What a Long and Strange Trip

Married 11 years?

2008-10-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my anniversary.

I've been married 11 years. Wow, this is longer than any of my previous romantic relationships combined. I would usually go out with someone for about 2-3 years then one of us would break it up.

Now, I am in uncharted territory. Just as with the rest of life, this didn't come with instructions or manuals. Believe it or not, I am one of the few guys that will read the manual. I learned this over working many years at Radio Shack. Many times, we would have to show our customers how to use the equipment and a few would return it without even talking to us. We realized that these customers did not even read the manual. So as a return reason, we would list "Failure to RTFM" (Read the F@#%" Manual.) Ever since then I RTFM.

What has changed since we've been married? Well, for the most part, health and family changes.

If I were an Automobile--I would be subjected numerous Recalls: Diabetes, Sleep Apnea and other health issues. I joke when I had to fill out medical forms with the "You or your family ever had..", I would not check anything. Now most of it is checked.

Family Additions and Subtractions: Both Ma and Pa passed on, however, we added Kevin (Brother's youngest Son, his oldest was born while we were dating), Dean and Erin (Sister's son and daughter.) Sean got divorced. As for Valerie's side, everything is stable.

Career Path: I have been unemployed twice--Once for two months and this stint, eight months within these past eleven years. This will be the 5th Job I am looking for.

Automotive: Changed from a truck to a coupe due to an accident.

So what's my point?

Valerie is the constant throughout all of this. Never, in my mind, would I ever thought I would test my wedding vows--you know "For Richer or Poorer, in Sickness and Health"

Now, I will admit that I am not the easiest person to live with. I am more like Oscar than Felix in the Odd Couple. And there are times, I wonder why I married Valerie, however I am glad I did.

Valerie, I will not mind scrapbooking, photography, the Disney obsession or the infatuation with Donny Osmond or Keith Urban.

I promise:

Take you to different places to expand your knowledge of geography.
Constantly to push you to improve--i.e. the Camera.
Take you to Scrapbook stores without glazing over too much.
Keep Clock Building to a minimum-except when asked.
Put up with you know who.
Help your friends whenever I can.
Treat your parents like my own.

and Finally, to love you as best I can.

Happy 11th anniversary and to the hope you can stand me for many more years.

Meanwhile, back at the Ranch

2008-10-23T02:34:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I have blogged, I totally forgot my log in. Due to a virus, I had to delete my first user name on my computer--I lost all my log ins and passwords. I had to reset everything. I even started a new blog and now that I can log in, I am back at the old one.

Here's what happened since I last blogged:

Lost my job again: I was a General Manager for a small Mailing and Print operation. Until I really started working for them, I did not realize that they were a one trick pony. Meaning, the company had one big account that supplied 80% of the income. You can see this coming--the account cut back most of its work to us. I was laid off within a week. Am I bitter? Yes, my layoff was a knee jerk reaction. My boss said that it was temporary--I have little trust with corporate America. I am looking for a new job.

We put Mom to rest: After spending about two years in my brother's garage, Sean finally got an airplane we could use. We flew out to the same location that we dropped Dad. I finally learned that it was off of Del Mar not Solana Beach. So instead of flying the plane, I got to drop Ma. Unfortunately, I covered the side of the airplane with Ma's ashes. Even though I was very sad when Mom died, it feels good to put her to rest.

Took a Road Trip: My brother invited me on a camping trip. He lives in Colfax, CA (Outside of Sacramento) I was reluctant to go--being unemployed, however, Valerie convinced me to go. So, I loaded up the Go-Cart (my Solara) and drove up. This was the first long road trip in the Go-Cart--it was very comfortable.

