People ask, "Does it get any better than this?" Well, my friends, the answer is yes. Just found out I got a 34 cent raise (.34*40*52=$700+ per year!) and that my performance since joining the company has been outstanding in the eyes of many! Hell yeah!
Oh, and whoever thought up the word nooner is a genius.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Hell Yeah!
In case you didn't know, today is FRIDAY! After sleeping like shit last night and having to come into work early today, I would have expected far worse. Now that I've found out that today is the Czech Republic's Statehood day, telling a co-worker I bite duck's heads, and seeing the video posted below, I don't know how the day could be better! Oh yeah, and did I mention tomorrow is the opening day of duck season in southern WI? 4:00 can't come soon enough!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday Is Gone...
Today is Thursday. The week has been busy and I think everyone I know would agree. So on to the important topics in today's news.
For all you out-of-staters, if there are any at all, the police reported to the UW Hospital late Tuesday night to respond to a call about an armed gunman at the top of the Hospital's parking ramp who was armed to the gills and wanted to commit suicide by police officer. Not good news at all. Thankfully FMD wasn't working but she did have an exam the following morning at 8 am in the building next door. I think she was a little paranoid about it and I guess I can't blame her. I was a little paranoid. Needless to say, she made it through the exam in one piece, but the exam was a kicker.
Yesterday we got news that PM and PS are no longer going to be having a baby later this year. How or why this happened remains to be a mystery but my heart certainly goes out to them.
SCB called last night and we were able to catch up on things. He's come to the conclusion that inequitable time to recovery is what is bothering him most. For someone to come to this conclusion and accept it is really a statement about his character. I know I've gone through a similar situation before and it took me months and months to accept that fact. Things are easier in the long run if you realize the simple truths in life and accept them for what they are... Opportunities to learn from and move on to bigger and better things. Moving on may not always need to be part of the equation probably, but he realization and learning are musts to remain healthy in the long run.
On another front, I don't agree with his recent purchase of an iBook though. This is one of those topics I can debate for hours with someone, but usually it doesn't do any good. Its what works for him but in the future when he wants to do XYZ with the thing, I'm only going to laugh and point and say, "I told you so!"
For all you out-of-staters, if there are any at all, the police reported to the UW Hospital late Tuesday night to respond to a call about an armed gunman at the top of the Hospital's parking ramp who was armed to the gills and wanted to commit suicide by police officer. Not good news at all. Thankfully FMD wasn't working but she did have an exam the following morning at 8 am in the building next door. I think she was a little paranoid about it and I guess I can't blame her. I was a little paranoid. Needless to say, she made it through the exam in one piece, but the exam was a kicker.
Yesterday we got news that PM and PS are no longer going to be having a baby later this year. How or why this happened remains to be a mystery but my heart certainly goes out to them.
SCB called last night and we were able to catch up on things. He's come to the conclusion that inequitable time to recovery is what is bothering him most. For someone to come to this conclusion and accept it is really a statement about his character. I know I've gone through a similar situation before and it took me months and months to accept that fact. Things are easier in the long run if you realize the simple truths in life and accept them for what they are... Opportunities to learn from and move on to bigger and better things. Moving on may not always need to be part of the equation probably, but he realization and learning are musts to remain healthy in the long run.
On another front, I don't agree with his recent purchase of an iBook though. This is one of those topics I can debate for hours with someone, but usually it doesn't do any good. Its what works for him but in the future when he wants to do XYZ with the thing, I'm only going to laugh and point and say, "I told you so!"
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Busy Beaver
Things have been particularly busy for me over the past few days and I haven't had a ton of time to write. Nothing has really been overly prevalent in my mind either so its been a little hard coming up with words. Never fear, Wednesday is almost here. Hopefully the mood will strike and my work day will allow! Until then...
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wonderful Weekend
This weekend took me to the north woods of Wisconsin near the town of Spirit, WI. Spirit is just a blip on the map and the road sign that lets you know you're driving through doesn't even have a population listed.
The weekend was originally conceived as a weekend to hunt with PSK and PGA, but it turned out that PGA couldn't make it. Instead, PSK and I were up at 6 am and on the water by 7:30 to find a spot in the west bay of Hultman lake to hunt. He offered his suggestion and we checked it out but decided on setting up on the north end instead.
An hour and a half went by and while we saw many ducks, none decided to give up and sit in the boat with us. The sound of the water or the motion of the ocean must have gotten to PSK and he decided to put the best duck call ever to work, his water whistle. Soon after pulling up his waders, to woodies started their approach. I asked twice if he could get to his gun but heard nothing so I shot one of the birds. No more than a second later, PSK shot as well. Nice shooting too! PSK had landed his first duck ever, a hen woodie.
Another hour and a half later, I decided to go for a walk on the bog and after falling through several times, I decided to give up just in time to see another woodie land in front of me. I decided to put her in the boat with us to make my tromp through the bog worthwhile. After PSK rescued me with the boat, we picked up and set up in the spot he originally suggested.
Though I flooded my waders a little putting out decoys, this spot was much nicer. I should have listened to him in the first place I guess! PSK shot 2 more ducks in the afternoon and we ended up with a total of 5 for the day. 2 woodies for me and 2 woodies and a hen mallard for PSK.
