THE WORLD NEXTDOOR

Ever stop and ponder on things? How much the world has evolved, population growth, inventions, discoveries, technologies, etc. Well got my self pondering the ideas of technology and communications. I mean where were we just 100 years ago? Communications have come a long way. The telephone, radio, and Television all have expanded our knowledge and have brought the world to our feet. They all have had a happy medium but none have been able to give us as much as the computer and this wonderful internet has. Where could we post a message and have millions of people from all over the world read and respond to? This new medium has opened up so much but yet we feel so alone! When have we had so much opportunities? Internet dating, finding your match that was once such a distance away or you didn't know they existed now all of a sudden are brought to your fingertips. Meeting people of different cultures ideas and those in different worlds with the same thinkings as you. Stop and realize what you are doing. You are actually communicating with people at a great distance and making it seem like they are right here next to you. Instant messaging, Camming, Voice over net capabilities. Amazing what technology has done. We can actually go on and immediately find love over the lines. (http://www.mailorderbrides.com/) So why with so much technology are we still so lonely? Maybe its because even though we have the world nextdoor, reality is when you open the door, the world is not that close.

-ALBERT

VACATION FROM THE VACATION

You ever find yourself going off to a vacation and planning so much that when you are done with it your exhausted? Well exactly how I feel. Really enjoyed the vacation but it got to the point that when i got home I needed a vacation from the vacation! The days were great had a lot of fun meeting new people. People I had talked to for a while but had never had the opportunity to meet. All the planned events were fun and worth a laugh. Got to enjoy a movie and a couple of hours out at the lake as well. Turns out that there was this group out there having a sailing racing going on. The sail boats were the miniture kind and its amazing to see how much people put into their toys! Some could have easily been worth 1000+ with all the accessories and all. One of the guys there forgot to turn on the signal and almost lost his boat. Now that would have made his day, huh? In all everything turned out good, the weather cooperated and all seemed to have fun. Looking forward to the next event and making new friends! Just will plan better and take a day off at the end of the next vacation!

ALBERT

WHEN IS TOO MUCH, TOO MUCH?

I am so ready for my trip. Been excited and nervous as hell. Never done a full blown event. What gets me nervous is the unexpected or the perseptions of such events. My friend drives in tonight and we take off to Dallas in the morning. I sit here debating on what to do. Should I let my hair down and let loose or should I be my normal reserved more conservative self? I would like to experience the wild side and totally let go! Now that is scary, what would result of that? What impression will that give? Will I end up regretting the whole thing later? Knowing myself, I will probably just end up regretting being my cautious self and not having done anything at all. Really don't want that. I am going to have fun, drink, and make some friends. So maybe the answer is a happy median. But what if you can't get started or what if you enjoy it so much that you can't stop? Where does the line get drawn? When is too much, too much? (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=indulge)

ALBERT

THE SUN RAYS

Well it happened after having six consecutive weekends with rain, we finally get a full weekend of sun. Was good to experience. Nice to see the brightness and feel the warmth. Got to get out and do some exploring. Took a trip to the LBJ Presidential Library and take a different look at how some might have lived their lives during different era. Stood atop the building in Lady Bird's office looking across the University of Texas Campus to downtown and seeing a clear view of the State Capital (http://www.woodcop.com/ptx_lbj_lib155.htm). Thinking of her love for wildflowers and the beautification efforts she put forth during her time as first lady (http://www.pbase.com/richo/bluebonnets&page=all). Then observing the landscape, seems like the wildflowers popped up overnight. All the rain has provided for a plentiful sight. Thought of taking a drive out the countryside and enjoy the rolling hills and the many colors along the side of the road. Would have been nice to experience after a long hard week! The temperature seems to be shooting up quickly. Like the wildflowers, soon it will be time for me to head out to the lake and let the body soak up the sun rays!

BURNED OUT

Here we are only Tuesday, day 2 on my On-Call schedule, and already I'm burned out. Been awake since 4:45am working on system problems. With no end in sight I feel so exhausted. I still have college tonight and wont be home until 10:30pm. I have a Test tomorrow in my MW class. Still need to study so looks like no sleep tonight. I hope this darn pager doesnt go off again. I recall that commercial when I was a kid "Calgon, Take me away!" Can sure use a massage, a mental break and the arms of a lover to rest my head. Sad to report none of those will be home waiting for me when I finally arrive at home tonight. Just a cold empty place. Look forward to Monday when I give away this pager off to the next victim. I am so ready. With Spring Break aproaching next week and a long planned trip. I picture myself relaxing enjoying friends and the beer that is flowing. The dream is shattered by the sound of the pager going off. Yet another issue to take care off! If only there was a pager I could ring when I feel BURNED OUT! (http://www.psychwww.com/mtsite/smburnt.html)

ALBERT

EVERYBODY'S CHANGING

"You say you wander your own land
But when I think about it I don't see how you can
You're aching, you're breaking
And I can see the pain in your eyes
Says everybody's changing
And I don't know why" (Everybody's Changing - Keane www.keaneband.com)

Tough to keep up with the changes. Just when you think that you got things under control things change. Hard to see the changes but you have to if you would like to stay afloat and in the game. Seems like we're constantly playing catch-up. Who is making all these changes and why? What is wrong with the way things are going? Guess we all do need some changes sometimes but just as you are adjusting the change is too late and another change is required. "Trying to make a move just to stay in the game." Everybody's changing and I am just trying to find the one that will stop this ever changing world and enjoy it with me!

ALBERT

SCREW YOU WE'RE FROM TEXAS!

Happy Birthday Texas!

This great state of ours became a nation in 1836. Today is Texas Independence Day. Thought I would write something on that since I am a Proud Texan (as many of you know). Consider myself lucky to be in such a great state. Where else are people this friendly? A state that has everything, from mountains to plains to desert to forrest to beaches. Where can I find it all? Land is vast and plentiful. Where else can I drive all day and still be in in the same state? What more can I say? I love Texas and though I love to travel, I'm always happy when my ass lands back home in TEXAS! To those that think we're arrogant and stupid: Screw You We're From Texas!

"Now I love the USA and the other states they're OK
Texas is the place I wanna be and I don't care if I ever go toDelaware anyway'
Cause we got Stubbs, Gruene Hall and Antones, and John T's Country Store
We've got Willie and Jacky Jack, Robert Earl, Pat, Cory, Charlie and me and so many more.

So screw you, we're from Texas
So screw you, we're from Texas
So screw you, we're from Texas
We're from Texas, so screw you!" (http://www.rockzilla.net/cooper17.html)


So (http://www.lsjunction.com/midi/songs.htm)

Honor the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one and indivisible.

Texas, Our Texas

Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

[CHORUS]
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,
Emblem of Freedom! it set our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo. [to chorus]

Texas, dear Texas! from tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor, your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes, we come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you. [to chorus]