Virtual Girls

• Hard-Disk Girl:  She remembers everything, FOREVER!
  
• RAM Girl: She forgets about you the moment you turn her off.
  
• Windows Girl: Everyone knows that she can't do anything right, but no one can live without her.
  
• Screensaver Girl: She is really good for nothing, but at least she if fun/good-looking.
  
• Internet Girl: Difficult to access.
  
• Server Girl: Always busy when you need her.
  
• Multimedia Girl: She makes horrible things look beautiful!
  
• CD-ROM Girl: She is always faster and faster.
  
• Email Girl: 9 out of 10 things said are nonsense.
  
• Virus Girl: Sometimes also known as "Wife", when you aren't expecting her, she installs herself and uses all your resources.  If you try to unistall her, you will lose something.  If you don't try to uninstall her, you lose everything!

Okay, so all that can be changed to guys!  LoL!  And I'm sure there's more that can be added.

Telemarketers

Do you get mad at telemarketers?  Most people I know get mad and some say some pretty uncivil things to them.  I've tried to tell people that those people are only trying to do their job.  Yeah, the job is much like a used car salesman, or an insurance man, but it may be the only job they can get.  My point, don't get mad at 'em, have fun with 'em.

I must admit that I did get mad one day when one that could barely speak, and hardly understood, English was trying to get me to do something for the American veterans.  As you may know from past blogs, I do support our American military and those that have served, so I got a little "angry" when a non-English speaking person tried to "help" with Americans.  I got over it and now have fun with telemarketers.

Fun With Telemarketers

Now when a telemarketer calls, I try to get them into a conversation.  Or, I try to just "mess" with the product they sale.  Sometimes, I'll get one that is good at what they do and it takes some other tactics.  Anyway, change the subject, go into a dissertation about why you like or dislike something (anything), just have some fun!!!

Here's a conversation with TM being the Telemarketer and Me being me:
TM: Hello, is this Dave M~?
Me: Were you calling Dave M~? 
TM: Yes I am. May I speak with Dave M~?
Me: This is him.
TM: Well, Mr. M~, I'm really excited to tell you that you've won a 3 day and 2 night vacation in a lovely spot of your choosing. (with excitement building)  This includes your hotel stay and breakfast for ALL those days!  What do you think about that?
Me: Not much. (keeping a monotone)
TM: You're not excited about winning a FREE vacation?
Me: No! I don't like them.
TM: I'm sorry sir. I don't quite understand.
Me: I don't like vacations.
TM: Sir, you'll really like this one and I'd like to tell you more about it.  This vacation can be...
Me: (interrupting) I don't like vacations, and you can't make me go!
TM: I thought you were kidding with me.  This vacation...
Me: (interrupting again) Do I sound like I'm kidding?
TM: No sir.  Do you go on vacations?
Me: Didn't I just say that I don't like them? Why would I go then?
TM: Yes you did.  If you were to go on a vacation, where would you go?  If you could go ANYWHERE?
Me: I'd go next door to my neighbors.
TM: You'd go next door if you could go ANYWHERE?
Me: I said I don't like vacations.  I don't like my neighbors either.  So, I'd go there so I could come back home as soon as I wanted.
TM: You really don't like vacations?
Me: I hate 'em.
TM: Well, sir, I don't think I can help you.
Me: I didn't think so.
TM: Okay, if you have any questions about our vacations, please call 1-800-5...
Me: (interrupting) Can you hold on while I get a pen and paper?
TM: Um, yes I can.
Me: Oh, nevermind.  It will be about vacations and I hate 'em.  I probably won't call.
TM: Umm, you have a nice day, Mr. M~.
Me: (in the same monitone) You, too.  I've enjoyed talking with you.
TM: (ominous click)
Me: (smiles) 

Okay, so some of the fun takes a lot of quick thinking, or maybe not.  But, it is a useful exercise for the telemarketer.  It gives them the useful knowledge on how to handle some "crazy guy".  LoL!  And, this may not be funny, but it was kinda' fun.

The FogWalker returns to business.....or to surfing...whichever comes first...

The weather outside is frightening...

