tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69666852024-03-12T23:55:20.939-05:00Chad's Blog Stuff...A writer's thoughts & information about his upcoming writings...Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.comBlogger1357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-63810023638817515792011-09-04T12:54:00.000-05:002011-09-04T12:54:43.790-05:00Chicago<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8wHoaiGvSs/TmLstY5NPeI/AAAAAAAAANU/_zT4xb0PDtQ/s1600/chicago.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8wHoaiGvSs/TmLstY5NPeI/AAAAAAAAANU/_zT4xb0PDtQ/s200/chicago.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648337147196685794" /></a>A few months ago, I booked a trip on <a href="http://www.southwest.com/" target="_blank">Southwest</a> to visit a former roommate who now lives in Chicago.<br /><br />I flew out on Saturday, August 27th in the wee early hours. Once landing, John picked me up & we were off to downtown Chicago. A <a href="http://caf.architecture.org/rivercruise" target="_blank">riverboat tour</a> was in order. We purchased the tickets early & grabbed breakfast at <a href="http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/" target="_blank">The Corner Bakery</a>. While sitting outside in beautiful 75 degree weather, we caught up on life as well as a car commercial being shot. Since we still had more time to kill we walked down Michigan Avenue & ended up at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=7823495465887248322">Niketown</a>.<br /><br />Finally at 11:30, on the boat tour, I took various photos of the buildings in Chicago, the boat tour was architecture based. I'll post some of those pictures eventually. We then caught a movie and went to a networking event at <a href="http://www.chicagobooth.edu/" target="_blank">Chicago Booth</a> where John attends. The drinks & food were free, so I went. After all, there was a big bowl of guacamole I couldn't pass up. After that we went south and attended a wine & cheese party at the parents' of the intern at John's company <a href="http://www.astute-games.com/" target="_blank">Astute-Games</a> which sells the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAstute-Games-10001-Dabong%2Fdp%2FB004VQHO1W&tag=astutegames-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank"> ultimate card game dabong!</a><br /><br />On the way home, John got pulled over. We "<em>somehow</em>" ended up in the back of a cop car. As "they" say, it was just a little "misunderstanding." Eventually we went home. John's business partner <a href="http://www.kiltonhopkins.com/" target="_blank">Kilton</a> picked up some <a href="http://www.whitecastle.com/" target="_blank">White Castle</a>, we ate & caught up until about 1am.<br /><br />Sunday morning I woke up way too early. We hit a favorite Mexican place of John's and then then the grocery store for a grill out we were having later that night.<br /><br />Sunday night we grilled out. One of the guys that came, John Jaquish who created a <a href="http://www.biodensity.com/" target="_blank">bioDensity machine</a> brought some <a href="http://www.biscoff.com/DirectionsWEB/webcart_itemBuy.php?itemid=0405" target="_blank">Belgian Waffles</a>. These things were <strong>amazing</strong>. If you know my love for cheesecake, these waffles are right up there. Delicious doesn't quote cover it. More people came & we all sat around the tables & told stories. These stories included: <a href="http://www.shocknife.com/info.html">shocknifes</a>, nickel titanium alloy, serial killers, movies, fireflies, unicorns, & police cars.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nye-cXPlqkA/TmLs5RdgQGI/AAAAAAAAANc/Doqt1v8ra84/s1600/breakfast.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nye-cXPlqkA/TmLs5RdgQGI/AAAAAAAAANc/Doqt1v8ra84/s200/breakfast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648337351359873122" /></a><br />Monday was a great day to sleep in. We then hit <a href="http://www.yolk-online.com/">Yolk</a>'s for breakfast and saw his office area, and also where <a href="http://www.5degrees.us/" target="_blank">5 Degrees</a> resides.<br /><br />We then took in a <a href="http://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley/" target="_blank">bus tour</a> of the city, we stopped at <a href="http://www.navypier.com/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> for a bit. We stopped for lunch at <a href="http://www.alsbeef.com/" target="_blank">Al's #1 Italian Beef</a>. Originally, I was wanting a "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago-style_hot_dog" target="_blank">Chicago Style Hot Dog</a>", but ended up with a big beef sandwich. Messy. Good. Repeat messy.