Dub's Blog

Fifth Anniversary, etc . . .

2011-08-05T08:12:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my fifth anniversary. Not marriage, but equally as important, to me. I have not had any booze for five years now. I know that to some, that's many years is just a drop in the hat; to some people that's not really a lot of time at all. But to me, it's pretty cool.
When I went to The Resort, as I call it, I couldn't conceive of going that long without my "friend" vodka. I couldn't fathom of what I was going to do with all that time. And it sure was different, but to me, once I got over the craving, it was better. Then once I got over missing it, it was better. Then as the days and weeks went by I thought about it less and less. I thought that seeing people drinking, partying and such on TV and in movies might be bad, but it wasn't.
I know where meetings are if I ever feel the need to go, but I haven't gone with any regularity in a long time. I think the main thing that really works for me besides that I don't WANT to drink, and don't need to drink, is that I don't ever want to have to start over. That works for me.
Thank you to all of my friends who have been there for me and supported me the last five years. It's been a great ride and we'll keep going down the right road for many many years to come. And a special thanks to Heidi, who really gave me the push.

No changes in job . . . still plugging away in the Night Audit position at the hotel. I have been working hard on my writing project. I hooked up with an editor, Jennifer, from the east coast, who is an author herself. She has been such great help and a great influence with my work. I just got back my manuscript from her second edit, and there has been such a change for the better from when she first started working with me. Granted there is still more work to be done, but I am closer now to being where I want to be with it. I have been thinking about where I want to go with the project when it is finished, and now I am seriously thinking of going the eBook route. I have a lot of research to do on this subject, but I have time. If anyone has any thoughts on this, please feel free to share.

Another thing I am going to start doing is doing a podcast with the first book, reading it in 10 or so sections and posting this on this blog. I know authors have done this before, and it has given them exposure to them and their work, so I thought I might try this out. Look for it in the next week or so on here. Anyone feel free to share ideas and comments on the podcast when it appears here!

On a totally unrelated note, I just read that Charlie Harper has died and his funeral is September 19th. Hope to see everyone there.

Have a great weekend and keep all fingers crossed that I get a podcast up and running!! More later,

Dub

November 16,2010

2010-11-16T05:13:00.000-08:00

Much too long since my last post...

I wanted to do something different for my 50th, so after my night audit shift on Sunday, I hopped into the car (already prepacked with everything for a road trip) and drove to Boise, my home town. Meeting up with many old friends that I have been able to reconnect with through Facebook; Jr. High School and High School friends that I have not seen or talked to in twenty to thirty years! Funny how as I've been able to talk to them on the phone and already have seen some of them, it seems like no time at all has passed since last we hung out. Only the physical effects of time show any difference, and even that hasn't really made much of a difference with some! No one looks as old as they are, I think that's a good sign! I was also able to see an old dear friend of the family, quite possibly for the last time, so I am really counting my blessings that I decided to make the trip. Having a great time so far; a bunch of us are going to meet somewhere and catch up this evening, I am really looking forward to it.

The car handled extremely well during the drive with the new transmission and new front tires. I really was prepared for things, with extra fluids, chains, car kit, first aid kit, blanket, pillow, extra food, cold weather gear, etc... Sure makes the drive a lot less stressful being so prepared. I was actually more worried about being tired than any inclement weather. Had an Eggnog Latte before leaving and then two energy drinks during the drive, but by the time I finally pulled into the hotel parking lot, I was close to being a zombie, haha. I really enjoyed the drive; it was the first road trip I had been on in almost ten years.

I had my goal to have my current writing project completed by my birthday, and last night, well, around 2:30 in the morning, I finished. What's left to do is go back through and edit the manuscript and add any additional scenes, put some color in, things like that. Then I need to find a literary agent that will work with me and get it out to where it needs to be. I am excited at how things are going, and I really like how the story has turned out as well.

Other than all that, things are pretty much the same as far as work is concerned. Though we are having more weeks of higher occupancy than we have been having; hopefully the powers that be will unfreeze the wage increases soon. And hopefully soon they will be a little more liberal with overtime, so that I can actually use more of my PTO in lump amounts. If they can't cover days off without creating overtime, they won't do it right now. So my Paid Time Off hours keep building. I am okay with that as long as I don't loose them at any point before I can use them!

I didn't get much sleep last night due to finishing the project and then some Zombie dreams (love those! haha) so I ended up starting the day earlier than planned, though a nap after lunch before meeting with the gang sounds like the best idea of all! I still get a kick out of the fact that as a kid, I hated naps and now I think they are a luxury!!!

Anyway, hope all of you readers out there have a superb and prosperous day!!

