Busy, Busy, Busy

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

No excuse…just the facts of life. Life is busy, and it’s gotten even busier over the past month, and even busier than that this past week. I realized today that it’s been over 6 weeks since I last posted on my blog (not a single post in the month of May).

And I also realized that I miss it. It’s a good outlet for me even if nobody else is reading or cares about what I’m writing. It’s good practice. It’s cathartic. And I simply haven’t been doing it. In the memorable words of Kyle when he was 2: “I busy!”

I can’t even promise that this month will be any better. But I do intend to try and fit some writing into my schedule. I’ve been working on a novel for years with little progress…but this isn’t quite that level of effort.

Busy? Yes. Using it as an excuse? A little. Going to do better? We’ll see…

;o)

01.06.2011 Blogging, Misc Ramblings 3 Comments

Journeyman Facelift

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

I can’t help it…I like change. Leave something alone for too long and it kinda drives me crazy. So…I gave my blog a little facelift yesterday…a new style…a new look. I liked the last one, but I like this one too. And it won’t be the last one.

So come check it out…especially if your reading this on Facebook. The web address is: www.dbaumgartner.com

And while you’re there, feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

09.03.2010 Blogging, Misc Ramblings No Comments

Upgrade Pain

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

I upgraded my blog to the latest and greatest version of WordPress today (version 2.8 for those of you keeping track), and it has been nothing short of a royal pain in the back side. I somehow even managed to create some massive error condition that prevented the site from loading at all. I couldn’t even get into the admin page to fix anything…ended up reverting back to an older version and re-installing once again.

As a result, my sidebar isn’t fully up-to-date yet, but it’s in progress. This is the first time I’ve had these types of issues attempting an upgrade and I am reasonably sure that all of the customizations I’ve done played a key role in the issues I had today…but I can’t help the tinkering. And I do like this new version. The readers may not see much difference, but I can see a difference on my side of the website.

Heading off to campi this weekend so there should be plenty of pictures when we get back. Five families. 10 adults. 14 kids. We’ll see how many kids make it home!

01.07.2009 Blogging, Misc Ramblings 2 Comments

I’m Not Dead Yet

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

I know I haven’t been around much lately, but “I’m not dead yet”! This month has just been extra busy with school getting back into full swing (Hebrew Prophets), a sermon this Sunday, work, family, and getting ready for a new teaching series in February (and not necessarily in that order). Not to worry though, this too shall pass and I will be back to my “usual” blogging schedule. Something had to give this month, but life will find balance once again (at least I hope it does!).

I hope to post a little more here in near future. In the meantime, here’s a little something to reward your patience and keep you entertained…

Bring Out Your Dead!

Gotta love British humor!

21.01.2009 Blogging, Humor, Misc Ramblings, Video 2 Comments

Spies Among Us

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

I have had a few people tell me the past few days that they have been reading my blog. That’s awesome (not the biggest reason I write, but having nobody read would suck too). However, in a couple of these instances I had no idea they were reading.

See…there are spies among us. Sneaky ones too.

So, how about we play a little “Marco Polo”? I know not everyone like to leave a comment (I don’t understand it myself since I can’t seem to help myself…but I know it’s true). So instead of eliciting comments for their own sake (I tried and failed at that once already)…how about just leaving a “Polo” comment with your name so I can see who all is reading?

No pressure…but it wouldn’t kill you either.

And I’ll start the game with a loud…

”Marco!”

Now, your turn. Leave your “Polo” response in the comments…thanks…

30.10.2008 Blogging, Misc Ramblings 11 Comments

Check Out These Blogs…

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

As a relative newcomer to this whole blogging thing (although I find it hard to believe I’ve been at it for over a year now), I am always on the lookout for other blogs that interest me. Lately I have found myself making frequent trips to the following blogs. I share them here in the spirit of blogging camaraderie and sharing (it’s always good to share right?). You may find something here that interests you…you might not…but it never hurts to try something new once in a while. Note that I am not including blogs on this list from people I know personally…it’s nothing personal (pun intended), but I’m trying to expand my horizons too (you can check out all the blogs I read on the sidebar links)…

dBlogIt

Author: Dustin Boston
Tag-line: A Christian Blog about Manhood & Masculinity for Christian Men
My Thoughts:I absolutely love the theme, content, and writing that Dustin does on this blog. It’s written from a Christian perspective, but it’s not all “uppity spiritual” (I know, that’s not a word). This is Christian manhood at it’s best…real, authentic, and practical. I especially liked his blogs on the manliest cars and making the switch to a push mower. Dustin does some great writing and the topics are right up my alley. You won’t be disappointed.

Grow Some Onions!

Author: G. Scott (a.k.a: “Big Daddy”)
Tag-line: Because the World Needs REAL Men
My Thoughts: First, i absolutely love the blog name, logo, and tag line! I continue to be amazed at how creative other people are. Again, this is a blog geared toward Christian men and I like the topics and posts I’ve read so far. It too is “down to earth”…Big Daddy keeps it real (if not edgy) and speaks to practical issues and topics. Check it out.

I AM (not)

Author: Natalie Witcher
Tag-line: He’s God. I’m Not. It Works.
My Thoughts:Natalie’s blog is certainly in contrast to the two above, but having a balance is always good. She writes from a female perspective, of course, but is still comes from a Biblical perspective. Her writing style is smooth and easy to read and I love her sense of humor! The blog design is out of this world and she keeps you coming back for more. Check out this “softer side” of the Christian blogging community.

There ya go…like I’ve said (too many times)…check these blogs out and let me (and them) know what you think. And if you’ve got a blog or two that you recommend, please share…you’ll make your mom so proud!

