Lots To Catch Up On

Let's see, there's a ton of things to catch up on. I attended a professional conference last week in Hays, Kansas. Wish it was some place exotic, but at least it was close. It was a good conference and I had a great time. I drank way too much Wednesday night, but that's all part of the experience. I presented my research on Friday and think it went OK.

Then, I went to the Nebraska Football game Saturday morning. Woohoo! We played San Jose State. The huskers didn't play as well as we'd hoped, but they did eke out a win, so can't complain about that. The weather was perfect, cool, cloudy, and not much wind. There was some spotty drizzle just before half time, but it didn't last long. That may be the only game I get to go this year, so was thankful for the opportunity! Thanks Ron (father in law), I had a great time!

I got the yard mowed earlier this week before the rains came. I also started trimming down some of the perennial flowers in the flower beds. They're done for the year so no need to string them along. Fall is fast approaching, and honestly, I'm looking forward to the first frost. It will put an end to my allergies, although I haven't had hardly any trouble at all this year. While mowing the yard, they flared up a little, but nothing like previous years. It's been nice. The rain started this morning, and we've had well over an inch. The rain helps to wash out the pollen too, so it's all good.

We head to Vegas in a couple of weeks. I'm looking forward to the 4 day vacation! Yeah! Should be fun. My brother will be there, and we're also attending the wedding of one of my coworkers. We are doing a bachelor/bachelorette party Friday night, so that should be fun too, where we can actually put to use the classic phrase, "What happens in Vegas..." :O

Our HD TV is starting to go out. It's a Sony 34" tube TV, but now shuts itself down at random points. The diagnostic light blinks 6 times, which helps pinpoint the problem. Guess I need to call the TV repairman. I did buy an extended warranty with this TV, so will see if they're willing to repair it under the contract. Time will tell.

I also need to get the furnace serviced. It's time to renew my annual contract. I'm kind of anal about stuff like that. Preventative maintenance is key I think, although it sure gets pricey sometimes. I also am having our driveway professionally sealed in a couple of weeks. We've got a few cracks that need to be sealed, and all the joints need to be sealed too. It's a pretty big job, and I don't really want to mess with it. A neighbor down the street had a company come in and do it, so I got an estimate too. It will be a little pricey, but at least it'll be a professional job and will make any maintenance or repairs down the road much easier.

Oh yeah, we also need new cordless phones. I have 5 in the house, all the same model, all tied into a single base unit. They are as old as the house, now five years. They won't hold a charge anymore, so all need new batteries. Actually, we've lost one somewhere in the house, so we're down to 4. I could buy new batteries, but with phones as cheap as they are, I got another 5-unit system on sale this past weekend for what it would have cost to buy batteries. Plus, it's upgraded technology based on DECT6.0, so it's a different frequency that should have less interference.

Oh yeah, my wife bought a new dress and shoes for Vegas, and it's going to cost them $90 each to head out on the town, which doesn't include drinks, dinner, tip, or transportation. And I have no idea what we'll be spending at our clubs. So needless to say, the credit card is getting a workout.

Sigh, it's always something. I think it's a never ending cycle to spend more than we make. I should change my license plate to NDET4VR at this point. :)

There is a new hurricane brewing on the horizon, Hurricane Ike. It's headed directly for Houston and it may be pretty bad. Am praying for everyone's safety, but the track doesn't look good right now.