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.