Meetings!

OK, I am not always in "the know" about everything, and sometimes I don't like it because I'm not. BUT, I do like the fact that I could have ignorance on my side when it came to not knowing things. Now that I have been in my job for nearly 2 years, I have more and more people relying on me to do things. However, because of this, I am in more meetings which takes time away from me to experiment and resolve issues.

I get confused sometimes because of all that is going on, and there is definitely not enough time in the day to get everything complete. However, it is good to see the inner workings of this organization and to be able to communicate with folks who actually have some say-so in the daily operations and future of this organization.

I have also been extremely impressed with the external point of view our consultants bring us, because we do seem to have blinders on sometimes when it comes to education. Technology is a wonderful thing, and being able to automate it is even better! Those who feel the same give me a little "What What!" Weird Al said it best "Think I'm just too white and nerdy..."

Anyway, I am looking forward to being able to provide some input and use my knowledge to make our lives easier and our organization more efficient in the area of IT. I am also glad that I get along as well as I did with my co-workers and the other IT folks here. I believe they are beginning to recognize me as a peer and treat me as such. That is definitely a great feeling!

Ten SQL Server Functions That You Hardly Use But Should

It is amazing to me that the more I learn about SQL code, the more I realize how little I actually know about it! However, it is a lot of fun to find information like this because there are times that I beat my head against the wall trying to figure something out, and a function could easily resolve the problem. I'm certain that I am not the only person that runs into issues like these, because there are numerous forums out there with folks asking the same questions. It is nice to know that there is a community out there of gurus who are willing to help out. I know that, if I actually had anything to offer, I'd be glad to provide answers. However, most end-users actually deal with real SQL tables whereas most of my dealings have been with proprietary software vendors and I can't make changes to the underlying database. Because of this, my experience level is somewhat limited.



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Coupons for Computers

I constantly have folks coming up to me and asking about deals on computers. I admit, it is not really part of my job, but I do actually enjoy researching what's new in the industry and staying abreast of the latest and greatest. It also helps me to communicate better with my peers. It's much like being at the water cooler and having no clue what others are speaking about. I like to be in "the know."

In my researching, I've come across a great website that helps me to know what kind of deals that Dell has on their products. It is the Dell Coupon area of the coupon codes site called Coupon Chief! I can find a system there and upgrade it it with the money I save from a mid-stream product to a top-of-the-line powerhouse.

The thing is, CouponChief.com is not limited to just computers. They have many other items including Apparel, Beauty Products, Electronics, Toys, Music and much more. I guarantee that, no matter what you're shopping for, you should always visit this site first to get a great deal.

CouponChief.com

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Potential Germs

With all the potential germs expelled when we cough, why do we use our hand? We've been taught to cover our mouth, but wouldn't it make sense to use a different part of the body? I've gotten now where I cough into my elbow - that way I am less likely to spread germs. How often do folks tough that part of your body in everyday contact? I am going to try and teach my child to do that. Maybe he'll influence some other kids to do it.

Review My Post

How awesome would it be for you to be able to express yourself online, put a quick link up to it and get paid for someone else reading about it? Well, it is definitely a reality now. As a part of blog marketing you can make a little extra cash with each valid review of your blog.

Simply create your blog and follow the instructions on the affiliate tab. It is quick and easy to set up, and you don't have to do anything more than what you're already doing!

This is also a great way to get traffic to your site. If people know that they can earn money from reviewing your information, the more they may be willing to link to you if they enjoy reading your posts. That will allow your ratings to go up which is a definite plus!

The beautiful thing about the reviewing option is that you don't even have to be publishing sponsored posts. All you have to do is have a blog and a hunger to share your thoughts and ideas with the world! How often do you get a chance to earn a paycheck for having a good time and speaking your mind? Not too often in my world!

Transporter Daddy

Taking the boy to his great grandparent's. I can tell his meds are kicking in - he can barely keep his eyes open! So pitiful, so sweet! I hope that he quickly heals from this experience. I know he's really going through a lot right now, not understanding why we would do this to him. But we did explain it to him the best we could - I mean, he is 3 years old!

The boy came through!

The boy came through surgery fine. Recovery has been hard. We have had little success getting him to eat anything. He has done well otherwise. Everyone came to see him and brought gifts. He goes through the whole gamut of emotions and moods, but all in all he's still my boy!

Go get a room!

The family went on a vacation not too long ago to Florida. At the time I booked the room, I contacted the place directly and thought I got a pretty good deal. However, I just found out about this website that helps you with your Hotel Reservations. I looked up the same place that we stayed, and I could have had a night free with the savings I would have received from this place!

The neat thing is that the Hotel Reservations website is extremely easy to navigate. Everything you need is right there in a single click. And not only does it do a search for specific dates, room needs and a specific city, there are advanced search options for exact addresses, a particular zip code or even a preferred amenity!

You are not only limited to hotel reservations on this site either. There are links to book a rental car if you are flying to a destination and need to get around. And speaking of flying somewhere, they have air travel on this site as well! The beautiful thing is, the more that you book at one time, the better the discount. This would be the perfect solution for business travel to take care of all your needs in one quick visit. And, of course, your company will love that you're saving money. Maybe you can find a nice restaurant while you're out and have a tasty meal with some of the savings!

Hotel Reservations is not only limited to the United States. There are offerings on their website for all major destinations in the world. Once again, booking flights and rental cars is all included in one easy to use location. They have also done all the work for finding current specials, particular spa or golf destinations and anything from family fun to gambling needs. And for those who are not comfortable giving out their credit card information out over the internet, there is a convenient toll free number to call. It is available 24 hours a day so that if you decide at 4:00 AM to book it, they are ready to place your booking.

For our friends who do not speak English, the site is available in translated German, French, Spanish and Italian. There is also a number in Europe to call for local bookings. No matter what your need, they have it all covered here. But, if you just want to go somewhere, they offer a toll free number to call so they can put together a vacation package perfect for you - and at a significant discount.

So the next time you get ready to search for a booking for hotel, vacation rental, rental car or airfare, forget all those other websites - choose Hotel Reservations! I am certain they will meet your every need. I'm using them now to book our Spring Break destination!

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I just want to say

I just want to say how much I love my wife and babies! I had fun with the boy this morning pretending to eat him up. There are times that they can get on my nerves, but all in all, they are the world to me. I am so excited about the birth of our new child. I know the boy will be a GREAT big brother!

Gotta teach tonight

Gotta teach tonight. Will be giving the midterm and I hope they all do well. Tried not to make it too hard.

Church was really good

Church was really good this morning. Brotherhood breakfast was delicious! There was an excellent turn out for Sunday school and the service.

Rock and Roll

The wife and I were on the way home last night from work. She grabbed my hand and placed it on her belly over on the left hand side. In just a couple of minutes, I felt the baby rolling around all over the place. It was absolutely amazing because I think I felt more movement out of him than I did the entire pregnancy with the boy.

This evening, the wife took out her iPod and my headphones, hooked them up and turned on some music, and then placed the headphones on her belly. She said that he was just going crazy over the music. I was excited when she said that he really enjoyed Journey the best. I believe she played it 2 different times and he moved around both times specifically on that song as compared to other songs she played.

I went over to my sister's house today to work on their computer and my niece was drawing pictures. She came in to show her mama what she had drawn not long after I had been there, and it was a very good drawing of Blue from Blue's Clues. I still can't believe she's already 5 and still at only 5 can do what she can!

This is the wife

This is the wife. The bambino is kicking like crazy! Jason doesnt know Im doing this from his phone.