Sunday morning greeted us at 5 am and we quickly headed out to lay in a field to see if we couldn't score any geese that we had seen and heard the day before. We laid there for over an hour waiting and then they started coming in droves. We probably had over 100 geese in the field with us, but they were about 150 yards away at the other end. Trying to get up and sneak out didn't help any and we only ended up scaring them off. What do they say about the well laid plans of mice and men? And didn't something end up dieing? That wasn't the case for us...
After making the rounds to a couple other spots, PSK and I wound up back at Hultman lake. While he set up where we were located the night before, I took the boat out to see if I couldn't jump a few ducks myself. I didn't have any luck, but PSK ended up downing 2, a drake and a hen mallard. We quickly collected the ducks and went looking for one that he thought he got. I never saw it go down, but after jumping out of the boat and walking through the reeds for about 15 yards, I jumped up a susie and ended up smoking her about about 6 feet.
Our next stop put us at another landing where we had permission to hunt and while getting out of the car, I made sure to tell PSK not to slam the door when he got out so we could sneak down next to the water and see if we couldn't jump something up. He agreed that would be a good plan and while he was getting out, he pressed up against the horn on the truck! HA! I guess we only talked about not slamming doors, nothing about honking the horn. Next time I'll be sure to be more through.
We ended the day after that and went home to a wonderful meal of grilled duck and plenty of food from the family garden. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. The colors were beautiful, the company was great, and the weather even cooperated with us. I can't wait until next weekend now!
The weekend was originally conceived as a weekend to hunt with PSK and PGA, but it turned out that PGA couldn't make it. Instead, PSK and I were up at 6 am and on the water by 7:30 to find a spot in the west bay of Hultman lake to hunt. He offered his suggestion and we checked it out but decided on setting up on the north end instead.
An hour and a half went by and while we saw many ducks, none decided to give up and sit in the boat with us. The sound of the water or the motion of the ocean must have gotten to PSK and he decided to put the best duck call ever to work, his water whistle. Soon after pulling up his waders, to woodies started their approach. I asked twice if he could get to his gun but heard nothing so I shot one of the birds. No more than a second later, PSK shot as well. Nice shooting too! PSK had landed his first duck ever, a hen woodie.
Another hour and a half later, I decided to go for a walk on the bog and after falling through several times, I decided to give up just in time to see another woodie land in front of me. I decided to put her in the boat with us to make my tromp through the bog worthwhile. After PSK rescued me with the boat, we picked up and set up in the spot he originally suggested.
Though I flooded my waders a little putting out decoys, this spot was much nicer. I should have listened to him in the first place I guess! PSK shot 2 more ducks in the afternoon and we ended up with a total of 5 for the day. 2 woodies for me and 2 woodies and a hen mallard for PSK.
Sunday morning greeted us at 5 am and we quickly headed out to lay in a field to see if we couldn't score any geese that we had seen and heard the day before. We laid there for over an hour waiting and then they started coming in droves. We probably had over 100 geese in the field with us, but they were about 150 yards away at the other end. Trying to get up and sneak out didn't help any and we only ended up scaring them off. What do they say about the well laid plans of mice and men? And didn't something end up dieing? That wasn't the case for us...
After making the rounds to a couple other spots, PSK and I wound up back at Hultman lake. While he set up where we were located the night before, I took the boat out to see if I couldn't jump a few ducks myself. I didn't have any luck, but PSK ended up downing 2, a drake and a hen mallard. We quickly collected the ducks and went looking for one that he thought he got. I never saw it go down, but after jumping out of the boat and walking through the reeds for about 15 yards, I jumped up a susie and ended up smoking her about about 6 feet.
Our next stop put us at another landing where we had permission to hunt and while getting out of the car, I made sure to tell PSK not to slam the door when he got out so we could sneak down next to the water and see if we couldn't jump something up. He agreed that would be a good plan and while he was getting out, he pressed up against the horn on the truck! HA! I guess we only talked about not slamming doors, nothing about honking the horn. Next time I'll be sure to be more through.
We ended the day after that and went home to a wonderful meal of grilled duck and plenty of food from the family garden. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. The colors were beautiful, the company was great, and the weather even cooperated with us. I can't wait until next weekend now!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Driving Miss...
...HP LaserJet 4250 paper trays! I'm on the road today so I apologize for a lack of postings. If I get done early today, I'll make sure to throw something up there for all of you faithful readers!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Oh, The Open Road...
The open road. Some love it, some fear it. For me, its a little of both (damn I've been watching too many of those Covance commercials). Today, I loved it. What exactly I did for 65 miles there and 51 miles back, I couldn't tell you. It was a meditation of sorts and it left me feeling revived in a way.
Today is also Thursday. Every other Thursday is beef stroganoff day at the hospital's cafeteria and yours truly gets the employee discount! Go figure, I get a discount at the hospital I don't work for but don't get one at the one I do? There's something wrong with that equation if you ask me. Anyways, today's meal was wonderful and the orange jello was a wonderful surprise at the end of the desert line (even though I put my cheesecake back to get it).
After all my running this morning/afternoon, I got back to the office to find that the work my workmates and I have been know has been noticed at a very high level and they commended us on doing the job quickly and efficiently (even though the job isn't all the way done yet).
