Thursday, January 6, 2011

...of laptops and viruses...

I consider myself to be a fairly "with it" dude. I own a laptop computer, I now carry a "smart phone", I own a Bluray disc player. In other words, I am not afraid of technology. (I just wish I could fix and figure out my own issues every time, but alas, just like "Oil Can Henry's" for my vehicles, that's what tech support is for!)

Here's the story..... In November of 2007, my wife was going to school on line and needed a lap top. We bought her an off of the shelf (display) unit basic entry level Compaq. We knew it wasn't the most up to date, but were told (sold) that it would do everything that we needed it to for an "online student". The laptop worked great.... for about a year and a half. I soon had a need as my business changed hands to own my own lap top - and in March of 2008, I purchased an "Acer" laptop off of an ad from OfficeMax. I spent about $650 I think. In September of of 2008, my wife's Compaq had basically given up the ghost, and she announced it was time to buy a new one. This time we were more patient and also willing to spend more to get her the computer that would not only last her to completion from school, but would also carry her into her carreer field. We bought an HP and an extended warranty from Curcuit City (Insert jeers, raspberries, and sucking wind sounds here)and we were off to the races again.

The short part of the story is... My Acer laptop has been a phenominal machine. I defrag about once every two weeks and run my anti virus software atleast once a month. I send and receive a lot of emails, I did watch a lot of TV episodes on it when I was living in my trailer in Utah. I pretty much have stayed on the "beaten" path of Yahoo, msn, and major providers - but - have piggy backed signal from neighbors in the trailer park, wifi hot spots and such. My computor still works great today.

Marcy's compaq died in 1 1/2 years - the people who looked at it all said - "man, a bunch of viruses" "cheaper to buy new then to fix this one..."

After spending closer to $1000 on Marcy's HP, I was pretty frustrated when all of a sudden, it stopped working as well... After only 2 years. We had a tech guy work on it as well and he basically was able to back up all of her data (photos mainly), and we got the same "boy this is pretty toast" jargin from him as well.

I am relatively confidant that no one in my household is pulling up pornographic websites, looking at pirated videos, blackmarket sales sites, and such. Where are these viruses coming from? When I do catch the kids on Marcy's computer, they are usually at "webkins", somethingsomething @ edu.com, free games, etc. And Marcy's computers just keep falling victim of these "viruses"!

Financially, this is starting to really suck!

The main difference between my computer and Marcy's? I have a password and don't give it to the kids. And yes, I am considered a jerk for it. Marcy will set a new password, but eventually, the kids get it out of her, and they go back to it. This has got to stop!

Is it possible that websites geared towards children with addresses sounding safe are the biggest culprit? I guess I am naive. But I am done with replacing computers just because a website allowed a virus to come in and wipe it out.

What can be done? What should be done? Hmmmmm Grrrrrrr

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

On a more positive note....

Here's looking to you, Brand New 2011!

Having stated that as a whole, I won't really miss 2010, I am hoping for a more positive approach to 2011. I figure if I list a few of the things I would like to accomplish, maybe the fact it is listed will spur me on to do it!

1) I've got to lose some weight! I think maybe dropping 60 pounds would be good on the heart, joints, attitude, stamina and sex life. I have a few plans and proven methods to do this, but the hardest part is just getting started. SO - My commitment is to get after it right away - Right after the Oregon Ducks kick some Auburn Ass in the BCS Championship game. Golly, that is about 10 days away!

2) I'm going to get my financial house in order. Having a steady, stable job is part of this - and as of today, I see no reason my current employment will change or fall off of the level it is currently compensating. I am also going to read "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey, so that I can work on our money issues from a savings standpoint as well. It is time to get some people paid off!

3) I've got to put more quality into what little time I am able to spend with my family. This year I want to double the amount of camping weekends we do as a family as compared to last year. I want to have one on one times with all of my children. I will make time with my wife a priority. She needs and deserves some quality one on one time away from the home with her non distracted spouse.

4) I am going to "mend some fences". I have a sister that isn't speaking to me right now. We are both stubborn. In fact, we are alot alike. I would like for us to be able to re-connect and let by gones be by gones. I love her and hope that we can get through these hard times.
There are a few friends that have fallen by the wayside either due to time constraints, or mis-understandings. I look forward to re-acquainting myself with these friends.

5) I want to do more reading. I currently read about 8 - 10 books a year. Television is nice, but requires no effort or imagination. An active mind stays sharp. As I turned 40 in 2010, I have noticed a slip in memory, recall and concentration. I hope that a challenging book more often can remedy these age related issues.

6) I wish to connect more fully with my spiritual side. I wish to grow closer to my Lord and Savior.

7) I want to start writing my life's history. This will definitely be a work in progress, but again, I feel that this will exercise my mind and intellect. I have a computer at work, home and lap top for any other time. There really are no excuses.

8) I will try to be kinder in my dealings with all people. After all, I am a people too. Remember the Golden Rule.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Holy Crap! Where does the time go???

I have no answers. I have no excuses. I have only my apologies! It has been months since I have posted, and I can only say that I will attempt to do better.

