Tonight's blog next door: http://jesuswasnotarepublican.blogspot.com/
Another person discovers Unitarian-Universalism. We are growing.

I walked 9,319 steps/ 6.98 kilometers.

I'm up a bit late because I watched the entire second half of the Westminster Dog Show. The German Shorthaired Pointer won Best in Show. She was quite a performer. I liked the Bloodhound and Great Pyranees. I'm partial to big lovable dogs. I like medium fluffy dogs too. I like dogs.

I'm glad none of the poodles made it to the Best in Show round. I really dislike the ridiculous haircuts. Real life poodles are not groomed like that and the bit about keeping the joints warm is utter crap. The announcer should say, "We've always groom poodles for the show ring in this ridiculous manner and we don't know why. Perhaps it is because we really hate poodles."

I think the show poodles are the non-telepathic version. Real life poodles have some kind of mind control power over their humans. That is why they are never groomed in a ridiculous fashion.

Goofy spam names:
Dachshund Q. Dropsy
Potbellied O. Nosier
Freestanding J. Capturing

I will not become a poodle zombie.

I walked 8,985 steps/ 6.73 kilometers.

It was a beautiful day! I drew outside during lunch. The warmth of the sun on my back felt great. It was glorious.

I've downloaded some free Flash tutorials. I might start drawing my multi-panel strip in Flash. Once the characters are created I can simply drop them into a panel. Once I get over the learning curve, things might speed up and I would have more time to work on other things.

I've played with Flash and have even created a couple of primitive movies. I want to use Flash more efficiently.

Tonight's blog next door: http://frozen-to-frost.blogspot.com/

Goofy spam names:
Rummaging F. Affront
Carboloy E. LBJ

I'm waiting for my files to upload.

Walter and I went out to dinner for Valentine's Day. He gave me a lovely bracelet. I was not expecting that. We had a great dinner then some even better sex. The dinner was at a restaurant; the sex was at home. Doing the opposite would have gotten us thrown in jail.

It looks like some of the church stuff is going to work out.

My new clip art just finished uploading. Now on to the new cartoons.

The cartoons are loading faster.

Now to upload the updated and new pages.

Another person has placed some money in the tip jar. Thank you!

Goofy spam names:
Evenings H. Validness
Semantically D. Americana

I finally redeemed my eBay certificate. Soon I'll be the owner of 4 pairs of pants.

Bring him to the pants!

Today's blog next door: Drunken Wench Ramblings

This week I ran 13.92 miles, burned 1,924 calories and weigh 160 pounds.

I need to bring a water bottle on my Saturday runs.

A squirrel discovered the sunflower seeds in the bird feeder. The finches found the unopened bag of seed and poked a couple of little holes on the side.

Salvador has taken a liking to climbing into cabinets and hiding and chewing on things. I just took him out of the software cabinet. He was hiding behind some CDs and chewing on paper. He is not good at hiding because he chirps and puts his head up occasionally. He will run at you if you try to remove him from one of his hiding places. He actually attacks Walter and goes for the face. He drew blood a couple of days ago. He just runs at me and bites my finger but he will get on.

Salvador is now perching on top of a door.

I'm going to get something to drink.

Yesterday I walked 11,905 steps/ 8.92 kilometers.

I did not feel like doing the order of service last night. This Sunday is a guest speaker and that is a bit of logistical juggling.

(Comments about resignations removed. I got it off my chest.)

Anyway I was tempted to resign last night but that was a joke and I just got caught in the resignation fever. Actually, one of these resignations affect me directly.

The whole thing is a bit demoralizing since this is not what church is about. I'm tempted to backspace over everything now that I got it off my chest. (See paranthesis above) Some would deem publishing my opinions about church matters on a public blog inappropriate. Especially, since it is easy to surmise which church based on my profile. Have to keep up appearences. God forbid anyone know of the existence of a church, with imperfect perfect people with a variety of views that sometimes conflicts, as members. A church full of humans. A church full of diverse imperfect humans that somehow manage to worship and work together despite the occasional conflict. Don't want that getting out to the public.

I actually love my church with all its glorious imperfections because the members accept me with all my glorious imperfections. Despite my introverted nature, I still need to have some connections outside of myself. I like a church that challenges me to improve myself and the world without the hammer of guilt or threat of eternal damnation if I don't. Improvement because it is simply the right thing to do and what a healthy person is designed to do.

When in doubt - black it out. This entry may not make much sense with some of the self-censorship but I do this for me. If others may take whatever they find useful in my ramblings.

Come to my church on Sunday. Service starts at 10:30am

Goofy spam names:
Charity B. Shook

I walked 8,263 steps/ 6.19 kilometers.

Walter opened and closed the pawn shop today. I gave him a foot rub.

I wrote scripts for three episodes of my multi-panel comic. I even came up with a super hero name for my main character. Finding a proper super hero name has been an ongoing story for about 3 episodes. That arc will continue for another 3 episodes. I still have to tie up the loose end regarding my main character's divorce.

The next few weeks may get really busy at work. I'm glad I took advantage of the lull to write. I have 4 weeks worth of single panel gags and 3 weeks worth of multi-panel stories to draw.

I have a back log of comics. The most time consuming part of creating the comics is scanning, coloring and lettering.

Somebody put some money in the tip jar. Thank you!

Goofy spam names:
Cursedest M. Magog

Tonight's blog next door: http://lostsworld.blogspot.com/
What is the blog next door? It is the next blog that comes up when I click on the next blog button on my blog's navigation bar that Blogger supplies.

I walked 7,864 steps/ 5.89 kilometers.

My gags have been lame lately. I've been coming up with them on the fly. It was a bit slow at work so I spent some time actually writing. I came up with 21 viable gags. Most of them are what I call panel gags - gags that break the walls of the square shaped single panel. If things are slow tomorrow, I will spend some time writing some scripts for my multi-panel comic. I have a loose end that needs tying. Maybe I should call a loose end tying service.

Goofy spam names:
Wigging C. Cataleptic
Padilla K. Demotion

Tonight's blog next door: http://bitem_e.blogspot.com/

I walked 8,896 steps/ 6.67 kilometers.

Some people mistakenly believe that the highest level of reincarnation in Hinduism is cow but the highest level is leaving the death - reincarnation cycle. If Hinduism is the correct religion I think that I will lead a good enough life to make it to cow level but not cow in India level. I will probably be reincarnated as a cow in a beef eating country. One will know that Hinduism is the correct religion if sometime after my death there is news of a cow attempting to book a flight to New Delhi.

Goofy spam names:
Rembrandt O. Padilla
Sloppy P. Blithely
Understands S. Defects

Tonight's blog next door: http://etoilefillante.blogspot.com/

Today's Blog Next Door:
Media Lies

I walked 10,153 steps/ 7.61 kilometers.

Today was a good day. I finished printing brochures for church and even folded a few. There was very little work waiting for me when I arrived at work.

I'm starting to feel normal with the help of cough drops.

Maybe I can get some scanning done tomorrow.

I wish the clouds would go away.

Goofy spam names:
Plasterboard P. Snivelling
Abuser M. Dressing
Lexicographer R. Numerates
Spectroscopy R. Gladly
Hardhearted H. Ledger

Happiness is a warm gun. Bang Bang Shoot Shoot

My cold has progressed. It is now dominated by a cough with bouts of stuffiness. At least I'm not having to blow my nose every 10 minutes. I get to enjoy cough drops. The current flavor is cherry euycalyptus. I can smell strong odors.

I'm printing some brochures for the church canvas. I'm using the fast draft setting and the new ink cartridge that my brother gave me for Christmas. Everything is shaking because of the printer. The printer was also a gift from my brother. I have a great brother.

Church was fun. We did a Mardi Gras strut complete with a saxaphone player. Getting Unitarian-Universalists to move around is quite a feat. We are the stiff white people that black comedians make jokes about.

I've become a bit of a fan of Celebrity Fit Club and The Surreal Life. I don't make time to watch those shows but if they happen to be on while I'm channel surfing then I'll stop. I like this season of The Surreal Life. Christopher Knight is a very well-built man. It is not necessary to add the qualifier, "for his age." He has a great body. Peter Brady turns out to be a stud muffin. Amazing. I'm also digging the interaction between the model chick and Jane Weidlan. Throw in the former lady wrestler and this could be one show too hot for TV.

Celebrity Fit Club is a bit frustrating. The contest is based on the single dimension of weight on the scale. These people get frustrated when the scale does not reflect the changes in their bodies. The judges try to encourage them by telling them about the gains in muscle, the changes in the way their clothes fit and all the other visible signs but the contest is based upon weight lost. I hope after the contest that the celebrities will stick with the lifestyle changes and be able to look at the positive physical changes outside of scale weight.

