Hook 'Em in the New Year

I doubt anyone can say that wasn't a good game. No matter which side you were rooting for, that was flat out one of the top five college games I've ever watched or heard of. You disagree, post a reply.

The biggest argument I heard was that the touchdown should not have counted. Consider the momentum UT had going. Had they replayed it and not counted it, then Young would have scored within the next three plays. No problem. I felt that many calls were not made, but it was consistent both ways.

So, with all three guys from SC going pro, along with Young, what is to happen? Personally, I don't give a shit.

That's all for now,

Cheers,

Mert

Birthdays, Vacation, and Thiefin'

Well, it's been some time since my last post, so this should be a doosey.

I'd like to send thanks to Dad and Sharon for their gifts. Dylan really looks forward to using his Academy credit card on something worthwhile. The books are awesome and he wants us to read them at bed time...Everytime. I hope that you received our little package for local vittles. Call or shoot me an e-mail so that I know.

A few weeks ago was my birthday. Yeah, no biggie, but it marked my third decade of presence. Thirty years. It wasn't as traumatic as I thought it could be; it was just another day at work. In a way, I don't have to be some twenty-something little bitch about things. I can be a thirty-something bastard instead. Yeah, whatever.

Since I've got a bit of leave for the holidays, I decided to make an I-35 visit. Kind of cool, my brother lives in North Austin, Grandma just an hour further north, and Mom another hour north of that. Sweet, road trip. Although the whole trip was a three day, two night sojourn, it was quite nice seeing that much of my family in so short a period of time. Grandma took Nelson and me out to lunch (a birthday gift!) and it was simply nice. Good vittles and great company. Perhaps most significant was the gesture from Grandma. I won't spoil it for any others who may be reading (Lisa and Jessica! Heathens!), but the gifts for Nelson and me were simply from the heart and most impressive.

The trip up to Mom's was just nice. Her house is about half done, and what's completed is quite impressive. Just looks marvelous. Mom made plans to cook up authentic Asian vittles for her boys, and my mouth is just watering at the memories of it. The sticky rice, the chicken with bones, the slow burn from the peppers...[slobbering noise ala Homer Simpson]. That's just the good stuff. We spent the night and headed back south the next day.

Grandma went with the two of us to see Syriana, that new flick with Clooney and Damon. A bit slow, but depressing because most of it could very well represent factual events. blah blah blah.

I'm not going to talk about theft, but that's just a reminder to me. Instead, I'm breaking out the Ivory packaging.

What's the frickin' deal about saying Happy Holidays? Is it now the flavor of the week to push Christianity into the faces of everyone? "Hey, let's let everyone know that I'm Christian, celebrate Christmas, and don't give a shit if I offend anyone by saying "Merry Christmas"." A bit extreme. but I think you get the gist. I'm tired of hearing about "Well, you should be proud and say "Merry Christmas", " You shouldn't excluce the birth of Christ in this season.", blah blah blah.
I'm a converted Catholic, but been Christian my whole life. I happen to have had the opportunity to work with and teach a number of individuals from different walks of life, including other religious beliefs. Do I take affront from others wishing me a happy holiday? No, I'm happy that they included me, and what helps make a happy holiday for me is worshipping in my own way. I say to others "Happy Holidays", "Seasons Greetings", Peace to you and your family," blah blah blah because I want them to have those things in their own way.
Are you so insecure that you can't be happy unless someone says "Merry Christmas"? If so, I'm wondering what you're doing come Easter. Yeah, that's an even bigger deal, you whiny bastages. Quit complaining. Part of the holiday spirit is to consider others beyond you, you pious little righteous wannabes. How would you feel if, assuming you don't celebrate any of the following (because you assume that most don't, therefore giving you cause to say "Merry Christmas") holidays, "Happy Hanukkah" or "Happy Kwanzaa"? Not just a few, but everywhere you looked, it was there. Reminding you that you aren't part of that particular celebration. "Oh dear, I'm sorry. Didn't realize that you weren't [insert your choice]". Makes you feel damn good, doesn't it?
Most folks, upon reading this, will either say "Hell yea! This boy is saying it like it needs to be said!" (Thanks for the support!). Others will immediately say, "This little bastard is going to burn in hell twice then have pineapples shoved up his arse for citing this blasphemy." I'm not trying to start a war, but only share one point of view. Consider the view of others; it's not consideration that is seen, but the humiliation of being inconsiderate. Is being politically correct a bad thing? No. Is it okay to bitch about being PC? Sure, but not at the expense of others religious views. And that's what this is about. Freedom of religious views.


Still want to express your Judeo Christianic views upon others, portray that Western dominance in the cool way? Then click on the picture to the left. They seem to the the current flavor of band most popular right now. Two bucks gets you Red, Green, and popular with the Nondenominational couple who insist that their fruitcake is better than any you've ever tried. Believe it baby!





Folks, be cool. Be safe. Travel in good company. Don't get any on ya! And most of all, happy holidays.

Baby Pictures

Here it is.


