Monday, April 1, 2013

I kept my hair, teeth and wife (Not in order of importance)

I am 40 today. The official age that I have pretty much thought was old most of my life (Amazing how that perspective changes) It is really half time (Hopefully not quite) and lets face it I played a sloppy first half.

So I figure I should summarize a few things that I know. First of all the things that I have learned. That is simple. The more I learn the less I know. I remember how much I was sure of in my teens. I knew what I wanted to do, how I wanted life to go and what success would look like at 40. Yep,all wrong. Totally changed what I wanted to do (And you may be confused on what I do exactly, but ask me (It is NOT sales), I was going to be single and rich (got both wrong) and success was measured by stuff. Wrong again. Success is now measured by the family, not by the individual. (Work and home)

I have always loved technology. I had visions of what the technology would be able to do and how cool it would be. In many ways it is just starting to happen? And of course it has surpassed my expectations in some ways also. Who would of thought that you could have the sum of all human knowledge in your pocket? (Smart Phone) The next 40 years could be OUTSTANDING. One thing I can guarantee is that I will be working with that. My thirst to learn this new stuff and functions of it is as strong as ever. I hear people as they get older wanting to reduce the things you have to know (Rich) and this is confusing to me. How boring. Bring it on.

Some things disappoint. The car. Why hasn't technology kept up there? I can think of dozens of ways that vehicles could be way better with technology. OK sure, they get better gas mileage. Yet no real electric alternatives or alternative fuel cars. Bummer. At least they get more and more HP out of them.

Last the family. I can't imagine not having a loving wife and the boys who bring so much joy. Teaching them (And sometimes Jenifer) the ways of the world and how to do new things. They bring out the best in me and hopefully I bring out the best in them. I see so many of my traits in them (Most of them good) So much more I could say here. I can't wait for the next 40 to travel and explore.

Last, I think I spent the first 40 years trying to become more and more mature (Surprise, I was less mature. I have decided that I will spend the next 40 becoming less mature and having more fun. I have decided that I am going to start with my birthday dinner. (Jenifer has a thing that you get to choose where to eat on your birthday) So tonight I am going to a restaurant with rules. You can only eat appetizers and deserts. (Because I can) Heck, I may start with the desert.

Well, lets have some fun...

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Not sure how to take this?


Can't tell if this is a great marketing ploy or;

I have a bunch of stalkers
I am confused with another guy named Steve
They tell everyone that

Anyway, it got my attention!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Awkward moment at DIA

So Jenifer's texting tone on my iPhone is the sound of taking a picture...

I was at DIA yesterday using the urinal and Jenifer decides to send me a text...

I think you know where I am headed with this.

Her text tone has been changed.

Thanks for the awkward moment

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Carsen and Woody the Woodpecker




When I was a kid I remember watching Woody the Woodpecker. Not sure why but almost all other cartoons of the time have been on reruns forever. (Most note-able Tom and Jerry along with the Road Runner)

Carsen has found Woody on Netflix and has spent the last couple of weeks before bed watching a few minutes of Woody.

I guess like father like son?

Monday, January 21, 2013

The key to being aggressive

Being aggressive can be a big benefit in business. However I have seen people be aggressive at the wrong time or to the wrong people and it can go all wrong. I believe the key is to pick your battles and of course try the old standby of counting to 10.

I have had the privileged of working with some people who have spent time making me understand the when and where.

Next time you feel the pressure to get aggressive and go for the "kill" you may be best suited to take your time and make absolutely sure you are making a wise choice.

Monday, January 14, 2013

She won't admit it but she loves it!

Had an opportunity to upgrade Jenifer's cell phone for no early penalty. I jumped at the chance and considered going to an iPhone 4s but decided to go to a iPhone 5. She uses it quite a lot and will have it for several years. So the extra $'s over the term amount to very little.

Her first real opportunity to use the phone was Saturday morning on our way to Greatbend Kansas. Her remark was how fast it was on internet. Sure her old Droid was not that much different specifications wise, however there seems to be something different on how the iPhone processes internet.

I really like the new connector. Easy to put in, works both ways and is simple. Sure it does not work on our old connectors that we have everywhere. That is the price you pay for progress.

I think the real benefit that Jenifer has is she seems to find a way to tell everyone that she has a better phone than me. (I have a 4s)

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Support that drives me crazy.

I called warranty support at a company we do quite a bit of business with. They made a big point that I was going to speak to a US representative and even gave the exact location (City and State)

So the first person took my name and number (Which I was already set up in the system) captured the Part number, serial number and problem type. Then they transferred me to technical support. (Which they did not tell me the location but it was NOT in the US) Then that person ask me for my Case number (Which I had) then proceed to ask me for my name, number, part number and serial number. Now come on. Why do this the first time. Don't the systems talk?

Then the support went on to suggest it could not be their product, rather they wanted to charge me to diagnose my network. I explained to them how I had several networks to connect to and the problem still existed along with the several ways I had worked to identify the problem.

Guess what. They needed to transfer me back to where I started.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

A new beginning?

Some people look at the first of the year as a new beginning. I have to tell you that this really annoys me. What, now you have to change the calendar and year suddenly you are going to do all the things that you should have, wanted or needed to do last year? Come on, we both know that a significant amount of these new year resolutions are going to fail (Many before they get started)

If you want something make the change and go for it. Better yet, don't make huge changes in your life all of a sudden, make small meaningful changes that are more manageable.

We (Ok mostly Jenifer) spent toady taking down the Christmas decorations around the house. Both trees are put away, the Christmas art that the boys made is down and even most of the Snowmen that come out this time of year are gone. Jenifer and the boys have commented how bare the house is. It is nice to clean up and get all the stuff down. However next Jenifer will pull out the January tote from the basement and decorate appropriately.

It is nice to clean up your life. However remember it can feel bare if you do it all at one time. Plus take the small successes and build on those.