Stacy is on a roll. This morning we did the Dam Run, which is a 10K. This was her third race in a row in which she placed in her age group. She finished second in her class. On top of that achievement, she rocked her best 10K time, improving by about 18 minutes! This was the year she became a runner, and to this point she had only done 5Ks. When she took that step to compete in a 10K, she did it right! Congrats Stacy, and keep up the good work!
I also participated in the race, although I did not fair quite as well. I was happy to have achieved my goal of averaging 7:45 per mile. I barely slid in under the cutoff, averaging 7:44. Talk about cutting it close! I sure am glad I finished hard at the finish line. Anyway, regardless of my achieving an individual goal, I was far from placing in my age group. The 30-34 year old men's class is very competitive, and to place I would have had to take off 1:20.....PER MILE!!! Still, I was happy with my time of 48:03.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
That Other Division
As the nation follows Division 1, Bowl Subdivision football (wow, that is a mouthful), you hear arguments about which team or conference is the best and there are many solid arguments... many of which remain at the end of the season. Much could be decided if they would just adopt a playoff system....but I digress, and that is not the point of this post.
Meanwhile, there is That Other Division, the division previously knows as Division 1, AA, now verbosely dubbed Division 1, Playoff Subdivision. I may be biased since I spent my college years playing for such a program, but I happen to believe that there is a lot of quality football played at that level. Of course you've all heard about App State's upset of Michigan last year. Perhaps that sent a message that these smaller programs are for real. Whether or not you agree with this, I'd like to take a moment to share the rankings of this division:
Team (First-place votes)
1. Richmond Spiders (49)
2. James Madison Dukes (37)
3. Appalachian State Mountaineers
4. Montana Grizzlies (12)
5. Northern Iowa Panthers (2)
6. McNeese State Cowboys
7. New Hampshire Wildcats (1)
8. Elon Phoenix
9. Cal Poly Mustangs
10. North Dakota State Bison
11. Eastern Washington Eagles
12. Central Arkansas Bears
13. The Citadel Bulldogs
14. Wofford Terriers
15. Southern Illinois Salukis
16. Furman Paladins
17. Delaware Blue Hens
18. Massachusetts Minutemen
19. Villanova Wildcats
20. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
21. Eastern Illinois Panthers
22. Western Illinois Leathernecks
23. Tennessee State Tigers (1)
24. Georgia Southern Eagles
25. Liberty Flames
I list this because I am very impressed by, albeit surely shortly lived, the showing of the Southern Conference. Notice the teams in bold. App St, Elon, Citadel, Wofford, Furman, and Georgia Southern. 6 of the 9 teams in the Southern Conference found themselves in the top 25 this week. That is incredible. Much like the SEC of Division 1, Bowl Division, the Southern Conference is a historically strong conference, with a high level of play. Once conference play begins, the teams beat up on each other and some find themselves knocked out of the rankings and playoff contention. For this one week though, I'm enjoying sitting back and seeing the Southern Conference at the top.
I think I'll end on that note.
Meanwhile, there is That Other Division, the division previously knows as Division 1, AA, now verbosely dubbed Division 1, Playoff Subdivision. I may be biased since I spent my college years playing for such a program, but I happen to believe that there is a lot of quality football played at that level. Of course you've all heard about App State's upset of Michigan last year. Perhaps that sent a message that these smaller programs are for real. Whether or not you agree with this, I'd like to take a moment to share the rankings of this division:
Team (First-place votes)
1. Richmond Spiders (49)
2. James Madison Dukes (37)
3. Appalachian State Mountaineers
4. Montana Grizzlies (12)
5. Northern Iowa Panthers (2)
6. McNeese State Cowboys
7. New Hampshire Wildcats (1)
8. Elon Phoenix
9. Cal Poly Mustangs
10. North Dakota State Bison
11. Eastern Washington Eagles
12. Central Arkansas Bears
13. The Citadel Bulldogs
14. Wofford Terriers
15. Southern Illinois Salukis
16. Furman Paladins
17. Delaware Blue Hens
18. Massachusetts Minutemen
19. Villanova Wildcats
20. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
21. Eastern Illinois Panthers
22. Western Illinois Leathernecks
23. Tennessee State Tigers (1)
24. Georgia Southern Eagles
25. Liberty Flames
I list this because I am very impressed by, albeit surely shortly lived, the showing of the Southern Conference. Notice the teams in bold. App St, Elon, Citadel, Wofford, Furman, and Georgia Southern. 6 of the 9 teams in the Southern Conference found themselves in the top 25 this week. That is incredible. Much like the SEC of Division 1, Bowl Division, the Southern Conference is a historically strong conference, with a high level of play. Once conference play begins, the teams beat up on each other and some find themselves knocked out of the rankings and playoff contention. For this one week though, I'm enjoying sitting back and seeing the Southern Conference at the top.
