News of the mundane...

Because the end of the year is approaching, I decided that I needed to empty out my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) before it became a generous donation to the government. After a little thinking, I decide that the best way to spend the remaining money would be a trip to the eyeglasses store.


(My New Ray-Ban's)

My appointment was today, and I did my best to prepare by visiting another location of the chain last night to pick out frames. I decided that the best purchase would be 3 pairs. One for everyday, one for when I'm out having a good time and nice pair of cool sunglasses. I assumed that I would still have some FSA for the good people in Washington, but that's the price you pay for waiting till December 27th to take care of things.

But that's not at all how it turned out...

My total bill was $954, and that was after my vision package picked up $480 of covered expenses. What this all means is that I actually exceeded the amount in my FSA by about $30. Not a bad guess on the outfitting if you ask me... I get new specs, I leave no money on the table for the feds to swallow and I reduced my taxable income by $1000.

Tis a good (although rather mundane) day.

- ND

Fun holiday flash games...

Here are a few links to some flash games that have been passed around the office:

Drunk Santa: My personal best was 1142 points (my first try)

Drunk Santa

Penguin Batting Practice: Longest penguin was 323.5

Yetti Batting Practice

Good luck! Post your high scores...

- ND

Return to posting...

I have returned to posting following my extended (3 day) absence. Thanks to all of my loyal reader(s) for being patient and not posting Wikipedia articles while I was away.

Now, on with the post...

I have found myself days from Christmas and having no shopping officially completed. As you might guess, the week of travel to Chicago has thoroughly ruined my plans of being done with the shopping before Christmas eve. So this year I guess I will be looking for the perfect gift for that special someone down the toiletries section at the local Walgreens.

For those of you who have a specific gift that you just must have, please post a comment on this blog with your wish list. While I'm at Walgreens I would be happy to check out the other aisles to see if that special item is available. I understand their supply of Christmas candles and chocolate covered cherries is limitless.

Have a Merry Christmas... and be sure to hide your disappointment when you receive a bottle of Foamy rich and creamy shaving cream in your stocking.

- ND

Remembrance...

I am still in Chicago, but should be home by Tuesday. Many pictures have been collected depicting the life of my departed friend. Here is one of he and I in Canada. This was taken by his brother-in-law while we were returning from a portage between lakes.



I hope everyone is well...

- ND

PS - Notice the walking stick. He was very proud to have found the perfect stick to harvest from the local terrain. It was so revered in fact that there was discussion of taking it back to Chicago. It was returned to the states by one of the other fishermen who probably still has it in his possession.

Funeral for a friend...

I am in Chicago morning the loss of a dear friend. Please forgive me for the infrequent posting. I will be back to normal infrequent posting shortly.

- ND

Happy RamaHanuKwanzMas

Holiday greetings to my committed fan(s). (or reader, or apathetic to much time on his hands and bored at work time killer)

In an effort to offend no one and everyone simultaneously, I present to you this politically (in)correct holiday post.



Special thanks to Glenn Beck for the image...

- ND

Secret Santa redux

As I described in my previous post, I am participating in the company Secret Santa exchange. I received my second gift from my Secret Santa, and to be honest, I'm not sure how to feel about it.



As you can see, my Secret Santa has given me cookies. What could this person have been thinking? I mean there are enough temptations around the holidays without worrying about caloric intake. Does this person have no concern about my health? Do they want to see me lapse into some cookie related diabetic coma?

I think I'll have one of the smokes my Secret Santa provided as their first gift to relieve the stress.

- ND

Secret Santa

This year someone decided to have a Secret Santa exchange at my workplace. I was initially hesitant about becoming involved because these things always seem to have a way of blowing up and making someone unhappy. I, through much guilting and arm twisting, finally acquiesced and signed up.

Today I received my first Secret Santa gift.



I love the holidays...

- ND

More content...

Creating content for the blog is a process that requires time and introspection. Interesting or insightful thoughts are not easily coaxed. Wit is more difficult still. I shall attempt to supply my readership with the content that they crave.






- ND

The mystery of Anon...

The comments posted recently by the person referring to themselves as Anon have stirred a certain curiosity in me for more information. Who is this Anon person, and how is it that they are so knowledgeable and wise?

Using the series of tubes that are often referred to as "The Internet" or "The Internets" I believe that I have found a website unmasking this reclusive figure.

ANON - The Myth Behind The Legend

- ND

A coup' Dave`tat

I have been away from posting for a few days while I rest and recuperate from the power glitches generously afforded by AmerenUE. Apparently my lack of posting has angered my limited, although spirited, readership. For this transgression I humbly seek forgiveness.

I am looking at all opportunities to make the content of this blog more prolific. To best accomplish that end I am considering the idea of seeking out co-bloggers. The first person who popped into my head was Ted Kaczynski. I know his writing is prolific and I suspect that he has ample free time.



I will attempt to post more frequently. Please accept my apology for my ADD.

- ND