I arrive at my brother's house and he tells me that we are going to Boca Lake. This is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (just the other side of Donner Pass.) So off I go with my nephew, Brian to get a spot. Everything is booked up and we get a crappy spot 5 miles up the road. I leave my nephew to hold the spot and drive down to the camp space that rented them. Since I did not have cellphone service at the camp site, I stopped to make some phone calls. The guy I spoke with said to set up and we would have the other person come up and fill up the paperwork. Well, by the time I got to rent it, the other person had rented it to some one else and had my nephew move.

I came unglued and told her she was wrong. I located the guy I originally spoke with and made my case. He went to work it out, however, we did not get the original space back. He did give us one of the CDF Reserved spaces. It was exactly what we wanted.

So, Sean, Brian, Kevin and I set up camp. Sean's better half, Mary and her son Elliot joined us on the second day. This is the first time I have slept in a tent since I was in Boy Scouts. We spent three fun filled days overlooking a lake. We rode motorcycles and Quads. Went swimming once (too cold), but got to spend time with the nephews and brother. My sister Maureen and her kids Dean and Erin came up for the afternoon. It was a small family reunion. We left Sunday to go to his house-not a moment too soon. After spending three days with no shower or flushing toilet, we were really dirty--it took me 45 minutes in the shower to get clean and had to use a scouring pad to clean my hands.

Job Front: I have had about 4 interviews since I was laid off in August. I have a job offer that is exactly like the one I mentioned in my last blog--GM of a Printer about 3.5 miles away and pay is very low. I have a final interview with a mail house on Monday, I will see what they have to say. If the offer is better, I will go to work for them. I am hoping that I will get a job this month. If not, Everything slows down in November and December. With the economy bushwacked, I don't know if it will pick up soon.

So there you have it. I 've had a really poor attitude for most of the time. Now, I have a better outlook.

Check out Valerie's Blog--She is much better at it than I am.

Happy Trails to you-- until we meet again.

The Road to Normalicy?

2008-07-13T17:11:00.001-07:00

I have been working for a little over a month and it feels good. So, I started car shopping. I originally had my choices narrowed to the following:

2005-2007 Honda Accord EX-L
2005-2007 Toyota Camry (With Leather and Moon roof)
2005-2007 Scion XB

Valerie suggested we look at the Element (Why No Pinch.) I felt that I was driving a truck. Don't get me wrong--the Element is a great vehicle, however after looking over the cargo capacity, I would easily overload it.

So a week ago today, Valerie and I went out to several dealerships to test drive several cars. We had a little game to see how fast the Sales Weasels would introduce themselves. Valerie won with 15 Seconds. Then it got even more absurd, the moment we stepped on the lot--We would get ambushed.

No one seemed to have the right car in the right price range. We spoke with one sales rep in Santa Ana, who, when he found out the price range--tried to find a car. When we could not, he suggested a new car. When I told him I could not afford it, all you could see is dust clouds from his leaving.

We went down to a Honda Dealer in Irvine. We went through the same drill. Then he showed us a 2005 Toyota Solara SE. It is silver with dark gray leather interior. It has a moon roof and 4 cylinder engine. It is basically 90 percent of what I was looking at. They had it listed for 19K. The only thing that stopped me that it was a coupe. I was interested in a sedan. I told the Sales Rep I would call him back if I wanted the car.

Valerie and I went to two other Honda lots and could not find anything. So I went home and did research on the Toyota. I had pricing, CarFax and reliability information-- I called him back and said I was interested. We could not meet that night, so I took time off work next day to go down there and make the deal. I examined the car and told the rep--I would need to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic. We negotiated and off I went to the mechanic.

Here I found out the Battery needed service, new Air Cleaner and the Moon roof didn't work. The Mechanic told me that if these things were changed, this car is in excellent shape. I took it back to the dealer and told him I would buy it if these things were fixed. It took them two days to do all of this.

So for the first time in 6 years, I have a car payment.

So after all of this, do I like the car? You bet! It is a nice adult car--I call it the Go Cart. It is fast and handles well. Valerie calls it my mid life crisis car.

With it I feel I took one more step to putting the unemployment period behind me.

