Happy Halloween

Went trick-or-treating tonight with my neices and nephews. Here are some pics. The first pic is Charlie - he's a vampire. The second pic is Jessica - she's a witch. Then we have Dillon - a werewolf, Marshall - an evil magician, Cordell - a wizard and Emma - a 50's girl. I wish the last picture were better, because their costumes were so cute. The werewolf even had fur showing through the rips in his clothing and fur on his chest where his shirt was open.

Tired Of Being At Work

Several weeks ago, a co-worker of mine scheduled vacation for Saturday, Oct. 28th. He works second shift and his hours are 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm. The first shift guys work from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, so there is an overlap. And I work third shift from 9:30 pm - 8:00 am so that I overlap with both second shift and third.

So anyway, normally during the week if someone takes vacation there are other people in the office. Except for 3rd shift. 3rd shifters work alone. I work 4 days a week and another person works 3rd shift 4 days a week. Of course, that doesn't add up right, so on Wednesday's we both work and that is the only day I am not alone in the office. But I digress, as I was saying one of the second shift guys scheduled vacation for a Saturday night. So, several weeks ago my supervisor asked me if I could come in early and cover his shift before working mine that night. Since I have no social life anyway and I could always use the overtime money, I said "yes".

Then, as I got off work yesterday morning at 08:00 am (Saturday morning, but technically my Friday night) I realized that I had to be back at work in 8 and 1/2 hours. That's right, I was coming in at 4:30 pm to cover a shift. That's 5 hours earlier than my normal time which puts me working a 15 and 1/2 hour shift (can't forget that mandatory 30 minute lunch, even though I'm not allowed to take 30 minutes away from my phone). And then I realized that the time changes tonight, so I actually have to work another hour. Now don't get me wrong, I volunteered to come in and cover for my coworker. And I can and will use the extra money. I'm not mad about it or anything. I'm simply tired of being at work.

Good news is, I get outta here in about 45 minutes.

Jackie Stiles Is Back, Baby!

For years, I have been a HUGE fan of one of our local sports celebrities, Jackie Stiles. If you don't know who Jackie Stiles is, you can get a quick briefing at Wikipedia.

Now that we're all caught up let's continue. I was thrilled when I came across an article a few minutes ago that stated Jackie is giving basketball another shot. Check out the interview here at STLToday.com.

Since Jackie's first season in the WNBA, she has undergone 13 surgeries and has dealt with continous pain and very limited range of motion. When part of her physical therapy involved cycling, she realized that was one of the few things she could do pain free. With her usual competitive nature, she threw herself into cycling last year and was actually making a real big name for herself in that sport. But as much as she enjoyed it, cycling couldn't make her as happy as basketball did. Luckily, this past June, she was introduced to a new kind of physical therapy that in just a few short months has finally knocked down a lot of her pain and improved her range of motion pretty drastically. So, it's off to Australia to play in their women's league. Actually, the Australian league started a few weeks ago. But Jackie will not be joining them until early November. Jackie had a previous committment that she did not want to cancel. Today, she will be inducted into the Missouri Valley Conference's Hall of Fame as part of the conference's 100th anniversary gala.

And now you really don't have to read the article because I got a bit carried away and basically told you everything it says.

There's also an article and interview in the Springfield News-Leader.
And while we're on the subject of the News-Leader, here are two funny headlines I found on their website this morning:
• Pitt's 'Hungry Bum' brings levity to set (thought 'bum' meant 'behind' or 'backside' - now I get it though)
• Ugly bulldog proves sister has gone totally crazy

How's This For Cool?

I would love it if Springfield had restaurants like this one:

"The Bytes restaurant in Canterbury, England is a sit-down restaurant where you order when you are ready—on touchscreen panels. Entreprenuer Heath Clay enlisted the help of engineers David Russell and Mark Bate to build the hardware and software needed. Customers place orders on touchscreen panels, and the orders are routed through the restaurant. Orders for drinks go to the bar, orders for British-flavored concoctions like baked avocado with Stilton and walnuts and smoked salmon with local new potatoes and dill go to the kitchen.

