Dixie Design Postcard

Alright folks, I've designed a new postcard for my side business (Dixie Design.us)a and I'm curious what ya'll think. Now look at it from a small business standpoint, which is who I'm sending it to. If you were that small business owner or in charge of marketing or advertising for a smaller company. Does it peak your interest? Would you hang onto it or at least write down the phone number or email address? Would you trash it? Let me know, Vote on the poll to the right. Thanks ya'll! (click on the image to enlarge and ignore the extra white space)

Exhaust Videos

Here's a couple videos from my new exhaust. Low quality, doesn't give the truck justice, but people have been asking for videos nonetheless.

Re-uniting the old band

Playing with the idea of reuniting the old band for my sister's wedding...scary, I know.

Here's a list of songs we used to play, or some of us can play, let me know what you think about the set, what we should remove, add (but remember the wedding is next weekend), etc.

Shimmer - Fuel
3AM - Matchbox 20
Women without Whiskey - Drive-By Truckers
Nobody's Girl - Reckless Kelly
Lips of an Angel - Hinder
Sick n Tired - Cross Canadian Ragweed
Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Be Like That - 3 Doors Down
Character Zero - Phish
Say it ain't so - Weezer
How you Remind Me - Nickelback
Hanging by a moment - Lifehouse
Here's to the Night - Eve 6
It's been a while - Stained
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynrd Skynrd
Dixieland Delight - Alabama
Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks
The Day John Henry Died - Drive-By Truckers
Undone (the sweater song) - Weezer

Might add some more later as they come to me

GREAT Story!

Had to share this, my good buddy Mark sent this story to me today:

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old Texas rancher, whose hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Obama and his bid to be our President.

The old rancher said, 'Well, ya know, Obama is a post turtle'.' Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a 'post turtle' was.

The old rancher said, 'When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'.'

The old rancher saw a puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued to explain. 'You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he is up there, and you just wonder what kind of a dumb ass put him up there to begin with.'

Obama's Anti-2nd Amendment

On the Second Amendment,
Don’t Believe Obama!

The presidential primary season is finally over, and it is now time for
gun owners to take a careful look at just where apparent nominee
Barack Obama stands on issues related to the Second Amendment.
During the primaries, Obama tried to hide behind vague statements of
support for “sportsmen” or unfounded claims of general support for the
right to keep and bear arms.

But his real record, based on votes taken, political associations, and
long standing positions, shows that Barack Obama is a serious threat to
Second Amendment liberties. Don’t listen to his campaign rhetoric!
Look instead to what he has said and done during his entire political
career.

FACT: Barack Obama voted to allow reckless lawsuits designed
to bankrupt the firearms industry.1

FACT: Barack Obama wants to re-impose the failed and
discredited Clinton Gun Ban.2

FACT: Barack Obama voted to ban almost all rifle ammunition
commonly used for hunting and sport shooting.3

FACT: Barack Obama has endorsed a complete ban on handgun ownership.2

FACT: Barack Obama supports local gun bans in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and other cities.4

FACT: Barack Obama voted to uphold local gun bans and the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in self-defense.5

FACT: Barack Obama supports gun owner licensing and gun registration.6

FACT: Barack Obama refused to sign a friend-of-the-court Brief in support of individual Second
Amendment rights in the Heller case.

FACT: Barack Obama opposes Right to Carry laws.7

FACT: Barack Obama was a member of the Board of Directors of the Joyce Foundation, the
leading source of funds for anti-gun organizations and “research.”8

FACT: Barack Obama supported a proposal to ban gun stores within 5 miles of a school or park,
which would eliminate almost every gun store in America.9

Special Thanks the NRA for collecting this data, the little numbers are references for footnotes, I chose not to add to the length of this blog, I'll provide them for you if you need more proof.

Playoffs

Well our church league softball playoffs start tonight. 8pm game, possibly playing again at 9:15 depending on who wins and who loses. Hopefully we just win and play another night, because I don't feel like lifting weights at 11:30pm, but I will if I got to.