It is now after Christmas. One holiday down, 1 more to go. I think that I will be working up until about 5:30pm New Years Eve. Then, off for another 2 day weekend. (Very rare these days.)

No real reports to make as to my comings and goings, but to say that I have been coming and going back and forth to work!

As far as business goes, we sold 20 retail units in November (4 wholesales) and are sitting at about 13 units for December. Not going into great details, we are doing as well as can be expected for the season and infancy of the dealership. We have a great mix of SUV's and all wheel drive cars mixed in with some great European / Japanese imports. All in all, I am enjoying myself.

The kids are doing well and have had a very active fall with Marching Band (Alex), Football, Wrestling, Basketball, Band (Ben), Football, Band (Zach), and Football, Basketball (Gabby). I believe they had a good Christmas season this year, albeit un-orthodox. (See Marcy's blog for details.)

Marcy is enjoying (most days) her new job that she has held since July and the money it does bring into the family finances. (We can use it all at the moment.)

I have reflected back on the year 2010. As far as most of it goes, I won't miss it!

2010 has introduced some losses.

A member of my High School alumni was taken a few weeks ago in a car accident. Shannin (Combs) Hancuff has left 4 sons, a husband, and a sad void to those that were close to her. (I was not close to her, but feel the loss nonetheless.)

An adoptive Grandfather just lost his battle with getting old. Thank you Ernie Taylor for being a wonderful neighbor and support over the years! You will be missed.

My knee continues to be the bane of my existence. Surgery seems to be more and more likely. Very glad that my income currently is not dependant on my ability to use my knee. Walking is hard / painful enough.

I have learned to believe that a true friend always will be....

And so I say with one, loud voice.."BE GONE YOU PIECE OF CRAP YEAR 2010!!! I WILL NOT MISS YOU!"

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

....I'm back!....

I really can't believe it has been about 7 weeks since I have posted, but alas - it has been. For those who even give a rip, I apologize.

My life has been CRAZY! When you last heard from me, I was employed at Bish's RV in Idaho Falls as the Business/Finance manager. In a word, I really liked working for Bish's. BUT, the seasonal nature of the RV business and the 1 hour commute each way and about 120 miles a day left me to explore other opportunities.

One's past can either come back to haunt or bless. I am still making up my mind as to what is happening to me, but for now, I am only commuting about 4 miles...

I came to Idaho initially at the invitation of a long time friend to work as the office manager of a used car lot. One thing led to another and eventually, I was selling, financing and managing the car lot. After a few years, the owners of the company decided to sell it - thus, I decided to get back into a booming construction market.

That wave lasted for about 5 years.

Now, two out of the three original owners are back together with a new managing partner and we have been opening up a new "used car lot" for the past 6 weeks. In other words, we have been upgrading and remodeling the physical facilities while trying to be profitable with about a 50 unit inventory. It has turned my life into a long day at work - about 12 - 14 hours a day. (Thus no movie reviews for a while.) I long for the opportunity to get a handle on my personal time.

I am the main Salesperson, the full time Finance Manager, and the general "catch all" for Robert, my long time friend. For now, I will be content to have a local job with potential of a great income and will hopefully keep my marriage intact as I am now trying to curb my time at work back to a reasonable amount. Hang in there Marcy and children. I am trying!

That's it in a nutshell. Not exciting, but honest.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

spandex, noise and Idaho Falls....

If I haven't said it once, I have said it a thousand times. Just 'cause you could got away with wearing spandex leggings and a halter top in 1987, doesn't mean you SHOULD now!!!

I just had an enjoyable night at the Sandy Downs Horse Race Track in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Let me tell you how my day went.....

At 9:40, my boss came into my office and placed 2 tickets on my desk and asked if I would be interested in seeing a concert tonight. Concert was Royal Bliss opening for Kip Winger, opening for Warrant opening for Cinderella. I said "heck ya!!! with fingers creating the "devils head" sign.

At 9:45 I called Marcy to tell her my great fortune. She rained on my parade immediately - she had this, that and everything else she had to do.... In other words, it probably wasn't her thing.

At 10:30 I stated on Facebook that I had an extra ticket for the show and trolled for some response. I got lots of offers from people who live LIKE, NOT IN THE SAME STATE!!!

Anyways, by the end of my work day, I had no takers, but being the adventurous soul that I am, I went stag...

I got to the venue at about 7:45 (an hour and 15 minutes after the scheduled start) and caught the last 4 songs of Winger. In other words, I got there when I wanted to. When Warrant hit the stage, it was like a wall of sound just went right through me. I have seen Warrant before, but this line up with this new singer was very good. I actually had to google him to make sure he wasn't the original. (He wasn't, but he was very good.)

The band member's apparel was similar to what you would see at an off campus party. In other words, they were pretty up to date. Some still had long hair, others were closer cropped. They are very talented and I could easily make out the lyrics and the different instruments. (Good Work sound guys). The energy and professionalism of the show was great! I may yet buy a greatest hits CD!

When Warrant finished up with the last song "Cherry Pie", I might add, the roadies went about their chores and got the stage cleared off and ready for Cinderella.

