New Toy

OK, it wasn't the most prudent financial decision, but you have to enjoy life for yourself once in a while. Dana and I were shopping Saturday, and Guitar Center was having their huge pre-4th of July sale from 9:00 pm until midnight. After talking to the sales rep, he agreed to get me the price I wanted without having to wait until later that night, so here it is:

1961 Epiphone Custom Shop SG re-issue in Alpine White. I lowered the action a little when I got it home, and it plays like a dream. No fret rattle, very responsive, and the pickups are scorching hot! I can't get over how light it is compared to my Les Paul Standard. Now I know why Angus Young loves these guitars. (click photo to enlarge)

Some Happy News

For those of you who don't have contact with me each day, I must apologize for not letting you know that I have a new job. I'm an Account Executive with The Berry Company. For those of you unfamiliar with The Berry Company, it's the company that started the Yellow Pages, and was founded in 1910 by LM Berry right here in Dayton, OH. I think some people forget that Dayton was the Silicon Valley of the country almost 100 years ago. How many of you knew that Thomas Watson Sr. started his career at NCR as a salesman and lived in Dayton for many years before moving to IBM in 1914 and turning it into a punch card powerhouse before handing it over to his son, Tom Jr, who turned it into the mainframe computer giant? It's true.

I'm working with print and digital media sales, and so far I love it. My class is in training for approx. 16 weeks, and I look forward to going to work each day (I know, tell you how I feel a year or two from now). My background in technology and the printing industry is serving me well. It's directional media at it's best, and talk about the ultimate Permissions based marketing solution.

I haven't given up on real estate, but things are just dead all over. The housing crisis has caused a lot of problems all over the country, and slowed home sales to a death march. I was tired of working and not getting paid, on top of all the fees that are involved with being a Realtor. It's insane, and yes, I know many Realtors contributed to this situation.

I've included some photos of my new digs, and the view we have from the training room. We will get our office assignments once we are out of training and added to the existing sales teams.

Sad Anniversary

A year ago today I lost my Mom to liver cancer and it's been a tough week for all of us. It seems like yesterday, and it also seems like 10 years ago.

This was the last photo I took of her shortly before she passed.

I miss you Mom, and I love you!

Fishing Trip - June 21st, 2008

Google Search Tips

This might help you improve your Google searches.

June 11th - Kings Island Fun!

Newton Message Pad 120

A while back, Kyle and I were talking about all the computer systems and gadgets I've used over the years trying to make my life easier. I went and dug out my old Apple Newton Message Pad 120 to show him, put in new batteries, and it came to life like the old friend I remember. I couldn't believe it still worked after sitting in it's box for so many years.

This thing was a BRICK compared to the Palm Pilots I've used, and now the Apple iPod Touch. It didn't fit in your pocket, it was bulky, and the battery life left a lot to be desired, but I loved it and was the envy of every one of my co-workers. The only bad thing about getting this back out was that I have lost the cable to connect it to a PC. I'd be curious to see if it would work with XP or not. Oh the memories this thing brings back of taking notes in the many endless and pointless meetings I had to attend.

Our New Fence

Take The Muppet Test...

I'm Fozzie Bear

"Wocka! Wocka!" You're the life of the party, and you love making people crack up. If only your routine didn't always bomb! You may find more groans than laughs, but always keep the jokes coming.

The Muppet Personality Test

Sunday Again

Is it just me, or does it seem like the only chance I get to post on this site is on Sunday afternoon?

We celebrated Dana's 43rd birthday this week, and our Saturday excursion for lunch at The Greene was fun and free from rain. We ate at BD's Mongolian Grill for the first time and it was really good. A place we will definitely try again.

Not much new to post other than the fact the have started putting our dog fence up last week. It will be nice to just open a door and let the dogs out to run and play without having to have them on a leash.

Have a great week!