Speaking of the weights, on week 5 of my new diet and exercise program...I'm trying to think of a good name for it considering I built it myself from a combination of multiple workouts and research. Might be the next big thing. Results have been pretty good so far, adjusting my schedule for week 6 and the following weeks, trying something a little different. Pulled a pair of jeans from the closet this morning, first time I'd worn them since they were washed and they fit loosely, that's a plus...usually have to "break in" a pair of freshly washed jeans.

Dinner time, Southwest Salad of some sort, my wonderful wife "made up" the recipe as she went along. Should be good.

Finally a lull

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, I've turned into a twidict (Twitter Addict, I just made that up)

More of you folks (I'm probably talking to myself cause I doubt anyone reads my blog) should hop on twitter. I've been working on my work buddies, to no avail.

Things have been good, busy, good n busy. Had a blast of a Memorial Day BBQ sunday night, 12 or 14 folks came over. I had a good time, I think everyone else did. We'll know for sure when folks start RSVP-ing for our next shin-dig.

Yeah this blogging takes too long. Follow me on twitter, link on the right.

Twitter

For those of you who are less aware of your surroundings, you'll see over on the right hand side of my blog are Twitter updates. I think it's sweet, you should sign up, we'll follow each other's progress through the game of life. You can update via web, im, or text message, all free it's cool. Ain't many in our social circles on there, so sign up before it becomes a bandwagon...I hate bandwagons.

Great Weekend

Had a really good Mother's Day weekend, Sara's mom was in Atlanta. We went up Friday night, stayed at the Hilton Downtown. Was pretty nice, especially for $54 a night thanks to hotwire.com

Here's a recap of the weekend, I don't feel like writing a novella:

Friday:
Hung with Netty at her apartment (she's got to be due for a move soon).
Checked in the hotel with Amy.
Eased my truck through the parking garage...6' clearance, my truck's apparently 5' 11 3/4"

Saturday:
Worked out in the Hilton Fitness Center
Visited the Georgia Aquarium (pretty cool)
Visited the new World of Coke (also pretty cool)
Drove 137 miles to get fried dough, chicken wings, and plants from a place that doesn't exist anymore (might not have been that far, but felt like it)
Went to Atlantic Station, bought 3 polo shirts with a gift card from Express and ate dinner at California Pizza Kitchen (I didn't eat Pizza)
Rode in Netty's Yellow Jeep
Had 3 drinks at the hotel bar to the tune of $43.50.... *insert 4 letter word here*

Sunday:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch at Shane's Rib Shack (a must visit when in the area)
Visited with Sara's Dad, he took us on a golf cart tour of his new golf course in his " active lifestyle community."
Got home, caught up on ER and Gray's Anatomy.

Been a while

Yeah, ain't posted here in a while. Been busy with the new job, busy with my side business, my other job, softball, etc.

Had a good weekend, went turkey hunting Saturday morning, didn't see any on OUR property. Saw some serious signs of the next Hog-zilla. That beast has dug a hole in the woods like a backhoe. I'd love to have a hog head up on the wall in my guys' room.

Race was good Sat. night, watched it with some friends, enjoyed good conversation over door-stops, I mean hamburgers.

Sunday was church, eat, nap, eat, eat, sleep. Hell of a good day :)

Cheering for Pittsburg and Dallas in the conference finals this week (NHL). Can't stand Detroit. Don't really have any beef with Philly, but gotta root for former Thrasher, Marion Hossa and pens.

First Week

Well I wrapped up my first week at my new career. Made some friends, enjoyed working with them, learning and helping out. I've got a few big tasks coming up this next week, working on a new marketing package for the owner, and they're handing a few problem clients over to me. I've got to step it up and work hard, but not too hard! I've learned from my other professional experience you can't set the bar too high, or there's no where to raise it to come pay raise time.

Well here I go again, all serious and no sarcasm. I'll try to add some wit and humor in my next post.

One more thing. Say some prayers for my new friend and co-worker Rosemary, she's battling breast cancer and can use the prayers!

So icy it's HOT!

I remember the days when Icy Hot was a great sports aid, needed for those hamstrings and quads pulled on a blustery 35 degree day playing soccer in October or for that shoulder muscle pulled because I hung on the rim too long after dunking on a fast break. Those were the days!