24.07.2008 Blogging, Misc Ramblings 4 Comments

The Blogger’s Ego…

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

I saw this comic in last weekend’s newspaper (yes,I’m that far behind) and couldn’t resist sharing. I’m not saying this is me…but…

20.07.2008 Blogging, Humor, Misc Ramblings 1 Comment

Anita Takes the Cyber-Plunge

Friday, July 18th, 2008

My beautiful bride has taken the plunge into cyberspace and the world of blogging with her very own blog site! You can find her at (also linked on my sidebar):

A Girl Needs Accessories

I highly recommend you check it out…she will be sharing funny stories from hers/our life as well as her passions. I must admit that she is much wittier and funnier than I am…it’s a blog sure to be a hit! Stop by and drop her a comment or two (she already is making my jealous for the comments on her first blog).

18.07.2008 Blogging, Misc Ramblings No Comments

Journeyman Journal is One Year Old

Sunday, June 8th, 2008

I find it hard to believe myself, but Journeyman Journal officially turned one year old yesterday. So this post will be a little bit of a retrospective on the last year with some “interesting” facts and a few of my favorite posts from the last 12 months.

First, let’s start with my first post ever where I laid out my goals and intentions for my own personal blog. Here’s a quick excerpt from the post that states what my intentions were, and still are, for this blog:

My intent is for the Journeyman Journal to be a repository of random thoughts and ideas—a place for me to share what God is doing in my life and have a place to sharpen the often wild and crazy ideas the Spirit lays on me. I don’t pretend to have the answers…but I do know The Answer and am getting to know Him more and more every day. He’s got me on a grand journey and I’m along for the ride wherever that takes us.

In December of this year God gave me a Theme Verse for Journeyman Journal (you can read the full blog on December 27th). Here’s the theme verse:

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.
For I am your guest—a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.
Psalm 39:4, 12b

Here are a few Journeyman Journal statistics over the past 365 days:

There have been 180 posts over this year (an average of one every other day).
There have been 142 comments to go along with them (not bad!)
There have been 1,892 visitors from 19 different countries: USA, Jamaica, Australia, Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, France, Czech Republic, American Samoa, Trinidad & Tobago, Iran, Canada, and Russia.

Here are the Top 3 Most Popular Posts (by visits):

WordPress Upgrade Day: I think this is largely due to the “Google Factor”. People searching for WordPress upgrade help have found there way to this post. I wish I had been more detailed in the post…next time.
The Taser: This one is also my favorite post of all time (see the list below). This post if flat out hilarious! If you haven’t read it…what are you waiting for?
Football Is Coming!: I think the comments drove the visits to this post…certainly wasn’t the post itself since all I was saying was that I couldn’t wait for football season to start. Nothing spectacular, but it struck a nerve somewhere.

My Favorite Posts (in date order):
Note that I did a similar list on my 100th Blog…of course it’s hard to narrow the list down out of 180 posts, but these are just 12 of my most favorite (I’m sure I’ve missed a few as I tried to spread out the topics)…

Sages - June 8th
*The people who have shaped my life.
The Lighter Side- July 4th
*Used underwear?? What?
The Great Sand Dunes- July 16th
*Be sure you watch the video on this post…it’s priceless.
Practical Atheism- September 16th
*My favorite more serious post
Pennies Should be Outlawed- September 19th
*My personal pet-peeve and quest
The Taser - October 22nd
*Be FAR the funniest post. I challenge you NOT to laugh!
Don’t Judge By the Cover - December 4th
*The surprise video of the year!
The Wrong Question - January 21st
*A more serious post about Genesis, prompted by a sermon at church
Drive Thru Blues- March 7th
*A Little Self-Deprecation never hurt anyone
Some British Humor - May 5th
*Some good, old fashioned British bathroom humor (in video form even)
My Favorite Chuck Norris Facts - May 15th
*If you haven’t shared your own favorite, what are you waiting for?
I’m a What?- May 30th
*Found out I’m not a Republican! Find out what I am and take the test yourself (you might be surprised!)

I have absolutely loved the interaction with everyone who reads the blog!! Thanks for taking the time and sharing your own thoughts and comments. If you enjoy it, please pass it along to others. Want to see something (or which I’d stop doing something)? Drop me a comment and let me know.

Here’s to another year ahead as we share the Journey of God together. He never disappoints…it’s always fun! Thanks again!!

08.06.2008 Blogging, Misc Ramblings 1 Comment

A Ring, A Play, and A Plane

Monday, April 28th, 2008

That’s how I spent this past weekend: A Ring, A Play, and a Plane.

First: A Ring. Friday night I took Anita out for a special night at Del Frisco’s Steakhouse. To make a long story short (ask me, or better yet Anita, for the details if you want them) I surprised my beautiful bride with a new, long awaited wedding ring (remember, we got married at 19 and 20 years old). She deserves it and for once in my life I was able to genuinely surprise her! Score one for the good guys!

Second: A Play. Saturday was B-U-S-Y with school work and preparation for teaching on Sunday morning…lots of computer work! But the evening was capped off by watching my fabulous daughter perform in her school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. She played the part of a lead chorus singer and munchkin. She had a lot of fun on the production and it’s always fun watching her perform.

Finally: A Plane. Sunday afternoon I jetted off to San Francisco, CA to attend a conference for work. As I type this that’s where I am. There are worse places to be, but I also hate being away from home and the family! I hate leaving Anita to deal with everything on here own. I get back Thursday night and I can’t wait.

You know, now that I’m done typing all of this I realized that probably two other people on the entire planet actually care. C’est la vie! On a more practical note, I will probably be a little more lax on my posting this week. Don’t worry…I’ll be back! Stay tuned…