The Dentist Returns

I love this dentist I go to. I had an appointment at 7:00 PM to get a cavity filled. I went in at 6:50 PM and left at 7:06 PM. When I got in he said he was going to fill it without novacaine. I asked if it would hurt, and he said "well, it won't hurt me...". It was weird having someone drill your tooth with no anesthetic, but it actually didn't hurt at all. It was kind of an annoying pain, like somone squeezing your skin quickly. It was MUCH better than getting a shot, and having a numb cheeck with drool for the rest of the night.

So I can say I had a cavity filled, with no novacaine. I also have a dentist now I'm not scared to go to. So this dentist has redeemed the dentistry profession.

But What About Taxes?

It's tax season now, I suppose. That means it's time to see commercials of the legendary Roni Lynn Deutch. For only $20, she can save you half a million dollars! That's right, half a million dollars. Because you, as as average American, have $500,000 in limbo that you can easily get back, with her help. Did you know that? Watch!

WeekEND

It's Sunday night and the weekend is over now. It was such a good weekend. I think Walter had a lot of fun this weekend too, because a lot of activities involved him. Saturday morning I picked Katey up and we drove into Detroit to go an indoor dog park. Walter was amazing. There were around 20 other dogs, most larger than he was. When he stepped in the park, they all ran up around him checking him out. He just had this attitude like "oh hi, I'm Walter, let's go ahead and play" and then he'd take off. He was friendly towards all the other dogs and all the other people and didn't show any aggression. It's amazing how just 2 hours of solid "play" for a dog will make them sleep the rest of the day, and that night too.

Today I went to church, but that was almost a waste. It just was not good today at all. I went to one that I hadn't been to since before Christmas and the service was just terrible. After church, the day got a lot better because Katey came over, and we took Walter with us to the Plymouth Ice Festival. Plymouth closes downtown and displays over 100 ice sculptures all around. We had a lot of fun walking around together. Things with Katey are going well. If I could pick a girl with certain qualities, beliefs, and attributes...she would be who I would pick, and it's fun to finally meet a person like that...one who you don't have to "fix" or persuade.

Also...to top it off, I got to watch "The Fountain" on Dan's 60 inch projection TV. Simply amazing. Then we watched "300" on the same TV. "300" was a little, I don't know...graphic for me, but it was still ok.

And I guess that's it. I got clothes Saturday for skiing...some thermal neoprene underwear (shirt and pants), and I'm borrowing goggles and a face-mask. Our work ski trip to Canada is in 2 weeks.

Gambling

Tonight has been my first night at home since...Saturday. I've been out doing things each night. Monday was the movie with Katey, Tuesday I saw Cloverfield with Dan and Tom from work, and last night I went to a Texas Hold 'Em poker game with some people from work. I never knew poker could be so much fun!

It was only my 2nd time playing poker. We played two rounds...the first I didn't so very well, but by the 2nd round I got lucky, or had more skill, I'm not sure which. I like the game though, and I think if I practiced I could be really good. Especially with bluffing. I'm good at lying.

People I work with are inviting me out to do more things with them which is fun. Our work group is pretty close knit outside of work. I can see how that might be a bad thing is something were to go wrong...but it's fun for now. I'm younger than everyone else, but I still have a good time with them. Mostly they're in their late twenties or early thirties.

Aunt Linda took time to send me a nice e-mail today to remind me that in Novi's 10 day forcast, there is only one day where the high is above freezing. Thank you, Linda. I think this snow is going to be on the ground for a long time, this time. The last big snow melted because we had a thaw, but it's going to be cold until March I think.

Tuesday Stuff

Are you wondering if it's still cold? Well, yes, it is. I got this e-mail from my aunt (Hi, Linda) that "oh it's 54 degrees here, and we have the heat on". You're a freak. If it were 54 degrees here I'd have shorts on. Anyway it's still cold.

