Mood: very tired
Listening to: Dave's Lounge
Reading: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)
Eating: Domino's XLP - Pepperoni
Watching: Grey's Anatomy - Season Two
Are you ready for some rockin' independent music? How about 50 minutes of nonstop rock. Check out the latest JIMM Podcast episode (JIMM 46 - Super Rock Mix), and you'll get just that. And some other fun stuff, too.
Let me know what you think!
My boss lent me a couple DVDs of this British comedy show.
I've found myself laughing so hard I've cried.
"The IT Crowd" (2006)
Republicans in Congress, concerned about their positions and control in an election year, are proposing to give each taxpayer a $100 rebate.
That's a little over three fill-ups at the pump. I think they need to start fining the giant oil companies who have been reaping immense profits on behalf of every gasoline consumer.
Geez.
Mood: a little awkward
Listening to: Tanfastic Podcast Episode 24
Eating: Total cereal with a generic chocolate/peanut butter cereal mixed in - and some milk
Watching: The IT Crowd
I am wearing contact lenses for the first time in over 12 years. I stopped wearing them back in college because they could not correct for astigmatism. It now appears that there are contact lenses that do.
An interesting thing about these lenses: one edge is thicker than the other, weighted to keep the lens from rotating around my cornea, as other lenses do. Because of the astigmatism correction, I think this is the case. Otherwise, it would be the same as if, when wearing my glasses, I were to tilt them at an angle. That would look funny, wouldn't it? And I wouldn't be able to see very well either.
So I'm gradually easing back into wearing contact lenses, and there are some challenges associated with it. One challenge is that my eyes get very dry throughout the day, it seems. I've been adding these lubricant eye drops about every 30 minutes, which doesn't seem right. Maybe it's got something to do with my tear chemistry or something.
Another challenge is having to switch back and forth from my 4 year old prescription and my current prescription. I got a terrible headache yesterday when I changed back into my glasses; I didn't even want to keep my eyes open.
Still another challenge is the daily upkeep of the lenses: cleaning, storing, etc. I think my nature - and others' I'm sure - is to not want to spend the extra time to do these tasks.
Eventually, we may get to a point where laser surgery can correct not only for nearsightedness but also astigmatism. And it will be affordable.
Mood: alert and ready to go
Listening to: music from the Podsafe Music Network
Reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2 chapters left!)
Eating: Dunkin' Donuts - everything bagel with plain cream cheese, chocolate milk
Seven to nine year olds can be brutally honest. Here are two examples:
None of these responses were expected, even though there was truth to them.
"I can see your bald spot," he said. I think he meant that he could see my scalp because the hair all around was short. At least that's what I hope he meant.
Imagine if I was able to replicate myself in cyberspace. I'd probably look something like this:
Mood: alert
Listening to: Buckeye Drive Time #61
Reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (chapter 15) - it's getting really good
Eating: Snicker's bar and Monster energy drink
We had a great weekend. On Saturday, after Jennie came home from work, we all drove north to Dayton for a baby shower for a friend. I drove because I knew Jennie would be tired from working the night before.
While the women were baby showering, Keisha and I went with my friend Chris and his boys to the local pond at Lincoln Park to do some fishing. It was the first time I'd been fishing in several years, but I fortunately remembered how to tie the hook onto the fishing line. We had a couple of bites but didn't catch anything.
We returned to Cincinnati and bought a copy of the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, with some money Mom had sent Keisha for Easter. Then we went home, and Jennie went to bed. We later watched "Blast from the Past" on ABCFamily, and, later on we watched the DVD we'd bought earlier.
On Sunday we went to church and realized that it was our second to last week of our rotation. We made plans for next week, which will be really fun.
After church, we went to the local Fricker's for some hot wings, and then we returned home so that Jennie could go to bed. Keisha and I took Jake for a walk; actually, she rode her scooter while I walked Jake.
When we came home, we turned on ABCFamily and saw that Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was on. I've been reading the Harry Potter books to Keisha, and I used the movie to help me with voice characterization as I read.
One scene of the movie involves Harry and Ron escaping giant spiders in the Forbidden Forest via a magical car. They are able to get it flying up, over the trees, and that's when Keisha cried out, "Now THAT'S what I'M talkin' about!"
One of the other things Keisha thought was great was just when Ron and Harry are entering the forest. Ron, who is afraid of spiders, exclaims, "Why spiders? Why couldn't Hagrid have said to follow the butterflies?" Keisha cracked up laughing at that remark.
Keisha is enjoying our paper shredder. She put a trash bag in receptacle and installed the shredder thing. Now she's finding all kinds of papers to shred. Just hopefully the right kinds of ones to shred.
That reminds me of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", where the villain was called Shredder.
