Another YEAR?! (Practically)

WOW! Does time fly! Just to catch-up:
Jan 2011; Work Injury, tested for everything - (X-rays, MRI, EMG) diagnosis ended with CHRONIC TENDONITIS in multiple locations of my right (primary) arm.

Feb - July 2011 are a BLUR because of doctor visits and physical therapy with modified (light) duty at work, sitting around trying to keep myself busy as best as could be without using my right-arm. Still not healing.

April 2011; Suddenly and unexpectedly got custody of my daughter. Due to her mom's boyfriend doing unmentionable things from the time she was 8 years old! So this spewed out a bunch of trips to Martinez, for court hearings and modification to my child support! YAY! I'll probably pay for it later, but this has been the biggest blessing since being on light-duty means no overtime or bonuses.

Late July I received notice that my days at Dish are coming to an end as of August 10th, since they cannot have a 'permanent' modified position. So, I succumbed to my career being at an end, trying to use all my insurance before it runs out. We all went to the Dentist and Eye doctor.

My daughter has a melt-down sometime around here, causing ME (Mr. make-it-all-better) to take her to our local animal shelter for puppy-therapy. Of course she got her heart set on this little Terrier. My wife also has been wanting a dog forever, so I gave in and my wife agreed to 'look' at this Terrier. The next day, after work, I get home expecting to go 'look' at this Terrier and my wife is kinda hymn-hawing dragging her feet about it and shows me an ad in the paper she found for the kind of dog she REALLY wanted; English Springer Spaniel pups... Curious if they would be willing to make a deal, I called. They were located in Merced, which I couldn't think of where it was when I said we could go look at them...2 HOURS away! So we all went and looked at the puppies, which my wife picked one out - we bought him but couldn't get him until Aug 14th, on the way home from Bodie Day 2011. When I got home, I had a message to call the H.R. lady at work, which was good news; I am qualified for FMLA so I am still an employee and get to continue my seniority/status for another 120 days! YAY!




It's a boy. We named him 'SCOUT' taken from the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" (the little girls' nickname) He is a HANDFUL! Constant puppy-sitting, watching his every move so as to avoid ANY accidents. Playing in the backyard has been fun. He chews on every twig, bushes and grass there.

As of today, he knows his name and responds to "COME" and "LEAVE-IT". He knows "SIT" very well and starting to get "LAY DOWN". He responded to "SPEAK" right away. He LOVES getting fed of course, and wants to be right with me when he sleeps at night. He's a pleasure to have in our family.

That's about it, almost 8 months of time wrapped up into 5 minutes of typing...

Ok, so it's been a few months now...

Ok, so it's been a few months now, obviously BLOGGING isn't one of my strong priorities; neither is TWITTER, nor Facebook.
Honestly I've reached a point where nothing seems of particular importance. Virtually every aspect of life, every role I play seems at a stagnant standstill.
I'm doing better in some ways, not so good in others;
1) Life at work seems much better - less stress and not the crazy commute that I had before. Coming home is easier; a LOT less traffic, so I'm not as ANGRY and tense. So I'm sure my blood pressure is down.
2) Being a good husband, always takes effort and attention to details. With her back to work, we have less time to spend together than ever - so we're making it count when we do see each other.
3) Being a father, always difficult for me - worse now that we've moved to Sac. I only get to see them on the Holiday weeks that they're out of school. I miss seeing them on a more regular basis. I NEVER feel that I do enough or good enough with them, but I suppose that most dads feel that way?...
4) The computer-geek side of me is stuck in the rut of having upgraded to the fullest extent possible (maxed) - I'm bored and lacking the disposable income for an entire new system.
5) The photographer-geek side of me is stuck in the same rut (sort-of) - MOSTLY weather related boredom, being so dreary. Lacking the disposable income to go places now, let alone upgrade any equipment.
6) The spiritual side of me is really the only one that's doing well, (it's what really matters anyhow!) which is getting to all the meetings and getting all the studying in. So, yeah, I feel good spiritually.
Mostly I'm just bored, almost all the time. Is that mid-life thing catching up to me?
I had no idea how busy I was in the East Bay. Now in a place more comfortable and laid-back, it still seems like there's not enough time in the day, but at the same time it's being filled with other things. I study more, I play Wii, I'm able to watch things I've long-forgotten about on the DVR, I really enjoy seeing our Grandson on a semi-regular basis.
I think I've drawn the conclusion that the main difference is the lack of disposable income, I can't travel or shop as much! :)

RELOCATING - Hello Sacramento!

