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July 31, 2002
New Bible Reading Plan
I think I'm pretty much settled in at ContentWatch (I'm writing this on my break, by the way). Since I started, I've been working full time during the daytime hours. There are two new employees that will be starting on the phones during the day, so next week I'll be moving to part time in the evening. I'm still enjoying my job very much!
I finished my second to last homework assignment for my online Calculus class last night. I have a B (88.8%) in the class right now, but I have an exam tomorrow and the final exam is next week, so my grade could change drastically here in the next few days. Everybody pray for me, okay?
I'm starting a new Bible reading plan. I want to read the whole thing in a year. I've read the New Testament a few times through, but I've never had the gusto to tackle the Old Testament. I found a cool four track reading schedule that I'm going to follow, so instead of starting out reading four chapters a day in Genesis, I'll read one chapter each day from four different starting places: Genesis, 1 Chronicles, Isaiah, and Matthew. I think that should break it up in digestible pieces. I just wanted to extend a challenge out to anyone reading this. Janene has already agreed to do it with me. If you want to join us, let me know and I'll send you a copy of the schedule.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (2)
July 26, 2002
Too Many Jobs
This week has been a rush. On Tuesday I worked all three of my jobs (West Jordan High from 8-10am, ContentWatch from 11am-4pm, and 5 Buck from 5pm-11pm), Wednesday was a little calm in the storm (excluding the parade from 7am-1pm), and Thursday I worked two jobs (ContentWatch from 9am-5pm, and 5 Buck from 6-9pm). Today I worked at ContentWatch from 9am-5pm. Whew! I think I'm too used to this summer thing. I hate to think of what I will be like when school starts up again.
I finished my job at the high school on Wednesday. The parade went well. The Days of '47 Parade is a lot longer than any others we did this year, and it was pretty hot. However, the drumline performed well in the heat. I am very honored to have worked with them this summer and I hope I can visit them at a few of their competitions this fall.
My first week at ContentWatch has gone very well. I found a neat program that extends the functionality of the windows clipboard, allowing you to store an unlimited number of items. It then lets you organize your clips in a file tree category system for easy retrieval later on. It also has really slick hot-key functionality. I've organized all my tech notes, and now I can create an entire e-mail with just a few keystrokes. I showed it to Karma and she's going to buy it for all the tech support people in the office.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 22, 2002
Day 1: Learning the Material
My first day at ContentWatch was great! My supervisor was kinda busy so she let me look over a lot of the information on my own. They have pretty extensive technical notes on the most frequently asked questions, which means most of what I'll do answering e-mails will be cut and paste. Each e-mail will be tailored some, of course, but when so many people ask the same question there's really no reason to go to the trouble of writing new material each time.
So, today I familiarized myself with our four products: ContentAudit, ContentCleanup, ContentWatch, and ContentMonitor. I also scanned most of the website and the online FAQ's concerning each product. There's also a ton of informational stuff on the website, including articles about objectionable content and how to deal with it in a family setting. I learned a ton!
I'm really excited about this job. I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for the blessing He has given me to be working at ContentWatch.
I have a full day ahead of me tomorrow. I'm working at the high school from 8-10am, then going straight to ContentWatch from 11am-4pm, and then going straight to 5 Buck from 5pm to whenever they get slow enough to let me go home. Yikes!
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 21, 2002
Letter of Resignation
The math server is back online at the University. To compensate for lost time they've moved all of the due dates forward by one week and cancelled the last assignment. Actually, they've made the last assignment available online, but they aren't going to require us to do it. The material for that assignment won't be included on the Final Exam. So, all is well, but my little break is over. :(
I turned in a resignation letter at 5 Buck. That was so hard. I feel horrible to be leaving there. They have treated me extremely well and I really enjoyed my job. I will definitely treasure these last two weeks.
Anyway, I guess I should be getting to that homework...