<br /><br />Finally it was time to take me back to the airport. After a flight delay I was back home to Omaha.<br /><br />A great trip in all. Met some great people. My re-return will have to be longer.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-42355363127052378552011-04-03T17:27:00.007-05:002011-04-08T23:55:11.991-05:00Things I know to be true...List writing idea prompt'd by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0snNB1yS3IE" target="_blank">Sarah Kay's speech</a> at <a href="http://www.ted.com" target="_blank">TED</a>.<br /><br /><strong>10 Things I Know to be True...</strong><br /><ol><li>God</li><br /><br /><li>God has a plan for every life He created</li><br /><br /><li>She is out there <em>(I will find her or she will find me)</em></li><br /><br /><li>I need to write more, consistently</li><br /><br /><li>I have more mistakes to learn from</li><br /><br /><li>Amazing stories (and personal growth) come out of times when a risk was taken</li><br /><br /><li>We spend much of our time and energy negotiating, rationalizing, and justifying our actions and our choices</li><br /><br /><li>Life has the ability to change directly in front of us without our permission or any warning</li><br /><br /><li>There's always another point of view to consider</li><br /><br /><li>The joys in life's journey are often hidden in a landscape we can't always see...</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-19679615546675188232011-03-14T22:20:00.000-05:002011-03-14T22:20:00.140-05:00You must be a...<a href="http://www.scientistsolutions.com/t4850-the+engineer+and+the+manager.html" target="_blank">The Engineer and the Manager</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-52786807022070434582010-05-25T11:41:00.000-05:002010-05-25T11:42:04.254-05:0016.5 things about turning 33 yesterday...1. Having the day off to do 'me' stuff was a birthday present in itself<br />2. Even when you try & sleep in, you still get up too early for having a day off.<br />3. I'm all about birthday presents, but a present can also be getting birthday wishes via email, phone call, text, and Facebook <br />4. Browsing a bookstore with no time restraints is dangerous, but only finding a book in the bargain bin was just fine<br />5. Browsing Best Buy with no time restraints is dangerous, but I didn't purchase anything<br />6. Meeting up with some friends, my Goddaughter, and another little one makes for a good lunch with good company and food<br />7. Planning on taking a nap, but not getting a chance to wasn't so bad<br />8. Having a mocha smoothie at my favorite coffee shop was a great treat<br />9. Rereading from 'that book' I'm trying to write, what I had written so far was just what I needed to spend my afternoon doing<br />10. Attempting to add onto 'that book' from where I left off was kind of rough, but I'll progress<br />11. Meeting up with friends at Red Robin was just right - good food & company<br />12. Getting a big bag of pistachios put a smile on my face<br />13. Today, forgetting the bag while leaving for work and realizing it put a frown on my face<br />14. Catching the last 2 hours of the series finale of "24" was bitter/sweet, "I'll miss you Jack Bauer"<br />15. Continuing to get comments on Facebook from friends wishing me a happy birthday helped make it seem like my birthday all day<br />16. Reading a nice note from my mom about the day I was born up & other comments until now was a priceless gift<br />16.5 Getting a gift certificate to a bookstore reminds me that my friends do indeed know my addictive habits & are willing to support them<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-22242970456782043382010-05-13T19:34:00.003-05:002010-05-13T19:40:51.690-05:00Beach House Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-ya9a4DJXI/AAAAAAAAALY/Ihqy2gGMOjo/s1600/pensacola2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-ya9a4DJXI/AAAAAAAAALY/Ihqy2gGMOjo/s320/pensacola2.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div>I had been long overdue for a vacation. My friend CJ invited me to his Pensacola beach wedding & after I worked out some logistics, mainly with getting time off - I booked my flight. It was a 1/2 wedding trip, 1/2 vacation and a well-needed break.<br />
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Okay, my dear reader: I won't bore you with a play-by-play of the trip, but I'll highlight some bits.<br />
