Why Do I Bother?

As of today, the unique visitor count for this site is 252. That means that 252 different people have been here and have seen my writing. Most of those folks are only here for a few seconds, but many of you are actually taking the time to read an article or two. It’s very exciting to me actually. So here’s some statistics on where you all are from. If I missed you, why not leave a comment.

All of these statistics are based on data collected since November 17th. Thanks for visiting the site. Leave me a comment to let me know what you think. It’s nice to know I am reaching a few of you.

Tags: Announcements, Computers and The Internet by Jeffrey
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The Abstract Factory: The only debate on Intelligent Design that is worthy of its subject

This is one of the funnier things I have read in a while. Most of my family probably won’t enjoy it one bit.

Tags: Just For Fun by Jeffrey
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I’ve been a bit self absorbed lately. The problem is that I haven’t really been aware of it because … well, because I’ve been self absorbed. It all started about a month ago when I had a major change in my job. See, I had been working in a managerial position for almost 2 years. I was “underfilling” an open position. The nature of an underfill is that it is temporary. But the circumstances of my position led me to believe that although temporary, it was also indefinite. It’s a long story, but when the superintendent of our facility retired it started a whole avalanche of events leading to me losing my position. It wasn’t in any way related to my performance, and was in no way personal, but it was still quite a blow to my ego. I am now working among the people who I until recently was supervising. I went from a day shift with flexible hours and weekends and holidays off to a swing shift, 2-10, with Mondays and Tuesdays off. Since that time I have become quite resentful toward my job for what this change has cost me. It has cost me some pride, some money, and worst of all it has cost me some valuable time with my wife.

Ironically, I have been so wrapped up in my ill feelings that I have been inattentive, and sometimes even unkind to my wife. She has been so understanding, and I have been a grouch most of the time. When we had to take a cut in pay, Mel took extra hours at work to help ease the loss. This morning she asked me for some attention and instead of taking the opportunity to make the most of a little time together, I was slow to respond and light on the affection. It hurt her feelings, and it wasn’t the first time.

When she didn’t tell me in a perfectly kind and gentle way how I had made her feel, I became hurt. Now, I’m not prepared to tell you that my feelings were completely unreasonable, but it was my own behavior that led us to the situation we faced together this morning.

I wish I could say that I suddenly realized it all and made a heartfelt and genuine appeal for forgiveness, but the truth is I didn’t. It took a walk in the park and many frank words from both of us to clear things up in my head.

I am so lucky to have her. How could I have forgotten to thank her every day?

Tags: Family, Love and Marriage, Work by Jeffrey
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Thanksgiving day turned out fine. Mel and I had lunch with my family and then drove directly up to Kirkland to see her mother, sister, and our niece.

Lunch with my family was nice. We’re only doing the big extended family gathering every other year these days since everyone has big families of their own to gather with. We had over 65 people this year. It was especially nice to see my cousin Rebecca and her family. I haven’t seen them for about 8 years. I have to say, I look forward to next year though. I really enjoy cooking dinner for just our family.

After eating way too much with my family we drove about 3 1/2 hours to Kirkland where we shared dinner with Mel’s family. I have really grown to love them very much. Mel’s sister Emily is turning 30 next week and Mel and her mother planned a surprise party for her with all of her friends. It was a lot of fun, but I’m afraid I don’t really fit in with them. We stayed a couple days and drove home this afternoon.

Tags: Family, Holidays, Thanksgiving by Jeffrey
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you are all going to enjoy this holiday as much as I am. Actually, I think the whole idea of Thanksgiving as a holiday is ludicrous and ironic considering how we are thanking God for allowing us to drive out the Native Americans from their homes so that we could have a peaceful life away from our oppressors. But I really do enjoy the fellowship with my family and friends so there is still joy in the day for me.

Tags: Family, Friends, Holidays, Thanksgiving by Jeffrey
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This is somewhat amazing to me, but since I started this blog on the 17th I have had 75 unique visitors to the site. That number does not include visits by search engines. Pretty neat, huh?

Tags: Announcements, Computers and The Internet by Jeffrey
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