dalthauser

* Why  do churches have Tax Free status?

* American Idol last night was kind of bogus.  Simon was so obvious with his preference of David Archuletta.  I liked how David Cook chose a NEW song for his choice rather than regurgitate one he'd already done (which is what the show wants the contestants to do).  I''ve got a feeling David A. will win - but David C. will still get a career out of it.  Oh, I voted 50 times :-)

* I may leave early tonight so I can see the finale live. 

* I watched the last few minutes of Larry King last night.  It was about that dude who thinks he's the Messiah.  His son was on talking to Larry. Someone called in and pointed out the bible said he'd meet his people in the sky - he wouldn't be mingling with humans on earth - so what gives... The son said you have to have an oil lamp on in your eye (or something like that) in order to understand..... jeez....

* I upgraded my Media Player to version 11 - wow, big difference.  My new project (like I need one) is to rip all my CD's to mp3.  I did my Goth Box set (4 cd's) last night.  It became about 283 mb of files.  Not sure what I'm doing, but I have the INTERNET, so I can look up anthing I don't understand :-)

* I was watering the garden this morning thinking about how I could find someone to teach me how to replace the siding on my house.  I got a business idea - DIY University!!  I know I'd travel and pay to attend a weeklong bootcamp teaching DIY skills.  There could be various programs.  Beginner (use of tools, measuring, etc. etc.), Basic Plumbing, Painting/Wallpaper, etc. etc. etc.   If I had actual skills I'd consider investigating this further.  It's a good idea though don't you think?  

* I've skipped my usual breakfast of either oatmeal or eggs in favor of a hi/pro fruit smoothie - and I've cut out the usual dinner to a big green salad with a veggie chicken pattie crumbled in it.  Been doing this for 2 days now. I already feel less bloated.

 

*  I got gasoline yesterday -  $3.48 per gallon (well - 3 cents less since I used a Walmart giftcard).  I'm counting my blessings I work 8 miles from my house - mostly highway.  I feel a little guilty that I drive a V6 even though I actually use my truck (the dents and scratches in the bed prove it...hehehe).  My sacrifice will be to eliminate Austin/San Antonio shopping trips that I used to take for fun. 

*  I called and complained about my dental bill.  They took off the post-surgery "observation" charges, but said I had to pay the insurance part of the procedure since it wasn't covered (they said they called to verify my coverage - so I'd be fighting with the insurance company - and it's just not worth it since they will just say I should have put in a written request for approval.....which I guess is true)..  In the future I will be getting stuff in writing prior to anything being done.  Live and learn.  On a happy note - they ran my flexible spending card and it paid it even though the procedure was last year.  Just $$$ less I have available if I get sick etc. this year. 

*  I was driving home from Home Depot the other day with a load of stuff.  I had a Rubbermaid trash bin there.  It somehow managed to blow out the back - and I cringed as I looked in the rear view mirror to see motorists dodging it.  It lodged in the under-carriage of a Ford truck as I pulled off the road.  He followed.  He de-wedged it and handed it back to me.  His attitude was "no harm - no foul" and I went on my way.  I couldn't help but think how bad that situation could have been - not to mention expensive.  This made the whole dental $$$ think a little less painful.

*  I went ahead and drilled holes into the bottom of the hot  swamp tub on the patio.  There is always accumulated water on the bottom, and it bothers me (mosquitoes and unsanitary).  The wasps will need to find another source of mosquito larvae now I guess.  I plan to make it a kitchen herb garden next year.  Now that the giant hackberry tree is gone - there's sun in that corner.

*  I'm giving up Thursday and Friday TV shows.  Usually I tape 2 shows on Thurs and 1 on Friday while I'm at work and watch when I get home.  I'm going to try and read / write / clean or watch previously taped "educational" programing instead.  Once American Idol ends I'm going to drop Wednesday night TV shows as well.  Wish me luck....  :-)

*     I'm a PAID USER now.  I did it for the extra user icons (it's like collecting pokemon cards....).

*     I'm glad Marion Jones confessed - I wish it would have been because she wanted to do the right thing, not because she was found out.  I feel bad for her competitors if  they lost because the drugs she was taking gave her an edge,.

*     I watched Larry King Live last night, and he had Kid Rock on.  I wonder if Larry King actually wants to interview these people - or if the network forces him to for ratings.  I felt the same way after watching him interview Paris Hilton.  I guess I just give Larry too much credit.  There is nothing remotely interesting or newsworthy about Kid Rock - seriously.

*     This weekend it is do or die with Sierra's Halloween gown.  I'm constructing sleeves now - they require french seams, so that's on the agenda this evening..  Getting the sleeves set into the gown will be the most difficult thing about this whole outfit - I'm devoting Sunday to it.  The rest is gravy.  I see no problem having this in the mail Tuesday.

*     I like my new Cell Phone (Nokia 6103)  It's nothing special, but it has more options than my Nokia 6101.  I like the option that lets you put the phone on silent mode for a specific length of time - I'm always forgetting to take my phone off vibrate after work (not like anyone actually calls me or anything).