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John & I flew in on Saturday and were picked up by CJ & (his then soon-to-be-wife) Jeanann in her mom's Mustang convertible.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-yYZUuDyfI/AAAAAAAAALA/uaakAxh1Mm4/s1600/beach+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-yYZUuDyfI/AAAAAAAAALA/uaakAxh1Mm4/s320/beach+house.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
A few handfuls of people (referred to now as 'the gang') rented out a <a href="http://www.paradisebeachhomes.com/" target="_blank">beach house</a>, it was a great change from a typical motel. From the back porch, was a beach and a body of water. It was a great place to eat & watch the sunset & even a bowl of Frosted Flakes. My friend John & I took a few pics of other odd looking and sweet looking beach houses around the area. I might have to get myself one. Who wouldn't want a vacation home?<br />
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The beach wedding was a few miles from the beach house. An almost random spot picked, was a beautiful background for the wedding. I had never been to a beach wedding before; I give it two thumbs up! After the wedding, we went to <a href="http://www.flounderschowderhouse.com/" target="_blank">Flounders restaurant</a>, they had some of the best fish I've ever had and I'm not even big on eating fish.<br />
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'The 'gang' play a few games of beach volleyball that day and the next and later foosball & pool at a local tavern.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-yaOIDlC8I/AAAAAAAAALU/U3S0P2LcLV0/s1600/sun+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-yaOIDlC8I/AAAAAAAAALU/U3S0P2LcLV0/s320/sun+set.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
On one of the afternoons, 'the boys' (and a girl) from 'the gang' rented 4 jet skis for an hour. I think all of us tipped over at some point, but mine was pretty sad since I was at a stand still when I tipped over.<br />
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We took 3 trips just on the beach and played Frisbee and catching sea shells & even at one point, a crab. I even made a sad attempt at building a sand castle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-yY83mGjoI/AAAAAAAAALE/uEQOdB-cAbs/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-yY83mGjoI/AAAAAAAAALE/uEQOdB-cAbs/s320/beach.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div>Pensacola & all the views never got old.<br />
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I bought a pair of sunglasses that broke way too early.<br />
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On the last day, we went to see the <a href="http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/" target="_blank">Blue Angels</a> practice their air show. There was quite a crowd for just a practice. Then we went to the <a href="http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/" target="_blank">National Aviation Museum</a> & I picked up some astronaut ice cream. It wasn't as good as I remember having it in elementary school.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-yZb-ixkSI/AAAAAAAAALM/YzREyEEYU9Y/s1600/blueangels2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R_PvCibiwME/S-yZb-ixkSI/AAAAAAAAALM/YzREyEEYU9Y/s320/blueangels2.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div>All in all, I'm sure I could have spent a lot more time in Pensacola with the gang, hanging out in the beach, & enjoying the view!<br />
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Now, I should start thinking about my next vacation...<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-38071356066049053302010-03-19T13:21:00.002-05:002010-03-19T13:22:06.362-05:00The pump next to mineOver lunch today, I ran a few errands which including getting gas.<br /><br />I pulled into my usual gas station and began the process of pumping gas when the guy at the pump next to mine struck up a conversation. I have a few takeaways from that conversation.<br />I'd say he was in his 50s, he looked a bit like a band member from <a href="http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=ZZ+Top&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=" target="_blank"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">ZZ</span> Top</a>.<br />I didn't catch his name or why he told me all this, all I could do was nod at the bits of information he was telling me.<br /><br />He didn't seem drunk or high. He sure thought his whole story was funny.<br /><br /><strong>From what I understood of his random story was this:</strong><br />1. He remembers when the gas station used to be a carnival and how there was four gas stations on the corner.