I think I'll end on that note.
Boys' Night Out
Tonight Stacy went out with some friends. That left me pulling daddy duty. The plan was to hit up the Ninetysix/ Newberry football game, but Mother Nature had other plans. When it was obvious that it would be a wet night we opted for movie night, rather than shivering in the stands of Newberry's football stadium.
I took the kids to see Fly Me To The Moon, which is an animated movie about three flies that hitched a ride to the moon. The kids loved it. Oh, and it was shown in 3D so that was a bonus. Also, we hit up the 4:45 movie so we had the theater to ourselves.
After the movie we, along with about half of Columbia, headed to Moe's. As I've said in the past, I love Moe's. Then it was home for some cartoons, book reading, and games. The kids just went to bed and I'm beat.
Now that boy's night is over, I guess I'll settle in and watch the presidential debate. It should be interesting. Then it's off to bed to rest for tomorrow's race. Oh yeah, in case I had not mentioned it, Stacy and I are doing the Dam Run tomorrow. It's a 10K, supposedly slightly downhill. I'm looking forward to it and hope to establish a PR, but we will see.
I took the kids to see Fly Me To The Moon, which is an animated movie about three flies that hitched a ride to the moon. The kids loved it. Oh, and it was shown in 3D so that was a bonus. Also, we hit up the 4:45 movie so we had the theater to ourselves.
After the movie we, along with about half of Columbia, headed to Moe's. As I've said in the past, I love Moe's. Then it was home for some cartoons, book reading, and games. The kids just went to bed and I'm beat.
Now that boy's night is over, I guess I'll settle in and watch the presidential debate. It should be interesting. Then it's off to bed to rest for tomorrow's race. Oh yeah, in case I had not mentioned it, Stacy and I are doing the Dam Run tomorrow. It's a 10K, supposedly slightly downhill. I'm looking forward to it and hope to establish a PR, but we will see.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Dont Stand So Close To Me
Sing that in you best Sting voice. Pretend you're Chris Katan or Chris Parnell acting out the song... Hilarious. "Dont stand so close to me". I was reminded of this topic yesterday during a discussion about accepted bathroom etiquette. It's kind of funny, the way we live by unspoken rules. You silently accept them and act upon them without realizing they even exist. That is, until someone breaks the rules. Then to you, the rules are so obvious that anyone should know them.
In a men's restroom, you typically have one section of toilets and one section or urinals. The toilets are private. The urinals....not so much. Due to the lack of privacy, one of these unspoken rules come into play. I'll use my office as an example. In the restroom nearest my department, there are 3 urinals. The first is short. The next two are regular height. When someone enters the empty room, they must make a decision are where to "go". He should (by rule) go to the farthest stall, leaving both empty stalls to his right. If he is short he may chose the rightmost stall leaving two empty stalls to the left. Under no circumstances should he take that center stall. Why you may ask? It's looking out for the next guy. If he walks in, he typically wants 1 degree of separation from you. If you are on the far right or far left, he leaves the center empty and takes the other side. You may look over at that second guy and give him the nod that says, "Saved that spot over there for you". He nods back in appreciation, no need to say anything.
Now consider the same situation. You're the second guy and someone is at the center stall. What the hell is he thinking? Does he think he is the king of the castle? He knows the rules and is blatantly breaking them. You have a choice. Act like everyone is in accordance with the rules and follow though, or chicken out and enter the nearest private stall. Choice B is often taken by those suffering from stage fright or those easily intimidated. Choice A is for those that are either un-intimidated or lack knowledge of the previously mentioned rule.
If you remain steadfast and want to teach the rule breaker a lesson, you can also break another rule by breaking into an in depth conversation with him whilst doing what you came to do. This makes many people very uncomfortable and in most cases you've turned the table on them. Good for you.
Now that you know the rules, go out and abide by them...and if given the opportunity, feel free to make someone you dont care for really uncomfortable.
In a men's restroom, you typically have one section of toilets and one section or urinals. The toilets are private. The urinals....not so much. Due to the lack of privacy, one of these unspoken rules come into play. I'll use my office as an example. In the restroom nearest my department, there are 3 urinals. The first is short. The next two are regular height. When someone enters the empty room, they must make a decision are where to "go". He should (by rule) go to the farthest stall, leaving both empty stalls to his right. If he is short he may chose the rightmost stall leaving two empty stalls to the left. Under no circumstances should he take that center stall. Why you may ask? It's looking out for the next guy. If he walks in, he typically wants 1 degree of separation from you. If you are on the far right or far left, he leaves the center empty and takes the other side. You may look over at that second guy and give him the nod that says, "Saved that spot over there for you". He nods back in appreciation, no need to say anything.