VH-1 has celebrity reality shows because music videos are not mindless enough. These days it does not take much to make it to celebrity status or at least VH-1 celebrity status. Andy Warhol was a true prophet.

Goofy spam names:
Rolodex G. Momentum
Tool H. Modernize
Grange U. Tami
Kemerovo K. Gristliest
Polygamists L. Nightclub
Amour U. Lauder

Despite my condition, this week I ran 13.88 miles, burned 1,774.4 calories and weigh 161.6 pounds.

Walter asked how someone trying to recover from a cold can run for an hour. I told him it was mental - all mental.

Lunch with my mother-in-law went well, unfortunately I wasn't up to shopping so I was taken home to take a nap while Walter and his mom hit the thrift stores. The nap helped and gave me the strength to prepare the order of service and go to the gym. Walter went with me. He did not run for an hour.

I'm glad Walter joined the gym.

I'm going to take some more medicine and eat some left overs.

Yesterday I walked 8,046 steps/ 6.03 kilometers.

I went to a celebration dinner at a restaurant noted for its huge servings of meat. I had a New York strip. It was good and I did not feel overstuffed. I could not hear any conversation. The restaurant was loud, my ears were stopped up and I ended up on the end of the table with all the kids.

My nose is stopped up and I am coughing. Damn, how much snot can my sinuses hold? My ears have popped a couple of times. Other than that I feel okay. I hope I'm over this by Monday.

It looks like Ossie Davis has completed the celebrity death triangle.

I'm going to take some drugs to alleviate some of these symptoms.

My mother-in-law is taking us out to lunch today. It would be good to be in some kind of happier haze. Maybe she has an amusing folk remedy. Sticking a hot spike up my nose seems rather appealing right now.

I know there are people much sicker and I should quit my bitching.

Goofy spam names:
Longhair I. Forty
Rewindable V. Rosendo
Gibbet O. Bray
Roderick S. Profuse
Grates D. Honk
Suggestion E. Canvased
Baroda M. Panoply
Revenges M. Rimmed
Salome I. Capitalists

I walked 8,971 steps/ 6.72 kilometers.

Sinuses are stopped up and my throat is sore. I can breathe through my nose but I still can't smell.

Walter's boss took the employees and spouses out to dinner tonight. It was pretty good. I was still in too much of a haze to appreciate the food. I don't have much of an appetite when I'm not well.

I'm taking tomorrow off. I have over 300 hours of sick leave. I'm going to use some of it to insure that I'm completely well. My work is not that terribly important.

Enterprise is being cancelled and I don't really care. I could lose my nerd certification for saying that but I live in a market that does not have UPN. From what I have heard about other UPN shows I should consider that a blessing. Anyway, the cancellation is causing a lot of chatter.

Goofy spam names:
Ruckuses D. Explication
Blenched L. Foursquare
Wraith Q. Stravinsky
Hanna A. Furthermost
Informant J. Malthusian

I made it to my meeting. It was short and sweet.

I also updated my cartoon.

I must be hasty with this post because I had Taco Bell for dinner.

Yesterday I walked 7,251 steps/ 5.43 kilometers.

I have a cold. I took the day off from work today. I did not update my cartoon last night. I'll try to do an update tonight.

I had a meeting at church last night that went on too long. I have another meeting tonight.

My head hurts, my feet are cold and I can't smell.

Goofy spam names:
Sandblasting M. Integument
Alphabets A. August
Mousetrapped H. Commutes
Bethesda S. Eventual
Retainer A. Debt
Transmission K. Pareto
Bituminous S. Revolutionary

I'm going to take some more medicine and go back to bed.

I walked 8,602 steps/ 6.45 kilometers.

I ate all the ice cream and fig newtons in the house. They are gone. They are out of my life. I will not buy anymore.

I think I might be getting a cold. I have the slightly scratchy throat, runny nose and burning eyes. This sucks. I already had a cold this winter. I think Walter might have some of the same symptoms. He is sitting at his computer sniffing. The vows said something about in sickness and in health. I hope that this does not escalate to a full scale cold.

Goofy spam names:
Transferal I. Dimenuendoes
Bond K. Douglass
Item O. Ode
Townsman O. Ghanians

This is the blog for my marathon training group coach: http://brianakretz.blog.com/

I updated my website. I added some disclaimers to the opening page of my Sears website. Hopefully, that will cut down on the catalog appraisal requests and pictures of children.

I took a sleeping pill and drank some chamomile tea at 8:00 pm. The pill has kicked in. I don't know how coherent this entry will be.

I'm thinking about taking the entire week of Spring Break to use as a working vacation. Focus on making a clip art CD to sell and putting together other items to sell.

Goofy spam names:
Dewitt O. Silage
Doleful U. Likenesses
Paginates H. Hideous
Lawlessness R. Plotters
Teleconferenced H. Shwas

I bought some moisturizer that is supposed to reduce the visible signs of natural aging. As I approach my 36th birthday, I've been thinking about skin care products a lot more.

My God, it's full of stars.

This week I ran 10.62 miles, burned 1,303.6 calories and weigh 163.1 pounds. So far this year I have ran 56.35 miles and burned 6,945.8 calories.

I did not run today because of cramps. I took some ibuprofen. I feel much better.

As I was laying in bed waiting for the ibuprofen to work I wondered, how bad can menopause be? It can't be any worse than the cramps, bloating, bleeding and general bad mood. I'm sure I can handle hot flashes. I'm not in any big hurry to reach that age; this is just speculation.

My final student loan payment went into the mail today. Yipee.

Goofy spam names:
Skullcaps D. Mope
Licensees L. Judo

The knowledge I gained in college is now mine, free and clear.

I walked 10,607 steps/ 7.95 kilometers.

I will be putting my final student loan payment in the mail tomorrow.

I talked to AIU Online. I'm a bit uneasy because of the push to get me to apply and get accepted into their program. The person I talked to is in three different locations apparently. Her physical address is in Illinois, the school is based on Georgia and she says she is located in the Pacific Time Zone. That is a bit of a red flag.

I'm not feeling very well. I think I'll make it an early night.

Goofy spam names:
Bloomer E. Trudge
Compressing A. Methodical
Sepsis U. Enveloped
Goalies V. Carbohydrate

How bad could menopause be?

I walked 9,176 steps/ 6.88 kilometers.

I got caught up on my updates. Now I will catch up on some sleep. It is hard to type and yawn at the same time.

I've not drawn cartoons in two days. I'm going into withdrawl.

Goofy spam names:
Squired H. Nattier

I must draw something tomorrow.

The second part of the famous death triangle has been completed with the passing of Phillip Johnson at age 98. Phillip Johnson was a well-known modern architect. His buildings are well-known and those of us that have studied architectural history know his name. Johnson designed the Pennzoil (it was Pennzoil when he designed it - I don't who owns it now) building in downtown Houston. He died the the glass house that he designed in Connecticut. His death was worthy of a full story on NBC, CBS and CNN.

Dick Clark is home from the hospital.

It looks like it is up to Gerald Ford to complete the triangle.

I walked 9,009 steps/ 6.75 kilometers.

Retarded people are so amusing. I don't mean retarded in the Special Olympic/ short bus sense but more as a chosen mental state. The retarded people I'm talking about have the mental equivalent of a Ferrari but only run it at 25 MPH. I can't think of another term to describe it.

Anyway, there is a retarded person amusing several newsgroups right now. I normally don't respond to cross-posting retards but this one was too irresistible. I removed the cross-posts. Knowing that chronically stupid people exist to amuse helps me deal with their ever increasing presence. I am a bit frightened that they seem to have gain a bit of power in the United States.

Maybe I'm just extra bitchy right now because of hormones. No, I'm going to take responsibility for my bitchiness and say that I taunted the net tard for sport. This one is too much fun to be a mere troll.

I rescheduled my phone appointment for Friday and got my car fixed.

Goofy spam names:
Ruin F. Staci
Fakers I. Slumbered

Zen Koan subject lines:
exclaimed ruefully: "No he's
notice the change yet bathe
continual
convalescent mild

Michael O'Shaughnessy

I walked 9,750 steps/ 7.31 kilometers.

Someone from Art Institute Online called me at work. It was a good conversation and he did not try to sell or push me into a decision. I appreciated that. Hopefully, tomorrow's call from the other program will be just as useful.

The phone call did not take up the entire lunch hour. I was able to draw a cartoon and a two bits of clip art.

I have a committee meeting tomorrow evening. This committee will likely meet once a week. At least it is a short term committee.

I have to remove some things from my plate before I can seriously think about going back to school.

Next month my student loans will be paid off. I will own the knowledge and experience I gained in college free and clear.