So there. Top it all off with packing tonight for the northern duck opener on Saturday, and I'm a pretty happy camper. Hooray!
Today is also Thursday. Every other Thursday is beef stroganoff day at the hospital's cafeteria and yours truly gets the employee discount! Go figure, I get a discount at the hospital I don't work for but don't get one at the one I do? There's something wrong with that equation if you ask me. Anyways, today's meal was wonderful and the orange jello was a wonderful surprise at the end of the desert line (even though I put my cheesecake back to get it).
After all my running this morning/afternoon, I got back to the office to find that the work my workmates and I have been know has been noticed at a very high level and they commended us on doing the job quickly and efficiently (even though the job isn't all the way done yet).
So there. Top it all off with packing tonight for the northern duck opener on Saturday, and I'm a pretty happy camper. Hooray!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Wonderful Wednesday
Wednesday is my favorite day of the week. Bar none. Ever since that fateful summer in Point, I just have a new attitude about "Hump-day." That is until today came.
Blah.
I'm packing it in for the day folks. I've ran hard today (for a change) and actually had my fair share (and maybe some of your share) of frustrations. That's it. I'm done. I'm going home tonight and... Well... I don't know yet, but I'll do it regardless.
Blah.
I'm packing it in for the day folks. I've ran hard today (for a change) and actually had my fair share (and maybe some of your share) of frustrations. That's it. I'm done. I'm going home tonight and... Well... I don't know yet, but I'll do it regardless.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Only The Lonely
Here I am. 26 years old, college grad, good job, recently married to a wonderful woman, and still when I'm alone, I feel this impending sense of loneliness. Why is that?
When it comes down to it, I just feel down and out whenever I'm alone. There are exceptions to the rules like when I'm alone out hunting or I'm sitting at work waiting for something to do, but other than that, if there isn't someone around, I'm just a lump. I don't get it.
People tell me I need to get a hobby. I can't agree more! I've tried several things but when it comes down to it, I almost always enjoy having someone around when I go golfing or shooting photos. Someone I can talk to if I want or someone I don't talk to if I don't want. I think I have a fear of stepping out on my own and living life or the possibility of doing something wrong and not having someone to help me out of it. I think maybe I like to be a leader or teacher. I like that interaction with other and want to pass on my knowledge whenever I have a chance.
All I know is that this business has got to stop. Its been going on for far too long and I don't like the way it makes me feel. How am I going to change? Well, that has yet to be determined, but I'm moving it towards the top of my list today.
When it comes down to it, I just feel down and out whenever I'm alone. There are exceptions to the rules like when I'm alone out hunting or I'm sitting at work waiting for something to do, but other than that, if there isn't someone around, I'm just a lump. I don't get it.
People tell me I need to get a hobby. I can't agree more! I've tried several things but when it comes down to it, I almost always enjoy having someone around when I go golfing or shooting photos. Someone I can talk to if I want or someone I don't talk to if I don't want. I think I have a fear of stepping out on my own and living life or the possibility of doing something wrong and not having someone to help me out of it. I think maybe I like to be a leader or teacher. I like that interaction with other and want to pass on my knowledge whenever I have a chance.
All I know is that this business has got to stop. Its been going on for far too long and I don't like the way it makes me feel. How am I going to change? Well, that has yet to be determined, but I'm moving it towards the top of my list today.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Your Goose Is Cooked!
Saturday marked the end of the early goose season here in Wisconsin. I had been out 7 days prior to the 15th and only had 1/2 a goose to show for it... Not great by any measure but it had beaten my previous record of 0 (the big goose egg ;-) )
Saturday was a different story. I took to the pond myself and placed the decoys ever so carefully so as to attract as much attention from the other geese in the area. I had a total of 7 decoys. Thats a pretty dismal number compared to the 6+ dozen most hunters use... Needless to say that by 7:30 I had my full limit of geese on the shore and I was out picking up my oh so well placed decoys. I was so in love with life I made sure to call all the other guys that I had hunted with the previous weekends and tell them the good news. I also invited them down for Sunday morning's hunt as well.
Needless to say I conned a couple of friends into coming on Sunday morning and they left their house at 3:12 am in order to make it down to Madison to hunt with me. Crazy I know, but when you have the spot to be, the hunting doesn't get any better! 1 goose and 2.5 hours later, we went home to nap. Oh well. I guess thats the way things go! It was great to see my friends and I look forward to joining up with them on the 29th for the opening day of duck season!
Saturday was a different story. I took to the pond myself and placed the decoys ever so carefully so as to attract as much attention from the other geese in the area. I had a total of 7 decoys. Thats a pretty dismal number compared to the 6+ dozen most hunters use... Needless to say that by 7:30 I had my full limit of geese on the shore and I was out picking up my oh so well placed decoys. I was so in love with life I made sure to call all the other guys that I had hunted with the previous weekends and tell them the good news. I also invited them down for Sunday morning's hunt as well.
Needless to say I conned a couple of friends into coming on Sunday morning and they left their house at 3:12 am in order to make it down to Madison to hunt with me. Crazy I know, but when you have the spot to be, the hunting doesn't get any better! 1 goose and 2.5 hours later, we went home to nap. Oh well. I guess thats the way things go! It was great to see my friends and I look forward to joining up with them on the 29th for the opening day of duck season!