So, from out of the rat-race of the Bay into to heart of California. (Where the Governator lives)
The move to Sacramento was very quick, to say the least. We had help to load in Antioch and then others in Sac to unload - THANKS and more THANKS!
Only 2 items were broken and we even had people that helped UNPACK! So, we even have our pictures up! It's great, the house feels like home after a DAY!
The worst of it was our cat, who has never known any other home, howled the entire trip and was car-sick in the carry-cage. Once we got here, with it being empty and so different, it was as if she went "mad" - wild eyed and still very vocal, she found a corner inside a darkened closet and just sat there looking into the corner like a kid being punished. Now, after almost a week and having our stuff in place, she's coming around. Still a bit nervous and liking the place under our bed - she still comes out to say "hi" once in a while.
Monday, upon getting the 'Comcast' installer here, found that there was NO DROP to the house; and because it's underground, had to be brought to the house underground! I was SICK in the pit of my stomach. So, I had to wait until Friday afternoon for them to show and do the "trenching" - but get this; they have a torpedo-tool about three feet long which works it's way underground! Yeah, it took about an hour but it was "shot" under the driveway direct to the tap by the road. It was AWESOME! So then, come to find out, it was going to be ANOTHER appointment to get an installer to come back to hook-up! Which the SOONEST was going to be MONDAY LATE AFTERNOON! ARRRGGGHHHH! - Now my friends who know me, know that I just did it myself and tacked it all professionally just like if I were on a job. I called them and after some begging and pleading - they turned it on for me.
So, here I am - I'm back up and functioning! :)

Bodie Day Weekend 2010

Another Bodie Day has passed. Disappointment that it's over is setting in as I get ready to go back to work tomorrow. My kids loved dressing up and hamming it for pictures. A few are posted - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31002116&l=3644332ccd&id=1304848259

One of my good friends was there also, his pics are at http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=2054153&id=1337041709

No that it's over though, I can refocus on our moving to SACRAMENTO! Still lots to pack and plan. Only one more week left of Bay Area rat-race drudgery! :)

I just got a new Android OS phone - HTC Aria - It's the most fun I've ever had with a cell phone! :) LOVE IT!

Pony Express Rider

Old Sac tribute to the Pony Express...interestingly, I had a Grandfather who was one of the last riders! :)

Old Sac

Old Sacramento buildings

My First Amtrak Train Ride!

My First Amtrak Train Ride!

Bodie Day 2009

Bodie Day 2009

BODIE DAY!

Mark your calendar for Aug 14th, 2010...it's Bodie Day!
Just in, "The Bodie Times" covering Bodie, Mono Lake & Grover Hot Springs. www.bodiefoundation.org

So, after 1wk I've lost 10lbs / 2" from waist / 2" from chest / 2" from thigh! I LOVE ATKINS!

Achieved BIG results in 2003-2004 (the first time) too, dropping from 260lbs to 193lbs! This low carb diet is the ONLY way to go!

Getting Fit...AGAIN

After a year + of going from 250lbs down to 209lbs, I fell off the wagon somewhere and I am back up to 237lbs. I started, yesterday, the Atkins/South Beach diet again. During the "Induction" first stage, your goal is to eat 20 or less grams of CARBS a day. Basically avoid ALL types of sugars for two weeks.
My first experience with strict Atkins dieting was in 2003 and it was a HUGE success dropping from 260lbs to 193lbs in a matter of maybe 6 months. This was WITHOUT exercise, folks! I came to the conclusion that it's maybe 90% diet & 10% exercise to maintain.
THIS TIME, I will be exercising with cardio low-impact workouts and rides on my new bicycle. I have a personal goal of riding a marathon distance of 26.2Miles before the end of summer. No time limits, no competitions, just ME and the bike trail...Iron Horse Bike Trail from Concord-Pacheco to Pleasanton, then catch BART back. I have the date of July 12th in mind.

Mmmm, Lemon Meringue pie...

