Psalm 13

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD ,
for he has been good to me.

[NIV translation via Bible Gateway]

I Am Not Loving It

Last night I was walking back to the grill area, and I slipped and fell, landing on my right hip, elbow, and hand. I reported this accident to the manager, and she completed some paperwork after we closed last night. After I'd reported it to her, she asked if I needed to go to Urgent Care (an after-hours clinic). I told her that I felt I would be okay.

A little while later, while cleaning the grill (part of the closing routine), I burned my right index finger. The pain was so acute that, along with the previous incident, I cursed and threw the utensil I'd been using, ripping off the latex gloves I was wearing as I headed toward the employee restroom to douse my right hand with cold water.

I wanted and needed the privacy because I was so upset. I feel that the franchise owners do not convey an attitude that promotes safety. There are management inconsistencies in this area as well as in other areas of the business.

Everyone has things that they value and desire when it comes to a job or a career. Two of mine are

• The company strives to live within its values and mission
• Every employee can be made to feel that he or she can make a difference

Some coworkers asked me if I was okay after the burn incident. I replied, "No. I'm pissed off."

I feel like I've lost my heart for this job. I definitely don't feel like giving more of myself to this company, and looking for extra ways to make it successful, if I'm not feeling like I'm that important to them.

I came home tired and upset. Jennie and I talked, and I was so worked up that I had a hard time relaxing to fall asleep. I needed to pray, so we did.

I don't want to work at a place where my wife is wondering whether I'll be able to come home in the same condition as I was when I left.

My feet have been hurting, too, from all the time I've spent over the years standing on my feet. I suppose it's a chronic problem, but the pain has become more acute as of late. Jennie recently saw a podiatrist about her feet, and I made an appointment to see someone from the same office for tomorrow morning.

I also contacted our family doctor to schedule and appointment related to my injury last night. He doesn't see patients for work-related injuries, and his receptionist referred me to an occupational health clinic that does. I made an appointment to see them for tomorrow afternoon. I'm still feeling some pain in my right hand, elbow, and hip. I also am feeling some pain on the right side of my back.

The power is still of at our place, by the way. Jennie deposited my paycheck from last Friday into the bank on Saturday. I had expected to make a cash withdrawal for an amount to take to the utility company's pay agent so that we could get the power back on today.

I found out after waiting in line at the bank, that the deposit had not gone through yet. The teller said that it would post to our account this evening.

As I drove home, I wept and prayed, "God, I don't even know what to pray for anymore. It seems that there is so much that we need, and I know that you know what we need even before we ask."

I'm tired. I want all of this to be over. I prayed last night that God would somehow take Jennie, Keisha, and I up to heaven so that we could be with him. I feel like our lives would be so much better than the state where we are now.

Prepping, Power, Passion

Prepping

Work at the restaurant has been okay. I've been given more hours for this week's schedule. I had it out with a couple coworkers last weekend, and I hope that this weekend will be much better. I'm being trained in all areas of the grill crew, which is nice, since I've had to step in and help out in the different areas.

I'm not satisfied with this type of work, however, and I feel more urgency to find something for which I am more well-suited.

Power

The power company shut off our electricity yesterday while we all were out. We are unable to pay for the service to keep it on.

We went to the $1.00 store yesterday afternoon to get some batteries and candles. I figured out how to set up aluminum foil around the candles to make the light more reflective. I want to get our grill assembled so that we can use it for cooking.

We feel like we're stuck in this deep financial pit with no foreseen way out. We are having to be late in rent, phone bill, water bill, electricity -- the necessities.

All the more urgency to get the taxes done and cash in the 401(k).

Passion

Last night a close friend of mine took me to see "The Passion of the Christ". I am very grateful that he paid my way to see it. It was like studying the medical account of Jesus' crucifixion all over again. A few people walked out during the movie; I sat in my chair, stunned, shocked, weeping, incredulous, etc.

I'm reminded of 1 Peter 2:24.

There were no other movie previews, and there were few, if any, who brought refreshments into the theater. It's not that kind of movie.

I like that Satan is an actual humanlike character, present all the way to discourage Jesus from going through with it.

