Spring 2014 June 9 Monday

68 degrees this morning.  Rain, and more rain.  

CMA Fest was a lot of fun.  Even our seating area, I noticed that there was much more visiting as the days went by.  (Many of the persons have the same seats each year.  I was complaining about an act (that they was a type of music I don't like and  i feel completely unrelated to even music, much less Country Music) and the man in front of me turned around and agreed with me.  I was surprised to realize exactly the same thing had happened with the same man the year before!  I need to be careful how loud I talk although in this case it didn't matter! I was amazed that my voice carried with the other noise around.)

There are always changes we don't like and changes we do like, and we try to complain about the bad changes and compliment on the good changes.  

I had a lot of fun with my new knowledge of "Evernote" during the weekend.  I was able to make "video" and/or "audio" "notes" to subjects (such as CMA FEST 14) and even have a GPS notation of the location.  Evernote is fun because there is always something new to learn and try.  It can also be frustrating, but I have found their staff support is pretty good, if not extremely fast.  

Another job interview this week.  This one promises to be especially interesting for several reasons.  Whenever my job entailed hiring people, I always considered the long-term impact to both the person involved and the organization.  When turnover is so low that a person you hire may retire there, you realize the impact of your decision both on the person and on the organization.  Or you realize how one person can impact an organization either in negative or positive terms.  

That's it for today, Monday, June 9, 2014, a rainy and wet day and week.

Spring 2014 June 3 Tuesday

75 degrees this morning.  Sitting on patio, it actually feels fairly cool.  (The temperature is now 73 degrees).  Still cloudy.

Thinking of Amazon.com again, I have to wonder about a company that will "punish" or inconvenience it's customers in a fight with a vendor.  That is bizarre.  I have always wondered about those creepy e-mails that pretend they know what I want to read/listen to/watch or even buy (they don't).  About my only dealing with Amazon now is through Audible and I'm trying to find another source for audio books.  I may find it is cheaper to just pay full price for the ones I really want.

I have really come to enjoy and appreciate audio books.  Actually, as I have mentioned, it is especially effective to read and listen to the same book in roughly the same time period.  I find I do miss some nuances (and actually some complete points, to my chagrin) on one that I pick up on the other.  I also find I read "e books" much faster and probably miss more of the information than if I read a physical book.  

My bicycle is still making funny noises and I have a feeling I will be taking it in for a major checkup.  The "pedal freezing" was was the result of he chain jumping off and getting into the main gears around the pedal (I'm  not sure what it is called).  I hope it won't happen again, but I know my bike and it is making some noises which don't bode well for the future (at least for the bike).  I like my bike, but would really like to go back to a mountain bike.  Once things settle down for me (as far as a job and location), I probably will buy another bike anyway, although I was thinking of a "electric assist" bike (one you pedal most of the time, but can get some "assistance" on hills.  Dream on, I expect.

i hope to learn to ride in "a group setting", so I am safe to ride with!  i ride by myself almost all the time, and am definitely not used to riding in a group.  I really am aiming at doing some longer bike rides, such as the Ride Across Tennessee/Kansas, Free Wheel Oklahoma etc.  and then do my "ride with the Summer".  

I really wonder where time goes.  I easily worked 80 hours per week on my previous job and then literally went cold turkey to none, and I still don't have time to do a lot of things I would like to do.  I may start keeping track of how I use my time and see if I am wasting any.  I don't sleep more, I get up at the same time, do the same amount of exercise etc.  (I may fudge a little on this and take some extra time.).  Of course, sending our resumes, job hunting, dealing with unemployment, social security issues etc. takes a lot of time and mental effort, but still, I don't have the time to do the "leisure" reading I expected to do.  I have learned a lot about computer programs (especially Evernote, iPhoto, and my MacBook innards) which will help me in the future.  But I still speed read through the morning newspapers, magazines, and novels rather than take the time to enjoy reading them.  I do read too many newspapers, but that is a vice I am going to keep, like coffee.

I think my sleeping habits are finally back to normal.  I got a reply to a "thank you" note I sent to someone in China who was especially nice and helpful and I felt a twinge of "something"  (not sure what), and I thought again about the wonderful time we had in China.  It seems like such a distant memory now and I really don't want to let the memory lapse, even if I never return.  

(Real time now):  They are finally mowing the yard, so I probably will need to go in off of the patio.  Grass and computers don't mix well, even a tough MacBook.  Also, I don't care for grass and dust with my coffee!  

(Now inside);  Sometimes I wonder how the patio affects my thinking versus being inside.  Along with that, in Lakeland I never see the sunrise or sunsets like we did in Kansas or Oklahoma (unless we get near the Mississippi River or away from the hills and trees).  One thing I miss about Oklahoma and Kansas are the sunsets.  Actually, I don't "miss" them, until I am in Oklahoma or Kansas and see one of the beautiful sunsets, then I realize how much I miss them.  Kind of like the wind, when I get out of the car in Oklahoma and feel the wind, I remember something I DON"T miss about Oklahoma or Kansas, the persistent, continuous wind!  

