Muscial Midweek
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
"For all the bachelors out there tonight. Yeah, for anybody who's ever whistled the wedding march. Or maybe you've whistled it but you've lost the sheet music. Well, actually, I don't mind going to weddings or anything. As long as it's not my own, I show up. But, I've always kind of been partial to calling myself up on the phone and asking myself out, you know. Oh yeah, you call yourself up too, huh? Yeah... well, one thing about it, you're always around! Yeah, I know. Yeah, you ask yourself out, you know. Some class joint somewhere. The Burrito King or something. I ain't cheap, you know. Take yourself out for a couple of drinks maybe. Then there'll be some provocative conversation on the way home; park in front of the house, you know, and you... oh yeah, you´re smooth with it... you know, you put a little nice music on. Maybe you put on like... you know... like shopping music, something that's not too interruptive, you know. And then, you know, and eh... slide over real nice, you know, say, 'Oh, I think you have something in your eye'. Well, maybe it's not that romantic with you, but Christ! Take myself up to the porch, and take myself inside. Oh, maybe I make a little something, a brandy snifter or something. Would you like to listen to some of my back records. I got something here... Well, usually about 2.30 in the morning you've ended up taking advantage of yourself and... there ain't no way around that, you know. Yeah, making the scene with a magazine, there ain't no way around... I'll confess, you know, I'm no different, you know. I'm not weird about it or anything. I don't tie myself up first, I just... you know. I just kind of... spend a little time with myself. So this is kind of a little anthem here..."
Better Off Without A Wife
All my friends are married
Every Tom and Dick and Harry
You must be strong if you're to go it alone
Here's to the bachelors and the Bowery bums
Those who feel that they're the ones
That are better off without a wife
Cause I like to sleep until the crack of noon
Midnight howlin' at the moon
Goin' out when I want to,
And I'm comin' home when I please
Don't have to ask permission
If I wanna go out fishin'
Never have to ask for the keys
I've never been no Valentino
But I had a girl who lived in Reno
Left me for a trumpet player
Well, it didn't get me down
He was wanted for assault
And though he said it weren't his fault
You know the coppers rode him right out of town
I'll be sleeping until the crack of noon
Midnight howlin' at the moon
And I'll be goin' out when I want to
Comin' home when I please
Don't have to ask permission
If I wanna go out fishin'
Never have to ask for the keys
Yeah, you see I'm kinda selfish about my privacy
Now as long as I can be with me
We get along so well I can't even believe it
I love to chew the fat with folks
I'll be listening to all your dirty jokes
I'm so thankful for these friends I do receive
I'll be sleeping until the crack of noon
Midnight howlin' at the moon
And I'll be goin' out when I want to
Comin' home when I please
Don't have to ask permission
If I wanna go out fishin'
Never have to ask for the keys, no
Hey, I got this girl I know, man, and I just...
She's been married several times and...
I don't wanna end up like her.
I mean, she's been married so many times
she's got rice-marks all over her face.
Yeah, you know the kind...
Written by: Tom Waits
Published by: Fifth Floor Music Inc. (ASCAP), ©1975
Musical Today
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Song: Almost Lover
Artist: A Fine Frenzy
Your fingertips across my skin
The palm trees swaying in the wind
Images
You sang me Spanish lullabies
The sweetest sadness in your eyes
Clever trick
Well, I never want to see you unhappy
I thought you'd want the same for me
Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do
We walked along a crowded street
You took my hand and danced with me
Images
And when you left, you kissed my lips
You told me you would never, ever forget
These images
Well, I'd never want to see you unhappy
I thought you'd want the same for me
Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do
I cannot go to the ocean
I cannot drive the streets at night
I cannot wake up in the morning
Without you on my mind
So you're gone and I'm haunted
And I bet you are just fine
Did I make it that easy
To walk right in and out of my life?
Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do.
Musical Thursday afternoon
Thursday, December 9, 2010
I can't believe this is almost 5 years old already!
Musical Monday
Monday, October 18, 2010
Today's offering is the exceptionally talented Mr. Steve Stevens:
Literary Thursday
Thursday, October 14, 2010
What shall the next book be for our book group?
Any suggestions on a better schedule? Shall we make it monthly?
Input, people. Please.
Musical Monday
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Three versions for your enjoyment by three of the greatest guitar players around.
