Nice photo after hard day work in Montana(Taken August, 2009)
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Aaahhhh.....Monday
Four random thoughts as to why many people don't like Monday!
1. I overslept again. I need to start waking up on time. As punishment, I got to experience #2.
2. My normal 15 minute drive to work this morning took 35 minutes. All the RR crossings in downtown Durham were malfunctioning: barriers were down and would not go up. I sat at the Mangum crossing for 10 minutes. Once finally getting turned around (thanks to a nice person who let me back-up) and driving on a road (Ramseur/Pettigrew) parallel to the tracks, the next 3 crossings were blocked too. I finally backtracked to Hwy 98 and went out Hwy70 to Bethesda to work.
3. Scary sight but maybe not surprising......I saw EMTs carrying someone on a stretcher out of the Hardees on Hwy 54. Is it just bad food at that restaurant or over-indulging in 6-dollar, Angus burgers?
4. My colleagues and I were blindsided by a longtime partner this afternoon. The company decided they did not want to be part of our highly successful team when the contract is re-bid this winter.
1. I overslept again. I need to start waking up on time. As punishment, I got to experience #2.
2. My normal 15 minute drive to work this morning took 35 minutes. All the RR crossings in downtown Durham were malfunctioning: barriers were down and would not go up. I sat at the Mangum crossing for 10 minutes. Once finally getting turned around (thanks to a nice person who let me back-up) and driving on a road (Ramseur/Pettigrew) parallel to the tracks, the next 3 crossings were blocked too. I finally backtracked to Hwy 98 and went out Hwy70 to Bethesda to work.
3. Scary sight but maybe not surprising......I saw EMTs carrying someone on a stretcher out of the Hardees on Hwy 54. Is it just bad food at that restaurant or over-indulging in 6-dollar, Angus burgers?
4. My colleagues and I were blindsided by a longtime partner this afternoon. The company decided they did not want to be part of our highly successful team when the contract is re-bid this winter.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
AIG
The hoopla over the $1 million bonuses paid to certain AIG employees brings to mind the Bare Naked Ladies song "If I had a Million Dollars."
Them: If I had a million dollars, I could barely get by for another year....
Me: If I had a million dollars, I'd be rich.
Them: If I had a million dollars, I could barely get by for another year....
Me: If I had a million dollars, I'd be rich.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Things I Have Learned #1
This installment is the first in a very occasional series of posts to describe interesting (or not interesting) facts, tidbits and similar items I have learned from family and friends. So, without further adieu......
This tidbit is courtesy of Nathaniel (aka Doc).
Did you know that filling your soda cup with 95% diet Pepsi and 5% Dr. Pepper (fully loaded, not diet) makes your drink taste like Dr. Pepper without all the calories? I do this whenever I'm at a self-serve soda fountain (like today at the RTI cafeteria) and diet Pepsi and Dr. Pepper are available. Delicious! Unfortunately, the trick does not seem to work as well with diet Coke.
This tidbit is courtesy of Nathaniel (aka Doc).
Did you know that filling your soda cup with 95% diet Pepsi and 5% Dr. Pepper (fully loaded, not diet) makes your drink taste like Dr. Pepper without all the calories? I do this whenever I'm at a self-serve soda fountain (like today at the RTI cafeteria) and diet Pepsi and Dr. Pepper are available. Delicious! Unfortunately, the trick does not seem to work as well with diet Coke.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Here Comes the Sun (Not!)
The holiday season officially starts this week. I, like many others, love the hoildays. The music, lights, festivities, and good cheer truly lift my spirits.
However, there is one aspect of this time of year that really depresses me. From now until about end of January, on most days the only time I'll see the sun is during my 15 minute drive to work in the morning. Most of the problem is caused by the fact my office and my building does not have any windows. (Side note: At least my office is large and I have an office with a real door. I'd hate being in a cube). Unless I have meeting somewhere else at RTI, it's very easy to not see the sun all day. With sunset at 5 PMish, it is always dark on my drive home.
A few years ago when Shannon still worked, it used to be worse. At this time of year, I could go all week without seeing the sun! I suppose I should be thankful for the little sunlight I do see!
