Author: Bill

Waking up to a winter wonderland is something special. Just yesterday, the sun was out, beaming down on me as I tackled the mountain trails on my bike. The thrill of the ride, the challenge of each bump and curve, it was an exhilarating break from the ordinary.

But today, the world looks different, blanketed in snow. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change, not just in the weather but in life too. Today, I woke up to the news that Saddam Hussein has been captured. It’s one of those moments where you remember exactly where you were when you heard it. I might not get his name right every time, but I’ll never forget this day.

In the midst of this historical moment, I’m caught up in the whirlwind of holiday preparations. Christmas is around the corner, and with it comes the chaos of organizing presents. It’s a brutal kind of stress, one that makes you question the whole idea of gift-giving.

What really gets to me, though, is the way we often express our feelings during these times. The malls are packed with people buying things, as if a material gift could somehow encapsulate the depth of our emotions. But I’m not one for that. I’ve always believed that actions speak louder than any present wrapped in shiny paper.

I’d rather show my love through what I do, through the efforts I make. It’s not about the price tag or the brand; it’s about the thought, the effort, and the love behind every action. That’s how I express myself, how I tell my friends and family, ‘I love you.’ It’s in the time spent together, the memories made, and the little things that show I care.

So, as I look out at the snow, I’m reminded of the purity and simplicity of love and friendship. Maybe this holiday season, we can all find a way to show our love without getting lost in the commercial frenzy. Maybe we can make this holiday about connection, about showing we care in the ways that truly matter.

CNN Writes:

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has possibly been captured in a raid near his hometown of Tikrit, U.S. officials said today. The officials told CNN that the identity of the individual, who was one of a number of wanted Iraqis caught, was still being confirmed.

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is believed to have been captured in a raid near his hometown of Tikrit, U.S. military officials say. However, the officials in Washington told CNN on Sunday that the identity of the individual, who was one of a number of suspected insurgents caught, was still being confirmed. The person in U.S. custody was disguised in a fake beard when he was captured in the basement in a Tikrit building, Ahmad Chalabi of the Iraqi National Congress said. Hours after the word leaked out on the possible capture, there were volleys of what was perceived to be celebratory gunfire in Baghdad. A coalition news conference in Baghdad, scheduled for 3 p.m (1200 GMT), is expected to shed more light on the status of the Iraqi leader. A briefing in Madrid by the Iraqi Governing Council president and Spanish foreign minister was also expected shortly. The raid was based on intelligence that Saddam was at a particular location in the area, the officials said. Video following that raid — exclusively shot by CNN's Alphonso Van Marsh — showed a group of U.S.-led coalition soldiers patting each other on the back — apparently in celebration — and taking group photos in front of a military vehicle. The 66-year-old longtime Iraqi leader was number one on the coalition's 55 most wanted list, and his evasion has been a political sore spot for the U.S. administration. The Iraq war began on March 19 when U.S. forces launched a “decapitation attack” aimed at the Iraqi president and other top members of the country's leadership. Hours later, a defiant Saddam wearing a military uniform appeared on Iraqi television to denounce the U.S.-led military campaign as “criminal” and to say his countrymen would be victorious. At least a dozen audiotapes believed to have been recorded by Saddam, 66, have been released since he was forced out of power by the coalition forces during the Iraq war. The most recent was broadcast in November. His sons Uday and Qusay — also on the coalition”s most wanted list — were killed in July, after U.S. forces stormed their hideout in Mosul. Initial hopes that their father would soon be found faded in the months following that raid. Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the commander of U.S. ground forces in Iraq, has been dogged by reporters wanting to know the status of the search for Saddam. “It is difficult to find him,” Sanchez said, at a press briefing earlier this month. “Given that I haven't found him killed him or captured him, and I need the Iraqi people's help, and together we will find him, we will capture him, we will kill him.” The announcement comes on the same day that 20 people were killed and 32 wounded by a car bomb outside an Iraqi police station west of Baghdad, an Iraqi police officer told CNN.

Waking up with a headache, the kind that feels like tiny elves are playing drums inside your skull, isn’t exactly a morning delight. It’s even less delightful when you realize it’s because your work schedule has turned into a waking nightmare. Twelve-hour days, seven days a week? That’s not a job; that’s an endurance test!