The first baby picture of my little one. About twelve weeks old, s/he was quite active in the womb, working those arms and legs up and down. May be a bit hard to make out the different aspects but I'll try my best to help out.

From the top, you can see a black bubble. That would be the womb. Within that bubble is the baby. Notice towards the top of bubble on the baby is a striking white line. That is the back bone. Working to the right would be the head of the fetus; you can see the makings of a jaw and the cranium. You can even make out the brain. A hand appears to be close to the mouth, but actually the baby was working them back and forth, swimming. There are two blurs towards where the legs are. The blurs are the legs, again working back and forth.

Sorry I couldn't increase the quality of the pic; it was a laser print out of what the wife got at the facility. As I find out more, check it out here.

Cheers and enjoy the weekend,

Dave

Christmas List!

Well, I've thought quite a bit about what I would put on my list for Christmas. I'm sure some of you will say, "He's being greedy" or "No way I'm getting him that." Hello? It's called a wish list. I don't pretend that I'm getting most of these things, but were someone to win the lottery (Dad, I don't know if they have Powerball in Indiana), well then, things could be different. Let's begin. (Note: I've tried to include a picture/link for each one, so for more info, click on it!).

1. X-Box 360.

1. These are quite nice and quite impressive from my understanding. Maybe a bit overpriced, but I understand the price will go down in time. $2000 on ebay? People, it's called patience. And those of you that bitch about it? Welcome to the free enterprise system. You don't like it, don't support it. Awesome games, the best onlining ever, and it just aesthetically looks good.

We'll see, eh?

2. Ogio Grom

This is but one bag from their collection. Really some of the nicest bags around. A Woode system to protect your clubs from all the banging around that can deface your clubs. Innovative pockets and shouldering system (still waiting on the Schling, though!). A bit pricey, but worth it in the end.

3. Sunday Bag

This is simply a small bag that can readily hold a small collection for practice and what not. I'm looking at using for practice, holding a few key clubs and balls. Just an idea. I wouldn't say that it has to be this one, but any small, bag. They are called pencil bags, sunday bags, etc. Just google it!

4.Ecco Golf Shoes

Another industry best. There are more expensive shoes, but these are just really worth the coin. Comfortable, innovative styling, and my personal favorite, stands out amongst the crowd regarding the typical shoes on the course. Quite nice.

5. The Winning Lottery Ticket

I don't imagine that anyone would purposefully give this to me, but for the greedy and selfish bastard that I can be, this is the one for me. Now, I'm sure that a many of you would likely say that I would blow it on stupid stuff, like golf equipment, but you can just STFU. I would do the simple things in life: pay off my debts, redo my kitchen, and just kick back to enjoy life. I don't even pretend to say that the money would not change my life, but I would try to stay humble. I would build a athletic center for the public and open it up for the underpriveleged, donate to the church and other charities, and really just get into teaching and create opportunites with the money for advanced learning and experiences. I couldn't see myself living in a huge mansion, owning a dozen cars that go too fast (not that they aren't cool), or owning a number of simply wasteful items (do I really need to name them?).

I couldn't think of anything else right now. See, I've been quite fortunate to really have a great many things in my life now that are fulfilling and make me happy. If I could have one thing, I'd say to have Dad move back to Texas. Sucks that he's out of state, but I really hope that he's happy. Boo hoo, no more crying.

Cheers for now. Comments? Let me know.

Dave

Six Months to go...

Turkey day is coming. No, not that turkey exactly, unless you go turkey hunting with a Turkish gun. Mmmm, mighty fine guns they are!

Gonna be at the house (actually the in-laws) and munching out, but not too much. I've gotten back on track and the L-B-S are still melting away. UT should have a great showing, but I don't want to jinx them, so just click on the link to vote for Vince for the Heisman Trophy.

Six months to go. I'm not nervous; I just want the baby to be happy and healthy.

I'm a bit nervous right now, not because of the typical stuff, but from work. I've got to do this technology bit (relates to those really nice laptops we got earlier) not only for myself, but to supervise a group of teachers also. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but just a bit frustrated. A great many things have changed since having received the initial tasks, but not all the changes in expectations have been discussed clearly. Grrrr!

I'm getting set to order a number of things for Christmas, so I should be posting (not meant to sound greedy, so watch your mouth, Dad!) a wish list. Obviously, some things are exactly that, a wish. Others are quite conceivable as Christmas gifts that would be nice, but wouldn't necessarily make or break my Christmas. I can honestly say that a baby on the way is gift enough. A healthy baby would only make my decade. I'm pretty sure about most of my gifts, but some people (read: Lisa!) need to say something to get something decent. If you have questions about the wife or Dylan, email me at davidmerten@gmail.com .

That's all for now, so be cool and wipe off that drool.

Cheers,

David

PS - I hate postscripts, but damn, I'm thinking about this. I've been in a Digital Underground mood lately. Thinking about the Sex Packets or Playwutchalike albums. Check back later for the cd I pick. For more info, check it out at www.shockg.com.