Well, I have not entered on my blog in quite sometime. I must say that I've been busy and sick. I haven't been motivated enough to make an entry I suppose. I have to say that it's been an interesting week so far. Thank God tomorrow is Friday. Not to say this week was bad, but I am very tired, I've had a headache since I got sick, and I'm ready for some rest. As you the reader probably know, my family was within the voluntary evacuation, some readers, in fact, are my family. I left work and helped them load up and go to my house. My dad stayed behind for a few reasons. He's dedicated to his work, which is part of my family's livelihood, and he didn't think anything was going to happen. He stayed behind so a guy could come by and pick up his bike, the last one he had to move, but then he decided, because it was clearing up, that there probably wasn't going to be any danger. Ultimately, there wasn't. The day was tough though because my Great Grandpa passed away during the night before, and my mom and grandma didn't get any sleep. It's pretty amazing that I went and saw him out of the blue, and then he went so soon afterward. I had to leave from our visit because I got a call from my supervisor to go onto the computer and keep the water levels as high as possible because of a possible power outage that was scheduled (it never happened). I was covering call that weekend for my co-worker, Sam. I'm not upset for having to leave, it was my responsibility, but I can say that I really didn't want to. My Grandpa asked me to come back more often, I hadn't seen him in months, and I said I would. I really didn't think that was going to be the last time I saw him, but it was. I was feeling extremely sad because he wasn't saved, or so I thought. It turns out, that one of his daughters, who came out to visit a while back, had planned on getting him to get saved. She said she'd call and let people know what happened when she got home, but she didn't call. Well, it turned out that she just forgot to call, but she got him to say the sinner's prayer. He was saved, and I haven't got it in my heart to doubt her. I have to believe that I'm going to see him again, so I know it has to be true. My Grandpa will always be alive in my memories as long as I live, and so will his stories. I think we can just about recite them, so please, recite them. Anyhow, the fire was brought under control, the evacuation orders were lifted, and everything's pretty much back to normal for us. In closing tonight, I just want to say, no matter what you thought Grandpa was guilty of, it's not worth holding a grudge over, and every good thought you have, or had, bring that out, because most of the things that we saw and didn't like were the distortions of age. Not many people understand that age changes a person's personality. My Grandpa showed that old personality of who he really was more than the other things, and I think we all need to remember that part of him. He was a good man, and we need to remember that and all the great times we had with him. I love you all, and thanks for reading.

By the way, if you're wondering why I happen to be posting at this time of the day, I'm actually home sick right now. I have unfortunately caught some kind of a bug. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I've got a sore (or soar, Becky) throat, and I actually threw up a few times. I have no clue what that means. I think I have a cold, but have just been gagging when I have to cough, mostly because of horrible heart burn at the same time. Hey, thanks for the comments on what you'd do if you knew you were going to die tomorrow. I would probably do whatever I could to not die. I actually would also take my loved ones with me while searching for a cure, more manpower equals more chance of finding the cure, oh and of course, I'd spend quality time with everyone while we frantically searched.

I have restored Mike's link because he has begun writing. I figured maybe he'd get the hint if I took it off. I don't know if that's what did it, but we should all be greatful that he did.

Another day. I'm getting sick on this one though, and I'm not very excited about that. No, I'm sure it's not because of the smoke from the fires since it hasn't really been smoky here at all. I think it's from my dear wife, Maggie. She was sick first, and now, suspiciously, I'm sick.
So let me ask you all a question. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do? See you in the comments forum.

I broke the 200 mark today for visits. I'm so proud. I've only had a counter for 12 days and a blog for like 14. I'd just like to thank you all for supporting me and my blog.
Today was an excellent day. Sunday school was one of the most fun Sunday's I've had. We spoke on Islam, but there was just a whole lot of fun to be had. I'm truly a kid at heart, so I have a lot of fun with them. Although, they might prefer to be called "young-adults." Tonight we spent like ten hours (not really) cutting up little strips of paper so Maggie can use it for her science class tomorrow. It was cool. They represent different genes and the kids are supposed to take them and, based off of the genes they are given, construct what kind of a kid they'll have out of a potato. Sounds like fun to me. Anyway, I'm tire now, so I'm headed to bed. You all have a great night, or day, depending on when you read this.

