Life goes by so fast...need to take a few seconds to write down and remember experiences that make me the person I am.
Digestive Problems
Downtown Fire
Snapple Real Fact #146
The smallest county in America is New York County, better known as Manhattan.
Blind Drive-Thru Service
I was out and about and decided to use the drive-thru at a major establishment. As I got up to the pay window after ordering, I noticed this sticker:
"Braille and Picture Menus Available - Thank You."
I'd like to get statistics on how many blind people use the drive-thru, maneuver the little turns to pass the order window and then make it to the pay window, stop right in front and then ask, "May I have a braille menu please?"
Now, on to the picture menu. I think the only people that would need a picture menu would be those that can't read...But, the order display has a photo of practically all the burgers and sides. So, would they not order and drive up and read the little sticker and say, "I need a picture menu?"
Have you seen something like this?
Open Fire!
I heard a huge KABOOM! I look out the window and an old school ship is firing the cannon!
There it is. I wanted it to turn around and go the other way so that I could get a shot with the aircraft carrier and it in the same frame - the past and current.
Short Week!
I put up "Happy Bowl Season" on the dry erase board when I walked in. Are you going to watch any bowl games?
2007 Holiday Bowl Parade
I came in extra early today so that I could watch the Holiday Bowl Parade. They call it the "Big Balloon Parade" in the official program guide but since it has the two teams that play in the Holiday Bowl (ASU -v- Texas) and since it takes place the same day as the Holiday Bowl then that's what it is! :)
Heather's grandparents, and cousins showed up and found me real quick with my camera!
"Never fear...Underdog is here..." I saw underdog! How many of you remember him?
One of the interesting parts was when the Texas Longhorn Band passed by and the Arizona State Devils started chanting, "ASU, ASU, ASU!!!" A guy from the Texas band, the last row guy, stuck his hand behind his back and gave the ASU fans the finger. The girls next to me asked, "Did you get that!!?!!?"Overall, a good parade. Nice weather.
1J5
Snapple Real Fact #109
Smelling bananas and/or apples can help you lose weight.
Whoa! I wonder how many people will try this? But, it doesn't say how much of an impact it has. I wonder if this is a registered diet?
California Cell Phone Laws
Do you think this will cut down on all the cell phone "distraction" accidents?
1J5
Merry Christmas
1W5
Christmas Eve
We went to Chili's (it was chilly in there) and had our usual meal, talked and I got to tease her about stuff. Back at the house, we watched the Charger game a little, played with our new toys, took pictures, walked around the neighborhood looking at lights until someone got cold, and plain just goofed off.
I dropped Heather off at her aunt's for their get together and I headed back because I had to start my missions on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Luckily I was playing late because I got a call from Heather, "Daddy, can we use your locksmith expertise?" I asked for details and said, "Sure. I'll be right there."
One thing about having people watch while you try to open a lock is that you have this extra little pressure. I knew I could open it and so did Heather, but how long is too long before they say, "uh never mind. Where's the sledge hammer?" I opened it, and I got a hug and some homemade cookies for saving someones butt since there was no key.
1W5
Chargers Send Broncos Packing
03
23Bent Lines?
You might have to click on the image to get the effect to work.
I really like this one. Are you sure you see what you think you see?
Veggin' Out
Heather and I texted our plans for tomorrow, so let's see how that goes.
Day two of my route, and felt okay but I think I like running at night better than during the day since it's cooler, and more quiet.
2W5
Early New Year's Resolution
So far, so good. The only thing I missed was the music on the route, so I'm shopping for an mp3 player. You notice I didn't say iPod? I was looking at the Creative Zen because it has the FM radio also, but I'd like the iPod nano to use the Nike Running adaptor thing. Hmmm, I might get the black iPod Classic 160gb.
As an additional motivator, I'm putting it down here when I do these so my friends can pick on me when I don't. :)
1W5
Snapple Real Fact #89
The average American walks 18,000 steps a day.
This can't be true! But that's just me mumbling...Do you believe it?
Christmas List
Red Light Traffic Camera Busted
This guy probably isn't the most popular person in town. He's fixing the photo enforcement camera for red light runners on grape street in San Diego. I just had to snap his picture since it reminds me of something. BTW, this machine dishes out $400 tickets!I wonder what they do when a person has that reflection cover on their license plate since all it shows is a big glare spot on the photo?
You want one?