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2002
Sheer Curiousity
Yesterday was a good day. I picked up my computer from Totally Awesome and it seems to be running much better. The fan no longer makes that horrible noise and it hasn't locked up since it's been home. Out of sheer curiosity I asked the guy how much it would cost to upgrade to a new processor. He said they could put a 1.8 GHz processor in for around $280. That's pretty cheap, considering it'd be like getting a brand new computer. Too bad I don't have the money. :(
I also went to Seven Peaks with my sister and her husband yesterday. There was some bad weather right when we got into the park. For a little while they had the slides and pools evacuated for lightning, but it cleared up and we got a good two or three hours of fun. I had a blast, but I woke up this morning with bruises all over my back. Most of the slides have seams between each section of tubing. Ouch. :s
I interviewed with ContentWatch on Wednesday. I think it went well and now I'm waiting for any contact. She said she only had to interview one other person, and that was supposed to happen yesterday, so I could get a call any minute with a yes or a no. It's kindof suspenseful, but I know Heavenly Father will take care of me no matter what happens, and that whether I get the job or not, I have to trust and completely accept His will if I'm to be truly happy. I'm leaving this one in His hands.
Posted by Joey at 11:00 AM | Comments (0)
This Just In...
I got a call from ContentWatch about an hour ago. I got the job! I will start on Monday, and for the next two weeks they will work around my schedule at 5 Buck and the high school. After that—around the first of August—I'll work every weeknight from 5pm to 9pm. I'm so sad to be leaving 5 Buck. It has been an excellent job. On the other hand, I'm extremely excited for this new opportunity and hope I can fulfill my responsibilities admirably.
Posted by Joey at 04:00 AM | Comments (0)
July 16, 2002
Another New Job?!?
Well, nothing is turning out quite as I expected, but it's all good news today. My dad told me this morning that ContentWatch wants to interview me! I called and made an appointment for tomorrow at 11am with a woman named Karma Parlett. She's in charge of the tech support department, I guess. If I can get a job working in the evening it would probably be answering e-mails, which would be great. They also have tech support guys that answer the phones during the day, and I'd be open to that if that's what they need. I really hope that things go well and I can get the job. This would be an incredible opportunity to get my foot in the door of the computer industry, and something I would probably stay with through the rest of my school years.
Speaking of computers, mine is still in the shop. I tried to pick it up this morning and they informed me they are waiting on some parts. When I asked them what parts, they replied that my computer needs a new motherboard! I'm really glad I have that warranty now. :)
I took my car into David Early Tires yesterday to see about getting the tire repaired, and the guy—who, by the way, was a complete jerk (I'm never going back there!)—took one look at my tire and told me it needed to be replaced because it was completely bald. I then asked him to look at the other three for me and he showed me the tread wear indicators and said that they all needed replacing. So, I went down to Costco today with my dad and had all four of them replaced. I'm really grateful that my parents are able and willing to help me out when I'm in a pinch like that. Costco has great prices on tires and they give you free balancing, rotation, and flat repair for the life of the tires. That will probably come in handy.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (1)
July 15, 2002
Everything's Broken —But It's All Good
My computer won't boot this morning. I'm pretty sure it's overheating. I'm going to take it down to Totally Awesome Computers today and have them replace the processor fan. The computer is still on a three year warranty for parts and labor so they'll do the work for free.
Also, I have yet another flat tire. It's either my third or fourth since I started working for 5 Buck, I've lost track. The cool part is my mom got a thingy in the mail for a free flat tire repair down at David Early Tires. What a blessing! So I'll be taking my car down there this afternoon.
Speaking of blessings, the server went down at the University's math department, so they told all of us online students to "keep studying from the book" until they can readjust the assignment schedule. I think a lot of the webwork is actually based on a server in Rochester, so I need to check on whether or not I can still do my homework, but if the server's down it means I won't have any homework for a while. :D
Last but not least, I've put up some pictures of Janene in New York. I think they turned out really great. She had a lot of fun and hopes she can go back someday. Anyway, enjoy the pictures!