We have quite a debate going on at Becky's Blog. I recommend you all read it. It's under ~ Friday, October 24, 2003. It's about the proposal to make an amendment preventing homosexuals from taking advantage of the Christian institution of marriage. Weigh in.

Tonight we hung out with Mike and Keji, and before dinner, I ran by Well 3 to switch it from running at the site to running off the computer and was able to show Mike the ins and outs of the whole thing. He seemed to be impressed. I was pleased that somebody found my job interesting. Tonight seemed to be debate night. Every little thing seemed to get argued over. I was present for the debate over whether public school is a good thing for some kids. If a kid grows up in a private school, but wants to go to a public school when he or she enters high school, should he or she be allowed to do so? Is public school a good option at all? I'll let all of you comment on what you think about it. The other debate that I was in on was whether or not all fat people can control their weight. My argument was that some really can't. Of course they ultimately can, but at what cost? There are drugs that can be taken, but normal methods such as eating less and exercising don't have any effect. Thus, some people, who can't afford the expensive drugs to shut down the fat collection hormones, can't control their weight. Anyway, you can also comment on that if you like.

Today's lesson learned is the art of argument, or debate. I learned that the true art is to take away more than you took to it. Be open to other possibilities and really hear all the sides. Don't just shut the other side down without thinking about what they had to say. Sometimes you may find that the other side can be right as well.

Both sides

I went and saw my great grandpa yesterday. He's in a hospice. It was a very sobering experience, cause I'm usually completely drunk. Getting old does a lot of things to you psychologically, but it's a real learning experience. I won't go into detail about the changes he's come upon because I don't feel they properly reflect the true man that he is. I will however ask that you all pray for him that he would find salvation. My mom's talked with him a few times and his responses are like so, "I was a good man," and "Oh yeah, of course." We know he doesn't think he needs to accept Jesus. He's very angry about his frist wife dying still. This was like fifty years ago or so and it still has a hold of him. He doesn't understand why God took her away from him, and none of us are sure that she was saved either. We're having a minister go see him for purposes of salvation. Just pray for him.

While I was there I had him sing a song he'd written as a young man. I wrote down the lyrics.

Oh give me a ladder
a nail and a hammer
and a picture to hang on the wall.
Tell me sure that it's a good strong ladder
for you know that I might surely fall.
Give me a waiter
a couple of glasses
and a barrel of good ole Bab's Ale
and I'll take you to hang that picture
if somebody drives the nail
I don't work for a livin'
I get along alright without
I don't toil all day
and I guess it's cause I'm not built that way
Some people work for a livin' and say it's all sunshine and gain
but if I have to work for a livin'
I think I'll stay out in the rain.

Well, it's been an interesting day. I have to say that I'm probably gonna go to Magic Mountain, but I don't think I'm going to ride anything, because while Mike did create a blog, he did not follow up with more entries. If he can produce something satisfactory by tomorrow evening however, I may change my mind.

I stayed up late last night working on My 5th Column. I wrote a quick article on what I think is wrong with the world today. Check it out. Also, I finally have a page created for Mike. Check that out too.

First, I have to make a correction, the bill to outlaw partial birth abortion has been approved and is now awaiting the approval of the President.

Today Sam, my co-worker, and I went down to Chino to a seminar on pump motors. After about fifteen minutes of technical difficulties between the computer and the projector, the guy presenting, John, finally started. Amazingly, it was the same presentation we already sat through a few days ago. There happened to be four people there in the room and I think Sam and I both felt sorry for him, so we stuck around. One guy ended up leaving. We sat there until some people started coming in saying that his time was up and that they needed the room for their meeting. Sam and I stayed till he was done, while people started congregating by the door talking and creating an awkward pressure to hurry it up for John. I felt bad for him. After the presentation was done and we walked out I joked that he probably thought we were groupies following him from presentation to presentation. Truth is, we thought it was going to be different. Oh well. Funny stuff.

