Finding David

Contacts - 11 Days and Counting....

2006-07-22T13:31:00.000-04:00

I got my 2nd evaluation set of contact lenses last Wednesday.

Everything is still a bit of a blur at about 10 feet and farther away. Left eye sees better at a distance, right eye sees better close up. The difference isn't that much between my left and right eye, just enough to be a bit maddening.

I must admit I do see a bit better each day as my brain gets used to the way the contact lenses work. They work differently from glasses.

In my opinion, I need equal vision in both eyes. I need clearer distant vision, as well as a bit more close vision. The close vision is nearly there.

Next appointment is August 1st.

See you (I hope!) later!

Contacts - A few Days Later....

2006-07-15T16:59:00.000-04:00

I'm still waiting for my "right" prescription to come in. It's been 4 days already!

Still wearing a "temp" set that's not quite my right prescription.

With all the bouncing around from second shift to a split day/2nd shift to a day shift, I hardly have time to wear them.

It still takes some time to put them in. I was shown the "official" way at the eye doctor's. It worked well with the huge magnifying mirror they had. I'm kinda finding my own way for now.

I accidentally got one caught in the threads of the screw on lid of the over night case. Didn't do it much good. In a few days, a nice tear appeared. Don't try to put a torn contact lens in your eye! It's uncomfortable, to say the least.

The really good thing about that is my eye care center replaced the lens free. Wow!

Gotta go for now.

Hoping the new lenses come in REAL SOON NOW. Hope the prescription is right, too!

Bye!

Remember Me??

2006-07-12T10:26:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I'm still live.

So much has happened since I last posted. No,no, the tiny aliens didn't take me away. Sorry(?).

I finally bit the bullet yesterday. I was so tired of wearing my glasses in the rain and because of this and several other reasons, I got contact lenses.

Day One: Had the exam and got the lenses, but they admitted they were probably a bit "weak" and then they ordered the "right" lenses. I normally wear bifocals, so this was a bit complicated.

I learned how to put them in and take them out, plus how to care for them and my eyes.

Great! But what was that? It might take anywhere from a day to two weeks for my brain to get used to them? Hope it's sooner than later.

Day Two: It took me a full 30 minutes to get them in, and by then my eyes were red and a bit sore. The soreness quickly passed; I haven't checked the redness recently.

I takes my brain a bit of time to change focal distances, ie, going from looking at something near to looking at something far. And I can tell my prescription isn't quite right. Well, my next appointment for followup is in three weeks. They should have the right lenses by then.

For now I'm going to wear them during the day and wear my glasses to work. I can see close pretty well, but my neither my close nor my distance vision is right....

Let you know how it goes.

News Flash: Tiny Aliens Arrive in Sanford Maine!

2005-12-28T14:44:00.000-05:00

Tiny aliens arrived in Sanford, Maine. They landed in my bedroom and and left a tiny crop circle on my carpet!

I'm Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving...???

2005-11-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

I got up this morning to discover this:

I haven't seen a white Thanksgiving since I was in Germany back in 1990!

Bet my sister's don't get too many of these back in Oklahoma......

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

2005-11-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

Daughter #2 and her beau are moving to Boston soon!

Are we excited? Are you kidding?

Signed,

Counting the seconds in Southern Maine

Bits & Pieces

2005-11-12T09:23:00.000-05:00

Hello Blog. Remember me?

It has been awhile since I regularly posted here. I've been quite busy at work and they keep changing my shifts.

Don't feel too left out. Many other aspects of my life went on "hold", too. Such as going to the gym and eating right. I did manage to go to the gym this morning and I discovered I had put 15-20 pounds back on. So I beat myself up real good with the cardio and weights.

I'm finally back on 2nd shift, for good I hope. So I'm hoping to get most of my life back, such as a better diet and regular workouts.

I just finished 5 weeks of "New Inspector" classes. Three weeks of inspection class, one week of weld inspection and the last week was on all the systems we use to do our jobs here.

You know how you can spot a Pratt and Whitney inspector? They're the ones with the flat rear ends.

I feel like I'm going home, now that I'm back on second. The whole atmosphere is different. None of the big-wigs are there to be in your hair (or like in my case, whatever is left of my hair); it's more like a big family.

One lady regularly brings in homemade pastries, apple crisp and the like. Of course none of that is on my diet (please pass the whipped cream).

Time to run. I have to eat and get ready for work.

See you soon!

Writer's Cramp

2005-10-31T18:29:00.000-05:00

I haven't been very good at posting here lately. Actually, I haven't posted much at all.

I used to write a lot, but I got writer's cramp back in the 70's and I don't think I've gotten over it.

I had hoped this blog might help break me out of it, but alas...

I'm not sure why I'm not writing more lately. I certainly have tons to write about. But past promises are keeping that under cover for now.

So I ramble on, trying to get past my mental constipation....

Get Rid of All The Web Page Ads With Internet Explorer 6 and Windows XP

2005-09-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Note: In order to get rid of (most) ads in Internet Explorer, you must replace a file on your computer. I originally posted the contents of the file that needs to be modified here, but the formatting was changed by this web site. Plus, the file is REAL BIG.

If you want to do this, email me (if you know my email) or message me by leaving a comment.

I'll send complete instructions.

Later.

Anti Spyware Mini Software Review

2005-09-27T13:55:00.000-04:00

Hi. Remember me?

What is spyware? It's software that web sites maliciously install on your computer without your knowledge (generally) that gathers information about you, your web surfing habits, etc. Believe me, if it can find this out about you, it can find out ANY information about you that you store on your computer, such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, passwords, etc.

I hate spyware.

I normally use Ad-Aware (free download here).

Recently, Microsoft (or as I affectionately call them, Micro$oft) released a beta version of their anti-spyware software. I thought I'd give it a spin.

Needless to say, I ran a comparison test.

Here are actual screenshots from scans using Micro$oft's Anti-Spyware (Beta 1) and Ad-Aware. First Micro$oft's product:

Notice it didn't find anything. Nothing. Nada. Zip.

I made NO changes to my computer, surfed nowhere, nothing. I simply ran Ad-Aware immediately after running Micro$oft's product.