And The Ants Go Marching On...
What does a dream mean? I know there are many folks out there who like to interpret their dreams and find meaning in them. The one I had last night, I'm not sure what to think about it other than I need to lay off the drugs or something...
The dream takes place in wonderful Union Center, WI. For those who have passed through, you probably missed it and its 217 residents so you'll just have to take my word for it. Anyways, I was hired as a professional photographer to photograph the ant migration down the state bike trail that I used to be a ranger on (The 400 State Trail). Anyways, I was picked up in town by a helicopter (and yes, I'm still afraid of heights) and we proceeded to fly for miles upon miles taking photos of this phenomenon... IT WAS AMAZING!!! I can't remember the last time I woke up from a dream an just felt a sense of awe. The ants marched rank and file perfectly in step and were a burnt orange color. We landed among them on the trail at one point in the dream and they just continued to march right up and over the legs of the helicopter as if it weren't even there. I saw the ants march up and over a deer that was crossing the trail as well!
Wow. Special I know but what the heck does it mean? In trying to remember events from the past that may have brought this dream to fruition, I can recall a few things... In South Dakota, I happened to be hunting one day when the migration of blackbirds came through. From one horizon to the other and directly over my head, all I could see was a tunnel of blackbirds. Amazing. As far as deer on the trail, I guess the first deer that I shot was crossing a trail similar to this one but there were no ants anywhere nearby that I can think of. As far as migrations go, besides the blackbirds I mentioned before, I've been overly concerned with the migration of blue and green-winged teal and the canada goose this year. I've never really paid much attention to the migration before but this year I seem to be dialed in for some reason. And photography, well, I guess I had a photo shoot with someone at the horse barn last Friday but in no way shape or form it it involve insects of any kind.
All I can say is that I'm leaving my subconscious state from early this morning feeling a sense of awe in all things nature as well as feeling, well, weird. Why would one dream of those things? I don't think I'll ever know.
The dream takes place in wonderful Union Center, WI. For those who have passed through, you probably missed it and its 217 residents so you'll just have to take my word for it. Anyways, I was hired as a professional photographer to photograph the ant migration down the state bike trail that I used to be a ranger on (The 400 State Trail). Anyways, I was picked up in town by a helicopter (and yes, I'm still afraid of heights) and we proceeded to fly for miles upon miles taking photos of this phenomenon... IT WAS AMAZING!!! I can't remember the last time I woke up from a dream an just felt a sense of awe. The ants marched rank and file perfectly in step and were a burnt orange color. We landed among them on the trail at one point in the dream and they just continued to march right up and over the legs of the helicopter as if it weren't even there. I saw the ants march up and over a deer that was crossing the trail as well!
Wow. Special I know but what the heck does it mean? In trying to remember events from the past that may have brought this dream to fruition, I can recall a few things... In South Dakota, I happened to be hunting one day when the migration of blackbirds came through. From one horizon to the other and directly over my head, all I could see was a tunnel of blackbirds. Amazing. As far as deer on the trail, I guess the first deer that I shot was crossing a trail similar to this one but there were no ants anywhere nearby that I can think of. As far as migrations go, besides the blackbirds I mentioned before, I've been overly concerned with the migration of blue and green-winged teal and the canada goose this year. I've never really paid much attention to the migration before but this year I seem to be dialed in for some reason. And photography, well, I guess I had a photo shoot with someone at the horse barn last Friday but in no way shape or form it it involve insects of any kind.
All I can say is that I'm leaving my subconscious state from early this morning feeling a sense of awe in all things nature as well as feeling, well, weird. Why would one dream of those things? I don't think I'll ever know.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Random Blogness
Randomly, after reading another's blogs and reading comments left about their post, I stumbled upon another blog... All I have to say is wow, there are some really cool people out there in the world. I know I've read only snippets about the person's life and their adventures, but I'm, well, sort of inspired! The more I learn about people, the more excited I am to be alive. In the same breath, I'm also a little more scared... Thoughts?
McLiars!
WARNING: Rant to follow. The opinions expressed in the following passage are solely of the author and are not reflective upon Blogger.com or is subsidiaries.
Seriously! Its a hamburger with cheese, ketchup, and mayo. An order of fries. A Mellow Yellow with no ice. I can count on my one hand the number of times I've been to McDonalds in the past two years for lunch or dinner and I've been McScrewed every time! Jesus! They call this the service sector for a reason! I expect service!
Ok so the lady taking money at the first window had her shit together. Great gal, seemed like she even liked the job. Small talk ensues while I wait for the car in front of me to get their order. Yes those are duck calls hanging from my rear view. Car in front is taking entirely too loooooonnnnnnggg and I'm getting impatient. Finally they're waved to parking spot #1 and I'm promptly met with my Mellow Yellow, no ice! This is a great start! 1 out of 3 isn't bad! 8 seconds later, out comes my #3 just ketchup and mayo with an order of fries! This is my lucky day!!! HOORAY!!!
Here comes the McScrewing... I look the lady in her eye and ask, "Is there a straw in the bag?" She replies, "You betcha! Have a great day!" Yes, she said "You betcha!" My kind of gal.
