Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I Hate Computers.... And Cars

Happy last hump day of 2009. It is 7:10 am Wednesday morning and I am just now getting time to write something. My computer is malfunctioning, and the pursuit of a repair has occupied all my "spare" time. Being a geek it is very frustrating to have a computer issue and not being able to solve it quickly. And it seems like sometimes my efforts to repair the problem often cause twice as many issues. So my rant today, I hate computers. Why can't they just work? I already know the answer so I don't really need a bunch of opinions. And I especially don't need to hear any more "go buy a Mac" I own a couple Macintosh computers and they have their share of annoying issues.

Anyway, have a happy new year and be safe. And PS I hate cars too. In case you didn't already hear my Jeep broke and would cost about $4000 to fix. I say "would cost" because I don't have the money to fix it, and don't think it is even worth it. Argh!



Cya next year

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas: The Anti-Rant

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Channuka, Splendid Kwanzaa, Mystical Winter Solstice, or a whatever whatever you celebrate this time of year.

So this week, in the spirit of the season, I'm not going to bitch about anything. Instead, I've decided to write about things that make me happy. Pick your jaws up off the floor, stop pinching yourself and just sit back and relax.

I love my family. I know that's a pretty cliche thing to say, but I honestly do. If I'm ever having a bad day all I have to do is spend some time with my girls and I feel better. I love the way their eyes light up when they see me. The pure love and trust they have for me makes me want to be the best dad I can be. Angee is my best friend, a great mother, and I adore her. Even though we have been together almost a dozen years, I am constantly surprised and amazed by her. And my extended family have always been there for me and I love them. They probably don't hear me say it often enough, but it is true.

My friends are great. And of course I mean all of you that stalk my rants as well. It's nice to know that, even when our busy lives keep us from visiting regularly, my friends will always be there for me and I for them. I enjoy the different view points and opinions of my friends, even when I totally disagree. I love that we can share ideas and feelings without fear of judgment or reproach.

I'm sure most of you have heard me complain about the cold on one or two occasions, but I really love living in Boise. I appreciate the small town atmosphere while still enjoying many of the big city amenities. I love that this town is becoming more diverse with each passing year, and that this change is mostly accepted by the community. Having quick and easy access to the mountains is probably my most favorite thing about this place. And I am always learning of new and fun things to do even though I have lived here almost 21 years now. I guess now is a good time to drop a plug for Amanda's blog http://dontgetboredinidaho.com/

I have a great job. Even though I complain about "having" to work, I really do enjoy what I do. I work with some fun and great people. And especially during these difficult times, I really appreciate having any job, especially one that I don't dread.

I love Halloween. It's not really a shocker, but I just thought I would mention it again since I'm making a list and all. And despite what you may think after reading my previous blogs, I really do enjoy Christmas. I do love the feeling that is in the air as most people are a little more attentive. It's like a month long review board where people are on their best behavior. If only that attitude could last year round......

This list could go on and on. I didn't really write it for you, so if you made it this far I appreciate your time. I am a very blessed person and I felt I should publicly acknowledge it, just this once. So for those of you that I disappointed today by depriving you of your weekly dose of cynicism, sarcasm and wit, I apologize.

Be safe, have fun, and we'll cya in 7

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Need Vs. Want, A Fight To The Death

If you're looking for someone to tell you how many more days until Christmas, you best look elsewhere.

So all week I have been planning on posting a paper I wrote a couple years ago about childhood obesity. I was reminded of the paper when talking to a friend, and thought it would make a great rant. I "knew" exactly where the file was, so I didn't bother looking for it until mere hours before the rant was to be published. Now, here we are. 7 hours until the deadline and the research paper has vanished from all forms of digital storage.

In case you didn't already surmise, this rant is going to be brief and thrown together. But this is a topic I have been meaning to write about for some time, so hopefully I can get some type of point across.

Children often use the word "need" for food, toys, or other items they see in commercials. At first it is kind of cute, but it quickly becomes annoying as the child begins to throw major tantrums. That is all part of growing up.