Here's the screenshot:

Notice the difference? Ad-Aware found 23 objects (!) that Micro$oft's product missed.

I do like Micro$oft's product's real-time scan feature. This means it's supposed to scan your computer constantly while you work and alert you to any nasty spyware programs, browser cookies, etc, that are trying to install themselves on your computer. Obviously, it's not doing a thorough job. Too bad.

So I would have to recommend using Ad-Aware and scanning your computer 2-3 times a week and cleaning ALL the junk out.

Have phun, and as always, surf safely!

Another Little Love

2005-09-02T16:03:00.000-04:00

My eldest daughter is expecting again in February.

This will be her third child. The first two were boys. She probably feels a bit outnumbered. I can relate.

I am certain I would have at least ten years of lost hair back if I didn't go through a time with two teen-aged daughters and only one phone and bathroom.

There's something radically different about this new baby, though.

It's a girl!

Now maybe my daughter will have some company when the boys all go fishing.

Bye for now....

Off and Running Again....!

2005-08-07T16:25:00.000-04:00

Well, my XYL is on the road again. What's an XYL, you ask?

It's a ham radio term. If you're dating someone, they're your YL, which stands for Young Lady.

When you marry them, they become an X YL.

Enough of that.

First she went back to Fairbanks to help her sister sell her house and find another. She returned last Wednesday.

Then, we drove to Connecticut on Friday after work and she caught an early plane Saturday with her other sister and they flew to Chicago, land of the really deep dish pizza, to visit my #2 daughter.

She will remain there until Thursday, then her sister will fly back to Connecticut and my bride will fly to Buffalo, NY, to meet a couple of girl friends that she knew in Germany. They will jump in a car and make a one or two day drive to Maine. Look out New York state!

Then, in about a month, she will fly back to Fairbanks for a wedding.

Maybe all the traveling stops after that???

Odds 'n Ends....

2005-07-21T17:42:00.000-04:00

Hi! Remember me?

OK, I know it's been quite awhile since I last posted here. So busy, so little time.

Where to start?

We have some friends we met in Germany when I was stationed there in the 80's. He just retired from my alma mater (USAF) and they moved back to southern Maine. They rented for awhile, but it was a seasonal rental. Cheap in the off-season and (whoa!!) expensive during the tourist season.

They own a piece of land about 3 miles from us on the Sanford/North Berwick town lines. They intend to build soon. We let them move into our house until their house is finished.

Needless to say, setting a schedule has been a bit difficult with all of this plus the new second shift job, which, by the way, has changed to a first shift job for this week and the next three weeks.

Plus, my dear bride has gone back to Fairbanks, Alaska, for the next two weeks to help her sister get her house ready to sell. Then my bride will return for about two days, then fly with another sister to Chicago to visit our youngest daughter. From there, she flies to Buffalo, NY, to meet two other girl friends from Germany and they will all come back to Maine together.

Wish I had more free time (I'm completely changing subjects here) so I could take this Morse code course that I ordered and received last week. Only problem is it would be real tight to fit in one 20 minute session a day, but it strongly suggests three sessions a day.

This Morse code thing is for my ham radio hobby. I had to learn it to get a license with more privileges several years ago, and then I never used the code again.

I also have a new antenna to put up in replacement of one that's only about 6 feet or so off the ground. I'd like to get the new one up about 30-40 feet so I can actually hear stuff. Well, that's not quite accurate. I do hear stuff, er, people from all over the world and I do talk to them. I just could hear 'em and talk to them better if it was up a bit more. Plus, the new antenna is supposed to give me another band that the old one just won't do.

I'll let you know how it all works out.

Well, I have a baseball game to go to instead of practicing Morse code or putting up the new antenna. I gotta run.

I'll let you know how it all works out.

Later....

Working AGAIN!!!

2005-06-07T00:35:00.000-04:00

Wow. It really feels funny.

Tonight was the first time I've worked (at a paying job) in 7 weeks.

It feels odd being the "new guy" again. I've got a ton of stuff to learn.

You may never realize how much is checked and cross checked with jet engine parts. The fear of falling is great in us.

90% of my job looks like it will be paperwork cross checking and verifying. 10% physical part inspection.

It's REALLY good to be working again, but frankly, it hasn't really sunk in....

Starting My New Job Monday!

2005-06-02T14:27:00.000-04:00

I have not heard about my background check yet, but unless there's a problem with it, I'll start work Monday at 3:30 PM. I really don't expect any problems.

Am I excited? You bet!

Maybe This Time.....

2005-05-22T10:21:00.000-04:00

I am pretty sure I have a job.

Pratt and Whitney called me in for an interview and made a conditional offer of employment to me which I accepted.

I passed the physical and now I am waiting for the results of the drug screen and background check.

I should hear something early this week and I should start the 31st of this month.

It's a second shift position, I'll be inspecting parts. Oh, and they're going to pay me more than my last company did. Add to that much better benefits.....

I'll let you know....

More Job Stuff

2005-05-11T09:08:00.000-04:00

Well, since I lasted posted an entry, I've had a few interviews.

The first was at a printing company. I didn't get the job. Too bad. I would have really liked the hours. Either 4 AM to noon, or noon to 8 PM.

The second was at a company that supplies plastic parts for signs, cabinets, etc. I might have a call back on Friday, but after the initial interview, I'm not too sure I want to work there. There are no benefits and only 4 current employees.

The biggie is I have an appointment Friday morning for an interview with Pratt and Whitney in the next town over. It's for a day shift parts inspector position.

Of all the jobs I've applied for or interviewed for, this is the one I'd really want.

I'll keep you posted.....

Almost There.....part 2

2005-04-26T23:29:00.000-04:00

I really failed the color vision test. Really failed it.

It seems I see reds and greens differently than most of you see them. Hey, red is red and green is green. How do you see them?? Right....

I haven't heard any official word from the company, but this could and probably will pretty well nix the job for me. I'll have to wait till next Wednesday or so to find out for sure.

The "vacation" continues......

Almost There.....

2005-04-25T21:40:00.000-04:00

The company I've been interviewing with made an offer today. I accepted.

