Monday, August 31, 2009

Classic Title Reused

As you can see, this comic strip has nothing to do with a dog and everything to do with a dude that yells. I want to name each CoV with a unique title and that one came to me as I thought about a person that yells. I do not think any copyright board will pursue me since this is clearly an appropriate usage of the same words

Whew! Kendall and Isabella stayed with us Saturday night. There is a reason God chose to give people babies when they were young because we were worn out by the time we got to church. Bella cried when we got there because she wanted to go with us again after church. We had a great time.

I have an interview at 10am today for a position in a different team. Now I am already in a different team by virtue of an appointment by my Director, so this is another opportunity. I do not know if there is a position there, nor if I fit it, but I wanted to have pursued all viable options as we complete the org restructure. This chance may not come along again. So just pray that I find the right job for me.

Dad continues to improve and is now beginning the hair growth stage of his recovery. Sure, many think that is not as important as getting over cancer, but I don't know. I mean, what if it comes back in all curly and looks like Kendall's hair, or mine when I had the afro? Or what if he only gets, like, seven hairs to grow back and he looks like Audrey or Homer Simpson? We will all just have to wait and see.

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Tintinnabulation of the Bells

When I thought about a post title, based on today's CoV, this line from an Edgar Allen Poe poem came to mind. I think the name of it is The Bells.

We ate pizza and played with grandgirls and computer games over at the folks' last night. It looked like Emily, Bella and Kendall got along famously and had a great time. A good time was had by all.

One of our project team decided she was tired of all the reorg-mania here and turned in her badge. She said she was ready to retire anyway, but that seems to take a lot of courage to actually step out like that. I wish her the best. I fear I cannot afford to make that decision for another 15 years or so.

I have to pack up my desk today in preparation for moving to another building closer to the main classroom campus here in PHX. Packing and moving are no fun, whether it is a desk or a house. True, I am dumping a lot of junk, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. In fact, the process may be spawning another CoV.

Speaking of CoV, I did write 3 more yesterday, so we have strips ready at least through next Wednesday. I also got an idea from a coworker about buying myself a week by running a Classics period where I republish the ones on which I received congratulatory emails. That could work. Another person suggested I write about not having anything to write about, since that obviously worked for Seinfeld. Stay tuned, same bat-time, same bat-channel.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Too Many Acronyms

Every job has its own set of acronyms. I imagine LPW's type of work has the most, but each of us deals with them all the time. Hence, today's cartoon...not at all inspired by the RIFs here at Apollo (see, there's a TLA for you).
I am getting a little nervous. Sure, I start with a different group next week, in a job that I do not even know what the expectations are, but that is not it. I want to tie up all the current projects very neatly for whomever picks them up so I look good and the work continues, but that is not why. No, I am down to a single CoV in my hopper (Oh yes, I do have a hopper).I have some ideas jotted down, but I have not fleshed them out into a humorous four-panel strip with a kicker at the end. I guess I will hope to do that on a day-to-day basis. Either that or, this coming Monday, you will not see my traditional morning post with your coffee. Your day will lose a little of its sunshine, a little of its luster. I pity each of us should that transpire. Sure, I could have written another comic in the time it took to tell you that I do not have time to write a strip, but that is not what this blog is about. Fine, just go write your own blog and/or comic strip. I've got a job to wind down for the next two days.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Creative Cartoonage

Today's comic was inspired when a coworker said that the new snacker-size burgers had too much bunnage. I immediately warned her that was too good of a word not to be ridiculed in CoV. She accepted her fate with grace.
Some more friends have been placed in the redeployment pool. These events are most traumatic for those caught in it, but at least depressing for those of us who will miss friends and coworkers. And it does not mean they are laid off yet. They did post a large number of jobs and the pool can apply for them first before they are posted outside the company. Still, I know how they feel, having been there twice in the last five years.

For the old-timers reading these words, 3 Dog Night sang a song called "Liar" back in the 70s. That is exactly what my wife is. A dirty stinking filthy liar. Leading her family astray for perhaps no other reason than her own amusement. OK, it is equally possible that she heard it wrong when she said that her school's curriculum night was last night. Or maybe I just heard it wrong. It is actually tonight.

I got a haircut last night from one of Kathie's coworkers. It ended up a little shorter than I expected. When I say a little shorter, I mean I am closer to Dad's hairstyle than my own. I think it is barely longer than future Navy dude ZKW. I put so much gel on it today that you cannot see my hair, only gel. And even then, some of the hair would not lay down. I may have to start wearing my hair like certain preacher brothers. Hey, I do have the urge to wear a plaid shirt with pockets and tell religious-themed homilies.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Crown Him! Crown Him!