Now consider the same situation. You're the second guy and someone is at the center stall. What the hell is he thinking? Does he think he is the king of the castle? He knows the rules and is blatantly breaking them. You have a choice. Act like everyone is in accordance with the rules and follow though, or chicken out and enter the nearest private stall. Choice B is often taken by those suffering from stage fright or those easily intimidated. Choice A is for those that are either un-intimidated or lack knowledge of the previously mentioned rule.
If you remain steadfast and want to teach the rule breaker a lesson, you can also break another rule by breaking into an in depth conversation with him whilst doing what you came to do. This makes many people very uncomfortable and in most cases you've turned the table on them. Good for you.
Now that you know the rules, go out and abide by them...and if given the opportunity, feel free to make someone you dont care for really uncomfortable.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Where's My Desk?!
Five weeks ago I posted about our house improvements, which included the purchase of a new desk. It was on order From Ashley Furniture and was to be picked up in 4-6 weeks. In case anyone missed the local news story about Ashley Furniture, they're closing both Columbia stores and stores in Georgia and Virginia. Local TV coverage made it sound pretty dismal for people like us that are waiting on furniture. Their stories were about people who spent tons of money and were in the limbo of not receiving the furniture they paid for nor a refund. Of course I heard this and started calling...
Local numbers - no answer
Corporate number - there is a special message for people that used the Columbia store specifying that we should call this other number for help
The other number - on hold, after 2 minutes there is a message about a difficulty and it hangs up.
I tried the other number off and on for a few hours. I was beginning to become concerned that the local news story was correct and we were screwed. Finally I was able to get through to a real person and she told me that all Columbia files are being uploaded to another store and each outstanding order will be filled and the buyers will be called one by one to have this explained. I was relieved, yet no fully. I'll be more relieved when I hear from that other store and even more so once I have my desk!
Local numbers - no answer
Corporate number - there is a special message for people that used the Columbia store specifying that we should call this other number for help
The other number - on hold, after 2 minutes there is a message about a difficulty and it hangs up.
I tried the other number off and on for a few hours. I was beginning to become concerned that the local news story was correct and we were screwed. Finally I was able to get through to a real person and she told me that all Columbia files are being uploaded to another store and each outstanding order will be filled and the buyers will be called one by one to have this explained. I was relieved, yet no fully. I'll be more relieved when I hear from that other store and even more so once I have my desk!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Gamecocks vs Terriers
Tonight we did a few new things:
(1) went to the USC game.
It was fun and a much closer game than I had ever anticipated that it would be. I have to give it to Wofford. Their offense played well. USC's...not so much. They had some good plays, but really couldn't get it together. In the end they won and I was happy about it.
Having played at Furman, I was asked if I would route for the Southern Conference team (Wofford). Honestly, I like for the conference to perform well, but that doesn't mean I always pull for them. Also, I think Wofford is the one team that I'd be least apt to pull for out of all of the teams in our conference. I'm not sure why. I'm just not a fan.
Strangely enough, Stacy having gone to USC for law school, somehow missed out on ever going to a game. Tonight was her first USC game and she enjoyed it.
Back to USC. If they do not start playing better, it's going to be a long season.
(2) to go to the game we used a baby sitter for the first time. We oft have a problem finding a sitter. We decided to try a baby sitting service. It was very convenient. We liked the sitter we had and would definitely use the service again. That also made the game more enjoyable for us.
(1) went to the USC game.
It was fun and a much closer game than I had ever anticipated that it would be. I have to give it to Wofford. Their offense played well. USC's...not so much. They had some good plays, but really couldn't get it together. In the end they won and I was happy about it.
Having played at Furman, I was asked if I would route for the Southern Conference team (Wofford). Honestly, I like for the conference to perform well, but that doesn't mean I always pull for them. Also, I think Wofford is the one team that I'd be least apt to pull for out of all of the teams in our conference. I'm not sure why. I'm just not a fan.
Strangely enough, Stacy having gone to USC for law school, somehow missed out on ever going to a game. Tonight was her first USC game and she enjoyed it.
Back to USC. If they do not start playing better, it's going to be a long season.
(2) to go to the game we used a baby sitter for the first time. We oft have a problem finding a sitter. We decided to try a baby sitting service. It was very convenient. We liked the sitter we had and would definitely use the service again. That also made the game more enjoyable for us.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Airport Security
Stacy called on Wednesday (from Dallas) telling me that she lost her keys. Between the time she arrived at the airport in Columbia and when she arrived in Dallas, they disappeared. Knowing that she did not lock them in the car, we made arrangements to get her the extra key. When she arrived home last night (over 24 hours later) she informed me that she found her keys... in the Columbia airport... sitting beside where she had sat her bag down the day before.
I was very happy that she found her keys, yet a little disturbed that keys could sit there that long without anyone noticing. What if it had been something that threatened security? Luckily it was not. It was a set of keys, and I'm happy that security was poor enough to not realize they were left laying there.