Now all I have to do is pass a drug test (no problem) and a color vision test (maybe a problem). I failed this same test for the Air Force and passed it (after many minutes of looking at those dots) for my last job.

Of note:

I lost a critical hard drive last night. It just quit reading itself almost as quickly as you are reading this. Fortunately most the data was backed up. But I did lose some very recent pictures of our trip to Vermont and Yankee Stadium. Bummer!

More Job Stuff.....

2005-04-21T22:23:00.000-04:00

I had an interview today. The Quality Manager really liked my qualifications. He should. I only have 30 years in my field.

They called this evening. They want me to come back for a second interview. Dare I think this one is in the bag?

Too bad, I was really beginning to enjoy this unemployed thing.....

At Yankee Stadium

2005-04-20T13:57:00.000-04:00

At Yankee Stadium
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

Well, we went, we watched, the Yankees won.

HOWEVER, let the record show that the RED SOX are 1 game out of first place and the YANKEES are tied with Tampa Bay for LAST PLACE.

Nuff said.

Finally!

2005-04-10T22:53:00.000-04:00

Well, it finally happened. My bride and I found a few days to get away.

It doesn't really "count", her two sisters were with us. But we did have some needed time alone.

We went to her father's birthplace in northern Vermont. Man, it is pretty up there!

We're planning to go back sometime, just her and I.

(sigh.) Hope it's sometime soon....

Alas, Babylon

2005-04-04T23:03:00.000-04:00

Looks like it has finally happened. My greatest fear realized. I'm going to Babylon. No, no! Not that Babylon! The Babylon otherwise known as Yankee Stadium!

This will be tough for a die-hard Red Sox fan like myself. I hope no one at my church finds out.

I've never been to the Mecca of ballparks, Fenway Park. Guess I'm saving the best for last.

Oh, how we sacrifice for family......

Random Thoughts

2005-03-30T20:02:00.000-05:00

Work is nearly complete for most of the employees at Sanmina-SCI Westbrook. Tomorrow will be their last day.

The company will let us leave at noon, but pay us for the full day. Maybe there is such a thing as a free lunch.....

I shall take my camera tomorrow. Too many faces to remember.

The lunch truck comes every day. An older gentleman runs it. I don't usually eat from the truck, I take my own lunch in. But my wife is out of town (I'm married, really!) and I was lazy, so I ordered off the truck....in German. "Zwei hund, bitte!" The look he gave me was really quite incredible. I could tell he wasn't sure if he'd not heard me right or if I was speaking some unknown strange tongue or what. I'm bad.

I took another woman out to supper tonight. I had not been out on a date with my oldest daughter in too long. We had a lot of laughs. It was good.

Well, enough randomness for one night. Maybe next time I'll get into memories of growing up and really bore you.

Later!

My Kingdom for One More Line (sorry Bill!)

2005-03-28T22:37:00.000-05:00

My wife is on the road again. Maybe I could get her a job doing this "on the road" thing....

My time is being occupied with helping (in a very small way) prepare for a skit for next Sunday's church service. Had a meeting with the director and probable "Mom" character tonight to "flesh out" some parts, add some more dialog, etc.

Thursday will be the practice. That will be interesting.

By the way, Miss Director, did I mention that I cannot even memorize my own phone number (in case you happen to read this)?

Just kidding!

Good night all! Work comes early in the AM.

Easter Cantata

2005-03-27T23:32:00.000-05:00

It is finished. Three performances done.

People came, people made life-changing decisions. People were changed forever.

The Easter Cantata finished tonight at our church. I was blessed to be a part of it. I got to meet a bunch of people who love the Lord. I wish everyone could see the dedication and commitment these people had to serving God and you. Awesome!

We went through some hard times and our families went through some hard times. I'm convinced this is due to our involvement with the Cantata. But everyone held on to the task at hand and saw it through to the end.

We served our Lord.

I hope you had a wonderful Easter, too!

Tough Times - We're Outta Here!

2005-03-24T22:18:00.000-05:00

My wife and I are out of gas. Too many demands on our time, emotions, sanity.

We have both been through the wringer the last several months.

Drained. Done in. Deflated.

While she was gone this last time, I had some very emotionally draining things going on here. I think I might have nearly wore out some welcomes.

My bride returned and it was great - for about a day and a half. Then she ran out of gas herself.

I'm about to get laid off here real soon now. I will have a bit of severance coming. I talked it over with her. Sometime between now and the end of next month we're going to bug out of here and go find us a bed and breakfast somewhere for a few days.

Rest. Recharge. Relax.

That sounds too good.

Two Week Work Extension

2005-03-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

Received and signed the following today:

March 22, 2005

Dave [last name]
[street address]
[town, state zipcode]

Dear Dave, (I hate it when official papers name me as "Dave" instead of "David")

Once again, thank you for working with us through the integration process and for completing the transition period on March 31, 2005. At this time, Sanmina-SCI would like to extend your WARN for a period of two more weeks ending on April 15, 2005.

Should your services no longer be required prior to the end of the new transition period, your employment will end. During this extension, you will be reporting to me. All of this, of course, is contingent upon your consistent level of performance in any function you're assigned at Sanmina-SCI. My expectation is that you will continue to maintain a high level of contribution throughout this process.

Thank you for your continued support.

[signed]

Beth [last name]
Westbrook
Vice president Operations and General Manager

Acknowledged & Accepted:

[signed]

Dave [last name]

It Is Soon Done

2005-03-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

Turn off the lights
lock the door
Sanmina-SCI Westbrook will be no more

Handshakes and hugs
solemn farewells
With hope that our futures will go well

We thought we'd be here forever
forever came too soon

(Sorry to all the "real" poets out there.
My dad didn't pass the poetry gene on to me.
Obvious, huh?)

Off To The Races.....

2005-03-21T17:24:00.000-05:00

I couldn't stand being at work today. Too much of nothing to do. So I left at 1:30 PM.

Lots to do this evening. I get to go clothes shopping, one of my favorite tasks. I'm such a clothes horse. My funmeter is right on the peg. I'll let you guess which peg.

