

WRONG!

We were out at San Jose last night and the menu item of Authentic Mexican tacos caught my eye. They had (1) pork, (2) chicken, (3) beef, served with onion and cilantro on a soft flour tortilla. Three different meats available. There was also a forth option.

Tacos tripas.

Wow, I can sample one of each and get a variety of THREE tastes! I'll have the tacos tripas with a guacamole salad. Due to a language barrier, I repeated my order and then looked dumb while the waiter stared at me with a strange look.

The dish arrives. All three look the same. My nameless dinner partner said they mixed the meats together. OK. So I eat them and enjoy them and the cilantro with onion and lime. My nameless dinner partner notices that I keep covering up my dish. I am trying to keep him from seeing it because we both have a notion that my meal is not a TRIO of anything. And he has a weak stomach.

We finish and leave. On the way home, we Google Tacos Tripas.

Well, what do you know. It is authentic. And served just as I had it at San Jose. Just the way all Mexicans eat Cow intestines. Tripas comes from the word tripe. Cow innards.

Yes, I had my first taste of Chittlins at San Jose Mexican Restaurant. They were a little chewy, not too bad of a taste. Upon further reading, I found out they are low fat and a great source of protein. I suggest you try them.

So, don't let the prefix tri come into play when you order food you aren't familiar with.

Cupcake 1.1

2008-08-20T12:35:00.003-04:00

There is a sign at Great American Cookie Co about cupcakes that reads something like Slow down or you'll eat the paper.

Why do we put cupcakes in paper? Is it a question of sanitation? Hygiene? It's definitely not about keeping them neat and tidy. You can't stack cupcakes. For me, the paper gets in the way. You pull it down and cake and icing sticks to it. You have to throw it away but there's not a trash can around so you fold it up into a neat triangle and hold it or put it in your pocket.

Someone make an edible cupcake paper. Or why not use fondant as the cup? I found an image of fondant cupcakes

Ok, they used fondant, but not for the cups!!!!!!!!!!

C'mon pastry chefs, let's get this thing right.

I want my cake, and eat the paper too.

Rodney Day

2008-08-17T12:27:00.003-04:00

Today is a Rodney Day. A day dedicated to me and all I do and want to do. I am alone for the day, no work, no worries.

I am making a big pot of veggies, and will have some fish later tonight. And of course a salad with my own dressing.

I have been adding cds to itunes library this morning. Apparently most of the albums we have on cpu are Eric & Rodney related. Now we have Rodney music. Did you know I have 8 Dolly Parton cds? me neither. And I don't want to count the Reba and Amy Grant cds.

I did some updates on my blog. See bottom. Sorry for the ads that appear in the boxes but what can you do? Theses are the thoughts I have and facts I like. Why I keep random shit in my head is beyond me. Ask me my loved ones birthdays and I have no idea. Strange how that works out. Of course I never have been a big birthday celebrator. I think the mother should get the gifts and cake. She did all the work, for about 11 hours I think, (your labor may vary) all I did was fall out. I also went home before her because of all the pain I caused. Yes, I put my mama in the hospital for days. Now who deserves cake!?!

Time to eat. Later I will be watching In Cold Blood, and will then maybe nap. Maybe Wii. Maybe surf. Maybe sit outside. Maybe play DS. What ever.

After all, it is Rodney Day.

Ego Boost

2008-08-15T22:35:00.001-04:00

Just an update on my ego.

I bought some new jeans yesterday and my waist size dropped 2 inches!

Thank you healthy habits and fresh food!

Thank you, Tylenol

2008-08-11T07:25:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Tylenol for my problems today.

I can't open my creamer or my peanut butter without struggling for minutes.

Imagine having Arthur or weakness of the hands and trying to open things nowadays.

I worked in a drugstore when the Tylenol scare began. Having cotton in the bottles was enough back then but now we have mechanically sealed bottles, jars, push down while twisting.

Maybe one day all things will be sealed to keep them(us?) protected. Imagine not being able to touch your eggs, squeeze your orange, pop a grape in your mouth, husk the corn, thump the watermelon.

Thank you, Tylenol for keeping me safe and healthy. Now, can you open my peanut butter for me?

Back to square one

2008-08-08T08:44:00.002-04:00

It has happened. I have caught the sugar bug.

Sugar is my down fall. It seems to be the one thing that keeps me from eating right. It's what drives up my weight. I have been using real sugar in my tea and now I have a taste for it that is so compelling, I am eating other sugar laden foods. I need to go back to my favorite fake sugar, Splenda.

I have also been over eating. It started with the grief over a death and has continued.

It is so easy to fall back into bad habits. And the good habits seem to disappear so quickly.

Well, as Scarlett says, Tomorrow is another day.

Here's to Tomorrow.

