Calendar

"When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people." -Abraham Joshua Heschel

Thursdays are a good example of constantly living in the future. What do you think is on my mind? Well the weekend of course. Does that mean I'm not going to fully experience and cherish Thursday? Probably. I have my niece's 3rd Twilight book in the trunk the of my car. I should of just ordered it online and had it sent to my mom's house. I'll do my best to get it to her.

I have started playing poker again. My real concern is burn out and consistency. I feel the need to set really high standards and goals such as 3 sets a day, 12 tables a set, 5 times a week. That is a 15 hour commitment, not including the time to study the game and review my hands. So I decided to try 2 sets a day (an hour a piece), 8 tables a set (@$16 a table), 5 times a week (2 days off). I've done well this week, but I still don't have a bankroll that is ready.

Today is Lincoln's birthday. New Lincoln Pennies Unveiled: See Pictures Of Each Penny

Here is a good story I read today:
Although not an organized charitable event, I simply stopped for coffee at a local specialty coffee shop. The line was long and twisty, everyone anxious for their morning coffee. Apparently a repeat customer, a young man with developmental difficulties came to the head of the line and ordered a fancy blender concoction. As he struggled with counting his coins, he was oohing and aahing over how delicious the drink tastes. "It is so good with chocolate on top." The waitperson realized he did not have enough money and kindly said, "Hey Hank, you need a $1.47 more, bring it in next time, OK?" Hank nodded his head yes as he spun around with what can only be described as a look of pure joy on his face over this drink.

I was several patrons behind and involved in a juicy novel not paying much attention but thought to myself, I will just give them the $1.47 Hank owed when my turn comes up. When I mentioned this to the waitperson he said, "God, I love our customers!! Every single person in front of you has offered to pay the difference!" Not that it mattered as Hank's benefactor walked back in with him shortly thereafter and made good on the purchase. But still in the random stop of an overcast day, there was kindness flowing from people over something so simple. Our basic decency and willingness to help one another out in the smallest of situations is magical and for the briefest moments confirm that goodness prevails.

- Pamela Ehret

(via HuffPost Readers Pay It Forward: A Round-Up Of Random Acts Of Kindness )


Today was Darwin's birthday. (And Abe Lincoln too.) This is a really good article. Darwinism Must Die So That Evolution May Live We don’t call astronomy Copernicism, nor gravity Newtonism. “Darwinism” implies an ideology adhering to one man’s dictates, like Marxism.

A great response is made at: Darwin is already dead, and we know it. So, obviously, don't canonize, beatify, or apotheosize Darwin … but don't throw him out, either. He is (not was) important.

Then we have that fact that On Darwin’s Birthday, Only 4 in 10 Believe in Evolution

Check out how education levels affects things.

This is on the same topic. (click on picture to be able to read) - note all comics in this strip have the same pictures.

via (http://www.qwantz.com/archive/001408.html)

I got the idea of using "via" thanks to Claudia. I try my best to cite to authors since a lot of my thinking is just admiring other people's thoughts.

2/12

Driving

"It seems to me if you want something badly enough, whether you're a man or a woman, you'll do whatever you have to do to get it." Aaron Eckhart

This was supposed to be my weekend, a weekend I was looking forward to, but it ended up being my weekend in a completely different way. I stayed home and decided to work on a project I had been thinking of for years. My own very stand-ing tread-mill d-esk. (avoiding the google) My experience with carpentry isn't extensive, so I just drew a picture of what I wanted. I then measured to make sure it would be the right height and size. I took the drawing to Abram and got his input. Other than the obvious question of why are you building this, he gave me some pointers and ideas. Then I went to Rino who went with me to Home Depot. It was a cheap purchase, about 4o bucks, including 4 pieces of wood, a hand saw, 4 shelf brackets, nails and some screws. I got home and tried to cut the top desk piece to the right length. Even with a brand new saw, my skills were weak. I got about half way through before Abram finished the job. I then put it together just like I had imagined in my mind. It took me a while and unlike putting furniture together, there were no instructions, so I was just making it up as I went along. Rino helped me nail on the legs braces and my makeshift desk was built. It fit like a glove, impressive, but it was supposed to have an inch grace in each side, so I got real lucky. It worked just like I wanted except that I have trouble pushing the buttons. It isn't too shaby looking either. We'll see what will come of this, but the feeling of being accomplished was well needed.