Goofy spam names:
Melodies F. Gracefully
Scarify C. Progress
Sherbet L. Thicket

I walked 10,392 steps/ 7.79 kilometers. I ate 4 white chocolate covered Oreos. I thought I had enough discipline to eat just one. I was wrong. I don't consider it a failure, simply a miscalculation. I did enjoy the cookies.

Both online schools called me at work. One of the callers was wondering why I was distracted during the call. I don't know - maybe something to do with work. Both sent me information via e-mail and will call back during my lunch hour.

I have a lot to do tomorrow. Hopefully, I won't be disturbed too many times.

Goofy spam names:
Zambezi Q. Hawed
Bide I. Inflection
Emasculate L. Allowable
Recedes J. Conductivity
Volleys Q. Bowmen

Since major celebrity deaths occur in threes, I'm going to predict Gerald Ford and Dick Clark are the next two. The young actor from "Moesha" that was killed in a auto accident does not count in the triangle. It has to be someone famous enough to merit actual mention by the lead anchor on CNN's Headline News. A ticker and a mention by the entertainment reporter does not count. Gerald Ford and Dick Clark are both older men that have been experiencing health problems and as a former U.S. President and pop culture icon they are both famous enough to have a full story on CNN.

You read it here first.

I updated the website. I forgot to update my FAQ. I'll do that sometime this week.

I took a sleep aid and chasing it with chamoille tea. I'm going to write gags until the pill kicks in. The results should be amusing.

I have a lot of work waiting for me on Monday.

Goofy spam names:
Wozniak V. Greenhouse
Pikes S. Shipping
Valance L. Conjures
Insatiably R. Ranch
Tarot H. Thimblefuls

So much to do before going to bed.

This week I ran 16.44 miles, burned 1,843 calories and weigh 160.9 pounds.

I was in FrontPage/ Word mode and hit Ctrl-S out of habit. Premature publication.

Salvador is preening my hair and himself. He is tickling my cheek with his tail feathers and nibbling on my ear.

Walter filled the outside bird feeder because the birds demanded it. They saw our bag of seed and started gathering by our back door. We have a family of cardinals living in the bushes on one of the corners of our backyard. The birds are happy and eating.

I'm going to take a nap.

Goofy spam names:
Homonym S. Ungratefulness
Treachery Q. Genies

I walked 11,271 steps/ 8.46 kilometers.

On the radio: Peaches and Herb - Shake Your Groove Thing

I checked out a couple of clip art sites and found some good information on rates and license agreements. I requested some information from a couple of online art programs. Hopefully, their callers will pronounce my last name correctly and identify themselves.

On the radio: Commodores - Three Times A Lady

My last name does not have several consonants in a row and the majority of it is made up of a common, easy to pronounce word but telemarketers just screw it up. It does help me identify a telemarketer.

I visited some cartoonists and cartoon directories. It was kind of depressing seeing drawings so much better than mine. I really need to improve my skills. I have a hard time with hands.

I could use some coaching on putting together a portfolio. That was a frustrating aspect of college. I learned some skills but did not learn a thing about presenting those skills and my work. In some things I need some clear instructions and practice. I gained skills to do a job but did not learn the skills to land the job. I guess that is part of what I want to get out of school if I decide to go back. That and a career more to my liking. Maybe there is a single class on portfolio making and presentation. I wonder if University Plus offers anything like that? I need to go to the MSC basement and pick up a schedule. Maybe sign up for a drawing class.

On the radio: Love Unlimited Orchestra - Satin Soul

I was service leader last Sunday and I did not experience a single butterfly. I was not nervous at all. I'm going to finish out the month of January as service leader.

On the radio: Maze - Running Away

On the radio: The Impressions - People Get Ready

I like soul music.

I walked 6,583 steps/ 4.93 kilometers and burned 1,310 calories.

I found out that I'm on another committee and that committee is behind in doing its job.

I burn my candle at both ends because it makes such a pretty glow.

Tomorrow's agenda: research prices other artists charge for clip art.

Goofy spam names:
Martinis S. Hargreaves
Sparser T. Doyle
Cornell Q. Martiniere

I walked 10,001 steps/ 7.50 kilometers and burned 1,990 calories.

Salvador was a bad birdie today. He slit open the new bag of bird food and made a mess on the kitchen counter. Walter transferred the rest of the food into a different container.

I've decided that 2005 is going to be the year that I do something about moving my art from hobby to career. I decide that every year but I need to think of this as a long term project.

I walked 8,130 steps/ 6.09 kilometers and burned 1,630 calories.

The first day of the semester was not as bad as I anticipated. Very few annoyances. I'm shielded from most of the whining by my office location and minimal socializing. I'm sure the low amount of "face time" that I put in is having a detrimental effect on my career but it doesn't worry me too much.

I really need to do something about the direction my career is going. Actually, it has stopped. I've become quite comfortable with my current job situation. Too comfortable.

Goofy spam names:
Lymphatics U. Sector
Weekended H. Pacifism

I walked 9,401 steps/ 7.05 kilometers and burned 1,840 calories.

I enjoyed the day off. Tomorrow is the first day of the Spring semester. Several annoyances will break loose but I'm mentally prepared. I prefer not to use the term hell to describe what will happen tomorrow because it really is not that bad compared to the situation of others. Getting shot at is hell - someone's lack of planning becoming my emergency is merely an annoyance. Losing your home and family is hell - reteaching someone how to run equipment, despite the fact that the procedures have not changed is merely annoying. Having body parts blown off is hell - fielding questions about which labs are meeting this week is annoying. Hearing my co-workers complain about how this week is from hell - fucking annoying. As I've grown older my tolerance for hyperbole has decreased.

I got hate mail! My first hate mail for one of my cartoons. I have received one bit of hate mail about my Sears Catalog project but never anything about my cartoons. I've been doing this since 1999 and this is my first hate mail.

The mail, verbatim, errors uncorrected:

Subject: You're sick

I'm sure you've heard it before, but as an anti-abortion activist I have to tell you again. Anyone who can make fun of abortion and of children being abused is sick. There is nothing funny about that. I'm sure to you it was all fun and games, but to some that is life and that is all they know. I fight pro-life and I save lives. I do not force people to keep their children, and have never heard of one of the children saved being abused(though I'm sure it happens). If someone is in doubt as to whether or not they can rear their child without abusing them, their is adoption. People failing to see this are a hindrance to the world. You should channel your thoughts into doing something productive and good for people. Perhaps start with not making anymore cartoons like that.

--------------------------------------------------------------

The offending cartoon:
http://www.aperfectworld.org/cartoons/abortion.gif

I've heard it (You're sick) several times but never from an anti-abortion activist. Thanks for the deflowering.

Cartoons sometimes make a statement without being funny. Editorial cartoons about tragedies for example.

I was making fun of anti-abortion protesters that spend so much energy protesting abortions while doing nothing for children already here. Most of them actually vote for politicians that devise policies that harm children. Okay, Republicans.

I was in doubt as to whether or not I could raise a child without abusing it. I had my tubes tied. I used birth control before the surgery. Many anti-abortion activists want to limit access to birth control and some of them consider what I did an offense to God. Child abuse is even more offensive to God. I did not want to be responsible for hurting an innocent person.

The anti-abortionists always point out that there is always adoption. I support adoption. I was adopted. I'm grateful for that. Being a white healthy infant greatly improved my chances for adoption. Not all the babies being saved by the anti-abortion activists are as lucky. How many has my letter writer adopted? Not just the pretty ones with fair skin and blonde hair and no health problems. How many brown ones with less than perfect health?

I should be fair and point out that I was born before Roe v. Wade but I don't think I would have been adopted if I was black.

I think abortion should be a last resort when there are no other options. I believe that accurate information about what causes (Hint: FUCKING!) and prevents pregnancy should be widely distributed. This would help prevent unwanted pregnancies and lead to less abortion. I believe one should not reproduce before marriage, ideally wait until at least 5 years into the marriage.

I did not say No Sex, I said No Reproduction before marriage. Have sex all willy-nilly. Actually, that is the best way to have sex. Especially with someone you love.

Speaking of non-reproductive, willy-nilly sex I'm going to sign off now.

I watched some of the PK Chang's Arizona Rock 'N Roll Marathon on TV. Michael Vick was one of the celebrity runners. The caption while he was being interviewed said he rushed 46,112 yards today. The statistic was an allusion to his football career.

The current NFL rushing yards leader is Emmitt Smith with a career total of 18,355 yards. He has been in the NFL for 15 years.

I read an e-mail from my marathon "coach" that the Houston marathon folks had a good time. The coach had to drop out at mile 16 because of a problem with a sciatic nerve. She sounded positive despite the lack of a finish. She gave rave reviews about the medical attention she received and she received finisher's gear but not a finisher's time for her efforts.