Let's quickly talk on Iraq. The latest controversy deals with the billions needed to continue rebuilding in Iraq.

The argument follows like this: Sure, Iraq is going to require a very substantial amount of funds, but why just give it to them? We need to give it to them in the form of loans. And the other side: Iraq is in great need of funds for rebuilding and since it's a new country, why give them anything other than a clean slate. Besides, what kind of an example would we be if we do as we plan to do and wipe all debts to other countries that were pre-existent, but then instate our own obligation that Iraq pay us back.

Doesn't that seem hypocritical to give money with strings attached, but refuse to acknowledge the prior debts and obligations that existed before the war? I think that a new country, especially Iraq, needs a clean slate to start with. They will absolutely prove to be a good investment. Their oil sales will most likely favor us, which will bring our gas prices down, thereby helping the everyday man and woman with their travel expesnses, which puts more money in their pockets in turn helping the overall economy, and stimulating a larger tax influx. Ultimately, instating loans would strain their economic stability. They're like a small child, just learning to walk, why would we want to place a billion pound weight on their shoulders? Let us do what needs to be done without so many obstacles. The argument for loans seems to have some basis, but it's just a new way to bring criticism on the president yet again. If we do make it loans, other countries will have a field day with Bush, as will the Democrats that pushed for the loan path in the first place. They'll simply lay blame on Bush, back away, and allow the biased media to report what they will. The country of Iraq is progressing speedily and putting such a damper on them from the very out set is simply counter productive, especially when we can spare the money. It wouldn't hurt us, you have my word.


Both sides

In the Revolutionary War there were 4,435 deaths. In World War I there were 116,708 deaths. In World War II there were 407,316 deaths. In Korea there were 25,604 deaths. In Vietnam there were 58,168 deaths. In the war against abortion, 38 million deaths are accounted for in the US alone since 1978. An average of 1.3 million babies are aborted yearly. This is truly an epidemic. We are facing some of the most dire times the world has ever faced in its history. Mass genocide is going on in our country daily, and most of us don't even give it a second thought during our day. We enjoy our lives and never stop to think about the millions that won't have a life to enjoy in the first place.

Today was a big day for those of us that happen to be pro-life. Partial Birth Abortion, or murder, as I like to call it, has been deemed illegal today. I consider this to be a major victory toward the ultimate Roe v. Wade overturn. I have a lot of hope that it will someday occur. I've long despised the right-to-choose movement. I must clarify that there are many evils at work in this horrific practice. There are not only abortionists and uneducated, scared, and many times careless girls who don't want to face the consequences of their actions, but also those who think it's alright to kill the abortionists themselves. I do not prescribe to this method of fighting the evil. As a Christian, it is my strong belief that going through the system is the Godly thing to do. It is also a belief that even these doctors, who commit such a horrendous sin, can be saved by the grace of God just like any other. Therefore, I don't agree with killing them by committing some kind of terroresque attack. We just need to keep praying for the officials we've elected to make a difference, and we must continue making our voices heard on the matters that concern us most. It's terrible to imagine all the sickening murder taking place, but it's also a wonderful idea to think that even though all these innocent children are not being allowed the chance to live, they are instead taken directly to be in God's presence. 1.3 million new additions to God's kingdom a year sounds pretty good to me, but I also have to think that those millions of lives could have made an even larger difference if they were allowed live. The US might be allowing doctors with the potential cure to cancer to be dying, or amazing pastors and evangelists to slip from our world, or even future politicians to miss their chance to change the world. Who knows what kind of a difference those kids could have made, but it is in the past and we must look to the future and to stopping the tyranny occuring every day right in our own backyard.

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee..." (Jeremiah 1:5)

Any thoughts?

