So turning 30 brings a number of fun thing to life. The latest I can say Ive been given is excess hair.
Not my head.
Suddenly I have fur growing out of my ear. I have a forest growing on the surface of my nose. And worst of all I am going to have to start buying hair gel for my nostrils! Whats the deal with this? What purpose can it possibly fulfill?!!!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
7 years ago
Its been 7 years today since I lost my firstborn to SIDS. I cant believe its been so long. I miss her so bad.
I love you my baby, I always will.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Working out
I maintain a very effective weight lifting program, and I wanted to share what I have learned through the years of practicing it.
To start with, Ive learned that ultimately you have to pace yourself - work up to something rather than jump in to the deep end. So here is my 4 step plan:
Step 1. Start with the lightest weight. Bench pressing puts a lot of strain on your arms, so by starting light (see fig 1), you are warming up the joints, preparing them for the pain.
Figure 1
Step 2. Having warmed up your joints in your arms, its time to increase that load a bit. Remember to lie flat distributing all the weight rather than bearing it on a specific point (see fig 2).
Figure 2
Step 3. Its time to increase difficulty as well as weight. This is where things start to get a wee bit tricky. The purpose of this stage is to give you a mental workout aswell as physical. Its all about attitude and approach. Do it without looking. (see Fig 3) Think - Concentration not strength. Think - If a man speaks in the forest and there is no woman there to hear it, is he still wrong?
Figure 3
Step 4. The last step in this workout marathon is the chest expanding triple-backweight overload endurance lift. To succeed at the stage has taken me at least 6 years of practice. The key to this is realizing that even when you think your arms can't hold more - some how they over time expand to hold more than you could ever have imagined or dreamed of (see fig 4). And its not just the size of the load - your self confidence increases as you learn what you are capable of. You not only lift the load, but hold it steady and sure with 100% certainty.
Figure 4
At this time I am planning to start a quadruple-backweight overload endurance lift. I will let you know how that goes in due course....
I also gotta give credit to my "personal trainer" for continually showing me what Im capable of. Thank you.
To start with, Ive learned that ultimately you have to pace yourself - work up to something rather than jump in to the deep end. So here is my 4 step plan:
Step 1. Start with the lightest weight. Bench pressing puts a lot of strain on your arms, so by starting light (see fig 1), you are warming up the joints, preparing them for the pain.
Figure 1
Step 2. Having warmed up your joints in your arms, its time to increase that load a bit. Remember to lie flat distributing all the weight rather than bearing it on a specific point (see fig 2).
Figure 2
Step 3. Its time to increase difficulty as well as weight. This is where things start to get a wee bit tricky. The purpose of this stage is to give you a mental workout aswell as physical. Its all about attitude and approach. Do it without looking. (see Fig 3) Think - Concentration not strength. Think - If a man speaks in the forest and there is no woman there to hear it, is he still wrong?
Figure 3
Step 4. The last step in this workout marathon is the chest expanding triple-backweight overload endurance lift. To succeed at the stage has taken me at least 6 years of practice. The key to this is realizing that even when you think your arms can't hold more - some how they over time expand to hold more than you could ever have imagined or dreamed of (see fig 4). And its not just the size of the load - your self confidence increases as you learn what you are capable of. You not only lift the load, but hold it steady and sure with 100% certainty.
Figure 4
At this time I am planning to start a quadruple-backweight overload endurance lift. I will let you know how that goes in due course....
I also gotta give credit to my "personal trainer" for continually showing me what Im capable of. Thank you.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Live with conviction
This may seem to be odd post, but its something that continues to stand out to me. Having been raised in a society where the only conviction ever shown was how much you drank following your football team loosing; (or the DUI conviction on the way home from the pub) I didn't really have an appreciation for how such a self motivation could ever be a good thing. That said, the other day I was checking out my Uncle-in-law's Facebook profile. He lists his political views as moderate, but his religious views as fanatical. It got me thinking - whatever you choose to hold to, don't do it half hearted. Life is too short for wishy-washy pasty white attitudes. Sure we may fight more - but surely we want to better or lives and humanity at large?