Last night I went on a "date" with Katey. That's what I'm calling it, because that's what I wanted it to be and I think it was. I think she knows I like her, and if she doesn't she has to be dense. Which is good, because she's a very blunt person so if she didn't want to date now, or in the future she would have said it. I like her a lot though and I told her I'd like to see her more often. She said we could do that. We're going to take Walter to Canine to Five this Saturday since I didn't make it last week.

Tonight I went and saw Cloverfield with two friends from work. It wasn't very good...almost like a Blair Witch Project type movie. The filming made me a little sick to my stomach because the entire movie was filmed in a jittery home-movie type way.

Oh, and I re-joined Facebook. Now, I need to find out when Paul and Lindsey are coming to visit since I stood up to my end of the bargain...

Yes, It Is Still Very Cold

So I didn't really do anything interesting today, and I doubt I will. It's way to cold to do anything, except sit under a blanket and play Super Paper Mario. Todays high is 11 degrees. I went to church, went grocery shopping, then cleaned my apartment (ohhh exciting). Walter was being bratty so I decided to take him for a walk to make him tired. We got outside and he would walk for a little bit, then hold up one of his legs, and cry and sit down. I think the snow/ice was getting packed in his paws and he was crying because it was too cold. So I ended up having to carry him home because he would just cry and lay down.

I think tomorrow's high is 17 degrees?

Frigid

Right now it is 7 degrees Farenheit outside (feels like -10F). Boogers freeze at 4 degrees Farenheit. It is cold; painfully cold. It takes your breath away as you step outside. It's so cold that when I stopped to get gas and I popped the gas door, it wouldn't open because it was frozen shut. I had to pry it open with a car key. It's cold....soooo cold.

Auto Show

I love my job. Today Dan and I left work at 12:30 and went to the 2008 North American International Auto Show. That's part of work, to go and check out the competition and mingle with people. We had a good time. Dan is interested in cars from my standpoint - he loves them, but doesn't care about the racing. So it was fun to walk around with him.

I spent a lot of time at the Subaru display. I really like Subaru now since I have been working with them and since a part I'm designing is going to end up on one of their cars. The only thing I don't like is that they get really bad gas mileage. It's a shame because other than that I think they're really good cars and engineered very well.

Walter slept in my bed with me last night. I thought I'd try it out since he stays in his crate during the day. He seemed to like it and slept through the night without bothering me. The vet said he wouldn't allow it because Walter is too young, but I think Walter is mature for his age (according to a puppy guide, he's about 3-4 weeks ahead). I think I'm going to take him to a dog daycare this weekend (I'll be there) so he can play with other dogs. There's a place in Detroit called Canine to Five. It's a huge warehouse open for dogs to play with one another. I want to go check it out.

I also found out Dan and a guy Tom I work with are huge movie fans, and we like a lot of the same movies so I think we'll do a movie every once in a while. That's one thing I do miss, is going to movies. Becky and I used to go to movies a lot and I haven't been to one in a long time.

I saw my future Civic. I can't wait. That car is just so amazing.

Oh It's Delayed...Again

What is the ONE bad thing you can think of happening, that you wouldn't think could ever happen, but did? Maybe something like, oh I don't know, Smash Brothers being delayed, again, for a 2nd time? Well you're right, that is exactly what happened.

Back in 2006 Paul said "David, Nintendo never sets a release date, and doesn't meet it". I guess it's like that time I asked about the Change Oil Soon light in Paul's car, and the one time I mentioned it, it came on. I have that negative touch on things. Let me explain. I was really excited about Super Paper Mario for the Gamecube. A release date was set. I reserved the game. The game got delayed indefinately, then cancelled completely for the Gamecube. A first for Nintendo I guess of not meeting a date. Then I decided to reserve Smash Brothers Brawl for the Wii. It was scheduled to be released in December of 2007, then got delayed until February 2008, and is now delayed again until March 2008. So from what I gather the only time I reserve things, they get delayed or cancelled.

