30 Jan, 2013

Idiosyncrasies

By |2013-01-30T17:42:31-05:00January 30th, 2013|My Life|0 Comments

id·i·o·syn·cra·sies
1. A structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group.

I have one that I’m not sure anyone else really thinks about. Tomorrow I’m leaving on a trip for a few days and will be back on Sunday. Even though this is only a short period of time, it is essential for me to clean up everything in my living quarters so that when I return, it’s perfectly neat and clean. A one night leave doesn’t require that this happen but anything over 2 is a must. I think it has to do that when I return I don’t want to have to worry about anything being out of place because most likely my mind will be somewhere other than how clean my room is.

Just a few that come to mind:

  • I won’t dry off with a smelly towel
    I don’t wear bright colors
    I won’t wear pant khakis with anything but a dress shirt (golfing is an exception)
    Milk can only be drank out of the carton
  • I could turn this into a lengthy post but I don’t have the time. I’m sure everyone has their own quirks which is actually perfectly normal therefore contradicting it being peculiar. So it goes.

    29 Jan, 2013

    A Candid 2/5 Mid Life Crisis

    By |2013-01-29T20:18:47-05:00January 29th, 2013|My Life|0 Comments

    Better_Half_cat

    It’s fair to say that I’ve lived 40% of my expected life expectancy. The odd thing about that statement is that I normally don’t take the time to think about it in that blunt of a way. I’ve lived almost 30 years and will have 45 more years if things go well. 30 years seems like a really long time considering that I hardly even remember anything that happened to me before 10 years of age. 10 -18 is schooling where I was taught the basics and how to think. College, 18-21, at least for me, was when I started to think out of the box a little bit and start understanding that the world is bigger than what’s in my state. Immediately coming out of school I was happy to be working and saving money that I didn’t have anytime to even think about anything other than getting myself established. I’d say that took two years and then I started to grasp what I was doing professionally and becoming more involved to the point that I felt comfortable earning a living on my own. With all that being mentioned, I’d say that I’ve reached a point of my life where I can stop and smell the roses. At least that’s how I’m describing this current life point which isn’t all that comfortable.

    Let me start by mentioning that absolutely nothing is wrong. For me to even be complaining is an insult to people who have significant life problems. Both of my parents are still living, I have a great group of friends, money issues are not making life miserable, and I’m healthy. All things considered, I should be one happy camper. So let me delve into some thoughts that irk me.

     

    • Boredom. 1) I’m tired of the same old song and dance on weekdays. I work, I work out, I watch some TV, I repeat. This is healthy and safe living but it’s not actually living. 2) The boozing on weekends doesn’t change. I’ve experienced the cheap thrills of gambling, strip clubs, late nights, and everything in between. I’m not saying I party harder than you, but chances are I’ve been doing it longer. The satisfaction in these actions is extremely difficult to find. HOWEVER, without part 2 of this, I have problems finding a spice to life.
    • Work. I’ve never done anything else but work after I finished school. I had 1 week off after I graduated and I’ve spent my time at Stortz tools for coming up on 8 years since then. I know nothing else but this business. This business is my life. I’ve learned such a tremendous amount that I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for anything. How many people do you know who have negotiated an interchange passthrough +10 basis points for their company’s credit card processing? Problem is that there is no end in sight and my ideas for the company are starting to dry up. The more I’ve learned, the more I understand what works and what doesn’t work and when you own your own business, there is nobody to tell you what to do. I’ve started to feel this pressure of not necessarily a failing business, but a business that is trying to find an identity.
    • Marriage. This article on barstool shares some of my thoughts, but this quote can sum it up “Basically there are like 2 main reasons guys get married: 1) Peer Pressure – You don’t wanna be the old weirdo who’s balding and fat and missed the boat while all your other friends got married and had families. 2) Path of least resistance – You’ve been dating the same girl for a really long time and through the Power of the Pussy she has learned how to manipulate you and you’re kind of afraid of her so you just get married to keep her happy and quiet.” I don’t need to elaborate on this much other than reason 1 being the driving force to a major decision which doesn’t exactly raise my expectations on a strong outcome.

     

    The problem stems from doing the same thing over and over. This is funny because I’m heading to Florida for 3 days and then going to San Antonio for 3 days after that. It’s bigger than just a short vacation though. I think it’s that I’ve never gotten the chance to do whatever I want to and I don’t see it happening either and that’s depressing. If I have to answer what makes me happiest, I’d say a bright sunny day while I’m smoking a cigar, drinking some beer, and hitting a golf ball as close to a hole as I can. Maybe I want to do that for 2 months straight until I get tired of it. Who’s stopping me? Technically nobody except that it would be completely irresponsible. Even though it’s what I want to do? Sam, wrote about passion and this isn’t a new thought to me. People who succeed do so because they have a love for what they’re doing.

