Random Thoughts On July 14, 2009

Sorry for my absence.

Gasoline is sitting right around $2.19. I predict under a two bucks in August, but back up by Labor Day.

It sure has been hot. I've been worried about my homies in Oklahoma. Temperatures have shot well over 100 every day. I was down there a couple weeks ago and that day alone the temp guage in the car hit 106.

Received a Guam quarter the other day. So now I have a Puerto Rico and Guam. I haven't checked yet but I bet there will be a U.S. Virgin Islands and District of Columbia.

Gabby is doing great. Our two-year anniversary is quickly approaching.

Today is the anniversay of my former company dying. I guess it is my one-year anniversary with the new company. The year and the day was a mixed bag. It feels it has been mostly an uphill battle, but I think successess might be around the corner. We'll see. Nonetheless, it has been a battle.

Hope you are doing well.

Random Thoughts On June 21, 2009

Longest day of the year .... the first day of Summer ..... Solstice. I spent the entire day inside my home. Never even stepped outside. Actually, I think I did stand on the porch for a minute and look around. Decided it was to hot to do any outside work.

Did get laundry done and many other tasks in the home. Never enough though. Watched three episodes of "Saving Grace" from season 2. I don't have cable (by choice), and just purchased the dvd. Also got "True Blood." On Saturday watched four episodes from season 1.

The latter is pretty intense. Anna Paquin is a favorite. She was on NPR's "Fresh Air" earlier this month, inspiring me to purchase the DVD. It was on sale at Target for $24.99. The first Target was sold out. But now that there's four in KC's northland I just ran to another.

"Saving Grace" is just crazy. Holly Hunter has come a long way since "Broadcast News." She's so skinny. I really like her. It just dawned on me .... Holly and Anna were in "The Piano" together (both winning Oscars), a movie a very much liked. Love, Passion, Obsession. And now they both have shows on cable. That second episode of "Grace" got me a little teary-eyed.

Also mowed and many other things over the weekend. Not just tv-watching

Gasoline is around $2.39. Got to as high as $2.55. I bet it will go up again around the Fourth of July.

The Home Battle

Mowed Monday night. The front lawn is looking stellar. The back .... still just a struggle. Deer poop, moles, weeds .... it's a constant battle. I also love that the neighbors are adamant I need to trim my tree limbs that are shading their lawn too much. They say the stuff in their yard can't grow. Ooops. "Sorry," I tell them. "While you're worried about that, will you get your kids to pick up their toys and will you throw away that headless flamingo."

I've found most ant trails. I've read you can kill them inside, but until you find the trails outside, usually they'll keep coming back. I think I am finding success!

The home needs painted something fierce. What I hate about home ownership is that I want to do it all myself. When I can do it, I get all excited and knock it out. When I feel like I can do it, or feel I should be able to do it, I start to get a little hesitant. When I know that I should just hire someone to get it done, I become completely frozen. Can't decide a thing.

Meanwhile, I've got some serious wood root or one side of the home. It sucks. Makes me want to buy a condo.

At least the lawn looks good!

Random Thoughts On June 4, 2009

Had three big deadlines this past Monday. Leading up to them gave me much anxiety. Met one without too much problem. Will now await the response form the feds. Struggled quite a bit with the other two. One task was completed today, but before I left the office I found an oversight. Curses. The other task I hope to have checked off the list on Friday. The lateness is not entirely my fault. But ... the bottom line is that the deadlines were missed. Darn!

After working some this past Saturday, May 30, on those above-mentioned projects, played a little on Saturday too. Hooper's, Kohl's, Macy's and a few other stops. Then that night attended the annual Bloom Party! It's just not the same without MegMcB, but I still had a fantastic time. Saw lots of old chums. The event was at the Midland Theater downtown and was well attended. Much fun.

When I'm typing, Gab attacks me. If I make eye contact she peers into my eyes and lets out an endearing and begful "MEOWWWW!" It's like, "Pet me. Now." Then she starts to massage me. Back and forth with each paw. It cracks me up. If I blow her a kiss she responds with a "mmmrrrrowwww." She also likes to cuddle.

A co-worker was killed in a car accident earlier this week. While on his way to work. I didn't know him that well, but had interacted in several meetings. Enough that I knew he was someone I liked. According to reports, a speeding vehicle caused the accident, not the co-worker. However, it is believed the co-worker did not have on the safety belt. He was thrown from his vehicle when it flipped several times. 48, married, with children. Very sad.

Gasoline is about $2.38. One station on the trip home Thursday night was at $2.49 and another $2.42, but all the others were $2.38. The higher is a station that has no employees. Credit card only.

Thursday's weather was incredible. A co-worker and I took off at lunch and walked for 45 minutes all around downtown. It was a nice walk. Then we stopped at Subway. You guess right ... "five dollar, five dollar ....."

Hey Teresa. Welcome to KC! Missouri or Kansas?