Up
I took this picture during Districts in the June, while I was shooting a softball game. Between batters, I heard someone say there they go. After looking around little, I found them - slowly drifting into the sky.
I kept my eye on the balloons until I could barely see them. I wondered where they'd end up. Whether they'd pop, and if not, how long before they came back down to earth.
Follow the dots!
You have to click on the image to get this to work.First, follow the moving dot for several revolutions...Tell me what happens.
Next, stare at the "plus" sign in the center of the dots for 10 seconds. What did it do, what happened?
Christmas Balls
How much time are you taking for vacation?
Christmas Potluck
The new girl and I parked at the same time. I was finishing up listening to war of the roses on the radio. She had just gotten out of her car and I saw a huge grin on her face. I said, "I know why you're happy. Because now you have someone to help you bring in some of that food!" She laughed and admitted that I was right.
I took the monster bag of bread from her and she invited me to go. I told her that I wasn't invited plus I didn't bring anything. She asked me to go anyway and just say that I brought the bread!
Today is "nacho supreme day" and I passed on the potluck invitation. Esther told me that she had saved some just for me. After eating by my lonesome, I made an appearance to just say "hi" to everyone. Then I hear a simultaneous, "OMG, it's Sam...hurry close the doors, hide the food! Just kidding [laughter] We love you, Sam." A group of people said that I was fun to pick on. Heheh, don't be surprised when I pull a prank on you while you're at the luncheon. :)
I only stayed long enough to get the picture and left...Now, I hear the bands warming up on the Midway outside. The Holiday Parade soon - it's that time of year.
Random Sam Fact #129
I really like the sound of paper shredding! Is that weird or what? I like to put as many papers as I can to hear the machine churn away. Or, put other things in there and see how they crunch! This is our trusty shredder and we have a vac to clean up the mess after we change the bags.
Do you like the sound of shredding paper?
George Bush's Executive Order
So now people won't have to call in sick on Monday to finish up their Christmas shopping. :)
Are you working Christmas Eve?
Little Italy
Resti took our little group (7) with him. Nobody wanted the front seat so I took it. We drove to Little Italy and ended up at Filippi's Pizza Grotto. I'm so glad that we got there early because the place soon got packed.
All the orders were ready and all we had to do was just confirm our drinks. In total there were about 16 or so of us so it wasn't that huge of group. I received my lasagna and my eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach. I didn't attempt to finish it all, and everyone was guessing that naps were going to be in order this afternoon for all of us!
We decided to take a picture and one of the guys wanted to be in the pix. Everyone was afraid to ask a stranger, so I did: "Excuse me, sir...Would you help us out by taking a picture? We'd greatly appreciate it!" We gave him the camera and he snapped it. I clapped for him and the rest joined in.
When I got back, one of the ladies gave me a gift bag of truffles. Dessert!
Do you ever ask strangers to take a photo of your group?
10-year-old Girl Faces Felony Charges
School officials took the knife away after confronting her and she admitted that she had brought the knife to school on more than one occasion. Sheriff deputies were called, and they knew the "ZERO TOLERANCE" law, so they arrested her. She was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). Now it's in the hands of the prosecutor to see how to handle this.
We all know the context in which this "Zero Tolerence" law was written. We know why, and under which circumstance this applies. But, not using your common sense/reasoning/thinking abilities in situations like this shows people have ZERO going on in their brain. I'm referring to punishment. No knives is a good idea, but don't put her away for years.
This is obvisously a no-charge case. But, will the district attorney's office say, "It's the law. It's written in black and white - it's a felony. Lock her up! Throw the book at her!"
What do you think?
The Week ahead
The Christmas Lights
I wandered around the neighborhood on a walk. I took the camera just because.
The little reindeer's head moves from side to side. I think this is the house with the most decorations. It seems like more people put up lights this year.
Chargers Maul Lions
1451Talk about an ego booster! The Chargers went on a roll and didn't look back. They won the AFC Western Division. If they can win the rest of the regular season games they will be the 3rd seed. Go Chargers!
Mow the Lawn
Ugh. I went to get the hose, when I noticed that a swarm of pickups came by and parked helping someone move in. I walked up to the people and asked, "New neighbors?" The lady said, that the person they were helping was a victim of the fires and the were moving them in.