    I don’t have passion for things. I do something to the best of my ability and then look for something else once I get tired of that. Jack of all trades, master of none. It explains my lack of relationships because I don’t “love” things. I can’t explain it exactly but I don’t get attached to things. This entry comes from an absence of loving. I’m a total pussy for whining about these things because there are probably 6 billion people in this world trade spots with me in an instance but sitting, right now, typing this, this is how I think. My mind doesn’t get stuck in the minutiae of life. I don’t care who wins the game, who wins an election, who’s dating who, what Lindsay Lohan is doing. I care about how I can develop as an individual and be happy. Blog posts like these help me write down thoughts just like a diary except that I share everything because it substantiates my existence. When I look back on this I know what I was thinking on 1/29/13. It also allows me to write what goes through my head so you can apply it to your own life. Just hit 1,000 words which might make this the longest post of my life, I hope there are some meaningful points behind it.

    29 Jan, 2013

    Morons of Yahoo

    By |2013-03-15T03:00:06-04:00January 29th, 2013|Sports|1 Comment

    That’s it. I’m done with these stories. If it doesn’t come from BarStool, I don’t care about it. These two articles I read on Yahoo are THE WORST pieces of reporting I have come across. They make me slap my head and wonder who allows these to get on their home page as actual stories.

    Joe Flacco saying playing the Superbowl in cold weather is “retarded”
    “Yeah, I think it’s retarded. I probably shouldn’t say that. I think it’s stupid. If you want a Super Bowl, put a retractable dome on your stadium. Then you can get one. Other than that I don’t really like the idea. I don’t think people would react very well to it, or be glad to play anybody in that kind of weather.”

    People not dissing Tim Tebow


    The only story here is how hurting Yahoo must be for stories. These waste my time and want to me never read another thing from Yahoo. I’m not a pussified version of America who cares if Flacco calls something retarded or if nothing was said about Tim Tebow. People have gotten so sensitive to everything that it’s going to be our downfall. Our country is a bunch of pussies who are going to get stomped on the first chance of conflict. It’s a good thing we spend so much money on warfare because without it we’d be toast.

    29 Jan, 2013

    Tell Tale Signs Of Ability

    By |2013-01-29T17:24:16-05:00January 29th, 2013|My Life|4 Comments

    There is no arguing with this list, it is truth.

    • As you walk, if your right foot points out to the right and your left foot points out to the left with each step you take, you’re not athletic, you are perhaps even goofy. Athletic footsteps points straight ahead. A theory that hasn’t been proven but that has been suggested is that toes that point inward with each step are the highest level of athletes.
    • The pace of your walk decides your dedication to life. Slow walkers are probably lazy, out of shape, and are generally lax about life. Quick walkers have places to go and don’t want to waste their time walking from point A to point B.
    • Hot Shots Golf 3 on Playstation 2 was the best golf game ever created that tested your hand eye coordination and decision making. If you could shoot -21 on some of their harder courses in high wind, you had something to be proud of. I don’t count golden tee because the track ball isn’t as precise.
    • You would think I would have some creative ideas about sleeping and eating but I really don’t. I’ve seen skinny people eat ridiculous amounts, fat people who work out, and people who sleep too much or too little, I don’t see any connection whatsoever to how that determines you as a person.
    28 Jan, 2013

    I’ve got nothing

    By |2016-10-29T13:35:15-04:00January 28th, 2013|My Life|0 Comments

    In more ways than one. It’s sort of a stalled feeling. I’m not sure if its the weather or what but my brain is encountering a blockade. I can’t think through ideas and I’m not even sure what I should be doing if I were to do something. Instead I’m just posting about not knowing what to write about. I’ve used this idea of a post plenty of times and I know it gets old but I have to imagine this is better than nothing. Once people check the site a few days in a row with no update, they just stop checking it.

    I also think it’s a combination of my next week coming up which will involve me being out of the state on business and pleasure. I move right into check out mode starting as early as possible. That’s at least my excuse for why I’m not producing for this blog. I’m sure I’ll figure something out but for now, that’s it.

    25 Jan, 2013

    Katy Perry Not to Hot

    By |2016-10-28T15:24:35-04:00January 25th, 2013|Music|0 Comments

    Katy Perry not to hot is a sad sight to see. I watched this Katy Perry gif for a minute straight watching my favorite female celebrity get boob enhancements, stretch mark erases, and the lighting of an angel. I do find it fairly amazing how tricked into thinking the public is on what their favorite celebrities actually look like. For some reason though I think that if I met Katy in person, I’d still be head over heels. Let’s of course not forget about these banging pictures that I stumbled upon a few months ago.