Its coming up to the big 3-0 for me soon. Im hoping that is only the first 30 years, but in either case, I figure its about time I actually think about life for a change... ;)
Its coming up to the big 3-0 for me soon. Im hoping that is only the first 30 years, but in either case, I figure its about time I actually think about life for a change... ;)
Friday, September 19, 2008
I have a son!
Shocker of shockers I didn't expect that one!
My wife went into labor in the wee hours of Thursday morning (the 18th). 2hrs and 20mins later, my wife delivered her own baby. We had planned a homebirth - it ended up accidently being unassisted (the midwife arrived 10 mins or so later...!)
My wife (aka Wonder Woman) rocks!!! her birth story will become internet folklore.....
And kudos to our midwife, who besides everything else gave "technical support" via cell phone while she was traveling. Now that's hardcore...!
See pictures of my son Glenn Douglas Burton Docherty.....
My wife went into labor in the wee hours of Thursday morning (the 18th). 2hrs and 20mins later, my wife delivered her own baby. We had planned a homebirth - it ended up accidently being unassisted (the midwife arrived 10 mins or so later...!)
My wife (aka Wonder Woman) rocks!!! her birth story will become internet folklore.....
And kudos to our midwife, who besides everything else gave "technical support" via cell phone while she was traveling. Now that's hardcore...!
See pictures of my son Glenn Douglas Burton Docherty.....
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Employed
That was three weeks I went without a job. Very scary.
After about a week and a half I had 2 job interviews scheduled. The first was with Sirius who have been looking for a software developer. While that interview went well, I naturally got anxious after it was over. Even though it lasted a good 2 hrs I feared that I had not been as good as I could have been. I was asked a technical question about SQL which I answered wrong, then told them Google was my best friend when it came down to solving problems like that. They seemed ok about it, but I felt it was a dent in my case.
The next interview I had was scheduled for the Monday after with Firespring - but on the Friday before, I received a strange letter from them telling me the position had been filled. I couldn't understand why they had decided to book an interview with me just before sending me this letter but I interpreted it as meaning my interview was canceled.
Come Monday evening, I recieved a call from them asking where I had been. (!!!?) We rescheduled for the next day and I went in to another EPIC interview. Ive broke my current record now - 2 and a half hours - I was exhausted afterwards.
I came home to a call from Sirius asking me to come in for a followup interview the next day. I went into it this time with a more positive feeling and it went really well.
Not long after I got back I got a third call from them - this time to come in and discuss an offer. All my stressing seemed to be coming to an end. As I drove home from this one, I just felt so thankfull that it possibly could be over.
...Until I get into the house and Firespring have called offering me a job too. I couldn't believe it. Too much at once to handle. Suddenly my stress came back. What if I chose the wrong one?
Either way, I eventually chose Sirius. I start tommorrow....
Thank you to all who prayed for us. We can all start to live life again.
After about a week and a half I had 2 job interviews scheduled. The first was with Sirius who have been looking for a software developer. While that interview went well, I naturally got anxious after it was over. Even though it lasted a good 2 hrs I feared that I had not been as good as I could have been. I was asked a technical question about SQL which I answered wrong, then told them Google was my best friend when it came down to solving problems like that. They seemed ok about it, but I felt it was a dent in my case.
The next interview I had was scheduled for the Monday after with Firespring - but on the Friday before, I received a strange letter from them telling me the position had been filled. I couldn't understand why they had decided to book an interview with me just before sending me this letter but I interpreted it as meaning my interview was canceled.
Come Monday evening, I recieved a call from them asking where I had been. (!!!?) We rescheduled for the next day and I went in to another EPIC interview. Ive broke my current record now - 2 and a half hours - I was exhausted afterwards.
I came home to a call from Sirius asking me to come in for a followup interview the next day. I went into it this time with a more positive feeling and it went really well.
Not long after I got back I got a third call from them - this time to come in and discuss an offer. All my stressing seemed to be coming to an end. As I drove home from this one, I just felt so thankfull that it possibly could be over.