I was very happy that she found her keys, yet a little disturbed that keys could sit there that long without anyone noticing. What if it had been something that threatened security? Luckily it was not. It was a set of keys, and I'm happy that security was poor enough to not realize they were left laying there.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wallowing in the Mud
Saturday is race day again. However this race is not your everyday race. It is a bit more. It's really not like any other race I've ever done...well, besides when I did this same race last year and the year before.
The race is a 4.2 mile run, but the distance is not the challenge. Rather, the obstacles are what makes the race a true test of endurance. This adequately dubbed challenge, known as the Mud Run, is hosted at Fort Jackson by the US Marine Corp. It consists of 30 obstacles interspersed amid the 4.2 miles, among which are a few cargo net climbs, a few muddy hills to cross, a few water holes to wade or swim through, and various other gut busting hurdles.
The worst obstacle of all is the ten foot wall. No handles. No steps. 10 feet. Luckily this is a team event. Each team of 4 (or teams of 2, which is a new option this year) must cross each obstacle as a team. As for the 10 foot wall, the strategy is how to get all 4 participants up the quickest. This year, I will go up first and pull up the others from the top. Last year I made the mistake of pushing my teammates up first...then, no groups were behind us to give me a boost. I was beat, my team was beat, I was the heaviest and my jumping up and grabbing their arms to pull myself up was not a good idea. We finally made it up...but I will not use that approach this year.
It should be a fun race. It's one of that competitions that the strength of your ream is only as strong as your weakest member. Hopefully we can all at least run 4.2 miles. Beyond that, I dont know what to expect...and I've done this before!
Oh, and to make it more fun we have a few groups starting back to back. A new team starts every 20 seconds (to avoid slowness at some of the obstacles) and groups in front of and behind us are friends of mine. That should make for some funny scenes and plenty of trash talking. I even have a little wager with one guy...a Hooters lunch...loser pays for the wings. I figure it's a win, win situation. Either way, I get wings!
Wish me luck and check back for a follow-up. Oh, and if you're really interested, check out the site: Click here for Mud Run
The race is a 4.2 mile run, but the distance is not the challenge. Rather, the obstacles are what makes the race a true test of endurance. This adequately dubbed challenge, known as the Mud Run, is hosted at Fort Jackson by the US Marine Corp. It consists of 30 obstacles interspersed amid the 4.2 miles, among which are a few cargo net climbs, a few muddy hills to cross, a few water holes to wade or swim through, and various other gut busting hurdles.
The worst obstacle of all is the ten foot wall. No handles. No steps. 10 feet. Luckily this is a team event. Each team of 4 (or teams of 2, which is a new option this year) must cross each obstacle as a team. As for the 10 foot wall, the strategy is how to get all 4 participants up the quickest. This year, I will go up first and pull up the others from the top. Last year I made the mistake of pushing my teammates up first...then, no groups were behind us to give me a boost. I was beat, my team was beat, I was the heaviest and my jumping up and grabbing their arms to pull myself up was not a good idea. We finally made it up...but I will not use that approach this year.
It should be a fun race. It's one of that competitions that the strength of your ream is only as strong as your weakest member. Hopefully we can all at least run 4.2 miles. Beyond that, I dont know what to expect...and I've done this before!
Oh, and to make it more fun we have a few groups starting back to back. A new team starts every 20 seconds (to avoid slowness at some of the obstacles) and groups in front of and behind us are friends of mine. That should make for some funny scenes and plenty of trash talking. I even have a little wager with one guy...a Hooters lunch...loser pays for the wings. I figure it's a win, win situation. Either way, I get wings!
Wish me luck and check back for a follow-up. Oh, and if you're really interested, check out the site: Click here for Mud Run
More Moe's
We had Moe's on Tuesday. After my softball practice tonight, I asked the boys what they wanted for dinner. They said Moe's. Of course I made it happen. I do love Moe's. Heck, we may go back again this weekend.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Not Quite the Commedian Yet
At dinner Jackson decides to play comedian. It went like this:
Jacks: "I want to tell a joke."
Me: "Ok, tell one."
Jack: "Why did the tree talk?"
Me: "I dont know. Why?"
Jack: "because it had long branches."
Me: "what? that doesn't make sense."
Jack: "Oh, I mean it has a mouth.:
Me: "still doesn't make sense."
Jack: "I didn't say anything about sense."
I laughed. He didn't get the humor. So much for the joke.
Jacks: "I want to tell a joke."
Me: "Ok, tell one."
Jack: "Why did the tree talk?"
Me: "I dont know. Why?"
Jack: "because it had long branches."
Me: "what? that doesn't make sense."
Jack: "Oh, I mean it has a mouth.:
Me: "still doesn't make sense."
Jack: "I didn't say anything about sense."
I laughed. He didn't get the humor. So much for the joke.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Foreshadowing of college life for my boys?
