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Archive for the ‘Computers’ Category

http://epicfreeprizes.com/?ref=1070393

Hit this link and I’ll come back and tell you if my experiment worked….

Thanks

So in December of 2008 We moved back to Utah.  I work for a software company whose main focus is in Systems Integration, like Symantec’s Altiris, or Novell’s Zen Works.  When we moved there we spent the initial time living in my in-laws basement. LANDesk is a great company to work for, but in the beginning I started out as a contractor who had to handle my own benefits.  As a person with Crohn’s  I dealt with at least 5 major Health insurance carriers who would not cover me because of my “Pre-existing condition” .  I’m not a huge fan of the new Healthcare, but I do applaud the move to keep insurance companies from denying right to coverage based on a pre-existing condition.  ANY-HOO…

INSURANCE:

So short of it was I couldn’t get normal health insurance, mind you I could afford it, but no one would accept me.  I didn’t want my insurance coverage to lapse, otherwise I wouldn’t be covered for my Crohn’s on a group policy down the road.  So I ended up having to deal with a sub-insurance company.  I chose Selecthealth. They are one a few companies owned by larger insurance companies and they provide a specific purpose — They cover the uncoverable…. somewhat.  They have some limits such as…

• They won’t cover medical expenses for pre-existing conditions
• They only do terms of up to 6 months with a maximum of 2 terms every 24 months
• If I come up with some condition during the first term, in the second term it is listed as a “Pre-existing condition”
• All cost is payed up front.
• Deductibles are high

So with those caveat’s they give you

• Limited Health insurance
• the ability to extend your insurance coverage until getting onto a group policy

So as much as I will always hate them, I’m glad they existed for me to keep my family covered.

HEALTH:

I thought that my health was all right but as I got into the first few months of 2009 I started to lose weight again.  I had to take sick days and spent them curled up in a ball, near a bathroom, never knowing if I would have a sudden onset of severe diarrhea or vomiting.  My stomach was distended and bloated.  And I just sucked it up cause, I’m a man (or something) and  I didn’t want to be a medically financial burden on my family.  At the same time, I was trying to plan an 8th Anniversary trip for Kaylene and I to Portland Oregon where I served my mission for the LDS Church.  I had no idea how I was going to do this with my health in such painful decline.

My Father, Father-in-law, and my brothers/in-law got me through this period.  I would be in severe pain and I had men around me who tried their best to represent god, and they blessed me.  They offered me blessings of health and support during my pain, and I felt my burden eased.  To be clear, I FELT my burden lifted, my pain was fleeting, and I was amazed to see the difference in my body after I received blessings from them.  Mind you I was still troubled, I was still worried.  I still felt pain, but never to the extent that I could not do my job, or that I had to go to the hospital, or worry as much about “costs”.  I am privileged to have been blessed by them and it gives me a knowledge and a testimony in the power of the priesthood used righteously.  It also taught me lessons in the power of faith in my family, love for them, and the trust that they would have in me.

I was able to go on my anniversary trip and enjoy the whole time with my wonderful spouse.  I cherish that time we had in Oregon.  Thanks to my family for watching Michael, Aiden, and Joseph.

FULL TIME:

In July of 2009 LANDesk was finally able to hire me on as a full time employee.  My Selecthealth term had just run out and they were able to get me on the group policy before wasting any more money – 😉 . It was a sigh of relief for Kaylene and I and I hadn’t felt any major pain since before Oregon.  I dove into work and family.  Kaylene and I continued our search for a house to call home and we went on a number of trips with our Real Estate Agent.  I know that Kaylene poured over hundreds of homes and toured many homes, and yet nothing ever seemed to stick.  In September My tummy started getting bloated again and was a little uncomfortable.  At this point, I should have gone and seen a doctor about my tummy now that I was insured.  Hind sight being 20-20 and all that…

A FEW DAYS BEFORE:

I woke up sick…  I really do think it was that simple.  I woke up and it was the middle of the night.  I just felt that swirl in my tummy.  I had been to the ER 2-3 weeks before and received a CAT scan.  The results of the scan were that my gut was intact, but there was some concern about getting me back into see a gastroenterologist.  I Called in sick and spent the next two days near a bathroom.  AGAIN, with the vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and discomfort.  When ladies complain about cramping, I can understand what they mean (TMI FILTER NOT WORKING).  I spent those days either in the bathroom or laying down on the floor near the bathroom.  On the third day…. (sounds kinda biblical, heh) Kaylene took me in to see one of the doctors at our family practice.  He had looked over the scans and thought I should be on some pain medication and then see one of their Gastro doctors the following Tuesday.  This being a Friday, I wasn’t looking toward the weekend.