I haven't heard from the others yet. Probably because they are just now coming home.

It was a gorgeous day.

This week I ran 15.65 miles, burned 2,042.6 calories and weigh 161.6 pounds.

Good luck to the people running the HP Houston Marathon and Aramco Half Marathon tomorrow.

I'm going to get out of these stinky clothes and take a shower. I need to remember to put on some body glide before my next long run. My bra really chafed me.

The critics like Battlestar Galactica but none of them said anything about the annoying camera work.

Congratulations to the ESA for their work in landing a probe on Saturn's moon Titan.

I walked 14,647 steps/ 10.98 kilometers and burned 3,200 calories.

Watched the season premier of the new Battlestar Galactica series on Sci-Fi. For the love of God, could someone please sober up the camera crew!?!

Were former COPS camera operators hired to film this show?

This attempt at a spur of the moment documentary feel got pretty damn tiresome after 15 minutes. I really hope that the producers did not film the entire season like that. It is a fictional drama not COPS. I expect a shirtless redneck to come bursting through a door any second.

The actor who plays Apollo does a fantastic job of speaking with an American accent.

I really cannot speak to the quality of the show as a whole because I got a damn headache from the camera work.

One word: tripods.

Goofy spam names:
McLean H. Imaged

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

I receive a monthly newsletter for lay leaders from the UUA (www.uua.org). It is called Interconnections. It contains lots of useful information.

Lately, it has been getting scary with its relevance to my current situation. I agreed to chair the Communications committee of my church. One of the missions is to develop policies about the website. I agreed to do this less than 7 days ago. Two days ago, I get my Interconnections in the mail. This issue is about websites, website policies, electronic newsletters and other communication related items. Other congregations have done the hard work. Cool.

Another issue of Interconnections dealt with the Committee on Ministry (that issue appeared when I served on the church Board of Trustees and we were discussing our Committee on Ministry). Another issue dealt with Canvas and fund-raising at the time that I was serving on that committee.

Maybe I'll try to form a give Linda money committee and agree to serve on it and see if the next issue of Interconnections will deal with resources and information about giving Linda money.

I may receive an issue of Interconnections about referring to myself in the third person.

Interconnections can be found online at http://www.uua.org/interconnections/

I checked the F/X schedule and the show that I written about in the previous entry is not on the air. F/X only has 13 shows. How sad.

I walked 9,260 steps/ 6.94 kilometers and burned 1,970 calories.

Goofy spam names:
Arcade D. Infections
Unreadiest Q. Wigwams
Notarize F. Successors

John Tesh is calling in his radio show from Sri Lanka. My God, haven't those people suffered enough?

Yesterday I walked 10,081 steps/ 7.56 kilometers and burned 2,110 calories.

I did an abbreviated update on the website this morning because of a thunderstorm last night. I do not turn on the computer during thunderstorms.

The only thing updated was the cartoon on the front page. I will update the archives and other pages tonight.

I enjoy watching MTV's Pimp My Ride. Do the young people who get their rides pimped have to pay taxes on the customization? I bet that is a rude awakening if they do have to pay taxes. The value of the customization probably doubles these young peoples' usual income.

There was this really cool show that used to be on F/X. It featured an actor/ scrounger and his brother who could make anything out of just about anything. The actor would receive letters from people with problems but very little cash. They pimped out a guy's crappy Cadillac for $100 by purchasing items from thrift stores and garage sales, dumpster diving and negotiation. They covered the Cadillac in crushed purple velvet. They also remodeled a couple's garage for a huge jar of quarters and helped a girl raise money for breast implants using $400 that she had saved. F/X was playing a marathon of these shows and Walter and I thought it was really cool show. The actor's brother was an amazing builder and visualizer and the actor was a hell of a scrounger. The person being helped also had to participate in the dumpster diving. We really liked the show and wanted to see more but alas F/X no longer airs it as far as I know. Too bad because it was a really great show.

I will have to check the F/X schedule to see if it is on the air.

I walked 9,198 steps/ 6.89 kilometers and burned 1,920 calories.

Weird subject lines:
ingot
kill overpriced pharmies
cell
palmyra
compile carlson
melodrama falsity
poseur
americana seedbed

No Kill I

If you are one of those people from New Hampshire and Iowa that used the slogan, "Dated Dean, Married Kerry", during the primaries, please identify yourself so that the rest of us can give you the good hard bitch slap that you so richly deserve. How do you like the marriage now?

Howard Dean is running for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. Good for him. For those Dems that think Dean's leadership would be bad for the party - it can't be any worse than the present leadership. Your presidential candidate could not defeat a president with a weak economy, huge debt and an unpopular and unnecessary war.

I think it is time for a change.

Howard Dean's leadership can transform the Democratic Party into a real opposition party with ideas that would appeal to people's sense of fair play and the belief that work should be rewarded. So Dean can appear angry sometimes - there are things to be angry about. Why not show some emotions? Afraid of looking a little crazy? Holy Shit! Passion - run away! It will scare the voters.

Try crazy because normal did not work.

I walked 10,679 steps/ 8 kilometers and burned 219 kilocalories.

The grammar in today's punchline is a bit tortured.

Salvador is doing some major construction behind some items on a shelf. One day I am going to move those items and discover a rocket or some other elaborate construction. Sometimes it sounds like he is using a jack hammer. Maybe he is rebuilding the lost city of Atlantis.

Goofy spam names:
Condole V. Centenarian

Crazy subject lines:
tortoise predominate
pressure vivaldi
peripheries nosed
Homer isn't feeling well
card, that you're dealing
carbine domineer
autonomic doesn't
reason thoroughly shocked

I own 3 SpongeBob Squarepants watches.

I did something about my gray hair. I had my hair colored at a salon. My hair is now a reddish-brown. Not really the color intended but everytime I get color done it always turns into a shade of red.

I cleaned Sal's cage. Now he won't get in it.

I helped reunite a dog with its owner.

I took a sleeping pill at 8:30. It has kicked in.

Goofy spam names:
Servanted I. Retails
Spiders H. Hardtop
Enunciate T. Dawes
Gabbles H. Vitality
Stubbornness V. Legion
Skyline I. Blood
Sectioned F. Sebastian
Mishandle E. Summertime

Reunited and it feels so good.

This week I ran 13.64 miles, burned 1,756.6 calories and weigh 162.3 pounds.

I actually sent out a newsletter to my readers that have subscribed. All 26 of them. Margaret Mead said, "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." So we are on the road toward world domination.

Other cool Margaret Mead quotes:
A city is a place where there is no need to wait for next week to get the answer to a question, to taste the food of any country, to find new voices to listen to and familiar ones to listen to again. (In first part of the quote replace city with internet - I found these in seconds thanks to Google. It may not be the right answer but you don't need to wait next week.)

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.

Having two bathrooms ruined the capacity to co-operate. (One of the things that should be in marriage vows - in sickness and in health, especially during two cases of stomach illness and one toilet)

I must admit that I personally measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings.

I was brought up to believe that the only thing worth doing was to add to the sum of accurate information in the world.

Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age, sex, color, class, or religion, children must have the opportunity to learn that within each range, some people are loathsome and some are delightful.

Instead of needing lots of children, we need high-quality children.

It is an open question whether any behavior based on fear of eternal punishment can be regarded as ethical or should be regarded as merely cowardly.

It may be necessary temporarily to accept a lesser evil, but one must never label a necessary evil as good.

Of all the peoples whom I have studied, from city dwellers to cliff dwellers, I always find that at least 50 percent would prefer to have at least one jungle between themselves and their mothers-in-law.

Prayer does not use up artificial energy, doesn't burn up any fossil fuel, doesn't pollute. Neither does song, neither does love, neither does the dance.

Sooner or later I'm going to die, but I'm not going to retire.

We have nowhere else to go... this is all we have.

-------------------------------------------------------

Goofy spam names:
Varnishes D. Tsunami

I walked 11,854 steps, 8.89 kilometers and burned 251 kilocalories.

Walter took the Dante's Inferno test - he was banished to the 2nd level.

I do not like cold cloudy days. People around me have been making positive comments about the cold weather. I wonder what is wrong with them. The point of living in Texas is to avoid having too many cold cloudy days. A lot of people hate cold cloudy days. That explains in the surge in population in the southern United States. If you love cold cloudy days so much move to a place that has them in abundance.

I can deal with cold and sunny. I can cope with warm and cloudy. Cold and cloudy - no way. At least it does not stay like that too many days in a row.

Goofy spam names:
Lancer E. Shirting
Derivations M. Management
Famous F. Betrothal
Caroller G. Bakes
Modesto U. Refresher

I tried out my new pedometer. I walked 9,648 steps, 7.23 kilometers, and burned 208 kilocalories.