Hook me up

2008-08-06T08:00:00.003-04:00

Please, someone make a machine that can record our thoughts and dreams. I have such vivid dreams that I would like to share but I usually don't remember them. Besides the dreams would be better viewed than spoken.

I am willing to pay the price to have this equipment. I want to show my dreams to everyone. There is too much talent in my sleeping brain to waste on just me.

I need a device that will hook into my brain and record sound and picture. Of course i would need some editing features (don't need to share everything).

Help me get it out!!

No rest for the restless

2008-08-04T09:29:00.004-04:00

It's been a couple of days since I posted.

Tax-free weekend can drain a man faster than a toothless party girl.

Speaking of drains, my brain is getting clogged up with too much info. I am reading a book, listening to an audio book, receiving subliminal messages, and I can't get that song out of my head.

What song you ask? Right now, this morning, sure to change later this afternoon, it's "Never gonna give you up". Luv it!

Well, let me go. I have things to do. Feel free to write.

Please write.

You can quote me on that

2008-08-02T05:56:00.002-04:00

I like to have fun at work. I like to make people laugh.

I was kidding around with Conner yesterday and we were volleying quips.

I had the better of him and he became so frustrated.

He finally gave up and just said "My IQ drops when I talk to you."

Profound.

Ten reasons why I like walking at The Mall

2008-08-01T22:29:00.004-04:00

Ten reasons to walk at The Mall as opposed to outside, in August, in SC, in Columbia:

Controlled environment--AC or heat
Enclosed--no worry of sunburn
Bug-free
Variety--i can walk left, right, around, between, go thru stores, step outside when weather is nice
Water source--cold water available
Food source--many options for after-walk meal
Free samples--for that extra punch of energy
WiFi--so i can read email or surf on my iPod Touch(!)(yes, Cookie, I said iPod Touch!!!!)
Window shopping--doesn't hurt to look
Eye candy--doesn't hurt to look

I need to say this though it hurts

2008-08-01T08:47:00.003-04:00

I just love having someone that I can say anything I want to.

I didn't have that as a child. I always felt like my feelings and ideas didn't matter. I did what I was told and was told often. I had to follow the rules. My parents gave me my feelings . They are of the mind that this is how it is and this is how it's going to be. I don't think I was given the tools I needed to make my own mind up and express my emotions.

I love my parents. And I believe that children should obey parents and other grownups that are caring for them.

I also know that there comes a time when parents should accept the fact that a child is an individual--another person. When the teen years hit, it's time to let them form their own opinions (with loving guidance, not forceful rules). Let the teen explore and read and talk to different people and learn who they are. It will make him a better person, an open person, a caring person.

I have slowly learned that I can speak my mind among my friends now. I don't have to "keep it to myself" anymore. I accept their opinions and respect them, even though I may disagree. But I listen. And I learn.

And I hope they listen and learn from me.

(Insert thoughts here that I don't feel like expressing right now. I'm not ready to say that yet.)

Thank you Eric.

Lists

2008-07-31T09:45:00.002-04:00

I have so many thoughts throughout the day that I have decided to keep my blog open at all times. This way, I can write down relevant or irrelevant items as I go about my day, especially on a day off.

I was doing a crossword puzzle and the clue was A,B,C,D and F. The answer-GRADES. Why don't teachers use E?

Film noir is the best. Actors relied on the dialog to tell the story. And the B&W has so much detail. And the cigs and shots. And the hats and overcoats.

When will we be able to talk to a computer and tell it what we would like to do instead of spending hours trying to move, copy, import, export, send, paste, etc?

I know some of the laziest teenagers in Irmo.

There will be more, much more later.

A better cup of coffee

2008-07-31T09:34:00.003-04:00

Why do we always search for new things?

I do it all the time. There must be a gene or learned behavior that makes me want more or better. I seem to think that what I have right now is not good enough. I must upgrade. Right now I'm thinking of a new coffee maker.

What's wrong with the one I have now?

Nothing.

I just feel like a new one will make my coffee taste better and will look better on the counter and will perform better. Also, I can get one of those 2 cup makers that is smaller so I can cut down on how much coffee I drink. And I can buy a better class of coffee instead of store brands. And I'll try a new creamer even though I love hazelnut flavor.

I'll spend a good week planning and thinking about this.

And then I realize that what I have is just fine.

Everything is just fine, Rodney.

What did I just say?

2008-07-30T05:21:00.002-04:00

Yea, I'm up pretty early this morning. I have so much on my mind, I can't get much sleep.

I'm off for two days, so there's no worries that I'll get several naps to catch up.

Not having to do something gives you time to do something.

Think about it.

Missing you

2008-07-29T07:34:00.003-04:00

Today I woke up to an empty house.

Harrison has passed.

Quoteth the Raven...

2008-07-26T08:24:00.002-04:00

"When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion."
Abraham Lincoln

I have no commentary for this quote.

Just passing it along.

Garden Supper

2008-07-25T19:21:00.003-04:00

This is what I had for supper tonight.

