January 5, 2006

There were 4 posts published on January 5, 2006 (this is page 1 of 1).

Highlights of 2005, Number 4: Fingertip Fun

4. Fingertip Fun. Number four on the highlights of 2005 is the incident where I almost lost my fingertip while testing our new attic fan. I couldn’t leave well enough alone once the darn thing was put up. In an effort to feel the airflow, my hand got too close and whack! The fan came to a sickening stop.

Fortunately I remained calm (though Kelly may differ on that) and drove myself to the local Doc In A Box (the “local” part was relative, however, as what we thought was the nearest urgent care center has bankers hours). The doctor at the clinic did a fantastic job stitching me up. The clinic itself was worthy of a soap opera, with all the drama taking place. The doc was literally arguing with the staff while he sewed me up.

The finger was painful much longer than I expected, though I probably underestimated the amount of nerves that needed to reconnect. Eventually the pain went away and my finger is now fully healed.

I’ve had some injuries before: more concussions than I care to admit, bagel-slicing incidents, and others. I’ve got scars all over. I value my fingers, though. I won’t put them in jeopardy again.

Highlights of 2005, Number 5: TriLUG Election

5. TriLUG Election. I’ve been associated with the Triangle Linux Users Group since its inception. I value it for its educational presentations and its networking opportunities. There are a lot of smart people in TriLUG. There’s never a shortage of stuff to learn.

During my time with TriLUG, I’ve also become a presenter, providing talks on OpenLDAP, hardware emulators, and the Asterisk PBX. I’ve even done a class. These opportunities to speak have provided me with enormous confidence in my public speaking. I have also made a name for myself within the membership for having skills that businesses need. It has led to plenty of opportunities which otherwise would not have happened.

Thus it was a great honor when I was elected to a TriLUG position in October. Now I have a chance to give back even more to this wonderful association.

Air Biffle

While I’m in a grouchy mood, let me unload on NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. As if NASCAR drivers didn’t waste enough gas making endless left turns, Biffle has to take it further. When his doggies had an appointment with the NCSU Vet School, he packed them into his helicopter rather than drive to Raleigh from Mooresville (total Mapquest drive time: two hours, 40 minutes. Faster if you’re a NASCAR driver).

Now I know how attached people can get to their pets. I’d go out of my way to help my pets if they needed immediate medical attention. But Biffle’s dogs weren’t in urgent need of attention: they were going to a routine exam! Was it really necessary to get all Rambo and stuff? Why didn’t Biffle rappel down to the vet school roof while he was at it?

Heck, I’d love flying in a helicopter, too, but I wouldn’t fly it to the grocery store. This is just a bit too much.