However, there is one aspect of this time of year that really depresses me. From now until about end of January, on most days the only time I'll see the sun is during my 15 minute drive to work in the morning. Most of the problem is caused by the fact my office and my building does not have any windows. (Side note: At least my office is large and I have an office with a real door. I'd hate being in a cube). Unless I have meeting somewhere else at RTI, it's very easy to not see the sun all day. With sunset at 5 PMish, it is always dark on my drive home.
A few years ago when Shannon still worked, it used to be worse. At this time of year, I could go all week without seeing the sun! I suppose I should be thankful for the little sunlight I do see!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Update & Other Musings
I thought an update on Sophie and Jacqueline was in order. We've been pretty busy lately, so haven't had much time to visit neighbors or post to the blog. One big event was the Walbring (my Mom's family) family reunion. I think it was a huge success and I had a great time. Sophie and Jacqueline coped amazingly well with all the people and activities over the weekend. Of course, they were tired too and were a little cranky for a few days after the reunion ended.
For those who inquire (and those who don't), Sophie and Jacqueline are close to sleeping through the night; corresponding to Mom and Dad getting more sleep. We put them to bed about 9:30 PM, after a bedtime feeding. One usually wakes up between 3 and 4 AM. I think the other would continue sleeping, maybe thru the night, but we wake the other to feed at the same time. Much thanks to Shannon for handling the 3 AM feeding solo so Jon can sleep (fyi..duties are split fairly even....I handle any issues from 9:30 PM till I fall asleep; and again from 5 AM to 7 AM).
A big, recent "Dad" learning moment was realizing that the girls like variety. Once you handle the hungry, diaper, and sleepy issues, keeping the twins happy is just a matter of finding the toy they want to play with or the room they want to hang out in. Both really enjoy sitting on the front porch looking at the sky and trees.
Sophie still is the mellow baby in the house. Although she seems to have developed a more serious aspect to her personality. She spends a lot of time concentrating very hard on various items (hands, lights, mobiles, etc.). She furrows her brow and stares very intently at the object. Usually during these periods, she'll let out a heavy sigh. Like she is saying "woe is me." She generally is a quiet, happy girl. However, if she gets upset she can really holler! Sophie is still bigger and more physically advanced than Jacqueline too. Although, Sophie is losing her hair!
Jacqueline is still more needy and likes to be held. She is not as demanding as she was before. Part of it is her maturation and part is our understanding of her "meltdown" point. Soothing and comforting her before she goes ballistic is much, much easier. She also is much better at soothing herself, especially when she is tired. Although Sophie is larger and stronger, I am convinced Jacqueline will be the first to crawl, walk, and talk. She already can wiggle her way across the floor using a crawling motion with her legs. She's just not strong enough to prop herself on her knees and hands. She also likes to stand (with assistance) on her legs and try to walk. Jacqueline also has an impressive range of coos, chirps, squeaks, and laughs. Sophie is not as talkative. Finally, Jacqueline may have inherited the "love to look at myself in the mirror" gene that runs in my family. She loves to look at herself; Sophie could care less.
As I wrap-up this post, here are some random thoughts that have been running through my head and some other news.
1. Some new parents leased a billboard on the Durham Freeway announcing the birth of their son. I guess that is a unique way to announce their happy news.
2. Remember a few years ago on a previous blog, I complained about tomato thieves that turned out to be raccoons, possums, and squirrels because of the drought? Well, the thieves are back. Three almost ripe tomatoes have vanished. Still no idea whether the thieves this year have 4 or 2 legs.
3. All the houses on our block are occupied again! YEAH! It's nice having neighbors. Several other new neighbors have moved nearby too!
4. I just remembered, World Beer Festival tickets went on sale today for magazine subscribers. I'm gonna stop here and purchase my tickets before I forget. Oh yeah, I suppose I should get back to work too.
For those who inquire (and those who don't), Sophie and Jacqueline are close to sleeping through the night; corresponding to Mom and Dad getting more sleep. We put them to bed about 9:30 PM, after a bedtime feeding. One usually wakes up between 3 and 4 AM. I think the other would continue sleeping, maybe thru the night, but we wake the other to feed at the same time. Much thanks to Shannon for handling the 3 AM feeding solo so Jon can sleep (fyi..duties are split fairly even....I handle any issues from 9:30 PM till I fall asleep; and again from 5 AM to 7 AM).