I turned around, and then I heard someone yell, "Ewwww. Someone got dog poo all over the carpet!!!" I instantly looked over to where the poo was. It was gone! I nonchalantly just walked over back to my lawn ... whistling of course. :)
Heather's Party
We finally got to celebrate Heather's party today! At first, Heather wanted to have a paintball warfest, but something tells me that 200 paintballs going at 300 fps was gonna be leaving some marks! :)
Instead, the party was at "Atlantis Lazer Tag." It was in the same building that Heather had gone to as a toddler, the little ball pits, obstacle courses and such.
This is the first year that there were more boys invited to the party, a big change where there was only one boy! Unfortunately, not everyone that was invited could go. But, that's always the case.
We played the first game, and then took a pizza break, then played the second game. This time it was the adults versus the kids. We won! I couldn't tell who had more fun, the kids or the adults! Cake and gift time, and then use up all the remaining tokens on games, air hockey, DDR, and skeeball, etc..
After everything finished, we saw the the rules for the lazer tag and all the different "abilities" you can get...Dang: Rapid Fire, invulnerability, mega bomb, etc...Uh I think we needed that before! Definitely would have been more fun.
Happy Birthday, Heather!
Naked Women in Gym
A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women'slocker room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with
ladies grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in
amazement and then asked, "What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a
little boy before?"
Christmas Party
One of my friends has had a problem finding a dress. I wonder if they will ever wear it again, because I know that women will remember what they wore and ask about that. Will it sit in the closet? With guys it's easy and we don't stress about what to wear. :)
Are you going to your Christmas Party?
Changes
Mr. Bean!
You have to actually click the image to get this to work.
You've done the "Where's Waldo?" But how fast can you find the man in the beans?
If you can do it in about 3 seconds then your right brain is pretty developed...but who knows?! I spotted it pretty quick. Let me know what you think.
Questions for Bloggers/Visitors
What did I leave out?
Snapple Real Fact #104
There are more than 30,000 diets on public record.
I wonder if one of them is: eat less and excercise more?
Your Order Has Been Shipped
The day that they were supposed to ship the item, I received an e-mail stating, "blah blah dah dee dah double blah." The new ship date was December 17th. Ugh. I guess is going to be a Christmas present, right?
Well, I received an e-mail this morning stating that "Your order has been shipped!" and should be here on Wednesday. I got a smile for a second, but hey, wait a minute. I'm not going to be tricked into thinking you shipped it early when in fact you're late. Nice try, but no cigar.
Chargers Beat Titans
1723The Chargers went over to the Titan's house and barely won in Overtime. LT had a great day, but it took him a little to get started. You could see frustration showing early in the game. But, the Chargers won the AFC West Division by winning today. Have I told you I dislike the OT rule (whoever scores first) wins?
This would give special, defensive, and offensive teams to play. Not just the side that won the toss.
Mayweather TKO Over Hatton
Al Bello / Getty ImagesI was wanting to see this fight but it wasn't as big as the Mayweather -v- Oscar Dela Hoya fight, but I wanted to see a good fight. Mayweather knocked him out. He had supposedly retired after the last fight, but ...
One of the premium channels had a multi-part episode on these guys to try to build up action/hype on the fight, but I'm glad that it didn't come a decision. I think fights should end decisively with a knockout so that any mumbo jumbo judges are out of the picture.
Can you see the love they have for each other?
Tim Tebow wins Heisman
Tim Tebow (a Gator) won the Heisman Trophy today as a sophomore. Very impressive since only juniors and seniors have won the prestigious college football award.
I'm glad that he won because I dislike when a performance is overlooked because people say "he's only a sophomore and he'll have two more years to get it." So what! It's how he did this year.
Here he is with a huge smile. :)
Rainy Friday
There was a 70% chance of rain but all you had to do was look at the coulds and know it was 100% I left a earlier than normal because I knew there was going to be an accident or just slow drivers.
We have displays on the freeway that show how long it will take to get to certain milestones. In this case, downtown and the connecting freeways. It was DOUBLE the time I normally see as I drive by.
The interesting part to me was that the on-ramp meter was OFF! Just zoomed on by and the traffic on the 94 was very light.
San Diego needs the rain, and I'm saving money on my water bill. :)
Do you remember to turn off your water timers?
Good Kisser Bad Kisser
One of the first questions the girls ask their friend after a date is, "Well, how was it? Is he a good kisser?" Guys ask different questions from a friend after a date, and I'm sure you know what they are. :)
Women, are you guilty?
Bathroom Breaks
Have you noticed that people are possessive of their department bathrooms? You see a stranger using your bathroom and the only reason is because they don't want to stink up their bathroom in their area. Of course, they try to act all sly and all, but we know what's going on!