Yes, I know that you immediately heard the hymn Crown Him Lord of All in your head when you saw today's post title. And that was my intent. Each of our hearts should be lifting Him up all the time. However, there is often a twist in my writing, just like there is in Clarity of Vision. I just got in to the office from the dentist, where he and his assistants were doing just what today's title implies. I had to have an old crown cut off and be fitted for a new one. He cut a bit into the gums, so I am in a little pain now that the Novocaine has worn off. This is not the subject of today's strip, however.

The inspiration for this came from a news story about a fast food restaurant (in Ohio?) that would not serve a mother because her two-month-old had on no shoes and the sign said "No shoes, no service." That is ridiculous. Worse even was she put socks on the child and that was not good enough. They were not shoes. That led me to consider the dumbosity of doing the same type of service in an office setting.

Things are still unsettled here at the office. When I came in while ago, it looked as if 75% of the cubicles had people standing up and talking instead of heads down and working. They need to get the new positions posted and let us get in the future job and work. A list was published last night showing a few of the management positions, and how many boxes fall under each, but we don't know what skills are needed for the boxes, nor which of us can stay in our current jobs if we choose.

I sent a Director in another group a note about interest in one of his positions. I do not know exactly what it involves since I only know the title, but it sounds like it could be fun. I searched the internet for appropriate buzzwords and concepts to show him that I might fit the job. Worst case - they keep me in my current job, and as we can all imagine, a job is better than no job.

Alison was on the computer last night burning CDs for classroom use, so I did not get to play with photos. Maybe tonight. Kathie has a school function at 6:30pm, so it will just be Ali and me for dinner...I think. Maybe I will get home early enough that we can all eat together. After that, I hope to get on the computer.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Out With (a) Bang!

Bwa-ha-ha. New recruits to the Bang! world. Zachary, Brenda and Emily came down from Redding for the week. So yesterday, we had to indoctrinate them into the world of the card game Bang! (Hence, the bang part of the title) They were among the last 3 players, so I don't know if they played with dumb luck or exceptional skill. Does it matter? No, they got there. And Brenda, Leigh and I won! Whoo Hoo. We did not have time for other games.

We had some job downsizing on Friday and my boss was affected. (Hence, the out part of the title) A little later, I got an email from him with this comic strip. I took it almost verbatim from his idea. Anyway, pray for his job search and all those who were affected. They do have the opportunity to apply for other newly formed jobs, but as you all know, I have been through this exact situation...just one year ago.

Dad continues to improve now that his chemo has ended. Still no hair, but maybe he likes it that way? Now that I think of it, Zachary has no hair either. That is probably why Dad is letting them stay there this week, even with a 2-year-old. (Hence, the with part of the title)

I did catch some photos of the granddaughters this weekend, but have not reviewed them yet. I'll try to get some posted here soon. I wish Blogger made it as easy to upload albums as Facebook. (Hence, the (a) part of the title. Not really, but I could not leave this paragraph without the same little aside as the others. It felt alone, abandoned)

Friday, August 21, 2009

I Am Not Channeling Rambo

He just happens to offer opportunities for funny office-place antics. Here's what the idea of Rambo spawned for today.

The times, they are a-changing. My boss finds out where he will be placed in the org later today. The rest of us are supposed to start finding out next week. I hope it is Monday. I'd rather just know.

Earlier this week, in my post of the comic for work, I noted that there were only a few days left. Many here asked why I was leaving the company. It shows I need to be careful how I phrase things. I was only talking about Clarity of Vision going away, not me. I think that is cleared up now. Still, I am getting really thin on comic strips. Many here are asking why the current reorg-mania isn't giving me new ideas. Ideas, yes, but I have to find that tweak that makes them a good comic. I'm trying, folks, really.

ZKW and family are coming down starting this weekend. That will be fun. I have not seen Emily in....forever.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

A Bit of Undigested Potato

He's baaack. The spirit of Rambo in all of us, right? OK, maybe not, but he has shown up in cartoons for today and tomorrow.
The title of the post is a line from Christmas Carol, in case you did not know.

Reorg fever continues at work. Can't we all just get along? That's a line from Rodney King, in case you did not know. I guess I find out Monday where I land. My boss is supposed to hear about his position tomorrow morning at 9am.

I've got to get a presentation to my new Director by 8am PHX time, so I will leave you for now. But I'll be back. That's a line from Terminator, in case you did not know.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Wednesday Scmednesday

I know it is only Wednesday, but this week has gone on too long. Do you ever have one of those weeks? Nothing that I can point at. It just feels long. Well, we don't want things to go on too long, so my Obama series ends today at the Grand Canyon. Hey, there is a good Christian song called Grand Canyon. Have you ever heard it? I have it on an album by Kennedy, Kirkpatrick, Madeira and Sprague called Coming From Somewhere Else (which is my favorite song on the album). Sorry. Let's go ahead with the comic.
The parental units took us out for our anniversary last night for Mexican food. Dad is feeling enough better that he had salsa for the first time in months. A good time was had by all.