A new collar & name tag for Kitty

Things seen at work

This is another sample of stuff I come across during work. 'Lovers Lane' :p LOL

I see all kinds of stuff

All kinds of stuff seen at people's homes. This plant was right out in the open area of the backyard...and it's about 3 feet tall! There were a couple of other small ones mixing in with the landscaping too! WoW, this guy has guts!

Time for Excersize!

Finally got a bicycle for casual excersize around the local bike trails. First day out I rode 4 miles! Yesterday had a leisurely ride for around 2 miles, then today went to Brentwood to try some of the bike trails and ended up riding around 6 miles! WOW! I didn't know I could do that!

Customer Service Reps - [insert company name here]

Customer Service Reps - [insert company name here]... i.e. "Help [less] Desk"

Please forgive my 'venting' here; I just spent all morning long troubleshooting my internet connectivity - from about 7:30AM to about 11:00AM. WHAT A WASTE OF A MORNING! GRRRR!

So, I get up this morning and all is normal.

• Suddenly the router gives me blinking amber lights - no connection. I have seen this before when Comcast works on their stuff here at my apartments...so I didn't panic right away. Looking at my modem, it had all green lights as normal. Hmmm?!
  
• I tried unplugging the router to reset it - NO GO. So I must have spent an HOUR going through notes and owners manuals and CD's JUST to find the static IP address for the router to restart it that way - NO GO.
• Now I'm a bit frustrated: unplugged the modem/router AND restarted the computer - NO GO. So, this is where Vonage phone service is a PAIN - NO INTERNET = NO PHONE. I tried reinstalling software and drivers and network settings.
• Finally getting on my cell phone, called Belkin, the maker of my router. I figured that since I had all green lights on my modem, it must be the router. So, I go through all the same-o crap that automated systems do to troubleshoot before I get to a REAL PERSON(?) - someone with a THICK India-accent, who has to DOUBLE-VERIFY all my info and then goes down his checklist (all of which I have done beforehand) and at the last steps, when I'm like a contortionist behind the computer tower with all the plugs and cables/connections (some of which I need to do one-handed) when I get back up to say that I did what he wanted me to do...HE IS GONE! - HUNG UP ON ME! THANKS FOR NOTHING, JERK!
• So, on my own again, I'm thinking that I have to take back the router to Costco; it must've crashed. I connected modem straight to computer and had limited connection. SO, now calling COMCAST, their automated system restarts the modem, which fixed THAT, which gave me the idea that the MODEM could've been the issue all along...so I took the router back out of the box (which was all packed up ready to go) and reconnected it. VOILA! It works! YAY!
  

All of this reminds me of work. At my job; the company cannot be named here; I have been doing this trade for almost 6 years now, so at the shop, they think of me as the GURU of the place. This is not giving me a big ego trip, believe me. So, if/WHEN I happen to need TECH SUPPORT, there is very little help for me. There are a few techs that have been around LONGER than me, so I try them for help first - usually they're not very helpful, but I continually give them the benefit of the doubt. More often than not, I end up calling the 1-800-xxx-xxxx for tech support and I end up telling THEM what to do for me...but I STILL get the same run-down of the automated system, then the person has to DOUBLE-verify, then I have to "PROVE" that I know what I am talking about...It's all a real PAINFUL EXPERIENCE!

So, with GREAT DELIGHT, when I get the survey's on how they did...oooooh how I let 'em have it with BOTH BARRELS...feels so good!

What my cat does...

This is what my cat does when she doesn't want me to leave in the morning. Funny, she doesn't look directly AT me - just lays in front of the door and ignores me standing there. Great cat! She's my buddy! :)

Still waiting...

Still waiting...for something to happen to write about. Not-so-exciting things were:

• Found cheaper car insurance (noooo, it wasn't GEICO) - COSTCO/Ameriprise
• The Chevy Dealer sent me a check for $16 due to overestimated DMV fees on Malibu
  
• Surprised at the simplistic 2010 Census forms - gee are there going to be idiot-symbols on the next one?
  