What about the Buickmobile? My friends will not need the car until September 27. So I will take the time to fix all the little things,clean the exterior, shampoo the carpets/seats and change all the filters as a thank you!! It has been a great car and I am very grateful to have use of it.

Now if I can only get some time off this year...

Thank you for the Welcome Back!

2008-06-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you very much for the warm welcome back! I am glad that I am back at work. I feel at home with what I am doing for a job. Much less stress at this position than at the previous one.

I want to share some thoughts and experiences. I hope this will help others in looking for work. To skrpndiva, I understand how you feel. Back in 2000, I was one of the first Mortgage Sub prime victims-First Alliance Mortgage. I managed their mailings. I remember the feelings when I said I worked for a mortgage company--and the looks. Hopefully, what I have learned will help.

1) Apply for Unemployment: I know sometimes that it feels odd and embarrassing. But think of it this way, you paid for it.

2) Contact every one you know--Vendors, Friends, Former Colleagues: I have received at least two interviews from recommendations from former vendors. Think of the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. You never know who knows who.

3) Try all avenues of a job search: I have landed jobs through Newspaper ads, Internet postings, Referrals, Headhunters and old fashion cold calling. This last one, I walked into the business, left my resume and followed up.

4) Join the One Stop Center in your area. For those who are not in Southern California, One Stop is like an office. You can use computers, photocopiers and phones for your job search. Additionally, they have classes to sharpen your interview skills , resume and follow ups. They will also test you to help your change your career.

5) Network, Network, Network! Everyone out there is a potential employer or a way in. See (2). I received my last job from networking with an old vendor.

6) This will be very familiar to all Sales Reps out there. Looking for a job is selling a product--you. You will get a ton of people saying no to you--Sales reps will rationalize it by saying each no they receive will bring them closer to Yes. In looking for a job, you only need one yes!

7) Bad times do not last forever. It may certainly feel that way, however, do what you need to do and the bad time will pass.

8) Anyone that tells you--Unemployment is a vacation--has never been there. On Unemployment, you worry about conserving money, looking for a job and paying bills. This is no vacation. I had just as much stress on unemployment as on my last job.

It has been a long five months and I am grateful to be back in the land of the unemployed. I hope you do not have to experience it and if you do--I hope it is short.

B.

I'm Baack!!!

2008-06-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

In my last post, I spoke of being laid off. Well after almost five months, I will be starting a new job on Wednesday. I will become a General Manager at a local Mail, Print and List broker.

What has happened these past few months? I finished my programing class. Still waiting for the grade. I had two sections that I had real trouble understanding. There was one homework problem that only 3 people in the class that got it. Professor did not go over it with the class. That gives you an idea of how it went.

Unemployment insurance pays far better than I remember. However, I got within one month of it ending. I found out about a very good group and resource. The One Stop Center of the EDD. They help you refine your interviewing skills, sharpen your resume and teach you how to network. I joined a Experience Unlimited Group and went to Saddleback Church Networking meetings.

I have been to almost all Direct Marketing operations within a thirty mile radius. Within a month of my layoff, I had my first interview. I didn't quite fit. I have been to interviews as far south as northern San Diego county. I was negotiating with a Printer/Mailer about 3.5 miles from my house. I would have practically lived at the facility and what he offered wasn't what I was looking for--So I passed.

In February, I was involved in an automobile accident. I was in a parking lot and someone backed into my truck. Since it was a 13 year old Toyota, the damage was such--the truck was totaled. I went to buy a car on the internet--it turned out to be a scam. The woman was transferred to England and wanted to sell the car. She said it was in a garage and I couldn't see it. She needed a deposit to come to California. Wanted me to wire money to an escrow company--I started to get suspicious when I could not find the address of the company, her accountant and her home address was bogus. Thankfully, I did not fall for it. The old saying "if it is too good to be true--it usually is!"

