August 28, 2008
"I Have A Dream..."
45 years ago today, a great American spoke in Washington D.C., in the shadow of Abraham Lincoln, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's speech was an amazing moment in time, that for me, resonates 45 years later. Please take a moment and listen to the speech. It reminds us of how far we've come, but how far we have to go...
Posted by Jon at 08:40 AM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 27, 2008
Wordless Wednesday...
Posted by Jon at 09:49 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 26, 2008
"No, Dad..."
This is Jonah...
Jonah is three years old. Jonah is a typical three year old, who is fairly new at being potty trained. It took Megan and the boy a little while, but eventually, he got it. (I say Megan, because as usual, she did all the hard work. All Jonah did was poop and pee.)
However, there will be accidents, and that exactly what happened this past weekend.
I got up at about 1:30 Saturday morning, and ran a call with my Volunteer Fire Department. When I got back, it was about two hours later. I went into my bathroom, washed my hands (after touching dirty turnout gear) and prepared to go back to bed. I don't turn on any lights, so as not to disturb my wife. Just as I am about to pull the covers back, I notice Jonah laying in the bed asleep.
I sigh. I go out to the couch, get comfy, and fall asleep.
I wake up to Jonah's smiling face, right in mine. I say, "good morning boy." And he says, "good morning Daddy." I notice an odor. "Did you have an accident?" Megan says, "Who, me?" "No, honey, not you", says I. "Did you pee in your pajamas, Jonah?" Jonah replies, "No." (He always says that, even though we know the answer. So, why ask it in the first place? I'm learning here, people...Cut me some slack...) "Jonah", I ask again, "did you pee in Daddy's bed?" To which he replies, "No Daddy. I peed on top of your bed."
Well, I am so relieved.
And so was he.
See you tomorrow...
Posted by Jon at 05:21 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 25, 2008
The 2008 Beijing Olympics Have Left The Building!
It has been sixteen days of glorious victories, and sixteen days of crushing defeat. It has been two weeks of emotional highs, and two weeks of having dream dashed in a heartbeat. The 2008 Bejing Olympics started off with a fantastic opening ceremonies, which led directly to the Michael Phelps show.
This man singlehandedly brought the worlds eyes to Beijing. He caused a sensation for his sport, for swimmers, and for America. I thank him for that.
There were so many stories I read about and watched over these last two weeks, that it would be impossible to chronicle them here. (Thank goodness for the internet!)
We know about Mr. Phelps. We know about the Redeem Team. We know about the USA Women's Beach Volleyball team. Those were our winners. The ones that didn't medal, are, to me, still winners. They will be back in 2012 in London, and I cannot wait!
The United States won the most medals. So what we didn't win the most golds? Who cares?
I am proud of our Olympians, and hope they had an experience they will never forget!
It will be hard to top the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, but something tells me London is going to give Beijing a run for its money!
Go USA!
Posted by Jon at 05:23 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 24, 2008
Posting Is Tough...
...When you have been at work since 8:30am, and it's now 9:17pm, and I may never go home.
I almost had a post about the Olympics, and I almost have a post about our big news ready to go.
I will work hard to get those done this week.
See you tomorrow...
Posted by Jon at 09:17 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 23, 2008
Bear With Me...
...As I put on the finishing touches on our big news.
It's coming, I promise, as well as a neat thing to replace the Olympic medal count on the 'blog.
Has it really been two weeks already? Are the Michael Phelps--I mean, the 2008 Beijing Olympics really over?
I hope to have more on that tomorrow.
See you then...
Posted by Jon at 08:32 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 22, 2008
Ugh...
Long week = crummy post.
Sorry.
Working on some big news to share with you all.
Be patient with me. I have lots to do and lots to say, but no time to do it all or say it all.
Stay tuned.
See you tomorrow...
Posted by Jon at 07:52 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 21, 2008
One Last Weekend In Beijing...
Well, for the athletes, anyway. (The rest of the folks who live there will have lots of weekends there, I'm sure.) But soon the flame will be extinguished on the 2008 Beijing Games, and that makes me sad. I posted earlier that anything that ends makes me sad, but we have had an amazing spectacle take place in Beijing. Two words: Michael Phelps. What more needs to be said? This man is amazing, and I am glad he is an American. Others have shown grace, poise, and a winning attitude that embodies the Olympic spirit. I watched a lot of the Games, and I am already looking forward to London, in 2012.
I will write more about this as the Games wrap up this weekend.
But as one fantastic event ends, another begins. Stay tuned to OutOfHans.com for some big news...
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 11:25 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 20, 2008
Another Sad Day...
In one day, we lost two great entertainers.
Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes.
I listened to Bernie on XM every now and again, and I thought he was funny, but he best work was in the Ocean's 11 franchise. He was fantastic in those, playing a dealer working for Danny Ocean. I will miss him, but I know I can watch him anytime.
I didn't know much about Isaac Hayes until he became the voice of Chef on South Park. South Park was amazing for what it was at the time it came out. Isaac will be missed as well.