    I’m not sure exactly what it is but Katy just comes across at the perfect female for me. I like the voluptuous curves, the beautiful singing voice, and the cute girl face. Although it’s a shame that this picture displays the harsh reality of this world, I’ll get over it.

    katyperrynottohot

    23 Jan, 2013

    Philly Broad Street Run Lottery Sucks

    By |2013-03-15T03:00:42-04:00January 23rd, 2013|Running, Sports|6 Comments

    phillybroadstreetrunlottery

    The Philly Broad Street Run lottery sucks. I received an email today about a lottery system being implemented due to the overwhelming amount of “runners” who wish to compete in the Broad Street Run. Last year there were 34,058 runners who competed which is a huge amount and makes this one of the biggest road races in America. The email stated something that I agree 100% with:

    “After considerable amount of research and discussion, it has been decided that the Blue Cross Broad Street Run will be using a lottery system to select the 2013 race participants. This decision was not made lightly and will help us continue to be a race for all levels of RUNNERS. At this point, I must stress that this is a ROAD RACE. Walkers are strongly discouraged from entering this event. “

    Obviously what happened with this race is that too many non-runners were taking the place of actual people who want to run seriously. Let me just go over my thinking on this topic. First thing I want to mention is that runs have turned into leisurely strolls and talking amongst friends. The hobby joggers have come out in full force. As this usually has no effect whatsoever on me (aside from the award ceremony being delayed), for a race of this magnitude it is a big deal. The term 5k RACE no longer has any meaning. My opinion on the Broad Street Run (it should be changed to race) is that everyone should complete the race in 1 hour 40 minutes. If you can’t do 10 10 minute miles, you aren’t physically capable of completing this race and taking a spot of someone who is.

    NOTE: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH PEOPLE WHO CAN’T DO A 10 MINUTE MILE, THEY JUST AREN’T READY FOR THIS RACE. A 10 minute mile would probably require a consistent light jog. If you need to walk for a baby 10 mile run, you aren’t ready for this race. 20,064 people completed the race under 1:40 last year which would eliminate 14,000 people from last year’s race. That seems like a more reasonable number and would allow for plenty of people on the cusp and thousands of people who deserve to be allowed to run. The ceiling could even be upped to allow for people to the maximum amount of allotted runners which is 34,000.

    I personally think it sucks that I could potentially get skipped over for this race. I’ve done it the last 4 years and I find it to be one of the best courses and perhaps the fastest race with the most competition that allows me to set personal bests. A time ceiling keeps out the people who are doing it for fun. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with doing races for fun but it turns an already wimpy sport into a laughing stock. This isn’t just some 5k where everyone wants to have a good time (nice pun). This is a prestigious event that has become watered down by the magnitude of “runners”. Serious runners should not have to worry about getting in because of some lottery. And perhaps their system will guarantee all fast runners but that’s not what I expect from a lottery.

    The obvious response to this is how do you know who to allow? Anyone can say they are going to run 1:40. Simple answer, prove it. What did you run at the Broad St last year? What is your best in a ten mile run? I’m not saying that it has to be a strict guideline but the idea is to keep out the riff raff and turn this race into an actual race and not a social event. It obviously bothers me that I have a chance of not getting in due to the lottery and this is my suggestion to make sure I get in. Selfish perhaps, but I write what I feel and knowing that some slob can sign up and take my spot doesn’t make me happy.

    22 Jan, 2013

    Agitated

    By |2013-03-15T03:00:50-04:00January 22nd, 2013|My Brain|0 Comments

    Today was one of the few days at work and I was feeling agitated. It was a combination of factors that attributed to this feeling and it isn’t a good feeling. When you are in charge of your own business, you don’t get paid to work. There is no salary for a job like this. The amount of business you are able to generate ties directly into how much money you make. So there will be days like today where things just don’t go your way and you spend your entire day losing money. Generally days like this are days that you want to forget about.

    The first ongoing agenda item is that there are lots of little orders that don’t amount to much or orders for quirky items that require more work than the profit you make. These scenarios take time and even though it’s not in your best interest to turn away business, it’s not particularly profitable business. Next was our typical round table business discussion not being proactive but spending too long on unimportant issues and not focusing on ways to make money. We talk about slow moving items in slow selling industries and how to boost sales when it feels like we are just banging our heads against the wall. Then the fax machine stops printing and it’s not like there is a tech help desk to figure it out. So we have to spend about an hour troubleshooting this hardware issue. After that charade we have a customer who has the wrong item and he needs an upgraded model that just has me scratching my head on how we couldn’t get it right the first time (we actually couldn’t but the details aren’t worth the explanation). Then my business day comes to a short end as I have to do more community service. My time is worth something and spending it on the community doesn’t make me any money. It’s hard to value my time directly but I’d say I’m costing the company hundreds of dollars with this community service compared to the 150 dollar fine I could have paid and ended up with a mark on whatever record society keeps. I spent time breaking down skids so this guild house can use the wood from the skids. This just goes down as a complete waste of a day. Days like this put you out of business if you have too many of them. I’m over it.

