World of Onn: Using Monster XP as XP Needed

World of Onn: Using Monster XP as XP Needed: Everyone has seen and/or created their perfect 'Class Creator' for their game system. They take into account most aspects of the classe...

Decemblog 2011 preemptive post

So planning on starting up the Decemblog again.

My daughter is turning two is just under two weeks and our Christmas tree is UP! It survives it's first night with the cats, we'll see how it does with my daughter. [Oh, we have switched to a real tree, branches are woven together tighter an cats can't fit up the branches. :-) ]

Enjoying Skyrim and Batman Arkham City. Great games. I'm about level 22 right now running a Nordic Ranger.

I will post a picture of the tree later this evening.


Last evening, took my Autumn, Brooke, and Dale up to Christmas Magic at Rocky Mountain park. Great fun. Those girls are hilarious! Definitely need to do that one again.

Planning on making Christmas stockings either tonight or Friday night. We'll see how it goes.

Walking Rocky, my grandparents dog. In the mornings. Started last week but ran and holiday made it bad. This week will be better weather. We'll see how it goes.

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December 31st

The end of my decemblog. Before I move onto the events if the day, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year. Please be responsible and thank you for following my decemblog. Oh, Happy Birthday Josh!! (in case you missed my Facebook post)

Work was really nice, all the appointments went well. I had to shovel myself out, but was able to work remotely while I moved the snow.

After work, I picked up some shrimp, pork, sauerkraut, chips, and salsa to eat both on and after the New Year.

Autumn rang in the New Year by eating her bottle early. We all had a family kiss to ring in the New Year! :-)


Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 31st - zip, 0, zilch, nada
Dec. 30th - 3 bulbs and 1 branch
Dec. 29th - 0 bulbs
Dec. 28th - 1 bulb and 2 branches
Dec. 27th - 3 bulbs
Dec. 26th - 0
Dec. 25th - 2 branches
Dec. 24th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 30th

Sleep last night was not the beat but some was had in general.

Work went well. Getting things done and prepared for the New Year.

Fixed a few things in Dale's netbook too.

Other than that, the end of the year is not truly eventful.

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 30th - 3 bulbs and 1 branch
Dec. 29th - 0 bulbs
Dec. 28th - 1 bulb and 2 branches
Dec. 27th - 3 bulbs
Dec. 26th - 0
Dec. 25th - 2 branches
Dec. 24th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 29th

Autumn did not have a great night, too much stimulation from our visitors today. It was rough, only got about four hours of sleep total, not as bad as I was thinking before the baby came.

Work was productive. I was glad to wind down and just get data entered and keep shop repairs moving.

I also got to help setup my brother-in-laws new netbook. It was pretty nice, I made sure he had good antivirus software as well as installed K9 web protection. Verizon is sending a CD and modem to his house so I'll need to bring over an external CD-ROM.

Here's to praying Brooke gets some better sleep tonight too!

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 29th - 0 bulbs
Dec. 28th - 1 bulb and 2 branches
Dec. 27th - 3 bulbs
Dec. 26th - 0
Dec. 25th - 2 branches
Dec. 24th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 28th

Autumn had a much better night last night. Brooke and I also learned that after midnight, Spike TV is NOT something to leave on while sleeping. Autumn is eating a lot more in the bottles now too, which is great.

Work was nice today. Got things resolved and working. Setup a wireless range expander and tested it, all good. I also delivered a PC and fixed some spam filters. I even reconfigured a customer's iPod.

Got home on time which is a BIG plus. Brooke loves when I get home on time. Kristen brought us some dinner, which was a nice break. Autumn was pretty well behaved for the dinner. I got to eat chicken with just a fork. [Thanks Kristen!!]

Autumn seems to be ready for a better night tonight as well. We'll see how things go.

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 28th - 1 bulb and 2 branches
Dec. 27th - 3 bulbs
Dec. 26th - 0
Dec. 25th - 2 branches
Dec. 24th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 27th

Today was just a day for rest. Brooke and I were able to sleep in and have some pancakes for breakfast. We also worked on keeping the baby on somewhat of a feeding schedule.