Mood: a little sleepy, a little hungry, and (eww) needing to brush my teeth
Listening to: some various podcasts
I've decided to imitate some other podcasters by putting together at least one additional episode early in the week, so that I'm not scrambling to put it together as the week ends.
I recorded some audio on the iRiver as I drove home yesterday. And Keisha and I talked a little bit last night. I have enough audio from these recordings for 4 separate shows.
What does this mean? I've already recorded the next episode! But I won't release it until Friday or Saturday, to give people a chance to listen to the current episode.
I might do that more often. We'll see.
Mood: disgusted
Listening to: Keisha taking a shower
Reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Eating: you know, I don't remember eating dinner last night
Watching: didn't watch much TV last night either
I kinda felt hungry when I woke up this morning, but I think this may have ruined my appetite:
We woke up this morning and discovered that the dog pooped is several places around the apartment while we were sleeping. At least it look's more like his and not the cat's. Keisha's room got hit, along with two separate places in our living room: near the door to our apartment and near our rocking chair.
Since this very RARELY happens, we're wondering if he's feeling okay.
It's so disgusting! I wish animals could just use the toilet like us humans.
NOT a pleasant way to start the morning!!
Hey guys! I just saw this video of some amazing juggling, and I wanted to share it with you:
Mood: a day older
Listening to: Writer's Almanac for April 17, 2006
Jennie and I spent some time discussing how we spent my birthday yesterday, and some other things, too. Check out the podcast!
Tax forms have been filled out. We're going to the library to make some copies. We've also filled out updated voter registration cards, since we didn't do that last year when we moved.
It's such a nice day outside - swimming weather, actually - high of 82 F.
Jennie and I are going on a date tonight, probably to get some fish from Alabama's and spend time in downtown perhaps.
More to come later, perhaps. Mulling over what to record for the podcast, which will probably get recorded tomorrow afternoon or evening.
Take care and make it a great day!
P.S. If you have an audio comment you'd like to submit, head over to the podcast site and click the "Send Me a Voice Message" button, or call (206) 666 5466 and leave a message that way.
CHEERS!
Mood: a bit dejected
Listening to: thunder outside, heading eastward, away fromus
Reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Eating: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, and boiled potatoes
Watching: the weather radar on the local ABC affiliate
This looks to be the first year we've ever owed the IRS and state of Ohio:
For some reason, we filled our W-4 forms, which designate to our employers how much we want them to take out of our paychecks for income taxes, so that we kept way more money than we should have.
When we totaled up both our incomes, Jennie and I could hardly believe how much we made last year. Then, when we filled out our income tax return, we were both shocked to find out - at least it appears that way - we owe the IRS more than $1200.
The IRS says they'll look at our return and figure our tax and refund or amount we owe. We still have to come up with the money if we do. And it looks like a lot more than we have right now.
Craptastic.
Mood: groovy
Listening to: 43 Folders podcast
Reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Eating: I guess breakfast is in order, huh?
Watching: last night, saw the end of FX's "Black. White."
The Tax Man cometh!
We've usually been really good about filing our tax records from previous years. Right now we're trying to figure out where we put last year's tax return information. That has led us to sorting through file cabinets and boxes we haven't looked in since before we moved last year.
Jennie was sorting through a cedar chest, and she found something of my maternal grandfather's. He was my Mom's Dad, affectionately called by us grandkids as "Gramps".
The object is an English pewter mug. The bottom has this engraved on it:Leonard Eales of Sheffield since 1779
The engraving on the front reads as follows:
English Pewter
Made in EnglandC. MITCHELL
The bottom of the mug is a clear polycarbonate material.
C.F.D.
5-18-42 11-11-74
My grandfather started with the Cincinnati Fire Department before World War II. The station is located at the corner of Clifton and Ludlow in Cincinnati. I remember, when I was 3 years old, visiting the station. My Mom took some pictures of it. Maybe I'll get to scan those in and revisit this post, to show them here.
One picture is one of me sitting behind the wheel of the fire engine. Another is of me wearing Gramps's fire helmet and boots. Too cute!
I think we'll wash this mug out and put it somewhere for safekeeping.
Mood:
Listening to: DSC 365
Eating: chicken pot pie, cranberry juice, and black coffee
This morning I had my first eye exam in 4 years:
I was leaving a job in July 2002, and I had an exam and got glasses. Because of the financial situation we'd been in over the last 4 years, I hadn't gone to get another eye exam and glasses.
It wasn't until the past few weeks until I really began to realize that my glasses weren't working as well anymore. I went online to our vision insurance company and found an eye doctor just up the street from where we live.
The optometrist and I talked about contact lenses. I stopped wearing them around 1993 because they weren't able to correct for my astigmatism. Now there are contacts that do. So I might look into that.
Part of the eye exam involves putting some drops into my eyes to dilate the pupils. That way the doctor can look into my eyes and check my retinas, etc.