I need new pants so I can look fat again. If you ever want people to think you've lost weight, just buy bigger clothes.

Then, off to the gym. I skipped so many workouts that they will think I'm a newb. And to think I used to nearly collect my mail there.... Tonight, it's a full court press. Everybody gets to play! Upper and lower body, as well as cardio. This will teach me to skip workouts!

Then back home to tidy up a bit and do laundry.

I am so domesticated and house broken, it hurts! Or if it doesn't, I surely will tomorrow from the gym!

Ta, kiddies!

Homeward Bound!

2005-03-20T19:27:00.000-05:00

My wife will be home Tuesday!

It will be very good to see her again.

Random thoughts:

Had lunch with my wife and daughter (from Chicago), my two sisters-in-law and my mother-in-law.

We ate at Vinney T's in Shrewsbury, MA. And yes, kiddies, left overs are in the fridge!

It was really, really good to see my daughter. It's too bad my oldest daughter had to work and couldn't go....

My grandsons love me better. My wife will have to understand.

Easter practice went well tonight. I messed up a bit, but it will be better Tuesday for our dress rehearsal.

Joined the choir (officially) tonight. God help 'em!

That's all for now, kids!

Bummer, Dude!

2005-03-19T14:58:00.000-05:00

I spoke with my loving wife.

She will meet our daughter and I for lunch, but she won't return (yet) until some unknown date in the future.

Sigh.....

I'm In Trouble.....

2005-03-18T21:37:00.000-05:00

Last night while at play practice, they were also testing all the lights.

During some of the songs, all the lights were on us. I really liked it! Kinda like opening the fridge, but a thousand times better!

So I went up to the choir director and told her how much I was enjoying being in the production. She promptly turned around and told the play director she had another person for the next production.

Will I ever learn? Nope. I am strongly considering joining the choir, too.

Pray.

New Job Twists

2005-03-17T08:43:00.000-05:00

As you may have read by now, I will soon be out of a job.

To be honest, I was not quite perfectly happy here and had not been for the last few years.

I was not displeased with any of my managers or coworkers, just the way the job had turned out. It had changed into something "else" over the last few years.

So March 31st I shall be set free. Sort of. They've made some noises that a few "key" personnel might be asked to stay on for a few weeks after the "official" plant closure to finish some left-over production jobs. I was invited yesterday and I accepted with the conditions that if I was offered a job elsewhere they would have to understand that I might have to leave immediately to take it. I also wanted to make sure it would not effect my status under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (it will not).

So dear friends and family, it looks like I may not get to sleep in on April 1st after all.

Random thoughts:

While writing the above, the fire alarms went off here at work. Don't know if was a scheduled drill, alarm fault, etc. It's actually a very nice morning out there, once you get out of the shade and into the sun light.

------

As you may remember, my lovely wife and her sister are in Amish country. Unfortunately, this leaves me at home alone. I can only go so long without adult conversation, and I exceeded that time about 5 minutes after she left. This is actually a new record for me.

This may sound a bit extreme to some of you; let me explain.

As you may know, I'm from Oklahoma. Okies are a bit unique in that you can't know one for more than 5 minutes without them telling you their whole life story. We're not "stuck" on ourselves or anything like that, we just want to lay a really thorough foundation for any possible future conversation.

When I went home for my mother's funeral in December, I went to the barber shop I frequent in Oklahoma City to get, as my father used to say, my ears lowered. By the time my hair was cut, the barber and I had swapped life stories. It felt so good!

So even though my wife is not from Oklahoma, she has been exposed to this behavior for over 26 years now and is more than a bit used to it. She doesn't exactly practice it but she does understand.

I miss her terribly.

Let me also add that I presently sit in a room with glass windows and doors all around. I see people pass by all day, busy with their work. I am pushing numbers around on a computer screen and have little chance except when my eyes cross from staring at the screen too long to get up and actually go out and talk to someone. So my only real chance to get all these words out of me is through this blog and my dear brothers and sisters at church.

OK, I said all of that so I could say the following:

Since my wife left on her journeys, some of you have fallen into my sights and I'm afraid I may have talked more than one set of ears right off people's heads. I am truly sorry for this and I assure you everything will be set back to normal as soon as my dear bride returns. Please try to not be too dramatic with hugs and tears when you see her next.

If anybody requires a plastic surgeon, I have a special Okie-clause in my insurance that gives me a really low deductible in paying to have people's ears reattached.

------

I am nearly drained of all my excess words for now. Have a great day!

Chocolate!!!

2005-03-16T21:35:00.000-05:00

My lovely wife and her sister arrived yesterday evening in Hershey, PA.

My wife said when they pulled into town, the very air smelled like chocolate! She said she thought she even noticed a little chocolate stream on the grounds of one of the chocolate factories.

It must have been almost like heaven for those two!

So, now they are off to Lancaster, Amish country!

Stay tuned!

Off to Amish Country!

2005-03-15T09:50:00.000-05:00

Look out country, here they come!

My wife has always had "itchy" feet. I guess it's from our Air Force days. When her feet itch, she has to go! Don't get in her way!

My wife and her sister are leaving Connecticut today and are heading to Pennsylvania Amish country to play tourist.

I sincerely hope my wife is not planning on converting, it sounds like "real" work to me.

We hope to hook up Sunday sometime. Our daughter from Chicago will be in the New England area and we hope to have even a brief chance to see her.

I will have to try to work this all around church and play practice somehow.

See you later!

The Middle of the Road

2005-03-14T22:40:00.000-05:00

I have always imagined my walk with Christ to be like this.

Picture a two-lane blacktop road, complete with the yellow striped centerline and shoulders.

In this picture, Christ is walking right down the centerline, never wavering. As a side note, keep in mind that He never moves away from us.

Ideally, we should be right at His side, holding His hand.

Unfortunately, this has not always been the case in my life, shocking as that may be.

To either side of the road are these fields with wheat growing in them. The wheat waves back and forth as the wind blows. When we take our eyes off Christ, something out there calls to us and we let go of His hand and go our way.

There are some beautiful but evil things in the wheat.