Will write again soon!
Dub

Thursday Sept. 23, 2010

2010-09-24T00:19:00.001-07:00

Hey all, it's been over a month since my last post, so I am overdue!

Things are good. I am still working on my project, over 100 pages and going strong. Have slowed down just a bit though, went through a little plot difficulties but think I have things ironed out more; still on target for my goal date of completion which is the middle of November. I am really liking what I have accomplished thus far.

Work is going well, and have sold three books in the past couple of weeks to people as a result of conversation, so I am pleased that word of mouth advertising is working. Don't let anyone tell you that that kind of advertising doesn't work!

I am going to visit Mom, who has moved to Memphis, Germantown, to be exact, this Christmas and am really looking forward to it. She moved there to be close to my brother Pete and his family. So I get to be with lots of family. Should be a lot of fun, and a brand new place for me to visit! Would love to shed a few pounds before heading out there, and maybe my free three month membership to 24-hour Fitness will help (thanks to a lawsuit somebody filed against them I get to have this membership). And now that I have a car, it will be easier to get to the location. Before when I had my membership, it was somewhat of an ordeal to get there. . .

Funny, I woke up today at 7, and thought I was late for work, and then noticed it was 7am, so since I work at night, I was relieved to be able to go back to sleep. Haven't done that since my drinking days, when twice I got up hours before I needed to thinking I was late. . . ah... those were the days, ha ha.

The car is running fine, still have some kind of gas leak, but as long as I never fill up the tank over 3/4 full, I am okay. Need to get it to Mike the Mechanic and have him check into that sometime...

Saw somebody post a saying on Facebook that I liked: If you can afford booze and cigarettes, then you don't need foodstamps.

Well, not too much else happening... Hope life is good for everyone out there! Will make another post again hopefully a lot sooner!

Dub

August 18 After Midnight

2010-08-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

Hello all! What, I can't be up late on my night off? I know, but sometimes it's not easy to sleep like a normal person during the night even when I don't have to work... thank God for naps! Remember when we were little kids and hated naps? How things change, no?

So we have had a second heat wave here in the Puget Sound, and it is now supposed to be over, and that's okay. I say that only because I am getting so very tired of all the phone calls from rooms at work saying that the air conditioner is not working, do I know what is wrong with it? Of course soon I will be getting the calls saying the heater doesn't work, all it does it put out cold air... oh well, it is what it is.

The new project is moving smoothly along, just finished Chapter Twenty and started Chapter Twenty One, and I am nowhere near the end, so that is a good sign. I am quite pleased with the progress I am making, my goal is to have it ready to show before my birthday this year, and I am quite sure it's an attainable goal. My partner in writing has been telling me she is happy with the way things are going as well; I just keep on writing. Will keep you all updated on that project as things go.

The car. I filled the tank last evening for the first time since the gas leak was noticed last time and stopped. Well, it leaked once again, but stopped when it got to just above 3/4 of a tank. So obviously there is something up. I will take it to my mechanic (I can say I have one now) and have him take a look, hopefully he won't find anything too alarming and maybe can repair it during his inspection. We can only hope. The exhaust manifold gasket repair seems to have worked. Still get some exhaust odor in the car, but maybe that is residual from the leak, will get the car pressure washed once that is taken care of and take it from there.

Well, hope all is well in everyone's world and will update my blog again sooner than before. Have a great week all!

Dub

July 22, 2010

2010-07-22T14:52:00.001-07:00

Hey all!

My friend Barb, who is also my writing partner has been busy... she got this idea to promote my first book on Facebook and it seems to be generating some interest! People are re-posting her post onto their pages and so on and so on... her idea is to get my book's information to as many people as possible... and I think she's definately on a right track! The hits on my website have jumped tremendously in just one day! Who knows if it will generate sales of the book, but at least it's getting the word out! Great job, Barb!!

Other news...

Progress is steady on the new project...

I met a great new friend who has shown a huge interest in me and what I am doing, and genuinely wants to help me in what I am doing; the writing and more... I guess being at the right place at the right time has finally proved to be something even I can say! More on this as it happens... can't give too much away until I have something more concrete to say about these things...

My cold is almost gone (again)... the voice this week has been really scratchy, annoying as hell, but at least I never got the sore throat this time... am knocking on wood as I type!

Car is running good... still need to install the new parts I have purchased for it, and soon it will be running even better!

Other than that... things are good! Keep checking in for more updates! Thanks for reading my blog! I do appreciate it, as always!

Dub

July Update

2010-07-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

Here it is, almost the middle of July and the year is half over. Moving by rather quickly it would seem!