I went to another meeting. It was informative and productive. I agreed to chair the Communications committee. Scary.

The multi-panel comics that I post once a week are heading in a different direction than I originally planned but it is a direction more suited to my comic writing style. It is becoming a "Dilbert" meets the "Justice League". The absurdity of the business world meets the absurdity of the super hero. I don't have to draw so much super hero action. This could be fun.

Goofy spam names:
No goofiness today.

I like it.

I walked 6,000 steps. I received a new pedometer courtesy of a co-worker. She got it from one of our vendors. This one has a clock and calculates kilometers and calories burned. It is dark blue and promotes visitaggieland.com. Now I can color coordinate and compulsively keep more statistics. Or I could go insane and wear them both at the same time and analyze the accuracy of each pedometer. I'm a bit obsessive-compulsive but my short attention span keeps it under control.

I also have a new SpongeBob Squarepants watch. It came with a box of Apple Jacks. I purchase breakfast cereal based on the prize inside. None of that mail order, proof of purchase stuff. I'm into instant gratification.

I like finding joy in the little things.

Goofy spam names:
Monopolized I. Warpath
Ken C. Phalanx

I'm on the Brute Squad.

The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Seventh Level of Hell!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	High
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Low
Level 2 (Lustful)	Moderate
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	Moderate
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	High
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very Low
Level 7 (Violent)	High
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	Moderate
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	Moderate

Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test

I walked 7,491 steps.

I had a meeting tonight. It was very productive.

I've been asked to chair a committee. I am honored and nervous. The committee involves things that cannot be screwed up too badly. I'll give an answer on Thursday.

Goofy spam names:
Harvey S. Vanity
Antioch H. Received

I am a leader of extraordinary magnitude.

I walked 7,071 steps.

Things went well at work. I took down the dog pictures. It was time to let go.

I am behind on my scanning so there might not be an update as scheduled. I've got plenty of drawings.

Walter has a sinus infection. He's had difficulty sleeping. I hope he gets some sleep tonight.

Speaking of sleep, I'm getting a bit tired. It is time for me to go to bed.

Every TV channel and news magazine has done a year in review. A lot of them started early and missed the big earthquake and tsunami.

My year in review:
I ran in two marathons. Finished both.
Rusty and Daisy crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Harley is back with his original family.
I lost a little over 9 pounds.
I drew over 200 cartoons.
Created over 200 pieces of clip art.
Two friends died in car accidents.
Walter got an outside job.
I still have my job.
Had two colds.
Not every candidate that I voted for won.
Got called for jury duty for the first time.
Had my first cavity.
Watched several hours of television.
Read several books and magazines.
Watched some movies in the theater and on DVD.
Been blogging for a year.
Went to the local NAACP Banquet.
Hosted a nice dinner for friends.
Played video games for several hours.
Went to church, volunteered on committees.
Kept my mind quiet for a full five minutes in a row.

There are things I don't want to mention - people I've hurt, the commitments I've neglected, the promises that I've broken and the stupid things I've said and done.

I can do better and I'll try to do better. I'll try not to focus on the what ifs and focus on the next time.

Overall, 2004 has been a good year.

Goofy spam names:
Val P. Generalissimos

Happy new year!

I walked 6,471 steps yesterday.

This week I ran 17.89 miles, burned 2,139.7 calories and weigh 162 pounds.

In 2004 I ran 917 miles and burned 112,546 calories. I lost 9.2 pounds.

Onward and upward.

Goofy spam names:
Serenaded L. Tort
Idahoans H. Foresail
Pinocchio C. Dorothy
Strewed I. Ida
Gypping H. Cat
Mice M. Sophistry
Madras V. Reservoirs

I hope 2005 is a good year.

I walked 3,212 steps.

I had a strange experience this morning. Last night, I took some cough syrup and a sleep aid. This morning I was very groggy. Walter made breakfast and I ate. After he left for work I tried to read some e-mail and funnies but I was still groggy so I decided to go back to bed. It was 9:30. Sometime later I felt the bed shake as if someone was trying to climb in. I also heard the sound that a pair of Walter's warm up pants make when he is either putting them on or off. These pants are made of a sort of slick nylon material. He rarely wears them. I thought Walter had come back from work and was going back to bed. I forced my eyes open and did not see anyone else in the room. I turned over and went back to sleep. I did hear other noises but I was able to identify that as Salvador tapping on a box in the living room.

Walter has reported experiencing the same thing on several occasions after I have left for work and he has slept in. The bed shaking part not the noises.

Spooky.

Goofy spam names:
Abe D. Xiong (subject line: Behind the chair on)
Cherub R. Reviewer
Alexandria K. Peacock
Cross A. Geniuses

If there are any ghosts, poltergiests or spirits in the house I would be grateful if they would do something useful besides shake the bed. Washing a few dishes would be nice. Maybe vacuum the rug. Dusting the furniture and shelves would be great. Spirits would be good at that because they could get to those hard to reach places because of their noncorporeal form.

I walked 6,709 steps.

Last night Walter unearthed an eraser from the couch. It was a Pink Pearl that I had been using for 5 years. I lost it a few months ago and began using another one.

Here is a picture:



The top one is a brand new eraser, the second one is the eraser that I've been using the past few months and the bottom one is the eraser that I had been using for 5 years. Dime included for scale. The indentation in the middle of the old eraser is from my thumbnail scraping the surface while I was erasing.

The bottom eraser is officially retired.

If you squint really hard and truly believe you can see an image of Jesus in the eraser. That is what the description on eBay will say.

Whoa! The other side of the eraser looks like something! I think my prayers have been answered.

I walked 2,584 steps yesterday. The pedometer is not accurate because it did not count the 2 miles that I ran. I cannot expect too much from an adult Happy Meal toy. When the battery dies on this one, I'll purchase a real pedometer.

My weight is going back down after a slight Christmas related surge.

Goofy spam names:
Trolled D. Vassaling
Emphasize J. Darwinism
Estranged I. Conurbation
Tulsa Q. Logging
Lechery J. Open
Worked U. Exuberantly
Derailment R. Epsom
Tombstone M. Inherited

Damn! I can't shake a stick at that!

I walked 3,561 steps. Played Dance Dance Revolution for a good 20 minutes. Walter scored a perfect score on one of the songs and unlocked another song.

I got a lot accomplished today. I drew two single panel cartoons; finished inking a multi-panel cartoon; drew 5 pieces of clip art; scanned, lettered and colored 3 cartoons; cleaned the kitchen; changed the sheets; worked out at the gym; read a chapter of the Tibetan Book of the Dead; washed, dried and folded the clothes; and updated my website. I also read some funnies, e-mail and newsgroup postings.

Today was a good day. The weather was beautiful. I missed having a dog to walk.

My positive thoughts and prayers go out to the people affected by the tsunami. I need to send a donation to the appropriate agency.

Goofy spam names:
Interrelation O. Boulder
Avians E. Spica
Accidentally Q. Yakut
Assortment O. Whelp
Pronunciations J. Brad
Bonaparte K. Ringmaster

It snowed on Christmas Eve! I made a little snowman. I'll post a picture soon.

Walter is posting items on eBay. I just updated my website.

We had a great Christmas.

I will enjoy the one week vacation courtesy of Texas A&M. I switch to nocturnal mode during this time.

Salvador has been behaving strangely. He's showing interest in things that he has ignored to 6 months. He's exploring different nooks and crannys in the house. I think he is trying to find a nest location. He worked his way into one of our bathroom cabinets and got very angry whenever anyone approached. That may be where he decided to put his nest. It is summer where his species is native. Maybe his rythms are hardwired for the Southern Hemisphere.

Goofy spam names:
Ostensibly A. Deserting
Bantered G. Simulated
Toad L. Dieted
Alumna R. Lancing
Eire Q. Palavered
Torching U. Fate
Boons R. Blockade
Okra A. Viagra
Windsurfs F. Ravine
Titanic O. Servant

My brilliant invention idea (you read it here first - that means I get a percentage if someone actually builds it): An implant that tracks your vital signs and has wireless access to your computer. When the implant realizes that you are dead then it sends a signal to your computer to delete incriminating files.

Pretty cool, eh?

This week I ran 4.46 miles and burned 575 calories. I weigh 160.7 pounds. A little weight gain from all the chocolate. No big deal.

There is one more week in 2005. I'll have a final tally of miles ran and calories burned for the year. I like keeping trivial statistics and making charts. I guess that is why I like my pedometer. A perfect toy for the slightly obsessed.

Today's agenda: gift wrapping, preparing Sunday's Order of Service, checking the oil and going to Houston.