Time passed. I was dry. I could see the road, and if I listened, I could hear my Master's voice. It was a very difficult struggle, but I managed to ignore the luring of the evil in the wheat and I moved back to the road to be with my Master, hand in hand.

We must endeavor to never let go of His hand, to ignore the calling of the evil one.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some other loose thoughts

I have felt God's Spirit on me like I haven't felt it in decades. I think He has something really big for me soon. I'm excited!

Mondays usually fly by, but today Monday dug it's heals in and it drug along like no other I could remember.

I was dying to get home and post this, but it seemed 3:30 would never come.

I think somebody who was aware of my knees was praying today. They felt great, like they were 20 years younger! Now for the rest of me.......(hair??)

Tomorrow will be the test. Tonight was leg night at the gym.......

I must go putter around the house. Act like I'm domesticated. Then I can have a deserved respite ;-)

That's all folks!

The Show Must Go On!

2005-03-13T20:47:00.000-05:00

It's gonna be a great Easter production!

I can tell this because I missed every cue possible, I had no palms (except on my hands) and we practiced a scene that I didn't even know was in the production until tonight!

Does it sound like I'm having fun?? You bet I am!!

Now I just have to get my feet in shape for this.....

Sunday At Last!

2005-03-13T08:23:00.000-05:00

Sunday has arrived! Boredom be gone!

As I write this I am listening (and worshipping!) to K-Love internet radio. If you haven't tried this, you can find it at this link.

We got almost no more snow last night, only about an inch (a blizzard by Oklahoma standards). They aren't predicting any more soon, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a storm suddenly arrive on Tuesday. We've gotten hammered the last two Tuesdays, that's the night the small group meets that my wife and I attend.

And speaking of my wife, I MISS HER! Clear enough?

Hope everybody who reads this has/had a great Sunday!

Bye for now...

Snow!

2005-03-12T21:18:00.000-05:00

Snow!
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

This is the top of my car. The snow is 12 inches deep. This accumulated in about 20 hours.

OK. It IS completely trying now. You hear that snow? You can stop now! Really!

There's a Car Under There Somewhere....

2005-03-12T11:26:00.000-05:00

There's a Car Under There Somewhere....
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

Time to start digging. I think I will call the gym BEFORE I break the shovel out....

Snow, Snow Everywhere!

2005-03-12T10:58:00.000-05:00

I have a benefit being from Oklahoma. The snow isn't completely trying yet, but it is starting to wear on me a bit.

I was scheduled to work today, as well as the remaining Saturdays until "The Day" (March 31st plant shut down). Yesterday they cancelled today's work due to the coming storm. I could have gone to a Men's meeting at church this morning but because I had originally been scheduled to work I just forgot.

So, it's shovel snow and off to the gym. Maybe go see my grandsons. I hear the oldest is getting to be quite the dancer. He's only four so it should be quite cute.

See ya!

The Hermit

2005-03-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

The Hermit
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

And so here I am yet again.

My dear wife and her sister have gone out of town for an undetermined amount of time.

I don't do much when she's gone. Just putter around the house, workout, play with the computer, etc.

Sunday's and Tuesdays are my high points of the week. On Sunday there's church and Easter practice and small group on Tuesday. I am glad I am involved in that. Lots of really neat people at our church.

Keep watching this spot. I'll be back real soon.

Me

P.S. Note of thanks for the prayers to the small group I attend. No surgery for my knees. Just physical therapy!

One Week Till Spring!

2005-03-11T18:39:00.000-05:00

One week (weak??) until Spring!

If you live in Maine, I hope you mapped your garden with a GPS receiver last year or you may not find it until Fall this year!

We are on the receiving end of (yet another!) Nor'easter. We are expecting anywhere from 10-20 inches of new snow between today and tomorrow. Oh, thrill. Ski Oklahoma!

I am really happy for those that are into winter sports, such as skiing, etc. I'm from Oklahoma. The only winter sport I've practiced was getting to work intact on icy roads with all the other Okies that didn't know how to drive on the stuff.

I have not seen my sidewalk in months. Wait! I just remembered that I have grass in my yard, under all the MANY feet of snow. Was it supposed to be green, or blue?? Hmmmm....

Here are some fun snow numbers from yesterday's Portland Press Herald. All are from the Portland Jetport which is about a 30 minute drive from me (at least it is in the summer, in the winter, who knows??):

Biggest Storms of the Season

Jan 6: 5 inches
Jan 19-20: 7.3 inches
Jan 22-23: 12.8 inches
Jan 26: 4 inches
(hardly worth mentioning!!)
Feb 10-11: 10.1 inches
Feb 21-23: 7.7 inches
Mar 1-2: 10.0 inches
Mar 8-9: 10.0 inches

Season Snow to Date
89.6 inches

Five Snowiest
Winters in Portland

1970-71: 141.5 inches
1886-87: 125.5 inches
1922-23: 125.0 inches
1995-96: 123.0 inches
1906-07: 119.5 inches

The way we're going, this winter will probably be listed as 2004-06!

Enjoy, kiddies!

A Tale With a Moral to Ponder....

2005-03-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

This may be a bit long. Sorry. Really.

Rewind to about 4 months plus ago.

{snip -- story starts here}

After the deaths of my wife's sister and father, as well as the sudden unexpected death of her brother-in-law all within the last four years, then the sudden unexpected death of my mother last December, I personally was drained spiritually.

Add to that my company had announced at the end of November/start of December that they were closing down my place of employment and I would have to find a new job because my old one was going away at the end of March.

Thankfully, God has sustained me through the months since the closure announcement. Even though I have not found a job, I have had a real peace that goes through to the very core of my soul.

I had not read my Bible nor prayed in many, many months (years??). I was not in blatant sin, but I was at the bottom. It's hard there.

My wife and I had changed churches about three weeks before my mom's passing. It was near Christmas and we certainly were not in the Christmas spirit. Thank God for some really good Christian friends who "forced" us through the motions and really did finally get us into the Christmas spirit. (Thanks all you "J" folks!)

My wife and I knew we really wanted to get involved "up to our eyebrows" in Church. This had been really hard to do at our old church due to the distance we had to travel. Previously, we had always been real involved in any church we had attended since getting saved.