Friends lent me the use of a 1996 Buick LeSabre Custom. Nice car. As a thank you, I am fixing all the little things before I return it. We named it the Buickmobile! So once I get working, I will buy a used Japanese car.

What I have I learned these past five months? Well there is no one way to look for a job. Keep in touch with your friends. Help your friends when you can--I worked with a friend to help start his company. Take care of your better half.

Do I still regret being laid off? I am relaxed--I worried a little about not finding a job. Talking to my friends still at the last job--Things have gotten weirder.

What have I learned with this whole ordeal? I will be networking for my next job and working with my friends and contacts in the business.

I am sorry you all haven't heard from me--I really wanted to post happy news.

Joining the Ranks of the Unemployed

2008-01-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, It happened to me. I am now known as Unemployed Floyd.

My company had a big slowdown in work, so they decided to cutback on personnel. I had only been there a year and they had hired a replacement for me at a lesser rate. It was a high pressure job and it affected me about mid year causing some medical problems. They were not happy with how I was doing--hence the replacement. I was asked to train him for a period--then I was to be laid off. My replacement had convinced them to keep me on--The job really required 1.5 people to do. Thanksgiving came and people became focused in the holidays--the job market dried up. I was about to fire up the job search again and now this.

How did I feel?

Since I had been a manager, the process was very familiar to me. However, this was one of the very few times I was on the receiving end. I really wasn't sad--I felt a bit relieved. Short of leaving the job for another, this was an excellent way to leave. When interviewing, I can really say that I was laid off for lack of work. They were planning to reduce the division I was in.

So what's next..

I applied for unemployment. I have applied two prior times--1983 and 2000. In 2000, the company that I was working for ceased operations. Since, by law, I received two month's severance--I was ineligible for unemployment payments. Fortunately, at the end of two months, I found my next job.

I'll take a few days off to clear my head. I have contacted vendors and friends--put the word out that I'm back on the market...in the job search, that is. Clean up a few things around the house. I also start a programing class this next week.

What for the future? For the first time in a long time, I have different directions I could go. I will find a job. If I have to work part time--No Problem. I have never been afraid of work. I just need to keep my spirits up and persevere.

Or I could just stay home and be a kept man.

Kidding.

Ok, I finally fell victim to....

2008-01-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

I finally bought an iPod.

I had resisted up to now. It was very expensive in my opinion just to play music.

What sold me? I had a friend that purchased one and had it plugged into his car. He has a Music Keg (Kenwood Hard Drive) hooked up too. He told me that he hardly ever uses it. He really loves his iPod.

Then I started looking at the Classic. As you have read from my previous posts, I fly up to Reno on a regular basis. I have tried to watch movies on the way up with both the laptop and portable DVD Player. Both were very clumsy to pull out and set up. The DVD player battery only lasts an hour and the flight is over an hour especially with a layover.

This iPod (80 gig) will last up to 5 hours playing video and 14 hours just playing music. It will hold 15,000 songs and untold movies. With that much room, I can store all of my music and then some, all on a device that is a little wider than a pack of cigarettes and about 1/2 inch thick.

Just amazing. Even though it was expensive, I view it this way. Way back when, I bought my first hard drive for a computer--it was a 20 MG hard drive. It was used and I got for a steal at only $200. Now the iPod with 80000 times the capacity for just $50 more.

I have to hand it to Apple. The packaging was very elegant and minimal. I am used to i-Tunes for transfer. Had a few problems with iTunes conflicting with some of my software, however with an update of iTunes and reinstall of the conflicted software--it smoothed out.

Now, in case anyone from Apple reads this, i do have a list of demands for the next generation of iPods:

1) Include an AC power unit. After spending that kind of money--you would think they would include one. They do not.

2.) Reduce pricing at the Apple Store. Pricing at the Apple Store is very high. To get that AC adapter, you would need to spend $26 for it. Now I bought just a charging unit with an AC and Car adapter for only $19 (Not Apple brand) at Radio Shack.