Week to Week
Friday, October 8, 2010
The week in review:
The powers that be (work-wise) have determined, in their infinite wisdom, to restructure the staff and re-brand the departments, all, in their words, to facilitate the ability to "Delight and Empower" our clients.
It was determined earlier in the year that there was a "silo" mentality between the various departments (programming, customer service, training, sales & marketing, etc) where the predominant concern was "how does it affect us?". So, in an effort to 'break down' the silos, they've created the following 'teams' and departments.
What was formerly the Customer Service Department is now part of the Nurture Department ("A rose, by any other name..."). Of course, the members of that department are now scattered among various teams such as GEO Compliance, Int'l Logistics, eServices and the not at all mysteriously named xRM.
Rather than have all the Customer Service Specialist together, they now have specialized the teams so that, for example, the Domestic Logistics team includes a Product Manager, one or more Product Associate and one or more Product Assistant (what were formerly Customer Service Specialists).
All they've done is taken the Rubic's Cube and turned it on it's side (yes, I know...).
And, to top it all off, they haven't formally determined what, exactly, each department's and team's responsibilities, requirements and limitations are.
Where before the programmers would say "it's not our problem", now the International Logistics team can say "it's not our problem".
FUN!
Apart from work, my fantasy hockey league began, this will be my first year participating. Also, my fantasy football team is an ugly mess, sitting at 0-4 with little to no prospects of improvement. But we've been oh-so-close to pulling out a win a couple times. Luck of the draw I suppose. I'm really enjoying it, win or lose.
Went out to Mark's last night to give him another guitar lesson. He's really improving and seems to be enjoying the visits as much as I do (of course the beer could help that, too).
Tonight is another big Monkey Chow rehearsal, time is ticking away to be ready for our big debut show on Thanksgiving Eve.
Food Wednesday
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I'm bad.
In my continued efforts to lose weight, I managed to eat way too much pizza last night (it was delicious!).
I know pizza preference are wildly varied and the options available range greatly from place to place. So I'm curious...
...when you get your very favorite pizza, what toppings do you order?
Musical Monday
Monday, October 4, 2010
Two versions of a great tune.
You know I've heard it said there's beauty in distortion.
By some people who've withdrawn to find their heads
Now they say that there is humor in misfortune
You know I wonder if they'll laugh when I am dead
Why am I fighting to live if I 'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live if I'm just living to die?
Hey, you know some people say that values are subjective,
But they're just speaking words that someone else has said.
And so they live and fight and kill with no objective.
Sometimes it's hard to tell the living from the dead.
Why am I fighting to live if I 'm just living to fight?
Why am I trying to see when there ain't nothing in sight?
Why am I trying to give when no one gives me a try?
Why am I dying to live if I'm just living to die?
Yeah, you know I used to weave my words into confusion.
And so I hope you'll understand me when I 'm through
You know I used to live my life as an illusion,
But reality will make my dreams come true.
So I'll keep fighting to live till there's no reason to fight
And I'll keep trying to see until the end is in sight
You know I'm trying to give so c'mon give me a try
You know I'm dying to live until I'm ready ...
'til I'm ready .....
'til I'm ready .....
'til I'm ready to die
Tech Tuesday
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
LOL, OMG, BRB, IMO, IIR, teh, leet (oh let’s not even get into 733+5p34|<), pwnage
If you can read the following, you need to spend less time on the computer and more time out of any WiFi areas:
0MFG D00D /\Ü571N 15 T3H l_l83Я 1337 Я0XX0ЯZ
Musical Monday
Monday, September 27, 2010
It's a God awful small affair
To the girl with the mousey hair
But her mummy is yelling, "No!"
And her daddy has told her to go
But her friend is no where to be seen
Now she walks through her sunken dream
To the seats with the clearest view
And she's hooked to the silver screen
But the film is sadd'ning bore
For she's lived it ten times or more
She could spit in the eyes of fools
As they ask her to focus on
Sailors
Fighting in the dance hall
Oh man!
Look at those cavemen go
It's the freakiest show
Take a look at the lawman
Beating up the wrong guy
Oh man!
Wonder if he'll ever know
He's in the best selling show
Is there life on Mars?
It's on America's tortured brow
That Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow
Now the workers have struck for fame
'Cause Lennon's on sale again
See the mice in their million hordes
From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads
Rule Britannia is out of bounds
To my mother, my dog, and clowns
But the film is a sadd'ning bore
'Cause I wrote it ten times or more
It's about to be writ again
As I ask you to focus on
Sailors
Fighting in the dance hall
Oh man!
