Where the hell have I been?

Actually, nowhere. I suppose I could say I’ve been lazy, but that wouldn’t be accurate. More like I just haven’t felt the strong urge to update this damn thing. But, since I had better update you folks, here goes.

The biggest news is that the new computer is built and up and running. I suppose that is where I’ve been spending the lions share of my spare time. It took me most of the day (Tuesday the 1st) to build the thing, install windows, and get back all of my software. I enjoy that sort of thing, but it is still a pain in the ass sometimes. I guess I’m more of a computer “user” type than one who love tinkering with the guts. I like things to work, and get frustrated when they don’t.

Anyway, I installed the new Windows Vista Home Ultimate, and so far I like it. The only software I haven’t been able to get working on it is my VPN software to log into work from home. Bit of a bummer, but I can try to find a compatible client here at work. Hardware wise, this thing is a monster. I put a lot of horses in there, and you can really tell. It screams. It might be sad that I get so excited about such things, but what can ya do?? I may detail out my build more in the future. Keep your eyes peeled.

The weather is finally getting nice. I’ve been itching to get out on the golf course. I guess I had better get my clubs out of storage and hit the driving range. I played a total of 13 holes last season, so I’m sure I’m rusty as hell. George did say he got his clubs extended and is getting some lessons… we’ll see if I can get him out on the links. Been a long time… I miss it.

I have actually had work to do at work lately. Go figure! It’s nice to not have to kill time, and actually be productive.

Had an eye doc appointment last week, and everything is golden. Still only need glasses for computer type work, and even then, that is more just for comfort sake. I’m not one of those who sit and stare at the screen for hours. I’m way to easily distracted for that sort of thing, so I spend a lot of time exercising my eyes by looking around and focusing on far and near stuff. As a plus, Mom seems to think I look smarter in glasses… not sure if that means I look dumber without glasses.

Had a dentist appointment too. That was interesting. No cavities, but I’m gonna need a crown. I never knew what the purpose of those was, but according to the dentist, we all have cracks in our teeth. The only way to determine whether those cracks are becoming a problem is symptoms. And, my bottom right molar (number 31 I believe) is quite sensitive to pressure. Hurts, frankly. So, the clamp a metal head on the tooth to keep that bad boy from flexing. Hopefully, I don’t get taken to the cleaners on that one. Ugh. Win some, lose some.

One thing I just have to bitch about real quick. There is a radio ad here for Lee Reed Jewelers. Anyone from Boise knows these horrible things with Larry Reed basically chastising guys for not not loving their wives enough to get them bigger diamonds. That pisses me off enough as it is. But, one thing I heard on the latest commercial almost made me drive off the road when I heard it. He says something to the effect that diamonds are “one of the rarest gems on earth” (he was comparing this to moms). WTF!? Are you kidding!? Diamonds are made of carbon. Coal. They seriously litter the earth. Millions of them. I mean, they use them in industrial equipment for pete’s sake! It makes me sad that people actually believe this.

Allow me to burst a bubble for those who think that a diamond is inherently valuable… Guess what. Its not. “But they’re expensive” you might retort. Well, you’re correct. But the reason they are is simple. It is called a world wide monopoly by the DeBeers company and a terrific marketing campaign beginning in the early 20th century. Enlisting advertising, Hollywood and various other means, they successfully connected the universal feeling of “love” to the one product they control. Thus, if you don’t buy diamonds, you don’t truly love someone. Grrrrr…. To maintain their position, they either shut down, or buy any competing diamond dealers. Thus, they can set prices as high as they like, and the saps who have been brainwashed into believing the HAVE to have a diamond keep on buying.

Can you tell this pisses me off? Perhaps it has something to do with my having purchased an overpriced engagement ring once and not really get the return on my investment I was looking for. But its not just me. Google “diamond monopoly” or you could read this: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/198202/diamond

Personally, I like gems that are actually rare. Rubies, sapphires, and especially emeralds. But I’m a man, so what do I know?

Ok, thats all for now. I do have a few ‘feature’ style posts coming. I have a few things I have been thinking about writing about and they should be along in a few days.