3) Get a sales force at said Apple Store to be able to let me as a consumer play with their equipment. The Salespeople at Apple Store are not much help. I guess when you can't open up the Macs or other equipment--you do not learn much about it.

All in all, I really like my iPod. I am trying to interest Valerie in getting one, however she is having more fun with her Nintendo DS...trying to reduce her Brain Age from 69 to at least her real age.

Now to load all that stuff..

Veni,Vidi,Vici!!!!

2007-12-22T12:24:00.001-08:00

Veni,Vidi,Vici--first spoken by Julius Caesar in 47 BC. Translation from Latin "I came, I saw, I conquered." This is how I feel today. I took the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam.

This quest started back in 1972, Dad purchased a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12. He had been a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the late '50s. I guess once it gets into your blood, it never lets go. We would go flying. Going through school, I did very poorly in math, but I could navigate.

1978, took basic Aviation class in high school. Ended up moving to Northern California just after graduation. No chance to take the test.

1979, Took my first ground school class at Santa Rosa Community College. Passed the class. Took the test in the classroom on paper. Sent the results to Oklahoma City and waited about 6 weeks for their return. Missed passing by 3 points--Missed 20 questions out of a 60 question test. I was devastated. I had my girlfriend at the time help me study.

1981-1982 Started flying. made it to 38 hours (40 is the minimum) Got to my last dual cross country flight and my instructor told me it was time to take the written. I started college at the time and really started to get into my studies. College and Flying do not mix. Did take Ground School in college--don't quite remember why I did not take the test.

Fast forward to 2002: I decided to go back and try ground school again. College was finished and I was working. It was a bit complicated-I was diagnosed with Diabetes. I did not think I could pass the physical, but got a waiver. Finished Ground School in the Spring--went to take the test, however, my Dad fell, went into the hospital and died a few weeks later. Did not have the heart to proceed.

2005: I started back at it again. Same teacher and Class as 2002. Passed that class with an A. Put off taking the test for about a month and then the time stretched--Mom took a turn for the worse and I spent time going back and forth to Reno (every few months) to see her and give my sister a break. Unfortunately, she passed away that summer.

2007: Everybody else is healthy, so different college and teacher. This time, I decided to take the test. One week after the class, here I am. I was apprehensive--It was a tough test the first time I took it. However, technology changed everything. Now it is on a computer. It was so much simpler. Instead of the 2.5 hours allowed for it, I finished in 4o minutes. The proctor administering the test was surprised on how quickly I came back.

How did I do?--I missed 4 questions or 93% correct . I kicked its ASS!! I have finally beat this test after 28 years.

Now on to get the medical and back into the Air. I want to say thank you to all of you that have supported me on this quest.

This one is for you Dad.

The Flight from Hell

2007-11-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

Early Thanksgiving Morning, Valerie and I headed down to Ontario Airport to board our flight to Reno. It did not start well and went downhill from there.

Ok, first things first: we woke up a bit late and were thirty minutes behind schedule. At o'dark hundred, there is no traffic to speak of and thankfully no trouble finding off site parking (we made reservations--the lot was full when we arrived.) We thought at that early hour (4:30am), we would go straight to the terminals. We had to make several stops to pick people up--it took awhile to get to the terminals. Then when we arrived, we took one look at the line to check in and quickly decided to check in curbside.

We were two people away from checking in when the Skycap escorted some bags in and never came back. We rushed into line to check inside. We make it through the line and went to face the TSA.

TSA--Thoroughly Slow Actions.

With apologies to my Brother in law, Government and efficiency are two words that do not go together. They were backed up and were moving very slowly. Then they changed people and it seemed to speed up a bit. By the time they picked up our bags, we heard the announcement that our flight was closed and leaving. So we make our way to the gate.

TSA Continued

We look at line to go through security. It was almost back to the ticket counters (those of you who are familiar with Ontario Airport will know what I mean)--Imaging 700 feet of people. We finally get through it and out to the gates.