Look at those cavemen go
It's the freakiest show
Take a look at the lawman
Beating up the wrong guy
Oh man!
Wonder if he'll ever know
He's in the best selling show
Is there life on Mars?
Literary Thursday
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Hector and the Search for Happiness will be discussed this week over at THE BOOK GROUP.
If I'm not there yet, please feel free to start without me.
Musical Monday
Monday, September 20, 2010
She got out of town
On a railway New York bound
Took all except my name
Another alien on Broadway
Some things in this world you just can't change
Somethings you can't see until it gets too late
Baby, baby, baby
When all your love is gone
Who will save me
From all I'm up against out in this world
Maybe, maybe, maybe
You'll find something
That's enough to keep you
But if the bright lights don't receive you
You should turn yourself around
And come on home
I got a hole in me now
yeah,I got a scar I can talk about
She keeps a picture of me
In her apartment in the city
Some things in this world, man, they don't make sense
Some things you don't need until they leave you
And they're things that you miss
Baby, baby, baby
When all your love is gone
Who will save me
From all I'm up against out in this world
Maybe, maybe, maybe
You'll find something
That's enough to keep you
But if the bright lights don't receive you
You should turn yourself around
And come on home
Let that city take you in
Let that city spit you out
Let that city take you down
For God's sake turn around
Baby, baby, baby
When all your love is gone
Who will save me
From all I'm up against in this world
Maybe, maybe, maybe
You'll find something
That's enough to keep you
But if the bright lights don't receive you
You should turn yourself around
And come on home
Come on home
Baby, baby, baby
Come on home
Yeah, come on home
Yeah, come on home
Free-form Friday!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Good morning kidlettes!
Since today is Anything Goes Friday (no cursing please), this post will be a bunch of miscellaneous blather:
1. Wrapping up the weekday portion of week one of my Biggest Loser type contest with friend. We've given ourselves ten weeks (until Nov. 22) to see who can lose the most weight. The winner gets $100 from each of the others (there are three of us in this competition). My official weigh-in on Monday put me at a starting weight of 264 lbs (18 stone 12 lbs, or roughly 120 kg). We shall each 'check in' every Monday, but this morning I was down to 261 lbs (and change, but that's neither here nor there (so then where is it?)), and that's just with eating less. Next week, I plan to add a bit of exercise to the mix in the form of long walks (outside, weather permitting - on the treadmill otherwise). My goal is to lose 40 lbs by the end of this, which, for the mathematically impaired, means that at the finish I'll be a svelte 220-ish. And all just in time for Monkey Chow's big debut show!
I've heard that for every 10 lbs one loses, one goes down a size in jeans. Accounting for comfort, I'd be in size 33 waist. More likely they'd be 34's or 36's but oh-my would that be something!
2. Continuing in my "I'm broke as a joke" trend... I've spent the last week with $7 in my checking account. That is not a typo: Seven Dollars (US). Limited to cash on hand, I've discovered the joys of cigarette rationing, sack lunches, Taco Bell's dollar menu and just staying home and reading. Now don't get me wrong, this is a very good thing. In times past that $7 would, by now, be a negative three digit number so improvements have been made. And as a form of reward for my (financially impaired) ways, my latest gas bill has a credit balance! It seems I sent two payments for the same bill earlier (I REALLY need to start opening my mail, or at least getting them to send my bills on a postcard). So that's less money going out this month which means I may actually show a profit at the end of the month!
3. My mom saw my newest tattoo. After a couple of weeks cleverly hiding it with long sleeved shirts and jackets, I let my guard down during a recent visit and the very bottom peeked out from under my short sleeved shirt. Needless to say, her reaction was disproportionately dramatic.
4. Can you believe I've been at my job almost nine months already? It seems like just the other day I was writing about the dire straits I was in and the bleak outlook of my immediate future. Of course, I did enjoy sleeping until noon.
5. People simply do NOT know how to communicate in writing. It's obvious that the educational system in the USA is a failure.
So what are you lovely lot up to this weekend?
Literary Thursday: Week TWO(2)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Hello kidlettes,
If you're not already reading, you should be rushing out to get Hector and the Search for Happiness: A Novel by François Lelord who, I'm told, is "a French bloke".
Next Thursday, we'll all convene (virtually) over at The Book Group to discuss.
Tell your friends, the more the merrier.