I was asked to be a groomsman in my friend Jon's wedding. It was quite an honor to be asked I think. White tuxes, I know. I've known Jon since the 3rd grade, but have been terrible at keeping in touch the last 10 years or so. It is going to be here in Texas on June 13th. This of course is a week after my cousin Adam's wedding on June 6th. Those are going to be busy back to back weekends. I'd say it seems like the world is getting married, but I have a feeling there are more weddings coming. I've thought about getting married in the past, I have, but it has never panned out like I expected. The main thought I always have is how expensive it must be. There is no way I could afford to have a wedding, much less even purchase a respectable wedding ring. I used to know a girl who was pretty set on a Tiffany's band. I looked it up and wow. Of course, like anything else, if my life was ever at a place where marriage was an option, I'd make it happen I'm sure. I guess the ideal is to be with a person who doesn't care about the ring, or the wedding and just wants to be with you, even if that means going to Vegas or doing something redicoulously small. I guess you want the best of both worlds right, a person who feels like that and then at the same time giving them the day they deserve. Cause for me, it is the person and type of relationship that matters more than the details. My biggest fear is to get married because I think it is the right time in my life or thinking it might provide security in a rocky relationship. It needs to be for the right reason/person. Then again, maybe setting unrealistic expectations can be a problem too. Why you're likely to marry your parent


It is hard to be aware of your character and personality flaws I think. They are part of you and must be there for a reason. Even when you notice them, it isn't easy to change what has been so natural, whether innate or learned over time through habit. I was thinking about mine. I know I can be very argumentative. (I'll skip the justification) Also, I can be somewhat agoraphobic and make my friends think that I'm not spending time with them because of them. I have trouble doing things at a moderate pace, my approach tends to be all or nothing. This creates much burn out and a revolving door of new hobbies. I'm where I'm at in life because of who I am, so I can't complain too much. I guess I just don't know what my ideal self really is. I think about this stuff when I decide I'm in a rut and want to be better and create a more fullfilling life. What changes would I need to make, would they even stick? Maybe I'll just never be a morning person.



Why Kissing Is So Pleasurable: New Research
The reason that kissing feels so pleasurable is that sparks a surge of hormones in our brains, according to new research. Couples who share a passionate kiss this Valentine's Day will enjoy sensations of relaxation and excitement because of a complex series of chemical processes, as well as their love for their partners.



Izzy AND George Leaving "Grey's Anatomy"
Say it isn't true? Not Izzy. Oh George is still on the show, didn't even notice.

Why You Should Never Blow Your Nose
This is news to me. Darn.

Gotta Love the Onion : FDA Approves Depressant For The Annoyingly Cheerful (VIDEO)
Some critics say Despondex is unnecessary, that the same effects can be achieved by not exercising and visiting nursing homes, but the makers are optimistic.

the blues - that is what I call this section

Another Day

“Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.” - Bernice Johnson Reagon

Tuesday I was cleaning up around my desk at work and I found a mini calendar I had made on a post it note. I wanted to keep it, but it wasn't very useful anymore so I threw it out. It wasn't like I followed it anyway, with getting sick and all. Then I found out that I was late on paying my Kay's bill. I should of picked it up a few weeks ago. This started some online bill paying that left me thinking about the 15th already. I lowered my netflix plan and hope to implement other cost saving measures soon.

I have this to do list that feels like it doesn't change much sometimes. One thing that was on the list for a long time was getting Max a new tag after changing my phone number. Koki and Mia got new tags a while back (very nice, but a bit big) and today I finally got Max's new tag. Hopefully that will give me some momentum for knocking things off the list. You know, like going to DMW to get a new license, to the dry cleaners, the tailor and new air condition filters.

I hate to admit this, but I never saw the final episode of Friends. I saw a majority of the 10 seasons, but since I caught it mostly on syndication, I think season 9 and 10 I didn't fully watch. That being said, I was home and there was a Friends episode on. I checked the info and it was called The Last One. In watching it, it became apparent that I had not seen it. At the end of the half hour, we were left with a cliffhanger. It was "Part One" of two. (I'm guessing the finale was an hour.) Guess which episode didn't follow? Part Two. So now I'm off trying to find part two so that I can finally see the ending of Friends. I know what happens, and maybe caught parts of, but look forward to watching it.

Do you know the average person buys over 50 greetings cards every year? I am definitely not the average person. I think I buy 3. Wow.

I know this is TMI, but my favorite pair of boxers tore. They have British flags on them and reminded me of the countries my friends and I were given in college. That, and they were really comfortable. I was England, which was something to be proud of. I was never demoted, but I'm sure I've deserved that. There is a much longer story here.

