Howdy there.  Welcome to Ogleisms, random thoughts by Greg Ogle.

A little about myself

I have been an East Tennesseean my whole life, just recently moving to Knoxville after living 31 years in Maryville.  My profession is software development (computer programming), working in my field since 2001 (which by the way is when my sweetheart graduated high school).  In many ways I’m a geek, but not as bad as some portrayals thereof.  The most important things in my are life are faith, family, friends, and career, in that order.

Faith

As for my faith, I am a Christian. I try to live in such a way that testifies to my faith. I prefer that my life simply reflects what I am rather than having to wear a label to as the distinguishing factor.  If my faith is not genuine, then why in the world would anyone want it.  If it is fake, it is worthless.

Family

My family is pretty tight knit.  My only sister and brother-in-law live close to my parents, so when I was living in my parents addition, I became quite close to my niece and nephew.  They are some of the most precious people in the world to me. My niece is the sweet one at age 4. My nephew has sweet moments, but is comparable to Dennis the Menace and is now 7 years old.  WOW, time has flown watching them grow up so fast.

On September 12, 2009, I met a new person whom on September 4th, 2010, will be come part of my family.  Cassie Redcorn is the love of my life and I look forward to a lifetime of good and not so good times with her.  Currently, she and I (mostly she) are planning our wedding and spending lots of time together, trying to get a feel for doing some of our day-to-day activities.  It is a real blessing to live close to her, which enables us to spend 3 or 4 weekday evenings together.  It is crazy how we get along, being so much alike in many ways, and so polar opposite on quite a few other things.  We shall never have a dull moment. :)

Hobbies

I enjoy travel, though I’ve never been outside the US. The most interesting places I’ve been are Boston, NYC, Charleston, and DC. I do like the beach, yet not a beach bum. The most enjoyable thing I’ve done on the beach is to walk it at night with the glow from the hotels and moonlight. It is so relaxing. Other hobbies are playing piano, guitar, and violin. My skills are limited, but I am still learning and I enjoy playing them. With so many things in life, I don’t get around to practicing enough. Also, I enjoy trout fishing, being with family, and studying the Bible.

Career

Currently I am working for ORNL, programming business applications using Microsoft.NET technology. I worked at Pilot Travel Centers LLC on contract for 6 months, and before that, I worked at Jewelry Television ™ for almost seven years before they cut back due to economics.

Quotes

“Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” – Winston Churchhill

“Okay, Patience: Across the arc of a life lived in faith, it allows the Almighty to be all-mighty.” from Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston

“Once the game is over, the King and the pawn go back into the same box.” Italian Proverb