Cell Phones- Technology Marches Forward

Today I had to pickup a new cell phone. I had close to 12,000 calls on the old one, and under the plan I'm on had a new one coming free. I have dealt with this Verizon branch for about 10yrs, and everytime I go in there it's bigger, with more staff. I was greeted by two young people who literally blocked my way. "What do you need today,sir?" "A loaf of bread-which isle is it in?" Then I was put in front of a touch screen to load my own ID into it while they watched. I pointed out I did not need them, as I know the drill on how to get a new phone. The real sales person came over, and everything went fine after that. You will never go into these places and say "same phone as before" as they are obsoleted w/in 18 months. I got a phone that does at least 70 things I will never use, and that was a rather base model! I can actually check my E-mails on the phone, which is pretty cool! They downloaded all my customer contacts into the new phone for 10 bucks, saving me 4 hrs of loading time by hand.
As my previous entry said-I'm just trying to keep up!

Computers-How Did We Ever Get Here?

Today, I must play "catch up" on all the reports I am behind on at work. All sales people in our company are hooked into our computer system from home, so if we want we can work 24/7! When I started in the business, computers did the billing and inventory only. People placed orders thru the mail, or phoned them in. No car phones, no e-mails, no CAD,etc.
With the innovations in computer technolgy, I now work more hours than I ever have! My cell phone minutes average 2500 a month(over 40 hrs.!) My work computer time is probably 25hrs. We as an advanced nation, now work harder for less.
On the upside we can play games, communicate with friends, shop w/out the driving/searching hours, and used properly-have more leisure time!
It has changed America and the World. People of different generations communicate differently, and have problems because of it. On the other hand, the world has probably never been able to communicate better! I do not know where it's going, but I am going to try and keep up as best I can! Good Luck to all of you trying to do the same.

Thanksgiving A Little Different This Year

I'll be baking a couple of pies after this entry. My wife went to the funeral home for visitation-her Uncle died. I would have gone too, but tomorrow I have to attend a memorial service for a friend and didn't feel up to 2 days in a row in that environment.Our gathering this year is small, with traditional food the menu. Turkey, sausage/sage stuffing, hash browns in a cheesy casserole,Homemade rolls- and pumpkin pie. I like a bigger group, but people have other obligations. A quiet celebration, which might be appropriate this year. You all enjoy yours, however you spend them!

The Anonymous "Neighbor" Rant

I am mildly-to-medium pissed at a so-called neighbor of mine. Yesterday, we recieved a letter from the Towmship we live in. The content of the letter was polite (as my wife is friends w/the big cheese!)but told us we were complained on for a barking dog.
1. We have lived here longer than anyone else, and have had a barking dog(all Airdales) in this house for 25yrs.
2. We have never had a complaint against us in the entire time we've lived here.
3. There is only one person where we live that doesn't have a dog, so guess who might have complained?
4. We let my dog out in the morning when she barks to go-I'm not going to make an animal wait until there's an accident on the carpet!
5. A real neighbor would have just come over and told me his problem.
People who avoid working together and communicating with others hold back progress to a better world. A guy like this ends up with more grief than he thought he had in the first place!
I am a loyal friend-but can be a determined assho*e when necessary. We will do our best not to leave the dog out past "doody time", but if there were more dogs watching the neighborhoods, there might be less crime.

Deer Camp As Usual...

Nothing of the extrordinary to report. Sad. I have seen these people under the influence of adult beverages do some pretty funny sh*t! It is a bitch to get old! All your wild times start with "Remember when..." I will have to go back to times gone by and list a few funny moments trying to shoot an innocent deer..

Waiting in pitch dark for dawn in car drinking spiked coffee, dumped whole scalding cup in my crotch. Felt kinda good at first, but then it got colder...

Bow hunting w/best friend when walking behind him on game trail, he hears something. I was looking at trail, and saw fresh tracks. Stabbed him square in the ass with my arrow when he stopped. Ever see a 6'2" guy on his tippy toes? Pretty damn funny 'til he turns around...

Following year, same "friend" has gun slung over shoulder,walking in front of me when he trips-.308 Browning goes off 1 foot from my face. Deaf for about an hour...

1st year eldest son hunts. Sat about 100ards from him to make sure he'd be OK. I see him jumping around like something attacked him, run over there to find out his boot lace had come untied and he thought it was a snake!

One year, after heavy drinking previous night, stumbled out to a blind I had seen once in my life. It's pitch dark, and I know I'm close but can't see it. Back up to get a different perspective, trip over log and land in the chair set up in the blind!

Deer Camp- American Male Version Of A Girl Teenage Pajama Party.

I am off to "Deer Camp" later today, with my youngest son. For 2 days we will eat, play cards,eat, drink,shoot pool,eat,and oh yeah-hunt for a deer. At least 8 others will be there(big place) telling jokes, giving each other sh*t, and catching up with stories of our lives since we last gathered. A good bunch of people, who will all bring enough food and booze for the Russian Army if they stop by. We are from all walks of life, some wealthy, some not, some well known in their life-but not always for good reasons! I hope to hear some new jokes I can share, and I'm sure I can get a blog or two out of the unexpected happenings in the next few days!