A big, recent "Dad" learning moment was realizing that the girls like variety. Once you handle the hungry, diaper, and sleepy issues, keeping the twins happy is just a matter of finding the toy they want to play with or the room they want to hang out in. Both really enjoy sitting on the front porch looking at the sky and trees.
Sophie still is the mellow baby in the house. Although she seems to have developed a more serious aspect to her personality. She spends a lot of time concentrating very hard on various items (hands, lights, mobiles, etc.). She furrows her brow and stares very intently at the object. Usually during these periods, she'll let out a heavy sigh. Like she is saying "woe is me." She generally is a quiet, happy girl. However, if she gets upset she can really holler! Sophie is still bigger and more physically advanced than Jacqueline too. Although, Sophie is losing her hair!
Jacqueline is still more needy and likes to be held. She is not as demanding as she was before. Part of it is her maturation and part is our understanding of her "meltdown" point. Soothing and comforting her before she goes ballistic is much, much easier. She also is much better at soothing herself, especially when she is tired. Although Sophie is larger and stronger, I am convinced Jacqueline will be the first to crawl, walk, and talk. She already can wiggle her way across the floor using a crawling motion with her legs. She's just not strong enough to prop herself on her knees and hands. She also likes to stand (with assistance) on her legs and try to walk. Jacqueline also has an impressive range of coos, chirps, squeaks, and laughs. Sophie is not as talkative. Finally, Jacqueline may have inherited the "love to look at myself in the mirror" gene that runs in my family. She loves to look at herself; Sophie could care less.
As I wrap-up this post, here are some random thoughts that have been running through my head and some other news.
1. Some new parents leased a billboard on the Durham Freeway announcing the birth of their son. I guess that is a unique way to announce their happy news.
2. Remember a few years ago on a previous blog, I complained about tomato thieves that turned out to be raccoons, possums, and squirrels because of the drought? Well, the thieves are back. Three almost ripe tomatoes have vanished. Still no idea whether the thieves this year have 4 or 2 legs.
3. All the houses on our block are occupied again! YEAH! It's nice having neighbors. Several other new neighbors have moved nearby too!
4. I just remembered, World Beer Festival tickets went on sale today for magazine subscribers. I'm gonna stop here and purchase my tickets before I forget. Oh yeah, I suppose I should get back to work too.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Random Thoughts
1. Raven just farted and it really stinks!! At least someone in this house has stinkier farts than I do!
2. I don't know where my brain is this evening. 4 or 5 times tonight I have stopped because I couldn't remember what I was doing!
3. Wow! We have a lot of work to do on the house and nursery before the girls come. Time is flying fast.
4. Speaking of the nursery.....Only for the girls will I strip 4 layers of paint off wood. Geesh, I hate doing that task now! It's smelly (but not as bad as Raven farts), tiring, & dirty work.
5. I'm really sore today from spending 18 hours on the nursery this weekend.
6. Random sports thoughts.....Hurricanes could go far in the Cup playoffs. You heard it here first. Duke basketball is over-rated this year. Tyler Hansborough for UNC is one heck of a player....he is the team this year.
7. Pee Yew!!! Raven just farted again.
8. More sports....Clemson would have won the ACC championship if they could shoot free throws. As my coach said: "Small things win games.:
9. NPR on Sunday mornings from 8 AM to 1 PM is excellent entertainment. News from 8 to 10, with some puzzles thrown in. Car Talk for an hour. Wait, Wait Don't Tell me game show. And my favorite....Splendid Table hosted by my girlfriend (as Shannon calls Lynn Rosetta-Kasper).
10. I'll be very happy when the babies get here....safe & healthy. Let's wait 10 more weeks girls!
11. I was convinced St. Patrick's Day was the 15th. I always thought it coincided with the Ides of March.
12. I hope everyone is doing well....I haven't heard from anyone lately. Of course, I haven't put out much effort since work and home life is keeping me busy!