Goofy spam names:
abdul stump
Wheres M. Unattractive

Merry Christmas.

I walked 3,086 steps.

The temperature is supposed to drop to 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Brr.

I better take extra clothes and blankets when visiting my family. They like to keep their houses very cold.

10 glorious days off from work. Yes, I'm getting paid. I'll use the time to get ahead on the cartoons, post things on eBay, get some extra exercise and putter around the house.

I'm also going to fill out the foster home application from Woodstock Animal Rescue. I think fostering will be a good thing to do until the right dog comes along. I have a nice big fenced yard and Woodstock has a shortage of suitable foster homes for larger dogs because most of their fosters are college students.

Goofy spam names:
Florine E. Mayes

The 24 hour broadcast of "A Christmas Story" begins tomorrow.
"Deck the hars with boughs of horry. Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra"

I just can't sing Deck the Halls without thinking about that scene.

I had a dose of irony yesterday, a Christian radio station playing Deck the Halls with its references to the pagan celebration of Solstice.

Listening to Classic Soul on Radio@Netscape.

I walked 2,511 steps. One half day of work until holiday break! 10 glorious days.

We might get some snow on Christmas Eve. How exciting.

Goofy spam names:
Rejoiced E. Hereby
Dictators L. Salve

Listening to "Have Yourself A Looney Tunes Christmas"

My feet are cold.

I walked 3,828 steps. I did some weight lifting for the first time in about two weeks. I really felt it in my legs.

I've been producing a lot of tater tot gags lately. I love tater tots.

Goofy spam names and Zen koans:
Do you require to perceive fine following morning?
Languorous H. Antedate

I love tater tots in a very healthy, natural and normal way.

I walked 2,516 steps. I scanned some cartoons.

Goofy spam names of the day:
Convex E. Mesh
Ebony N. Lester

Listening to Christmas In The Stars - the Star Wars Christmas album.

Check out my marathon pictures!

http://host46.ipowerweb.com/~robotmon/EBAY/photo_hold.htm

Run Forest Run!

This week I weigh 157 pounds. I ran 26.2 miles and burned 2,770 calories. I did that in one day.
On Monday, it's back to the gym.

Walter and I completed our Christmas shopping. I got Dance Dance Revolution and the pad. It is a Christmas/ birthday present.

I had a great time at the party last night. I enjoyed several buttery nipples. I have very cool friends.

Goofy spam names:
Delivered R. Timber
Newsletter H. Cosignatory
Botany E. Reserve
Putties V. Manifestation

Looking forward to 10 days off.

I walked 2,617 steps.

I'm going to a party tonight.

Goofy spam names:
Fiftieth B. Fog

I have never dabbled in ocks.

I walked 507 steps. I am feeling much better. I think I could actually make it to work tomorrow.

Goofy spam names and Zen koans:
Olive J. Finch
Jaclyn L. Ramified
extrude terminology

I enjoy good health.

I walked 90 steps yesterday. I spent most of the day in bed or on the couch. I did not feel like updating last night so I did it this morning. I'm feeling much better but I am taking another day off. I have over 300 hours of sick leave, I might as well use it when I am sick.

I just put up my last ready to go single panel cartoon and I have one multi-panel cartoon ready to go up tonight. After that I have nothing. I need to get cracking on drawing some cartoons. I might do some dingbat and clip art based toons to get a quick back log. Unfortunately, I'm not too witty when I have a cold or under the influence of cold relieving drugs. Some would argue that I'm not too witty even when healthy. Those people are just idiots too stupid to grasp the subtlety of my brilliant wit.

I think I'll make it to work tomorrow.

Goofy spam names and Zen koans:
Let her feel the warm sensation when applied
Flint Stone
forrest cattle
placid caddy
this is want most men need
Spitefulness O. Seducer
Are soprano condition do rain sought
adolescent ang ruttish misses are waiting you!
hurtle meridian
Garibaldi J. Vitreouses
Arline N. Schaefer
Recent route to missing mass!
jupiter smokehouse
was fill incontinent is appall pessimist

New products being hawked by spammers:
Dog translators, Rolex watches and penny stocks.

Several spammers have a stuttering problem and dyslexia.

My proposal for a anti-spamming law:
Allow the spammers to send their e-mails but they must report, everyday, to a non-spamming citizen to have their head smacked with a cricket bat. Eventually the smart spammers will realize that the daily pain is not worth the money, thus discontinue and the dumb ones will become too brain damaged to send spam. With this law people will think twice about getting into the spam business.

I want a license to smack people upside the head with impunity. I would use that power for good. I promise. That is my Christmas wish.

I got a cold! I run, my immune system is temporarily compromised and I get a damn cold. At least I'm not trying to run with it. I hate running with a cold. It just sucks.

I'm going to soak in the tub for a while.

I walked 1,188 steps.

Goofy spam names and Zen koans:
septillion pig
Diaphanous K. Medici
Lanolin H. Lark
delegable
amuse seville
pickoff dowitcher
Scrimmage H. Federalist
Histrionics U. Beauty

Calgon, take me away.

Goofy spam names and Zen koans:
love her, treasure her and take good care of her transit
sunlight, and from behind
Kringle I. Crumby
Durability Q. Faintness

The unofficial results for the Dallas White Rock Marathon can be found here:
http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/84223_99695_2004.html

My chip time was 5:43:47.6

That is 25 minutes 8.4 secs off my Houston time back in January.

I placed 14th among all 26 women in the Clydesdale division and 12th among the 15 women in the 39 and under Clydesdales.

In the first half of the race I ran an 11:57 mile and in the second half I ran a 14:14 mile pace. I started getting slower at mile 16. Those hills must have taken a greater toll on me than I thought. Anyway my overall average pace was a 13:07 mile.

Walter and my brother took some great pictures. I'll post them soon.

There were 10,000 runners at this event.

I walked 1,795 steps.

I ran 9.68 miles and burned 1,174 calories.

I leave for the Dallas White Rock Marathon tomorrow.

Goofy spam names and Zen koans:
Earnests J. Wearer
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Humanely Q. Highland

Let's get this party started.

I walked 982 steps.

Goofy spam names:
Mulligatawny M. Electorate
Area G. Filtration

That is all I have to say about that.

I walked 1,296 steps. I ran over 3 miles.

Last week I ran 17.5 miles, burned 2,004.4 calories and weigh 160.3 pounds.

I received my e-mail from the Clif Bar Pace Team. 5 days until the Dallas White Rock Marathon.

Goofy spam names:
Cleanse U. Postcode
Footlights S. Watchword

I did not check my e-mail for 4 days. My box got full and messages bounced.

There will be a new cartoon tonight.

Radio MASH is finished! 4,500 kids will get toys this year.

This year the toy donations were slow in coming and so everything was behind. The last order was filled at 10:00 am today.

I woke up at 7:30 am on Sunday and then took a two hour nap from 1:00 am to 3:00 am on Monday and then went back to the MASH compound. I am taking a sick day.

Next order of business: shower, then bed.

Salvador is molting. My shoulder has lots of bird dander on it. It looks like a nasty case of dandruff. The feathers distinguish it from dandruff.

God, I'm so pathetic. I have to blog before I sleep.

I walked 4,300 steps.

I received a call from the animal shelter. They have a parrot available for adoption. A mitered conure named Elmer. He is a very sweet and unusually friendly bird. We assumed that we would be charged the standard adoption fee of $70. The shelter wants 50% of pet store retail. We cannot afford the $150 plus a larger cage for $45. I'll call the shelter in the morning to let them know that we won't be taking Elmer. This allow them to call the next person on the breed waiting list.

I'm sure Elmer will find a good home. I'm glad he was not a Cockatoo or a Macaw at 50% retail that would have been some real sticker shock. Maybe another parrot will become available after our economic fortunes have improved.

Goofy spam names of the day:
Rejected M. Route
Heartiness F. Cuddled
Steadies U. Leapfrogs

I walked 1,829 steps. I ran over 6 miles. I got a blister where my big toe joins the rest of my foot. First blister since I started training for this marathon.

I'm thinking about doing something about the ever increasing amount of gray hair on my head. I checked out the hair care section in the store and the selection was quite overwhelming. So I consulted people on a newsgroup that I frequent. So far people are suggesting that I go professional rather than a bottle. I've had it done professionally twice with good results. The problem is that I don't go to the salon very often and I like to keep my trips to the salon at a minimum. The salon is not a particularly negative place, it's just someplace I have to go every once in a while. Sort of like the DMV. I just try to tolerate the situation and be nice to the people that work there. It takes me two weeks to actually get a haircut after I've decided that I need a haircut. My hair is very unruly looking right now. It gets in my eyes and serves as a conduit for sweat when I run. Sweat in the eyes - what a great feeling.