Well, tonight isn't full of time for me to write cause I mostly helped Cyndi get her comments and site meter up. It took a very very long time for some reason. Anyway, tonight was Smallville. I enjoy the heck outa that show. You guys like it?

I really like Tony Snow. He's been substituting for Rush. He's very articulate in his speech. Very impressive show today.

By the way, just so you all know, I respond to your comments in the same place you post them. So, if you said something, I may have responded, so check it out.

Mike just left. It's very nearly bed time now, so I won't go into great depth with this entry. Has anyone heard about that Terri Schiavo lady in Florida whose being starved to death? Today Jeb Bush, though advised not to, stepped up and called for the woman to be given fluids to preserve her life till something more can be done. Go to the story. This is truly a tragedy. Even a dog wouldn't be treated the way this woman's been treated. She shows signs of interaction with the outside world, but doctors say it's only reflexive actions and not really true thought. They say that she's completely brain dead, but I've watched video of her on Hannity and Colmes and am fairly convinced there's something there. I strongly believe that she should be provided with treatment and therapy, just to see if it's at all possible to help her. It's been a major issue on the news lately, especially the Christian talk shows. I'm dead set against such inhumane treatment of a human. If they're staying alive because you're feeding them and giving them water, then they're not on life support. It was her husband's decision to stop feeding her and let her starve to death. I think it's sick, cruel, and cold. Her parents are having the worst time of their lives right now. The husband was given the right to the decision, but the parents are dead set against it. I think that any decent human being would allow the parents to take over the care of her. He's already remarried and having children again. In my opinion, he views her as some kind of an anchor and is desirous to disconnect her from himself. It's a sad story.

Looks like I made quite an entry regardless of the time. Oh well, I said something good for once. It's been awhile.

Welp! I got Mike to do a blog. People! Please be supportive of our latest newbie. He needs encouragement and traffic. Thanks.

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Well, I'm currently breaking for lunch, so I thought I'd say hello to you all. I'm having a relatively quick day today. It hasn't been very interesting, but I don't mind a quiet day once in a while. I'm happy to see that I got so many comments on my last post. I enjoy getting feedback on my "outrageous!" statements. Well, take care all, I'll talk to you later.

Well, I haven't made any entries in a while because I've been so incredibly busy, so I apologize.

It seems that my masterful skills of persuasion, agility in debate, and amazing speechcraft on Mike really just didn't matter at all because he made a deal with me that if I went with him and my family to Magic Mountain then he'd write a blog. It's not my skill at work, but it works.

It really feels like it's just been one really long week. We had to get up early on Saturday so I could take Maggie to the meeting place for her college class's field trip and then Sunday is, of course, church. Yesterday I helped out with digging a trench, backfill work, and fitting a little bit of PVC at the church with Pastor Mike, my father-in-law Jim, and a deacon named Cliff. I felt super invigorated and energized the whole time and then afterward I felt like collapsing and still feel tired. I didn't even get heart burn the whole time, which I've always gotten every time I try to do any physical work. That's the only time I've never gotten it while working, and it was at the church. I think God's trying to tell me something. He might be telling me that I should start a construction company building churches maybe...

I'm thinking about starting some college classes this next semester. I just feel like it's a waste of time for somebody whose already so intelligent, but you need the credentials. You can't walk up to a prospective employer and tell him, "Hi, my name is Steve and I'm a super genius who could work for you if you pay me the right price." It just doesn't work, I've tried and tried. They always say no, and so I ask them, "Is it because you're intimidated since I'm so much smarter than you? If so, it's alright, I'll make sure you keep a good position once I have yours." And they just look at me funny and tell me to get out, or call security. I just don't get it. So, once I have it on paper, in the form of a bachelor's degree, or masters, or Ph.D, then they shouldn't turn me away when I offer them the privilege of hiring me. What do you guys think?