I don't remember the exact words, but the weather has really been crazy.  I've had the fire stoked up the last couple of nights because of the low temps (and the dampness from the rains).  And the barometric pressure changes, well, let's just say they win.....no mas!!!

What's that number?

Why is it that when you have told a telemarketer "no", and they finally understand the "no", that they give you this 10 digit telephone number just in case you want to call and ask questions?  They say it really fast, you're not interested anyway (that's why you said "no"), and you're not writing it down....so what's the purpose?  Sure, pal, I've got your number and will call if I want to ask you something!  Right!

The FogWalker returns to the darkness to contemplate the zen of telemarketing.....or just to go to sleep.....whichever happens first....

Kick Start

Okay, so Leah didn't actually intend on kick starting me back at Xanga.  Let's just say that by making me smile, I was inspired to come back and write!  And Sheryl, I just got your email, though I couldn't read it, the thought is very nice and appreciated.

Missed Writing & Reading

I had almost forgotten how much I liked to read and write.  My sabbatical was much needed.  What I missed most was reading a certain group of blogs.  Though virtual, it seemed I was part of something really nice.  However, as some of you can attest, there are those that are not so nice.  Anyway...I've missed this place.

My Outlook Express got corrupted and I haven't been able to fix it.  Why?  Because both my CD drive and my CD burner in this computer went kaput!  And I need one of them to read my Windows XP Pro CD in order to fix my OE.  So, it's time to get a new drive, not a CD drive, but a DVD drive/burner.   Sad because I have to spend money on it; happy because it will be a nice upgrade (and much needed).

Then there's the health stuff.  To prove to a doctor and a couple of other people, I quit taking the BiosLife 2.  This has helped me maintain my blood sugar around 80, kept my cholesterol in the proper place, and helped with keeping blood pressure down.  It will do more. After being off the BiosLife 2 for 4 1/2 months, my body kicked in reverse and kicked my butt.  Blood sugar went up to 400+, pulse and b/p shot up, cholesterol was a little gentler, but not much, etc.  Okay, so I'm back on the BiosLife 2 and trying to get back in order.  BTW, though not meant as an advertisement, my hunni and I sell this at cost from Unicity.  So if you want to try it, let me know.

I'm starting to get back on my feet now, so to speak.

Winter in Spring

Seems like we're having winter in the spring.  I've got a fire going in the wood burning stove, and all the barometric pressure changes are killing me.  Nice rainy weather.  If it would just set in, I'd feel better.

DMo224.com

You may have noticed that you can't reach this place anymore by going to www.DMo224.com.  When my domain name expired, Xanga was nice enough to notify me that I could renew it through them for around $25. Since I can get domain names via GoDaddy for around $10, I didn't renew it through Xanga and got it through GoDaddy.  Now I'm told by Xanga that I can't point my DNS to come here.  So what's up with that?  I have to pay the extra price to get my domain name to come here?  Not cool!  More investigation required.  Come on Xanga, I'm a lifetime member!

The FogWalker goes back to the dark....tomorrow is another day......maybe......

I survive!

I didn't realize until just about a week ago that several of you had tried to contact me.  I've had lots of different problems from computer to health, so I didn't really know.  I wasn't ignoring anyone.  And I'm sorry that I've fallen so behind on the happenings of you that I have called friends (though virtual, I still should never relinquish the tie).

And then Leah gave me a "kick" start to get back in here.  No, she wasn't mean, but actually made me smile today.  She does more than says she understands; she really does understand!  Thanks!

The FogWalker returns to the darkness..........will come back to the light (of the monitor) later.....

I really don't like it when someone answers my blog with good reasoning and logic.  Thanks Sheryl!    Geemyknee!  I really don't like it when someone makes plans with me and then I have to cancel out.  But I guess that I would understand if it were someone else.   **kicks dirt**   I still don't like making plans with me.

Past Due Bill

I received a phone call from Health Financial Services.  That seems like a nice name and a company that really wants to help me out.  Unfortunately for me, they only want to help out the health institutions that say I owe them money.   Anyway, this company calls me and says that they want to make arrangements for me to pay a bill (actually, a group of bills).  The dates on the bills range from June 1995 to May 1998.  What?!?  Now that is way past due!  Most of them have something to do with the car accident on 28 January 1998, but that has been over, done with, settled for several years.  Or so I thought.