At age 35 not only do I have a lot of gray hair, I also have a couple of zits. I'm too young for the amount of gray that I have and too old for the damn zits.

Goofy spam names:
Ugod Thang
implant Maritza
Cupid U. Besom
Lorna D. Chairman
Doctor S. Staggering

Just delete my account already!

I forgot to wear my pedometer. I ran 5.5 miles. It felt effortless.

(silence, internal debate, things better left unwritten)

Goofy spam names:
Success P. Redbreast
Recapitulate H. Inamorata
Pansy W. Vigil
Marquis I. Maldives
Moran C. Prosecute

The spammers address me by yet another name: Jean-Luc. I'm a big Star Trek: The Next Generation fan but how do the spammers know this? I'm a geek not French.

This week I ran 30.68 miles, burned 3,521.2 calories and weigh 158 pounds.

Daisy is back with her original family. It is best thing for everyone.

For the first time in 13 years, there is not a dog in my life. Right now, I'm not ready for another dog. When the time is right, the right dog will come along.

The update schedule is going to be a bit sporadic in December. Radio MASH is next weekend. That is when it starts to feel like the holidays for me. Radio MASH is a local 100 hour toy drive. My friends from the U.S.S. Intangible have worked with this event since 1992. I'm taking that Friday off from work. I have a short 8 mile run on Saturday. The rest of the weekend will be dedicated to Radio MASH. MASH in this case stands for Make A Smile Happen. After a few meals and late nights in the army tents it begins to stand for Make A Smell Happen.

During the 4 days of Radio MASH we experience the full range of weather that central Texas has to offer. Hopefully, rain will not be part of the experience. Actually, weather is not an adequate term to describe the conditions at Radio MASH.

The weekend after that will be the big race, the Dallas White Rock Marathon. I'm ready to get this done.

Goofy spam names:
Cruciform K. Hoping
Loftily V. Opaque
Skyjacked J. Assurance
Scrub Q. Document
Graffias H. Infantile
Bathe U. Notoriously
Poinsettia K. Tibetan

I walked 1,717 steps. I also ran over 6 miles.

Goofy spam names:
Cone H. Dished
Equivocations Q. Bullhorn

You will have to get your quota of boredom elsewhere for the next couple of days.

I walked 1,035 steps yesterday.

A thunderstorm came through last night therefore I did not turn on my computer and do an update. I'll take care of it this afternoon.

I have the afternoon off. I'll run 6 miles this afternoon in preparation for the overeating tomorrow. Actually, I might try a bit of moderation. At least rest between courses. I'm going to burn it all off on Saturday during my 16 mile run.

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. Fried turkey, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, broccoli/rice casserole, and football. I also look forward to spending some time with my family.

Things in no particular order that I'm thankful for:
1. Good health
2. Walter
3. All my basic needs: food, clothing, shelter, more than adequately met. I pray that everyone in the world could be blessed just as much.
4. A job that is not too stressful.
5. Pets
6. Family
7. A sound mind
8. Living in the United States with all the freedom and responsibilities that come with the privilege
9. Music, art, humor, the creative impulse
10. God and all creation in its glorious diversity
11. People willing to love and embrace me in all my glorious imperfection. People that see the good in me when I cannot or will not. People willing to forgive hurt, intentional or not, I've caused.

Okay, maybe there is a particular order. At least the order that these things came to mind but this list is not intended as a ranking. Feel free to judge my priorities and spiritual condition based on the order that these things came to mind. If it keeps you off the street and out of trouble then I can live with the judgment.

If you will be on the road tomorrow, slow down, be a bit more patient and we will all make it to our destination. I think our families would rather see us arrive late rather than not at all. Don't make a police officer deliver sad news on Thanksgiving. Just pull your head out of your ass and pay attention to the road and for once think about other people.

There are people that have to work on Thanksgiving, don't make their job more difficult by being a stupid asshole. Try for 24 hours not to be a stupid asshole. If you succeed, you might try longer stretches. It could change your life and improve the world.

Perhaps we could designate Thanksgiving, not only as a day of thanksgiving and gluttony but also as a day of not being a stupid asshole. Sort of like the Great American Smoke Out, except for stupid asshole behavior. Maybe the Friday after Thanksgiving would be a more appropriate day. The Great American Stop Being a Stupid Asshole Day. I like it.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Last week I ran 30.10 miles, burned 3,558.6 calories and weigh 157.4 pounds.

I walked 1,592 steps.

Salvador is molting.

I will be posting two cartoons tonight to make up for the lack of an update last night. There will be no Thursday update because of Thanksgiving.

Goofy spam names:
Aces V. Victimization
Advertisers D. Wintering
Griffith U. Mudslides
Drag I. Creation

I did not do an update last night. I got home a bit late from my mother-in-law's house. She hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner. The food was good. The visit was enjoyable and I hope I was not too much of an ass.

It is one thing to believe in and proclaim tolerance for other's idiosyncrasies but putting it into practice is a lot harder. Then again, they would be a lot less interesting without the idiosyncrasies.

I care about them. I hope things get better and that justice will be served.

I was a teenager once but I got better. I hope.

I walked 2,468 steps.

I'll list the goofy spam names tomorrow. I'm just doing a quick post while the order of service for Sunday is being printed.

I'll miss the service to enjoy an early Thanksgiving meal.

Printing is done.

I walked 2,841 steps.

I went to the Bonfire Memorial Dedication Ceremony. It was a nice ceremony. Rick Perry, the Governor spoke. I'll have to check out the memorial sometime. It was a beautiful day. The clouds cleared out by the time the ceremony started. I hope the 12 families that lost their sons and daughters were able to take a measure of comfort in the memorial and the outpouring of support from the Aggie family.

It has been five years since the accident. A stupid, stupid accident. What the hell were we doing anyway? We suddenly awoke and saw the absurdity of this tradition. It took the loss of 12 young people to wake us up. I enjoyed participating in the tradition but was hard pressed to explain it to an outsider. The whole thing seemed so ridiculous when trying to use words to describe it. After the accident, it became more difficult.

Our governor expressed hope that the bonfire tradition would come back to the Texas A&M campus. It is never coming back. The deaths made sure of that. A bonfire may burn on campus but it won't be the same. That tradition died with those 12 people. I say let it stay dead. I don't want to see it come back as a bastardized shadow of its former self. A shell of a tradition without the spirit.

I don't know the words to Texas, Our Texas.

Goofy spam names:
Overlord V. Skein
Garnishee R. Diadems
Freestyle H. Susie

Aggie Class of 1991, graduated December 1992.

The note from the mystery promotional notepad from two or three entries down is from LaQuinta. The name of the hotel chain was printed on the side of the notepad. The whole pad has a diagonal cut which displays the name of the hotel. The promotional item was designed as a whole and a single part cannot promote LaQuinta. Once a sheet is removed from the pad the La Quinta name is no longer visible. As sheets are removed the name will disappear. This is a very ineffective marketing gimmick.

I know I'm talking about LaQuinta and thus promoting the hotel chain but I'm only able to do that because the whole notepad was easily available to me. Yes, the note piqued my curiosity and now LaQuinta has embedded itself on to one of my neurons. If I receive another note from the same pad I now know that it is from LaQuinta.

What if the note was from a passing contact rather than someone that I contact daily? What if I could not satisfy my curiosity? The hunger for information would have eaten a tiny hole in my brain and tiny holes have a way of becoming larger over a lifetime. The tiny holes get together and eventually your brain just disappears. The barrage of ineffective and stupid marketing one receives over a lifetime is the real cause of Alzheimer's.

Dilbert is right. Marketing is the root of all evil.

I walked 1,535 steps.

I eat, sleep, work, run, draw and maintain my website. That is my life. Walter just read that over my shoulder and said, "Poor you, it sucks to be you." I am blessed.

I do other things but they are not worth mentioning.

Goofy spam names:
Slings F. Franz
Absurd U. Fringed
Numbers F. Hanna
Mainstays L. Sabling
Bedroll U. Licensed
Zealous L. Lily
Kuomintang S. Chart
Priestlier L. Mathematical
Wing L. Harder
Generosities G. Ministry

Several billion people would enjoy my life.

I walked 1,250 steps yesterday.

I took a half day off from work to purchase Walter's favorite meal and to clean up the house. Walter went to a friend's house to fix her computer. I had the friend call me when he left so that I can get the last minute things together.

Walter was surprised that I was home. He was even more surprised by the dinner and what I was wearing when I greeted him at the door. It was a black dress that he had not seen me wear in about 3 years. I hadn't worn the dress in about 3 years. It fits a bit loosely around the shoulders. I was surprised that I was able to find the shoes. I managed to wear the shoes without injuring myself. They are not the most comfortable shoes but I was not going to stand in, walk in or wear them for very long.

