New Home

To my faithful followers and readers, I have decided to move my blog to Wordpress. I believe this move will help me in my future endeavors in allowing me to focus on improvements in time management, my social network, blogging and my business.

I am a one man show and I do at times find it difficult managing my time. This is a work in progress and I hope you will continue in following my journey.

Please visit and follow me at WhatrUWorkinOn.com 

I Have Experimented

I've noticed that some of my old post have been read lately and that has given me a curious look myself. I've opened a couple of them to see what I've written and noticed that I've done some experimenting along the way since I started this blog.

I recently deleted my second most read post because I wasn't really thinking when I wrote it and I thought it may have been offensive to women. Thinking back, I was angry not at women, but with TheWife and just happen to blurt out loud my frustration and the post really had nothing to do with why I was upset with her.

In general I am happy to say that my blog hasn't really changed although I have done some experimenting. 

This post...World Class gets a lot of reads and reflects the core of my blog. I believe that life in general is our place of learning. Not taking away from text books, but they can't give what life itself does. If we can't learn from life, all the books in the world are useless....that's just me.

Life Has...is another post that has been read most recently by a few people. After reading this again brought to mind a post I had written about Steps. 

Reading these reminded me of the style of poetry I like to write most although I have written a little on the dark side. 

A stroll down memory lane has brought back the experiences I have in writing this blog and what I've learned along the way. It's not a very popular blog but I do appreciate my followers and those who happen to drop in unexpected. I keep moving along and I'll see what this journey has in store.

A Needed Break

I had taken an unannounced break from writing and it actually felt pretty good...it wasn't even planned, but I guess I needed it.

Although I haven't been writing, I have been busy doing other things. I'm trying to keep my website and blog distinct from each other, making this one personal and the other strictly business...that shouldn't be too hard huh? Of course after a little thought, this was my launching pad for where I am today. I'm sure I can come up with a good balance. 

Here are three frames I put together and I'm pretty sure I know what is going in each one....they may not even be clocks.... 

Not counting the frames above, I'm about to start a custom clock for someone.

On another note, my veggies are coming along rather well...the bell peppers are getting huge and I've had a few tomatoes and they are pretty tasty. I'll have to get updated pics soon.

That's all I have for now....WhatrUWorkinOn?

Outside Of Mama's Eyes

Hey @MahoganyWayMama, I know you see the kids in pictures all the time, but here's a look outside of your eyes.

I Found Myself In Thought

I finally got around to making it comfortable to work outside. The shade and the breeze are soothing. TheWife was off Wednesday and 'reminded me' that it would be a good idea to put the umbrella up. We have a dining room table that's been around since we've been married....well after we got our first apartment.....anyway, I digress ; the only thing I had to do was to drill the hole and set the umbrella. We had chairs but the table is the only thing that  survived, but these will do for now. 


Now I'm outside and I realized my thoughts spanned several years of my life. A couple of days ago I was thinking of "the thought that kept driving me to do better than where I am" at any given moment in my life, that is what I want to do. Strive to do better, even when others see it as just someone else with a dream. The driving force in this particular thought stems from my tenure as an Autoglass Technician. When I first got into installing, it was a new adventure...learning, hands on, making decisions, getting things done under, at times almost impossible circumstances. Sure there were lots of times when a call was necessary but for the most part it was if I was my own company.


So over the years I made manager and this was a whole new ballgame. I felt as if I was fed to the wolves. I was a 'working manager' and many aspects of the job were never taught...yeah you know, on the managing end. Of course I was to 'pick up on this part' in between installs. It was almost a torturous number of years. So when that didn't work, I was offered a tech job....that's pretty much what they all do when you don't work out as a manager....unless you really screwed up bad. 


Besides my drive to want a better life for myself and my family, I scoped the ranks of the technician pool and I didn't want to be one of those who has toiled and labored for years on end and then retire as a tech. I saw the battered bodies and frustrated minds....but I kept listening to the promise of opportunity...even with another company....and there too, the years of labor taking its toll on the seniors of the tech pool....realizing, if I stayed the course, I would be one of them. 


I'm no better than any of them, but I finally chose to pull myself away from that table, and let the plate fall to its breaking....while I still have the drive and desire to fulfill accomplishments. 


Now I turn my attention to other tables to see what feasts or spoils await.     
    

On This Father's Day

I almost decided not to do this post but changed my mind again. I am reminded by events that brings perspective to what I'm doing with my life right now. The death of my brother sucked the air right out of me and it took awhile the start breathing again.


My nephew, my only sister's oldest son had a stroke last year. He was fortunate to have someone with him at the time. His stroke was bad, but he is currently recovering. He is walking on his own and takes morning walks by himself. He stutters when he speaks and keeps apologizing whenever we talk...I keep telling him that he doesn't have to do that. I really find joy when we do talk because he continues to make progress.


I talked to my sister today and find out that he has an aneurysm and will be having surgery. 