I just saw something both hilarious and slightly disturbing. The boys have water bottles. They have them in their room right now and as I walked by Alex was telling Jackson, "ok, when I say 'go', we both drink until I say stop...GO" I looked back to see them both chugging water. I had to walk away before I started laughing.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Still Hot
It's mid September and still hot. I thought that after the 1:00 games today I'd get my run in so that I'd only miss the first few minutes of the 4:00 games. Although that was a good theory in terms of seeing the best parts of the games, it may not have been the decision weather-wise. It was 92 degrees and I felt every last degree.
Friday, September 12, 2008
My Favorite Job
I've been a programmer.
I've been an analyst.
I am a database administrator.
I even once sold security systems for about week.
All of these jobs are ok, but in no way compare to my favorite job....being a DAD. My kids mean more to me than anything in my life. I'm sure most parents feel that way, or at least I hope that they do. Being a parent is more than a simple role. It is a full time job. No, this is not a plug for parents to stay home with their kids. That is another discussion. My point is more than the JOB of being a parent is 24-7. Even when I'm fulfilling the duties of my job that provides monetary satisfaction, my other job is number one.
Tonight was a good night. It was a night where I felt like a good dad. Not that I normally feel otherwise, but tonight was a very fun night for my kids. We had originally planned to go to a football game tonight. We all (including Jackson and Alex) love football games. They would have loved to have gone...that is, until Alex received a birthday invitation in the mail. He was invited to a party this afternoon. A few days later, Jackson received another invite for tonight. This was to be a fun night for each of them.
I dropped them both off at their respective parties. When Stacy got home, we went to pick Alex up, grabbed some dinner and went shopping for Halloween costumes. After Alex chose Power Ranger garb and we grabbed Jackson an Ironman outfit (which he requested) we were set. Then we picked Jackson up, they tried on their costumes, and have been partying it up in their room with their birthday party party favors (glow sticks & magic kit).
At the end of the day I looked back and saw that for myself I had done well. I got up early and ran (thanks to Stacy), put in a good 8 hours at work, and am now watching football...but the most important part was making it good day for Jackson and Alex. They had a blast and it makes me happy to see them enjoy themselves so much. It was a good day.
I've been an analyst.
I am a database administrator.
I even once sold security systems for about week.
All of these jobs are ok, but in no way compare to my favorite job....being a DAD. My kids mean more to me than anything in my life. I'm sure most parents feel that way, or at least I hope that they do. Being a parent is more than a simple role. It is a full time job. No, this is not a plug for parents to stay home with their kids. That is another discussion. My point is more than the JOB of being a parent is 24-7. Even when I'm fulfilling the duties of my job that provides monetary satisfaction, my other job is number one.
Tonight was a good night. It was a night where I felt like a good dad. Not that I normally feel otherwise, but tonight was a very fun night for my kids. We had originally planned to go to a football game tonight. We all (including Jackson and Alex) love football games. They would have loved to have gone...that is, until Alex received a birthday invitation in the mail. He was invited to a party this afternoon. A few days later, Jackson received another invite for tonight. This was to be a fun night for each of them.
I dropped them both off at their respective parties. When Stacy got home, we went to pick Alex up, grabbed some dinner and went shopping for Halloween costumes. After Alex chose Power Ranger garb and we grabbed Jackson an Ironman outfit (which he requested) we were set. Then we picked Jackson up, they tried on their costumes, and have been partying it up in their room with their birthday party party favors (glow sticks & magic kit).
At the end of the day I looked back and saw that for myself I had done well. I got up early and ran (thanks to Stacy), put in a good 8 hours at work, and am now watching football...but the most important part was making it good day for Jackson and Alex. They had a blast and it makes me happy to see them enjoy themselves so much. It was a good day.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Mixed Thoughts
(1) I am a pretty bad golfer yet I love to play.
(2) I like to build things, but I drag projects on so long that I hardly get anything done.
(3) Work is enjoyable right now, yet if I won the lottery I'd retire that very day.
(4) The pursuit of fitness is real work. I dont know why I enjoy it so much.
(5) I'm tired, yet I feel the need to stay up late so that my entire day doesn't revolve around work. Mentally, that works for me.
(6) Kids can be a real pain in the butt, however they are the highlight of my day nearly every day.
(7) Compared to nearly everyone I know, I exceed them in two ways that make a strange combination: I like to eat extremely fatty foods in large quantities, and I pursue fitness more than most. Figure that one out.
(2) I like to build things, but I drag projects on so long that I hardly get anything done.
(3) Work is enjoyable right now, yet if I won the lottery I'd retire that very day.
(4) The pursuit of fitness is real work. I dont know why I enjoy it so much.
(5) I'm tired, yet I feel the need to stay up late so that my entire day doesn't revolve around work. Mentally, that works for me.
(6) Kids can be a real pain in the butt, however they are the highlight of my day nearly every day.
