February 2008 Archives

The human brain is supposed to be able to retain a lot more information than we make it. But the Information Age is certainly testing my brain's retention of passwords, numerical codes, birthdays, anniversaries and the like. Life was so much simpler in, say, the sixth grade, where all I really needed to remember was my locker combination.

I have to remember passwords for:
• Two e-mails at work
• Two personal e-mails at home
• My voicemail system at work
• The program at work where I put in my hours worked for the week (even though I'm salaried)
• Password for online bank access
• Different passwords to pay four credit cards, the phone bill and the mortgage online
• Different passwords to access retail accounts to buy things at various online sites
• Password to access the photography forum I subscribe to
• Don't get me started on sign-on names, which are different for several of these!

Then there are just the everyday numbers:
• Social Security number (known it for years, but don't use it often to not have to think about it)
• Phone numbers (esp. those not programmed in my cell phone)
• Driver's license number
• Work number and fax to tell to other people
• Code to open up the garage at home without a key
• Combination for the lock on the double gate leading to our back yard
• Numbers I can't even remember needing until it's too late!

I need a new cell phone. Maybe more of a PDA. Yeah, that will make life *easier*!!!!!

It's literally, no joke all kidding aside, almost 90 degrees in Fort Worth and Dallas today. Our mini heat wave comes to an end tomorrow, when we're supposed to have a low below freezing and eek out a high only in the mid-50s. For those living on this rollercoaster (an annual, common event around here), get lots of allergy meds and tons of Kleenex.

Or, just throw your hands in the air, party people!

So, the Petite Filet has been out of town (in Houston) since Sunday on a business conference. She finally comes home tomorrow afternoon. That's left me as the Lone Ranger, and though I've done it once before with both kids, it's hard! Considering that I've had to clean myself, dress for work, get both of them dressed and fed and to their respective Daytime Happy Places at a reasonable hour, I'm pooped. The single parents out there have my respect and admiration for doing it all the time.

It hasn't been bad. Now that we're over our various illness (ebola, space cooties, pajama-itis), both have slept through the night, as have I. Both have eaten breakfast and dinner. The Cutlet was a bit reluctant to get dressed today, maybe because he slept in his clothes last night or just because Tuesdays are not notorious motivators.

It hasn't been all good. We did drive-through dinner Monday and Tuesday, because by the time I picked both boys up and we headed home, it was getting late. Even worse: both nights were @ ick-fil-a. I don't mind eating it once in a while. I made the mistake of letting the Cutlet choose. We all have to cut each other slack when momma ain't around.

On the photo front: I booked two wedding jobs last week, one for May and another for June. That was through referrals from different people. I hope that when I actually try to get some extra work I'll be as successful. The jobs gave me just enough of a photo budget to get some accessories for my equipment (i.e., a new lens! expected to arrive Monday!). It's exciting. I've always wanted to own my own business. Maybe it will someday actually turn a profit and everything!

What's up with you?

On Saturday, we enjoyed some of the warm sunshine with a quick trip to the park down the street from our house. The Cutlet rode his bike and played on the playground, and the Riblet enjoyed one of the swings. Except I'm not sure why he felt the need to cram his arms down inside the little swing bucket. Then, that evening, the Cutlet came down with the flu ... after having strep last week.

Nugget about flu shots: not only are the strains covered in vaccines a best guess among experts, but the vaccine itself is apparently only about 80 percent effective for the strains it covers (per the Cutlet's doctor yesterday). So, get a shot, but prepare for the possibility of being sick anyway. Yay!

This photo is from the weekend before last, over at my parents' house. They are pack rats, which is exemplified in the picture by the fact that the fire hat used to be one of mine. I guess keeping it for the eventuality of grandchildren isn't so bad, but in any other case would I want it back? I'm 34 years old. The hat no longer fits me. Even if I was a firefighter, I'm pretty sure I'd get laughed out of the department for showing up with this thing on.

I got a column by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott with tips on buying a new or used car. When times are tough, many people look to used cars to get more vehicle for their money. Not a bad idea. He says:

• Shop around and compare prices.

• Test drive the vehicle on varied road conditions (freeway, stop-and-go traffic).

• If used, ask for a maintenance record.

• Get all promises in writing.

• Have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.

Not bad, but it doesn't go far enough. To really get a great deal, you should:

• Test-drive the car with the salesman or owner in the front seat, and proceed to pick your nose and wipe it on the dashboard. As you do, say, "Oooooh, smooth!"

• Find the absolutely biggest pot hole and drive right into it. You've got to check the shock, struts, tires and durability of a car before buying it.

• Ask if you and your significant other can "test out" the back seat for 10-15 minutes.

• Measure the trunk or ask the salesman/owner to climb in so you can better imagine how many bodies will fit.

• Ask the current owner if they've ever farted in it while driving, then explain, as you're driving, that you've really got to let one and they might want to roll down their window. Apologize for what will likely be a new stain.

• See how fast you can drive it backward without swerving into something.

• Explain that the antibiotics are probably working by now and you're pretty sure the doctor said you aren't contagious. Or was that after four days of taking your meds?

If you don't get a good deal on that car, don't blame me!

Happy Lunar New Year to those who keep track of the Chinese calendar. Probably not a coincidence that the "Year of the Rat" has fallen more than once on a U.S. presidential election year. The Race for the Prez is apparently now a four-rat race, although many voters have already picked the rat they want to see at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

This is, of course, also a Leap Year, meaning those who arrived on this earth on Feb. 29 can boast being one-fourth of their actual age. That's pretty cool. More confusing if, say, your dog was born on Feb. 29. Figure that one out.

The kiddos have been sick this week. They play so well together that they trade cooties back and forth quite easily, giving them to their unsuspecting parents as well (thank you, Airborne). But I took this photo a couple of weeks ago of the Riblet's feet:

I've got some other pics somewhere. It's pretty confusing having two digital cameras, two computers at home and two at work because I'm never quite sure where anything is. That will have to change if I get a lot of paying clients, won't it!

I've got my photography-biz Web site up and running (or loping). Once it starts bringing in business, I can start making more investments into its design (along with the bevy of photographic equipment I'd like to add to my arsenal).

It uses my (gasp!) real name in the title, but then again, anyone who has commented here to which I've responded via e-mail knows my real name anyhow. There's not much on Texas T-bone that would get me into trouble if my "anonymity" were to evaporate. So here goes ...

www.toddovermanphoto.com

If anyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth area would like kid or family portraits, zap me an e-mail. I am in that stage where I'm trying to build a varied portfolio, which means in exchange for being able to use images you contract me for to promote myself (on the Web and possibly in some printed materials), I'll give ya a heckuva discount from my published prices.

My kids are getting tired of me taking photos of them. Not that I'll stop!

Photo No. 3 probably needs a little explanation. That little metal thing is the handle on the drain plug, which came off when the Cutlet let the water out. He was so distraught over it, especially because it came off without the water going out of the tub, too. Easily fixed, but hilarious!

Happy weekend to all.