Have a great day I will! Everything seems to be going so well until I pull onto the road in traffic and look for my McStraw that was promised to be in my McBaggie. Not on the top... I'll snag a fry just because McStraw searching is becoming strenuous. All the way to the bottom and alas... McLIARS!
Have you ever tried to drink from a paper cup filled to the brim with McMellowYellow? I haven't either. I have tried McCoke and McOrangeDrink that way and it doesn't work well. I just end up with McWetCrotch! McAAARRRGGGHHH!!!
So here I am sitting at my computer and ranting while drinking my McMellowYellowNoStraw with a straw I scavenged from the kitchen area here at work. Sketchy I know but you do what you've got to do in a pinch right? I'm once again why it is that I don't frequent places that have clowns as spokesmen.
Rant concluded. I feel better. Thank you.
Seriously! Its a hamburger with cheese, ketchup, and mayo. An order of fries. A Mellow Yellow with no ice. I can count on my one hand the number of times I've been to McDonalds in the past two years for lunch or dinner and I've been McScrewed every time! Jesus! They call this the service sector for a reason! I expect service!
Ok so the lady taking money at the first window had her shit together. Great gal, seemed like she even liked the job. Small talk ensues while I wait for the car in front of me to get their order. Yes those are duck calls hanging from my rear view. Car in front is taking entirely too loooooonnnnnnggg and I'm getting impatient. Finally they're waved to parking spot #1 and I'm promptly met with my Mellow Yellow, no ice! This is a great start! 1 out of 3 isn't bad! 8 seconds later, out comes my #3 just ketchup and mayo with an order of fries! This is my lucky day!!! HOORAY!!!
Here comes the McScrewing... I look the lady in her eye and ask, "Is there a straw in the bag?" She replies, "You betcha! Have a great day!" Yes, she said "You betcha!" My kind of gal.
Have a great day I will! Everything seems to be going so well until I pull onto the road in traffic and look for my McStraw that was promised to be in my McBaggie. Not on the top... I'll snag a fry just because McStraw searching is becoming strenuous. All the way to the bottom and alas... McLIARS!
Have you ever tried to drink from a paper cup filled to the brim with McMellowYellow? I haven't either. I have tried McCoke and McOrangeDrink that way and it doesn't work well. I just end up with McWetCrotch! McAAARRRGGGHHH!!!
So here I am sitting at my computer and ranting while drinking my McMellowYellowNoStraw with a straw I scavenged from the kitchen area here at work. Sketchy I know but you do what you've got to do in a pinch right? I'm once again why it is that I don't frequent places that have clowns as spokesmen.
Rant concluded. I feel better. Thank you.
Finally Fall
I think there have been a lot of things going right in my life and have caused my serious upswing of good cheer. I think the biggest thing of all is the fact that its finally fall.
Carhartt pants, flannel shirts, hooded sweatshirts, down vests... Does it get any better than that? Well the only time I can think of as a spectator is the first week of college starts. Who can really argue that? Or that first real warm day in the spring, thats good too... But as far as just loving life and enjoying the outdoors, fall is definitely my time of year!
I look forward to being outdoors splitting wood or hunting. I look forward to heading to the farmer's market and picking up my winter supply of apple butter or gathering your final crops from your garden. I really look forward to eating home-made chili and sleeping on the couch when the Packers game comes on (I really don't remember the last time I made it through a whole game)!!
I know that snow and -20 degrees are around the corner. I know the season is looked down upon by so many people because its really the end of things and life goes into hibernation for the next 4 months, but it really is the beginning of new things in my mind. This it the time of year when my life picks up, I get to see the friends I haven't seen for 7 months and we all know spring is coming soon enough and then summer will be too hot. We all really know its not the heat here in Wisconsin anyways, its the humidity.
I love the smell when the leaves turn colors and start to fall to the ground. I love the chill I get when I walk my dog early in the morning. I love how warm the sun feels on those afternoons when the temp barely hits those mid 50 degree days. Some say its the simple things in life that make it worth while. I say its returned kinship that friends and families start to have when the autumn season starts and how it continues through those cold, but warm, holidays just around the corner. So yeah. I can agree with the simple things theory.............
Carhartt pants, flannel shirts, hooded sweatshirts, down vests... Does it get any better than that? Well the only time I can think of as a spectator is the first week of college starts. Who can really argue that? Or that first real warm day in the spring, thats good too... But as far as just loving life and enjoying the outdoors, fall is definitely my time of year!
I look forward to being outdoors splitting wood or hunting. I look forward to heading to the farmer's market and picking up my winter supply of apple butter or gathering your final crops from your garden. I really look forward to eating home-made chili and sleeping on the couch when the Packers game comes on (I really don't remember the last time I made it through a whole game)!!
I know that snow and -20 degrees are around the corner. I know the season is looked down upon by so many people because its really the end of things and life goes into hibernation for the next 4 months, but it really is the beginning of new things in my mind. This it the time of year when my life picks up, I get to see the friends I haven't seen for 7 months and we all know spring is coming soon enough and then summer will be too hot. We all really know its not the heat here in Wisconsin anyways, its the humidity.
I love the smell when the leaves turn colors and start to fall to the ground. I love the chill I get when I walk my dog early in the morning. I love how warm the sun feels on those afternoons when the temp barely hits those mid 50 degree days. Some say its the simple things in life that make it worth while. I say its returned kinship that friends and families start to have when the autumn season starts and how it continues through those cold, but warm, holidays just around the corner. So yeah. I can agree with the simple things theory.............