I think I told you, but did you remember that Wednesday was originally called Woden's Day? That it why it is spelled weird.

Let's just try to get this week over with, OK?

Tomorrow in CoV: Rambo returns

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Breaking and Entering

What? Obama again? This one was actually the last one I wrote, simply because I got started on the Prez and decided to see how many I could create. What do I really think about this issue? I didn't really follow it closely. From what I remember, the police might have been too aggressive, but the homeowner was too confrontational. If I saw someone I did not know crawl in through a window across the street, I would call it in, too. Still, comic strips need extremes to be funny. Am I implying my CoV is funny? Well, it is to me.
There are a series of informational sessions all day today to explain what yesterday's reorg really means at our level. I suppose I should attend all, even if they do not fully involve my position or type of work. We need to make sure our project processes support the new realities of information requirements.

Monday, August 17, 2009

A Dollar Short

Sure, this post started yesterday, but I didn't finish it until this morning. I will leave yesterday's date on the post simply for maintaining the daily archive log. I did not get it published yesterday due to the reorganizational activities at work. I have been there one year, and I am now under my fourth Director. The new VP says reorgs will now become a thing of the past, but I will withhold judgment. I hope that is true.

Let's get political. Whether you support Obama or not, you must admit the debate is great for cartoon fodder. I am hopeful but skeptical that positive change can be introduced into the skyrocketing cost of health care, especially as I begin to near "old" age.

Friday, August 14, 2009

One Day Turnaround

Recently, I have been bombarding you with comments about my dwindling supply of clever comics. I am sure that you noticed that I have been a little worried that I would be singing, "And now, the end is now and now I face the final comic." Well, I found a punchline I wanted to use and came in and wrote this strip this morning just to lead up to my vision of the final panel. OK, it only extended my strip by one day, but maybe I can do it again?

I have not heard from Dad since the Bald cartoon ran. Either he must have been OK with it, or he is never speaking to me again. Probably the first, since there is no end to the number of times I have spoken out of turn. Talking about Dad makes me think of Sunday lunches which makes me think of this coming Sunday. Kari and Lyndsay, drop Kathie a note. I think she needs a little help on preparation.

It's Friday! Whoo hoo. I know we can use the break at my house. Start days at school always make for a lot of pressure and rules training for teachers. Now that I have two in the house, I hear about every kid. I should know all their classes by 9/20.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

I Warned You

I reviewed today's cartoon and tried a number of options for who would be named. However, if it was the person being talked to, then the other would obviously know why the baldness occurred. If it was an uncle or more distant relative, then the indignancy would be less personal. So, it ended up staying as a loving jab to Dad. I did warn him either last Sunday or the Sunday before that this was coming up. Well here, take a look.

Three of four have come by with their ideas for CoV. I think a couple of them may be possibilities, but I need to find the fourth panel twist that helps make the strip memorable and clever. Nicknames is one of the suggestions. To use that, I need to cover some nicknames in the first three panels, but then an unexpected one in the fourth. That is my thinking right now. I have not focused on it yet. What would you do? Any more? I did a similar one on initials that you will see next week, but it might need tweaking to be funny but with a PG or PG-13 rating.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Stupid Corn

Well, what we actually have at work is a popcorn maker, but that's not as funny. Stupid popcorn sounds so fresh when they pop a new bag and the smell wafts past our cubicle area multiple times per day. Who wouldn't give in? They also have those bottles of toppings available such as caramel, nacho cheese, white cheddar cheese, kettle corn, etc. Stupid corn.

An IT reorg is in the offing within the next two weeks. I am certain my job is safe, but who knows which part of the org the project team will belong to? I'll just keep plugging along until then.

I woke up with Itsy Bitsy Spider in my head. No, I mean the song. Why? I don't know. Why couldn't it be a religious song or a Beatles song or something?

CoV countdown continues. Aggh! Suddenly, I am like the Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz. "If I only had a brain...." I've got until next Tuesday before my last strip, so do not give up on me yet.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Mind is a Terrible Thing to ... Something

I woke up with an idea for a hymn arrangement this morning, but now, it is gone. I think the note pattern was 5-4-3-rest-5-3-2 for the first part of the chorus, but I could be wrong. Well, enough playing games with my mind. Let's play games in a comic strip. Right now, there are only four strips remaining.

Alison's only first day of teaching is over, and she made it. Sure, she will have challenges and a learning curve, but she is on her way in her chosen vocation. So we had chicken wings to celebrate. Of course, what else says congratulations like that?