The violence is indeed graphic: from the time of his arrest until he is lifted up on the cross, Jesus is slapped, whipped, kicked, spit upon, derided, or otherwise abused. The twelve minute scourging scene -- whoa. Even one of the centurions who'd ordered it was upset because Jesus was so close to death from it.

That Jesus endured this abuse voluntarily, when he could have stopped it at anytime, is even more striking.

Some argue that the Jews killed Jesus Christ, but I believe that we all did it. Jesus received the punishment that was due us for all of our sins. My sin killed Jesus. I beat him. I murdered Jesus Christ. And so did you.

The Difference Between Men and Women, with Algebraic References

In Karen's recent post to "My Life," she mentioned her difficulty with a certain male acquaintance. She also mentions Algebra. I used to think that was a very bad word, actually, until I learned what it was. Below are my comments to her post:

Hi, Karen! It's Dan, one of the above-mentioned "male friends".

Men and women are so different in the ways that they think about things. I've heard that the path across both hemispheres of a woman's brain is like a superhighway, but the same path in a man's brain is like an old dirt path.

About the algebra... that reminds me of the joke about a teacher from the group al-Gebra who possessed weapons of math instruction. (rim shot)

I actually did well in Algebra, but I haven't used it much since I've been out of school. Well, I'm mistaken... I have used it somewhat, but a lot of the advanced stuff I have not used.

Renaissance Thinking about the Issues of our Day

"Thom Hartmann is an author and the host of one of the nation's largest nationally syndicated progressive daily radio talk shows, heard on stations coast to coast from noon to 3 PM ET."

The Gift of ADHD

I've Found Another 'Alias' Fan

On Sunday, March 7, 2004, Mercy Bell wrote in her blog, mercy me:

Only Sydney Bristow can run up several flights of fire escape stairs in high heels and a miniskirt and not be winded or sweat, lol. Just another day in the life of Alias.

I like the show because it uses dramatic irony so well. We know more about what's going on than some of the other characters do.

I Know Where You Live

If your phone number is publicly listed, I may be able to Google your full 10-digit number and be able to see the listing for you. The search results also include map links.

Google does provide a form by which you can have your number removed from the PhoneBook. See this link: Google PhoneBook Name Removal

Are You An Aggressive Driver?

Aggressive driving: asking for trouble

Do you:

• Speed up when someone tries to pass you?
• Tailgate people who are going slower than you?
• Weave in and out of traffic?
• Pass cars on the right?
• Flash your headlights at vehicles?
• Overuse your horn?
• Make obscene gestures?
• Yell out your window at people?
• Race for a position on the highway?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers some of these behaviors aggressive. So next time, think twice before doing any of these things.

I bet that State Farm and other auto insurance agencies think so, too.

News from a Satellite Outpost

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Greetings to all readers (casual, first-time, and regular)! Top o' the day to ya! It's St. Patrick's Day, and I'm seeing green. Well, not really. I would love for someone to buy me a pint of Guiness, though.

Wire You Doing That?
I'm at a friend's house, hooking up their new computer and setting up their home network. I just wanted to drop by to say hi.

Fun in Traffic Court
Remind me to share about what happened with my traffic ticket. I went to court instead of simply paying the fine, by the way. More to come later.

That Green Lining in My Wallet
Oh yeah, I should also update about my job. I'm still there, but you should here more of the story.

'Passion'-ate Preview
My friend Bob, who will always be the "Best Man" (he was in my wedding), plans to take me to see "The Passion of the Christ" this Thursday evening. So, look for my thoughts on that soon.

Keeping the 'Fun' in Dysfunctional
We're still in one piece at home. Getting frequent phone calls from the bank now, however; it might have something to do with the negative balance in our account. Keisha is not having as many accidents now, Jennie seems to be hanging in there at her job, and Jake the dog is, well, neurotic as usual. Jake loves the snow, along with just being outside, for that matter. He seems to hop around like a bunny rabbit and loves to roll around in it.

White as, Well, Snow
Speaking of the snow, we got between 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm for my metric friends). We are more than ready for the springtime weather.