Southwest

We went to our original gate and talked to the agent. They were unable to give us a confirmed flight, so they put us standby for the next flight. It was dicey. To add insult to injury, the weather in Ontario was socked in from fog, and the flight coming into continue our journey was delayed. But we were lucky enough to get a couple of seats to San Jose. Now if we were unable to get a flight from there, I was going to rent a car and drive from San Jose. Valerie was totally against it . If we never left Ontario, we had two invitations for Thanksgiving. Finally, Valerie and I got the last two seats to Reno. Roughly two hours from the time we supposed to arrive--we made it to Reno.

They say that you need to arrive two hours before flight time--On Thanksgiving or other holidays, that should extend to three or four hours. We were late and lucky. Since I have been flying commercially (35 years), this is the first time I have missed a flight. So, next time, Valerie and I will take the day before the holiday(or Tuesday for Thanksgiving) and travel. This way, we beat the crowds. Two hours before flight time, I am at the gate. Do not get upset--it doesn't pay to blow up. We got farther being very nice.

The main question of the day--Was it worth it?

You bet--I had the world best welcoming committee waiting for me and Valerie. Two kids who we love a lot waiting in the car that picked us up from the airport.

That's what Thanksgiving is all about, after all.

Over the Meadow and Through the Woods...

2007-11-18T20:59:00.001-08:00

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving.

Valerie and I are heading up to Reno early Thanksgiving morning (o'dark hundred) to stay with My sister and her family. We try to rotate holidays between each side of the family. We will join my brother and Cousin from Ireland.

Things have changed over the years, We used to go over Grandparent's house in Long Beach, CA or they would join us in Orange County--Less than 20 miles away. As we moved around the country, it started changing. With our year in Canada, we celebrated it in October. As we lived in different areas, we celebrated with our parents.

When Ma moved to Reno, we started traveling up to my sisters. Instead of driving--we now fly. Two years ago, Valerie and I drove up there and ended up snowed in for two days. Now, we worry about making the flight, parking and getting through security. And of course, the weather.

This is all about family and now our family is concentrated in the Reno-Sacramento area. We will spend Christmas with Valerie's side. They are located in Long Beach--not too many issues such as parking, security or snow.

I will enjoy celebrating with nieces, nephews and the rest of the family. I will eat too much good food. Most importantly, I will share the experience and create memories with family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ten Years and Counting

2007-10-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was our tenth anniversary.

I am amazed! Valerie is my longest relationship by far - I've been with her for 12 years. We have been through a wild ten years of marriage--birth of my niece and nephews, the loss of my parents and on my side -three job changes. She has seen my highs and lows and is still here. We have faced parents getting older, changes in our health and watching kids we saw as babies grow into young adults.

I still remember our wedding day. It was windy and warm and the air felt electric. Since I lived so close to Knott's Berry Farm (we were married in the 100 year old Church inside the park), I wanted to walk from our apartment, across the street, to the wedding in my tuxedo. Valerie wouldn't hear of it and sent one of my best men and her friend to collect me. Her friend was offering me a last minute ride to the airport.

What a friend. Thanks for the offer, but I will pass.

It was a heck of a party and even today, I hear how everyone enjoyed it. My father often spoke of how it was the best wedding he had ever attended.

Last night, we celebrated at Ruth's Chris Steak House. We always enjoy ourselves there, and Saturday night was no exception -Good Steak, Good Food and a Great Time. I am so glad that Valerie and I share a love of a good steak.

Would I change some things? Of course, hindsight is always 20-20, but I also realize I am a very lucky man. Looking back, would I make the same decision and marry Valerie after all this time?

In a heartbeat..

I love you Valerie, and hope I am lucky to spend the next eighty years or ten million miles with you --whichever happens to comes first.

