So, I had been toying around with removing my Facebook account.
I went inactive for a while, then just up and de-activated it.
My conclusion, I got tired of the social network, plugged in, worn out, redundant, sifting through garbage, day in and day out of it all.
FB is neat, it's interesting, it's nice being "connected" to people in a sense, seeing what's going on with people etc. etc., but I'm not one that thrives on that, I don't need it, don't seek it. I'm more of a solitude kind of person, I don't mind it, find it nice a lot of times and really end up finding myself to keep myself occupied with. If you're by yourself, who else do you have but yourself? Plus, in today's day and age there's plenty of things to think about, dwell on, meditate on, figure out, think through and deal with.
One of the things I got tired of on FB was the constant updates by the same people about either the same stuff or some other meaningless stuff. I don't care about your dog, about your sports team or about someone who was rude to you.
Too much junk to filter through and such a waste of time dealing with it and managing it.
I did like it for some of the updates I would read. About contributing to others posts, being able to say a quick "hello" of some sort. I did like being plugged in from a distance, but a far distance. I have found myself on occasion thinking - I'll check FB. I do wonder, am I missing anything? Am I missing any interesting, useful, of value updates I would normally like to know about? I can imagine things going on, finding out about them later and someone saying - well, it was on FB!
I know a few people who aren't on FB and when I was on would think - oh I want to post to so and so, but oh yeah they aren't on. I know they would hear stuff about what was on FB and probably be interested, but for one reason or another resisted.
Now I'm one of those, but having had been on there I wonder, does anyone even notice you're gone when you leave? I mean realistically out of the hundreds of friends I'm sure people have on average, do they notice? Do they care? Does it matter? Probably not. I just hope those people don't think I de-friended them for some reason, you know because of the potential drama that can cause :o)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
My Dad and the Camera
So, back in the beginning of July my Dad was hospitalized with some heart issues.
To keep a long story short, I took my original camera a Canon 300D SLR with me.
I've had this camera for oh, 7yrs or so, taken 12,000 pictures probably with it.
Originally it cost $1000 as it was one of the first Digital Cameras with an interchangeable lens.
I took a lot of really great pics with it, a lot of family memories, a lot of weddings etc.
For some reason, I figured I would be taking some pictures going back home.
Not sure why, I lived there for 26 years and my Dad was in the hospital so it wasn't like I really had anything I wanted to take a picture of.
But, on the way there I decided to park my car at my work and walk 15-20minutes to the rail system here (that was a pain), with a suitcase in tow with a broken wheel, a laptop and the camera around my neck. Needless to say, I was in a rush and it was a difficult process as I also had decided to take the Train once I got to CA to Escondido to save money.
Once I finally got on the train, I was sweaty after lugging everything around going this route (hope to never do it again). On the train, there was no place to sit so I stood in the onboarding area that was open. There was a guy with his bike on the train and he looked fairly suspect. I remembering thinking - I better not let my stuff out of sight and checked and made sure I had my camera around my neck (the best place to make sure I didn't forget it).
Well, I got tired of standing and finally found a spot to sit. I took off the camera, opened up the laptop (my work laptop) and started watching a movie. I had my earphones in and after some time, a conductor came by and checked my ticket. A long while after that, the conductor came by again and let me know my stop was coming up. At that time, I realized I was just about at my stop so I had to hurry, I took my headphones off, I unplugged my laptop from the outlet and put everything back in my laptop bag so I wouldn't lose it seeing as it was my work laptop. I grabbed my suitcase and got off of the train. Once I was off, I was trying to figure out which way to go and where to meet my family to pick me up. Well, after a short while I realized I had left my camera on the train. I eventually called Amtrak and put in a lost claim which they of course never called me back about. I followed up once, but they said unless they called me it wasn't found. I even put a post on the Craigslist in San Diego, all to no avail.
So now, 6 months later I started investigating new cameras to get to replace it. My camera I lost isn't worth much now if I got the same one, but I always hoped of upgrading it since it was really old. I wish I still had it to at least sell it to offset the cost of a new one. Plus, I lost the kit lens it came with and a 50mm lens which was awesome and will cost $100 to replace.
I look back and never was upset about losing it. Disappointed yes, but at the time and given the circumstances of going to see my Dad, I take it all in stride. I accept the fact that the whole situation with my Dad and everything that happened had a great cost financially involved with it and still does, but money isn't everything, it's just a resource that unfortunately we need in this day and age to get by. And since resources are currently short, I'm very hesitant to make this sort of investment.