He mentioned, at the close of my exam, that because I'm nearsighted, my eyes are larger/longer than normal, which lends the retina to get stretched. So he said I should really get my eyes examined once a year because there is a risk of the retinas tearing. First time an eye doctor told me that.
As I was checking out, the receptionist said I had a $10 copay and asked for method of payment. I looked in my wallet and said, "Alexander Hamilton", pulling out a $10 bill.
We'll probably head over to LensCrafters later to look at glasses and frames. I like that I can get my glasses right away instead of waiting a week.
Listening to: Audio Gumshoe 38 - Brand New
It happens every so many years. My birthday, April 16th, happens to coincide with Easter. I want to thank everyone in advance for celebrating my birthday with me by eating colored hard-boiled eggs, chocolate bunnies, and the like.
I get a warm feeling inside just thinking about it. Or is that from the wings last night?
Whatever the case, you are welcome to send any birthday wishes in the usual ways. I'm even planning on doing a feedback/birthday podcast this week. So why not call (206) 666-JIMM (5466) with some thoughts? Or, if you have a microphone attached to your computer, send me a voice message. It's easy!
Mood: tired and a bit nauseous
Reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, with Keisha
Eating: Buffalo Wild Wings
Last night for dinner we went back to Buffalo Wild Wings, and I ordered my usual dozen Blazin' wings. We also order a dozen Spicy Garlic, and Jennie usually orders either BBQ or Hot for herself. We also get some celery and either blue cheese or ranch dressing. Keisha gets whatever she wants.
Jennie and I each got a 23-ounce Miller Lite and a glass of ice water. I think the beer is designed to lubricate the digestive system - at least I'd like to think that.
But the Blazin' wings are the restaurants hottest flavor. When I first ordered them a few weeks ago, I thought it was a good challenge for me. And it turned out that they weren't that bad.
These past two times, however, were not as good. Maybe someone else was doing the sauces or something, but these babies were very hot. It got to the point where tears were coming out of my eyes. Last night, though, it was because the sauce was hurting my lips.
I kept plugging through it all, not wanting to waste my food. Thankfully, the beer, water, celery, and dressing were there.
Yet, what I've also found is that the pain doesn't stop after eating. Nope, nature has to take its course, and by that I mean, if it's painful going in, it's bound to be painful coming back out. If you know what I mean.
Why do I put myself through this? I guess it's got something to do with pride, manliness, or something like that.
Mood: a little sleepy
Listening to: JIMM 43 - Phoning It In
Hey there, everybody! I tried something a bit "different" with this week's show. You'll have to head over to the podcast website for more information. Enjoy!
Living with hearing loss is something our daughter does every day; she was born that way. Yet I know I and many others are doing things that may eventually lead to hearing loss in the future, if we don't change certain things about how we live and listen.
This article from Wired News shares some suggestions and advice on how to listen to music, whether in your home, in the car, or on your iPod or other portable listening device.
Wired News:
Hi there. I'm not really posting this right now. I'm actually posting it a few days into the future, because I can.
The timestamp for this post is:
02:03 04/05/06
Mood: pleasant
Listening to: Kidcast #39
Eating: Kit Kat and black coffee
Hey! It's finally out! The latest podcast, which was meant for April Fool's Day, is out. Head on over to get the warm, juicy goodness.
While chatting with a coworker about our lunch order for today, I asked if we're going to be ordering individually or whether we'll order a "collective pizza".
Then I thought, wouldn't that be a cool band name or name for a podcast or website? I may need to register the domain name...
Mood: tired
Listening to: not much podcasting today
Reading: finished Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Eating: Sloppy Joe's and vegetables
Watching: The Firm on Bravo
Whew! What a day! I woke up early this morning with plans of getting the podcast recorded, getting some bills paid, getting a lesson for children's ministry done.
Later on this afternoon, our dog got into a fight with the neighbor's dog. They were really at each other, and it took everything I had to get the other dog, which was smaller than Jake, off him.
We later noticed that Jake's front right leg was bleeding. Unsure of how badly he was injured, I took him to the animal hospital. The doctor shaved around where the blood was, and spotted a puncture wound form the other dog's tooth. Then she scrubbed it, bandaged it, and gave me some stuff so we can change the dressing every day. We also got some antibiotic and muscle relaxer.
It was a $60 lesson in making sure our dog is on a leash, and what a way to get introduced to our neighbor!
I guess this is a long way of saying that the podcast has been delayed. I'd hoped to get something done for April Fool's Day, but, alas, real life trumps hobbies like podcasting.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License
by Daniel Johnson, Jr. & Jazzmania Productions
Keeping the 'fun' in dysfunctional
Everything written here is my personal opinion and not that of any employer, past or present.