Visits with the Family

2007-10-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

I received this email from my sister today:

How am I supposed to sneak in on your life to see what you're up to (like I do to Valerie) IF YOU NEVER UPDATE THE STUPID THING???? IT"S BEEN OVER A MONTH since you updated it.

Just thought I'd share...

Love,

Your Sister

(OK, I know. However, to my sister, do let your presence be known. So, Sister, I will write and you now need to let me know you were there--no more sneaking. Deal?)

Onward.

This past Thursday would have been my Dad's 75th birthday. Five years ago this month, my brother and I spread his ashes over the Pacific Ocean. We flew my Dad's old airplane and dropped him off of Solana Beach. I try to visit twice a year. I bring tea leaves--Dad used to love drinking tea. I guess it was a nod to his upbringing. He was born and raised in Ireland--hence my my name.

Yesterday, Valerie and I drove down to Solana Beach to visit Dad. She was kind enough to give me some alone time with him. It had been awhile since I visited last and I still miss him. What I have learned through all of this is to tell your family how you feel when you still can or you will have conversations like I have with my Dad.

Before my Dad died, I tried to tell him how I felt, however, he would not let me say anything because he was still fighting cancer and needed to keep his spirits up. He said to me, "You will never say everything that you want to say to your father. I went through the same thing with my Dad and to this day, I have things I wished I had said to him."

With this blog, I share my thoughts and by sharing, I examine and hope to understand them. Along this journey of life, it helps to examine the road and sometimes make course corrections. So until next time...

And yes, I will try to be a better blogger.

Back to School

2007-09-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

To dovetail with Random Thoughts, I thought I would share my thoughts upon returning to school. I am taking two classes this semester. Aviation Ground School and Intro to computers and programing.

Ground School: This is the third time I am taking this class. It its not that I do not get it. It is to prepare you to take the FAA Private Pilot exam. Now if you do not take it right after the class, you start to lose your edge. As one of my teachers put it, Stuff keeps leaking out of the bucket. Unfortunately, I didn't take the test right off and later on that year, my Dad died.

Time two: Same teacher, Same Class four years later. Got out to take the test, however, Mom got sick and passed away that summer.

This time: New College, New teacher. This is a review. Everybody is healthy. Will take the test right after the class finishes. Then I have two years to finish flying.

Intro to Computers and programing: First non flying or Business related Class I've taken since my undergrad days. The registering process reminded me of good ol SDSU.

As I walked the campus, it felt exciting to be back. Even though, I am old enough to be the father of most of the students. I think I will like going back to school. Call me when you have no Class (Thanks to the late Rodney Dangerfield)

So like Valerie, I too feel odd venturing on to a college campus. But as humans, I believe we are wired to keep learning. After reading what happens to people as they age, I believe I will keep exercising my mind.

Now only if the body can follow.

Technology I Can't Seem to Live Without

2007-09-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

As I am studying for this online class, I was struck by the technological systems I have grown accustomed to and cannot do without:

DSL-- I have gone from a 1200 baud modem and calling bulletin boards (Pulled my first computer all nighter) to a wireless network and DSL. When the Internet started to gain popularity, I had dial up--talk about frustration, I used to hate waiting for pages to load. Sometime back through a problem with our ISP, We were without service for about a week. I felt that I was disconnected from the world.

E-Mail: At work, it is indispensable--I have a Blackberry to monitor it when I am away from my computer. My Dad had outlandish phone bills talking his contacts throughout the world ($3000 per month), once I dragged him into email--he dropped his phone bill down to $50. It makes it much easier to communicate with friends and family throughout the country and world.

DVD Player: What I can't say. Valerie and I went to the movies recently--we purchased tickets, 2 hotdogs, 2 sodas, one popcorn and candy. We were down about $35-45 bucks. I can rent a second run movie (a few months later) for about $ 4 . Soda is about $ 1.00 each. Popcorn (Microwave) is about $ 1.00. Do the math! Plus, if we have to take a biology break, we can stop the movie.