My wife knew that I was in trouble, but I just wanted to “deal with it”.  Kaylene had me taking some additional herbs with my medication, one of them being Cayenne.  Guess it’s good for the gut, but not for the taste buds.  I got home, laid down and continued the pained routine of the last few days.  Kaylene had an appointment with the Realtor to see some homes and went out with her.  Now for the the last three days she was asking what she could do or if I was ok, and I being a stupid bull headed man kept saying “Yes, hon, I’ll be ok.  I just have to get past this…”.  So she goes out and while she is out, I start throwing up again.  This time it comes up “Cayenne Pepper” brown.  It got to a point where I was thinking, “I didn’t have this much Cayenne pepper”.  I think it was then that I also realized it didn’t smell like Cayenne either.  (This is a huge feat now that I think of it since the Cayenne I had thrown up had stripped my nose and throat).  Kaylene got home,  and I wasn’t sure what was happening, she asked me again if I was ok and I said “I’m feeling better”.  Why did I say that, I don’t know, but I’ll admit that I WAS TOTALLY WRONG.  Bless my sweet wife she did the best she could and she and her mom were wise enough to realize that I was probably throwing up blood.  She put me in the car and she and Nathan (Brother-in-law)  raced me to the Hospital.

A FEW THINGS I’ve learned from this experience.

1. Trust your wife’s instincts
2. Don’t be a macho man – refer to #1
3. Faith, Hope, and Love – and the greatest of these is love.
4. I know the power of a priesthood blessing.
5. Don’t fear the Doctor(AKA Reaper)
6. Be humble enough to ask for help – again with the #1

Kaylene,  even though everyone is going to read this, I want you to know that I am sorry.  I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.  I’m sorry I put you through all of this.  I’m sorry I didn’t listen to your judgement.  I’m sorry you had to be that close to losing me.  I love you.  I am so glad YOU were there when I woke up.  I’m humbled that you forgive me my faults.  I love you, my sweetheart.

With the failure of the Government, economy, president, and our many representatives.  Is this in our Future???  Yes there is a sense of humor attached to this.  And NO…  This does not represent a Democratic/Liberal side of things.  I believe this represents an end that is very bi-partisan

Sinfest Comic by Tatsuya Ishida

Sinfest Comic by Tatsuya Ishida

Images By Tatsuya Ishida

I hate Politicians… All Promises and No Delivery…

Sinfest Comic by Tatsuya Ishida

And THIS is what happens to the ECONOMY when we leave our Government to be under the influence of Biz and Special Interest groups. BTW what a crock of Crap – They do not represent consumer’s interests, they represent Companie’s interests.

Sinfest Comic by Tatsuya Ishida

And when the ECONOMY fails and the Special/Business Interests are in trouble, the Government sells us out to the Businesses and expects us to take it. UGHHHH, Pres, Senate, House, Business – You disgust me !!@#%!~%@#$%!*#!!

Sinfest Comic by Tatsuya Ishida

This is an answer sheet with music from a post I made on Facebook.  I did this so that I could add musical hints with each title.  It would also allow me to modify it as people guess.  I forgot some of the songs (lol) so I changed the ones I forgot.

Step 1: Music player on shuffle.
Step 2: First line from the first 25 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing.
Step 3: Strike through the songs when someone guesses both artist and track correctly.
Step 4: Looking them up on Google or any other search engine is CHEATING!
Step 5: If you like the game, post your own!

So guess the songs and their artists… good luck guys! 😀

1 – Sou capoeira olha sei que sou
“Sou Capoeira” by Mestre Acordeon

2 – Celia, your breaking my heart
“Celia” By Simon and Garfunkel

3 – With whom is your peregrine, your parents can navigate
“In Between Blue” By Aalok Mehta

4 – The dining room fell silent, I can’t believe what I just said
“The Night I Called the Old Man Out” by Garth Brooks

5 – Nirau nuraugidibu, Aganbabeitia tadimurehan buguchu bun
“Gaganbidaba (Take Advice)” by Andy Palacio and the Garifuna Collective

6 – I see a red door and I want it painted black
“Paint it Black” by The Rolling Stones

7 – People living their lives for you on TV
“Who Will Save Your Souls” by Jewel

8 – Bhi/ mo/ran daoine uasal ann,
“Donal Agus Morag” by Altan Blackwater

9 – Once upon a midnight dreary I woke with something in my head
“Run Around” By The Blues Travelers\

10 – Sugar magnolia, blossoms blooming, heads all empty and I dont care
“Sugar Magnolia” by The Grateful Dead

11 – Here comes the sun
“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

12 – Ive crossed the deserts for miles
“Pure Shores” by Al Saints

13 – In the corner of my mind stands a jukebox
“Jukebox in my Mind” by Alabama

14 – You keep on walking so you don’t fall down
“Doesn’t Anybody Stay Together Anymore” by Phil Collins