Ramblings Of An Amateur Cook-Buffalo Dick.....

A short critique of Celebrity Chefs;
Rachael Ray- Has never eaten anything she didn't like! Messy cook, but a great smile and personality!

Emeril- Great cook, nasty accent and cornball presentation.

Bobby Flay- Cocky but likable, probably doesn't cook all that much anymore.

Paula Dean- Most annoying. Even if you're down South, you don't have to say "Ya'll" every other sentence!

Some the best cooks in the world don't have TV shows, probably because they're busy cooking!

To name a few- Paul Kirk (Baron of BB-Q)Get his books!
Steve Raichlen-Same advice!
Taste of Home- A magazine featuring recipes from good home style cooks from all over the country. Skip magazine- Once a year they combine them all into 1 cookbook(buy that instead!)

Today, I plan to put 5lbs of beef strips(marinated) into the dehydrator and make about 2-1/2 lbs of jerky for Deer Camp. I also will be smoking 2 bone-in turkey breasts that have been brined and injected- for about 7 hrs. New smoker-wish me luck!

Son Got A Birthday, I Got The Present!

I occasionally like to play Michigan State Lottos' Keno game. You can pick and bet up to 10 numbers(out of 80) for as little as a dollar, or more if you wish. I usually play the same numbers every time $2 a line, 5 lines, but in honor of my sons' birthday, I played his day,date,year born,age,birth wt,and length at birth. 9,11,77,29,6,10,21. I matched 6 out of 7 for 200 bucks, and the next line matched 5 out of 7 for 22 more! Play a hunch once in a while-you never know!

Happy Birthday to Jet Packs!

If you get a chance today, try bouncybouncy.blogspot.com and wish Jet Packs a Happy Birthday! He is the reason I have a blog at all. You see, Jet Packs is my son, and I wished to have an opportunity to read his writings(which can be pretty good!)and have a little more communication with him-as he does not live close by! Right now he's got kind of a neat video worth watching, that combines music, science, and propane! Thanks!

From Contestant To Judge

Recently, my wife was asked by a co-worker if we would judge a chili cookoff held by their church. As my wife has a vocabulary that doesn't include "No", we were booked to judge today. I was warned they have never had a chili contest, and the categories reflected that! Hottest, Sweetest, Homestyle were new ones on me. I also warned them of a possible lightning strike on the building, as I haven't been a regular visitor in these structures. It went pretty well, as there were no really bad(or good!)chilis to pick from. As they had a little prize for just about everybody, no one was bitching about the judges. God Bless Prilosec!

Halloween Over Til Next Year

Body count- Close to 90!
Young kids- Cute as heck in their costumes!
Older kids- Behaved pretty good!
Horror movies on last night- sucked!
Airdale dog behavior- Pretty good, but spent more time shoved in bathroom than a person with the trots!
Hope you all had fun, and be sure to check out the candy specials today! Next stop- Thanksgiving! (Unless you're from Michigan- then it's Deer Camp!)

Happy Halloween !

Candy bought- Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups (and backup York Peppermint Patties in case the kid is allergic to peanut butter!)
Weather- 55 F @ 6am, expected to drop 15 degrees w/wind by dusk.
Costume- Normal-looking suburbanite, except for theatrical quality vampire fangs ( got to remember to get some Poligrip on way home tonight!)
Expected visitors- 60-100.
Security Precautions- None beyond normal. Paintball guns have made eggs, toliet paper, soap and wax obsolete!(I hope!)
Hope you all have a safe, fun time tonight!
I used to run large Halloween Parties for the club I belong to.
I thought I'd list some of the costumes and funny moments for entertainments' sake.
Went as Caesar- Women kept trying to ck out what I was wearing under the toga!(jogging shorts-skimpy though!)
Went as Dracula- slicked my hair straight back ala Bela -people thought I looked better than normal hairdo!
Went as Vampire-Fangs kept falling out(and when they were in, I lisped like the biggest flaming gay in the building-and I was bartending!). On break, went down to Walgreens, went thru checkout as vampire w/Polygrip-and the night clerk didn't make comment one. Who goes into these places at night? I wonder!
Went as a "Parrothead"(Jimmy Buffett fan) Woman yelled "I know what your costume is-You're one of those peckerheads!"
Rest of night, got many compilments on my beak(Nice Pecker!)

A Planned Weekend of Nothing!

Did you ever make sure that a weekend had no planned activities? No "Wannas" and no "Gottas"! You may choose small jobs that require little time and no big effort to do, or maybe a spur of the moment "break" like breakfast out, or shopping for a little something you don't need- but want! Every waking moment of our lives does not have to be about acomplishments, or feeling guilty about lack of forward progress. If you ever see me in a Lowes or Home Depot on a weekend, it's because something broke- not because I can't wait for my next project! Enjoy your week end too!