<br />2. He remembers having some form of hepatitis that summer he came to the carnival where we standing.<br />3. He remembers paying a quarter to see some type of freak show, but having to go home sick.<br />4. He remembers being as yellow as the cement post he pointed out by the windshield cleaner next to the pump<br />5. He remembers walking up the hill in pain (he pointed east)<br />6. He then told me to have a good day<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-42971692004583316812010-02-10T12:03:00.000-06:002010-02-10T12:03:00.698-06:00Quote<em>“We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”</em><br />~ Joseph Campbell<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-50613955104632157862010-02-09T12:55:00.002-06:002010-02-09T13:29:43.928-06:00Looks like youI took some of my writing notes with me to lunch to 'work on' at a nearby restaurant. (<a href="http://chadbring.blogspot.com/2010/01/food-service.html">The same restaurant as this blog post</a>).<br /><br />I was promptly seated and a blond waitress (let's call her Jessica) came to take my drink order. Jessica proceeds to bring my drink, I take a sip, and give her my food order. I ordered a sandwich & substituted the fries for a $.50 up charge to some broccoli cheddar soup. It sounded good and I don't even like broccoli. It was in fact, good soup!<br /><br />About five minutes later, Jessica walks by and asks, "have you been helped yet?" <br />"Yes," I replied, "I ordered the chicken sandwich and broccoli cheddar soup - will the soup be out first?"<br />"Who was your waitress? Was she blond?"<br />"Umm yeah, she looks like you."<br />"Oh?" Jessica proceeded to check her computer for my order, realizes she thought I wanted broccoli on my sandwich and not the soup. She brings me my soup with no up charge and a minute later my sandwich.<br /><br />(<strong>Blogger's note:</strong> The blond references isn't to say, "she was blond and dumb" but more because when she asked what my waitress looked like, it seemed like she was describing herself because none of the other waitresses were blond.)<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-5971350451590136982010-02-02T12:54:00.001-06:002010-02-02T13:59:36.554-06:00This bar is full of nothing but Chads"Chad" as defined by the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Chad" target="_blank">Urban Dictionary</a><br /><br /><em>(some fowl language may appear)</em><br /><br />#4 is nice<blockquote>Hot, attractive, intelligent male. Known for his all American good looks, dry humor and sarcasm. Funny, witty and modest. Chad is a well rounded, great friend, boyfriend, husband, etc.<br />He's so perfect, he's such a Chad.</blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-4398774839020425172010-01-16T16:02:00.005-06:002010-05-20T14:02:44.905-05:00Books vs CigarettesMy good pal Mike & I banter back & forth about our habits.<br /><br />He, smokes.<br />I, buy books to fill my bookshelf. Reading them is another 'story'.<br /><br />Similar to a compare & contrast I did regarding <a href="http://chadbring.blogspot.com/2007/12/late-night-shopping.html">his shopping cart & my shopping basket at Wal*Mart</a>, I decided to do the same with cigarettes & books.<br /><br /><strong>This will be an ongoing blog post in progress, feel free to add a comparison or contrast in the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6966685&postID=439877483902042517">comments area</a>.</strong><br /><br /><center><u>Comparisons & Contrasts between cigarettes & books</center></u><br />Cigarettes can cause lung cancer.<br />Books can cause paper cuts.<br /><br />Cigarettes cost $.70 to $5.50 a pack<br />Books vary between $1 and $100 for some text books.<br /><br />Cigarettes come 20 to a pack.<br />Books come one at time unless it is a book of anthologies or an author's best of combined.<br /><br />Cigarettes burn up in about 5 minutes<br />Books can be read for hours.<br /><br />Cigarettes smell.<br />Some really old books do too.<br /><br />Cigarettes have a quick stress fix.<br />Books - possible.<br /><br />Cigarettes are burned.<br />Sometimes, books are too.<br /><br />Cigarettes (smoking) are banned in restaurants.<br />(some) Books are banned in schools.<br /><br />Once you buy cigarettes, most smokers pack 'em.<br />Before going to school, most students pack their books.<br /><br />Cigarettes have nicotine.<br />Books do not.<br /><br />Cigarettes cannot be resold.<br />Books can.<br /><br />Cigarettes come in many varieties of brands.<br />Books do too.