So there I am, head pounding, thoughts racing faster than a Formula 1 car at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Speaking of which, that’s exactly what I decide to do – play F1. There’s something about zooming around a virtual track that makes the real world’s problems seem a bit more manageable. Maybe it’s the thrill of the race, or perhaps it’s just the joy of not reading a Bridge Reports document.

Ah yes, the project. The one that promises a hefty raise and a chance to pay off those pesky loans. Money’s great, sure, but at what cost? When did life become a choice between financial freedom and actual freedom?

I’m supposed to be working this weekend, but here’s the kicker: I’m not going to. Call it a mini-rebellion, a tiny act of defiance against the corporate machine. Because really, who needs more money when it means sacrificing every waking hour? I dream of a simpler life, maybe fixing bikes, feeling the breeze on my face instead of the cold glow of a computer screen.

But then there’s the catch – the loans. They’re like a chain, keeping me anchored to this high-pressure job. The sooner they’re gone, the sooner I can escape. It’s like a race where the finish line is freedom, but the track is littered with obstacles called “monthly payments.”

It’s this conundrum that’s stealing my sleep. On one hand, there’s the allure of quick money and the promise of a debt-free life. On the other, there’s the yearning for a life less complicated, where time is my own, and work doesn’t feel like a 24/7 marathon.

So, what should I do? It’s a tough call. Maybe I’ll find the answer somewhere between the twists and turns of the Interlagos circuit in my F1 game. Or maybe the answer isn’t in the racing, but in the reason I chose to race instead of work. Sometimes, the things we do to escape are the very things that point us toward what we truly want.

As for the headache, well, it’s still there. But somehow, it feels a bit more bearable now. Maybe it’s the virtual racing, or perhaps it’s the realization that even in the midst of chaos, we still have choices. Even if it’s just the choice to race on a Sunday morning instead of working.

It’s been a whirlwind week. Work is getting busier and more stressful. Also, my dad found out that he has cancer. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing this weekend. I’m running late for work, so I have to keep this short. If anyone wants to do something this weekend, let me know. Also, does anyone want to set up a time for a chat room meeting?

I spoke with Mom, and here’s the latest update:

Dad’s surgery is scheduled for the 22nd, and he will be admitted to the hospital the night before. I’m relieved you’ll be there with me. I’ll give you all the details when you call today. The doctor expects him to stay in the hospital for about 7 days, assuming there are no complications. They will be removing a part of his colon and he’ll have a significant incision, extending from his previous open-heart surgery scar, so it will now run

Comanche will be featured in a Discovery Channel program titled “Secrets of Future Air Power,” debuting on Sunday, December 7, 2003, at 10 pm and on Discovery HD on Wednesday, December 31, 2003. Produced by Morningstar Productions in cooperation with the program, filming occurred in July. The documentary includes an interview with Rus Stiles and ground-to-air footage.

Hey everyone, it’s me again! Today’s chat at work really got my gears grinding. Picture this: a bunch of yuppies looking down on me because I don’t pamper my car like it’s a spoiled pet. They think my car’s charm is fading just because it doesn’t get a spa day at the detailer’s. Well, guess what? I’m not buying into that materialistic hullabaloo.

Here’s my grand plan: I’m going all out to make my car the opposite of theirs. No wax, no fancy washes. I’m even thinking of adding my own artistic touch – a few scratches here and there, and why not a homemade bike rack drilled right onto the roof? The more rugged, the better, I say.

To those who sneered at me, here’s a fun fact: my bike is sparkling clean. Oh, what’s that? You don’t own a bike? Too busy polishing your car to care about fitness, huh? I see how it is. While your car gleams, your health dims.

Next time you try to put me down, remember this: I’m here, scribbling away my true thoughts, holding back from making a scene at work. But inside, I’m really not a fan of your shallow antics. Thank goodness for this space where I can let it all out. Even if nobody reads this, it’s my little haven of honesty.