Computer: I have had a computer since 1987. The times I have been between computers, I felt like I am was in the stone age. I remember when I dragged my Dad into the 20th century. He fought me tooth and nail, but once he got to used to the idea--I could schedule time to do my homework at 2:00am. Funny, the more we rely on computers--the longer we wait for them.

DVR: A recent addition. Being in Orange County, CA--You could put a coat hanger on the back to the TV and get quite a few channels. I finally sprung for Dish when I was working nights--Valerie would have good TV to watch. After exploring Ebay, I found a Digital Video Recorder. I can pause live TV, rewind and fast forward through the commercials. Plus, it is real easy to set to record programs weekly. Beats the daylights out of the old VCR.

Cell Phone: When I was growing up, I always carried change to make an emergency phone call. After college, I was working in Sales--I knew the location of every pay phone in my territory. Now, I complain about coverage. Of course, it brings up a whole new set of rules--like no calls on that biology break.

Car Stereo: for those of us whose first cars were 60's era, the radios were at best AM Mono. Now, I have a hard drive that holds my music. With traffic in Southern California-a good radio is essential to keep your sanity.

Air Conditioning for Autos: Up until I bought my truck (1995) , I never owned a vehicle with air conditioning. Boy, I didn't know what I was missing--especially, this past Labor Day weekend. Here in So Cal, we had 100 degrees and 100% humidity--To all of you in other parts of the country--I know, quit whining. But if you are not used to it--welcome to the gates of Hell.

PDA: This I dub my electronic brain. I have my phone numbers and appointments in it. Tried the paper planners, but I kept forgetting to take them. I am I more organized? Not really, but I do not forget phone numbers or Doctor appointments.

This isn't the whole list and it will change in the future, however, isn't this what technology is supposed to do? Please share with me--The technology you can't live without. It will be interesting to see different interpretations.

Thank You for the Welcome

2007-09-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the lovely Valerie for giving me a little boost. To answer some questions that were raised from all of you who were kind enough to visit and leave a response.

I created this blog as part of a computer class I am taking. After many years of building, modifying, folding, spindling and working with computers--I have decided to learn programing. The last time I took a programing class, the Apple IIe (1981) was the big computer on campus. So not to worry, I am not an English major and far be it from me to comment on spelling and grammar. Heck, if it wasn't for spell check, I would be in deep trouble.

Nifty Nicknames: With a name like Brendan and the Irish surname I have, I have been called many unflattering nicknames when growing up. I was Brendan before it was cool. As I was growing up, I was called Brenda by 99 of every hundred substitute teachers I had. I had one teacher who pronounced my full name correctly--I used to have him say it a lot. I am more interested in the journey than having a cool nickname.

For those of you that invited me to your blogs: Thank you , I look forward to visiting and reading your interests and experiences.

Cast of Characters: I have my lovely wife Valerie--check out her blog and Elvis the Wonderkat. As for the family, I have my brother, Sean, Mary and his boys Brian and Kevin--want to feel old?, just watch kids grow. My Sister, Maureen, Don my BIL and her two Dean and Erin. Recently, there was Hurricane Dean and Tropical Storm Erin--Both of them got a kick out of having storms named after them. I see a lot of my sister in Erin--Sorry Maureen, but payback is a bitch.

Be Gentle--Student Blogger

2007-09-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my first blog. My wife has been blogging for the last few months and has been enjoying it. I am starting this as part of a class I am taking at a local Community College. I guess I am starting to join the 21st Century.

I am old enough to remember the days pre PC. No, I am not standing out in the yard with my pants up to my chest--yelling at the kids to get off of my lawn. Since the beginning of the PC age, I am constantly amazed at how technology changes rapidly. I guess the saying " The best is yet to come." is quite valid.

I welcome anyone to join in and share random thoughts and experiences. To paraphrase an old cliche "Life is not a destination, it's the journey." So I will share my journey and hope you will share yours with me.