We’re packing away… although “we” is mostly just Yeni; who is packing like a woman possessed. We’re heading out on Wednesday and looking forward to a change of view. We’re trying to spend as much time with family and friends as possible — taking the time to eat at out favorite spots “one more time” as well as try some new places we had neglected. While working away, managed to post some quick words:...
[][1]Curb Appeal? Not so much. Thanksgiving 2009 involved family, a road trip, and lots of yard work. Although Yeni and I made yet another trip to Florida, we sadly did not get the opportunity to visit all our friends and family “on the list.” While traveling to sunny Fort Lauderdale, we took a pit-stop in Gainesville and checked out the house. The condition shocked us. It looked absolutely horrible and had what could only be described as negative curb appeal. We headed down to SoFla and knew we had to return and get down to business on some serious yardwork. Borrowing a chainsaw from the old man, we quickly got to work on the thickest of foliage decorating the house. ...
Back in 2007, I was floored by the University of Florida’s President (Bernie Machen) accepting more than $200,000 in bonuses. I was so floored, I sent him a letter (below) and asked him to decline the bonus. After all, he already receives in base salary more than 10 times the annual income for a Florida family sending their child to the University of Florida. As expected, I did not receive a response and there was no mention of donations, declines, or anything else from Bernie Machen. ...
I’m still in Florida, but headed back to Michigan on Wednesday. I’ve been enjoying the warm weather, although it was 98 degrees yesterday in North Florida… much, much higher than Ann Arbor. Anyway, this last weekend I: Celebrated mom’s birthday with my family (including my sister and our spouses) Had an AMAZING meal at Joe’s Stone Crabs (but, when do you not?) Celebrated Mother’s day with the family Worked a little in Boca Raton, FL Enjoyed a nice afternoon on the beach with my wife....
Update June 11, 2009: The Chief is now leaving in early July – 4 months earlier than he had advised. Norman Botsford, the current Police Chief of Gainesville, Florida, announced that he would be retiring from his position. Although the following Gainesville Sun article highlights his history, they don’t mention how in recent years he has helmed a department who’s morale has dropped faster than, well insert your metaphor here… it’s way low. This is a good thing. Here’s what the Gainesville Sun said: ...
We’re not playing the Pyramid here, but wouldn’t that be great? Man, I miss good 70’s game shows. Give me the Pyramid and Match Game and I’m happy as can be. Anyway… Benjamin Franklin I’ve always liked Mr. Franklin. Some think he’s the only non-president on money… but those people probably think Mr. Hamilton was once a president. Anyway, Benjamin Franklin is perhaps my favorite American in history. I love his quotes and many of his thoughts can guide us still today. Today’s the following Benjamin Franklin quote comes to mind: It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority. Which brings us to… ...
I ranted today about YET ANOTHER security breach at the University of Florida (Go Gators). It’s a decent rant: http://www.voiptechchat.com/tech/245/university-of-florida-security-strikes-out/ I like ranting now and then 🙂
[][1]That little spec in the center is the duck. And in the bottom right corner is the one mom threw in. So today (December 20th) marks the 2nd Anniversary of Forrest’s passing. Last year, I rode the Harley out to Cedar Key, Florida and threw a duck into the ocean. Why a duck? Well, when I graduated UF back in 2006 (Go Gators), my parents threw an open house graduation party for me....
No much to report on a very busy mid-week. We received a big snowfall last night, which found myself prepping Yeni’s car for work this morning. Can’t say I’m enjoying the though of repeating that action for the next several months. It was c-o-l-d, cold. Oh, and snowy. Last time I was near that much snow, Mom made me a cup of cocoa with little marshmallows — of course they were real marshmallows added to the cup… not the pre-mixed yucky ones....
When you leave Gainesville at 4:30 you hit Atlanta in time for rush hour.