And here's one feature that should appeal to children of all ages: Free games replace the menu after the order is completed."

This is part of an article from LiveScience.com which describes how some restaurants are becoming more automated. Check out the rest of the article here.

Time Wasters

If you're bored at work, here's a few internet sites that will occupy your time:

In honor of Halloween - carve a pumpkin

To work off some frustration - knife throw game

For general gaming fun - Candystand.com

And for everything else - Addicting Games

Recommended Book Of The Week

Well I've been trying to hold off on this book as long as I could, but alas, I can wait no more. You see my favorite author is Stephen King. I know a lot of people don't like him because he is too descriptive and rambles on about unimportant things (okay, a lot of people don't like him because he's too gory also). But it's his long, rambling descriptive attention to all the little details that is exactly why I love him. When he goes into full detail about the way the trees looked against the sky as little Billy rides his bright, shiny red bike through the grassy, green and gently-rolling fields - I feel like I'm watching a movie more than reading a book.

Therefore, he's always been my favorite. The only fiction book of his that I've ever not liked was one called "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon". I'm not sure why I didn't care for it, but I didn't.

So anyway, I waited as long as possible before recommending a Stephen King book because I don't want to get into the habit of listing all of his books here. But, I only recommend books that I have actually read and I mostly only read horror novels. So, the time has come to recommend one.

This week I recommend my all-time favorite Stephen King book, "IT".
And, btw, I really think Amazon should look into paying me a little something for always referring people straight to them.

A Letter To My Dog

Okay, I don't actually have an inside dog. But some of you guys do and when I found this "Letter to my dog" on the internet, I had to steal it and post it here. Even though it doesn't apply to me, it sure does crack me up. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did. Oh, and feel free to use it as your own story at anytime. I stole it, you might as well too.

A Letter To My Dogs

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, bark, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered.

Also, I have been using the bathroom for years. Canine attendance is not mandatory.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog butt.. I cannot stress this enough!

Let's Talk About Health

Here are a few of the new stories concerning health which have made the news lately:

The "Great Spinach E. Coli Outbreak of 2006" may have been caused by pigs! Researchers have finally gotten the bacteria tracked to a few ranches where the majority of the contaminated spinach came from and discovered quite a few wild boars in the area. They believe the bacteria may have been transferred to the spinach field by the pigs.

Studies have suggested that older women may help fend off the common cold by engaging in some moderate exercise. I figured I would post this just so one of my friends who is quickly becoming an "older woman" might finally be able to get rid of the sniffles. You know who you are. *cough* Bobbie *cough*

On Wednesday, the results of a six-year study revealed that eating at least 2 servings of vegetables a day could increase your mental alertness. Of course, the study was conducted on people aged 65 or older. I just wanted to make sure a certain friend of mine was aware of this so she can prepare herself for becoming a senior citizen. You know who you are. *cough* Bobbie *cough*

Sad News I Hate To Hear

Yesterday, while fighting a wildfire in California, four firemen were killed and one more is not expected to live after a burst of strong wind blew the fire over them too fast for them to react. What makes it even worse is the fact that authorities believe this fire was intentionally set.

You can read the full story here, but feel free to pray for the victims and their families anywhere.

Springfield's Historic Heer's Building Getting Lots Of Attention

The redevelopment of the Heer's building downtown has attracted the attention of some out-of-towners. In fact, there are 4 different development teams being interviewed by the city. Here's the story.

I Love Candy Corn

October 30th is National Candy Corn Day, so be sure and get stocked up on some so you can celebrate in style. These days you can buy it in "cherry" flavor and "green apple" flavor, but I love the original so much I've never tried any of the other flavors.

If any of you guys have tried them and like them, let me know.

My Jack-O-Lantern

Here's a pic of the jack-o-lantern I carved on Tuesday. I know it's not exactly a traditional halloween pumpkin, but it did turn out pretty cool. Go Cardinals!