My Halloween Rant

Every year, some person or group decides Halloween is from the DEVIL!!! At one time the roots of modern Halloween might have been based on something wicked, but not anymore. It is a time to dress up, be an alter ego, party(kids and adults!) and revel in being scared in an entertaining way. I don't like people who are zealots. They are generally humourless, and if anything is needed in this world we live in, it's more fun and laughter. Large teenage kids yelling Trick or Treat bother you? Laugh when they come to the door and give them a treat! Intimidated by little strangers using extortion to get candy? This is the tradition-please support it as we are losing traditions to the politically correct every day. The key to enjoying any Holiday is to anticipate the fun, not the hassle!

Sell My Clothes, I'm Goin To Heaven!

In the short span of a weekend, the Tigers are going to the World Series, U of M ranked No. 2, and the Lions won their first game! This is the equivilent to 5 planets in alignment! On a bummer note, we didn't place in the last chil contest, and last year 4 of 5 awards(We took 1st in White Chili!) went to experienced cooks. They went "local yokel" on us, with no team from anywhere else other than "hometown" won. For some of us with participation in many cook offs, this usually means we don't come back. If these organizers don't want the best , they shouldn't let us in the contest . Oh well, if that's the worst news I got, things ain't so bad!

A Meeting With The President!

Of our company, that is! I work for a corporation that has about 45 locations, and sells about 900+million a year. The last time we had a lengthy talk was the day I was hired-about 6-1/2 yrs ago. They are interviewing random sales folk on various subjects in hopes of improving the situation for both company and us. I was not selected. I was anonomously nomitated to him by either someone who knows my big mouth gets me into trouble every time, or by someone who knew I would be honest in my comments. It lasted 2hrs and was not as bad as I thought it would be! The Pres & V.P. were cordial and listened more than I thought possible. I got a chance to let them know I used to be (with another co.) a person that was consulted regularly and had a more active role in the decision-making process. We will see what happens. As they didn't fire me on the spot, I'm hopeful! It's Friday in Michigan and time to buy my Lotto ticket! I call it retirement plan "B". You wouldn't think matching 6 crappy numbers would be that hard, would you?!

God, I Hate The First Snowfall!

It comes every year- you think you'd be ready. Nope. Unless you're a little kid, it reminds you of all the sh*t you haven't finished from Summer & Fall. I'm in Sales, drive quite a bit and watching all the amateurs relearn to drive isn't fun. Defensive driving goes to paranoid driving. The permanent puddle on the drivers side begins to form, as you jump in and out of the car with wet, cold shoes.
I know this first snowfall won't stay, but it reminds you what is coming. To all you warm weather bloggers, have a nice day! To all you cold weather bloggers- May God have mercy on your souls!

BIG Sports Day In Michigan Today!

I have never written about sports on my blog, but I am a fan of two teams- University of Michigan football, and Detroit Tiger baseball! I would add the Lions, but the last time they won a championship, I was 5 and we watched it on a black&white TV! Today a big interstate rivalry-U of M vs Mich St. Also today the Tigers playing the Yankees at Detroit in what could be the next step to the World Series! I have a picture-in-picture TV (which I never use that feature!) and that's good because the games are starting at the same time. My bets are placed, and we'll see what happens! Oh yeah-I do yell at the TV, which scares the sh*t out of the dog.

Morale In The Workplace

Recently, another blogger (Liz with the lit devil horns) remarked on a workplace change in policy that probably resulted in a negative reaction on morale in the workplace. My company has lost some good people recently, because of increased expectations with no reward beyond "You're lucky to work here, things are worse everywhere else" mentality. When it became obvious there will always be alternatives for good workers, top management started asking the departing "What can we do differently?" We will see the result of this imput in the next three months. I am skeptical, but you never know. I do not work in a growth industry, and much of our customer base is gone, lost to overseas competition. We as a company are doing way better than most, but as humans we would like to see a carrot once in awhile!

Disfunctional Birthdays

Saturday, I will be "celebrating" my birthday. As events surrounding us have made a 1 day, read the cards,blow out the candles, open your presents, birthday impossible-this is how it is going. Last night my son came over with a cake, his girlfriend would show up later. He hadn't eaten so I rustled up a meal for him. My wife can't stay, dog hair cut at 6pm, her hair cut at 7pm. Girlfriend shows up, had not eaten and was cranky. Made her dinner after already doing this once. UPS shows up with my present(they treated me best, and don't even know me!), which was cool. Friday I must go into work REALLY early to drop off treat for office, then P.U. sister and hubby and run them to the airport. Tonight, we have to do dinner and theater with customers (dressed up) and I do not like to dress up on Fridays! Saturday is a Wedding, with reception I must attend. I don't know these people, and right now don't want to. If it sounds like I'm whining I'm sorry. I don't care if anyone does anything FOR my birthday, I mind when they do things TO me on my birthday!