We played the New Super Mario Brothers some more as well. That game is EXTREMELY addicting. Brooke and I had to continue at least 15 times while playing the game today.

Autumn is sleeping and eating well. She does seem to have her days and nights slightly reversed. She also is starting to fight sleep more often. As long as I get about 4 - 6 hours, I'll be good to go.

Work continues tomorrow. So far, things are looking up.

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 27th - 3 bulbs
Dec. 26th - 0
Dec. 25th - 2 branches
Dec. 24th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 26th

Brooke and I went out today.

First, we returned the breast pump we were renting from York Hospital. It wasn't due back until Monday, but we figured we can do it now since we're out running errands. My mom stopped over to watch Autumn while we were heading out. All went well, we returned the pump and bought one a lot nicer than the EvenFlo we picked up at Babies 'R Us.

While we were running around, Brooke wanted to look for a nicer computer desk. We'll be moving the computer room to the formal living room. This gives us another room and allows me to be, "social" while working on the computer. Sadly Smith Village had a really poor selection of home office items. They had a catalog there but it was office supplies so it was even worse.

Disappointed, we headed home. To help boost low morale, I went out and bought a Wii. Picked Super Smask Brothers Brawl and New Super Mario Brothers! I had a horrible time locating remotes though, I broke down and picked up the Wii Motion Plus remote.

Needless to say, Daniel, Elaina, Brooke, and I spent all might playing the New SMB. GREAT GAME! I enjoyed the reshapinf of he original into this new design. :-)

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 26th - 0
Dec. 25th - 2 branches
Dec. 24th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 25th

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Today has been a great day. Daniel got a Wii and brought it over to play with as we unwrapped gifts.

Autumn and Nona both got little tea sets that sing and count and pout tea!! :-) We watches Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on Blue-Ray!

Chinese Food for dinner! Had a blast! Cannot wait until the site is fully operational. mccallum.is-a-geek.com


Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 25th - 2 branches
Dec. 24th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 24th

Got things settled down after my all-nighter. I called my two customers and got thing rescheduled. I was a danger driving down the road, not good.

After getting things rescheduled, I worked on getting some needed sleep and things finished. I cannot wait until tomorrow! My niece will be coming over to unwrap her gifts!

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 24th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 23rd

Got most of my appointments in before the heater guys came to check the furnace again. I wanted to get things straightened out before the all-nighter for a customer.

Worked on downgrading Windows 7 Professional to XP Pro for most of the night. Had some early issues with drivers at first, but all came together in the end.

Man, the day was long, but so glad all is finished. I will definitely need to take most of tomorrow off.

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 23rd - 0
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 22nd

Spent the day calling the software companies to get things working on Windows 7. Sadly, neither support it as of yet.

The one company will not support it unless you have the newest software and install the service pack in about three months.

The other company, software B, has not even gotten Windows 7 through their compatibility testing internally, so is unsure right now where that will lead.

Worked with trying to get software B company because only issue was when the software generated a 'print preview' on PC 3. Other than that, PCs 1,2, and 4 worked fine. They tried a few things but finally threw in the towel.

I did get software C and D setup with little issue. Also made sure printing worked for PCs 1 - 3.

Another late night and unhappy wife. Hopefully the brute force install of Windows XP tomorrow evening will make this all better.

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 22nd - 0
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 21st

Finally got out to my customer today. I took their new towers out to my car to work on in the office. I installed their software and did Windows updates.

Took all the towers back out and worked on transferring data from the old towers to the new towers. Got the new server setup and running. Cannot get their in software to run correctly on Windows 7!!! A large pain. Got the other software working though.

Left messages for the software companies but had to leave it there for now.

Got home late, the wife was not pleased. I was extremely tired. Almost enough that thoughts of another job occurred quite regularly. :-(

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 21st - 0
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 20th

Spent most of the day clearing out the driveway and waiting on the heating guy. Had to call my customer to reschedule for tomorrow.

Shoveling is painful when there is about 20 inches of snow. My brother helped me clear out the car at least. We spent time eating lunch and visiting with the family. My niece got to meet her cousin! It was interesting. Definitely can see the amount that Nona has grown when compare to Autumn.

