"DEAR READERS, FORGIVE ME..FOR IT'S BEEN 8 DAY SINCE MY LAST POST"

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Yes, hard to believe how fast time has gone by, but I've been busy trying to beat the clock on every doctor appt I could get, which led to new medications I would need, etc. It wouldn't be so bad if they were in a 2 block area and when your appt. is at 3, they see you at three, but the extended waiting, maneuvering in traffic, and avoiding the people coughing and sneezing just feet away in the waiting room was enough to drive me crazy!
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I think I've managed to apply for unemployment insurance, and will find out March 6th when I go back to the website. While it would help, it's limited help. Back to the doc's - I found out that I had scoliosis, and the beginning of osteoporosis (it's on the back). My blood work came out looking good, except I have less than desirable cholesterol again. About 7 years ago I had really bad cholesterol, couldn't find a medicine that I could handle (no matter what I took, my joints, especially the elbows) hurt so bad it was hard to keep working. Eventually I gave up trying meds. Two years later, blood tests revealed excellent results, and yet I hadn't changed a thing; so I'm going to take the same approach as before (do nothing).
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Finally, late yesterday after a lengthy appointment the eye doc said "You have the early stages of glaucoma". So ended my appointments (I missed two) and by 6pm when we left the eye doc, I was beat (and blinded by those drops they put in your eyes). Two weeks of pushing the mule (me) to the doctors, or just trying to get from one to another was enough to bring a smile to face- It was Saturday, it was over. I'm sure more than one person may have thought I was job hunting or just relaxing and trying to take it all in, but no - not yet, today starts the reflecting and plans for the future. I'm leaning towards a different path, which may require school, but I'm pretty sure I can find some jobs that will fit the class schedules.
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Naturally, at 9a.m. on Saturday morning, I'm listening to "Click and Clack" the guys on "Car talk". It's funny, and they're pretty good on fixing a car over the phone. I'll bet some of you have caught them more than half a dozen times a year; if not, find NPR on Saturday mornings or (I'm checking their website right now) it looks like you can listen to it via the web here:http://www.cartalk.com/ct/review/index.jsp try it, ya might like it. Hmm, their show is available on I-POD's too, good, I can catch up on some that I missed.
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I was driving into the apartment complex when I saw a Truck that said "Moving Truck", and after watching it for 20 minutes I realized - it wasn't. Besides Car Talk Saturday, it's time to look at my meager bank balance, then go watch "The Replacement killers" or "Shoot'em Up" to get that out of my system, and maybe take some pictures or something else relaxing, 'cause Monday it's stop at the community college, see if I like something, then start applying for jobs in the immediate area.
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The last email I read (awhile back) was curious what the soon-to-be-ex looked like, so I went through a bunch of photo's and could only dig up this one. I guess I lost the creative urge to take pictures after I got married, or maybe the CB GAZETTE sapped it outta me, but this is the only one found - but there ya go! Anyone who has sent an email to me within that last few weeks, if I have got back to ya, it's just 'cause I haven't be around much to read email's. Don't worry, I did scan briefly each day and mark the radio related one.
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AND THAT'S ALL FOLKS!! FOR THIS EXCITING CATCH-UP

UNTIL THE NEXT ONE

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73/'Nuff Said

Woody

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"DAY, KLATU-KARAIMI-MrrrrrrrFRA"

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YES, that the hint for all of you lame asses out there who either didn't drive hundreds of miles to meet the "King" or hundreds of miles to one of the few theatres it was shown at last year, but mind you, if you call yourself a Bruce Campbell fan, you must, as the LEAST buy his video!! Yup, "My Name Is Bruce" is finally (ed. - and that's a LONG finally folks. I remember talking to Armando about this movie coming out at least 3 or 4 years ago, 'Nuff Said).

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Sure, Bruce is older, so don't expect some young "Ash" to be busting through the screen. This film was made where he lives, much of it on his property, using local actors and makes fun of himself and/or some of your typical hollywood types in a manner that can't help but make ya admire the guy while you're laughing your ass off. Robin and I saw it at the Alamo theatre in Austin. (oh look it up, I think it's on an older blogpost). The DVD came out last week, but I was self obsessed most of last week, and realized I'd forgot to mention the release.
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That's is for this posting

(wadda want? War'n Peace?)