Rest in peace, gentleman. The world will be a little less entertained without you.
See you tomorrow...
Posted by Jon at 08:29 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 19, 2008
Wordless Wednesday...
Posted by Jon at 07:31 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
Birthday Wishes...
Despite the fact that I am in this picture, this posting is about my Dear, Sweet, Wonderful Wife Megan...
My sweetie just celebrated her birthday, yesterday, and selfishly, I am only posting about it now.
I wasn't able to do the things I wanted to do for her on her birthday, but I plan to make up for that real soon.
I love you sweetie, and even though it's a day or two late, Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday To You!
Happy Birthday To You!
Happy Birthday Dear Megan,
Happy Birthday To You!
I Love you!
Posted by Jon at 07:25 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 18, 2008
Hi Jodi!
For the first time during this year old experiment in posting once each day for a year, I am trying something new today...
Today, I will create a personalized post.
Today's post is created for Megan's cousin Jodi, who reads my blog each and every day with her morning coffee.
Hi Jodi!
Here's a picture of you...
Not that you need to see a picture of you, because you know what you look like.
How's your coffee this morning? Are you ready for work yet? Don't be late reading this 'blog!
Jodi, Aarika, Kevin and Derek (sorry if the spelling is wrong; we just never had to spell it! We just know his name!) came to vacation in the Old North State from the Constitution state, and I was not able to see them. I was sad. But now Jodi has her own personalized posting, and that makes me happy.
We'll see you guys soon!
Who's next?
Jodi! Get to work!
Love and miss you all!
See you tomorrow!
Posted by Jon at 07:11 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (1)
August 17, 2008
Are You For Real??? (A Re-Posting...)
If you know me at all, and most of you do, unless you're Megan's friends, in which case I don't know you so well, you would know that it takes a lot to pi** me off. Crappy computers at work, traffic, commercials on radio and TV, Osama, my boss, rude and arrogant people can all make me angry enough to chew glass, but what I found out recently made my blood boil. (No, don't worry. It wasn't really boiling. I'm okay, but thanks for your concern anyway...)
Last night I was speaking with my friend who I will call "John", because that's his real name. John works for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier.
No, that isn't John, but it accurately represents how the mail is/was/has been delivered to your home/office/dorm for many. many years. I suppose that not long after the engine and the assembly line were introduced, and the Pony Express was discontinued, your mail was delivered to you by a hard working postal employee in a venerable Jeep like this one:
Well, at some point in the middle to late 1980's, the USPS chose to go with another manufacturer of vehicles, specifically Ford. The Jeeps were replaced with the familiar postal vehicle that you see on the streets of your town everyday. They look like this:
During the conversation, John tells me that the vehicles were delivered with air conditioning. But not long after they arrived, the USPS HAD THE AIR CONDITIONERS REMOVED. "You're joking, right?" I said incredulously. "All of them? Here in North Carolina? "Nope. They were removed, all of them, all across the nation", he replied. "Okay, let me get this straight. In Death Valley, where temps can skyrocket during the day, they don't have A/C?" (The blood was beginning to percolate, at this point.) "Not a single air conditioner to be found, except in the offices of those who made that wonderful decision", says John. "Somewhere in Washington, D.C., no doubt!” I said. John says that all of the ductwork and other equipment is still on the trucks, they just removed the thing (whatever it is) that makes the air colder. John says that on hot days, the temps in his truck can be 10 to 15 degrees hotter inside as opposed to outside. He also says that since these trucks have little or no firewalls, the engines putting out heat only add to the oppressive temps.
So I got to thinking...When I was visiting family in Dallas, Texas, my Aunts explained that A/C in the west is not a luxury, but a necessity. Growing up in New York, I always felt the other way; that A/C was a luxury. (Of course that could have been as a result of having cheap parents, but I guess I shouldn't say anymore about that because one of them may be reading this...) Realistically, it just doesn't get as hot in the north (obviously) as it does in the south, and for that reason alone, these poor postal workers should have air conditioning.
But do not despair, gentle readers, because the USPS came up with a "solution". That solution was to install fans in the trucks. John says that the button that would have activated the air conditioner now starts a fan.
Are you feeling cooler already, or is your blood boiling?
Now let's face it...postal workers may not work up the world's sweatiest sweat putting mail in mailboxes, but I think that we can all agree that they work hard, and deserve to have comfortable working conditions, just like the fat cats in D.C.
I guess my question is, why am I only finding out about this now? Is this not a big deal? What if all of the police cars had no air conditioning? What if taxis had no A/C? What if trucks that carry our goods across this great land had no A/C, either for the driver or the goods being transported?
I don't know. It just made me mad, I guess.
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 11:33 AM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 16, 2008
I Am An Advocate!
It's nothing official or anything like that, but I have just declared myself an Advocate. A Voice for the Voiceless. A Beacon in the dark night of hopelessness. Dramatic, yes, perhaps overly so, but really, if I don't say something, who will?