Fairly busy day today, some "busy" items this morning, lunch with a friend, Apple Store appointment.  Working on iPhoto. It may be an endless task.  I do a little everyday, right now I'm just trying to "weed" out duplicates, and pictures that just aren't that good, which is a lot of them!  

That's it for today, Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Spring 2014 5 28 Wednesday

66 degrees this morning.  Some rain last night, also somewhat cloudy this morning, but no problem with walking or bicycling.

Thinking this morning about "X+1".   I heard the story about Test Pilots were asked how many times they could flout the rules when they tested their new airplanes (I expect you don't expect a test pilot to follow the rules) and their answers was "X+1", with X the number of times you did it and +1 when you got caught or wrecked!  

I always enjoyed this concept and have used it in many different situations.  I think the "+1" is the reason that you keep on living and pushing regardless of the situation.  Anyway, it is fun to think about it and apply it in different situations.

Currently my status is "Change is coming".  No matter what, the "World without end is ending" and some type of change will take place, especially in the career situation, where we live and other factors.   I look forward to change and like variety and stimulation in daily life, but I also like the stability of a regular job and knowing I am going to live somewhere for at least a while.  It is likely we may be moving in the near future and my job status could change suddenly (or not), which will make the Summer of 14 the time of the most changes in our lives since the Fall of 2001.  In that case, the change was structured and I/we were in charge of the change.  This change is wildly unstructured and we have final action of approval of any change, but we don't really have any control over the change.  If that makes any sense.

My MacBook Air is back, but the problem still isn't fixed.  All they can say is they "can't replicate" the problem.  I understand that but it seems like there has to be a reason.  I haven't really searched the Internet yet for answers and that may be the key.  I'm sure I'm not the only one having this problem.  It is good to have it back, although I am always pleased at the versatility of the iPad when I have to use it.

Back to changes in our lives, I really expect we will be moving sometime in late June.  Where or why we don't know yet.  It may depend on a job, it may depend on the house being sold, or there is a good chance it could depend on both. 

I both look forward to the change and regret the loss of some of the routine and friends I have come to enjoy as part of the fabric of my daily life, knowing that the change will be a major loss and change for us as well as others.  

The trees in back of our house are in full "leaf", which provides a completely different atmosphere from Winter.  I am stilling on the patio, enjoying the patio and the trees (I call it the forest) and the birds welcoming the day.  Some morning I will record the birds and post the sound track.  The birds beautify the air with a burst of sounds in the morning, unlike later on in the day.  

I spend several hours at the Apple Store yesterday, getting ready for my iPhoto structuring.  I'm not sure how I will find time for it if we are packing etc., but I expect I will work on it a bit at a time.  I decided to do the latest events first, since I will remember them better and maybe it will put my mind in shape to structure the earlier events.  I am putting all my photos on a hard drive and working just off that hard drive.  

I am working more on Evernote.  The support staff has been good about analyzing my problems/questions and suggesting thoughtful answers. I still feel like I'm not using it to it's full potential, but then that is true of all my computer problems!  

That's it for Wednesday, May 28, 2014.  

Spring 2014 5 21 Wednesday

70 degrees this morning. Should be a great morning on the patio!

Still some "jet lag" effects on sleeping patterns, but otherwise reentry has been good and the jet lag effects aren't that bad.  

Thinking some more about the Front Line program on solitary confinement, I had never really thought before the effects of total mindless rage, to the point that a person slams themselves against a steel door for hours and bleeds and other.  I was actually stunned by the program.  There are some actions that even writing can't really get across the overwhelming rage that someone feels.  I have seen it in residents who feel they have no say in a situation, and perhaps I vaguely feel it for brief moments about the way the spoiled brat professional politician and the board of fools are destroying Lakeland.  However, I can move, the resident normally gets some response (maybe not in the current Lakeland), but the prisoner has absolutely no say or even any response to his or her focused anger.  I'll look more at this.

One of the aspects of China I noticed I miss is the sound of the language itself.  I expect if I could understand it, I wouldn't notice it,but the musical nature of it is intriguing, with there being major differences in men and women speaking it.  I actually also enjoyed most of the food, much more than I expected.  

Sitting out on my patio again.  I guess I am pushing it, it probably is just a little too cool yet for early morning patio.  (The rest of the day is fine, but enjoy the early morning the best.)  I am going to sit out here for a while, but probably will give up and go in.  

I have a "virtual coffee"  (through FaceTime) later this morning.  I wish I had invested in a headphone/microphone combination for this, I'm sure it won't be the last one I have.  