Now it's the days of being out of shape and overweight. I played Catcher in game three of our softball season, didn't even do anything very strenuous, just squatted my fat ass down for a few innings and I can't walk or tie my own shoes! The guys on the team are going to get a whiff of my Icy Hot and offer me a membership in AARP....

It's a little over an hour before game time, I've already soaked in a hot tub, applied a generous layer of Icy Hot and I'm going to stretch until I leave, then stretch until game time. I'll let ya'll know how the game goes.

We got skinned

Well, game 2 of the season and we got beat 19-3. I led off the second inning with a base hit, then slid into second trying to break up a double play and with it came all the skin off my my left leg from my shin to my knee. Hurts like a b****! I broke up the double play so it felt like it was worth it...until the game ended two innings early because we were down 16...Sigh.

Thanks for you votes on the t-shirt designs. I appreciate the majority voting for my personal favorite..."Slugger Jesus" but the team picked the crossing bats.

You were right honey. :)

Team Softball Shirts

Alright folks, I've designed 3 different shirt ideas for my Church League Softball Team. Over on the right ya'll can vote for which shirt ya'll think is best. We're also looking for a sponsor to help pay for the shirts. We'll put the business name or logo on the back above the numbers. Holler at me if you're interested. On to the shirts (will be printed on Gray shirts):

Reggie Ringslinger

Another t-shirt design I thought turned out pretty sweet. It's for a fraternity's annual horseshoe tournament. Wanted an Indiana Jones Donkey. LOL

Softball, there's a lie

Yeah, the ball's not as soft as I remembered it...or maybe its the fact that my glove has one of those fake signatures of a pro baseball player in it, and that player is Reggie Jackson. Yup, the 1977 World Series MVP. All the padding is worn out of that glove, lol. At least I caught the ball...most times.

Batting was another story. My first batting practice I hit 4 balls over the left field fence. Well, the fence that went out to left field...the ball actually crossed over the fence between the batter's box and the dugout. Yeah, that's me, the guy who sent kids scattering 4 or 5 times. Second batting practice I hit a few all the way to the grass, of course they all would have been outs because the outfield was standing on the edge of the infield. Yeah, I'm rusty.

I'm familiar with working out or going skiing and hurting like hell the next day. Well, practice was over at 10, and I'm already sore. Maybe this softball thing will get me back in shape, but how many pounds can you shed riding pine? Ha.

I had a good time and I'm looking forward to our first game next tuesday. Don't everyone show up at the same game to laugh at me. Let's spread it out some. :)

We've Got Spirits!

Had a funny idea hit me when trying to come up with catchy ideas for a T-Shirt design for The Station liquor store where I work on the weekends. Thought this was pretty dang funny:

Hump Day

Well it's been a while since my last blog post, I noticed a few of the last were looking more like my 10th grade journal "Mr. G" made us keep. I'll have to tell you the story about my MLK Jr. project I turned in for his class. Back to the posts....less journal, more sarcasm, I'll quickly recap the days since my last post:

Got my new Blackjack II, LOVE IT. Thanks AT&T.

My 'rents came down for Easter, wifey joined the Catholic church, great times. Yes, I'm Catholic, living in the Bible Belt. Reminds me of a joke my buddy Theus told me: "What's the difference between a Baptist and a Catholic? The Catholic will talk to you in the liquor store..."

I met Theus' imaginary friend, his name is Zap. Apparently he's real, and knows all the same people I know, was at the same places I was, yet we've never seen each other. Will have to investigate that one further, quite possibly over cold beer.

Landed a job, as ya'll know. Landed a career tonight. Things will be interesting here very quickly. I'm sure I'll blog about it. (Did you know that the spell check in Blogger tells me that both "blog" and "blogger" are spelt wrong?)

Looking forward to Saturday, Hooters Pro Cup BF Goodrich 250 at South Georgia Motorsports Park. Taking my buddy Kirk for his birthday. (Oh and going to the Home and Garden Expo with the wifey in the morning...maybe we'll win a lawn mower or something)

FINALLY!