Some time ago, as I am sure you will remember, I posted about the utter indignity foisted (I typed 'foisted'!) upon the good men and women of the United Postal Service. If you didn't catch that posting, watch this space tomorrow, as I will re-post it.
For now, I am Advocating, again, for the comfort of these hard working, un-heralded, un-respected Americans.
Click on the linky below to read the rest of this story.
See you tomorrow...
Continue reading "I Am An Advocate!"
Posted by Jon at 11:22 AM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 15, 2008
Sleepy...
Gotta' run.
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 12:24 AM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 14, 2008
Sometimes the subjects cooperate!
I have said before on this blog that I am grateful for digital cameras. They give those of us who are not so wonderful at getting the perfect shot many, many chances to get it right. And we get instant feedback...we can see the results of our efforts immediately. And, most importantly, we can snap away until we get it right.
Having two very active boys, I have taken more pictures of a blurred figure moving away from the camera than any other kind of shot. But, sometimes, I can actually interest Jonah and Joshua in having their picture taken. Such was the case this afternoon. And this is what I ended up with!
Posted by Jon at 10:04 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (1)
August 13, 2008
Wordless Wednesday...(Blast From The Past!)
Posted by Jon at 07:34 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 12, 2008
It's The Michael Phelps Show!
This guy Michael Phelps, swimmer extraordinare, is nothing short of amazing. I watch him, and am in awe. He swims like he was born to, and he looks like he isn't even working that hard. In fact, watching him tires me out. At nine gold medals and counting, he is, by far, one of the greatest Olympians of our time.
I am proud that Michael Phelps is representing us, as we kick the butts of countries all over the world!
Good job, Mr. Phelps!
Keep it up!
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 10:43 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 11, 2008
You Have Broken My Heart...
That's the only way I can describe how I feel about you right now, John Edwards. As a politician, I didn't think you were ready to be President. I thought, if you just stayed in the Senate for a bit longer, did some good things there, you would be ready. You handled the death of your son with grace and dignity. I don't think I could have handled something like that as well as you have. You stood by your wife Elizabeth when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. You ran a decent campaign, though I was pretty sure I wasn't going to vote for you.
And now this.
I respected you, Mr. Edwards, and I really wanted to believe the Fox (faux) News was wrong when they printed that story about your affair. I was sure they were going to be the laughingstock, because none of the other mainstream media picked up the story. I wanted to believe that you were a stand up guy, and that with all the pressures, you could handle it.
I was wrong.
I am sad.
Whatever happens between a man, his wife and another woman, is nobody's business but the man's, his wife's and the other woman. But you made a lot of believe in your ethics, your determination, and the fact that you touted yourself as a family man.
I offer my thoughts and support to Elizabeth, who is supporting you, but who knows why.
On another, happier note, Michael Phelps goes for another gold medal tonight!
We'll be watching!
Go USA!
See you tomorrow!
Posted by Jon at 03:16 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 10, 2008
Hey! You! Yes, You!
If you should see my son Joshua, please tell him I am still his father, and that I love him very much.
Been at work since 8:30am. Still here as of 8:30pm.
I haven't seen that boy since Friday evening.
I have a wife, whom I love dearly. Jonah is loved by me as well, though I saw him and Megan this morning before I left for work. At least I think they are still at home. No telling.
I won't get to see Josh until Monday afternoon. Boo.
I miss that guy.
Of course, I miss Jonah and Megan as well. (But I saw them this morning, so that eases the pain somewhat.)
See you tomorrow.
Posted by Jon at 08:27 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 09, 2008
Go USA!
I'll try not to get too ethnocentric here, but Go USA!
Our 2008 Beijing Olympians rock!
I watched with pride when three American female sabre/sword fighters (or whatever their sport is called, no offense) swept the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals today, becoming the first athletes from any country to win a medal. Then I watched as Michael Phelps swam into history winning another Gold medal, and then watched in awe as 41 year old Dara Torres anchored a swim relay to near perfection for the Americans. I watched as two American women beat up the Japanese team in beach volleyball, and I was thrilled to watch our indoor volleyball team rally back to win their first round match.
My joy at our success was tempered, however, after I learned that a crazy Chinese citizen murdered an American, and injured his wife. Crime will happen when you an already overcrowded country's population swells with tourists from other places, but this was just awful. My heart goes out to the Bachman family, and hope that this is last bad news from these Games.
We have done so well so far, and it's only been a day since the Games began!
Go USA!
See you tomorrow!
Posted by Jon at 12:19 AM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
August 08, 2008
Let The Games Begin!
Well, they already have!
The 2008 Beijing Olympics are here, and we helped bring in the Games by hosting our first annual Olympics Opening Ceremonies Party!
Amanda, Michelle, Eric, Heath, Scott, Rebecca and Caroline all joined Megan, Josh Jonah and myself, as we watched really weird dances, neat visual effects, and cool fireworks. We also watched Team USA, and cheered them on! When I get a few minutes, I will post some pics!
Go USA!
See you tomorrow!
Posted by Jon at 10:55 PM | Like What You've Read Or Seen? Tell Me About It Here! (0)