Eagles played pretty well tonight. I was happy they won. My bother shows up around 6 with his girlfriend's father's snowblower and finished my driveway. I love him sometimes! :-)

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 20th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 19th

Snow, snow, everywhere and I can't go where I need. I had to postpone my appointment today because of all the snow this morning and my lack of plowed development in time for me to get out.

As the day wore on, it was going well. Baby is eating fine and disposing of used food just as 'nicely', when the central air unit makes an odd clocking noise. Not the normal single click, a triple or sometimes quadruple click. The heat seems to still be coming out fine so we think nothing of it.

Around 6 pm or so, we notice the overall temperature has dropped from 75 to 73 and the furnace has been running for about 30 minutes, much longer than usual. Then we get to thinking the clicking is not so normal.

Brooke's mom calls and says they were heading out and wandered if we needed anything. Brooke tells them the situation as I Google like I've never Googled before! Her dad seems to think it could be an issue with the electronic eye not sensing a flame. A few things I found online state either the eye or ignitor valve are not working.

Brooke's parents run to Walmart and pick up a spare kerosene heater for us and some kerosene. They bring it by and get it setup in our kitchen / dining room / formal room corner. It quickly helps raise the general temperature to 75. I setup the electric oil heater, my mom brought us last night, in our bedroom.

Brooke's dad and I then look at the area I heard the clicking. He was pretty sure that is the gas valve opening and closing. The eye isn't seeing a flame so it closes the valve to prevent continue gas leakage. He tries to disconnect and reconnect the valve, ensuring the power to it is secure. Nothing right now but things are generally okay.

Overnight, things stabalize and the heater starts to work again. I have already called in some HVAC people to look at it. They'll be here between 9 - 3 tomorrow. This means I'll need to rescheduley customer again. :-(

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 19th - 0
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 18th

Followup baby appointment went well. She has gained 5 ounces since Tuesday and that puts her about 0.4 ounces short of her birth weight! :-)

Work appointments went pretty well too. Had a customer make me lunch, it was very delicious. I got an emergency in Gettysburg resolved and setup wireless and a wireless printer for another customer.

Brought home some extra diapers and a tiny ice cream cake for the baby's werthday. (week old birthday) The sad thing is we forgot to eat the cake and the baby slept right through her werthday.

Tomorrows snowstorm looks like it will screw up with my appointment. We'll hve to see how things are going in the morning.

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 18th - 1 bulb and 1 branch
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 17th

Worked on getting a customer moving after getting DSL re-established in their office. Made the PC talk to the G4 and G5 towers.

Helped get things lined up for another customer and their move to a new CRM system.

Worked on getting the baby changed and fed. Trying hard to get into a new routine for life. Sleep isn't missed, but trying to keep track of feedings and changes is difficult. Thank the LORD for clipboards and time keeping! :-)

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 17th - 0
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 16th

Keeping things moving both at work and at home.

Had a few items squared away. Fixed issues with SQL Server not pointing to the correct database. Just needed some sleep on the issue. :-)

Trying to get caught back up after the baby. Things are moving along, but are feeling hectic. The holidays don't help either.

Sleep, not as necessary as everyone thinks! ;-)

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 16th - 0 items
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs

December 15th

Okay, so the Christmas tree was not the beet idea, but how can a baby have her 1st Christmas without it?!?

Took her in for her first doctor's appointment, all good. Had to get tests because she was slightly jaundiced, no major worries. Poor girl has pin cushioned heels from all the tests the hospital did and now this lab test. :-(

Work was fun. Things have a tendency to get hectic sometimes. Glad things are working though. Very tired.

Christmas Ornament Totals
Dec. 15th - 9 branches
Dec. 14th - 0
Dec. 13th - 6 bulbs, 8 branches, a strand of lights
Dec. 12th - 2 bulbs
Dec. 11th - 1 bulb
Dec. 10th - 1 bulb
Dec. 9th - 0, (the cats are planning something!!)
Dec. 8th - 0, Nada, zilch!
Dec. 7th - 2 bulbs and 2 candy cane
Dec. 6th - 3 bulbs