Easter Sunday - When Will It Be?
Speaking of which, I read in the newspaper or a book about Easter some time ago why Easter is always on a different date every year. After spring comes (the "vernal equinox"), note when the next full moon occurs. Easter Sunday will be the next Sunday after that.

Use that bit of information to dazzle your friends!

Two Wishes

Joke Alert!

A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him, and as he sits, the waitress comes over and asks for their order.

The man says, "I'll have a hamburger, fries and a coke," and turns to the ostrich. "What's yours?"
"I'll have the same," says the ostrich.

A short time later the waitress returns with the order. "That will be $6.40 please," and the man reaches into his pocket and pulls out exact change for payment.

The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, "I'll have a hamburger, fries and a coke," and the ostrich says, "I'll have the same." Once again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.

This becomes a routine until late one evening, the two enter again.
"The usual?" asks the waitress.
"No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and salad," says the man.
"Same for me," says the ostrich.

A short time later the waitress comes with the order and says, "That will be $12.62."
Once again the man pulls exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.

The waitress can't hold back her curiosity any longer. "Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change out of your pocket every time?"

"Well," says the man, "several years ago I was cleaning the attic and I found an old lamp. When I rubbed it a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, just put my hand in my pocket, and the right amount of money would always be there."

"That's brilliant!" says the waitress. "Most people would wish for a million dollars or something, but you'll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!"

"That's right! Whether it's a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there," says the man.

The waitress asks, "One other thing, sir, what's with the ostrich?"

The man sighs, pauses, and answers, "My second wish was for a tall chick with long legs who agrees with everything I say.

[via email from Mom]

LinkedIn Profile Update

I updated my profile to reflect some of the accomplishments I have from some previous jobs. Feel free to join in, as it may prove beneficial to all of us.

Case Closed on 'The Practice'

Say it ain't so. My wife and I have enjoyed this season's episodes thoroughly. I like James Spader's and Rhona Mitra's characters. Apparently those two are being approached with the idea of a spinoff series. This year's season finale will also be the series finale.

According to "Plug Pulled on 'The Practice," which comes via E!Online, wrapping up this season and the series will mean a lot of drama in the upcoming weeks. Look for guest appearances by William Shatner and Dylan McDermott (aka Bobby Donnell), for example.

One reason we watch the show is that it comes on after 'Alias', naturally.

News from Inside My Mind

I'm tired today. I stayed up late last night watching TV. I had to wake up early today for an IEP meeting for my daughter at school. I also had a therapist appt.

All went well.

What? Oh, I see that my time on this computer is already up. (at the library still).

Speaking of Tickets

I received this little story via email:

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting. Thought you'd might like to see what happened to me last week. I went to the store the other day. I was only in there for about 5 minutes.

When I came out there was a city cop writing out a parking ticket. I went up to him and said, "Come on, buddy, how about giving a senior a break?" He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. I called him a Nazi. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires. So I called him a piece of horse s***.

He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket. This went on for about 20 minutes. the more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote. I didn't give a crap. My car was parked around the corner.

I try to have a little fun each day It's important at my age.

That Darn Red Light

Looking to fight that traffic citation... How about this one: http://www.norman-law.com/page27.html

News from Behind the Grill

I've spent so much time behind the grill lately that it's no wonder my complexion looks different. I've had to take breaks to rehydrate and cool off.

Today we were so busy during lunchtime. It was nonstop. I later went to the walk-in freezer to retrieve more meat, and I didn't want to come back out.

Hot, Buttered Blogrolls

I've wondered why my blogroll hasn't been updating (or being displayed). Perhaps it's related to this story:

Tucows Acquires Blogrolling.com

Joke Alert!

[I purloined this one from a journal I had to keep in high-school English. The teacher did not think it was a good journal entry. Now I let you be the judge.]

This rich and very beautiful woman walks into her bedroom with the family butler. She shuts and locks the door and closes the window shades.

She walks over to the butler and says:"

"I want you to unzip my dress."

He unzips it.

"Help me take it off."

He does.

"Now, take off my bra."