My brother got a job. I think it is technically part-time, but it should be really helpful for his resume. I hope he enjoys it. It really does seem like things are tough job wise everywhere. For example, I ran across this story:

Thousands Line Up For 35 Miami Firefighter Jobs
More than 1,000 applicants had stood in line -- many of them camping out overnight -- to apply for 35 firefighter jobs.

Update: Unemployment hits 7.6 percent

Rachel Maddow keeps making news in my book. So I listen to her radio show on my way home from work (or via podcast) and then at night watch her TV show. It is part of my news cut back strategy. I had started listening to her radio show before she had a TV show and really liked it, especially "Ask Dr. Maddow." Monday, I notice it wasn't on the air, but she takes vacations so I just ignored it. Then Tuesday, the same thing. I have to do a lot of research and then find out that she is not doing her radio show anymore. (NY Daily News link). There is a morning hour thing they are doing on the radio, but it is not her regular radio show. I get it, she was super super busy and something had to give. What I don't get is why she didn't say so on her last day of her radio show. I apologize if I was just not paying attention, but on her Friday radio show and her Friday TV show there was no mention about the changes. I think it would of been a thoughtful thing to do, especially for people that listen. So now I've gotten an hour back in my day, maybe they will give her the 10pm hour too.

This was pretty interesting: Behavior: $1? No Thanks. 100 Cents? You Bet. [New York Times]

the key

Superbowl Watching

"Some people will not tolerate such emotional honesty in communication. They would rather defend their dishonesty on the grounds that it might hurt others. Therefore, having rationalized their phoniness into nobility, they settle for superficial relationships." - Unknown

Sunday I watched the Superbowl with much anticipation like most Americans. Unlike years past when I've been surrounded by friends and pizza, this year it wasn't as festive of an event. Abram and Rino went to friend's houses to watch and I bought a 6 pack of beer, some chips and watched from home alone. I would of rather been at the parade. I really wasn't in the mood for going out, I haven't been in quite some time. The game was good. I was rooting for the Cardinals because they were the underdogs. I was very excited when they almost pulled it off, but almost means nothing in football. I got a few things done cleaning wise, but still have a lot to go. I guess there is basketball and baseball to fill the void until next fall.

Here is my personal take on the superbowl ads. My favorite was the Doritos Crystal ball one.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Here is a breakdown of all the Superbowl ads and videos. Other good ones I thought were: cars.com one, and the Audi commercial. You know, Alec Baldwin's Hulu one wasn't too bad either.

I hope you are having a happy Groundhog day. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, so 6 more weeks of winter. I don't even know why they have a weather.com when we have almanacs and groundhogs. Such a great movie. I have less to say about this day every year.

I wish I had HBO. I was watching Big Love this weekend and it is hard to keep up, but I'm only one episode back. I didn't think I would like the show when I first started watching it, but now it is season 3 and I'm still here. On a similar note: Mormons Admit Larger Role In California's Prop 8 Campaign Banning Gay Marriage

I finally got to see The Reader and Doubt. Good movies and great acting, but I don't see them having widespread appeal. I'm close to being ready to Tivo quickly through the Oscars this month. I still have Frost/Nixon, Vicki Christina Barcelona and Revolutionary Road to watch soon, oh and Rachel Getting Married (I'll probably pass on this one). The Visitor, Frozen River and Happy-Go-Lucky I haven't seen either and don't have plans to see right now. That is a lot of movies left I guess, but still less than the amount I have seen already. I'm pretty sure Slumdog Millionaire is going to take it for Best Picture.

It is not hard to feel disappointed in yourself. I hate letting myself down. I feel like I have standards and rules I live by, things I hold myself to, hold others to. What I'm willing to accept and not accept. Then I see myself break those rules over and over telling myself that it is just an exception, that it serves the greater good, but I'm really just lying to myself. I've always prided myself on keeping my promises and I know that breaking just one defeats the entire meaning and dependability of my future promises. I just need to be more consistent with who I want to be and consequences be damned. What kind of happiness you do you get from compromising your values? There is a difference from doing what is easy and what is right. I forgive myself I guess.

I got my new desktop in. My old desktop has died on me and I was able to savage files by connecting my old harddrive to my computer. What really sucks is all the programs I'm losing. Programs I paid for, but no longer have the serial or are registered to that computer only. Also my old tv tuner is broken as well. I'm hoping to do a fresh install on the old computer at some point.

being careful