Chillin' At Home

Gabby loves chillin' ..... usually watching me type on the computer. She's a riot. And in case you're wondering, hasn't slowed down one bit when it comes to carrying a conversation. Geez. She does understand the word "No!" She's an incredible little monster.

Remembering

Went to Rolling Acres Sunday as I often do over a Memorial Day weekend. It's really such a peaceful, comforting and beautiful place. And if I had arrived earlier, the employees there were hosting a big cookout. All the tables and other things were still out as evidence on what I missed.

Came across a patch of little memorials that all had matching flowers. (See the pic above.) I liked how it looked. Made me smile. While looking at the little markers, I came across a "Cowboy." Can you believe it? A little monster named Cowboy. I love that idea!

Saturday morning I ran by Petco. I was there to purchase Gabby's food, but they were having a pet adoption day. So I did check out the monsters. Overheard a couple agreeing to adopt a little dog. The foster parenting people said they needed a name for the adoption papers. The duo agreed on "Goldie," but later I overheard the Mr. say to the Mrs. "you know I'm going to change it later."

I can't imagine having to select a name just like that. It took over a month for me to name Gabby. Although it likely was very clear since she kept shouting it at me.

I had a high school friend that named all her cats Herman. I've known others that like to name every pet the same name. My mom and sister each have a dog named "Cow." Seriously. And can you guess why the creatures are named that?

Besides what looks to be duck/geese poop that I swear wasn't there when I took this pic, the humans remembering "Casey" did it with a pinwheel and a tennis ball. It made me think about the hours of fun Casey had with tennis balls. The people too.

Anyone who has followed "Wild Life" knows that I am horribly reminiscent. I miss fiercely. Struggle daily not to think stuff. So ... a day or a weekend like Memorial Day is one I like because it is OK to remember. I love seeing all the different ways memories are cherished. I also love seeing people remembering. I actually visited three places on Sunday and all three were packed. In addition to missing, I hoped everyone I saw were also remembering all the fun and happy times shared.

Random Thoughts On May 6, 2009

Women's NCAA Central Regional golf tournament starts May 7. It is in Columbus, Ohio. Hope the fourth-ranked Oklahoma State women's team does well.

Gas prices had dropped to about $1.84. But Wednesday on the way home I saw a $1.99 everywhere. I am always amazed how slowly they creep down but can shoot up 15-cents in a flash.

Met my friend VVW for lunch on Wednesday. We walked around downtown, then to the City Market to get cookies, then back to 10th and Grand. Finally, I walked about eight more blocks back to my office. It was a fun walk on a beautiful day. Mowed when I got home. Pooped now.

There was a friendly beagle-looking pup wandering the neighborhood. The area kids came running while I was mowing .... "Mr. Cowboy, Mr. Cowboy .... please get the dog in our yard. We need your help." They are used to Daphne being over and probably thought I could help. They genuinely were scared.

I grabbed him. He was really a friendly guy and liked the kids. Played with them. I went back to mowing. One of the parents said they would make sure he was OK. I hope someone claimed him. No collar.

Took of Gab's collar and bandana tonight to clean it. I left it off for now. But she looks naked.

I think she misses Daph. But I don't think she misses having to eat dinner from a chair. Nor do I think she misses Daph staring at her while she's going No. 2 and then sniffing the box when she's done.

And Just Like That

Gasoline prices were $1.91 on my drive home Thursday night. $1.91 at Quik Trip. Up 17 to 18-cents in one day.

Another Win

The Oklahoma State men's golf team garnered a win at the Big 12 Golf Championships. With the women's victory this past Sunday, the feeling is pretty sweet.

After round two the Pokes were tied with Colorado. The team pulled a little ahead after round three and then ran away with it during the fourth round. Won the individual medalist too.

Regional competition is next for both teams.

Visited the Schrammies tonight. Had a fantastic dinner and then all four kids, Mom Schrammie and Dad Schrammie joined me in the living room to watch American Idol. It was fun. The kids liked that Jamie Foxx song. It's not played on NPR so I wasn't familiar with it. But doesn't he same something about "Blame it on alcohol?" Hmmmmm?

I saw gasoline at $1.74 on Wednesday.

Random Thoughts On April 27, 2009

Was glancing through some prior posts from a year ago. Saw a post with an update on gasoline prices. I also noted in that year-ago rant that my daily commute to/from work was costing me around $7.

Currently, prices around town are sitting about $1.79. Saw one place at $1.77, but also still saw one Monday at $1.89. In this range, my daily commute is about 85 to 90 cents. Pretty darn sweet. Prices are lower and my commute is 21 miles shorter. Very sweet!

I'm scared I'm losing in my jihad against dandelions. As well as the battle against all weeds, ants, wood rot and other ailments. Ick.

Daphne is still hanging out with the Gabster and me. She's been eating quite a bit of cat food. I am sure she is going to start meowing. I know she's enjoying her stay. We're having fun.