Now, I was first exposed to Cinderella when I was a Junior in High School. I liked them along with every other "Glam Rock" band - Their contemporaries were Motley Crew, Great White, Poison, Guns n Roses, LA Guns, Warrant, etc. Anyways, not my favorite band, but I did own 2 of there cassette tapes before I graduated from High School.

So, not knowing what to expect, I waited entranced for them to take the stage. Big lights - Big Hair - Big outfits - BIG SOUND! I wasn't quite sure what to make of the lead singer. He had this whole "Alice Cooper" look to him with tight black stretch jeans with this red, velour form filling long sleeved shirt with flowing arms from the forearm down. He sang without a look of passion on his face, but with this voice that was oh, sooooo, 1980s! I got into it immediately! It hasn't been since the last Styx concert that I have seen a lead signer do so much guitar work. He played the acoustic, the flat guitar, double neck guitar, Tenor Sax (yes, tenor sax), and electric guitar - all while pulling off that haunting combination of a scream with a pleasant vibrato. The sound took me back. They played all of their hits along with some songs not so familiar to me.

It was a great evening. My ears are still ringing, and I am pretty sure there were some pissed off potato farmers near by as well!

As I started off by saying..... I went to have a good time and listen to some music from my youth. I went in a pair of slacks, leather dress shoes and a Bish's button up shirt. (I came as I was). People who had more than 10 hours notice must have had some time to dig up some of the outfits I saw. Which, as luck would have it leads me to my "What to wear to a concert in 2010 when the last time you saw the band was in 1987" segment.

David's apparel Rule#1 - If your butt cheek hangs lower then the hem of your snakeskin skirt, you probably shouldn't wear it!

David's Apparel Rule#2 - Just 'cause you have your man booby pierced, doesn't mean we all want to see it. (I just wanted to flick it!)

David's Apparel Rule#3 - Showing your saggy, wrinkled breasts to the lead singer (and all those around you) doesn't guarantee you a night to remember. With the amount of alcohol you had in you, I doubt you will remember anything! Oi,ve!

David's Apparel Rule#4 - Vomit does not look good on your outfit!

David's Apparel Rule#5 - If you intend to be hoisted up on your boyfriends shoulders to get a better look at the stage, For the love of all that is good - PLEASE! Wear panties!!!

These are all of my words on this subject.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

... in the limelight.....

I must admit that I don't watch a ton of reality TV. I have liked survivor, seen the bachelor for a season or two, and when it first started, watched "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" a few times. As a builder, I always thought it was a crock that anybody could have the ability to organize, conduct and complete a full tear down and re-build in a week. I am a believer now.

Last Wednesday, a family in our small community of Pocatello got that famous wake up knock on the door, and will have their life changed forever. By mid day Thursday, their home was no more. By 11 am Friday, the forms for the concrete were being stripped and the framing was being started. At 7:30 pm, Saturday night, there was a sheeted, roofed, sheet rocked, home standing where a once burnt out hulk had been.

I can attest that as of Sunday at 7:30 am, this home had all of the finish carpentry installed, cabinetry hung, and prep work for paint on all was ready and the painters were getting started. The siding was 90% done. Not to mention a good portion of the concrete flat work (side walks, driveways) were underway.

How do I know? I was there, baby!

My wife signed me up to be a carpenter for the home. I guess that EMHE does not take "our" word for our skills and leave the specialty trade decisions to the contractors that are responsible for the job. I was not selected. I was on site for 8 hours and didn't lift a hammer, nail gun, sanding block (that was alright) or paint brush. I was the w, w, w, waterboy! And yes, I am tired!

A water tray does a lot for you. I got to see the entire interior of the home. I got to go to the "art" area. I got to go to the catering area. In short, I saw it all!

I have a photo of me with "Jillian" (the bachelorette that is an interior designer), Paul and I (the carpenter guy) and Ed, (Marcy's new dream hunk). (I thought he was hot too!) I guess Ty was at another reveal in Chicago-darn it!

It was well worth the effort. I know that I didn't directly do anything for this family, but lets face it - I got all who were, "High quality H2O!"

As soon as I know, I will post the time of the airing.

Friday, August 13, 2010

You're kidding, right?

This really bugs.

I got a call last night from a co-worker asking me if yet again, I could give him a ride to work. I don't mind helping someone out on occasion, so I said sure - I will be driving through that area between 8:00 - 8:15. He set the place - the McDonalds parking lot about 1/4 mile from the off ramp. Not convienient, but probably better than asking me to go to his house.

So, at 8:05, I get to the McDonalds and seeing he is not there yet, wait. After 5 minutes, I get annoyed and pick up the phone. The other end says "Hello?" I say "Merle (not his real name), where you at?" He says, "Uh, I'll be there in 10 minutes." I say "That doesn't work for me - we agreed on 8-815" He says - "My child threw up" I say "Were you going to call me? I need to get to work. I have things I need to do." He says "Well, I guess my wife will bring me in. Obviously you are upset - I will put my wife out."

Why is this all my problem? Should I feel bad for being abrupt? When you need a ride from somebody, I feel you should about kill yourself to not put the person giving up his privacy and time out.

Am I a jerk? I drove off. What would you have done? Hit me with some honest feedback.