I asked them if they would just write off the bill and mark it to zero.  They said they couldn't and that it would be up to the company/corporation trying to collect if they wanted to write it off.  They suggested calling the 3 different places and see if they would write off, mark as paid, or zero my balance.  So, I did!

I Can't Do That

The first place let me know that I should have told them within the first 6 months of the bill being due that I wanted financial help.  Well, in 1995 I had a good job and good insurance (if there's anything good about insurance companies, but that's a different blog).  I really don't know how that happened.  The first lady said that she couldn't write it off, so I asked to speak to someone that could make that decision.  Then I got the one that had the job position that could make those decisions.  First, she told me how bad it was to ask.  Secondly, she told me that I should have asked years ago.  Thirdly, she told me, "I can't do that."  I said, "Yes you can do that; it's that you won't do that."  She told me more how it was my responsibility, how she "always sends out 6 or 7 letters to collect", and how their policy is not to do that.  Then she said she "can't do that" again.  I just reminded her that she could do that, but she won't.  Then she asked me, "Why should I do that?"  Now, that infers that she could do that if she wanted.  I explained to her how I was in a car accident, don't have the "good" job and "good" insurance anymore, and was hoping that they would understand my situation and write it off.  Besides that, I told her that I needed an orthopedic surgeon after the wreck and they would not see me anymore (because of the litigation).  To that last remark, she said it was untrue.   I wonder if she realized that she just called me a liar?

Anyway, it came down to the fact that they have already collected $10,000+ from my insurance company, plus about $1500 from me, but they still wanted their ~$350, no matter what my financial or physical state is!!!  I guess I won't see Dr. Sibley anymore.

2nd Place Attempt

So, I call the second place that I owe money.  This one was directly related to the car accident, you know, the one that has been settled and where I was neither physically restored, and sure didn't get financial restitution.  As a matter of fact, the company I worked for fired me because of the car accident that was not my fault.  Don't say they can't do that; DuPont can do whatever they want!  But, I digress.

I told the person that answered the phone the short story of how I would like for them to zero that account, and how that was settled several years ago.  Of course, she couldn't do anything about it and that's true because I would need to talk with someone else.  She connected me to her manager, which also couldn't do anything.  That manager connected me to the Office Manager, which couldn't do anything.  I was connected to the Charleston manager, which couldn't do anything.  Next was the regional manager (or whatever he was called) located in Morgantown.

I explained the story, and why I would like to have them write off the account.  He told me that he "can't do that."  I told him that someone "could do that" and I wanted to talk with him/her.  He explained how it was corporate policy to not do that, and asked me why they should do that.  I thanked him for telling me that it was corporate policy and that it was still above his head for someone to make that decision.  I told him that I knew a multi-million dollar corporation doesn't care about me, but I would like to find one human that would take the time to consider my case and realize that this fits in the category of humanities, not corporate policy.  I'm not just a number on a case sheet, I'm a real human that has some problems.  This guy, God bless him, gave me a suggestion (which could be a put off) of writing and he'll pass it to the regional president to make a decision, because he's at a high enough level to say, "Cut this ol' guy a break!"

Need For Greed

Yes, we are just numbers and money (either plus or minus) for corporations.  I used to think that there was such a thing as company and employee loyalty, which meant that an employee was loyal to their employer and the employer was loyal to the employee.  Really, I think it was true at one time, but the Need For Greed (name the show) changed that for both parties.

Depends on who it is

It seems that if you're a big dog, then everything goes well for you to collect money from the little dog.  But be the little dog trying to collect money owed, and you have two chances: slim and none.

The FogWalker just shakes his head.....heads back to the recliner....trying to recover from a migraine and a swollen metal knee from a slip....

More rain, more barometric pressure changes, more pain...

Plans

I really hate it when I make plans to do something with someone and then the pain kicks in so that I can't do what we planned.  It makes me feel like scum when I ruin someone else's plans.  Like my best friend (my brother) and I plan to go out hunting.  Then I wake up with a very bad migraine and I can't go.  It not only ruined my plans, but ruined his plans, too.  It's bad enough that I can't do what I wanted to do, but it's worse when I mess up someone else's plans.