For whatever reason I didn't find out until three days after the fact, that my third oldest brother suffered a stroke this past Wednesday and he too happened to not be alone. Although his was not as severe as our nephew's, it is a stroke nonetheless. He was at home yesterday but will be off of work for at least 4 weeks. 


I can't help but to think about myself and my family....what can I do for them. What can I do now that will be of benefit to them in the future. Life insurance?...sure. What more can I do? Some may say that insurance is enough. Not me. 


These aforementioned events have touched that nerve...you know the one. That is why what I do is so important for me. I value my life and all that God has given me. My abilities, my desires, my love for those that have come into this life behind me. For me, it's not just a matter of raising your children, but helping them to reach and to achieve, to realize they too have goals that can be reached. 


So I continue to show my love by doing what I do in hopes that will be of substance to them in their future. Utilizing my time to build on the foundation that was started in my mind, many years ago...never giving up on that dream. 


With that, I'd like to say that my second clock sold this past Friday. Some of you may have seen the prototype. 


Here is the final design of the 8 x 8 clock...Rise Above...

MyQuesMark Rise Above Clock Design

Here it is in the shadow box I made for either wall mount or desktop
complete with painted frame

Here is Darcy holding his brand new clock...I wonder if he realizes he's holding the only clock of its kind (as per design)
I would venture to say in all the world.
Thanks Darcy!


If it all stops here and now, in my heart I have succeeded....I don't know how much time I have left and if I ask God, he wouldn't tell....besides, I don't want to know. I want to continue to work this time that I have because things are put into perspective,
On This Father's Day

The Ending

June 1st marks the ending of the first six months of 2012. Thinking ahead....I wonder what all of those superstitious people are gonna do about next year.....anyway, my mind goes to all of the resolutions that have been broken or never made it out of the gate. It's been awhile since I've done the resolution things....very long time.


I penned the poster below November 12, 2011. I'd have to do a little more digging to see when it was first published on my blog or my CafePress website. It may sound cliche but I do get inspired when I read it. I wrote it in a way that whoever reads this, can apply it to themselves....the question at the end?....I ask myself, what have I done since the last time I read it. Sometimes I am so angry with me because I've missed easy ops, but I know there are more doors ahead. There are times when I muster a smile or two just knowing I am able to even try to pursue dreams. I frustrate myself by trying to do too much at one time....multi-multitasking. I love it when I get that giddy feeling.


I'm more determined than ever to reach for goals, achieve them and reach for more. I'm not going to wait until the beginning of the year to start my new year. Right now I feel as if I'm making that turn....you know the feeling....you've been on THAT road for such a long time you can tell that the scenery is starting to change. It's such a good feeling.


I did edit the wording on this new poster...I took out the words "have to" on the third line and replaced them with the word "can" and did a little realignment with the rest.

I'm going to be posting pictures in a couple of weeks and I would very much  your advice, opinion, input. I'm going to have a few small giveaways during the month of June so it would be a good idea to tell your friends to like my Facebook page. That's a few of what's up and coming....gonna ride this wave as far as it will take me.


If you'd like to see this in a different flavor you can go here.
  

I Wish

This Is My Yesterday

One of the advantages of working from home is that I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn, but at the same time I don't sleep in either. It was around 7:30 when TheWife wakes me. I get myself ready and we're out the door just after eight. 


I forgot to mention in my last post about the nails that I found in  the two rear tires after I moved them to the front. They probably went undetected due to the lack of weight put on the tires because the van is empty at the moment. After I put them on the front I then noticed right away how deflated they were, now due to the weight of the engine. Since that time I have had to spend money to inflate the tires and I was about to make sure this morning was my last time doing that.


I drop TheWife off at work about nine and head to WalMart. In my haste to get food shopping out of the way, I forgot to stop at a parts store to get a tire repair kit, then as I parted the threshold of WalMart remembered I can pick one up there. 

I've used one of these before, years ago and was really pleased with the outcome. I like the handle on this set because the first one I had was like a screwdriver handle. 

I didn't get pictures during the process because if you don't want to lose all of the air from the tire...if it isn't flat...you need to move fast. But I did get pics after the test drive.

What air I did lose , was replaced using this portable air compressor.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the other motivating factor in doing this myself...I stopped at a gas station to see how much to plug one tire...$25.00.

Moving on, while in the automotive section I spot spark plugs and put those in the cart too...knowing I should get everything for the tune up at one time. 

I think this van had been sitting for awhile because of the corrosion on the plugs....I don't think you get that when a vehicle is driven regularly. 

Darcel and The3Grands were still here while I was replacing the plugs....the kids sat in the van while I worked. They left just before I was finished with that and that is when I repaired the tires. 

After the test drive, I hit the shower, finished drying and folding the clothes, and did the dishes.  By the time I sit to do this post, it was 10:00....checking email, facebook and what not. I finally give in with an unfinished post just after 11....what did it cost me to purchase the parts?....about $25.00. 