...Until I get into the house and Firespring have called offering me a job too. I couldn't believe it. Too much at once to handle. Suddenly my stress came back. What if I chose the wrong one?
Either way, I eventually chose Sirius. I start tommorrow....
Thank you to all who prayed for us. We can all start to live life again.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Unemployed
I was their greatest supporter; their morale officer almost; and I also programmed sometimes too.
For real, I lost my job at the commission just over a week ago. Its a terribly scary thing over here to loose your job. Back in Scotland you were fine - you just stood in the line to sign on for unemployment - it was a long line. Your health care was provided no matter what anyway. No worry for medical bills. No worry for your pregnant wife or children who are currently undergoing medical treatment.
But now Im buring mega-calories freaking out about those things. Even if I get a job it will be at least 3 months before health insurance becomes an option. It drives me crazy. The thing was, we had already maxed out our deductible - and have about half of our out of pocket to pay. It was almost going to be free health care.
So as far as loosing the job goes - Im still confused as to why. Ive been given such fuzzy information - there is what is printed on paper - and there is what happened in real life. They dont match up. How can I get a wage rise one week only to be let go - sacked - whatever - 3 weeks later? Its messed up.
If you happen to be a prospectful employer reading this (they do internet checks these days) please feel free to ask me about it - but you will only end up more confused.
Either way - looking to the future - well it seems that the Rodent Emporium gig is maybe not going to happen. Ive got less than a week to organise it. I wish I could get some answers from Marv...
For real, I lost my job at the commission just over a week ago. Its a terribly scary thing over here to loose your job. Back in Scotland you were fine - you just stood in the line to sign on for unemployment - it was a long line. Your health care was provided no matter what anyway. No worry for medical bills. No worry for your pregnant wife or children who are currently undergoing medical treatment.
But now Im buring mega-calories freaking out about those things. Even if I get a job it will be at least 3 months before health insurance becomes an option. It drives me crazy. The thing was, we had already maxed out our deductible - and have about half of our out of pocket to pay. It was almost going to be free health care.
So as far as loosing the job goes - Im still confused as to why. Ive been given such fuzzy information - there is what is printed on paper - and there is what happened in real life. They dont match up. How can I get a wage rise one week only to be let go - sacked - whatever - 3 weeks later? Its messed up.
If you happen to be a prospectful employer reading this (they do internet checks these days) please feel free to ask me about it - but you will only end up more confused.
Either way - looking to the future - well it seems that the Rodent Emporium gig is maybe not going to happen. Ive got less than a week to organise it. I wish I could get some answers from Marv...
Monday, June 16, 2008
Weather Education
Its been an unbelievable month for weather so far. Ive never spent so much time in my basement.
Gone are the days when the most I had to complain about was constant rain. Sure - the Scottish weather is not something to be desired if you plan on outdoor activities - although somehow we managed to make them fit in. But having the sea within 60+ miles to the east and west of you keeps the weather pretty consistent and placid.
So to be experiencing the tremendous forces of nature that have recently run through this part of Nebraska has forced me to rethink what I count as "bad weather". The sky is usually so clear and blue out here, then all of a sudden a storm appears. And at least 2 times in the last couple weeks, I thank God that we have only experienced these storms, and not what was at at their centers -
Im glad I wasn't in that car!
I can't help but think this photographer might have been in trouble
As if a the tornado wasn't causing enough damage...
Gone are the days when the most I had to complain about was constant rain. Sure - the Scottish weather is not something to be desired if you plan on outdoor activities - although somehow we managed to make them fit in. But having the sea within 60+ miles to the east and west of you keeps the weather pretty consistent and placid.
So to be experiencing the tremendous forces of nature that have recently run through this part of Nebraska has forced me to rethink what I count as "bad weather". The sky is usually so clear and blue out here, then all of a sudden a storm appears. And at least 2 times in the last couple weeks, I thank God that we have only experienced these storms, and not what was at at their centers -
Im glad I wasn't in that car!