15 – In my mind I’m going to Carolina
“Carolina” by James Taylor

16 – Marky got with Sharon and Sharon got Cherese
“Pepper” by the Butthole Surfers (yes they have a naughty name)

17 – I’ve been standing here, staring at the mirror
“Love Is Innocent” by Colin Hay

18 – I wanna know what you’re thinking, there are some things you can hide
“Pure Energy” by The Information Society

19 – In the melting snows of Ontario where the wind’ll make you shiver
“Breakfast in Hell” by Slaid Cleaves (Great song that reminds me of Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyan)

20 – Any minute now, my ship is coming in, I keep checking the horizon
“Waiting for My Real Life to Begin” by Colin Hay

21 – She hasn’t done a thing, That really has to mean she’s going anywhere
“I Sure Can Smell the Rain” by BlackHawk

22 – Childhood living is easy to do The things you wanted I bought them for you
“Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones

23 – It doesn’t matter what I say, So long as I sing with inflection
“Hook” by The Blues Travelers

24 – Take me now, baby, here as I am, Hold me close, n’ try n’ understand
“Because the Night” by 10,000 Maniacs

25 – Who can it be knocking at my door, go away, don’t come ’round here no more
“Who Can It Be Now – Acoustic Version” by Colin Hay

I finished my Portfolio and turned it in for grading.  My Portfolio was made of…

• Two Cover Sheets
• Employer Authorization form (Because my portfolio covered a Baylor Project)
• Table of Contents
• 8 Page Essay covering any trend in IT. I came up with…
  “Open Source Software as a Communication Bridge in IT Project Management”
• Reference Page with a list of APA formatted Citations for all references used
• Competency Matrix with 16 listed competencies relating to the Essay.
• Exhibit 1: MySQL Open Source Database used in project as Web Site data storage.
• Exhibit 2: PDF and iCal files of Project Schedule made as an addition to the website for offline schedule verifications
• Exhibit 3: XHTML Source code showing both PHP and hand created code instructing users on how to setup IP printers on OS X
• Exhibit 4: WordPress Theme developed to maintain look and feel of other internal Baylor websites.  Included Text from the CSS file for the presentational layout, as well as the whole theme file zipped up for review by the grader.

Looking back on it now, it seems like a long list.  But I enjoyed getting all the parts together.  Lucky for me I had a past project that I lead and had intimate experience with.  Using that project, I built my portfolio files and data during July and August and then finished the Essay in 2 days. 

The class has twelve grading rubrics ranging from 1.0-4.0 and an overall 3.0 is the minimum passing standard.  Overall, I was happy with what I had submitted, and while I wasn’t expecting a 4.0 on this grade, I felt confident that I wouldn’t have to resubmit.  Of the small concerns I had about the submission, Dr. Teston gave me some good viewpoints so I felt better as I waited to find out my grade.  

So I checked Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, waiting to see my grade.  Nothing showed up and I went home after work, ready for the weekend.  Late Friday Night I was surfing around and ran out of interesting places to look at on the internet (Funny huh).  I decided to look one last time at the TaskStream website where my portfolio was being graded.  The Class came up with a lock on it, and I clicked on the Submission Tab.  And there, at 7:15 PM, my Grader had posted my grade.  Dun Dun Dun Dun!!!!!

3.92...
Wait... What...

!!!3.92!!!

3.92 out of 4.0 Roughly equal to a 98%.  Santa Vaca!!! Not only did I pass, I passed right up at the top.  I let out a whoop of triumph and scared Kaylene.  Luckily Joey didn’t wake up so she didn’t automatically kick me.  What a Triumph.  As you can tell, I’m proud of myself.

So I have till the end of October to finish some more classes.  Since I’ve been focusing on Non Tech Classes at the beginning of the term, I’m thinking of finishing the Web Tecnologies and Client Systems Certification. 

Classes Finished:
Term 1:

• Education without Boundaries
• Leadership and Professionalism
• Quantitative Literacy

Term 2:

• Foundations of Language and Communication
• Quantitative Reasoning and Communication
• IT Fundamentals I
• Rhetorical and Critical Writing
• IT Fundamentals II
• IT Fundamentals III
• Programming Fundamentals

Term 3:

• Networks I
• Ethics Part I
• Ethics Part II
• Social Science Part II: American History & Government, World History and Geography

Term 4:

• Natural Science Part II:Concepts & Theories-Life, Earth, Space, and Physical Sciences
• Project Management
• IT Portfolio

Classes still to pass:

Classes with Technical Certifications:

• Client Systems
• Web Technologies
• Programming Fundamentals II
• Database I
• Security I

Non-Technical Classes:

• Research, Writing and Oral Presentation
• Reasoning & Problem Solving in the Context of the Humanities Part I
• Reasoning & Problem Solving in the Context of the Humanities Part II
• Technical Writing
• IT Capstone Project

Kevin Steele