So, I want to NOT make plans with anyone because I'm afraid that I might mess 'em up due to a migraine (or other pain).  Now I try to work out plans so that I'm not a variable in those plans, which also makes it hard for other people's plans.  Geemyknee!  It's another time that I don't like me!

I know that most people will say they understand.  Especially John will say that it's "okay" and he'll do something else.  But I also know that they really don't understand because they have not been there.  And even though one may say it's okay, and they accept my lacking, it still doesn't make it right that I didn't do what I had said or planned.

Migraine Pain

The pain doesn't stop.  It doesn't just go away.  There have actually been 21 days since January 28th, 1998 that I have NOT had a migraine.  You can do the math.  That's where the pain level was actually zero.  My scale is 0 - 10 where 0 is no pain whatsoever, and 10 is when I go to the hospital for a rather large shot of Stadol or morphine.  I was keeping a log of everyday and the pain level, but that gets rather frustrating, too.  So I don't keep the log anymore.  My average is around 6.5.

Writing

BTW, thanks for all your comments.  I need to write, but I've had lots of problems.  Most of the problems are just me.  And I get tired of writing about pain, you know, whining.  Gee! 

Escape & Oblivion

I really like the forums that I mention here.  They are a kind of escape for me, because I can go there and help people, regardless of how I feel.  Kinda'.  However, the big escape is oblivion, wherein lies no pain, at least, no pain that I am aware of.  And that escape from the reality of pain, or failure, or lack of accomplishment, or ruining someone else's plans, well, that escape can be precious.  And no, I don't want escape through alcohol or drug misuse, I just want escape from consciousness to my own little area of oblivion.  But with oblivion, time just keeps going away, never to return again, and never to be redeemed.

As usual, the FogWalker goes back to the darkness and the recliner....maybe oblivion will make the pain go away.....maybe....

Where have all the FogWalker's blogs gone?  Long time passing.

DAnger

I've said some things that I shouldn't have.  I've heard it said that "you mean everything that you say".  I agree to that, somewhat.  However, I think we say somethings that we don't actually mean, but we do say it with the intent to hurt.  I've done that to my hunni, and I hate me for the doing.

I got mad.  Anger is so close to Danger that it's not funny.  Maybe there's some significance to Anger being one letter from Danger.  I've had control over the anger for so long, and then I didn't.  I lacked self-control and in a heated moment, I verbally hurt the one that I love most.  I'm ashamed and appalled at my own words.

I've apologized, and it's been forgiven.  But the hurt is still there.  It made a wound that will always leave a scar.  Now my anger is at me for doing something so stupid.  How could I be so dumb to hurt the one I love.  I hurt myself.

Many things to say

I've got lots of things that I've written to myself and no one sees.  I guess I need to write them, but haven't been able to force myself to do that.  I've almost quite blogging, even though I read about 10 or 12 blogs everyday.  I need to say somethings for myself, just to put it out, like the therapist said.  I've had attacks because of my "dinosaur-dom".  So though it's good to write out stuff, why should I?

Good News

Matt is doing well after his brain surgery.  He has had no seizures and the healing seems complete.  The worse part of this whole thing are all the bills that he has, with no insurance.  Another item on the good news front is that Josh (and Kelly) will be moving back to WV.  I don't see this as the best choice, but I'd like to be able to see him more.

The FogWalker returns to his known world of pain....and sometimes loneliness....

Long time, no write.....very true.

You ever have times when you just can't write?  I've had some times lately, primarily due to migraines and personal attacks that I just couldn't write. 

More migraines, more severe migraines, and I've re-discovered what pain is like. [/whine]

I survive!

The FogWalker returns to oblivion.......

The weather, the weather......can we have some more changes please?

New Addition

It's moving along, albeit slowly.  Now I've found out that the furniture for the downstairs room is going to be deliverd on the 11th.  Oh oh!  That means that a lot of work needs done before then.  But...

And the last 3 days have been extremely bad.  I was so sick Tuesday (migraine & knee) that I almost didn't vote.  Almost, but I did.  I was planning on being at the poll at 6am, and ended up being there at 7:30am.  But I got there.  I had my list all printed out, so it only took a few minutes to get in there and out of there.  Well, it took 20 or 30 minutes to get to the booth, and then it just took a few to get out.  Then it was go home and go back to bed. 