And we're always told how detailed, punctual, trustworthy, and reliable the Japanese are. I think they are, but I think these game developers are just unorganized and lazy. Like I said before, I'm developing safety critical components for cars, and I meet my timing, why can't they? Oh well. I guess it'll be here in March, mayyybe.

Oh and I voted today in the Michigan Presidential Primary.

How I Do, What I Do

I decided I would let you know how I choose the Pokemon of the Week. It's not everyday someone opens up about how they choose 1 Pokemon out of 493 to be a guest on their blog. So you're lucky.

Well, for starters Paul gave me some Pokemon cards from the ones that appeared in Smash Brothers. He would come into my room and say "Ohhh Ohhhh let me choose a Pokemon of the week!!!". So he would select some random one for the week.

I decided since he wasn't here to do that anymore, I would do it for him through my blog. So the Pokemon of the Week (e edition) was incorporated.

Steps to select a Pokmeon of the Week are as follows:
1) Go to Wikipedia
2) Search for "list of Pokemon"
3) Scroll through the list really fast with your eyes closed
4) Stop at random
5) Look at the list, and find a name that's cool and not stupid
6) Open up a new browser, and search under Google images for the Pokemon you picked
7) Does it looks interesting? If no go back to step number 3 and repeat
8) Settle on a Pokemon that looks good and has a good name
9) Upload it to Pokemon of the Week

So that is how I do it. Now you know. I also will take special requests. If you would like to see one for a week, let me know. I have a Pokemon request form, I-4465-H section A you can fill out. It will then be processed by a review comittee. Processing takes anywhere from 3 days to 4 weeks, depending on how busy the comittee is. You will then be notified if your Pokemon suggestion was accepted.

Wouldn't that be horrible? My blog is fun, not like work so if you want to see one an e-mail will do just fine. I push enough paperwork at my job and I won't allow it on my blog. Have a good week everyone.

***CLICK HERE for a fun video of Walter***

Sabado

Today was a really fun day. I was very tired last night and actually went to bed early around 11:00. I woke up at 9:00 well rested which is early for me, for a Saturday. I did some laundry, and took Walter for a long walk outside. My friend from work Dan asked if I would help him move some of his furniture from his old house to his new condo with some other people from work. I spent most of the day with them, moving stuff from Royal Oak to Plymouth. It was just a fun day being with people form work, outside of work.

Tomorrow I think I'm going to go to a Presbyterian Church in Northville to see what it's like. I wish I could find an identical church to Newspring here.

It's Dry Here

I'm glad it's Friday. I'm glad the weekend is here, and I'm glad I can sleep in tomorrow. Today was a good day at work. We found out our merit increases (i.e. raises) so I was very happy with that. It's always nice to find out you'll make more money. But with more money comes on more expectations/responsibility so it's a trade off.

I bought a humidifier for my apartment because the air is VERY dry here. When I blow my nose, blood is there and Walter is constantly drinking water and chewing on his back legs. The vet found no skin problems, I think his skin is dry and irritated. My skin also is also very dry so I know his must be. Hopefully this will help.

I'm supposed to help a guy I work with move tomorrow. I'm watching his cat right now. Her name is Harley and I've been watching her for the past week. She's a sweet cat, but likes to wake me up in the morning by rubbing her head against mine. It's cute, but not at 6:30 in the morning.

Goodnight.

GET READY

My post today is short, but extremely important. Captain Olimar from Pikmin is going to be in Smash Brothers. If you don't own a Wii, buy one NOW. If you do not have Smash Brothers pre-ordered, a headset, Skype, and a computer. GET THOSE NOW.

When February 10 is here...who knows what is going to happen.