My car is still running quite well since the transmission was replaced. Still need to do some more things to it of course. I purchased a new exhaust manifold which I was told wasn't too hard to do. Will tackle that with Apple, my good bud who loves to help me with the car. Got a new air filter and wiper blades and will also replace the negative battery cable connector. That should be enough for the short term.

The writing project is coming along better than I had been expecting. My partner has really been great at providing good inspiration and motivation, and Sarah, you have been super as well, don't think I don't appreciate you!

Had been planning on moving into a new living situation at the end of the month, but that fell apart, which is fine. For now. It just gives me time to start saving back up until something good comes along again, which will. Things happen.

Pesky cold I got about 3-4 weeks ago just refuses to give up its hold on me. Just when I think it's gone, it says "nuh uh.... not yet!!"

Well, that's about it for now... stay tuned, you never know when something will pop up!!

Dub

YouTube - stevemutt's Channel

2010-07-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

YouTube - stevemutt's Channel

Hey Gang!! Here's a test video I made the other week with my new Nikon Coolpix camera! I think the video was much better quality than the duck video made with my phone, or the room tour made with my cheapo video camera, but it's all good!

I may be picking my car up from repairs tomorrow (Wednesday) so hopefully everything went ok!! Will post more on that tomorrow!

Have a good nite!

Dub

ducks.3g2

2010-07-01T01:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a little video I made with my phone the other week while at work... immediately after the video ended, the female duck shat while waddling after her mate, she must've been scared of me... but really, scared of me??

Wednesday June 30

2010-06-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

I usually enjoy my days off, but this round, I have been nursing a bad cold, which in itself wasn't extremely bad; there was no sore throat with it this time. And if I had the choice, I would rather have a cold on the days off than at work. Been there, done that. So this is day three of cold, and I think it's on the way out. Keeping the fingers crossed.

Had the car towed Monday to the place where the transmission is going to be replaced. Possibly it could be done as early as tomorrow, Thursday, but I am not going to plan on it. Just want it done well, and done right. I am looking forward to having a car that I can trust!

Not too much else happening... work is progressing smoothly on the new writing project. Well, except for the last couple of days... just haven't had the fortitude to sit and write a lot... mainly been doing a lot of sleeping, etc...

Going to make some coffee... haven't had any of that in the last 48 hours.

Hope everyone out there is healthy and well!

Dub

Car... changes again?

2010-06-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, as things go, there have been some shake ups in the on-going transmission repair project. I have heard more than a few times, if it sounds too good, it must be too good. The original quote of $350 parts and labor was not meant to be. A change of mechanic and transmission happened and the total jumped to $825 - $850, but would have a guarantee on the part. Much higher, but I liked the guarantee. Then one more change... back to the original mechanic and a ceiling on the price. I think it will stick with $800. So I will be taking the car in next Monday and maybe the repair will be done by Wednesday; if not, I will be able to pick it back up the following Monday. I am fine with that. Still will have a 90-day warranty on the parts and labor, and that's better than no guarantee with the original deal. So... keeping the fingers crossed, no more changes!

Other than that, not much going on...

The writing project is still going strong though, that is good.

Still much colder than I think it should be for the middle of June...am still tempted to pull out the space heater... only used the fan once so far... people are still asking for extra blankets at the hotel... wherefore art thou summer? haha...

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Dub

Revised Transmission Repair Date

2010-06-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I will be getting the car to the mechanic ASAP now. I do not trust the car at all anymore, even for short trips. More than half the time, the car does not want to accelerate at all from a stop, just kind of says "are you really wanting me to move? Haha, you wish!!" So back to the way things were before I got the car, which is fine. I didn't have a car before I got the car. But at least I know that it should be driveable once the transmission is replaced. Keep our fingers crossed anyways, the used tranny is coming from a place called "PullApart" so there are no real guarantees... but most people I know who have gotten parts from there are usually pretty satisfied. So that's the update!

Writing on the new project is moving right along... that's all I'm going to say on that!

Lakers beat the Celtics!

Me? Back to work... the audit calls!

Have a great night!

wednesday june 16

2010-06-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, getting close the July, close to summer, and it's still cold! I kind of wish I had not put away my space heater for the season, though it's just under the bed, and just a few simple minutes away from being but back into use, so I can't complain about that too much. I just think I will tough it out; the weatherman says it is going to warm up again anytime now! Haha!!