(7) Compared to nearly everyone I know, I exceed them in two ways that make a strange combination: I like to eat extremely fatty foods in large quantities, and I pursue fitness more than most. Figure that one out.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Four Kinds of Voters
The presidential race started with a slew of candidates, representing a wide array of campaigns. So many choices, and no idea how to choose. It really is difficult to decide what issue is most important to you, and which candidate you prefer. Well, I guess I should say that it’s difficult for some people.
Many people I know get out to primary elections to make sure their ideal candidate wins their party’s nomination.
Do I do so? Absolutely not.
Why? Because I have no party affiliation.
I guess one day I may vote in a primary election, but I hope that to be when I find a perfect candidate….and not when I align myself with a party. At this point in my life I consider myself to be in that segment of the population that is the cause for all of the ridiculous political spending. I’m neither Republican nor Democrat. I used to think that most people were in the same situation as I find myself in, but as time has gone on I’ve really been awakened to the fact that most people ( at least most people I know), even the most “moderate”, have major voting tendencies. Let me restate. I see the American voting public as falling into 4 major groups. Others exist, but in our 2 party system, these categories cover the bulk of the voting population:
I find myself in that fourth group. I don’t mind saying that my votes in the past have varied, having voted Democrat in 2000 and Republican in 2004. I’m very interested to see how the next few months go down. The two candidates chosen by the major parties both offer a voter like myself a viable choice from both parties. I don’t think either will be a bad choice for America and I can not wait to see how it all unravels.
As a finishing thought, I must admit that as I watched the past year unfold I began to form my opinions and pending no unforeseen changes, I believe I know for whom I will be voting. I hope you are all informed as well and know who your favorite is by now. If not, then this is your notice to crawl out of your cave, do some reading, and start forming your opinions. Don’t wait until the very last minute and base your votes on the commercials that air in the weeks prior to the election!
Many people I know get out to primary elections to make sure their ideal candidate wins their party’s nomination.
Do I do so? Absolutely not.
Why? Because I have no party affiliation.
I guess one day I may vote in a primary election, but I hope that to be when I find a perfect candidate….and not when I align myself with a party. At this point in my life I consider myself to be in that segment of the population that is the cause for all of the ridiculous political spending. I’m neither Republican nor Democrat. I used to think that most people were in the same situation as I find myself in, but as time has gone on I’ve really been awakened to the fact that most people ( at least most people I know), even the most “moderate”, have major voting tendencies. Let me restate. I see the American voting public as falling into 4 major groups. Others exist, but in our 2 party system, these categories cover the bulk of the voting population:
- Republicans
- Typically fiscally, religiously, and/or socially conservative (although not always on every individual issue)
- Split into 2 sub-groupings:
- Those that want the best candidate that matches their personal stances.
- Those that want the candidate that will be more apt to defeat the Democratic candidate.
- Democrats
- Typically fiscally, religiously, and/or socially liberal (although not always on every individual issue).
- Split into 2 sub-groupings:
- Those that want the best candidate that matches their personal stances.
- Those that want the candidate that will be more apt to defeat the Republican candidate.
- Those claiming to be moderate but that in reality belong to one of the previously mentioned groups
- These people talk a good game, like to discuss and weigh the issues, but already know how they will vote (even if they have not admitted this fact to themselves).
- They are often just looking for one bad quality of that other candidate to justify the decision that they’ve already made.
- Much of the money spent on campaigns is to give these people a list of those bad qualities to serve as their justification for their choice.
- Swing voters
- This group ultimately decides who will become president (or whatever office is being voted upon).
- This is where I had assumed most people fell, but now see this as a fairly slim margin of the population. Not a small margin of the physical population, but definitely a small margin of the voting population.
- The rest of the ungodly amount of money spent on the campaigns is spent to convince these people how to vote.
I find myself in that fourth group. I don’t mind saying that my votes in the past have varied, having voted Democrat in 2000 and Republican in 2004. I’m very interested to see how the next few months go down. The two candidates chosen by the major parties both offer a voter like myself a viable choice from both parties. I don’t think either will be a bad choice for America and I can not wait to see how it all unravels.
As a finishing thought, I must admit that as I watched the past year unfold I began to form my opinions and pending no unforeseen changes, I believe I know for whom I will be voting. I hope you are all informed as well and know who your favorite is by now. If not, then this is your notice to crawl out of your cave, do some reading, and start forming your opinions. Don’t wait until the very last minute and base your votes on the commercials that air in the weeks prior to the election!
Monday, September 8, 2008
TGIFS
Thank God It's Football Season.... the NFL is awesome.
Yesterday: Huge upsets, unfortunate big injuries, rookies stepping up to play well, Favre making his mark in New York.
Tonight: 2 big games, some big plays already, Aaron Rodgers playing well filling Favre's old shoes.
TGIFS!