At the last hotel we stayed at, they had walnuts to put in your oatmeal (this was the "western" breakfast buffet of course).  I liked it so much I am adding walnuts to my oatmeal, along with the cinnamon, blueberries and honey!  Pretty soon, I'll wander where the oatmeal went!  I eat that and an apple with peanut butter every morning.  I may need to delay the apple and peanut butter to later in the day, it is becoming a big breakfast.  

Evernote-I keep hearing about how good it is and I have been a "premium" subscriber for years.  I just recently have really started to use it, organize my notes etc.  I think I can use it to replace some database programs I pay more for.  It is so hard to get assistance on it.  That is a major reason I like Apple products, if nothing else I can go to the Apple Store and get assistance on anything Apple sells.  I'm not aware of any other product that does that.  

I wish Apple would buy Evernote!  That would really be a fascistic combination.  Evernote just has such a long learning curve and they have very little support, although eventually someone responds to me.  However, either I don't explain myself well, or they are that familiar with the program themselves.  I think they have a "in the rut" type of thinking on what the program should do and they don't envision what I am trying to do.  For years, I basically just listed the books I wanted to read (so I could refer to it) and my car mileage and occasionally some other things.  I learned the "notebook/note" system and now hopefully learning the reminder system.  I am also keeping articles in it instead of on my computer.

I really enjoy the "online" USA Today (I think it is the best on-line paper), but it is so hard to retain articles (other than on the iPad itself).

I am attending a "Veterans" Job Fair tomorrow.  I have never been to one, so it will be interesting.  

Spring 2014 April 17 Thursday

37 degrees this morning.  

Learned more about iMovie yesterday at the Apple Store.  It is a fascinating program and can really do a lot.  I learned aspects of it I didn't have any idea even existed.  Of course, I don't take video that often, (except by accident), but I do have fun with it and it will be entertaining.  Probably use it more for work.  

The special effects, the music, maps etc. you can put with it is relatively easy, just a matter of time and learning.  My problem is I get stuck on something minor and there I am.  The Apple Store has a good answer for this with their "Open Session" where you work on a project and ask for help when needed.  (The 1 to 1 is literally a single teacher instructing you in the subject, which is wonderful.)

Probably will accept a contract on our  house today (or at least a counter-offer).  We love the house and hate to think of leaving it.  It is a wonderful house in a wonderful location.   On the other hand, we've only had it on the market for two weeks, so we may wait.  We are in no hurry to move, unless I get a job somewhere outside of this area.

Picked up my beloved MacBook Air yesterday.  It is nice to have it back. I got along fairly good without it, but I am glad to have it back.  It is so much more convenient, and actually a lot faster than other computers.  (Something to do with the flash drive, I think.)  I worked on iMovie on it and it is  very fast. I think the problem with my iMac is that iPhoto ran amok with "faces"  (I ended up with almost 60,000 pictures and got rid of 20,000, but I still have 40,000 pictures) and I think it is using up all of the processing power.

Evernote sounds like such a good idea, I just can't seem to get used to using it.  I used to to keep my car mileage and things like that on it, and the books I wanted to read, but that is hardly using it at it'll highest capacity.  Kind of like using a computer as a glorified typewriter, although I don't even know if they make typewriters anymore.

By the way, I need to praise Staples Office Supply.  After becoming throughly frustrated at FedEx Office trying to make up a business card with two sides (one English, one Chinese) and being stymied by FedEx bureaucratic requirements to use their templets, colors etc. and the inability to insert the Chinese Language, and wasting several hours on this, I went to the Staples web site and ordered a double-sided business card in exactly what I wanted in a matter of minutes!  A wonderful representative (I wish I had gotten her name) helped me when I realized my order wouldn't get to me before a meeting, she even redirected my order so I would get it prior to the meeting!  THAT is customer service!  

We're still thinking about the contract on the house. It is for less than we really want for the house, but there is some other factors which would increase the value of the offer to us.  A hard decision to make.

That's it for now.

Fall 2013 December 14 Saturday

43 degrees.  Almost seems warm!  Rain most of night, still some rain this morning.  Supposed to be a good week, weather wise, here next week.

We finally made a decision on the "Christmas t-shirts" yesterday.  (It is a secret).  Every year, we purchase a t-shirt for the adult children, grandchildren etc.  It has to be a place we have actually been, so one hint is it is in Memphis or Lakeland!    

I am looking forward to attending "Toastmasters" again.  I haven't attended for a long time since there weren't any meetings around that were close and even reasonably convenient.  I always enjoyed the meetings and speaking and am looking forward to attending some meetings.  I have kept my membership although I have a feeling it may have lapsed when I didn't get an invoice.  For those of you in Toastmasters, I was an ATM-S.  I understand this has all changed, and after 12 years it probably will be good for me to start all over anyway.