Caleb, give us a post and let us know where you are on your quest to have your name published in a novel. Lauri, when do you go over to CBU? Brenda, did y'all sell your house or were your comments just about the naval-related activities? Justin, I was just trying to be a supportive uncle.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Electric Bugaloo

OK, maybe I do not know what an electric bugaloo is, but I do know of an electric bike called the Zero. A street-ready version is under development. However, the comic is not written to reflect reality, as I am sure you already guessed.
I did check on Dad this weekend and he is doing well. We even threw some chicken on the barbie (inside, of course) and grilled it with some lemon butter. Mmm, mmm.

Be praying for Zachary this week as he goes with his Navy recruiter over to Sacramento for placement testing. We all want God's good and perfect will for him.

Today is Alison's first day teaching her own class, so be in prayer for that, also. She has been a Kindergarten aide for a year, but classroom management and lesson planning were not her responsibility then, so she was a bit nervous when we spoke last night.

I have taken no new photos in over three weeks. Weird, huh?

I am down to five more days of Clarity of Vision. That creative gene had better kick in soon.

Friday, August 07, 2009

Cool Down

We are having a weather cool down today. It should only reach 108F. Yeah, baby. Maybe I'll just stand outside at 4pm because I can. Maybe not. Kathie and her school get to stand outside everyday at 3pm waiting for parents to pick up their little bundles of joy (that means kids). Speaking of age....
I finally scooted by Dad's place yesterday to check on his progress. He's doing well after the final chemo treatment, eschewing the normal vagaries of how the chemical blend affects the human body. (Don't worry about those words. Even I didn't understand what I wrote).

I woke up this morning with an idea for a future CoV, but I did not write it down. You guessed it. The idea is gone now. Too bad. I thought it had great potential. Maybe I can fall asleep here in a little while and find it again.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Would any of you have stayed with me for 33 years? I know that I would not have. And yet, my lovely, long-suffering wife has done just that. Well, I suppose she has not made it until 7:30pm TX time, but she is already pretty close. Of course, I had to document that fact in today's strip.
I tried to call Dad yesterday afternoon, but did not reach him. I am hoping his treatment went OK. I am certain that he has the follow-up injection again today to eliminate the nausea. And then, we wait for some period of time for the chemical cocktail to work its magic before another blood test. Keep praying.

Zachary, good luck on those placement tests. If you are going to cheat, be sure that your cheat notes are well hidden, but available when needed. Speaking of which, can anyone believe how creative today's students are getting with cheating, including cell phones and other stuff. I do not envy teachers.

Well, I've got to run. Not like Justin and Lindsay, or even Brenda, but in my own non-physical way. I apologize to those of you now undergoing Rambo withdrawal. Who knows? He may come back some day. BTW, seven strips in my queue for publishing. Oh, the stress of creativity.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

No More...

After today, it looks as if there will be no more Rambo cartoons, and there will for sure be no more chemo for Dad. Yeah! I hope this final session continues the trend of minimal discomfort.
Zachary, just remember that patience is a virtue. Justin, just remember that running is a virtue. Lyndsay, just remember that dealing with Bella and Kendall at Disneyland is... NO FAIR. Y'all are at the Magic Kingdom having fun and we are stuck here in stinking hot temps. Well, have fun. Grab some more pics for future photo books.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Why Do They Say T Minus?

As I was preparing for today's post, I was thinking that it is one day until Dad's final chemotherapy treatment. So that made me think of saying it is T-1 days until his chemo. That made me wonder why NASA started saying liftoff times as T Minus something. OK, so it means Time Minus. So why isn't it L Minus for Liftoff?

Well, my friends, I am down to five cartoons queued up for publication. That's right. I do not have anything beyond next Tuesday, 8/11/09. Will it go on? I hope so, even if all of you are going "FINALLY!" I do have an idea written down that I have not filled out yet. Nicknames. See, I am not sure where to go and how to twist it in panel four. I'll keep thinking.

Monday, August 03, 2009

I Gots No Thoughts

I sat down this morning to create my daily post and realized I don't have any pithy comments or clever quips with which to regale you. Well, I can still give you today's Clarity of Vision.
Lunch over at the folk's yesterday. Thanks to Lyndsay and Kari for cooking. No thanks to Dad, who cooked french fries for over an hour and they still weren't good. No thanks to me, either, because I did nothing for the meal.

Lyndsay did make some desserts in anticipation of our anniversary Thursday. Homemade chocolate covered strawberries, homemade peanut butter cups, homemade anniversary cards with drawings and photos, homemade DVD. They will be out of town on the day, so they brought everything yesterday.

Dad has his final chemo Wednesday, so prayers are again requested. He will then go some months to let it finish its work before an evaluative blood test is taken. I don't know when his hair will grow back.