Another thought came up today as part of this process, Clayton is going to start playing Soccer soon. It will be the first organized sport he's been involved with.
Soccer was also a sport my Dad was involved in when I was growing up. He used to referee games and I would go to the games and occupy myself while he was refereeing.
He used to play soccer himself until he blew out his knee many years ago.
Soccer was actually the first sport I was involved in myself. My Dad was the one, who if I remember right taught me some how to play and used to kick the ball around with me.
I ended up playing for 5yrs and my Dad even coached one of my teams.
We only won one game but I distinctly remember being the goalie and getting the game saving stop on penalty kicks.
He was involved in the games and with the other Dads who were there.
He took great pride in me and playing. I don't remember how good I may have been, but I remember being pretty decent. I know I won a trophy a time or two.
I always prided myself on hustling and being quick no matter where I was or how the game was going.
So now that Clayton is going to play I was thinking it's sad that my Dad won't be here to see it. To hear about it. To witness it. And on that thought, I was thinking the camera I had on the way to see my Dad was lost and without a replacement I won't be able to capture Clayton's time playing a sport I loved, my Dad loved and now he may come to love.
To keep a long story short, I took my original camera a Canon 300D SLR with me.
I've had this camera for oh, 7yrs or so, taken 12,000 pictures probably with it.
Originally it cost $1000 as it was one of the first Digital Cameras with an interchangeable lens.
I took a lot of really great pics with it, a lot of family memories, a lot of weddings etc.
For some reason, I figured I would be taking some pictures going back home.
Not sure why, I lived there for 26 years and my Dad was in the hospital so it wasn't like I really had anything I wanted to take a picture of.
But, on the way there I decided to park my car at my work and walk 15-20minutes to the rail system here (that was a pain), with a suitcase in tow with a broken wheel, a laptop and the camera around my neck. Needless to say, I was in a rush and it was a difficult process as I also had decided to take the Train once I got to CA to Escondido to save money.
Once I finally got on the train, I was sweaty after lugging everything around going this route (hope to never do it again). On the train, there was no place to sit so I stood in the onboarding area that was open. There was a guy with his bike on the train and he looked fairly suspect. I remembering thinking - I better not let my stuff out of sight and checked and made sure I had my camera around my neck (the best place to make sure I didn't forget it).
Well, I got tired of standing and finally found a spot to sit. I took off the camera, opened up the laptop (my work laptop) and started watching a movie. I had my earphones in and after some time, a conductor came by and checked my ticket. A long while after that, the conductor came by again and let me know my stop was coming up. At that time, I realized I was just about at my stop so I had to hurry, I took my headphones off, I unplugged my laptop from the outlet and put everything back in my laptop bag so I wouldn't lose it seeing as it was my work laptop. I grabbed my suitcase and got off of the train. Once I was off, I was trying to figure out which way to go and where to meet my family to pick me up. Well, after a short while I realized I had left my camera on the train. I eventually called Amtrak and put in a lost claim which they of course never called me back about. I followed up once, but they said unless they called me it wasn't found. I even put a post on the Craigslist in San Diego, all to no avail.
So now, 6 months later I started investigating new cameras to get to replace it. My camera I lost isn't worth much now if I got the same one, but I always hoped of upgrading it since it was really old. I wish I still had it to at least sell it to offset the cost of a new one. Plus, I lost the kit lens it came with and a 50mm lens which was awesome and will cost $100 to replace.
I look back and never was upset about losing it. Disappointed yes, but at the time and given the circumstances of going to see my Dad, I take it all in stride. I accept the fact that the whole situation with my Dad and everything that happened had a great cost financially involved with it and still does, but money isn't everything, it's just a resource that unfortunately we need in this day and age to get by. And since resources are currently short, I'm very hesitant to make this sort of investment.
Another thought came up today as part of this process, Clayton is going to start playing Soccer soon. It will be the first organized sport he's been involved with.
Soccer was also a sport my Dad was involved in when I was growing up. He used to referee games and I would go to the games and occupy myself while he was refereeing.
He used to play soccer himself until he blew out his knee many years ago.
Soccer was actually the first sport I was involved in myself. My Dad was the one, who if I remember right taught me some how to play and used to kick the ball around with me.
I ended up playing for 5yrs and my Dad even coached one of my teams.
We only won one game but I distinctly remember being the goalie and getting the game saving stop on penalty kicks.
He was involved in the games and with the other Dads who were there.