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 11, 2002
New Blurry Ticker Tape
I completely bombed an exam today for my online Calculus class. I feel just horrible about it. The exam was on related rates and applications of the derivative—finding minimums and maximums, inflection points, and so on. I didn't study near as much as I should have. The clincher was when I went to turn on my calculator halfway through the exam. I guess I must've left it in my car a little too long, cuz the batteries are fried—as in fluid has leaked all over the inside of the battery compartment! ACK. :eek
On a more positive note, check out the spiffy ticker thingy at the top of the page. I discovered it on a free DHTML script site called Simply The Best Scripts. It took me almost an hour to tweak the stupid thing, but I did it, and I feel very good about the final product. So, if you don't like it that's just too bad!
I've been experimenting with a program called 1st Page 2000, and it's really starting to grow on me. It's a free HTML authoring tool put out by a company called EVRSoft, and a friend from church suggested that I try it. I've had bad experiences with other website building tools and finally settled on a slightly upscaled clone of notepad called NoteTab. However, the more I tinker with 1st Page, the more I just love it. If you're into web design, I've included links on my Computers page. Check it out!
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2002
So Many Blessings
Janene came home on Monday. She and her family had tons of fun in New York. They got to see the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, as well as every other New York landmark you can think of. She brought me back an "I 
NY" shot glass, as well as a little bottle of beach sand and sea shells. I think her favorite part of the trip was the time she spent in New Jersey with her Uncle Tom and Aunt Gina. It was her first trip on a plane, and it's the farthest she's ever been away from home. I think it was really good for her, but I'm very glad she made it home safely.
My "Check Engine" light shut off the other day and has stayed off since then. I don't know if I should be happy, or if I should worry even more than before. I think I'll run it down to AutoZone and have them look at it to make sure it's okay. Either way, I think having the light turn off is a sign that something good is happening.
I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the blessings He gives me every day—every hour. He is so generous to me, even when I am completely undeserving. I know I can never repay Him, but my prayer is that I can accomplish the tasks He places before me, so that His will can be done in my life, and the lives of those around me.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 06, 2002
Change of Pace
I did another parade this morning—the Taylorsville Dayzz Parade. I thought we were doing the South Jordan Country Fest Parade this evening, because that's what my calendar said, but I guess Mrs. Leyva changed her mind at the last minute. Section leaders called their sections, but no one called me. I was about an hour late! Anyway, our cymbal player was there this time, so I didn't have to march. I walked alongside and gave them ice and encouragement. I also helped with a few places where the tempo isn't holding together well. It was a good opportunity to just sit back and listen and identify trouble spots. Next time we get together I'll know exactly what to work on.
I'm moving into my sister's old room. It's kindof a big project, especially since I'm still sore from the parades. My parents bought a queen sized bed so that Steve and Merissa will have something to sleep on when they come to visit. So I thought as long as they were moving furniture around, I could use a little change of pace. Hopefully I'll be all moved in by the end of today.
One more thing. I added a new Guest Map to my site (There's a little link to it on the left). It allows you to pin your location on a map of the world, along with your name and a quick comment. I hope it will be interesting to get an idea of who visits my site and where they are from.
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
The Pledge of Allegiance
Check this out. I heard this on the radio the other day and I just had to find it so I could put it up. It is a true story told by Senator John McCain at the 1998 Republican National Convention. It really hit me and reaffirmed to me the importance of our Pledge of Allegiance.
From a speech given on August 15, 1998 by Capt. John S. McCain, USN, (Ret) who represents Arizona in the U.S. Senate.
Let me tell you what I think about our Pledge of Allegiance, our flag, and our country. I want to tell you a story about when I was a prisoner of war. I spent 5 1/2 years at the Hanoi Hilton. In the early years of our imprisonment, the North Vietnamese kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell.
In 1971, the North Vietnamese moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room. This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change. And was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans, led by people like Nancy and Ronald Reagan, on behalf of a few hundred POW's, 10,000 miles from home.
One of the men who moved into my cell was Mike Christian. Mike came from a small town from Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was thirteen years old. At seventeen, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He later earned a commission. He became a Naval flying officer, and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation for the opportunities this country—and our military—provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.
The uniforms that we wore in prison consisted of a blue short-sleeved shirt trousers that looked like pajama trousers and rubber sandals that were made out of automobile tires. I recommend them highly; one pair lasted my entire stay.