I almost forgot about whipping up pancakes for Kiah and Darcel....hot dogs for Ava...more pancakes for Kiah....playtime outside...this not long after getting home from shopping. Picking up TheWife from work, before working on the van.....I did mention the laundry...didn't I?

That was my yesterday....WhatrUWorkinOn?

Reggie

                                                 

This Takes Me Back

I'm tellin ya ahead of time....it's a picture heavy post.


It was time for me to take a closer look at the engine of my van. This won't be the first time I had the "dog house" cover off, but it will be the first time I'm taking a good look into what I'll have to do in the near future.

It comes apart in two sections.

It's really pretty easy to 

take apart....two 1/2" bolts

on the floor....

 ....and two clamps on both sides 

at the top.

Once you get both sections off, you have access to a great portion of the engine.

When I removed the breather cover, there was a strong gas odor. I'll probably replace the oxygen sensors.

Spark plugs don't look so hot either.   

I climbed underneath to see why my 

tires were worn and part of the reason, 

the ball joints have no grease. 

I rotated the tires to finish up. The van is in sound condition and once I get the tune up and some tires I should be good for a bit.

I tinted the windows a couple weeks ago...it looks much better from a distance, but not bad for doing it alone. The instructions suggest two people; that is some hard stuff to work with I'll tell ya! I removed the windows from the van and tinted them that way.

On another note....I'm thinking of designing new signatures for my blogs.

Reggie

                                            

I Needed Wheels

To continue from my previous post, there is one thing that I do miss about my job and that is I didn't have to worry about transportation. We were allowed to drive the vans home after we were finished for the day; that was a big savings in fuel costs, maintenance costs and insurance costs I didn't have to worry about.


So now I was in need of some wheels. My first thought was what I would be doing and what type of vehicle would best suit the purpose. I already knew what I wanted and needed but I had to go through the routine because it wasn't just about me and what I needed it for. Price of course comes into play because the funds are very limited so I had to stay within that certain range. Something that would get decent gas mileage which would have to be a car, but would be too small in the long run. I started looking at mini vans and suvs while still looking at cars. As it turned out, the prices for cars were about the same or higher than the vans, so that's where I turned all of my focus although I did test drive a mini van or two. 


I've always liked older cars, not sure why. Maybe it's because I can work on some of the problems that may arise on my own. 


What I really wanted was an older Chevy van. Back in the early ninety's I had a 1977 Chevy van. We loved that van; it had four captains chairs and an area in the back with a table that transformed into a bed if you would. The seating area around the table was in a U shape and lifting the table top off of its post and laying it into the U opening would give you a bed. 


I like vans because they are versatile such as bad weather when you need to haul something. So I come across an ad for a 93 Chevy van, must see the add said. I pass it up. I was about $500.00 more than what I wanted to spend. I continue shopping and begin to get more and more frustrated. Days turn into a week and then more. The van is still on the market with a price drop....hmmmm. This looks promising. I decided to rent a car for two days because it's crunch time and my timeline is slowly dissipating; the longer I have the money, the more chances it will also shrink. 


I drive onto the lot looking for the van as I pull in, I spot it. After parking I get out and walk straight to it. It's clean and no dents, but it's a window van....ugh! I like vans but window vans are not on my list of favorites. I ask for the key and it fires right up. There is nothing inside but two front seats. It has air, I check it and it's cold....looking better....I look it over inside and spotless is how to describe it. For a van this old I was expecting some damages, but nothing major that I could see. 


Now it's time to negotiate. I knew coming in I was $200.00 short of the new price but I go for it. He said he would have to make a phone call and...bingo! I get it for $600.00 less than the original advertised price!

I know you're thinking I now have an extra $600.00 to work with....not so....remember when I said that I came with a couple hundred less than what they wanted for the van?....yes, the funds had already began to shrink due to odds and ends popping up. 

But I have my van!

On Moving Day

There is not much to say about the time between my last day at work up until now but I will bring you up to speed. I'll start with moving day. Samuel just love trucks so when he had a chance to sit behind the wheel of the moving truck, he wasn't about to past that up.

ok....i got this!

hmmm this might be a tight turn...

The move itself took much longer than I thought it would and longer than it really should have. Yes we were two families moving to two different locations but we had more stuff coming here that I remember having.

We took our time and moved in what was supposed to be two days, but dragged into four....don't ask. Boxes were moved, unpacked, shoved to one side, moved to another, stacked and re-stacked. 

Things slowly began to come together. Reg took care of his room pretty quick and I didn't mind taking care of the rest; so while TheWife worked I concentrated on getting key areas (kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bath) set up so each room had a spot that could be used as everything else was put together. We finally got a chance to really attack the living room and get the love seat off of the couch....I had to stack them because it was so tight in here.

That time spanned the last week in March and a little less than two weeks into April. That's basically the move in a nutshell. I'm not sure what I'll have next. Until then.....WhatrUWorkinOn?