He took great pride in me and playing. I don't remember how good I may have been, but I remember being pretty decent. I know I won a trophy a time or two.
I always prided myself on hustling and being quick no matter where I was or how the game was going.
So now that Clayton is going to play I was thinking it's sad that my Dad won't be here to see it. To hear about it. To witness it. And on that thought, I was thinking the camera I had on the way to see my Dad was lost and without a replacement I won't be able to capture Clayton's time playing a sport I loved, my Dad loved and now he may come to love.
Tebows epic win
If you haven't heard or aren't familiar with football, or perhaps look back at this some time later, Tim Tebow had an Epic/Historic win the other night.
Selected by everyone to lose, given no chance and no hope, turned on seemingly by teammates and possibly his coaches, backed into a corner with no where to go.
Granted, he did have major shortcomings in the weeks loss before to the Kansas City Chiefs, the weeks before that he didn't so so well either. But in these cases, I think he was truly handicapped in what he was allowed to do and what he was willing to risk. I think he held back in a lot of regards not wanting to ruin his teams chance of winning.
But Sunday night, that all changed.
He was challenged by his VP of Operations, Hall of Famer QB John Elway to "pull the trigger".
And he did, in a huge way. He unleashed the kind of offense and QB passing numbers everyone didn't think he could put up. Against a Defense ranked #1 in all of the NFL. Against the defending AFC Champions. In a playoff game. He threw for 316 yds with his throws averaging 31.6yds a pass. for 2 TD's and one TD running with 50yds rushing as well. Everyone looked at the passing numbers and saw 316 aka John 3:16 his verse. Biblical significance or not, he also threw for 316yds in '09 in the Championship game vs Ohio State.
His throws were crisp, on point and fit in tight places that a Professional QB is expected to be able to throw in. There were some ducks that were thrown, some passes that weren't so hot, but he did what was needed to win throwing the ball.
Not to mention, he won the game in Overtime in 11 seconds with an 80yd TD pass which was a record in and of itself. Quickest OT game ever and with the new OT rules.
By the way, the other record he broke was John Elway's most passing yards in a playoff debut. When John was told this on the field by a reporter, he said "I love it, perfect". This, coming from a guy who was non-committal to his QB who won 6 in a row, who managed more wins in 5 games than his previous QB of 2yrs.
Tebow is unconventional. His throwing motion, his playing style, is all unconventional. Add to that his Faith, his outspokenness for the Gospel of Christ. His good character, his morals, his beliefs, his unwavering outspoken praise of Jesus. Even his drive and desire to win is unconventional. This overriding factor, that x Factor isn't enough to get even his toughest critics persuaded.
Even after all he has accomplished there are still critics. There are still haters. There are still people who wish to see his demise. I guess the press just needs a good subject matter with a big enough target to be able to try to hit. Hit as they may, this target doesn't return evil for evil. He takes full responsibility, is humble and continually tries to improve.
After each game, he takes the time to meet with a child through his foundation who may be terminally ill or severely ill. He says that no matter if he wins or loses, this is what truly matters and it does.
David's next Goliath is the Patriots. They already beat the Broncos a few weeks ago handily. Now, the Patriots have the coach who originally drafted Tebow on their staff to help them. Help as he may try, I'm not sure it will help as things have changed in a short amount of time. Their offense was totally overhauled by the new coach John Fox. The plays they are running are probably entirely different. Who knows, he may have some personnel insight but this team never performed like this when he was at the helm.
The Broncos are without several important starters due to injury (Safety Brian Dawkins and an Offensive lineman who broke his leg, possibly Eric Decker one of his favorite Wide Receivers). Now, they are playing at Foxboro (Pats home) this time around. Now, much more is at stake, a trip to the Conference Championships.
This time around, the Patriots are facing a resurgent Tim Tebow and a Broncos team with a little swagger in their step. Can Tebow unleash on the Pats like he did with the Steelers? That has yet to be seen. But, I do feel they have a better opportunity this time around. Given last weeks passing performance, that could open a lot of things - more passing, more running because they think he'll pass. Who knows. But if you give Tebow a second chance, you better hope you're prepared because he's a fast learner and a hard worker.
The Patriots are one of the top passing teams, but their defense is not good at all. If the Broncos can run the ball and sustain some long drives to run out the clock and keep the ball out of Tom Brady's hands (one of the greatest QB's of all time and someone I like) they most certainly have a chance. The Patriots are coached by a great coach, are at home and have the experience in these situations. But, I still like the Broncos chance. Never count the underdog out, this one was 9pt underdogs last week at home!