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Thats Why I Got Up Early Today
Finally.
5:06 am just is too early for my tastes. There are only a few things that will drag me out of be that early in the morning and one of them is if my house is on fire. Well, luckily that didn't happen today. It was the other reason that I get up that early in the morning... Hunting.
For the past 2 weeks, PGA and I have been meeting out at FMD's horse barn attempting to make the early goose season productive. We'd been blanked for the first 12 days, but lucky number 13 came along and today we got our goose.
A lone goose dropped out of the flock and landed about 50 yards out on the pond we were sitting next to. We managed to cripple it and a "wild goose chase" ensued but in the end, the great white hunter prevailed.
Though I was late to work this morning because I had to clean the thing, but it was worth it. Not so worth it that I'm going out again tomorrow morning, but worth going out on Saturday so I can stay out later that 7 am!
I wish I could say it was more that pure luck that helped us get our goose because we did no calling or anything what-so-ever. We were standing there talking with our guns off to the side. (S)He just sat there and honked at us once he landed. Oh well. Fun times.
Now on to something amazing. I found this today on my duck hunting forum (www.refugeforums.com) and think it is pretty amazing... Check it out!
5:06 am just is too early for my tastes. There are only a few things that will drag me out of be that early in the morning and one of them is if my house is on fire. Well, luckily that didn't happen today. It was the other reason that I get up that early in the morning... Hunting.
For the past 2 weeks, PGA and I have been meeting out at FMD's horse barn attempting to make the early goose season productive. We'd been blanked for the first 12 days, but lucky number 13 came along and today we got our goose.
A lone goose dropped out of the flock and landed about 50 yards out on the pond we were sitting next to. We managed to cripple it and a "wild goose chase" ensued but in the end, the great white hunter prevailed.
Though I was late to work this morning because I had to clean the thing, but it was worth it. Not so worth it that I'm going out again tomorrow morning, but worth going out on Saturday so I can stay out later that 7 am!
I wish I could say it was more that pure luck that helped us get our goose because we did no calling or anything what-so-ever. We were standing there talking with our guns off to the side. (S)He just sat there and honked at us once he landed. Oh well. Fun times.
Now on to something amazing. I found this today on my duck hunting forum (www.refugeforums.com) and think it is pretty amazing... Check it out!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Its What You Do To Me...
When was the last time a song really moved you? I mean really MOVED you... I can think of just a few songs in my life that have really made me look back on things and find some deep meaning or have really inspired me in my life. For example, I still can't listen to "The Dance" without thinking of my high school sweetheart and the first dance we had together and the next 3 years of our lives that we shared. Or "Its a Great Day to be Alive"... I mean come on. If I'm ever in a crappy mood or need to be brought out of a funk, I pop in the CD and my life just about instantly turns a 180. Amazing. For my friend SB, it was a night at the tavern when REO Speedwagon came on. He found meaning in those words and found it was "time for him to fly."
Recently, and don't ask me why, the song by Plain White T's has really struck a chord with me (no pun intended). "Hey There Delilah" is a song about a guy and a gal that are on opposite ends of the country but through his song, he tells her he will always be there for her.
I know it all may sound a little too cliche and I don't know a single guitar player who was ever any good who hasn't written a song like this for his girl, but every time I think of it I think of my wonderful wife. I think of all the things she does for me and all the things I want to do for her. I think that we've only got a year to go until she graduates and that we'll make our own history somewhere in this big crazy world. FMD, it truly is what you do to me. You make me smile. You put that extra spring in my step. You make me look forward to tomorrow more than ever...
Recently, and don't ask me why, the song by Plain White T's has really struck a chord with me (no pun intended). "Hey There Delilah" is a song about a guy and a gal that are on opposite ends of the country but through his song, he tells her he will always be there for her.
"A thousand miles seems pretty far
But they've got planes and trains and cars
I'd walk to you if I had no other way"
I know it all may sound a little too cliche and I don't know a single guitar player who was ever any good who hasn't written a song like this for his girl, but every time I think of it I think of my wonderful wife. I think of all the things she does for me and all the things I want to do for her. I think that we've only got a year to go until she graduates and that we'll make our own history somewhere in this big crazy world. FMD, it truly is what you do to me. You make me smile. You put that extra spring in my step. You make me look forward to tomorrow more than ever...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Super Speller
I posted just about 3 minutes ago but I have to say that I love spell-checker. I know people use it as a crutch too much these days, but honestly, I don't know how many times it has saved face for me when I try to write something professional or need to come off as clear and concise. I give props to my fellow computer dorks for inventing such a thing!
HIP, HIP, HOORAY! F7 IS THE WAY!
HIP, HIP, HOORAY! F7 IS THE WAY!
Medical Melee
Medicine is a pretty amazing thing. Health care in general is an amazing thing! Going from archaic things such as bleeding to relieve headaches to arthroscopic surgery for a piece of something or another that is floating around in your knee is pretty tremendous. Were will we go next? What will be the next big breakthrough?
FMD's grandma underwent surgery yesterday and is recovering nicely. Her father went as far as to say that this is the best he's ever seen her after surgery, ever! Great news!