73 & 'Nuff Said

Woody

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"VALENTINES DAY WEEKEND - PT2"

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Before anyone starts chidding in about the cheap e-card, I also gave her some flowers, and they smelled great - and yes, Robin liked them. Plans for the movie didn't work out as she didn't get here 'til later, but she did bring one of those pizza-pizza $5 pizzas and that can last up to 3, maybe 4 days.

- Robin waiting for the opera...

Sunday when we got together, we went to see a comedy, knowing Friday-the-13th would still be lurking in theatres for at least another week, and being the BIG spender I am, we stopped by McDonalds for a couple crispy chicken bacon ranch salads (If you haven't tried on yet, it might be worth it 'cause they taste great).

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And of course, no apparent DX. I think I'll have to check that antenna connection again, in between going through the boxes of my stuff from work that (many) were packed like crap (I had pictures everywhere). Then there's looking into un-employment insurance, a doctors appointment, calling the the front office about that garbage disposal unit again, oh my gosh, more work than an unemployed fellow can handle!!

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Until the next post -

73

Woody

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"VALENTINES DAY (weekend), 2009"

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Valentines Day weekend was very nice this year, making 2 wonderful years celebrating Valentine's Day (something I could not seem to do previously). Friday night was a night out at the Opera, and my mood swings were there as well. I did enjoy the second half of the opera though, and of course, the company of Robin.

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Rising up from the underground parking garage, the skies were suddenly filled with hundreds of birds, but by the time I could get a shot, only one swarm was visible.

Having to save funds for Valentines day, there wasn't much spending, but Robin is so creative, when she stopped by on Saturday I received the most fantastic gift I have ever received. It was a small scrap book that she put together for me and each time I read it, I find something new and/or funny (she has a great sense of humor).

I could tell that she spent many hours on this task, which made it that much more special. My e-mailed valentine card paled in comparison to this special book, that I will be sure to read, many times over. I've included a few pictures of some of the pages to give you an idea how much work she put into the project, along with a picture of a rose she gave me, like her, and her book, the rose was perfect!

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WHAT A FANTASTIC ROSE!!!!!

END PART ONE

WOODY

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"FRIDAY THE 13th - THE ONE WEEK ANNIVERSARY"

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It seems strange as I write this, one week after losing my job, and finding it's Friday the 13th. I don't believe in things like that, or old wives tails like hang a dead snake over a fence and it will bring rain (Bet ya never heard that one). I have heard "It's raining frog's", but that was on the show the X-files (then again, maybe they were toads).
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I've had a few emails, some wanting to know about the anger there must be in being fired from a job I started in August of 1997, but when droopy came aboard last year, I figured my days were numbered, so what's to be angry about if you know it's coming? One friend of mine got me laughing pretty good about the latest picture of me that I'd posted. I don't remember his exact words, but it was something like "Damn, did you get that picture taken in the bar from the movie "Death Proof"??
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I'm still chuckling at that one. The only bad thing that happened, i guess, is that the guy didn't come and replace the garbage disposal. I will try again, and again, and so forth. Over all, the day/night was mixed. I flipped on the rig once or twice (ed.- no skip), and yeah, I'm going to see the new "Friday the 13th" movie sometime soon.
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So as short as this may be, well, 'Nuff said

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73

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WOODY

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"DAY SIX...."

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Well, here we are, at DAY 6. I spent most of the day home (had a power adapter fry, and tore the radio room apart unsuccessfully finding it). But I did take my 7pm break to watch "EARL". -
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And, I've yet to be able to tell any of my story: Which I hope will come out sooner than later. No one seems interested in my side as well as, no one seems too interested I have no income now. During the 2007 fall period until the end of the year (2008)I've paid my temporary Alimony- in fact, I didn't have to pay the month of December, but I did. My Doctor found a lot a problems with my health (which others had missed - GO SOX DOC!!), and I've made some recovery, but without a job and great insurance (which I had), I suspect a slow decline once again.

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Well, I suppose I should go back to finding that burned out adapter as I've lost all 5 USB ports, then clean up the mess I made trying to find another one, and perhaps, in one-two-three or more months? this will end with a homeless Woody....
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73

Woody

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"DAY FIVE....."