I grew the red, green and yellow peppers in my backyard. Just saute with garlic, purple onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes until soft and then add the shrimp.

What a meal!!!!!

Walk like a man

2008-07-25T11:36:00.003-04:00

One of the many things I learned from my daddy was to be self-reliant. And I have tried to be every day. I have that go-gettum attitude and am quite proud of myself for this. I will never be as great as my daddy because he is one of a kind.

Now I find myself not wanting to do everything myself. I don't know if it's my age or just being tired of having the burden of getting something done. This is hard for me because I am self-reliant. I am proud. And, like my daddy, I am stubborn.

I want to need other people. I want to be able to pick up the phone, call, and say "I need you to...", or "Can you...?". But it's not easy. I trust and love my friends and family and I know they will do any and every thing they can for me. I just can't take that first step. Am I a weaker man by asking for help? Does asking for help mean I have to give up a part of me, because I would rather not. I don't want to burden others. Yall have your own to-dos and places to be and people to cuddle.

Maybe this is my first step. A baby step.

But then again, each step makes me more independent.

Chickens don't have loose lips

2008-07-24T21:33:00.003-04:00

"I'm not one to go round spreading rumors,
no really I'm just not the gossipy kind.
Oh you'll never hear of me repeating gossip,
so you better be sure and listen close the first time."

I keep secrets very well.
People talk to me in confidence and that is how it stays.
I have a bad memory.

I keep my own secrets extremely well.
They are hidden deep within me.
I wish I could forget them.

No thank yous

2008-07-23T09:01:00.003-04:00

I was explaining to my co-workers how I don't expect them to say thank you to me when I do something for them. I am there to help them and they should expect me to help them.

I just don't feel the need to thanked for doing what I am supposed to be doing. Same goes for my family and friends. They know, I hope, that I appreciate them and their deeds and thank yous and pleases go without saying. (Now you know, so if I seem ungrateful, I'm not.)

I will say thank you and please to my co-workers. Especially some who have low self-esteem and need to be treated with gentle hands. I said thank you to a co-worker yesterday and he said why are you thanking me for doing my job? See, someone else has my same thoughts. Now I can forgo the pleasantries with him.

It never bothers me when my friends or family don't say thank you or please. I understand how they feel.

It does irritate the hell out of me when someone I am doing business with doesn't thank me. I have the manners to thank them for their time or effort or job well done.

So, family and friends------thank you and please for all you have done and all you will be doing for me.

And don't get upset about no thank yous.

Monthly Savings?

2008-07-20T09:24:00.002-04:00

So, this car ad states I can save $120 a month in gas money by buying a car with better gas mileage than my truck.

The payments on the car are $139 a month.

I just lost $19.

I'll keep my truck.

Attention shoppers!!!!

2008-07-20T09:06:00.002-04:00

I have a Sunday morning ritual. While drinking my coffee, I browse thru the sale ads. Every one. Including places I don't shop.

Do I need anything? No.
Will a lower price take me to that store? No.
Do I need to save money? No.
Should I save money? Yes.
Will I save money? Probably not.

And I love to get coupons. I hang on to coupons for weeks. I may use one occasionally. Most expire and get thrown away.

What is this obsession? Sunday doesn't feel right unless I do this. Somehow I got caught up in the Sunday Sale Papers hype. Maybe I like the pretty pictures or the neat orderly way they're laid out. Maybe it's the excitement of seeing something new and perhaps finding something I must have.

Well, as long as it's not harmful to me or anyone else, I'll keep doing it.

It's not our fault, or is it?

2008-07-19T06:59:00.002-04:00

Today at work we got an email about some product in our store that could be offensive to some people. We were told to examine the product and pull any that could potentially cause some issues. I decided I would be the one to do this. Of course, the whole time I was thinking "Only the people with naughty minds would even recognize this."

Are there people whose goal in life is to find the "wrong" things in the world and set about correcting them?... People who need to point out the "bad" and complain about it?...People who think they can change other people?

OMG (text speech, I'm learning) I just described me! Give me some slack, I'm trying to slowly let things go.

BTW (yeah!) the product is a book bag. The fabric has a graffiti pattern on it with print like I (heart) ______ or _. & _. 4ever, you know what I mean. Anyway, where the fabric was hemmed, some of the company's name was missing. And someone found it offensive. So we pulled it to be safe.

The company's name...

Dickies

42 Year Old Pops Blog Cherry

2008-07-17T18:13:00.002-04:00

It was past time.

I mean, how long can I go without catching up with technology? I started with light petting (pay as you go cell phone), moved up to fingering (Wii and DS), and have now found myself going all the way. Well, almost. I only have an iPod shuffle, still a pay as you go cell. Everyday I try to spend more time on the web and will some day learn how to text.

But at least I can blog.

Lord, help me.

I mean, Hal, help me.