I can't help but think this photographer might have been in trouble
As if a the tornado wasn't causing enough damage...Monday, May 5, 2008
Moved in
Sorry, this is a bit late in coming...
We moved into into our new house in Arnold Heights on the 26th of April. It was a fairly sunny day thankfully, and 9 people showed up to help us.
It was the easiest move of my life - only a few damages and minimum injuries. So many thanks to all those who helped us - and especially Jeff, who braved the roads for us with the 25 foot truck we hired - what a man!
Here is a pick of Jeff showing us how strong he is. There was actually a table, 4 chairs and three small children on top of what he is holding - unfortunately the picture cropped them out....
We moved into into our new house in Arnold Heights on the 26th of April. It was a fairly sunny day thankfully, and 9 people showed up to help us.
It was the easiest move of my life - only a few damages and minimum injuries. So many thanks to all those who helped us - and especially Jeff, who braved the roads for us with the 25 foot truck we hired - what a man!
Here is a pick of Jeff showing us how strong he is. There was actually a table, 4 chairs and three small children on top of what he is holding - unfortunately the picture cropped them out....
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Kick
Turtle is getting big and very active. I saw my first kick tonight - though I missed the flurry of kicks that followed it. I was so take by the first one, I ended up looking at Niecey with joy....
None the less, Im sure it will be the first of many.... :)
None the less, Im sure it will be the first of many.... :)
Its amazing what a nights sleep can do
Ive had this problem with my code for about a week and a bit. To spare you the details, I was having real problems displaying search results for a query. Ive had numerous attempts, always never quite hitting the mark - always a bug in there hiding from me.
Well last night, I had a dream about the project I was working on. I dreamed that I got the search results to work.
I came in this morning and made the changes to the code I dreamed and kapow! IT WORKED!!!!
Well last night, I had a dream about the project I was working on. I dreamed that I got the search results to work.
I came in this morning and made the changes to the code I dreamed and kapow! IT WORKED!!!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Fossil Evidence
The evolution community are psyched up over the latest fossil discovery - a snake that appears to have legs.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7339508.stm
To put this in perspective, Darwin himself said (paraphrased of course) that in time, the fossil record would back up his theory of natural selection. To date (126 years after Darwin's death), the definitive fossil is still being sought - and to some I'm sure, this latest find is their jewel in the crown. Despite the apparent evidence this shows of evolution at work, as always, it would appear to have caused more debate rather than resolution - now they have to decide how to fit it into their tree of related developments. Nothing is ever simple for them.
But wait a minute - Genesis 3:14. I don't want to say the obvious, and indeed - I do not declare this to necessarily be evidence of that verse - thats another whole debate. However, if I was an evolutionist set on convincing others to believe in natural selection, I wouldn't wave this information around too much.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7339508.stm
To put this in perspective, Darwin himself said (paraphrased of course) that in time, the fossil record would back up his theory of natural selection. To date (126 years after Darwin's death), the definitive fossil is still being sought - and to some I'm sure, this latest find is their jewel in the crown. Despite the apparent evidence this shows of evolution at work, as always, it would appear to have caused more debate rather than resolution - now they have to decide how to fit it into their tree of related developments. Nothing is ever simple for them.But wait a minute - Genesis 3:14. I don't want to say the obvious, and indeed - I do not declare this to necessarily be evidence of that verse - thats another whole debate. However, if I was an evolutionist set on convincing others to believe in natural selection, I wouldn't wave this information around too much.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Phone Support
Ive recently been given an extra task at work, that of providing phone support to our customers. Now I love talking, those of you who know me are aware that it is my all time second favorite hobby. And I play a pretty good game at it too, managing to turn one sentence into a story of epic proportions. So the task of answering calls initially would seem like a well suited job for me.
That is until you take into consideration the accent problems. On more than one occasion, Ive received a call from Spain, or South Africa, or best yet Singapore. The initial talk (eg hello - how can I help etc. etc.) sounds like a conversation between two deaf old folk over a dodgy connection; characterized by multiple "Yes you have called the right place" and "could you say that again". Its almost like some form of whacked out experimental musical composition, lets call it an improv-speech-blues riff.