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Well fearless fans, the day of the Divorce came yesterday. And no, there was no divorce. Because of my untimely release from work, the opposition seemed to suspect I quit my job to avoid child, oops! I mean alimony.
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I found that kinda amusing as I've been paying alimony all along since 2007, so why would I give up a well paying job, with excellent benefits to avoid it? My body is not producing a variety of things necessary for an normal life, heck just one prescription alone is almost $600 so I don't see the logic in my terminating my employment myself. Here we go back to a bunch of "lawyers in buses plunging over cliff" jokes, but you've heard 'em all at one time or the other. I felt a tremor in the force and glanced back to find my 1st ex-wife sitting there, somewhat "Stocky"(courtrooms should charge someone like that for 2 seats, much like some airlines do, and I guess someone drove her up from Houston, because as far I know, at age 52, she still doens't own a driving license (any doctors in the house?).
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But because the other lawyer almost teared up over the fact I'm unemployed and how it will effect future alimony, I have to give him credit for a good acting job (not quite an oscar, but I suppose actors and lawyers aren't all that different). I did find out some interesting details which of course I'm not allowed to discuss, much like Michele, her mom, and Robin's soon-to-be ex, but I suspect they have their little network regardless of the what the Judge says (did I ever mention that her lawyer is Robins husbands lawyers as well??). So as it stands, I'm looking on ways to pay next months rent, while she sits in a house that I paid off with money I made while she slept until noon or so.

It is slightly puzzling that at the end of this kinda-trial, Michele's Lawyer was telling her what to pack where, etc. while he talked to the judge, almost like an employee or lap dog. I can't recall my attorney asking the same of me.
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By the time we got back into Houston it was around 2 and so we made a trip to my doc's for whatever free samples he had on hand for stuff like acid-flux. Neither Robin or I were in the best of moods until rush hour traffic time, and as a picture in an art gallery can mean one thing to one person and something entirely different to another no one should jump to any conclusions as to what the picture means, if anything at all, except; that it's a picture - ART
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As for finding a new job.....I'm taking as long a break I can before returning to the work force (unless some great job drops in my lap), but I haven't had a real (R-E-A-L) vacation since 1997 when I was first hired there, so I this is my chance for some time off, not having to worry about what is happening at work without me (it was just me) and unwind (provided I can pay my rent, electricity, and cable). I'm sure there are many of you have had similar lack of vacations, so you'll agree some time-off and mental cleansing is long due. However, unlike the one-day-to-be ex, I will seek employment.
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So now, I am I told "To wait" (easy for someone making money to say), but in the meantime, there are a lot of things and places Robin (who looked FANTASTIC yesterday) and I have wanted to go to or visit around town and what better time to spend waiting, eh?
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Until my next crappy posting -

73

Woody

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"DAY 3 AND 4...."

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I missed yesterday's post, so I thought I'd combine the two days together (who would have thought that not being employed keeps you pretty busy). Yesterday was like the previous 2, like a sine-wave. Someone did offer to get me out of the apt. and go see a movie, and while I was partially inclined to just molt in the radio room, I went anyways. I saw "Fan Boys", which was playing at only one theatre of all Houston.
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It was pretty funny even in a sine-wave kinda mood, reminding me of "Free Enterprise" to a certain degree. It was very entertaining and if you've seen Star Wars fans, and or Star Trek fans (or are one or both), you'll enjoy it even more. Several cameo's and a good storyline executed well makes this something you'll either drive to the one theatre to see, or buy the DVD.
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Between that, and a stop of at a favorite Ale establishment pretty much killed the day.
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TODAY

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Today was mostly wrestling with getting the taxes done for tomorrows divorce, and a followup doctors visit. Which leave me where we're at now, 2 Ales down and a blog post almost completed. I heard from a good (yet never met) friend Dave, and his e-mail about my current situation. Much appreciated Dave - Thanks!.
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So that's where I end this posting (gotta get in that final divorce trial mode) and I'll let ya know how that ends up tomorrow. At least we can expect no more free rides for the Ex, as I'm in the same unemployed boat she is....
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73

Woody

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"DAY TWO...."