He takes off her bra.

"Take off my stockings."

He does.

"Now, if I ever catch you in my clothes again, you're fired."

News from the Home Office

There is a lot to report on, so, without further ado, here we go!

Reading is Fun!
I've updated my reading list via AllConsuming.net. You can check out what I'm currently reading at Dan's Domain. There is one book I'm reading that is not in the AllConsuming.net database as of yet. That book is entitled Crime in the City, and it is edited by Martin Edwards. It features short stories with the theme of big-city crime. This collection was sponsored by the British Crime Writer's Association.

He Loves to Play Guitar!
One of my goals in learning the acoustic guitar is to be able to sing along with it. Since I first started in December of last year, I have longed to be able to put something together that has some meaning. Folk songs, children's songs, church songs, even the blues. That's why I was so encouraged to find the tabulature (that's guitar-speak for the fret-string positions) for a great blues riff. It's almost as good as having B.B. King here to teach me!

She Ain't Heavy, She's My Daughter!
Last Saturday morning, Keisha, Jake (our dog), and I went to the field near where we live for a walk and some outdoor play time. I had the idea that Keisha and I could race between two markers. I went first. When it came time for Keisha to go, she resisted. I offered to hold her hand and run with her.

We took off, but Keisha soon decided that it was too much for her. She tried to let go, but I clung to her coatsleeve, and then she fell to the ground. Eager to develop the fighter spirit in her (i.e., the resolve not to give up so easily), I bent down to pick her back up.

Immediately, I felt something "pull" in my lower back, and I knew I'd made a big mistake. I rounded up Keisha and Jake, and we headed home. I applied some topical ointment (not Ben-Gay, but something similar) and sat on a heating pad. Both of these seemed to help.

Which reminds me that I need to tell you about...

It's not really a McJob
I had my first night of training at my new part-time job Saturday night. I manned the bun warmer. This task, of course lent itself to several double entendre type remarks: "Here's your buns! They're nice and toasty!" "Hot, steamy buns! Yours for the picking!"

During my break I caught a few minutes of Forrest Gump, which aired on ABC. As a result, I broke into my Forrest Gump routine, talking in my best Gump-ish voice. That seemed to entertain my coworkers. There was that remark about whether my being around the grill had affected me, though...

Nevertheless, I helped the crew to close the place, and I made the 20-minute jaunt home. Which reminds me that I need to tell you about...

Sleepin' In On A Sunday Mornin'

Jennie and I forgot to set our alarm clock, so we wound up waking up when it was too late to get to church. I guess it happens from time to time to everyone.

I really wasn't in any condition to go anywhere, though. My back was feeling the pain in a major way. I wound up calling in sick to work, letting the shift manager know that I'd be going to the doctor on Monday.

Which reminds me...

Papa called the Doctor, and the Doctor Said...

Jennie needed Mom's car on Monday, so I planned to catch the bus to my doctor's appointment. I headed downtown and bought a monthly bus pass. Then I grabbed several bus schedules and headed toward the bus stop.

I had never been on that particular bus before, so I was naturally confused when the driver took us way past where the doctor's office was. After conferring with the driver, I realized that I could have gotten off a half an hour earlier and walked the rest of the way to the doctor's office.

Since he was heading back in that direction, that's exactly what I did. I arrived about 45 minutes early for my appointment, and there I stayed, caught between a rock and a hard place -- deciding whether to let the Musak put me to sleep or to continue reading the book I brought with me. The latter won out, albeit not without a fight.

Soon the nurse grabbed me, and I weighed in at a hefty 217 pounds. She led me to the examining room. Not too long a young gentleman, a student doctor, appeared. He mentioned that he'd be helping my doctor today.

I told the chap what was wrong, and he was able to manipulate the upper part of my back. I felt a little bit of relief. After he left, my doctor entered. He twisted me up like a pretzel (well, not quite) and was able to get the rest of my back realigned.

I'm still taking the pain medicine (8-hour Tylenol) for a little while, but the prognosis is good: No more picking up Keisha without proper back posture!

Yeah, I'm feeling better. Which reminds me that I need to tell you about...