• Cleaned my wife's car last Sunday afternoon; oil change and put in nice air freshener (this vehicle hasn't been cleaned out for about three YEARS!)
• Trying to be motivated to exercise (still) - remain at 223-225lbs unchanged
• Making budget cuts where possible, hoping to gather a down payment for a home someday
• ROFL at this pic:
  

This week has been the BEST weather! 75-80 degrees and clear sunny skies! :)
Hopefully I'll get something exciting going on soon to write about...

Hacking My Samsung Blackjack2

Hacking My Samsung BlackJack2 (SGH-i617) - Windows Mobile v6.1

Just trying a few modifications;

1) I was able to change the registry with "MobileRegistryEditor 1.1" to have ring tones above 300kb
which was a real PAIN when creating my own!

2) then, using "MoDaCo.SmartphoneGPSActivator" unlocked the GPS from AT&T's control, now I can use "Google maps 3.3" freely which is truly awesome when you can zoom into an address with Google Earth!

There are plenty of hacks if you search enough, but they seem to be more for the older "BlackJack" with Windows Mobile v6.0 - so I'm a little scared that I may damage my phone beyond usability if I do too much. There's even a post on how to "unlock" it to use with another service!

This is really considered an OLD phone nowadays, so you may not be impressed with me doing this stuff, but the KNOWING how to do things is the knowledge I can use on future phones! THAT is what I'm after...

Now IF ONLY there was a hack for turning the camera from 2.0MP to maybe a 12.0MP!!! ;)

2009 Chevy Malibu Bluetooth Issues

Since I bought the car, my gm Bluetooth loses its pairing every time car is turned off and I have to re-do everything once I get back in. I went back to the dealer to talk to sales; maybe I was doing something wrong... NO ONE KNEW ANYTHING. I went to the service department; NO ONE KNEW ANYTHING. I went to the AT&T store about my phone; maybe it needed a Bluetooth update...again, NO ONE KNEW ANYTHING, but was told that no updates are available.
Well after a half-hour of searching different websites and pages this is what I found and it WORKED! http://www.fixya.com had a couple of complaints from people with the same issue on both the '09 Malibu AND 09' Silverado! The bad part was that it took 2 HOURS!!!
This is the post:

Best Solution

posted on Oct 23, 2009

Braunson

Rank: Guru Expert

Try doing this: Ask your dealer for the latest TMB concerning bluetooth and the connection problems with a mobile phone. There is a software update for that, and you'll have to take it to the dealership - the bulletin number is #08-08-46-008 After the upgrade, it should work flawlessly! :)

----So, THANK YOU to "Braunson"!!!

The car I WISH I could have!

2010 Chevy Camaro SS....aaarrrggghhh, aaarrrggghhh! (Tim Allen sound) :)

Just had a FREE Grand Slam at Denny's! There was a line like it was a shopping day after Thanksgiving! LOL :)

The new car!

In-between rain showers, I managed to snap off a couple of pics...not a bad looking car, huh?! 2009 Chevy Malibu LT 2

GOING CRAZY!

Well, Friday was kinda the start of it - getting into my Impala, I usually use the arm rest/console to scoot myself into place. I heard "POW" and my heart sunk as I realized that I had placed my GPS there just minutes before! I now had a shattered screen! Ready to fall apart, I drove home still using it for the MP3 player - just couldn't see anything on the screen of course. E-mailing GARMIN; the response was that it's a flat rate of $99 + shipping to fix, and still you get a refurbished/new unit instead of your original. AAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!

It worked out because it was just under the 90 days return policy at COSTCO...they took it back without question. YAY! - but then looking online for another GARMIN 755T, COSTCO is SOLD-OUT! (insert another AAAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH! here) So further searching found them on AMAZON cheaper than COSTCO (another YAY!) But they only use UPS shipping and the delivery absolutely has to be on a Monday or Tuesday or I will not get it. (do you see the roller coaster ride forming?) So I have to plan the purchase timing just-right.