This will be quick tonight, just wanted to share the jubilation. Called AT&T again this afternoon, they tried once again sending the software upgrade, unsuccessfully I might add. They wanted to try the wait 24 hours thing and call me back tomorrow...stood my ground and they're sending me a new Blackjack II, FREE (even includes express delivery at no additional charge).

So I lied yesterday when I said, "Angry Today & Tomorrow." Now that tomorrow is today, I'm happy.

To my dear friend Alex, thanks for talking me into that piece of **** phone... without you, I wouldn't be getting a free blackjack II :)

Angry Today & Tomorrow

Yeah, that's what AT&T stands for, at least for me these days. I'll be brief, I've already explained for two + weeks they tried updating my phone, and it won't. I need a new software version that they can't send to people who live in Valdosta (so they told me).

I thought I had the answer to all my problems when they agreed to send me a new phone last week. Got the phone in the mail today, was quite excited, I opened it up and realized...

My new phone has the bogus software version too.

sigh...

Terrific Thursday

I have to say that I had my first really good day in a while. This morning was pretty productive at work, I wasn't critiqued or treated like a dummy, hopefully that's a sign for things to come. My extended lunch break involved finally getting the money I was owed (well most of it) from my previous employer. I'm not going to waste neither your nor my time describing the roadblocks and detours I experienced in this attempt, as far as I'm concerned it's over and done, and man is that a HUGE burden off my shoulders! I'm on cloud nine tonight, might even throw something on the grill to celebrate! Could only be better if my wonderful wife were here too, she's still in Ohio visiting her grandparents; her grandma had surgery on Monday and sounds like everything is going great now! Can't wait to see my wifey Saturday night! Ok, enough mushy stuff for tonight, lol.

Today Could Be the Day!

If you live in Georgia you've seen the commercials for the Georgia Lottery..."Today could be the day!" Well today was my day! No, I didn't hit a million dollars or anything like that, but when I got gas today I bought a 2 litre coke (which is only 10 cents more than a 20oz...ludicrous) and I bought a $2 scratch off ticket. Scratched 10 of the 12 numbers off and on the 11th I hit a "Lucky Leprechaun" and won all 12 prizes! First thought was, "how cool if it was going to be $100 times 12," and then I remembered the last time I "won all 12 prizes" it turned out to be $12, lol. So I scratched a prize off and it was $6, so was the next one and the next and the next. End of the card: $72! Not a bad turnaround for my investment. I'm going to open an account on E-Trade later tonight now that I'm such the investment tycoon. I haven't been watching the market as closely as I used to...but i did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Gravity's Gone...

One of my favorite songs, by the Drive-By Truckers states: "So I'll meet you at the bottom if there really is one, they always told me when you hit it you'll know it. Well I've been falling so long, it's like gravity's gone, and I'm just floating."

That's how I feel when dealing with customer service, tech support, and warranty with AT&T wireless...

AT&T has been trying to get a software update sent to my phone for over 2 weeks. Everyone (up until tonight) had been more than courteous and kind, other than making me jump through the same hoops 4 or 5 times. I think I powered my phone on and off more in the last two weeks than I had all the times before added together. So finally they said I could get a new phone. Their customer service dept. was great, tech support was great, but the warranty department apparently had a chip on their shoulder...I think it was because I have mastered the English language, and she obviously was still struggling. If you ever have to talk to AT&T's warranty department "Shetulur Andzet" means Cellular Handset, and "Cerveza Ensure Rumpshins" means Service Interruptions. Just thought I'd let you know. So they're sending me a new Shetulur Andzet, and you'd think that would be the solution to all my problems, however the rep said they couldn't guarantee that the new phone would have the mandatory "software update" already installed. Genuis huh? I even offered to let them send me a "downgrade" or refurb phone. We'll see how that goes...

Oh yeah, got mad sick Monday night. Something I ate obviously was NOT cool Monday. Either McDonalds or Pizza. Woke up in the wee hours and it ALL came up. In fact it came up so traumatically that I busted blood vessels in both eyes and around both eyes. It looks like I have two black eyes, eyelids discolored, dark underneath, and a severe case of "red eye." It kinda hurts when i look up or down or left or right, but not a stabbing pain. WebMD says to give it a few days, so I'm giving it a few days. One of the ladies at work told me today that just looking at my eyes made hers water...great attribute for any man huh? Able to make women cry just by looking at them, ha.