13. Shannon and I were wondering who the 7 people who voted were. We can guess Mark, Amy, Doc, and Analee. Who were the other 3. I learned last week that a friend I rarely see (but happened to attend the same party with on Friday) found our blog and voted. That leaves 2 more. I think Tara voted. Who else?
14. Looks like we are going with "Krystyna" (notice I spelled it correctly & yes Doc, I did find the "edit" button).
2. I don't know where my brain is this evening. 4 or 5 times tonight I have stopped because I couldn't remember what I was doing!
3. Wow! We have a lot of work to do on the house and nursery before the girls come. Time is flying fast.
4. Speaking of the nursery.....Only for the girls will I strip 4 layers of paint off wood. Geesh, I hate doing that task now! It's smelly (but not as bad as Raven farts), tiring, & dirty work.
5. I'm really sore today from spending 18 hours on the nursery this weekend.
6. Random sports thoughts.....Hurricanes could go far in the Cup playoffs. You heard it here first. Duke basketball is over-rated this year. Tyler Hansborough for UNC is one heck of a player....he is the team this year.
7. Pee Yew!!! Raven just farted again.
8. More sports....Clemson would have won the ACC championship if they could shoot free throws. As my coach said: "Small things win games.:
9. NPR on Sunday mornings from 8 AM to 1 PM is excellent entertainment. News from 8 to 10, with some puzzles thrown in. Car Talk for an hour. Wait, Wait Don't Tell me game show. And my favorite....Splendid Table hosted by my girlfriend (as Shannon calls Lynn Rosetta-Kasper).
10. I'll be very happy when the babies get here....safe & healthy. Let's wait 10 more weeks girls!
11. I was convinced St. Patrick's Day was the 15th. I always thought it coincided with the Ides of March.
12. I hope everyone is doing well....I haven't heard from anyone lately. Of course, I haven't put out much effort since work and home life is keeping me busy!
13. Shannon and I were wondering who the 7 people who voted were. We can guess Mark, Amy, Doc, and Analee. Who were the other 3. I learned last week that a friend I rarely see (but happened to attend the same party with on Friday) found our blog and voted. That leaves 2 more. I think Tara voted. Who else?
14. Looks like we are going with "Krystyna" (notice I spelled it correctly & yes Doc, I did find the "edit" button).
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Random Coincidences
Jon here.
Over the last couple weeks, I've had several random coincidences. I don't know why these occur. Is it my subconciousness making the decisions? Hard to say. I definitely note when these situations occur though.
I have 2 examples from the past month.
1. "Blithering Idiot". Seems to be the phrase of the month for me. It all started when I used the phrase in my review of Merle's Door. I noticed a couple days later that the beer I was drinking was called "Blithering Idiot". (Side note: decent barleywine style beer from Weyerbacher Brewery. Flavorful but not overly powerful as some barleywines can be). I had purchased the 6-pack before writing the review. A week later, Shannon looked at me one day and said "why do you keep referring to yourself and others as a 'blithering idiot'?" I had subconsciously worked the phrase into my everyday conversation.
2. Bruce Willis x 3. Another strange coincidence that we unintentionally rented 3 straight movies that starred Bruce Willis. We saw "Live Free or Die Hard", "Hostage", and "Lucky Number Slevin."
Strange?
Over the last couple weeks, I've had several random coincidences. I don't know why these occur. Is it my subconciousness making the decisions? Hard to say. I definitely note when these situations occur though.
I have 2 examples from the past month.
1. "Blithering Idiot". Seems to be the phrase of the month for me. It all started when I used the phrase in my review of Merle's Door. I noticed a couple days later that the beer I was drinking was called "Blithering Idiot". (Side note: decent barleywine style beer from Weyerbacher Brewery. Flavorful but not overly powerful as some barleywines can be). I had purchased the 6-pack before writing the review. A week later, Shannon looked at me one day and said "why do you keep referring to yourself and others as a 'blithering idiot'?" I had subconsciously worked the phrase into my everyday conversation.
2. Bruce Willis x 3. Another strange coincidence that we unintentionally rented 3 straight movies that starred Bruce Willis. We saw "Live Free or Die Hard", "Hostage", and "Lucky Number Slevin."
Strange?
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