As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing. Mike got himself a piece of white cloth and a piece of red cloth and fashioned himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he sewed the American flag on the inside of his shirt.
Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of our cell, and say the Pledge of Allegiance. I know that saying the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important or meaningful part of our day now. But I can assure you that—for those men in that stark prison cell—it was indeed the most important and meaningful event of our day.
One day, the Vietnamese searched our cell and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it. That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, called for Mike Christian to come out, closed the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours.
Then they opened the door of the cell and threw him back inside. He was not in good shape. We tried to comfort and take care of him as well as we could. The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.
After things quieted down, I went to lie down to go to sleep. As I did, I happened to look in the corner of the room. Sitting there beneath that dim light bulb, with a piece of white cloth, a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. Sitting there, with his eyes almost shut from his beating, making another American flag. He was not making that flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was for us to be able to pledge our allegiance to our flag and our country.
Duty, Honor, Country. We must never forget those thousands of Americans who, with their courage, with their sacrifice, and with their lives, made those words live for all of us.
— Sen. John McCain, 1998 Republican National Convention
Posted by Joey at 03:41 AM | Comments (0)
July 04, 2002
Sore Muscles and a Lot On My Mind
I have had a long couple of days! My whole body feels like mush right now, and I could really use some sleep. I went with Janene to the airport yesterday morning. She will be in New York City until next Tuesday. Her family got a nice package deal on tickets and hotel accomodations. Her mom grew up in New Jersey so they are going to take a day and see the places where she grew up. From talking with her on the phone, it sounds like she’s having a lot of fun, but I miss her. :(
I feel like mush for three reasons. First, I marched in the parade last night with the drumline. I really just wanted to walk alongside so I could help with tempo and other things the drumline needs cleaning on, but the cymbal player wasn’t able to come so I ended up marching and playing cymbals. Let me tell you, marching cymbals is no picnic. They are heavy and the straps cause a fair amount of bruising.
Second, after the parade last night I did something most of you will find slightly insane. There is a local bowling alley that holds an all-night youth activity about once a month. They do this on holidays when kids are out of school. Basically you show up around midnight and they lock everyone in until 6am the next morning. Entrance costs about 20 bucks. It includes shoes and unlimited games, plus they provide pizza at the beginning, free drinks all night long, and a continental breakfast toward sun up. It was a lot of fun, but I acquired a headache after the first hour which placed a damper on the rest of the night.
Finally, at 6:30am I met with the band for yet another parade. Once again I marched cymbals. By the time we were done I was ready to keel over. Of course, this parade was shorter than the first one, so it wasn’t all that bad. The good part was I got to go home and sleep afterward. I’m doing much better now, although like I said, I’m very sore.
Anyway, before I go to bed I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Independence Day! I have a deep respect for our country and our freedoms. I am saddened by some peoples’ attempts as of late to weaken our country’s relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our nation certainly cannot claim to be God’s chosen people any more than any other nation, but I have a strong belief that we could not have survived this long without His support, guidance, and protection. It is the moment we turn away from Him that we will find ourselves with no ability to defend the freedoms that we enjoy today. I love my Heavenly Father, and I love this great nation. God Bless America!
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2002
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
I have to admit that yesterday I was a little worried whether or not the drumline would be entirely ready for the parade tomorrow. My worries were blown away after seeing them today. I've never seen them improve so much overnight. Most of the basses were still using their music yesterday because they didn't have the songs memorized. Today they marched and played for almost three hours straight with no music. They hardly missed a beat and they sounded great! Now I'm really looking forward to the parade tomorrow.
I haven't mentioned this yet, and I should say something about it before I forget. The "Check Engine" light in my car came on again this week. I don't know what I'm going to do. At this point the only thing left to replace is the distributor—and it could cost $500! I'm going to have to call Janene's cousin again. I guess we'll see what happens here in the next couple weeks...
Last but not least, I've added a new section to my website. I have always had a fascination with vocabulary, and I have wanted to put this up for a while but never got around to it. It is a list of useful Words that have fallen out of common usage. It is my opinion that these words must come back!
Posted by Joey at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)