<br /><br />You have to be 18 to buy cigarettes.<br />You can buy books before you are 18.<br /><br />Cigarettes weigh around an ounce.<br />Books weigh more.<br /><br />Cigarettes cause liter when thrown out a window.<br />Books would too - if thrown out a window.<br /><br />Some cigarettes are best sellers.<br />Some books are best sellers.<br /><br />You can buy cigarettes at gas stations.<br />There are few books sold in gas stations.<br /><br />Smokers smoke outside coffee shops.<br />Readers read inside coffee shops.<br /><br /><em>Take your pick</em><br />Second hand smoke.<br />Second hand bookstores. <br /><br />Does anyone smoke while they read?<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-64980005721984793552010-01-15T13:10:00.004-06:002010-01-15T13:19:03.290-06:00Food Service...I've never been a waiter. Like many, I believe that not all days are the best. I had a few bad days working at a fast food restaurant when I was younger. However, if you are a reader of my blog, you know I have knack for always having odd <a href="http://chadbring.blogspot.com/2009/12/just-sandwich.html">food service experiences</a>. (I need to find & tag them all).<br /><br />Here is today's:<br />I went to a sit down restaurant to have lunch & read a magazine. The hostess ushered me to a booth. I had about 5 minutes to study the menu before the waiter arrived.<br /><br />I ordered ice tea & a water and their combo sandwich, salad, & dessert.<br />I asked to have the salad before the sandwich, he nodded and took the menu and I began to read my magazine.<br /><br />He brought the salad and sandwich to my table, without the drinks.<br />I finished my salad and asked for the drinks which he finally brought without apology. <br /><br />I finished the sandwich and the drinks which all remained empty on the table even after he brought my dessert.<br /><br />Then I went to a gas station for afternoon munchies and I asked for a sack for my misc items, but got none until I asked again and I said no need for a receipt, but I got one anyway.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-64756925105377894772009-12-17T18:42:00.001-06:002009-12-17T18:42:33.541-06:00On Writing by ChadSome random thoughts on writing - posted on my writer's blog: <br />
<a href="http://allpagesaside.blogspot.com/2009/12/black-letters-against-white-space.html" target="_blank">Black Letters Against White Space</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-63872442342461877482009-12-15T17:05:00.000-06:002009-12-15T17:05:00.740-06:00Clouds 365 Projectyear-long photographic experiment shooting clouds<br />~ <a href="http://www.clouds365.com">Clouds365.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-27593214353098647982009-12-02T13:01:00.004-06:002009-12-02T15:04:50.354-06:00Just the Sandwich...Cashier: (sets my sandwich to go)<br />Me: "Just the sandwich today" (I said while holding my cash)<br />Cashier: "Would you like chips & a drink?"<br />Me: "No, just the sandwich"<br />Cashier: (rings up my order)<br />Me: (shocked look on my face as it was more than I thought)<br />Cashier: "That is the total with chips & a drink"<br />Me: "I wanted just the sandwich."<br />Cashier: (refigures the order) and says, "Have a nice day".<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-72033227662194204462009-11-20T15:15:00.002-06:002018-09-03T18:49:11.326-05:00StuffNovember is flying by, next week is Thanksgiving already. I have much to be thankful for this year. More on that next week.<br />
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I was able to gain another client for my side <a href="http://www.bringthetraffic.com/" target="_blank">consulting</a> business and I have another one in the works. Both are local companies and both contacts have been great to work with. One of the benefits of doing this, I get to meet some great people.<br />
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<strong>Writer's Blog & Bookstore</strong>:<br />
I've been slowly working on my <a href="http://www.allpagesaside.com/" target="_blank">writer's blog</a> as well as what I call Chad's writer bookstore. As many of you know, I enjoy browsing bookstores and buying books, but when it comes to actually reading them cover-to-cover - I fail. My hope was that by compiling books on the craft of writing in different subject areas, I'd pick a few off my bookshelf and crack them open - thus, finally write again as part of the bigger picture. Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<strong>Peach Iced Tea</strong>:<br />