Ouch, talk about a rough day! So, I totally wiped out my ankle yesterday while tearing it up at West Rock Ridge. Thought I’d give it a break and switch to mountain biking today—smart, right? Well, not so much. Tried to hop off my bike to leap over a log and, bam, totally spaced on the ankle situation. And now, while my crew’s hitting up Mohegan Sun, I’m stuck sitting this one out.

On the upside, work’s gonna be a ghost town, so there’s that. Peace and quiet, here I come.

Last weekend was a whirlwind of activity that left me feeling both exhilarated and exhausted. I found myself in Plattsburgh, NY, a place that quickly turned into an adventure playground.

Thanksgiving was more than just feasting this year. Alongside my friends Paul and Lucy, I laced up for the Turkey Trot 5K. Imagine us, a trio of determined trotters, weaving through the crisp morning air, each step a mix of challenge and cheer. The race was a blur of laughter, light-hearted competition, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes when you’re all gasping for breath together.

The following day, Paul and I decided to embrace nature’s call. We embarked on a hike up Hurricane Mountain. It’s hard to describe the feeling of reaching the summit, with the world stretching out below like a canvas of endless possibilities. The ascent was a blend of steep challenges and moments of awe, as we navigated rocky paths and paused to take in the breathtaking views.

Saturday was my well-deserved lazy day. I lounged around, reliving the memories of the past two days. There’s something about doing absolutely nothing after a couple of days of non-stop action that feels just right.

Capping off the weekend, I took advantage of Sunday’s warm weather for a mountain biking session. There’s a unique thrill in speeding down trails, dodging roots and rocks, feeling the wind against your face. It’s like being a kid again, but with better reflexes and a slightly higher appreciation for not falling off.

So there you have it, a weekend packed with running, hiking, lounging, and biking. As I gear up for the week ahead, I’m fueled by the energy of these adventures. Here’s to hoping your week is just as eventful!

“Welcome to my new website. I’ve been working hard on this for a month, and I hope you like it. As you may have noticed, the site has been temporarily shut down tonight while I implement the new changes. You’ll find a new menu containing all my family’s blogs, and you might want to check out the new scheduling system, which I personally wrote. Loads of code went into it all, so I hope you enjoy it. Now, it’s time for me to take a well-deserved rest after this big effort.”

“Today, I hope to launch my new website. I will post the exact time on the calendar. This blog will be brief because I’m running late for work. The morning run was quite wet, and my running form felt a bit sluggish. But I don’t mind; at least it’s warm outside.

I’ve been reflecting on something lately—I feel like I’ve been influenced in a way that makes me believe I can’t have what I want. It might be rooted in feelings of deprivation or fear from my childhood. Most of the time, I struggle to identify what it is that I truly want. Perhaps I should work on that. Maybe I’ll start by writing down my desires. Perhaps that’s the purpose of my website. Writing things down sets in motion a powerful chain of events. It signifies that I’m taking responsibility for myself and granting my higher power permission to provide it to me.

LOL. I intended to keep this blog short, but here I go, not following my own plan. So, in short, I’m going to start identifying and pursuing the things I want because I believe I deserve them. And for those of you thinking about material possessions, these thoughts are not aimed at you.”

“The other day, we were asked to gather at the escalators where we work to take a group picture. I’ve posted it in my photo section under miscellaneous new pictures. Please note that not all members are present. You might be wondering who’s who in the photo: Sean is at the far bottom left, and I’m sure everyone’s curious about Doug, who is second to the left on the far bottom right. Kostia can be seen in the background, lurking just behind and to the left of Parish.”

Back from my whirlwind ride in Massachusetts, I found myself utterly drained. Crashing into bed, I didn’t stir until the clock struck 9 PM. Now, as I sit sorting through my finances, I can’t help but feel a mix of astonishment and frustration.

You wouldn’t believe the audacity of some folks! My auto insurance bill soared sky-high, my student loan payments bumped up by a whopping 100 bucks, and, as if on cue, my electricity company decided to play hide and seek by locking me out of their website – again. To say I’m disgruntled tonight would be an understatement.

Looks like my workday tomorrow will be packed with a series of not-so-pleasant phone calls. There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned “discussion” with customer service reps to kickstart the day, right?

But for now, it’s time to hit the hay. Goodnight world. Toodal-le-looooou!