People look for the most secluded restroom, and of course it's usually a guy since women will generally wait till they get home. If someone is in the restroom as you walk in, they flush, cough, ruffle the newspaper, etc...to mask any incriminating sounds and want you to leave really quick so they can continue their business!
Who knows what I'm talking about?
Daily Stuff
Patriots Survive
Mind Control!
You have to actually click the image to get this to work.
Once you view the image in large, you will be able to stop the circles from spinning! Yes, just by using your mind power alone and the fact that I told you that this will happen!
If you stare at the center black dot, tell me what happens...
You will be completely under the control of your subconscious. Just give in...
If you're interested in more stuff like this, visit Michael Bach, he explains how this and a bunch of other illusions work. If you go to his site, tell me which one you liked the best. I like the spinning face!
Just Stuff
A friend called me tonight and asked that I go to a website, she wanted to get my reaction to something. I went to the site and she laughed when she heard that I was actually on the site. I must retaliate, just need to pick my time! :)
Chargers Return the Favor
1024The last time thee Chargers played Kansas City it was here in San Diego, and the Chiefs spanked them 30-16. They came in and left home smilin'. So, the Chargers went into Arrowhead Stadium with an aggressive defense, excellent output from LT (170+ yards), an overall good game, and left smilin'!
I'd still like to see a stronger passing game, to relieve the pressure off LT...If they're improving then that's what counts.
Happy Birthday
World AIDS Day
Advances in research have kept the hope alive for many, and it's days like this that we are reminded that AIDS isn't just another way to die.
My Drive Home
My drive home took just a little longer than usual because one, it was raining and two, there was a rollover on the opposite direction and everyone had to look.
This is what I saw as I waited at my my exit. It looked a lot nicer but I didn't have my camera with me, so this is all you get!
After viewing this for a second, it made me think of the bible. It says to see the rainbow as a promise that God wouldn't flood the world again. He'll just destroy it another way. Okay, that made me ask, or more that it made it sound like they had not seen rainbows before. We know what rainbows are, and how/why they appear.
Anyone know?
Random Sam Fact #193
I like to watch the rain drops roll up the windshield.
I don't use the wipers unless it would be unsafe not to. Basically, I like the trails the drops leave, but it can't be raining too hard because then they just splatter.
A Letter to Santa
Do you remember when parents took their kids to stand in line and see the big ol' fat Santa? They listen to their little boy or girl tell Santa about everything they wanted?
Later, you were able to write a letter and mail it to Santa to give him your gift ideas. Of course, Santa is up with the times so he started taking e-mails.
This year he went all out and hired some new IT guys so he now has IM and Chat capabilities. His hybrid eco-friendly (reindeer poop is re-cycled to power) sled is equipped with Long-range wireless, and his LCD monitors installed by PIMP MY RIDE show constant stock levels of all toys so if he needs to stop off and re-load he can.
GPS routes are planned based on the "naughty and nice" lists and avoid delay areas such as those pesky airports. The new system will cut down on time, and a new "cookie suction device" will go down the chimney so that the fat boy doesn't have to try and squeeze in.
Santa isn't outsourcing his duties so all is well! Are you ready for Christmas?
Crosswalk
Snapple Real Fact #28
Chewing gum while peeling onions will prevent you from crying
Okay any of you cooks out there, have you tried this?
I'm in Early
I bought some bolts last night for my car and crawled under my car to put them in. No more vibration rattle. :)
Long Day
The Blood Bank e-mailed me that it's time again for my double blood donation again. Does it seem like 4 months since I did it last? I guess so, they wanted to make sure I got the message because they called at home and on my cell. I stayed late to make up the time that I will use tomorrow to go after my lunch break.
I went to the park...it's dark after work. Went to Costco ($3.229), Rubio's and saw someone from my work with her family! How funny that we left almost at the same time and ended up in the same place. Went to Autozone to get some bolts for my car, played some America's Army, talked to a friend, and then packed up some stuff for my friend.
Monday Night Football
The game was pretty bad: 3-0 Steelers. That's all there is to say.
Chargers Win!
1432It was good to see that the Chargers finally showed some offense. Phillips was good through the air, but LT struggled for yards. Congrats LT on getting 10,000 yards! Can the Chargers go 10-6 this season?