I picked up a new addiction thanks to my sister: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBGP06" target="_blank">Peach flavored iced tea</a>. I found some sugar-free drink mix. It hits the spot. Nice change of pace from pop, especially after a long day at the office.<br />
<br />
<strong>Angie & Scott</strong>:<br />
Speaking of my <a href="http://scottandangiebentley.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">sister (and her husband)</a>... their local support raising for their mission work with <a href="http://www.ccci.org/" target="_blank">Campus Crusade for Christ</a> is coming to a close and they are going to be making their way back to Orlando. If you'd like to find out more about what they do, visit <a href=http://scottandangiebentley.wordpress.com//" target="_blank">ScottandAngie.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Goals</strong>:<br />
I opened a fresh new Word document to jot down some goals by category and included some sub-categories (sounds exciting - I know). I was at the point where I had too many in my head that I'd forget some. Now they are in one central location. I've heard that if you write down your goals - your chances of reaching them are like 80%. I reviewed a similar document from years back and see that I've met most of those goals and the ones I haven't met are in the works.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-9673878659126776312009-11-13T15:18:00.002-06:002009-11-13T15:21:29.765-06:00Early Christmas for Noah...<a href="http://www.zimbio.com/Noah+Biorkman" target="_blank">Noah Biorkman, Dying 5-Year-Old, Gets Early X-Mas Cards From Around the Nation </a><br /><blockquote>Noah Biorkman is a 5-year-old child currently in a hospice, dying from Stage IV Neuroblastoma. His parents are asking people around the country to write Christmas cards to the young boy.</blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-45063101726112147142009-10-29T20:35:00.002-05:002009-10-29T20:43:31.874-05:00Tosca's book promos<a href="http://vimeo.com/7265943"><span style="font-style:italic;">Demon: A Memoir</span></a> by Tosca Lee (book promo)<br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/7265903"><span style="font-style:italic;">Havah: The Story of Eve</span></a> by Tosca Lee (book promo)<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-21539136622834840312009-10-23T17:57:00.000-05:002009-10-23T17:57:00.141-05:00Still around...Yes, my trusty faithful "Chad's Blog Stuff" followers, I'm alive, breathing, & busy.<br /><br />After consulting for five months, I took a full-time job as an eCommerce Manager - revamping a company's retail website and probably soon, the main website for the company.<br /><br />As Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & the New Year approach I think of the changes I saw in 2009 and more I think I'll see in 2010.<br /><br />I don't know what I'm going to be for Halloween. Maybe a Jedi.<br />I have much to be Thankful for - I don't know where to begin.<br />I have to write Santa a letter. I've been good this year, of course.<br />Hopefully I'll be celebrating the new year somewhere fun!<br /><br />My office at work is large, but it is in a quiet area. Without my iPod docking station, I'd probably go insane!<br /><br />As with most people: I'm behind on this blog, reading/writing, housework, laundry, bills, phone calls, emails, texts, Facebook - you know the list. When does anyone have time? Between work, consulting on the side (still), relationships, & sleep - everything else continues to get pushed back.<br /><br />Yet, somehow I had time to grab the 2nd "Transformers" (and even watch it) and a filter for my refridgerator. Yet, I'm overdue for a haircut.<br /><br />I guess everyone has their priorities. I read this question somewhere, "Does your calendar & checkbook reflect your passions?"<br /><br />Not at the moment, please check back with me in a few (weeks, months, years)...<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-43743320032954705252009-09-21T13:42:00.005-05:002009-09-21T14:01:15.667-05:00Misc...I don't blog as often as I used to. I used to post something every day. Now I'm lucky if I get one or two a month it seems.<br /><br />I could write about writing. That is what my <a href="http://www.allpagesaside.com" target="_blank">all pages aside</a> blog is for<br />I could write about RoomMate Productions.<br />I could write about my consulting.<br />I could write about my weekend.<br />I could write about my upcoming week.<br /><em>(yawn)</em><br />What do you want to know?<br /><br />I did see Bebo Norman, Natalie Grant, & Jeremy Camp at the Bellevue Christan Center. Good show. Good music, lyrics, and acoustic work!