OK, now I have had car issues since my August trip home from BODIE. So, having my kids here for the weekend the car seems totally normal Saturday.
Sunday morning, starting it up, it rumbled and idled extra rough like it was missing a cylinder (or two) - the 'Check Engine' light came on/stayed on and when warmed up it ran and drove just like normal.
Monday rolls around, and I need to take my kids to school. The car does the same thing starting it up, it rumbled and idled extra rough until it warmed up...but then a smell started to reek just like when we were in Calistoga that last time - very rank; almost like propane; exhaust smell that sticks in the back of your throat. YUCK! But the car was running okay and behaving normally after it warmed up. My buddy Danny has been saying that the cooling issues has been the need of a new radiator, but my instincts have been screaming that there are deeper issues to this. It pushes out all the coolant into the overflow bottle and doesn't pull it back in...hmmm...hoses collapsing? radiator cap? overflow tube having blocking debris? OR someone suggested the possibility of a small leak in the head-gasket small enough for air to trickle into the coolant, but not big enough to get coolant in the oil...THIS seemed more plausible to me, with all these symptoms accumulating.
SO, (Deep breath here) I went to another friend of ours who is the same car sales person we bought this Impala from, and we talked about how to get me out of this car into a new one. It seems that an American car with 106000 miles on it (and still 2 years more of payments) isn't worth as much as what I owed. This is called being "UPSIDE-DOWN"! :) After four hours of the usual car-trade tactics, FINALLY got a new/used car that should be good for 6 years of car payments and mileage. What I ended up with is a 2009 Chevy Malibu with 30,000 miles on it. It is a step-down from an Impala, but it has TWICE as many toys, bells & whistles!

YAY! (happy ending here) ;)

My day-job is ridiculous! Seriously, if someone has the physical inability to do a work order job, they punish you by making you sit there waiting for the next guy "just in case he needs help". So with the rain and now it's dark outside; we still have to put our life at risk, for someone else!

Golden Haven Hot Springs

Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort... Our second visit - first time doing the mud-baths...it was GREAT!

THANKS! :)

http://www.goldenhaven.com/spatreat.html

The last step...

The last step is to be wrapped up in blankets to "cool-down"...yeah, seems weird. It's supposed to help keep your muscles from cramping.
The room is darkened to just these candle-night lights with soft music and ocean wave noise. They do expect you to fall asleep, but we didn't. This goes on for 20 minutes or so.

After all this, our muscles just felt like jello! We were very calm and relaxed...We went in about 7PM and it all took just an hour. I think we fell asleep by 9pm!

Step Three...the hot tub/jacuzzi!

The hot tub/jacuzzi is also heated by the hot springs and is REALLY hot. This lasts for another 10-12 minutes, during which, we drank the entire pitcher of water there...WHEW, sweating like CRAZY at this point! - but yet it felt sooo good!

Step Two...the shower...

The shower for when you get out of the mud; is one shower head and a hose (left just out of view). The hose you see in front is for maintenance of the tubs/floor. Now, you need to know that ALL the hot water around here is the HOT SPRINGS water, which smells of sulfur and is VERY HOT! (this is also how the mud is hot)

So, here's a fun part: you now hose each other down from the neck-down, because in EVERY NOOK-AND-CRANNY there is mud! But not to worry, it comes right off.

The Mud Bath for two!

The couples-mud bath...very nice experience! For those (like us) that have never done this before, it's definitely worth doing!

Here is the coupon, $85 for two: http://www.goldenhaven.com/internet-special-room-rates.html
(Since they don't make it easy to find!)

The closest that I can describe it is like the feel of wet sawdust - it's not gritty like mud. It's soft and warm and just engulfs you so that you're sort of 'weightless' floating. The deeper you dig down, the HOTTER it gets.
This first step lasts for about 10-12 minutes, before they get you out for the hot tub/jacuzzi...

Incense - Insence (the smelly stuff)

This is the BEST stuff EVER! It makes the towels smell like candy! Soooo awesome! I don't like the smells most of the time, they just end up giving me a headache - but this "Madagascar Vanilla" is VERY yummy! :)

Calistoga! - The weekend getaway!

aawwwww...the fancy towel setup they come up with at The Golden Haven. Isn't it cute?! Where do they teach origami for towels? LOL! :)

Sister's wedding...

My wife's sister forbid me to bring my camera...so I had to sneak one off with my cell phone! ha-ha! :)

New Year? Already?!

