Just when I was about to forget what it was like

I’m too old to eat Lucky Charms, don’t ask me how I know.

… It’s impossible to predict an earthquake with any degree of certainty besides there will be one eventually. I got a warning before Tuesday’s 5.3 earthquake centered in Chino Hills, about 30 miles Northeast from Long Beach. I was online with friend in Riverside, about 10 miles from CH and with on the phone with another friend about a mile East of me. My friend on line sent a message saying Earthquake. A second later my friend was wondering what was going on. A second later I felt it.

Now, I’ve can recall about six other earthquakes. I’m sure there were more, but they must have been insignificant. The one thing I’ll remember about this quake – besides multitasking conversations – is the fact that you were jolted, and then you rolled until it faded away and it took a long time to fade away.

… Speaking about my friends out in Riverside, they received kind of some bad news as the company that owns them is offering buyouts to its employees. According to reports, the company needs to cut 14 percent of the work force.

Those that take the buyout will get 1.5 weeks pay for every year they worked, six months of benefits paid to cover insurance and help in finding new work. Also, those that take the buyout will be able to file for unemployment with the company not blocking assistance.

I understand what they are going through. Five months back I didn’t have that option. It was either “We are going to keep you or not.”

In talking with friends, some seem interested in the buyout. I just hope it works out for the best with everyone.

… After struggling for months and taking breaks in between working out, I think I’ve finally got running down. At first I was winded after each work out, not going very far either. Next, my ankles couldn’t take it. Then the pain moved up to my shins. This past week my back stiffened up. But now, I think I’m finally breaking through.

I’m running farther in my allotted time. I’m also trying to eat smarter, maybe not so much better. For example, I’ve tried not to by junk food when I can. Also, not eating when I get home after work is crucial. I’m also trying to avoid soda as much as possible.

I think I finally turned the corner.

… I get to see my beloved Giants again this Friday. This time I’ll see them in San Diego at Petco Park. I got great seats 11 rows behind the Giants dugout. I’m looking forward to it. Also, their best pitcher will be starting; Tim Lincecum who I really want to see. Not only that, the famous San Diego Chicken comes out of retirement for one night only. My friend and I picked the right game I think.

And in case you forgot all about the San Diego Chicken, check this out.

Like Fox News would ever make you look bad

If you are a big name, when there isn’t a microphone and/or camera on you?

… I don’t know how Jesse Jackson can say the words “I want to cut off his nuts,” then say that you hope those words are not taken out of context.

Unless you followed that statement by saying, “I heard he likes peanuts. I’m calling Jimmy Carter to see if he can let me on his peanut farm so I can cut off some nuts for him.” I don’t know how else to take it.

I’m sure he had his reasons for saying what he did, but to say that while sitting in front of a camera ready to go television on the Fox News Channel may not be the best time.

One of the things I learned from journalism school when talking about Freedom of Speech is the concept of Time, Place and Manner. I see a new side of it. You can say what you want, but if you violate all three, you have some explaining to do. Especially if you are about to be on Fox News saying you want to emasculate someone running for President.

… For the first time in years, I got a toy in my cereal; Corn Pops in case you are wondering. It was kind of a shock. I didn’t know it came with anything when I bought it.

It actually wasn’t much of a toy really. It was a plastic spoon with a red light attached to it.

Like I said, it had been years that I got a toy in my cereal. I don’t remember the last time I actually bought cereal knowing it came with something.

Maybe it’s a sign that I’m becoming older. Or maybe it’s a sign that there are no good prizes in cereals.

… I can only recall two funerals I’ve ever been to before last week. Each time they were people I wished I got to know better: my grandfather and the managing editor at the last paper I worked at.

Last Monday, I went to a Celebration service for my friend James Melroy who died less than three weeks ago. I’ve never really had to deal with something like that before: mourn someone that I had an almost daily interaction with as a friend.

I’m at a different stage in my life in where all the changes are coming with my friends. They are all involved in relationships, engaged or married. I’m happy for all of them but at the same time I think about my life.

Then I think of James quoting the movie “Swingers” to cheer me up by saying “You’re so money.” But he’d also remind, “You don’t look at the things that you have, you only look at the stuff that you don’t have.”

While I miss James, I know he’s always with me.

By the way, I have his memorial T-Shirt. Get yours at www.cafepress.com/jamesmelroy