In other thoughts on medicine and such, I sometimes wonder if we haven't gone too far. We now have a wonder drug to cure anything and everything. Take a pill because you're constipated and you may end up with colon cancer? Whoa! What? Yup. Some side effects of these medicines and "procedures" are worse than the original problem you had!
How about taking a drug such as Lipitor for high cholesterol. The drug truly does what is says its supposed to! Its pretty amazing! How does it do it though? Most people don't know. Lipitor works to eliminate fat deposits in your body so your cholesterol can't be absorbed and stored. Where does this fat live? Your gut? Your ass? Actually most of it is in your brain. Your brain is a big fat deposit and the drug likes to eat away at it. Fun! Goodbye cholesterol, hello Alzheimer's!
Enough of that. I'm a different kind of health nut. I'm a chiropractor man. I'm in the process of getting my spinal column put back to the shape its supposed to be in. Its been close to 3 months now and I'll tell you, I haven't felt better in I don't know how long! The chiropractor I'm going to claims he can eliminate all body disease and even cancer by straightening your spine... Ok. So I'm not a total believer, but who do you believe? The surgeon who tells you that your vertebrae need to be fused so your scoliosis doesn't get worse or the chiropractor who can cure ADD and increase your kids grades for a low low price of... I guess I'll take the less intrusive way... For now.
I don't know even why I'm writing about this to be honest with you... I've found something that works well for me and makes sense from a biological standpoint so I'm going to continue on that route I guess. If you're ever in the Mad-town area and want to get checked out to see if you could benefit from chiropractic care, let me know and I'll take you in with me. The evaluations and x-rays are free! Who knows, you might just save your own life!
FMD's grandma underwent surgery yesterday and is recovering nicely. Her father went as far as to say that this is the best he's ever seen her after surgery, ever! Great news!
In other thoughts on medicine and such, I sometimes wonder if we haven't gone too far. We now have a wonder drug to cure anything and everything. Take a pill because you're constipated and you may end up with colon cancer? Whoa! What? Yup. Some side effects of these medicines and "procedures" are worse than the original problem you had!
How about taking a drug such as Lipitor for high cholesterol. The drug truly does what is says its supposed to! Its pretty amazing! How does it do it though? Most people don't know. Lipitor works to eliminate fat deposits in your body so your cholesterol can't be absorbed and stored. Where does this fat live? Your gut? Your ass? Actually most of it is in your brain. Your brain is a big fat deposit and the drug likes to eat away at it. Fun! Goodbye cholesterol, hello Alzheimer's!
Enough of that. I'm a different kind of health nut. I'm a chiropractor man. I'm in the process of getting my spinal column put back to the shape its supposed to be in. Its been close to 3 months now and I'll tell you, I haven't felt better in I don't know how long! The chiropractor I'm going to claims he can eliminate all body disease and even cancer by straightening your spine... Ok. So I'm not a total believer, but who do you believe? The surgeon who tells you that your vertebrae need to be fused so your scoliosis doesn't get worse or the chiropractor who can cure ADD and increase your kids grades for a low low price of... I guess I'll take the less intrusive way... For now.
I don't know even why I'm writing about this to be honest with you... I've found something that works well for me and makes sense from a biological standpoint so I'm going to continue on that route I guess. If you're ever in the Mad-town area and want to get checked out to see if you could benefit from chiropractic care, let me know and I'll take you in with me. The evaluations and x-rays are free! Who knows, you might just save your own life!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Hunting Season is Under Way...
Hunting season is upon us... Its that time of year when I remember what its like to haul my butt out of bed at 4:30am (4:10 in honor of the great shotgun for the southern duck opener) only to find that there are far too many mosquitoes that are willing to dine on my face through the small opening in my face mask or that there really isn't enough oxygen in the air to sustain the rest of the world yet because the sun is down and the plants aren't photo synthesizing yet. And don't forget the occasional butt freezing every once and a while!
Well, this morning was my second official hunt of the year (that is if you don't count those red squirrels from this weekend) and we walked out of the field empty handed for the second time. No fancy lay out blinds or dozens of goose decoys this time either. Just me and PGA standing under an apple tree with about 26,512,344 of our best blood-sucking insect friends. When 2 geese did decide to fly by (about 15 yards out) my wife's horse and the rest of the rough board horses where standing directly behind them. Such is life. If I would have shot them, I would have had to clean them and I probably would have been late to work or something anyways.
Tomorrow is another day (thank the "states-the-obvious" gods for that old saying) and possibly another hunt. Only time will tell. I guess its a matter of hunting in the morning or skipping out of town a half hour early to visit friends that live near the thumb of the mitten in this great state of ours and getting up at the ass crack of dawn to hunt on Saturday.
What a fine and pleasant misery.
Well, this morning was my second official hunt of the year (that is if you don't count those red squirrels from this weekend) and we walked out of the field empty handed for the second time. No fancy lay out blinds or dozens of goose decoys this time either. Just me and PGA standing under an apple tree with about 26,512,344 of our best blood-sucking insect friends. When 2 geese did decide to fly by (about 15 yards out) my wife's horse and the rest of the rough board horses where standing directly behind them. Such is life. If I would have shot them, I would have had to clean them and I probably would have been late to work or something anyways.