    22 Jan, 2013

    Sirius Chat

    By |2016-10-29T13:35:04-04:00January 22nd, 2013|My Brain|1 Comment

    I wanted to get the internet listening portion of Sirius added to my subscription because I had the premier and not the all access. This was the conversation that took place. I want to point out that at some portion of the conversation I got what I wanted and didn’t even know. I would go as far to say that I may have even had what I wanted already.

    Tena Jones: Hi, my name is Tena Jones, Thank you for contacting SiriusXM. How may I help you?
    Thomas Stortz: I would like to add the internet listening portion without paying any more money.
    Tena Jones: I’ll be glad to help you with the information.
    Tena Jones: In order to assist you with your request, I will need to access your account. For security reasons, can you please provide the following information?

    Tena Jones: Thank you.
    Tena Jones: There is a 7 days free trial internet subscription.
    Thomas Stortz: I don’t need a trial. I know what it does.
    Thomas Stortz: The customer rep I spoke to a few months ago said he’d add it for no extra charge. That was never done.
    Tena Jones: There is a Internet subscription fee $3.50+taxes and fees/month.
    Thomas Stortz: I don’t use it enough to warrant that fee.
    Thomas Stortz: All I want to do is listen to the safety dance on Saturday nights.
    Thomas Stortz: I’ve been a customer for 4 years, I don’t really think it’s too much to ask. What does it cost you?
    Tena Jones: But there is no free Internet subscription Thomas.
    Tena Jones: I understand Thomas.
    Thomas Stortz: I pay 220 dollars a year! All you have to do is toggle a box from off to on.
    Tena Jones: I am sorry to hear that.
    Thomas Stortz: I can’t afford the 36 dollars extra a year and all I want to do is listen to the Safety Dance.
    Thomas Stortz: Don’t take that away from me.
    Tena Jones: Please go ahead with the All access package Thomas.
    Thomas Stortz: What I’m paying for should encompass the all access package
    Tena Jones: I have checked the account info that you have a All access package Diane.
    Thomas Stortz: I honestly don’t want to pay any more money for you service. It isn’t worth more than 200 dollars a year to me
    Thomas Stortz: Thank you.
    Tena Jones: I am sorry.
    Thomas Stortz: Is all access not internet radio?
    Thomas Stortz: That’s pretty misleading
    Tena Jones: It includes internet radio. and you can change the subscription to All access package.
    Thomas Stortz: I’m not going to waste any more of our time but my request isn’t outlandish. What’s going to happen is I’m going to pick up the phone, say I’m going to cancel and then get into another back and forth with another representative. You realize I can cancel and get a better rate when I sign up as a new customer right?
    Thomas Stortz: The fact that I haven’t done that should say something and I’m willing to pay your posted rates because I enjoy the service.
    Thomas Stortz: I can’t even see what service I’m subscribed to with this interface on the website.
    Tena Jones: May I know the radio ID?
    Thomas Stortz: *********
    Thomas Stortz: That actually isn’t the active one.
    Thomas Stortz: Can I find it without going to my car?
    Tena Jones: I am unable to locate the radio ID on your account.
    Tena Jones: Please call us to fix this for you.
    Tena Jones: In order to process your request please call Listener Care at 888-635-5142
    Tena Jones: It’s pleasure chatting with you, do you have anymore questions for me?
    Thomas Stortz: Final thing. I have XM premier right?
    Tena Jones: I am unable to locate the account with the given radio ID.
    Tena Jones: For this radio ID ******** †
    Create Radio Nickname Active 12/05/2012 XM All Access – Sirius XM ALL ACCESS – 12mo – wActv
    Thomas Stortz: Right, that’s the radio ID for my car. All access should get me the internet right?
    Thomas Stortz: OK I see now.
    Tena Jones: Yes, Thomas.
    Thomas Stortz: Yes if I pay 3.50 a month right?
    Tena Jones: This is the username ************** (Case sensitive)
    Thomas Stortz: Thank you.
    Tena Jones: There is no charge it is included in all acces package.
    Tena Jones: Since we don’t have authorization to your password, I’ll help you with the steps to reset your password.
    Would that be okay with you?
    Thomas Stortz: yes
    You will also receive a confirmation to the email address we have on file for your account.
    Tena Jones: Do you have anymore questions for me?
    Thomas Stortz: I do not. You’ve been very helpful.
    Tena Jones: You’re welcome. I hope that I have answered all of your questions. Thank you for contacting SiriusXM and have a nice day.

    Take Care!! Bye!!

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