We joined a Tuesday night small group and they are really great! Those folks recharge us for the coming week. I can never say it enough - Christian fellowship is vital to spiritual growth.

We've slowly started getting more involved in Church. My wife joined a Ladies Bible study and I am in the Easter production in a non-speaking role (could you imagine an okie-sounding disciple??), thanks to a certain small group leader who will remain anonymous.

Also, since we returned from my mom's funeral in Oklahoma, I've started reading my Bible and praying every day. I don't need to say how important that is.

Here's where we get to the "meat" of this story.

Last night we had a pot luck dinner at our small group. We ate (naturally!), played a game, and had a blast! My wife and I have not laughed that hard in a long, long time. It was real good!

We came home (in a blizzard!) and were getting settled. I was upstairs doing stuff, you know, just "knocking around", when suddenly and without any notice I became depressed over my job situation.

Now I don't think I've ever really been depressed before. If you asked my wife and family, they would tell you that I'm "real laid back".

God knows, if any two people could ever deserve to be depressed, we were those two people.

This depression was like a heavy, black blanket that covered me completely. I felt swallowed up.

It was near bed time so I figured I'd go to bed so I wouldn't have to feel this way.

I awoke the next morning (this morning) still feeling the remnants of my depression. I got around and headed to work. On the way, as I passed a certain landmark by the road, I remembered that as I had passed it the day before on my way to work I had been praying. I had been feeling that God had something special in mind for me and I told Him that I was ready and willing to do anything He asked.

I realized exactly where my depression had come from and why. Satan doesn't want us doing God's will. He will do anything in his power to stop us.

I told Satan "where to go" and my depression was instantly gone, like I'd never had it. His power over me was broken.

So, if you must have a moral to this story, it is this:

If you tell God that you are ready, willing and able to do His will, be ready. You probably are soon to step into the "storm".

{snip -- story ends here}

Job Anyone?, Part 7

2005-03-08T16:22:00.000-05:00

Lousy weather today, yet in spite of it, most of the 22 companies that were supposed to come to our job fair showed up.

Eighty percent of the companies were only hiring entry-level positions at about half what I make.

I threw my resume at anyone that would have it, including a few of the "entry-level" companies. Who knows what the future will hold?

I told my wife that I don't do windows, but hey, next week I may do windows.

One semi-promising lead, but they won't be hiring before next summer (providing we get summer this year).

I thank God daily for my wife and my brothers and sisters in Christ who give me hope through all of this!

Thirty Shekels of Silver....

2005-03-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

from Leviticus 27:1-4

The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate persons to the LORD by giving equivalent values, set the value of a male between the ages of twenty and sixty at fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel; and if it is a female, set her value at thirty shekels.'"

...and will I let my wife forget this?? Naw!

Seriously though, let me say that my wife is, aside from my salvation in Christ, the absolute best thing that ever happened to me. She is my most valuable friend and I love her with all my heart!

Job Anyone?, Part 6

2005-03-04T19:14:00.000-05:00

Oh boy! (rubbing hands together)

Big job fair at work Tuesday! Twenty-two (count 'em, 22!) companies coming to Sanmina-SCI to hire soon-to-be-ex-Sanmina-employees away! (rolling of eyes toward the sky)

Seriously, folks, there are a few companies that may be real possibilities. William Arthur is one. I know someone there who might put in a good word for me.

Pratt and Whitney is another. Again, I know someone who works there. In fact, he works in the department that I would go into.....

Networking time!

Job Anyone?, Part 5

2005-03-03T16:06:00.000-05:00

Well, I went and met the Quality Manager at Thompson Center Arms in Rochester.

I interviewed, tested, etc.

This was for the inspection job. He has more people to interview and isn't sure when a decision will be made.

I could work there.

Hours are 6 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday. My favorite shift.

Time will tell.....

Only Three More Weeks Until Spring!!

2005-03-01T17:37:00.000-05:00

Spring in Three Weeks!
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

Job Anyone?, Part 4

2005-03-01T16:56:00.000-05:00

Here we go again!

What is it with gun companies and me??

Thompson Center Arms in Rochester, NH, wants to interview me on Thursday.

If they want to hire me, I hope they don't mind that my availability date has changed to anytime after March 31st.

Stress is starting to show up here, so praying hard for this one...

Almost Done....

2005-02-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

Twenty-seven work days (counting Saturdays) and a bowl of Cheerios, and I'm done at Sanmina-SCI.

Just clean out my desk and walk away. I never considered I'd see the day until Sanmina bought us out a few years back. I told my wife then that working for a public company could be a bad thing. The "powers that be" could very well close us down even though we're profitable, just to make the overall bottom line look good to the share holders. And that's just about what happened.

I sure do wish someone would hire me. The score??

Resumes sent out: countless
Interviews: two
Job offers: 0 (as in none, zip, nada)

I'm starting to list my available date as after March 31st in my cover letter. At least I will get my severance. I've been here for 9 years and that's a week's severance for every year worked. Every penny may be desperately needed....

Special note to God:

I'm listening

Busy, busy, busy....

2005-02-25T19:51:00.000-05:00

Been too busy to post lately. Here's a bunch of little stuff that's happened recently.

Had the job interview - didn't get it, but it's not done yet. I was the last person to interview. No one was qualified. There's a federal program that I fall under that could save them up to 50% on my salary for up to 6 months if they change their minds and decide to train one of their prospects. That could move me to the top of the list.

Been busy at work for a change. I've been helping out in the EMC (a customer) assembly room doing inspections. They are real busy. Beats solitaire and job searching.

My lovely wife (in case she reads this) and I had our 26th wedding anniversary last night. We went out to eat at a place with REAL tablecloths. Then we made an abbreviated trip to the beach. Brrrr! It looked pretty good from INSIDE the car, too!

Did 20 minutes of intense cardio workout tonight. Then went in the weight room to try to buff up. Tonight was SUPPOSED to be arms, shoulders, back and chest, but I was so fried from the cardio workout that I forgot and did legs instead. Ooops! Oh well, I'll do the others tomorrow....I punished myself by going back and doing 20 more minutes of VERY intense cardio. That'll teach me!