Tomorrow is another day (thank the "states-the-obvious" gods for that old saying) and possibly another hunt. Only time will tell. I guess its a matter of hunting in the morning or skipping out of town a half hour early to visit friends that live near the thumb of the mitten in this great state of ours and getting up at the ass crack of dawn to hunt on Saturday.
What a fine and pleasant misery.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Watch for Falling Rocks
What is it that brings a long term relationship to its knees? Has it been doomed from the get-go? Is the relationship not fulfilling in a way it once was? Has one or both of the parties changed what they truly stand for? Or is it maybe just the way things work with today's younger generation?
One of my best friends is going through a rough stretch right now because he and his lady have decided to part ways... For now...
Something he said really sticks in my mind and I've thought about it a lot today. He said, "We both see our future together, but the path we're on doesn't lead there." What does that mean? I'm sure there are a million things it can mean because its unique to each of us and we analyze it using our own personal experiences.
Some may say that, "The path does lead you to your future, its just you're heading into a tunnel without your headlights on." Others may say, "Thats great and all, but if the path doesn't lead there, it just doesn't lead there. Don't make it out to be something its not."
Myself, well, I tend to side more with the first opinion I guess. I'm always an optimist when it comes to relationships, especially when you have deep feelings for someone else that they may not necessarily be aware of. Where there's a will there's a way... Cliche I know, but hey cliches are cliches for a reason right?
I know I'm not shedding any new light on this topic or offering anyone anything terribly meaningful in my words, but I might suggest you reach out to your loved ones and let them know where you stand and how much they mean to you.
In this case, I stand right behind you guys, the both of you, and I'll be there whenever you need me. I'm just a phone call away.
One of my best friends is going through a rough stretch right now because he and his lady have decided to part ways... For now...
Something he said really sticks in my mind and I've thought about it a lot today. He said, "We both see our future together, but the path we're on doesn't lead there." What does that mean? I'm sure there are a million things it can mean because its unique to each of us and we analyze it using our own personal experiences.
Some may say that, "The path does lead you to your future, its just you're heading into a tunnel without your headlights on." Others may say, "Thats great and all, but if the path doesn't lead there, it just doesn't lead there. Don't make it out to be something its not."
Myself, well, I tend to side more with the first opinion I guess. I'm always an optimist when it comes to relationships, especially when you have deep feelings for someone else that they may not necessarily be aware of. Where there's a will there's a way... Cliche I know, but hey cliches are cliches for a reason right?
I know I'm not shedding any new light on this topic or offering anyone anything terribly meaningful in my words, but I might suggest you reach out to your loved ones and let them know where you stand and how much they mean to you.
In this case, I stand right behind you guys, the both of you, and I'll be there whenever you need me. I'm just a phone call away.
Financial Farce
Money is the root of all evil they say... Well I can't agree more. Personal finances is something I've struggled with all my life. When I first started my paper route when I was 11, things were simple. I was 11, lived with my parents, and my only expenses were video games and a new bike. Once you threw vehicles and gas money into the equation, things got a little hairy. Factor a girlfriend and college into the equation after that and things start to come unhinged. Credit cards and graduating from college and joining the real world, shit.
Well, here I am out of college with a full time job making enough money in a year for anyone to live comfortably on. So where's all my money? So why can't I do simple addition at the end of the month to add rent + water + gas? This is beyond me. And what do I have to show for my time in the workforce for the past 3 years? A bank account that looks similar to the one I had 3 years ago... AAARRRGGGHHH!
Enter my wife. My-oh-my, is she ever a wonderful woman. I couldn't have asked for more. Not only do I know now that the checkbook is balanced, but I know that things are being taken care of and she's straightening out my ways. Its like a big pressure that has lifted off my chest and I'm able to breathe. I'd like to say I don't know what I'd do without her but the fact is I know what I'd do, I'd keep digging the proverbial hole.
People say you learn something new every day and I can't agree more. I learn new things that make me love that little lady more and more, EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Well, here I am out of college with a full time job making enough money in a year for anyone to live comfortably on. So where's all my money? So why can't I do simple addition at the end of the month to add rent + water + gas? This is beyond me. And what do I have to show for my time in the workforce for the past 3 years? A bank account that looks similar to the one I had 3 years ago... AAARRRGGGHHH!
Enter my wife. My-oh-my, is she ever a wonderful woman. I couldn't have asked for more. Not only do I know now that the checkbook is balanced, but I know that things are being taken care of and she's straightening out my ways. Its like a big pressure that has lifted off my chest and I'm able to breathe. I'd like to say I don't know what I'd do without her but the fact is I know what I'd do, I'd keep digging the proverbial hole.
People say you learn something new every day and I can't agree more. I learn new things that make me love that little lady more and more, EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
First Things First
Yup. This is my blog all right... Many of my friends have jumped off the deep end and decided to share their inner and outer thoughts with the world, and now, you'll be subjected to mine. As an avid hunter and photographer, you'll share in me with my triumphs and let downs. As an avid husband, you'll share in my joy and sorrow. As an avid driver, you'll share in my disappointment for the general public's inability to use a blinker or their cruise control. I'm not ruling anything out at all. So, kick off your shoes, get comfortable, and make yourself at home.
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