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Well, I'm into day two of unemployment, and must say it's a lot worse than yesterday (guess I was just "numb") and so the fear factor sets in, the reality of getting a job at my age, at an equal (or close to salary). Not to mention not having a phone and having to rely on e-mails or IM to contact people.
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The place I worked at was great as far as benefits go, and I'll miss those, and perhaps a few people there too; Hey, it was great only living about 5 miles from work. As you know, I've been through a ton of medical tests to find out reasons why things weren't working and without those benefits, it would have been hard to do. The irony of it all is that they had found most of the stuff wrong with me and taking the appropriate medications and the ton of certain vitamins, I was actually feeling more like my old self in the recent months.
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You never realize how much crap you have to change when something like this occurs, and I've been working on changing addresses, etc. Unfortunately, it'll be tough paying for this place w/o a job, but all I can do is believe that things will workout. On a brighter note, for all of those "I wish I had the time to complete this" items, can be done, once I'm outta this funk.
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Resumes. This will take quite a bit of thought as the last resume I had was from around 1991 and if it still exists, it's currently in someone Else's possession. I'll work on it amongst other things, but still the first item on the list is the Divorce on Tuesday. Once this long/extended ordeal is over, I can breathe a sigh of relief and that'll clear up a big spot in the brain so I can work on other things. The worst part is, after working there since 1997, I've come to consider some of the end users as friends, and hope that their future projects will still go as planned, in my absence.
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CB or HAM radio stuff is temporarily off limits and I'll probably have to sell a few items to meet next months rent. Don't get me wrong - I'm not writing this for self-pity, but for the other 598,000 jobless folks in the US as of January (maybe that makes me the 598,001 jobless person eh?). There's no way I can afford to fix the Lumina, so I have time to clean it out and perhaps donate it, depending on the divorce finalization. It was a good radio car, but with some grounding issues I could never resolve. The only thing that worked well was my VHF/UHF rig (that was until something electrical blew it out), and I never had great HF performance, but it was halfway decent performance.
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In the meantime, I have plenty of things to change (regarding shipping addresses, phone numbers, etc.) and it sure would be nice to have a little DX to perk up 'ol Woody, but the sunspot numbers just aren't there. So someone send me an email about this D-Star I've been hearing about. I'd like to read something from an everyday ham vs. Manufacturer propaganda. As well, is there anything that excites you on the radio market? (ed. - yeah, I still haven't taken that AES catalog out of the plastic).
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It's a shame I had to get rid of the TS-850 (my favorite recent rig) and it would be nice for the manufacturers to drop prices due to the economic situation the world is going through. I was listening to NPR and they were saying the un-employed level is equal to or worse than 1974 (coincidentally the same day my services were no longer required.) If it weren't for the rebuilding of an old PC I wouldn't be typing this now, and it doesn't really require much oompf; this Pentium one is doing just fine only I have to return the monitor to the former job, which I'll do sometime next week. With the price of LCD's spiralling downward, I should be able to pick up a fairly good deal.
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So, until I find some employment, I'll probably have time to drop daily posts (day2, 3, 4, etc.). Hope ya have some DX in your area!! Mine is dead -
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73

Woody

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"THE GOOD NEWS IS......"

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I'm alive. The bad news is, the Stonerguy got canned from work today. Yup, I'm typing to you today without office, card key, or income (well, it was payday today, so I guess that's better than it not being payday). If I were to trace back in time, today's event partially comes from the bitter rantings of someone, that festered for a year or two. No matter how dark things can seem at times there is always a bright side; Mine? I can't pay alimony if I'm not working. True, the judge can say she gets 10% of Zero, but...I don't think so.
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As well, because the soon-to-be-ex and lawyer always refused to settle, I'll get a percentage of the sale of the homestead and land, as well as a good share of it's contents. I just paid my Internet bill and rent, so I have that [pardon me while I digress, but I was paying the bill in person, the guy in front of me sees my shirt which features Bruce Campbell in "The Man With the Screaming Brain" and before you know it, I'm in a 3-way conversation with that guy and the one behind me in the line, about the great actors of horror - Lon Chaney Jr., Boris Karloff, etc. and I'm thinking "This is pretty freaking weird" just being axed and having a good conversation with some guys I don't even know. Surreal - that's what it was], and a Big Smooch to Robin for having the foresight in giving me a pad of paper for passwords (or else I might not be writing this blogs post today). I'm not planning anything farther than getting divorced next week, and that's the way it outta be...I have great beer plans for the near future (well, "Ale" to be technical).
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So while I pursue those goals, until the next post

73

Woody

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