Interesting thing about these social websites. Some people spend all day on them, some people think they are nothing but a waste of time. I don't fall into either of those categories, I use them to keep in touch with friends and also for networking and getting the word out on my book; ok and I play a few games on one of them from time to time. But I think that without these sites, I would never have re-connected with some of the people I have over the last couple of years. People have found me from way back in the past and I have also found some old friends that I was really close to way back when but haven't seen or heard from in close to 30 years! I love it! So I think it's worth it, for sure. I certainly don't post comments every 10 minutes or so, but I will admit to enjoying reading the posts from some people who seem to!

I have found a new writing partner and I am confident that it is a very good thing. And the new writing project is moving right along. I am very happy with the way things are going!

My car, on the otherhand, I am not as confident with. I knew the transmission was iffy when I got the car, but lately the driveability has been going down hill. Last week a friend helped me replace the spark plugs and the spark plug wires, and the car was better, but it is coming down to the time where I need to seriously deal with the tranny. So that is the next project, and I have been hooked up with someone who will give me a great deal on parts and labor with a used transmission. So I will keep the updates coming!

So that's about it for now. Will post more as things happen!

Have a great day!
Dub

opportunity

2010-06-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Happy Thursday!

I have been toying with the idea of looking for a second party to assist me with writing my new project... hooking up with a writing partner...

Am posting this to see if there is any interest out there... I can provide details to anyone who responds!

Hope you all are having a great June thus far and life is good!

Dub

PICT0002.AVI

2010-06-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

So here is a little video I made with a healthy dose of my book in it... it's what the tv networks call working with "product placement," so I thought I'd try it out! Let me know what you think! Please be aware I am by no means a professional video maker or actor or speaker, so... having said that... enjoy!

Dub

New Camera

2010-06-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

I just got a new digital camera yesterday... I had been thinking about this for some time now... that it was time to replace the Olympus camera my mom gave me a few years back. The Olympus was a great camera, digital and took great photos, but it's over 8 years old and kind of bulky compared to what I was seeing new in the stores. I checked and it has 2.1 megapixel capability which was fine in its time. My new one is a Nikon Coolpix that was on sale and has 12.0 megapixel and wider zoom and also has video functions, so I am all set to play! The above picture shows the Nikon (new) next to the Olympus (old)... anyone want an Olympus? Will give you a really great deal!

It has been rare that I ever get anything for myself, I usually am fine getting and doing things for others, but have always felt self-conscious doing nice things for me, so this time I made an exception. I know I will use it and get more than my money's worth out of it!

So maybe now I will be posting more and more pictures on my blogsite, so look forward to that!

Dub

Acronyms, Acronyms

2010-05-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Due to the overwhelming amount of emails, letters, calls, texts, instant messages regarding my acronyms I used in my last post (ok, well, Sarah wanted to know), I felt I should explain, just for clarification what they were.

HIMYM: How I Met Your Mother
ROE: Rules of Engagement
TAaHM: Two And A Half Men
BBT: Big Bang Theory

All shows part of my Monday night CBS comedy lineup, which CBS, apparently in a change of pace is mixing things up a bit next fall. I understand BBT is moving to the new Thurday night half comedy lineup and a new show "Mike and Molly" will be on in BBT's old time slot. I don't think that will hurt BBT, but I reserve judgement on "Mike and Molly" until I see it.

Ok... on with my day... will post again shortly...

Dub

Some TV finales...

2010-05-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

It's kind of fitting that I watched the series finale of "Lost" on the computer yesterday.
It was about two months before the final season premiered that I had been wondering why people were so intrigued about the show. Why it was so popular, why everyone talked about it, why the buzz. I checked on the Hulu website and found that every single episode of the first five seasons were available for viewing, so I decided to check it out. After watching the pilot episode I was hooked. I think it took about a month, maybe a little longer, but I watched every single episode and was ready for more!
Since I have Tuesday nights off, I was able to watch most of the final season live on the TV, and believe me, it does make for a better viewing experience watching it on the "big screen," but there were some times that I ended up watching some final episodes on the computer. When it was time for the end, which was on a Sunday night, though, it was back to the computer again, as I had to work my normal Sunday night audit shift.
I have seen many series' final episodes, some good, some lame (sorry "Seinfeld") but "Lost" was one that left me pretty satisfied with the total experience. I was pleased with the outcome. Sure I would have loved to see the story continue, but it was tied together well enough (in my opinion) that there was no need to keep going on.
I know I haven't gone into any details about the show itself, but what I will say was it was a saga that was thought-provoking, dramatic, humorous, tender, and just a great watch! I will say that it was not wasted hours (again, my opinion) and I am glad that I experienced the series!