Meanwhile, staying with the theme I recommend The Book Group for your viewing pleasure.
...and then monotony set in.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The fine folks at Minute Rice have come up with Ready to Serve Brown Rice in single serving, microwaveable bowls. Having no prior experience with brown rice, it seems perfectly acceptable to my proletariat palate.
This modern day miracle of convenience also has been a boon to me personally as I am once again trying to lose weight. With endless days of chicken and rice on the horizon and these little grab-and-go containers seem just the trick; particularly as I’ve long had issues with portion size and taking my good self out of the process seems to be a great way to control that part of the equation.
So, this bachelor has a bit of a request for you, my dear reader (yes YOU): How do you make boneless chicken breast less bland? Your suggestions are most gratefully appreciated.
Tech Tuesday
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/09/09/google.instant.cashmore/index.html
Google Instant search feeds our real-time addiction
By Pete Cashmore, Special to CNN
September 9, 2010
Google this week released its Instant Search feature, which displays live search results as soon as you begin typing.
By providing results before a query is complete and removing the need to hit the ‘enter’ key, Google claims users will save two to five seconds per search.
Seriously… seriously?
Oh, there’s more:
Next up: Google Predictive Search?
Google is unlikely to rest on its laurels now that Instant Search has been released. The only way the company can truly compete with social discovery is by going one step further.
What if instead of guessing your intent while you search, Google could predict your needs before you search? That's likely the next evolution of Google search, according to statements from Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
"The next step of search is doing this automatically. When I walk down the street, I want my smartphone to be doing searches constantly: 'Did you know ...?' 'Did you know ...?' 'Did you know ...?' 'Did you know ...?'” Schmidt said at the IFA consumer electronics event in Berlin, Germany, this week.
"This notion of autonomous search -- to tell me things I didn't know but am probably interested in -- is the next great stage, in my view, of search."
Wow. Just wow. And not in a good way.
As if the hordes of entitled children aren’t bad enough, we’re now going to groom them to not even have to think about what they might want to know? (What a horribly constructed sentence, but you get my point…don’t you? (don’t you?))
Instant gratification. Blech!
Remember when the anticipation of a thing or event was something to be enjoyed?
A month…no…a WEEK without computers and smart phones and business would grind to a halt, there’d be lines of panicked folks at the grocery store stocking up for Armageddon (no, not the film). Just imagine if you couldn’t log on to find out what Ashton Kutcher was Tweeting about. Oh the horror!
We live in a technological age, and the trappings are ubiquitous, but we don’t need to become slaves to the times. These are tools, not substitute thinkers.
A hammer doesn’t drive a nail without the direction of the hammerer.
I would like to propose a Global Low Tech hour.
For merely one hour on one day, televisions are turned off, computers are powered down, cell phones are put away, gps systems are usurped by paper maps (ok, I shall concede the use of laminated maps).
I’m open to proposals for a suitable day.
I was thinking April 3th, which I believe was the date of the first cellular telephone call.
Your thoughts?
Musical Monday - September 13
Monday, September 13, 2010
HEY SOUL SISTER
by Train
Hey, hey, hey
Your lipstick stains on the front lobe of my left side brains
I knew I wouldn't forget you, and so I went and let you blow my mind
Your sweet moon beam, the smell of you in every single dream I dream
I knew when we collided, you're the one I have decided who's one of my kind
Hey soul sister, ain't that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo, the way you move ain't fair, you know!
Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss a single thing you do...tonight
Hey, hey,hey
Just in time, I'm so glad you have a one-track mind like me
You gave my life direction, a game show love connection we can't deny
I'm so obsessed, my heart is bound to beat right out my untrimmed chest
I believe in you, like a virgin, you're Madonna, and I'm always gonna wanna blow your mind
Hey soul sister, ain't that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo, the way you move ain't fair, you know!
Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss a single thing you do...tonight
The way you can cut a rug, watching you's the only drug I need
You're so gangsta, I'm so thug, you're the only one I'm dreaming of
You see, I can be myself now finally, in fact there's nothing I can't be
I want the world to see you be with me
Hey soul sister, ain't that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo, the way you move ain't fair, you know!
Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss a single thing you do tonight,
Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss a single thing you do...tonight
Hey, hey,hey
Hey, hey,hey
Tonight
* * * * *
Book Club
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Ok kidlettes,
Since we're starting Literary Thursdays, let's get a volunteer to suggest a book for week one.