Ok Im pushing it a bit there. But as it is, all the calls end up getting redirected anyway - unless they are tech problems - Im not the person they a looking for. I wish they just made the phones with some form of auto-redirect button, that would cut down the average length of each call by about 10 minutes.....
That is until you take into consideration the accent problems. On more than one occasion, Ive received a call from Spain, or South Africa, or best yet Singapore. The initial talk (eg hello - how can I help etc. etc.) sounds like a conversation between two deaf old folk over a dodgy connection; characterized by multiple "Yes you have called the right place" and "could you say that again". Its almost like some form of whacked out experimental musical composition, lets call it an improv-speech-blues riff.
Ok Im pushing it a bit there. But as it is, all the calls end up getting redirected anyway - unless they are tech problems - Im not the person they a looking for. I wish they just made the phones with some form of auto-redirect button, that would cut down the average length of each call by about 10 minutes.....
Monday, March 31, 2008
Mudfest
For most of winter Ive been parking our car round the front of our house since the driveway is far more solid there. Its a dirt track elsewhere and over the course of the winter freeze up and melt down it, I had experienced foot deep trenches appearing when I drove through it. You cold pull some good slid skids in it!
Well now that it finally seemed that winter was over, the driveway had been solid for about a week or two. I figured I could park the car at the back door, which is a lot closer for taking grocieries in etc.
It also happens to be right in the middle of the worst bit of the drive. So after last nights storm I went out this morning to a reenactment of Glastonbury Festival.
I almost drowned...
Well now that it finally seemed that winter was over, the driveway had been solid for about a week or two. I figured I could park the car at the back door, which is a lot closer for taking grocieries in etc.
It also happens to be right in the middle of the worst bit of the drive. So after last nights storm I went out this morning to a reenactment of Glastonbury Festival.
I almost drowned...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
4 days
Thats how long Ive been stuck at this particular problem with .net
It's a cool concept, the way in which .net generates code for the browser. The framework does make the job easier at times. But in situations like this, the framework makes it impossible for me to proceed. If it were simple PHP I would be able to dissect and analyze - and at least isolate the issues that are causing the problem. For the time being, probably due to my lack of experience, Im left flailing my arms and wailing like a baby.
Im almost at my wits end. The problem becomes more elusive while the deadline gets closer.
Did I mention I HATE COMPUTERS.
Grrrrr...
UPDATE
Seems that the OS thought my code files were system files! Gosh you've got to admire Microsoft for the stupidity that windows displays. The system guy here spent almost 2 days trying to reverse the damage - thats a total of 6 days I was down for. Eventually I gave up and started again, but here I am Monday morning ready to kick some coding bottom.....
It's a cool concept, the way in which .net generates code for the browser. The framework does make the job easier at times. But in situations like this, the framework makes it impossible for me to proceed. If it were simple PHP I would be able to dissect and analyze - and at least isolate the issues that are causing the problem. For the time being, probably due to my lack of experience, Im left flailing my arms and wailing like a baby.
Im almost at my wits end. The problem becomes more elusive while the deadline gets closer.
Did I mention I HATE COMPUTERS.
Grrrrr...
UPDATE
Seems that the OS thought my code files were system files! Gosh you've got to admire Microsoft for the stupidity that windows displays. The system guy here spent almost 2 days trying to reverse the damage - thats a total of 6 days I was down for. Eventually I gave up and started again, but here I am Monday morning ready to kick some coding bottom.....
Big Black Beastie
So it seems spring is finally here. And with it, the bugs are back. I came downstairs this morning to find a big black cockroach climbing up my curtain. These annoying pests never seem to die through convention means (stamping / spraying / shotgun) although the a microwave is guaranteed killer. I don't personally use it due to hygiene reasons - but who knows you get them cheap at the goodwill (Scottish translation - second hand) store.
Living here, the whole of last summer was characterized by these beasties, while with winter its been all about the mice (The microwave works on them too). Gotta love these 110 year old houses.