Oh, the other thing this Epic win did from a few days ago, it sure quieted a lot of bashing and chatter around me. With that kind of performance, no one can say anything. Let's hope this weekend he does it again!
By the way, I was the only one who picked him to win against the Steelers in our Football Pool at work :o)
Selected by everyone to lose, given no chance and no hope, turned on seemingly by teammates and possibly his coaches, backed into a corner with no where to go.
Granted, he did have major shortcomings in the weeks loss before to the Kansas City Chiefs, the weeks before that he didn't so so well either. But in these cases, I think he was truly handicapped in what he was allowed to do and what he was willing to risk. I think he held back in a lot of regards not wanting to ruin his teams chance of winning.
But Sunday night, that all changed.
He was challenged by his VP of Operations, Hall of Famer QB John Elway to "pull the trigger".
And he did, in a huge way. He unleashed the kind of offense and QB passing numbers everyone didn't think he could put up. Against a Defense ranked #1 in all of the NFL. Against the defending AFC Champions. In a playoff game. He threw for 316 yds with his throws averaging 31.6yds a pass. for 2 TD's and one TD running with 50yds rushing as well. Everyone looked at the passing numbers and saw 316 aka John 3:16 his verse. Biblical significance or not, he also threw for 316yds in '09 in the Championship game vs Ohio State.
His throws were crisp, on point and fit in tight places that a Professional QB is expected to be able to throw in. There were some ducks that were thrown, some passes that weren't so hot, but he did what was needed to win throwing the ball.
Not to mention, he won the game in Overtime in 11 seconds with an 80yd TD pass which was a record in and of itself. Quickest OT game ever and with the new OT rules.
By the way, the other record he broke was John Elway's most passing yards in a playoff debut. When John was told this on the field by a reporter, he said "I love it, perfect". This, coming from a guy who was non-committal to his QB who won 6 in a row, who managed more wins in 5 games than his previous QB of 2yrs.
Tebow is unconventional. His throwing motion, his playing style, is all unconventional. Add to that his Faith, his outspokenness for the Gospel of Christ. His good character, his morals, his beliefs, his unwavering outspoken praise of Jesus. Even his drive and desire to win is unconventional. This overriding factor, that x Factor isn't enough to get even his toughest critics persuaded.
Even after all he has accomplished there are still critics. There are still haters. There are still people who wish to see his demise. I guess the press just needs a good subject matter with a big enough target to be able to try to hit. Hit as they may, this target doesn't return evil for evil. He takes full responsibility, is humble and continually tries to improve.
After each game, he takes the time to meet with a child through his foundation who may be terminally ill or severely ill. He says that no matter if he wins or loses, this is what truly matters and it does.
David's next Goliath is the Patriots. They already beat the Broncos a few weeks ago handily. Now, the Patriots have the coach who originally drafted Tebow on their staff to help them. Help as he may try, I'm not sure it will help as things have changed in a short amount of time. Their offense was totally overhauled by the new coach John Fox. The plays they are running are probably entirely different. Who knows, he may have some personnel insight but this team never performed like this when he was at the helm.
The Broncos are without several important starters due to injury (Safety Brian Dawkins and an Offensive lineman who broke his leg, possibly Eric Decker one of his favorite Wide Receivers). Now, they are playing at Foxboro (Pats home) this time around. Now, much more is at stake, a trip to the Conference Championships.
This time around, the Patriots are facing a resurgent Tim Tebow and a Broncos team with a little swagger in their step. Can Tebow unleash on the Pats like he did with the Steelers? That has yet to be seen. But, I do feel they have a better opportunity this time around. Given last weeks passing performance, that could open a lot of things - more passing, more running because they think he'll pass. Who knows. But if you give Tebow a second chance, you better hope you're prepared because he's a fast learner and a hard worker.
The Patriots are one of the top passing teams, but their defense is not good at all. If the Broncos can run the ball and sustain some long drives to run out the clock and keep the ball out of Tom Brady's hands (one of the greatest QB's of all time and someone I like) they most certainly have a chance. The Patriots are coached by a great coach, are at home and have the experience in these situations. But, I still like the Broncos chance. Never count the underdog out, this one was 9pt underdogs last week at home!
Oh, the other thing this Epic win did from a few days ago, it sure quieted a lot of bashing and chatter around me. With that kind of performance, no one can say anything. Let's hope this weekend he does it again!
By the way, I was the only one who picked him to win against the Steelers in our Football Pool at work :o)
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