I'm on the board for a local charity group. In our most recent board meeting a gentleman provided an update on pet therapy programs. He said one thing they do is have a young child with reading and confidence challenges to sit alone and read to the dog. The canine sits there looking at the child while she/he reads "Clifford" or whatever. I think that's classic. I can just imagine how fun that might be for a child. I also can clearly imagine a dog's reaction while a child reads away.

The gentleman also said his main therapy dog just passed away April 19. The minute taker in the meeting starting crying. It all made me a little teary eyed.

A big shout out to the Oklahoma State women's golf team for the winning the Big 12 Championship. The team led all three rounds, with the final round ending April 26. The men's championship started April 27. The OSU men are leading the pack after day one. Go Pokes!

The Pianist

This video was e-mailed to me. I am certain if my Gabby had a piano she'd be pounding like there was no tomorrow.

No. 51

Two of my friends celebrate birthdays on April 15. MegMcB and Judy Mc. Neither are 51. One is older than the other and one is younger. Hope they both had great days.

Got my taxes all done and filed. Even filed an amended return or two. Really. Long story. Got the task done and am proud of it. Fewer and fewer folks are mailing returns. I remember back in the day going to the Post Office on tax night just to be part of the madness. This year at 8:53 p.m. the line of cars was only eight deep in front of me. Electronic is the way to go.

I owed more than $51 and received a refund of more than $51. From the feds as well as Missouri.

Have had a "roadshow presentation" the last month or so. I think I've done easily a dozen or so. Another knocked out on Wednesday. I enjoy the outreach throughout the company and educating. Been kind of fun.

Today's program was at a downtown office building. It afforded me the opportunity to run to a Post Office within a different downtown building to purchase stamps. With those in hand, I was crazy slapping those babies on the envelopes containing my tax returns. Quick shout out to the LouLou for providing those envelopes from her handy-dandy office supply stash.

Twenty years from now, there will be no one around that remember licking stamps.

In my change from the kind postal clerk? A Puerto Rico quarter.

Opening Day

Borrowed this pic from The Kansas City Star. It was my favorite of the more than 100 pics the paper had on their website. I love had the photographer got the youngster and Sluggerrr (look in the background) in almost the same pose. Sluggerrr is one of my favorite all-time mascots. He's a cat, by the way. OK ... a lion.

Kansas City's Royals opened the season in a newly shined up stadium. I am looking forward to going to a game this season to check it out. I didn't make it to a single game last season. One of the first times for that to happen for me. Usually I make at least one. Can't wait to see Sluggerrr.

Random Thoughts On April 13, 2009

Haven't had any random thoughts lately. Sorry. Long enough that it took three attempts to log in. Couldn't remember the password. That's sad.

Gas is sitting right at $1.85. Some a penny or two higher/lower. "Spring" is sitting on the cooler side. I'm scared we will go straight to AC-weather. Nice spring days are desired. Did you have a good Easter?

Met a HUGE deadline on Monday at work. It required me to put about 20 hours in on Friday through Sunday. Sad part is that Friday was a work holiday. Until now, I had never worked anywhere that had Good Friday as a holiday. In any case ... I had to work.

Daphne is here. She arrived today. After her about four months in the D.C. area, I think she's glad to be back in the middle of the country. Her folks are preparing for their next move to the Fort Riley area.

Have you done your taxes?

Enjoyed all of March Madness. I would have loved to have seen Missouri make it to the Final Four. It certainly was fun to see them beat a very good Memphis team. I had told you to pick MU in your bracket. Hope you did.

My capped tooth is doing well. Work is going OK, although most days it sure is challenging. Hope all is going fine with you.

Another View - Bonus Pic

Star Gazing

I was sitting in front of the computer typing away ..... turned around and caught the Gabster watching "Dancing With The Stars." She likes the show. The camera was within my arm's reach. Had to snap the photo without a flash to make sure I didn't disturb her television watching. (Please ignore the dirty socks on the floor, shoes not put away, dust on the shelf, and rabbit ears on our digital-converter-box-enhanced television.)

Random Thoughts On March 26, 2009

There's less than nine months until Christmas. I still can't believe that April 1 is just around the corner.

Anyone who has visited "Wild Life" over the last couple years knows that I am a strong proponent of free tax filing. Anyone making less than $56,000 annually qualifies for free tax filing. Click here for more info on the irs.gov site. And don't forget to take advantage of Earned Income Credit or any of those other things for which you might be able to qualify.

Anyone notice how the group numbers on American Idol this year apparently horribly lip synced? The show is really strange this year. That said, I think my early favorite is the little guy named Chris.

Speaking of television .... I miss "Pushing Daisies" something fierce. I hate that show is gone. I forever will wonder how that story line would have evolved.

I wasn't sad to see the Pittsburgh Panthers beat my Cowboys last Sunday. Don't get me wrong ... I'd prefer to see the Pokes win always. But losing to Panthers is never bad. I'd rather lose to Panthers rather than red and blue birds or something like that.

Flowers are trying to creep out here in Kansas City. It has been warming up, but this weekend there's a great chance of snow. You gotta love springtime in Kansas City!