And on a related note - we've got our new house booked! We are moving in, in about a month from today. Its a lot smaller, but its a whole $210 cheaper - and not to mention the location, the kids can suddenly play outside without being ran over! I can't wait....
Living here, the whole of last summer was characterized by these beasties, while with winter its been all about the mice (The microwave works on them too). Gotta love these 110 year old houses.
And on a related note - we've got our new house booked! We are moving in, in about a month from today. Its a lot smaller, but its a whole $210 cheaper - and not to mention the location, the kids can suddenly play outside without being ran over! I can't wait....
Monday, March 24, 2008
What you got under the hood?
For my Scottish readers this title would read "what you got under the bonnet".
A lot of males have an interest in Cars, particularly if they are fast and powerful. Seeing a customized power machine some may ask the owner - what do you have under the hood - or if they are mechanically minded - check it out themselves.
Something happened to me at church on Sunday, that I need to share. With it being Easter I decided to dress smart and wear my kilt. My friends had never seen me wearing it before, but I figured they new me enough - they wouldn't be shocked by it. I walked in the front door that morning to find my friends suddenly intently staring at their belly buttons - no eye contact - no words said. I had to chuckle.
I went straight through to the main room to have a final practice of that morning's music, before the service started. Once we finished, I stood talking to the two friends that play in the praise band with me. I was just minding my own business when the assistant pastor's son wandered in and pointed at my kilt saying:
"what's that?"
I replied "A Kilt"
"A kilt huh...." he replied - suddenly lost in thought.
I then continued to talk to my two friends. Next thing I notice, the guy was down on all fours peering up my kilt. It didn't dawn on me straight away what he was doing. When it finally registered, my two friends were standing in disbelief not knowing what to do - to be embarrassed or laugh.
Recognizing the situation, I did what any owner would do. I ushered him up, then stood proud, with my arms at my hips, nodding my head saying - "yes, that machinery is mine".
I think that between my kilt and my long hair, curiosity got the better of him. Happens to us all sometimes.
Thankfully, I guess I'm not a true Scotsman - I don't do commando!
A lot of males have an interest in Cars, particularly if they are fast and powerful. Seeing a customized power machine some may ask the owner - what do you have under the hood - or if they are mechanically minded - check it out themselves.
Something happened to me at church on Sunday, that I need to share. With it being Easter I decided to dress smart and wear my kilt. My friends had never seen me wearing it before, but I figured they new me enough - they wouldn't be shocked by it. I walked in the front door that morning to find my friends suddenly intently staring at their belly buttons - no eye contact - no words said. I had to chuckle.
I went straight through to the main room to have a final practice of that morning's music, before the service started. Once we finished, I stood talking to the two friends that play in the praise band with me. I was just minding my own business when the assistant pastor's son wandered in and pointed at my kilt saying:
"what's that?"
I replied "A Kilt"
"A kilt huh...." he replied - suddenly lost in thought.
I then continued to talk to my two friends. Next thing I notice, the guy was down on all fours peering up my kilt. It didn't dawn on me straight away what he was doing. When it finally registered, my two friends were standing in disbelief not knowing what to do - to be embarrassed or laugh.
Recognizing the situation, I did what any owner would do. I ushered him up, then stood proud, with my arms at my hips, nodding my head saying - "yes, that machinery is mine".
I think that between my kilt and my long hair, curiosity got the better of him. Happens to us all sometimes.
Thankfully, I guess I'm not a true Scotsman - I don't do commando!
A first for me
Given the amount that I talk so much, its kinda strange that its taken me so long to set up a blog. I generally spew out crap, but feel free to add discussion. I also cant spell/write English property, so if you are a grammar Nazi I apologize for any torment these posts cause you.
So, the name "KiltedCorn". I apologize for the cheese, but I needed a name that reflected both my Scottish roots and my life as a Nebraskan. Everything else seemed to wordy....
Let the havering commence...
So, the name "KiltedCorn". I apologize for the cheese, but I needed a name that reflected both my Scottish roots and my life as a Nebraskan. Everything else seemed to wordy....
Let the havering commence...
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