Yesterday: Huge upsets, unfortunate big injuries, rookies stepping up to play well, Favre making his mark in New York.
Tonight: 2 big games, some big plays already, Aaron Rodgers playing well filling Favre's old shoes.
TGIFS!
Fun at Santee
Some of the good, bad or funny moments:
(1) me hitting into the other fairway…only to follow it up by nearly hitting Arthur, hitting his cart, then on the next swing, hitting a tree and bouncing it back at Arthur again….and he wasn’t even in my foursome. Luckily he was with our group.
(2) on the captain's choice round...12 tee shots...none hitting the green. We are awesome.
(3) leaving my putter cover on the course on Saturday.
(4) Ken 3 putting 9 greens yesterday.
(5) Me nearly chipping in twice yesterday...unfortunately failing to do so both times.
(6) Us being worried about rain, yet it being amazingly hot and dry the entire time.
(7) My trucking now reeking of sweaty golfer.
(8) Cards seeing Ken get dealt pocket kings at the same time Tien got tired and pushed all in with ace nine, only to see the board hit 2,3,4,5. LOL
(9) Watching James hit 3 into the water on a single hole on Saturday.
(10) Me doing the same dang thing on Sunday.
(1) me hitting into the other fairway…only to follow it up by nearly hitting Arthur, hitting his cart, then on the next swing, hitting a tree and bouncing it back at Arthur again….and he wasn’t even in my foursome. Luckily he was with our group.
(2) on the captain's choice round...12 tee shots...none hitting the green. We are awesome.
(3) leaving my putter cover on the course on Saturday.
(4) Ken 3 putting 9 greens yesterday.
(5) Me nearly chipping in twice yesterday...unfortunately failing to do so both times.
(6) Us being worried about rain, yet it being amazingly hot and dry the entire time.
(7) My trucking now reeking of sweaty golfer.
(8) Cards seeing Ken get dealt pocket kings at the same time Tien got tired and pushed all in with ace nine, only to see the board hit 2,3,4,5. LOL
(9) Watching James hit 3 into the water on a single hole on Saturday.
(10) Me doing the same dang thing on Sunday.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Back from Santee
Santee - been there, done that...again.
We had a blast. 18 holes at Santee National on Saturday. Then the entire mass of us (all 12 players) paid for a replay of 9 holes and did a 6-man team captains choice until the sun went down. Of course this was only made possible because we were the only ones on the course. That was so much fun.
Sunday, 18 holes at Lake Marion. Both days were fun. I did not play very well, but did not care at all. I had enough good holes to hold me over.
Night entertainment - cards. We've been going to the same golf villas for years and playing some cards at night. This time was different. When we arrived early Saturday, they were cleaning up our rooms and they told us that if we wanted it the hospitality suite was available...first come, first serve. We asked what it was and she told us that it is a poker room, just for the golfers. One peek in and we were pumped. 3 tables, felt tops, chips and a tv. After golf, we went straight there and spent the night playing cards and watching Florida whoop some Miami butt. Awesome. I cant wait to go back....but I'm glad to be home.
We had a blast. 18 holes at Santee National on Saturday. Then the entire mass of us (all 12 players) paid for a replay of 9 holes and did a 6-man team captains choice until the sun went down. Of course this was only made possible because we were the only ones on the course. That was so much fun.
Sunday, 18 holes at Lake Marion. Both days were fun. I did not play very well, but did not care at all. I had enough good holes to hold me over.
Night entertainment - cards. We've been going to the same golf villas for years and playing some cards at night. This time was different. When we arrived early Saturday, they were cleaning up our rooms and they told us that if we wanted it the hospitality suite was available...first come, first serve. We asked what it was and she told us that it is a poker room, just for the golfers. One peek in and we were pumped. 3 tables, felt tops, chips and a tv. After golf, we went straight there and spent the night playing cards and watching Florida whoop some Miami butt. Awesome. I cant wait to go back....but I'm glad to be home.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
watching the games
I'm sitting here watching the football games. Giants vs Redskins. No surprise there. I suspected the Giants would win by 17 or so. Right now that looks about right. Plaxico Burress is a beast. If he stays healthy.... it will be another good year for New York.
We flipped to the Carolina/Vandy game. I am a Carolina fan and route for them in all but 1 game every year...that one game is the Vandy game.
Have I always loved Vanderbilt? No. I have always respected teams that have athletes that must meet very high academic standards, yet they also achieve on the field. Vandy is one of those teams. For the past few years Vanderbilt has been on the verge of being really good. Unfortunately, they lost a lot of close games the past few seasons. Hopefully this year, the close games will go their way. Oh, and the real reason that I cheer for Vandy is their coach. Coach Bobby Johnson was my head coach during my 4 years playing for Furman University. I really like him and think that he is a good coach. I wish him the best where ever he coaches. Right now that place is Vanderbilt, so I say "Go Commodores!"