Hey everybody. I'm not going to make another huge entry on my blog tonight, simply because I'm obsessive about it and need to learn to pace myself with it. I just wanted to let all of you know that I had a very easy time on my exam today. I'm sure I'd have aced it even without studying. It was all stuff that I know like the back of my hand. I went through and counted the questions I was positive about and it was 72. I was fairly sure about a whole lot of the others too, but those 72 I'm absolutely sure about. All I needed to pass was a 70 or better too, so I'm happy and relieved. Thanks for your prayers.

Funny picture....

Well, I just got done writing out my lesson for tomorrow's Sunday School lesson. It has to do with Islam. I don't have a book that was written after 9-11, so the book I went off of spoke about purely the religion and not the terrorism. So, this week I'll teach on just the religion and then I'll teach the following week on the religious driving force behind terrorist attacks.

Maggie's gone on a field trip today. I couldn't go because I have that Water Distribution Exam today. I'm dreading it. I studied and I have the math down, but I feel underequipped with knowledge of the terminology and proceedures. I suppose I know it, but I'm just not sure. My Distribution 1 exam was easy because I had a copy of a test to pour over. My co-worker, Mark Zappia and I were taking it, so every day for two weeks we drilled each other on it. By the time the test date came we both had everything on that test memorized. Granted, it wasn't the test that they actually give, but it's supposed to encompass everything that's going to be on the main test. Anyway, I walked in there and took the test and it was a breeze. The two of us did amazingly well. That was well founded confidence that we had walking in and I just don't feel that today. I don't want to try to cram anymore today because that just puts my mind into stress overload mode. So, today is relax and get into the groove time. I want to walk into the exam with a calm attitude. Pray for me guys.

Okay, good job Leah. I'm happy that you posted yesterday. You are forgiven. Sorry, can't think of much more to write, cause it's too dang early.

By the way, very unfortunate turn of events tonight and I'm sorry to report a Red Sox loss. At the bottom of the 11th inning the Yankees hit a home run. My desire to watch baseball seems to be subsiding now.

Well, I'm sitting next to Mike as I write this. He's reading Leah's paper on gay marriage. I found it impressive and right. I'm a little let down by her and with Cyndi however, because they haven't made any more entries on their blogs since yesterday. I couldn't convince Mike to start a blog...yet. So, I have to keep working on him. I don't think he understands how much people would love to hear what he has to say. So, I want all of you to comment on my blog and let him know just how much you'd like to hear what he has to say. Give some positives about blogging that are unique to it. Help me convince him to give it a try. Thanks guys. You're all awesome...except for Mike, but we all hope he comes around to our Blog Cult. I think that blogs are good for putting your thoughts out on the table and gaining a clearer understanding of the way you think. Comments anybody?

Well, I'm currently waiting for Mike to call me. We're supposed to hang out tonight, but I haven't heard from him yet, so I'm writing. It's been a pretty quick week. This weekend I'm taking a test to certify as a Water Distribution Operator Level 2. I hate tests. I'm never very good at taking them, unless they don't mean anything. Today was a quick day out of my quick week. I composed an entire instruction manual on a software program at work with screen shots and everything so that people would have a standard guide to go off of finally. It looks pretty good and I got a lot of compliments on it.

So, the Red China has big aspirations to go to the Red Planet. They haven't actually come out and said it yet, but wouldn't that be appropriate. The sent a guy up the other day for 21 hours or so to orbit the earth 4 times. Impressive, for commies. They didn't want to televise it because they were afraid of a mishap and a bad public image, which they couldn't afford. Very interesting.

By the way, Leah. Don't forget to send me all your papers for the 5th Column. You either Mike.

Well, I'd just like to congratulate all you Boston Red Sox players that visit my site on a daily basis on your win tonight against the Yankees. A nice score of 9 to 6 and a great game. I have to admit that I don't watch much baseball, but tonight's games had to be watched, what with all the talk about curses and the likes. I'll be eager to see the next Sox game. As for the Cubs, I feel badly for your loss, but I knew at least one of the curses had to be real and I had a hunch about the goat one.