Doctor EverythingWillBeAlright

Okay, so I'm being a bit sarcastic or otherwise loopy in this post. I went to see the psychiatrist today. Apparently there was an incident between a patient and him this morning that involved the police, so all subsequent appointments were delayed.

I decided to wait in the unbearable heat caused by the faulty HVAC system. I was afraid that the female workers were going to comment about my chest and bellybutton hair, though! (just kidding)

The wait was about 45 minutes, and I used the time to catch up with my planner. It was almost like meeting an old friend; I hadn't really used it since last Friday.

I eventually saw the doctor, and we talked about stuff that patients and psychiatrists talk about. He was interested in whether the scab-picking had subsided; I told him that it hadn't. The scabs are just hidden by my long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and baseball cap.

I also mentioned some depression episodes I'd had over the last few months. There were some really intense times, as I may have mentioned here, that I'd just wanted to die. The doc calls them "passive" rather than active feelings of suicide - i.e., not real, concrete plans to do away with myself.

We talked about how the past few years has been for me, how I felt I'd changed over that time. It was really uplifting for me to see how much I have grown, how my perspective on life has changed.

I think I'm gonna be alright. And speaking of things that are going to be alright...

Bookish voters approve library levy

That's the headline from today's Dayton Daily News. As a regular to the county's library system, I am quite grateful that others in the community share my desire to keep the library great. I'd even love to have a part-time job at the library. We'll have to see if they end the hiring freeze anytime soon.

Which reminds me of this other money-related story...

Dayton market sells $20M Mega Millions ticket

The Dayton Daily News also reports: "Ohio Lottery officials said Wednesday that someone bought a winning ticket for Tuesday's Mega Millions $20 million jackpot at the Food City store at 1829 Germantown St." Maybe this person is or will soon be one of my (new) friends...

Political Facts about Social Security

[I received this information in an email some time ago, but I was reluctant to share it here until I found evidence that it was true.]

Social Security is only one facet of big government, but what has happened since its original inception back in the 1930s is typical of party politics - in a Congress ruled primarily by the Democrat majority in all but a few of this program’s 66-year existence.

Here are a few facts to give you pause for concern:

• Having paid into FICA for years and now receiving a monthly check, Social Security recipients are taxed on 85% of this money paid to the government to “save” for their future.
• Which political party took Social Security from an independent fund and put it in the general fund so that Congress could spend it?
  Lyndon Johnson and the Democrat-controlled House and Senate.
• Which party put a tax on Social Security?
  Democrat Party.
• Which party increased the tax on Social Security?
  Democrat Party. Vice President Al Gore cast the deciding vote as President of the US Senate.
• Which party gave immigrants Social Security even though they had paid nothing into it?
  Democrat Party. A large majority of these immigrants are from south of the border, often receive their wages in cash, pay little or no income tax, and send most of their earnings to families in Mexico and Central America.
• Which party now tells the American public that the Republicans want to take your Social Security?
  Democrat Party. And the worst part about it is, people believe this false claim thanks to the mainstream media, the overwhelming majority of which is controlled by liberals.

When Words Get in the Way

If you or someone you know has difficulty relating with other people, you may want to read this article. Lynn Waalkes talks about choosing everyday language to convey the message without confusing the reader. The article is specifically designed for a Christian audience, but its principles are universal.

[Thanks to the Official Canuck of this blog, Bene Diction, for the link!]

Blogging for Two... and then some!

Mom just moved to another place, and she does not have internet access. She's asked me to update her blog so that regular readers still know what's going on.

In email news, the Greater Dayton IT Alliance has a new internet home: http://www.gdita.org, so head over there if you're so inclined.

Also, I just posted some great quotations at QuotesBlog in honor of Leap Day, which was yesterday, by the way.

Additionally, a friend of mine who drives a truck across the USA for a living recently posted some pictures he's taken to his website. Head over there to check them out: http://photos.yahoo.com/simpsontruckdriver. When you get there, click on "USA In Pictures", then click on "Slideshow." He tells me that these are about 10% of all the pictures he has, by the way.