One funny thing today was that a friend called me and asked me to look up directions while they drove. I loaded up Google Maps and told them step by step what each of the landmarks would be. The satellite view was pretty helpful when there is nothing else around. :)
Did anyone watch the Patriots -v- Eagles game? I did! Pretty good game and I'm sure that the Pats got a little scared there! I still want them to go undefeated the whole season.
No Motivation
Black Friday
Yes, I vegged out the whole day! It was pretty cool, and I turned off the alarm so that I didn't get my 5:45 a.m. wake-up shock.
I finished off my turkey sandwiches for dinner. I don't put much on there except, wasabe mayo, mustard, salt, pepper and white meat on white bread.
How long do your Thanksgiving left-overs last?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Heather just finished her first 5K run. We agreed that her official time was off because it took 6 minutes just to get to the starting line! Would it surprise you that a Kenyan won? Fast, fast, fast.We're heading out to visit some friends right now so...Hasta. Enjoy your day!
Turkey Day
How would you feel if you knew you were going to be stuffed and eaten tomorrow?
The One
How long though? None of us believed in love at first sight. I feel that is more of lust at first sight because you have no idea how they handle conflict, temptation, moods, finances, etc...You know very quickly if you "click" with someone but the majority agreed that it was somewhere in the 4-6 month range. But, then even when couples know they aren't compatible, they stay together.
After the honeymoon stage, when you have to rely on communication and conflict resolution is when you really find out if you will end up staying for good.
Snapple Real Fact #82
August has the highest percentage of births.
Hmmm...I wonder what could be so special about the month of November?
I Didn't Have Time
What they are really telling you is this: What I actually ended up doing was more important to me than doing something with you!
To prove this I ask the question, "If someone were to give you ONE MILLION DOLLARS, tax-free with no strings attached, would you have shown up?" If they answer honestly, well the answer is yes. But then again, how many people can say, "I just didn't want to..."
What do you think?
Turning Right
You ever feel dumb when you realize your blinker has been on for miles?
Conference Calls
I get an outlook reminder that our conference call is about to begin, and I get that "ugh" feeling. I don't really like these types of calls, unless it's the kind when we use the giant plasma and you can see everyone on the other side and you can tell whether they are listening or paying attention.Just then several technicians open the door and looked surprised we are there. They wanted to work on the lines or something related. The boss wanted it done now so conference or not...it was getting done now! As one of the guys was working on it, we lost our call. Naturally everyone looked over at him and he had the panic look - "What did I do?" We call back and everything is back on track.
The guy leaves and comes back twenty minutes later, and as soon as he sits down at the little box, we get disconnected. Everyone in the conference room turns and looks at the guy. This time he raises both hands, shakes his head and says, "NOT ME!! I didn't do a thing!" We busted out laughing. He gets up and walks out of the room!
We figured out that when you reserve one hour for a call, that's all you get. The call went dead mid-sentence, and our little code no longer worked.
Random Sam Fact #378
Chargers lose to Jaguars
17
24
After "beating" the Colts last week, you would think the Chargers would try to prove that they were better than that...but, the Chargers lost again! When they step on the field you don't get that warm and fuzzy feeling they are going to score. Since LT has been shut down overall, it's up to Phillips and step up and find another way to score. Would you think they would be 5-5 at this point?
The only thing going for the Chargers at this point is that the AFC West is a really weak division, and probably the division winner will end up 9-7, or 10-6?
Google Image Labeler
In my opinion Google is using it's users with Google Image Labeler to give better descriptions for the bazillions of images that they have indexed. They use the game and point method and I played it for about 30 minutes (yes, I was hooked for a little). I was teamed up with a random person and we both are presented with the same image and then have to type descriptions for the image and can't use certain words that have been used (labeled in red). Someone asked me why the random person and I responded so that you can't label a picture of rose as "BOTTLE" with a friend.
Points are awarded for descriptions that you both match on. You have a certain time limit to accomplish this and you can enter words, or pass. I got almost 3000 points with one person and averaged 700 with another. It helps to be teamed up with a fast typist because you want to go through as many images as possible in your time limit.
Google keeps track of a ladder board and all your points or you can remain anonymous (guest). Try it out...
The Brickyard
Today we went to the brickyard for lunch. Robert, Kim, Denisse, Kathi, and I walked just a block or so and kicked back for a little get together
Each time the trolley passed by the window rattled. We just looked at each other but got used to it after a couple of times.
We haven't been to sushi lately, so don't be surprised if we head out to Harry's :)
Do you have a lunch spot you like to hit on Friday's?