Not Surprised At All

Well it's Monday evening, came home, checked the mail: Netflix, Direct Loans, Credit Card offer, and no paycheck. My separation papers stated that my "Final paycheck will be mailed on Friday, March 7th, 2008." One would think that if it were actually mailed out on Friday it would make it across town in one day. So maybe they missed the mailman on Friday (which is expected as they always pay their employees AFTER the banks close), and if they missed the mailman Friday, well that would mean my paycheck would go out first thing Saturday morning right? Considering the office is across the street from the post office, one would think it wouldn't be a problem to mail out the paychecks, bills, etc. I would assume they irresponsibly waited until today to get it in the mail. Let's hope it comes tomorrow. I said I was moving on, but I guess I need that final paycheck to be the last nail in the coffin...

Lost an Hour

Well it was time for the clocks to spring forward, didn't really feel the effects of the lost hour like in years past. The weekend wasn't too shabby.

Worked my first day at the new job on Friday, it was actually kind of depressing. I guess the harsh reality of today's recession began to sink in. Here I find myself with a bruised ego, working under folks with half of my experience and no sign of an education even remotely comparable. Not to mention I made more money per hour when I worked for a grocery store in college. I have to keep reminding myself that it's better than unemployment and the right career is going to come along. I'm trying to stay positive and swallow my pride.

Worked at The Station Friday night, and again Saturday night. I always enjoy being there, helping customers, talking with the regulars, and of course Bryan, Betty, and Lisa. (There Lisa, I mentioned you on my blog).

This morning I dropped the wifey off at the airport, she's gone to Ohio to help out after her grandma's surgery tomorrow. Keep them all in your prayers. I'm also dog-sitting for Wendy and Jeremy till Tues night. Will probably be a week of meals eaten off the grill, either that or chocolate lucky charms, ha.

I'd better get to bed, was tired earlier, now I'm exhausted. Remind me to complain about my cell phone tomorrow.

REALLY Fast Happening

Well now, looks like Neal ain't going to be unemployed for more than another 18 hours. Starting the new J-O-B tomorrow morning. Got another "screw you" letter in the mail from the "Career" I interviewed for. I'm optimistic and thankful that God has provided for me. I'm still not certain this is going to be a long fruitful career, but who knows what's in store. Everything happens for a reason.

Talk about a roller coaster of a day, and it's not even 1:30pm. My emotions have been up and down, excited, disappointed, and even angry. I broke yet another shovel in the flowerbed, man that ticked me off. Thank goodness it had a 1 year warranty. I went ahead and got a new one that was one step above the previous...I'm on my third tier in the world of shovels. This one has a 10 year warranty.

On to lunch, need to unload a truck full of dirt and get cleaned up to work at The Station again tonight. Peace.

Fast Happening

Well I've got some good news, I interviewed for a job here in Valdosta this morning. I got about 6 blocks away and my cell phone rang, they offered me the position. It'd be an exciting adventure, I'm certainly eager to get back into the design field, however I was hoping to have the opportunity to leap into a "career" not a "job."

I'm hoping to hear something soon from the career I applied and interviewed for last week. I'm sure the Man upstairs has a plan, I just sit anxiously waiting for it to be revealed. Keep the prayers coming, I'll keep you posted.

Need Tylenol

Yeah I've got a fever...race fever. The NASCAR Sprint Cup is coming to Atlanta this weekend. It'll break my Hot-Lanta streak of 6 straight races in Atlanta, certainly the down side of unemployment. I'm just glad I didn't buy tickets and a camp site already. Talk about a guilt "trip"... pun intended.

Same sort of event happened in January. I had already bought my tickets to the 2008 NHL All-Star game, right before I got a 32% pay cut at work. I felt pretty bad going and having a good time while my world's greatest wife stayed home and worked two jobs. I have to say it was one hell of a good time, met my "cousins" from Denver there and we had an absolute blast. (They're actually Sara's cousins but as good as blood to me!) I won't carry on too much more on these topics. I know I have a diverse reader base on this blog, but I'd bet ya'll would much rather read about something other than NASCAR or hockey.