Bat Patrol

Well, as I was getting ready to come to work last night I noticed my little bat friend was still hanging in the same place and it did not look like it had moved at all. On the internet yesterday I read that bats will usually start to hunt about 2 hours or so after dusk. I left for work at 9:00 p.m., so I was concerned that maybe the little guy was just hanging there dead. My friend Charlie and I decided to gently prod it to see if it was alive. As soon as Charlie's finger touched him, he flicked his ears and squeaked at us. So, he's definately alive - I'm just totally perplexed as to why he is in that location. He's hanging in the window sill on my front porch which faces east, so he's getting quite a bit of light in the mornings. And there's nothing to protect him from the wind. I don't understand.

Cordell

A pickle in one hand, a hot dog in the other - life is good.

Here's A Pic Of My New Pet

It's the adorable little brown bat that was sleeping on my porch when I got home this morning. I actually read that large brown bats have a body length of approx. 3 inches and little brown bats measure 2 inches, so I'm not sure whether my bat is a little brown bat or a large one. Either way, it's so cute. Wanna learn more about cute little brown bats? Here's some info for you:

Bats are the only major predator for night-flying insects in Missouri, and every year they consume tons of insects. In fact, one little brown bat may eat up to 600 mosquitoes in an hour.

Little Brown Bats are one of the most common myotine species in the state. They have dark arm bones, and often sleep near each other, though not piled together in clumps as do the endangered species.

Big Brown Bats often roost near the entrances of caves. They have a body length from head to tail of about 3 inches, and are recognizable by their shiny brown hair, which resembles that of a chihuahua dog.

The little brown bat has an expected lifespan of up to 30 years.

Brown bats invest a large amount of time each day grooming. Individuals use their claws to groom the fur, and tongue and teeth to clean their wing membranes.

Random Thoughts I Had Today

Why can't the stupid Chiefs play football as well as the Cardinals play baseball?

I wish I had a big bowl of chili right now.

Why do the old men at work always turn off the ice machine before I get a chance to fill my cup?

Why do I always try to put a "g" in souvenir? souvegnir is not right!

Why doesn't Misty post any comments here anymore?

Why does Jordi always post as anonymous?

Oh my gosh, there's a little brown bat sleeping under the eaves of our front porch.

That bat is absolutely adorable.

I hope Brennan doesn't hurt the bat.

I wonder if the bat will still be there when I get home from work in the morning?

What was I talking about?

Random Pic

This summer, I got to go on a mini-vacation to Galveston Island, TX with Bobbie (best friend) and Cordell (her son). It was a great trip and very relaxing. This is a picture of some seagulls and pelicans we saw while we rode the ferry over to the island. Sure wish I was there now!

Recommended Books Of The Week

Over the weekend I realized that I had forgotten to recommend a book for last week. So, in order to make the world right again, I am going to suggest 2 books this week.

First one is Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom. This is a true story about a sports writer who learns his old college professor is terminally ill and decides it would be rude not to visit him. But that one polite visit would turn into a weekly ritual as Mitch discovers just how much Morrie can teach him. This is a heartwarming and inspirational story about a dying man with a remarkable attitude towards both life and death.

Second, one of my favorite books of all times, Watership Down by Richard Adams. This book was required reading for me in high school, but I have read it twice since then. Everytime I enjoy it more. It's an amazing piece of literature because you can read it as a simple, entertaining tale about talking bunnies who have to find a new place to live, or you can read it a little more intensely and discover a lot of wonderful bits of wisdom on topics such as freedom, leadership, and ethics.

Update: Haystacks

Last week I posted a recipe for haystacks and told you guys I was planning on deviating from the recipe a little bit. I left out the peanuts on all of them and added mini marshmallows to half of them. Also, I made 2 batches with butterscotch chips and 2 batches with semi-sweet chocolate chips. The butterscotch are always a favorite, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the chocolate ones went over. In fact, several people told me they preferred the chocolate. The only thing I would do differently is probably use milk chocolate chips next time to make them just a hair sweeter.

Cardinals Head To World Series

This is the kind of news I like to read:

"NEW YORK (Reuters) - Yadier Molina blasted a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to send the St Louis Cardinals to the World Series with a 3-1 victory over the New York Mets in a climactic Game Seven on Thursday."

Rest of story HERE.