I'm happy to say that both my sisters have come onboard and started their own blogs. To my sisters: I'm happy to see substantial posts on your blogs, it seems as though you both have potential for becoming dedicated bloggers. I look forward every day to being able to sit down and read everyone's blogs and then post on my own. It is my mission, currently, (I say currently because it won't be for long becasue I have an incredible success rate when on missions) to convince my best friend, Mike, to find his nitch in blogging. I feel as though he could have a kindred spirit with blogging. He seems like the type that could spew topics of his day, bringing depth and humor to them all the while. He seems anti-blog right now for some reason and I'm not sure why. I know he knows that his thoughts are interesting and provocative, and I know he knows he has the ability to write well, however I think he may think he has no time to do extra thinking, but if he quit thinking about not writing a blog it would free up some time to think about writing a blog. Now, I don't believe in forcing my ideas on others, but this is Mike. Maggie will be my next blogging target.

Hey, did anyone see the new soon to be best seller book come out? Alan Colmes, from Fox News on Hannity and Colmes, has written a book named Red, White & Liberal: Why Left Is Right & Right Is Wrong selling for $24.95 in hardcover. I'm actually interested in hearing what this book has to say. Some of the chapters are titled, "Jesus was a Liberal," "OJ was Innocent," and "Bill Clinton: Our Best President." I have a curiousity that could actually drive me to purchase.

Well everyone, thanks for visiting my blog. Be sure to visit not only my blog, but those that are listed under my links section. With that, I leave you with a fun picture. Find ten people in this illusionary masterpiece. Goodnight all.

Well, today's another day in the can. It's been pretty quiet. I'm trying to get this blog working right. Currently the Comments links are not properly functioning. They don't display the number of comments posted. I hope to remedy that tonight. Try this one out. I was cruisin around the internet and found this. It's pretty funny.

Find the Black Dot.

Well, tonight we went to my family's house and hung out. We watched all sorts of TV. Hannity and Colmes, American Chopper, and the 700 Club. A family friend (Julie) came by and hung out as well. I went to show my mother this blog and when we came out of the office Julie was talking with my dad about "religion" and her motto of separating talk of politics and religion from friends. She seems predisposed to hostile conversation when it comes to such things, which is unfortunate, so those of you reading, give her a prayer.

My little sister, Leah, wrote a paper on the place for GAY MARRIAGE. I have to say that I agree with her anti-gay marriage viewpoint fully. Not because I'm a homophobe, or someone that likes to commit hate crimes, but because I'm a Christian. Unfortunately, in this world today, we are drifting toward a state of sinful entropy. We are ever nearing a moral collapse in society. It is sad to say that the institution of marriage will probably become perverted enough to even allow the homosexual group to marry into each other. Our goal as Christians however is to prevent and prolong the moral degredation of our lives. It's becoming sickening to turn on the television or glance at the magazine racks at the checkout stands in the supermarket!

I also read my best friend's paper on the Ten Commandments issue of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. I have to say, it's a finely written article and if I can convince him to create a blog, he could post it and I could put up a link for you all to go to to read it.

Anyway, good day overall. It's time for bed now though, so I don't have time to write about all the things I had on my mind today. It's alright though, my thoughts are timeless and can be recounted at any time with maximum freshness. Goodnight all!

I found this incredibly funny. Just thought I'd share.

Bird's Eye View. (You may have to right click and then click "Show Image" for this picture to show up.)

We washed Maggie's car today. While we were in church, a bird that had obviously been seriously constipated for a very long time finally had a breakthrough, but it happened to be over Maggie's windshield. Giant splash of white out, all over the glass. Her wiper blades were out of fluid, so when I tried to run them, it just streaked the, uh, waste, across the windshield. It was such a big splash I believe I only had about 40% visibility while driving. Car's clean now though.

We gave back Becky and Roland's dogs today. They proved to be a challenge, but we decided it was a more than welcome challenge. We actually miss them now. Things are too still tonight, too quiet. Somebody talk to me, or bark at me.

Just testing the new blog. Hello world.