We flipped to the Carolina/Vandy game. I am a Carolina fan and route for them in all but 1 game every year...that one game is the Vandy game.
Have I always loved Vanderbilt? No. I have always respected teams that have athletes that must meet very high academic standards, yet they also achieve on the field. Vandy is one of those teams. For the past few years Vanderbilt has been on the verge of being really good. Unfortunately, they lost a lot of close games the past few seasons. Hopefully this year, the close games will go their way. Oh, and the real reason that I cheer for Vandy is their coach. Coach Bobby Johnson was my head coach during my 4 years playing for Furman University. I really like him and think that he is a good coach. I wish him the best where ever he coaches. Right now that place is Vanderbilt, so I say "Go Commodores!"
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
TGIFS
TGIFS - thank god it's football season!
(1) I love high school football.
(2) I love college football even more.
(3) I love NFL football even more than that.
(4) I love to play fantasy football, which makes me like watching pro football to an even higher degree.
(5) I have a brother that coaches football.
(6) I have 2 parents that have missed a total of probably 3 or 4 football games (Ninetysix High School) since 1988.
(7) I married a woman that loves football as much as I do.
(8) Both my brother and I played football at both the high school and college level.
(8) I love tailgating.
(9) I love Sunday afternoon on the couch, vegging out in front of the boob tube.
.... and yes,
(10) I even love the lazy Sunday afternoon nap when I doze off at the end of the early game run-away, and before the second game gets exciting.
I love football season!
TGIFS!
(1) I love high school football.
(2) I love college football even more.
(3) I love NFL football even more than that.
(4) I love to play fantasy football, which makes me like watching pro football to an even higher degree.
(5) I have a brother that coaches football.
(6) I have 2 parents that have missed a total of probably 3 or 4 football games (Ninetysix High School) since 1988.
(7) I married a woman that loves football as much as I do.
(8) Both my brother and I played football at both the high school and college level.
(8) I love tailgating.
(9) I love Sunday afternoon on the couch, vegging out in front of the boob tube.
.... and yes,
(10) I even love the lazy Sunday afternoon nap when I doze off at the end of the early game run-away, and before the second game gets exciting.
I love football season!
TGIFS!
Santee Golf Trip
I may have already mentioned this before, but this coming weekend is our annual Santee golf trip. I'm pretty excited. Assuming Hanna doesn't swoop in and ruin the weekend for us, it should be an awesome weekend. On the agenda are 2 rounds. The first is on Saturday at noon on Santee National. Following that round we tend to do a replay of 9 or 18 holes, depending on time. Either way that is a fun day. The following day is another 18 holes at Lake Marion and the trek home.
I've played a few more rounds than usual leading up to this weekend. I'm good by no means, but love to play. I played twice last weekend and shot a 100 and a 96. If it is at all possible, I was unhappy with the 100 and every happy with the 96, which was only 4 strokes better.... figure that one out? Anyway, I'd love to continue to improve this weekend, but we'll see.
12 of us are making the trip. I'd guess that most are within my same scoring ability, which makes it more fun. I love to compete. Whether it's at a high or low level, to compete with someone of similar ability to myself makes it fun.
I cant wait!
I've played a few more rounds than usual leading up to this weekend. I'm good by no means, but love to play. I played twice last weekend and shot a 100 and a 96. If it is at all possible, I was unhappy with the 100 and every happy with the 96, which was only 4 strokes better.... figure that one out? Anyway, I'd love to continue to improve this weekend, but we'll see.
12 of us are making the trip. I'd guess that most are within my same scoring ability, which makes it more fun. I love to compete. Whether it's at a high or low level, to compete with someone of similar ability to myself makes it fun.
I cant wait!
Monday, September 1, 2008
More Racing Fun
Not me this time. I had daddy duty while Stacy ran the Labor Day 5k. She finished 4th out of 101 women, and won her age group (again)!!! Go Stacy!!!
Then, the boys ran in their first Fun Run. It was 1 mile. They took off fast. Then walked. Then ran. Then walked. Before they finished they had repeated this process many times over. It was great. Alex kept a better pace, while Jackson chose the walk, then all-out sprint method. It was awesome. They both finished.
Following the Fun Run, they had both a 3-Legged race and lollipop race. My kids won the 3 Legged Race!!! I was proud that they not only won, but worked together very, very well. Go Jackson and Alex!!! Check out these pics and video.
Then, the boys ran in their first Fun Run. It was 1 mile. They took off fast. Then walked. Then ran. Then walked. Before they finished they had repeated this process many times over. It was great. Alex kept a better pace, while Jackson chose the walk, then all-out sprint method. It was awesome. They both finished.
Following the Fun Run, they had both a 3-Legged race and lollipop race. My kids won the 3 Legged Race!!! I was proud that they not only won, but worked together very, very well. Go Jackson and Alex!!! Check out these pics and video.
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