Wednesday was a lot better, but I can't remember most of it since I wasn't conscious.

Today

I just rotated from the bed to the recliner to the bed to the couch.....etc., etc.  No peace, and no comfort.  Pain is almost my constant companion, but I like my little shadows better.  That's funny, 'cause I used to really dislike indoor cats, but now they seem to be my best friends.  And, the more I'm around people, the more I like my cats.

Elections

I'm really glad this is over.  It's still some big talk at our forums, even though they are not political forums.  I'm resting easier that many of my choices were elected, especially the Big One!  LoL!

Forums (shameless promotion)

• Webmaster-Talk


• SEO-Talk


• DevBox Developer


• Tech-Forums

There's everything from webmastering, to search engine optimization, to programming, to all computer stuff.  Take your pick.  Yes, you'll see me there.  I'm an Administrator at them.

The FogWalker survives.......and goes back to.....one of those places.....

Gloom, despair, and agony on me.
Deep dark depression, excessive misery.
If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.
Gloom, despair, and agony on me.

Seems to be my theme song at the time.  Must be the duldrums!

Matt

Matt went back to work today.  It's a 5 hour day to get him broke back in to working.  But that's good.  After his brain surgery, he had a lot of fatigue, but that was expected.  Now, he's getting back on his feet and getting out there.  He works so hard, and yet most of his money goes to the doctors and hospitals.  With no insurance, it's really rough.  His bill, so far, is in excess of $130k.  I wish there was a way to get that paid, other than burdening Matt until he lives to be 187 ('cause that's how long it's going to take him to pay it off).  BTW, if you have ideas of ways to raise money for him or something like that, let me know.

I've been asked a couple of times about who I'm voting for.  Some people are very bosterious about asking, and I haven't responded much because I don't want to offend anyone.  However, I noticed that a lot of people I talk to don't care if I'm offended.  Yes, I will vote.

If I tell you that I'm Republican, then you will say that I'm "this way, or that way, or I believe this or that".  You can say that, but you don't know that.  You'll only be able to tell how I am, or what I believe, when you directly talk to me or read what I say.  Don't classify me by what you think you know about others in the same group.

For a shock treatment (probably only to me), here's some groups that I'm a member of, or support.  This list will not inform you to how I believe on all issues, and I don't always agree with the other members of that group. 

• 
  
  Dinosaur (would have to read way back to know or even understand that)
  
  
• 
  
  Xangan (obviously)
  
  
• 
  
  Independent Baptist (interesting so far?)
  
  
• 
  
  Pro-life (you might have guessed that one from past reading)
  
  
• 
  
  Independent Business Owner (well, my hunni is and she's the boss, hehe)
  
  
• 
  
  Republican (just changed to that about 4 months ago)
  
  
• 
  
  FOP - Friends of Police
  
  
• 
  
  NRA - National Rifle Association (anyone raising eyebrows?)
  
  
• 
  
  Buckmasters
  
  
• 
  
  Total Body Health & Wellness Ring
  
  
• 
  
  Tang So Doo, Moo Duk Kwan Academy
  
  
• 
  
  Disabled Americans
  
  
• 
  
  Officials (as in volleyball, basketball, ju jitsu, etc.)
  
  
• 
  
  And other things, but my thinker doesn't know what else to put.

Okay, so the question is: Do you think you actually know all about me from that list?  If you answer yes, then you must assume that I'm kinda' shallow and don't have thoughts of my own.  If you said no, then I agree with you because those organizations or associations do not make me what I am even though they may be a part of what I am.  Understand?

I'm not going into all the ones I'm voting for tomorrow, but I'm voting for Bush for President.  If there is one issue that would make me vote for him over Kerry, it's the abortion issue.  I'm very much for life, especially that life that starts at conception.  But there are also other issues and Kerry's stand is so different from mine for the most part that it actually scares me that he could be President.  But that's just me!

Well, that's as radical as I care to be today.  Maybe I'll tell you more about the inner workings of me someday.  Maybe I won't.

The FogWalker ices his knee.....and returns to the dark....