A few thoughts on the season enders of my Monday night comedies...
HIMYM: Writing and acting still good; silly stories, but keep watching to see if Ted reveals who the "mother" is before the series is cancelled.
ROE: Always been a funny show to me. I love all the actors, especially Spade, and will continue to watch.
TAaHM: Still continues to provide entertainment, though for the most part, Jake is still underused, not at all the same impact as he had during the first 3 seasons, those were the best, but Sheen still has a hold of me with his character.
BBT: Truly the funniest comedy CBS has put out over the last few years... only gets better each episode and each season. Out of the four finales this night, I enjoyed this one the best! Ending with Sheldon's date was hilarious! I can't wait to see if this will storyline will continue into the next season!

There you go! That's my take on things. Now that it's heading into repeat city on the tube... maybe I can make some headway into my own writing projects, which I have been neglecting for too long.

Have a great week everyone!

Dub

Photo Enforcement? part 2

2010-05-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

This morning I drove out to the scene of where I got my ticket by camera described in the previous blog... the question being in regards to the school zone lights flashing...

The ticket had said that it was 10:31am and my thought had been that wasn't when school would be starting or ending, so seriously... would the lights be flashing? Well, to my surprise, the school zone lights did indeed begin to flash right at 10:30am, even though there was no school activity occuring at or near the school zone that I could detect! The video is what I captured just after the lights began flashing.

So is this Bellevue's way of making some money? Must be! Pretty smart for them, bad for all the drivers that passed, not heeding the 20mph speed limit when the lights are flashing!!

Thoughts?

Dub

Photo Enforcement?

2010-05-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

I have had my car for about a month now and have enjoyed the hell out of it. It's not new by any means, it's a 1997 Ford Escort Wagon, with transmission issues, but it gets me around and helps me with my needs. I got a great deal on it... and just yesterday signed the title transfer.

This afternoon, the previous owner called me and told me she had gotten a photo speeding ticket on NE 8th and 143rd in Bellevue for going 29 in a 20 zone. I thought that was crazy because on the day it was taken, I usually sleep because I work audit that night, but that particular day I was not working due to swapping days with a co-worker. Anyway, I just drove down where I was "speeding" to check this because it is normally 35 on NE 8th, and found that is a school zone and it is indeed 20 mph -- when the lights are flashing -- and is photo enforced. Well, I think I certainly would have noticed had the lights been flashing and obeyed the speed limit! So I think that this is one ticket I should contest. Even though the car was not technically in my name, I would take care of the $124 fine if I was sure that I had deliberately thought "screw the speed limit" and not cared if the school zone lights were flashing. But I seriously do not think that is the case, so now I will look into contesting this.

I take my driving privileges pretty seriously these days; if you knew me, you would understand what I mean by that and if you don't, trust me, I do (it's all in the book).

I will update you all as this plays out.

For any of you readers who have experiences with "photo-enforcement" or comments or issues, please feel free to share them! I would love to hear what you say and think! Thanks!

Dub

New Website

2010-05-18T16:52:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to tell you the new website is up and running! It's got some information on my book and me, and gives links to here, and Amazon.com where my book can be purchased and also a couple of ways to contact me as well... so enjoy!

Dub

Amazon.com link

2010-05-15T04:34:00.000-07:00

Just an after-thought....

As I was playing around with the blog functions and features, I found I could add this Amazon.com link and now you can go to Amazon.com and order my book if you wanted to! Search "Steve's Story - A Life Unraveled and Reconstructed" under the header "books" and it will go to my book! Cool!

Again, enjoy, and have a great day!

Dub

The First Post

2010-05-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

May 14, 2010 2:30ish am

It is a good day. My good friend Sarah is helping to completely renovate my website "stevedubonline.com" and making it pertain more to my being an author and getting the word out on my first book "Steve's Story - A Life Unraveled and Reconstructed." Life is good.

My original website and layout was good, for what it was, but it wasn't really geared towards the book, and I was using it more for blogging. Then it was getting attacked by spam comments advertising spam and I was deleting more than 50 to 100 comments per day it seemed. And even my blogs were months apart, so I wasn't using the site properly; I guess I wasn't as dedicated to my purpose enough. But now with the new site approaching, I am gearing up for some good things.

Sarah has set up links to Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and will set up easy ways for people to order my book. So I am really looking forward to seeing how all this will turn out. There will be a link to this blog on the site as well, and I will try to post blogs much more frequently than I was doing before. That is my goal!

So if/when you are reading this, hopefully the new updated site is up and you will also be able to marvel at what Sarah has put together. Note: Sarah is also the wonderful talent who designed the book cover for "Steve's Story" and did a pretty awesome job. I don't think I have thanked her enough for that!

I always welcome comments and questions from anyone out there, and will answer or comment back to any and all!

Keep visiting my site, tell a friend, purchase a copy of my book and enjoy life!