2010! We're eight days into January, and I'm just getting used to writing '10 or 2010 on all my paperwork.
This is also the year I turn 40! YUCK! One good thing is people keep telling me that I look in my young 30's...that says I must be doing something right - to look ten years younger than I actually am!?!
This years goals: I hope to get two new(er) cars; maybe be close to getting a house; lose about 15 more pounds; maybe a new career path...something with photography would be nice; maybe get a dog - Cocker Spaniel - to pacify my wife; and I would like to take a trip somewhere special, like Disneyland, Disney World, Hawaii, or the Grand Canyon - :)

Customers' pets...

Remember me talking about meeting customers' pets? Well this guy here is 'Linus' - a Great Dane. Standing straight, his head was about 3.5 or 4 feet high! He was awesome - a "hugger", he would press his head/neck into my chest for a hug! :)

Pope Valley, CA 94567

No-man's land...where theres ACRES between houses and LOTS of farms. (there are goats in the background)

Pope Valley, CA 94567

Today I was routed in Tim-buck-too. No services AT ALL for connection with the outside world! It was nice being out there away from the rat-race.

This photographer had guts!

Black Bear Diner - good food! (and neat bear pics)

Special Assembly Day

We have a special assembly day today.

One of my favorites...

My dad has a button that says "Too bad stupidity isn't painful." and a bumper sticker that says "The probability of someone watching you is directly proportional to the stupidity of your actions." - just use your head, people...have some common sense!

Marley-dog

My job gets me everywhere in the tri-county area. I get the fun of "meeting" many peoples' pets. I just love puppies and kittens; (who doesn't) they are adorable! This yellow Lab pup was my bestest friend while I was there. ;)

Poor man's dessert...

Snickers bar cut into bite-size chunks. :) LOL!

"Let it snow..."

Once every 10 years or so, we see a little snow here. Very cold this morning...brrrrr! :)

Want a ride?

Do you want a ride or do you think you're a fat cat? :)

Playing with "dolls"???

As absorbing as this game is, my wife has it sooo right when she simplified it down to playing with "Barbies"! LOL! :)

Let go of my Eggos!!!

We found the LAST two boxes at our local FoodMaxx and before I could sell them on EBay, my daughter got into them! Grrrr! :( So, I guess we're eating them instead. Which is good, too...

Rain, rain...

Rainy day. It's horrible to have to work in this weather. The wind is whipping it right into your face too. The news reports that it won't last much longer. I hope they're right for once!

Doritos!

I don't usually eat alot of chips, but I found a flavor(s) that I can't put down! I've almost killed this entire bag!!! Sour Cream.....mmmmm! I discovered these while in Michigan, and FINALLY found them here.

Windows 7 ULTIMATE!

Windows 7 ULTIMATE! - Another operating system has emerged at the end of October. Reviews say that it's the "BEST Windows yet" - so I have installed ULTIMATE and I am just getting it updated and the basics setup on it; Firefox, Ccleaner, AVG Antivirus, etc...
So far, the only things that I haven't got clear is:
1) when downloading - using the "run" option hasn't worked. (I have to "save" first, then "run")
2) when installing - the option to install a "quick launch icon" hasn't worked. (I had to drag a shortcut to it)
3) I want to change the START menus to look more like XP and haven't found that option yet.

ridiculous!

This is what time I am finally leaving work...this is P.M.!!! I just clocked out. I really need a new trade. :(

Three guesses...

Three guesses as to why we shouldn't bring weapons to work and the first two don't count! Because we'd all go postal with the way we're treated!!! I wish these corporate %#@$ would just leave us alone already!

Such a drag

This is A.M.!!! The time I get to work.
It's such a drag to be away from home more than 12 hours a day - good thing is that it's only 4 days a week.

Well, back to the same-o, same-o. Kids are with their mom; wife is sick; the weight of my life is enclosing on me again. Did we have a vacation? Was it a dream?

Long day...

From 33 degrees and cloudy to 80 degrees and sunny! wow! Good to be done flying, not so good to be done with vacation...It's never long enough!

I'm going EXPLORING; maybe I'll find another useful dust-collector that has an exploited price tag! Yay! ;) LOL!

Made it to Chicago. Such a quick flight DTW to MDW...less than an hour!
So now we have a 2 hour layover, the kids are playing PSP's & my wife, reading a book.

Michigan souveniers

All their money spent on Michigan stuff and PSP games...now they're bored and ready to board the plane.