So the low fuel for the evening is missing the race weekend, and the proverbial Tylenol will be enjoying the race on my flatscreen with a close friend or two, might spring for a steak to grill out.

Tonight's blog is sponsored by The Station, Valdosta's best kept secret when it comes to a quality package store. Brian and Betty who own the store are some of the most genuine good people I've come across in this town. They take a lot of pride in their store and have certainly helped me through these tough times with extra part-time hours. Next time you need to grab some cold beer for the big game or other spirits for your get-together go see Brian and Betty.

The Station
602W Hill Ave
Valdosta, GA
229-242-6448

(Just across the railroad tracks coming from I-75, where Hill Ave. Splits to One way on the edge of downtown Valdosta.)

Good Signs

...and good signs usually lead to good times. That's my optimistic story and I'm sticking to it. Picked up an extra shift at The Station, might work open to close. That's a blessing.

This morning I ran a few errands, helped a friend fix their wireless internet at their house and stopped by Lowe's to buy a rake. (By the end of this flowerbed project I should have every tool a yard would need). I made sure to mention that I went to Lowe's rather than saying something generic like the "hardware store" or something of the sort. I also didn't want anyone to consider that going to Home Depot was a possibility. I refuse to shop there, but that's another post in itself.

The third errand was to drop off my resume and portfolio at a place here in town that's hiring. They just called and set up an interview for 9am Thurs. Now this opportunity would probably be a "job" not a "career." Still waiting to hear back from the "career" I interviewed for last Friday. Either way, wish me luck.

Green Street

I watched Green Street Hooligans tonight. Really was a great movie, not much of something the gals would get into, a little violent. I've found that as I've grown up, woke up, straightened up (whatever you want to call it), I get a lot more out of books and movies than in my younger days. Even in books I've re-read for the second time years later. Anyway, that was the long way around to saying that I got a quote out of the movie that I liked and can relate to:

"Once you've taken a few punches and realize you're not made of glass, you don't feel alive unless you're pushing yourself as far as you can go."

Ya'll take from that what you will, or if discussing it suits your fancy, we'll discuss it. That's all for today class.

Low Fuel Light

I guess it's time to explain the title here, "Low Fuel Light." I don't know if it's the redneck at heart talking or not, but I felt the best way to describe life in the present was with a pickup truck analogy. So here goes...

So I'm cruising down the dirt road of life, running strong, doing my best when the warning sign hit. It wasn't a check engine light, low volts, or oil pressure idiot light that went off, it was the low fuel light. The heart and guts of my life are in full working order, giving it all I've got, and I realized I was running low on a key supplement. Fuel.

Now this metaphorical "Fuel" may vary from week to week. It might be a lack of peace and quiet, fishn', or my sports fix. The initial motivation behind my "Low Fuel" mantra is a lack of work and cashflow. After giving my all for over a year at my previous job my hours were cut, paychecks shorted, my own employee's checks were bouncing and when I confronted Hitler and Stallin on the subject they lashed out and fired me two days later.

I'm putting that perdition behind me and moving forward with my head held high. I know there's a whole lot of horsepower under the hood, and the filling station is around the corner.

Gone Fishin'

Well my fishing trip up to Paradise lakes went well. Was a beautiful day, sunny mostly, got up to about 80. Just a great day outdoors, nice, quiet, and peaceful. Caught one fish, a gar, threw that toothy beast back in the water. Yard work now, storms coming tomorrow.

First Post

I've always been the sort that if I didn't think of it first I wasn't going to jump in on the idea. I suppose I've been boycotting blogs just for that reason; kinda like how I boycotted Facebook, Adobe Illustrator, McDonalds etc. I was pretty inspired by an article I read in INC. magazine and now I'm blogging. (a lot of articles in INC. magazine inspire me, just thought you should know that) So here's my first blog post. It's getting late and I'm going fishing in the morning. I'll explain the "Low Fuel Light" after I catch my limit.