Take it real easy and I'll see you around.

Job, Jobs, Jobs

2005-02-18T17:47:00.000-05:00

I went to two meetings with the Career Center in Portland yesterday.

In the first one, the person I met with suggested a job that paid about half what I make now. This person felt I should follow my dreams. I feel I should pay my bills.

The second interview was to discuss my aptitude test.

That person said she had not seen this very often, but I was qualified to do anything I wanted.

Are any potential employers out there listening?

I came home from work today and got a call from a fellow who contacted me a few weeks ago. We had talked and I wasn't quite right for the job, so he was going to interview some other folks and get back to me if they didn't work out.

So, he wants me to come interview Tuesday at 4 PM. I'm going to be late for my bible study.

I currently drive 35 miles one way to work. My drive would increase to 50 miles one way if this job was offered and I accepted. (insert BIG pause here)

He is willing to pay me what I'm making now. But 50 miles!

If I do take it, I hope he can wait for the first Monday in April. I'm too close to my severance to throw it away now. (50 miles!)

This better be REALLY good! (50 miles!!)

Did I say it was 50 miles away??

So, You Wanna Try An Alternate Operating System, Eh?

2005-02-13T22:28:00.000-05:00

Ubuntu Linux
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

Is Linux really ready for the common desktop?

I wish I had a nickel for every time I read that last statement. I could probably make another mortgage payment!

As many of you probably know by now (or will soon), I have shunned Micro$oft Windoze for Linux.

I have run Linux since late 1995/early 1996. The only reason MS Windoze resides anywhere on my computer is Linux has yet to come up with a decent (IMHO) flight simulator that beats the one by Micro$oft.

So, is Linux ready for the common desktop?

Not quite. (...again, something I've heard for many years.)

I run Ubuntu Linux, a distribution that I heartily recommend to any who are Linux savy.

I was running version 4.10, also known as Warty Warthog. Oh yeah, Linux vendors like to name each release of their distributions. I upgraded to 5.04 (Hoary Hedgehog) last night.

In doing so, the kernel was replaced by a newer version.

For you complete newbies, the kernel (and even Windoze has a kernel) is like a middle-man between you and your hardware, such as disk drives, printers, etc. You (through the software) tell the computer that you want to print something and the software passes this to the kernel, which passes it to the printer. Viola! You get your printout.

Well, anyway, whenever you install a new kernel, you need a new graphics driver. This is actually what draws the "picture" on your screen.

Linux comes standard with several (well, OK, LOTS!) of graphics drivers. But if you have an accelerated video card like mine, you need a special driver.

So I went to the Nvidia web site and downloaded the driver for my card.

I installed the driver. It didn't work.

I switched back to the non-accelerated driver and searched for a solution online. I tried fiddling with this setting and that, I tried too many things to remember, each time switching drivers and rebooting. Many, many hours spent trying to get this thing to work.

Guess what? The Nvidia driver has a bug and won't work with my particular type of card.

When is the replacement driver going to be released? Your guess is as good as mine!

I've heard February 30th.......

So, is Linux really ready for the common desktop?

Back to Life....

2005-02-08T22:21:00.000-05:00

Originally uploaded by carney1979.

Flat Stanley is home by now. All must be well in his world.

We recently changed churches.

We were traveling 30 minutes one way to go to church. Everyone there was so nice, but fellowship was hard at that distance. Getting up early enough for Sunday School was hard.

We've started attending a church just minutes from our house.

They have week night Bible studies in people's homes. We have joined a study on Tuesday nights. The people are so nice. We feel like family already!

This feels so good. I think we're home. And all is well in our world.

Work? Who Works?

2005-02-07T10:27:00.000-05:00

...so here I am at my so-called job.

As you may remember from my earlier posts, the company that owns the place I have worked at for 9 years has decided in it's infinite wisdom to close the place.

Anyway, that leaves me searching for a new job.

However, I still have to come to this place until I find a new job.

My current job used to be a real challenge. Now all I do all day is:

30 minutes to 1 hour: I actually work(!)
Rest of day: Play solitaire and surf the web looking for a job (or just for recreational purposes).

BORING!

Under the federal WARN Act, my company could send excess employees home with full pay, but they're too cheap to do that. They're probably upset that they will have to pay whomever is left at the close date on March 31st 1 week's severance for every year worked (Maine state law).

Thank you Maine!

Oh well, I guess it's time to get back to beating old Sol.

Flat Stanley Goes to Nubble Light

2005-02-03T17:06:00.000-05:00

Flat Stanley Goes to Nubble Light
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

Flat Stanley and friends went to Nubble Light.

Stanley wished he'd gone at night, and he wondered what size battery it took to make it work. (Great honkin' big ones, Stanley.)

Flat Stanley Goes to Try to Visit the Bush's

2005-02-03T16:56:00.000-05:00

Flat Stanley Goes to Try to Visit the Bush's
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

After the beach, Flat Stanley wanted to drop in on George and Barbara.

We drove to Walker's Point, but no one was home! Stanley was crushed!

Do you suppose they are wintering over somewhere warmer, Stanley?

Job, Anyone, Part 3

2005-02-02T22:15:00.000-05:00

It's official. I did not get the job I interviewed for recently.

Am I ever relieved!

A fellow who works with me got it. I'm really happy for him. He'd worked at Sanmina for about two weeks when we found out we were being closed down.

I have an appointment tomorrow at the career center in Portland. I have some hope that they will be able to help me. I have another appointment with them again on Monday to see if they can help me from a Veteran's viewpoint.

Fingers crossed here!

Flat Stanley Finds a Shell on the Beach

2005-02-02T20:52:00.000-05:00

Flat Stanley Finds a Shell on the Beach
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

While at Kennebunk beach, Flat Stanley found a shell.

Let me tell you, he was flat out amazed!

Flat Stanley Goes to Church

2005-02-02T20:41:00.000-05:00

Flat Stanley Goes to church
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

On Sunday, Flat Stanley went to church with us and some friends.

