Church

This is the church I went to today and will likely join.




















This is a link to more pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157605885227960/detail/

I have been sitting in Starbucks for the last three hours because I still do not have internet access yet. I don't mind to tell you that is very irritating.

Well I don't get to slack anymore, I will be going back to work tomorrow. :( I will probably be traveling the first time to Florida in two weeks, we will see. That should be fun...

My Apartment

I decided to go out today and cruise around Los Colinas. It is a large area in Irving. They are going to have a 4th parade that I am going to and wanted to scope out the area. Should be fun.

I also went to the local movie theater – Hollywood Theater – and saw Wanted. I really want to tell you how it ends, but in case someone is reading that really want to go I will not. I will say it is an outstanding movie. If you like kid friendly, thought provoking and socially accepted movies --- then this is absolutely NOT the movie for you. However, if you like intense action, visually unique CGI graphics, a twisting plot and (I have to include) a naked Angelina Jolie, then you will love it. Especially the ending…

This is my apartment…




















I have posted more pictures on my newly created Facebook page. I was tired of Myspace running too slow and decided to change. This is the link - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=549&id=1349347746

In addition, you can find them here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157605884946524/


I hope everyone is doing well.

Update...

All of my previous posts came in out of order…or I actually went through Texas, arrived and then went through Arkansas. Was a long trip, so I guess either is possible?

All of my crap is in the apartment and I have begun the terrible task of trying to get everything put away. The bed, couch and TV are set up and working…I mean the most important things are up…right?

I have been cruising around the last couple of days. I found a cool lake that rents boats. I really want to get a jet ski. One day… I found Six Flags, which is about 15 minutes down the road. I went to see the new football stadium and where the Rangers play, but could not find it. That will be a later scouting trip. There are a lot of malls here as well as restaurants. There is every imaginable place to eat here.

I am still without internet access since Time Warner could not get my modem working. They are having a contractor come out on the 11th…I don’t know if I can survive that long without internet. I actually don’t know how I lived without it. I found a cool little smoke shop (Up In Smoke) that has internet access (with security), which is where I am sending this post.

I am having some phone problems that I am going to try to solve today. That is it for now…

Past Little Rock

We are about 90 miles away from texarkansas. We should get to the apartments by 1pm central. Taco ate a little today and has done his business. I think we are good to go...

Houston...

The eagle has landed!

Texas!!!

We have offically crossed the border. Viva la Republic...

Am in Arkansas

I'm trying to contain my excitement...

We are ready to begin

As you can see...Taco is ready to go.

First leg complete

First leg of the trip is complete...we are secure in our hotel room. I had to leave Taco for a minutes in the room to get a few things from the car, he was not happy. Time for dinner...for both of us.

Making good time

Taco & I are 60 miles outside of Memphis at our last rest stop (at least for today). It is 210 central time, we should be in the hotel room by 330. Smooth sailing...

In Tennessee

Mammoth Caved

Passing the caves...go times there.

On the move

When I entered 'the promised land', I wondered why the grass wasn't blue?
I am now driving through Louisville -hello Stelle & Jean.
We have stopped once, but Taco is on a food srike-not evan a graham cracker!
We will stop again in about a half hour. Nashville is 165 miles away.
Till next update...

Loaded...

I met the two Wal-Mart drivers and four associates at the Morris Road store at 8am. The drivers stated that was the worst store they have ever seen. There were only TWO lanes open and the parking lot was completely full of carts. The off-duty driver had to move carts just so they could get into the parking lot. They were not happy...


They guys that helped me were Loren and Rodney (from AP), Jason and Doug from the lab. All guys I have known for a few years, Doug for about 8 years. We actually had a good time loading the truck, everyone cracking jokes and poking fun.


It was priceless to see a huge Wal-Mart truck in the apartment complex…

I will be leaving at 6am tomorrow morning for my two-day trip to Dallas. Praying for smooth sailing.

One day left...

Ok…had a great day yesterday and got many errands done. I got to see Dustin and Zach (Sorry Jamey – maybe next time you can join us) at Max & Erma’s. He is growing so fast. He is such a cutie…












I was able to drop the last bit of junk for the anti-christ to Stephanie after she got off work (Easton). She seems to be doing well and I will miss her. I told her she is no longer my sister-in-law, but she will always be my “adopted” sister. If you are reading this Steph, I am holding you to Genji…

I ended the day getting a drink (well in his case MANY drinks) with Herb at Adobi Gilas. I feel bad for him. He is going through the EXACT same thing I did, but he has two kids in the middle. It is taking its toll on him.

I spoke with the Wal-Mart Moving Van driver today and everything is a “go” for tomorrow. Should be fun…

Relocation Trip

Ok, I have the dates…I will be loaded on Saturday the 21^st at 8am and unloaded on Tuesday the 24^th at 8am.  I will be traveling on the 22^nd (leaving at 6am) and the 23^rd, stopping at a La Quinta Inns and Suites in Memphis, TN.  I plan signing the lease on Monday evening so I will be ready on Tuesday morning.  I will be staying in the same La Quinta Inns and Suites on Monday night in Dallas that I did last trip. This should be a hootin’ good time…

Test posting

This is just a test... I just wanted to try and post from my treo. In addition, I wanted to make sure the email distribution list worked.

Packing...

Packing is moving right along...I guess I am about 3/4 there. I Saw the anti-Christ yesterday and didn't have any emotional swings. I'm either getting better or adequately medicated...just kidding.

Taco keeps following me EVERYWHERE. Poor little guy is so confused. He is going to hate the long trip.

This is how the garage looks now…

Boy, do I have a lot of stuff….

That’s it for now…

The inaugural post…well technically it is.  Although I did write the first post (fittingly in Dallas) it was Mike actually who posted it.  And on that note…I would like to thank him for setting this up. 

 

I am still packing and the apartment looks like I detonated a grenade.  I feel like I am living in chaos which is unsettling, but I keep telling myself it is for a short period.

 

Well, I did a little research and I will be paying more sales tax living in Irving.  In Franklin, we pay 6.75% (5.5 state, .75 county, and .5 COTA – I know hard to believe COTA can't operate in the black) sales tax.  In Irving (Dallas County), I will pay 8.25% (6.25 state, 1 City, and 1 for Dallas Metro) sales tax.

 

So, what do I get for 1.5% more sales tax…NO STATE/CITY INCOME TAX!  OK, so I am going to upset everyone in Ohio now.  According to MSN money, Ohio is the fifth worst state to live in with regard to state tax burden.  It is 18^th for overall (federal included) tax burden.  J I know...I'm rubbing it in.

 

What does Texas rank on this report you ask…43^rd and 41^st respectfully. 

 

	Sales	Gas/gal.	Cig./pack	Beer/gal.	State burden	Rank	State/Fed. burden	Rank
Ohio	5.5%*	$0.28	$1.25	$0.18	12.4%	5	32.4%	18
Texas	6.25%*	$0.20	$1.41	$0.19	9.3%	43	29.8%	41

 

For state burden, only Vermont (1^st), Maine (2^nd), New York (3^rd) and Rhode Island (4^th) are worse.  Wonder why the state is having problems.

 

On another note, I purchased a washer and dryer today.  Dad had a good idea to buy it now, store them in the garage, and then let Wal-Mart move them (and carry them up two flights of stairs).

 

Well, since I have now upset all of my Ohio family and friends, I should end this post…. J