However, its when an adult constantly feels like they "need" things that it becomes really bothersome. I'm not sure if it is a false sense of entitlement, if it's because we as a country are spoiled brats, or if it is the failure of their parents, but adults that can't distinguish the difference between "want" and "need" really have issues.

Everyone wants something. It's those wants that keep us going. We have goals and desires that we strive to achieve. And there is nothing wrong with that. If you want a better house, a better car, a better hair style, you do what needs to be done to reach that goal. But for those people that feel they need a better house, better car, better hair style, they generally become bitter and annoying. They "need" this thing, therefore it is owed to them and it's unfair to keep them from it.

It's late, I'm tired, and I want to sleep, so I'm not going to elaborate. Bottom line, its fine to WANT better things, or even things you don't have that you can really use. But just recognize the difference between NEED and WANT. If you want it, do what you have to do to get it. But don't try to convince yourself and others that it is something you need to justify your lack of effort. Just as you tell a child that is throwing a fit about not having the latest Barbie doll, "the only things you NEED are food, water, and air!"

Cya in 7

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Open Forum Rant

Only 241 more shopping days until my birthday!

So this week I have been too busy, too tired, and especially too cold, to write a rant. And since I can't really rant about this insanely cold weather, I've just decided to not rant at all. Today is an open forum. Feel free to rant about whatever you'd like in the comments section. Play nice and I'll cya in 7.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Bah! Humbug!

Happy Hump Day!


Yep, you guessed it! This is my rant about why I dislike Christmas. I can feel your hatred and anger towards me already building. But give me a chance to defend my position before you jump to conclusions.

Interesting side note before I spew my propaganda. You may already know this because you're all literary geniuses, but its news to me. The word humbug is real. According to my trusty answers.com site it defines 'humbug' as such:

n.
  1. Something intended to deceive; a hoax or fraud.
  2. A person who claims to be other than what he or she is; an impostor.
  3. Nonsense; rubbish.
  4. Pretense; deception.
interj.
Used to express disbelief or disgust.


Ok, before you label me as a pagan for not liking the holiday designated to remember the birth of Jesus, let me just say that I don't dislike the reason for the season. I hate the treason of the season!

I propose legislation be passed making it illegal for stores to pedal their Christmas crap before Thanksgiving! There is nothing worse than seeing the traditional red and green stocked shelves while I shop for Halloween decorations. No Christmas items are so urgent that one can't wait to purchase them until Black Friday at the earliest. Each year stores push the barrier and display their wares earlier and earlier. It wont be too long before we will see mistletoe and holly wreaths right next to the Cadbury cream Easter eggs. As if Christmas was not commercialized enough, now it has to be commercialized and stretched over a 4 month period. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I am a fanatic. But if stores started to load the aisles with witches and goblins in July even I would be annoyed.

I also think that people should not be allowed to put up their outdoor Christmas decorations before December 1st! Not only is it a waste of electricity, but it's really annoying to see people take down their Halloween decorations and put up the Christmas lights on the same day. What happened to Thanksgiving decor?!

To top off my list of irksome Christmas debauchery: Television, radio and all other forms of media should not be allowed to air Christmas music, Christmas movies or TV shows, or any advertisements alluding to Christmas before December 1st. We already know that Christmas is the most commercialized holiday ever. And even with that knowledge people still continue to be mindless lemmings purchasing the latest and greatest items, putting themselves further in debt for the sake of "Christmas".

What would happen if one year we all agreed to not give in to the social peer pressure, and we just boycotted all things "Christmas"? Instead we just focused on the meaning of the holiday. We didn't spend money on our loved ones, but instead spent our time. We visited the sick, the widowed, the poor, and the elderly. We gave of ourselves and showed our love for those around us, instead of feeding into the commercialism. That would be a Christmas to remember, and the feelings and memories would outlast any material possession we could ever be given.

Cya in 7