Walter enjoyed his birthday very much. I enjoyed making him happy.

No, I did not update last night. A new cartoon will go up tonight. I know that you are upset but think of Walter. He is very happy.

If the fact that I did not update last night really bothers you, please consider going to a church, temple, synagogue, mosque or other community that will help you find truth and meaning in a responsible way. A Perfect World might make you laugh or groan but anything deeper than that requires something greater than I could possibly offer. An Unitarian-Universalist church is a good place to start. Try it. It will make my cartoons seem a bit funnier without the expense and health problems associated with booze.

I walked 2,192 steps.

I'm going to send in my entry for the Dallas White Rock Marathon.

I have a surprise for Walter tomorrow. It is his birthday.

Goofy spam names:
Lieu D. Sweetness
Churchill S. Whom
Asphalting H. Assizes
Smites I. Misapprehensions
Ateliers I. Bug
Slaked O. Entrenchment

What is wrong with this promotional notepad?

The sides of the pad say:
Aggressive Pursuit Of Opportunities
Loyal Client Partnerships
Passion To Be The Best
Leader In the Mid-Priced Lodging Market

The people responsible for this notepad felt it important to print, "Doing What It Takes" twice.
Apparently, doing what it takes does not include putting the name of the Mid-Priced Lodging anywhere on the promotional notepad. I'll have to ask the secretary that gave me this note where she got the notepad.

It could be one of those ultra-clever marketing gimmicks that is aimed at a demographic that I'm not a part of.

"Mid-Priced Lodging" covers a wide range of hotel chains. I need some kind of hint.

Yes, I did call my Dad. He's doing fine.

I walked 4,428 steps on Friday. This week I ran 41.92 miles, burned 4.713.7 calories and weigh 160.1 pounds.

I ran my 22 mile practice run in 4 hours and 44 minutes. That includes water breaks and traffic delays.

I might not be able to run in the Clydesdale class in Dallas. Oh well, there are worse things that can happen.

Goofy spam names:
Springs G. Bullpen
Highs L. Favorable
Fundamentalism B. Interactive
Transacts J. Briton
Horsepower C. Yoghurt
Fenian G. Substation

I ran 22 miles in 4 hours and 44 minutes!

I walked 1,262 steps. I got some more rub burns. I need lubrication.

Goofy spam names:
Determinations P. Released
Ferric G. Miskito

I'm not French.

I walked 800 steps. I also ran 9 miles and got some rub burns in some akward places.

Walter is still playing Halo 2. He did make it to bed at 11:30 last night. I don't know how late he is going to stay up tonight.

I like the greater independence between players in cooperative mode in Halo 2 compared to Halo.

Salvador's attachment to the toaster is becoming a bit worrisome. He is defending it much more agressively.

Goofy spam names:
Parlor M. Shortest
Sprain P. Spotters
Styles L. Fender
Paran C. Sirloin
Miocene R. Adze
Tavern D. Chokers

Halo 2 rocks! That is all.

I walked 1,563 steps. I played Halo 2 for two hours. I like Halo 2. Walter bought it for his birthday.

I'm going to bed. Walter is still playing.

Halo 2.

I walked approximately 1,335 steps. The pedometer reset itself.

At church yesterday, I asked if one through their actions could lose their inherent worth and dignity. The minister said no. Acts are seperate from individuals. I disagree. I think someone could commit an act so evil that it causes them to lose their worth and dignity. The caveat, no human is qualified to make the determination. We are qualified to judge the acts and prevent them from happening and we even pass judgement on the person committing the acts but only God is qualified to determine if that person has lost their worth. Loss also implies redemption.

Goofy spam names:
Gazers A. Deuteronomy
Arianism A. Missy
Straggles U. Attune
Siphoned O. Scaffolds
Barraging P. Arnulfo
Spyglass R. Handiness

This week I ran 39.65 miles, burned 4.494.9 calories and weigh 162.4 pounds. So far this year I have ran 738 miles. Almost to El Paso, Texas.

I ran the 19 mile training run in 4 hours and 12 minutes. At 2 hours and 45 minutes I ran over 13.1 miles. That pace puts me on track for a 5 hour 30 minute marathon.

The next training run will be 22 miles. Then we start tapering down the distances.

Went to see The Incredibles. Great movie. After the movie went to Chuck E. Cheese. We were with friends with small children. The sandwich I had was good but the pizza was not. One of the safety features at Chuck E. Cheese is stamping each member of the family with the same number to prevent people from leaving with the wrong kids. I guess that eliminates Chuck E. Cheese as a location to get a kid upgrade. The personnel at Chuck E. Cheese did not check or note the number of kids one comes in with or whether or not you have them. Walter and I were able to leave without being questioned. The Chuck E. Cheese actually had a rope that prevented people from just leaving. There is more security at Chuck E. Cheese than at our nation's airports and ship ports.

The wailing and gnashing of teeth over the election at church was diffused by a bit of humor and wisdom from the minister, the worship committee and the caring committee. It was a very good service.

Goofy spam names:
Donahue J. Mitford
Onondaga C. Strife
Evaded O. Boleyn
Pose Q. Toot
Orbits B. Prompted
Stile V. Encrusting
Perusal P. Homepage
Catwalks V. Grammatical
Ledgered P. Admits
Rifleman G. Doc
Austrians C. Machinery
Underworld K. Maneuverability
Geek T. Forecastles
Penmanship O. Snagging
Inundation V. Prisoner
Wrongdoer Q. Achy
Jiffy I. McLuhan
Cropped D. Henson

Chuck E. Cheese - bad pizza, overstimulation, birth control

I walked 3,956 steps. I'm feeling confident about this Saturday's run. I believe I can do it in 4 hours or less.

Goofy spam names of the day:
Maldive H. Foible
Close E. Midtown
Subverted P. Inhumanity
Bhavya Custard
Elates I. Outing
Puranjay Kitten
Shropshire I. Grogginess
Notation V. Reminders
Dab L. Bibliophiles
Adorably G. Debilities
Yokels H. Confirm
Electromagnetic M. May

I walked 1,867 steps yesterday. I had a great run last night. I ran 9 miles in just under 1 hour and 45 minutes. I was able to sustain a bit of a faster pace than usual. I'll try that pace for the 19 mile run on Saturday. It is amazing the difference that the temperature can make. The run last night did lift my spirits.

Today, it is cool and sunny. I like cool and sunny. I love the glorious colors of the sky and trees. The U.S. flag that flys within view of my office looks magestic against the backdrop of the glorious clear blue sky. This whole election thing will make the nation stronger and better. Maybe we'll get a viable Democratic party out of this or a more socially just third party that can appeal to people's moral values and their pocketbook. That would take a radical change in discourse and thought. The worst thing the Dems could do is to simply dismiss the people in the heartland as a bunch of idiots not worth trying to persuade.

Here is an essay I found interesting: http://slate.msn.com/id/2109128/ It is good advice, the Democrats should try it.

I need to get the archives up to date. I've only changed the front cartoon because of busy evenings. It looks like this evening will be a bit more relaxing.

I wrote 2 good gags and 1 viable gag yesterday. I'll get back to drawing single panels on after Thanksgiving. I may have to go back sooner if the backlog runs out.

I take the time to record my boring thoughts on my boring blog and Blogger does not have the courtesy to save the post. How am I supossed to bore people to tears when Blogger does not work correctly?

I walked 1,997 steps yesterday.

I voted. I'm happy with the outcome of the congressional race. I'm not too personally invested in the outcome of the presidential election. I voted for Kerry but if Bush wins fairly, I won't be too upset. I disagree with Bush policies but I was never a Bush hater. I can still work on the issues that are important to me. I'm stealing myself for the wailing and gnashing of teeth. I suppose I could look upon it with some amusement. The republic will not collapse.

I been feeling a bit blue lately. Part of it is the gray and cold weather, some of it is the post-election emotions - mine and others - mostly others really, some of it is lack of sleep.

I'm taking a brief break from drawing single panel cartoons to work on gags. I have a sufficient backlog so there will not be an interruption in the schedule. Lately, the gags have been very lame. I think I could write better ones without the pressure of producing a cartoon every day.

The cold and gray is good running weather. Maybe my run tonight will lift my spirits.

I walked 1,871 steps.

Walter posted my art on to his eBay store. http://stores.ebay.com/Robot-Monster-Toys

I hope to use the funds from the sales to pay for my trip to the Dallas Marathon.

Goofy spam names of the day:
Gupta G. Trustworthiness
Proposed E. Kneader
Librettist L. Lacerate
Showeriest V. Awarded
Grundy M. Congealing
Impudent Q. Fountainhead

Go vote.