He enjoyed singing the songs (though he was a bit flat) and he liked the sermon and fellowship.

He had a very enjoyable day.

Flat Stanley Visits the Wedding Cake House

2005-02-01T22:10:00.000-05:00

Flat Stanley Visits the Wedding Cake House
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

While visiting Kennebunk, Flat Stanley saw this house and he just HAD to stop.

He could not believe his flat little eyes!

In his continuing quest to unflatten himself, he wanted to go take a bite of it. I had to explain that it was only wood and paint, not cake and icing.

Flat Stanley settled for just having his picture taken by this house instead.

Flat Stanley Goes to the YMCA

2005-02-01T17:12:00.000-05:00

Stanley Goes to the YMCA
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

I normally go to the YMCA to work out 4 to 6 nights a week. Flat Stanley wanted to go. He said he hoped he could regain some of his lost shape by lifting some weights.

Well, we went and I did an hour on the cardio machines. Then we went into the weight room and discovered Flat Stanley couldn't reach the handles or pedals to work the machines. Too bad.

Stanley won't be getting pumped up this trip.

Maybe if you ate some lobster??

Flat Stanley Arrives in Maine!

2005-01-29T18:49:00.000-05:00

Flat Stanley Arrives in Maine!
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

We received the following from my great niece Samantha who lives in Oklahoma:

Dear (my wife's name) and Tom (she meant David, I hope!)

My 2nd grade class at Hubbard Elementry is participating in a fun project for our community unit and we need your help.

We have just finished reading the book Flat Stanley. This funny story is about a young boy that gets flattened by a falling bulletin board. The story goes on to tell about the advantages of being flat. One such advantage is that Stanley gets to travel to various towns through the mail (it is cheaper than an airline ticket).

In Social Studies, we are studying about different communities. Since we can't take time out of our class to travel, we are sending Stanley out to different communities around the world. If you would be so kind as to host Stanley for a week, we would be thrilled!

Here is what you need to do:
1. Take Stanley with you wherever you go.
2. Keep a log of Stanley's activities.
3. If possible, take a few pictures.

We would like to know what kind of town or city Stanley is visiting. What size is the town or city? What type of entertainment or tourist attractions does the community have? Please include any other interesting facts about the area that you can find.

Stanley is very well behaved, doesn't eat much, and doesn't take up much space. We hope you enjoy his company. After hosting Stanley for one week, please mail Stanley back to us along with his log, pictures, post cards, community information, etc, to the following address:

(School's address goes here)

Take good care of Stanley and thanks for your help!

Sincerely,

(signed) Samantha

We're enjoying Stanley's company. We are looking forward to showing him a good time during his visit here in Maine.

We'll keep you posted!

Me

Job Anyone, Part 2

2005-01-27T20:25:00.000-05:00

Well, I had my job interview today. I almost hope they were as unimpressed with me as I was with them.

I felt pretty indifferent about it right after the interview, but then I went to the gym and worked out.

Working out can be pretty mindless (no brain, no pain??) so your mind wanders to all sort of stuff. I've been back to Germany and Japan, seen my girls born again and so much more, all in the space of a two hour workout.

So I thought a lot about the interview today. To be honest, if they called right now and offered me the job at my price, I'm not sure I'd say yes. ....or no....

Hope I figure it out real soon.

Eat Your Heart Out, Arnold!

2005-01-27T15:27:00.000-05:00

Eat Your Heart Out, Arnold!
Originally uploaded by carney1979.

Arnold has NOTHING on me!

(Or how I discovered you can look like you lost weight by buying larger clothes.)

Job Anyone?

2005-01-26T21:33:00.000-05:00

The company I work for is shutting down the plant where I work. No chance for a transfer, no other plants close enough to commute to. I don't want to move because I like where I am and my grandkids are three blocks away. Grandkids have a powerful pull on you.

So, my job hunt began about a month ago. I finally got a hit on my resume today. I have an interview tomorrow. The last time I did this was 9 years ago. Am I ready?

I've researched the company, I know what they do. I have 30 years total experience in my field, the last 9 in manufacturing. I can do the job.

I'm a bit fearful of if they hire me what their compensation offer will be. I could maybe afford to take a bit less, but I'd really rather not, considering my years experience.

And to mix things up a bit more, if I stay with my present company until they close the plant I currently work at on March 31st, then I'll get 9 weeks extra pay, one week for each year I've been with them. That's a chunk of change to give up.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.....

Back to My Life

2005-01-25T21:57:00.000-05:00

It's always good to have some sort of routine.

I've been off mine the last few days and it was a bit difficult to get back on it.

Since my last physical, I've been trying to lose weight and tone up a bit. So my wife and I joined the Y. She doesn't go much, but I'm usually there six days a week. I guess that makes up for her.

I lift weights four nights a week with 30-40 minutes of cardio activity, and then I do cardio only for an hour or so two nights a week. One day a week is completely off for rest (recovery?).

I'm also on the Suzanne Somers diet with my wife. I've lost about 25+ pounds since starting all this not so long ago.

This weekend I cheated on my diet and it felt so good that I had absolutely no trouble doing it again yesterday. I also skipped my workout.

Boy, did I ever feel it tonight!

I don't think I'll be skipping anytime soon again, let me tell you!

Routines are good and they have a purpose. I think I'll stick to mine a bit closer in the future.

See you later....

Does "It" Ever End??

2005-01-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

Too many passings here of late.

My sister-in-law a few years ago from leukemia, then a year or two later my father-in-law from liver cancer, then my brother-in-law from a freak accident in Alaska. And finally, two weeks before Christmas, my 80 year old mom was hit by a car and died instantly.

Tonight I was visiting with a neighbor and he told me he's been diagnosed with ALS. He has 5 years, perhaps more with some promising new medications.

Life is becoming unbelievable in ways I would have never imagined.

David

Welcome to My World of Blog!

2005-01-23T15:38:00.000-05:00

Hello! My name is David. I live in Maine.

We're having a blizzard right now and I have to go shovel snow soon. This is supposed to be a top 10 blizzard from all those in the last 100 years.

What fun.

See you later........