Still working on "Evernote".  I hope I can find a short course in it.  I think it could be valuable, but it seems to have some flaws, although maybe they are "user" flaws!  I have a hard time investing the time in learning a program I may not use, although if it works as claimed, it would be wonderful. I still haven't found the article I saved to Evernote (about Evernote!).  

ATC Fitness had a good music station on this morning.  I really like they way they keep it clean and replace items (like shower curtains) on a regular basis.  

I have to admit, NFL Pro Football just isn't getting my attention this year (or really even for the past several seasons).  I watch and think "so what, it's only about the money".  I still enjoy college football and college basketball.  Somehow pro football just isn't interesting any more.  Like they are going through the motions.  Maybe it will get better as the playoffs approach.

Fall 2013 December 13 Friday

25 degrees this morning.  I'm starting to sound like I just repeating the temperature!  This is about as long of a cold spell as I can remember since moving here.  

Went to a "Breakfast Briefing" yesterday morning.  I was good to get out and visit with people and learn something.

Need to update my journal for the International City Managers Association (ICMA)  "Credentialed Manager" designation.  I have to attend (and report on) 40 hours of training each year to maintain it.  It is a great program.  I have prepared my notes, just need to put them in the journal and get it uploaded by January 1.  It provides me with a good summary of what I learned during the year and how I used it.  

Still learning how to use "Evernote".  I read an article in the New York Times yesterday and made me want to expand beyond the little I use it for now.  It is valuable to pay for it, but I really don't feel I even come close to using it's full potential.  For example, I saved the article on Evernote to Evernote, but now I can't find it!  I will keep trying.  The article mentioned doing one small task at a time.  I always tell purple who want to learn computers or programs to "decide what you want it to do" and they will learn better.  I strongly  believe that, I just need to start practicing what I preach!  I will save this to Evernote every day just to help myself learn it.  

Only a few more days until Winter and the "shortest day of the year".  December 21, I believe

Fall 2013 December 5 Thursday

70 degrees.  Rode bike this morning, got caught in the rain on the way back.  Since I don't ride in the rain much (although I'll have to learn), I took it slow and easy.

I noted with regret that the one "regular" radio station I listen to, KRXO 107.7 in Oklahoma City, has converted to a "sports talk" format.  I found that hard to believe, but it is apparently so.  What a waste.  I got tired of listening to regular FM/AM radio because of the DJ's who think laughing for long periods is entertaining, crude "jokes" on people, vulgar language etc.  I'm really not interested in their personal opinions.  Fortunately there is XM radio, iPods etc., so it works out better anyway.  I still hate that 107.7 converted, there music was always good and probably caused me to drive about 10 mph faster.  No speeding tickets due to it thank goodness.  Ocassionally XM will have a DJ, so I turn to another channel.  I called and asked them why they had a DJ and they said some people prefer it since they "want a friend" on their morning drive.  Fair enough if that is what they want, but I"m still switching to a non-dj format.  

I keep thinking some day I'll learn how to use Evernote.  I think I got it and then it gets buggy on me and I can't trust it.  I plan on taking some time every day just working on Evernote and see if I can figure it out.  It seems to crash a lot.

70 degrees this morning, but the REALLY cold air is apparently coming in.  Probably freezing rain Friday and Saturday.  Freezing rain is a lot worse than snow (in my opinion).  This time, unless it affects the electricity, it probably won't be a major factor for me (other than inconvenience) since I don't have to get out anyway.  

I have not had to adapt much to "every day is Saturday" yet since I have been busy with a variety of meetings, Dr. appointments, meal appointments etc.  i am sure it will hit soon.  

Watching a tape of "Mad Money"  Jim Cramer is truly amazing on he tv program, as much an actor as anything, but also knows what he is doing.  I also enjoy his books and other web offerings, but his tv show is really where he shines.  

Fall 2013 October 29

57 degrees this morning, relatively  to yesterday, almost seems warm.  

Tuesday, going to be a busy day today, with meetings etc.

Working on learning "Evernote".  Generally, a little disappointed in it, but I am learning new features.  I have had it for years (even the premium part) but have never really learned the full features of it and I am surprised at some of the limitations (as well as the crashes that concern me about the safety of the data).  However, I am learning new features and am appreciating it more every day. Highrisehq is a good database, but is expensive and tends to fail to save entries if you aren't careful.  The free Google apps are especially excellent also. All my opinion, of course.

However, nothing can beat the convenience of the Apple iCloud, especially when coupled with Notes, Reminders, and Contacts.  (The iCalendar, I find a little more challenging to use, although I am learning.)  I make one entry and it is reflected on my phone, tablet and computer.  I also acts as a nice backup.

I now am eating my breakfast right after my nap.  It helps me keep up with the time better, but I am still amazed at the how fast the morning goes.  "Hyper time" is truly the word for how time passes in the morning.  

October 2013 is ending.  I really have a difficult time realizing 2014 is almost here.