New Tradition

At lunchtime I drive home, take Walter out for a short walk, make lunch, and watch Full House on ABC Family. I'm blessed get to watch about 20 minutes of it before I have to go back to work. I used to wonder why my mom would always moan "Ohhhh Goooosh...how stupid" when Michelle would make a comment like "but Uncle Jesse you prooooomised". I thought it was genuine acting when I was in 4th grade. Now I can't imagine how 1 parent, 3 kids, an uncle, an unemployed friend of the dad, a wife, two twins, and a dog could live in a house and have smiles on their faces all the time. It's still good entertainment.

63 Degrees in January in Michigan - Holy Guacamole

Today was simply amazing. It was overcast and wet, but 63 degrees! The snow melted, the grass underneath was a very vibrant green, and it felt like an April day. It's only early January though. Global warming does have it's perks.

Speaking of global warming...when did it get to be such a political issue? It also seems if you don't believe in it (rather, believe Al Gore's theory), then you're being stubborn or ignoring the facts. I remember in elementary and middle school that global warming was considered a "theory" and now it's somehow magically accepted as truth. When was that conclusion reached?

I believe the Earth is warming. I also believe the Earth goes through temperature cycles that we as humans cannot fully fathom because the cycles fluctuate and change over hundreds, or thousands, of years. I don't think we can take a look at a 50 year window and conclude that the Earth is warming nonstop, and we're doomed. 50 years is like a grain of salt in all of time. I also don't think humans are 100% responsible for climate change. We are probably a contributor, but there are natural variations that outweigh what humans do.

That's not an excuse to by a Hummer or big Suburban though! I'm just saying...

Thawing

Walter is adjusting nicely to his new home. The first few days you could tell he was still learning. He wasn't eating as much, and acted like this apartment wasn't his. Now he's walking around like he knows the place, and he has learned outside pretty well. He also goes in his crate by himself when he gets tired. He's being a very good boy. Katey came over last night and she said he is very smart and well behaved. I'm proud of him.

Today warmed up to 43 degrees, which feels very nice. The snow is melting and tomorrow is supposed to be 57 degrees! I assume it will be down to be arctic like conditions soon though.

At church today they were talking about some of their goals for 2008 and what they had done in 2007. I never used to think back on the previous year, what I had done, and what I had learned, but I did this past year. I think I posted about it. 2007 was very interesting and probably the most changing year in my life.

I think I'm taking Walter to Terissa's house today so he can play with Teenie Weenie and PJ. I'll have to take some pictures if I go.

True Quote

From Grandma Jeanne:

The following is the 2007 winning entry from an annual contest at Texas A&M University calling for the most appropriate definition of a contemporary term.

This year's term: Political Correctness.

"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical, liberal minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."


...How true.

2007 and Stuff

It was a little depressing coming back here yesterday, to be honest. It was depressing because there was 11 inches of snow on the ground, and the holidays are over, and I had to leave my family. I had a really good time in South Carolina and it was nice getting to spend time with everyone. So after driving all day, it was just depressing to come back and have to go back to work...with all this snow.

I also realized after reading Kiki's blog how great 2007 was and how fortunate I was. In 2007 a lot of good things happened:

- I lived in a really great apartment with 2 really fun people, and got a taste of paying rent/bills/taking trash out
- I graduated from college with an engineering degree
- I got a really interesting job doing what I've always wanted to do
- I moved to another state
- I traveled to Japan
- I got a dog
- I am doing ok on my own, keeping a budget & managing money
- I got a positive year-end review at work
- I made new friends here in Michigan, but have kept my "old" friends (oldies but goodies)
- I turned 24 years old, on December 24th...what is that called?

I remember in 11th grade I told my chemistry teacher my goal was to "design something on a car, and then see that car on the road, and be able to say you designed that". By 2009 when the 2010 Subaru Legacy's and Outback's come out, I'll be able to say that.

I loved being with family, and I really enjoyed going back to Newspring (I enjoyed that more than I expected). I hope 2008 is just as great of a year.

As they say in Harcombe Dining Hall in the scrolling marquee "The break is over, it's time to get back to work". That's always so welcoming, I mean hateful.