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-10214574183514279582009-09-14T07:43:00.002-05:002009-09-14T07:45:28.325-05:00Odd dream...I had an odd dream last night that I was in a movie and was trying to convince the other actors that we were in the movie, but they didn't believe me. I could never seem to find the camera or the director. <br /><br />I wonder what a dream interpretation book would say.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-83227875757280566762009-08-26T17:14:00.000-05:002009-08-26T17:14:00.180-05:00Blogging from where...My <a href="http://scottandangie.wordpress.com" target="_blank">sister & brother-in-law</a> have an apartment not overly far from my house/office.<br /><br />So, this afternoon I went to their place for lunch and to work remotely at their place.<br /><br />We might take a "recess break" and go to the <a href="http://www.halfpricebooks.com" target="_blank">Half Price Bookstore</a>, ya just never know!<br /><br />I'm able to catch up on trends and follow-up on some contacts!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-55503838873611515002009-08-18T17:59:00.001-05:002009-08-23T12:45:33.249-05:00Alive & Well...This is the longest break I've taken from starting my blog way back in <a href="http://chadbring.blogspot.com/2004/05/welcome.html">May of 2004</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Random updates:</strong><br /><li><a href="http://www.BringtheTraffic.com" target="_blank">Bring the Traffic</a> is still kicking. I spend most of my time spreading the word.<br /><li><a href="http://www.roommateproductions.com" target="_blank">RoomMate Productions</a> is about to celebrate its seventh year making independent films.<br /><li>"<a href="http://www.chadbring.com/thebooks" target="_blank">the books</a>" are what they are. Although there are some 'readers' out there currently reviewing <em><a href="http://www.leftunsaidbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Left Unsaid</a></em> to help me break out of this never-ending 'block'!<br /><strong>Note:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.jamysullivanphotography.com" target="_blank">Jamy Sullivan Photography</a> relaunched her website!<br /><br /><strong>This week:</strong><br />A few birthdays to celebrate.<br />An upcoming meeting with an expert in my industry.<br />An upcoming launch of Christ Community Church's <a href="http://www.cccomaha.org" target="_blank">website</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-12667211199242156452009-07-13T12:09:00.001-05:002009-07-13T12:14:02.662-05:00Snooze nine more minutes...Now that I work from home, I find that my snooze button gets used more often. Sure my day starts later, but I also work later too. So really, what is wrong with hitting the snooze button like 10 more times?<br /><br /><img src="http://blog.cartelagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/snooze-button-resized.jpg" border="0"><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-44867981607513793102009-06-30T17:22:00.001-05:002009-06-30T17:25:00.571-05:00Clever video...I want to (<em>should</em>) write & film a piece like this:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/heSudg-tfIk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/heSudg-tfIk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966685.post-85436968533992324142009-06-17T22:40:00.008-05:002018-09-03T18:50:55.720-05:00Surround yourself...A popular saying in business is, "Surround yourself with people smarter than you."<br />
<br />
As I continue on with <a href="http://www.bringthetraffic.com/" target="_blank">Bring the Traffic</a>, I am trying my best to do that. I'd add "and talented" to that saying.<br />
<br />
<strong>Thank you to these people:</strong><br />
<br />
<li>Mike Hughes for the ALL back & forth we had trying to get that <a href="http://www.bringthetraffic.com/images/logo.jpg" target="_blank">logo</a> 'just right'</li>
<li><a href="http://www.adamkoch.com/" target="_blank">Adam Koch</a> for helping me troubleshoot all those issues I was having with my site (and the contact form stuff)</li>
<li>John Jordan for helping me tweak some of the marketing copy I've written</li>
<li>Mike, Kasey, Deb, Christi, Amy, & Angie for helping me test, proof this and that, and offering feedback on that and this.</li>
<li>if I left you (or anyone out), I'll be sure to update this post.<br /></li>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChadsBlogStuff</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08525579935635415149noreply@blogger.com0