We'll all have one week to acquire and read the book, so no War & Peace type epics, please.
Not in a box. Not with a fox.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
I do not like macaroni and cheese. I'm not even a big fan of alfredo sauce. Isn't that really just mac and cheese for adults, where restaurants can charge a lot because it sounds all foreignly?
The Great Grand Master High Mucky-Muck Poohbah of M&C even has a WEBSITE dedicated exclusively to the nasty glop. Indoctrinate them young, eh?
Growing up, (and that's still a process I'm working on) we didn't have mac & cheese at home. I don't know why, but I'm grateful for it. If you've known me for any length of time, you already know that I have an unhealthy affection for cheese and I simply will not countenance "cheese" in a powdered form.
"But, Rimshot..." I hear you start. And I shall stop you right there. There's no swaying me on this matter. In a fast-food world, there are still far better options than such gruel.
ANYHOOTLE...
If you haven't yet, please sign up to support Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.
Let's try something new
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
As I seem to always be struggling to come up with clever ideas of things to blog about (and mostly fail, I'd surmise), I thought a bit of structure might be a good idea.
For the time being I'm going to go with the below, effective tomorrow.
MUSICAL MONDAY - Where I share a song or video that I enjoy.
TECHNOLOGY TUESDAY - Where I shall rant about all things technological, whether nifty or nuisance.
FOOD WEDNESDAY - What? Do they all have to be alliterative?
LITERARY THURSDAY - Book club anyone?
ANYTHING GOES FRIDAY - Just what it says...no cursing please.
What’s up with that?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Recently, I was asked (on FaceBook) to list fifteen albums I’ve heard that will always stick with me.
The rules were simple: List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. Here’s what I came up with. I may have gone over my fifteen minutes and I may have used outside sources (Google) to help me, mostly to remember. The list isn’t in a specific order.
1. Queen – Live Killers (1979)
2. Kiss – Alive (1975)
3. Queensryche – Rage for Order (1986)
4. Queensryche – Operation Mindcrime (1988)
5. Pink Floyd – The Wall (1979)
6. Motley Crue – Too Fast For Love (1981)
7. Guns’n’Roses – Appetite for Destruction (1987)
8. Bowie, David - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars (1972)
9. Cheap Trick – At Budokan (1979)
10. Def Leppard – Hysteria (1987)
11. Def Leppard – Pyromania (1983)
12. Aerosmith – Live Bootleg (1978)
13. SRV – Texas Flood (1983)
14. SRV – Couldn’t Stand the Weather (1984)
15. Queen – Queen (1973)
Kindly note the date range…1973 – 1988! Can it be that not ONE album, not a single artist has impacted me as much as the music of over TWO DECADES ago? Was the last time I was touched so deeply by a song really when I was 20 years old?
Now, I can think of a good couple of handfuls of albums that I listened to ad nauseum when I first got them: Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt, Ten Summoner’s Tales by Sting, even Flamenco a Go-Go by Steve Stevens. But none of them would make the list above.
What’s up with that?
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: I went.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Saturday evening Jet picked me up for dinner before we met up with some friends of hers to take in the RHPS. We went to some Thai place in a strip mall. The food was edible and quite unremarkable.
We made our way (quite early) to the theater, which had a bar. I wanted to say ‘thankfully’, but apart from giving us a place to kill time until the others arrived, it wasn’t all that important to me that there was booze available. The theater has a small display area in where one can see costumes and memorabilia from various films. I’m told that at one time they had, on loan, some of the costumes from Gone With the Wind. I’ve never read the book or seen the movie.
The experience…well, that was something like THIS. The film itself: it’s no secret that it’s a total piece of schlock. But that’s not the point, is it. (is it?) …and NO, I was not in costume (fancy dress?)
All in all, it wasn’t a horrible experience, and given the right circumstances I’d go again. At least I can say I went.
And just remember: it’s just a jump to the left…
Is 'Happinesses' a word?
Monday, August 23, 2010
I was going to write about all the people I know who are either going through a major medical crisis themselves or are dealing with a close family member who is seriously ill. I started to, but it’s not a very happy subject so I’ve decided instead to write about all the small happinesses I’ve had recently.
In no particular order:
I went with some friends to see The Black Crowes at the Chicago Theater. The band played an hour long acoustic set, took a short break and then finished the evening with almost two more hours of good old electrified rock and roll. One of the people that went is a young lady I met ages ago when I was dating her friend. We reconnected via (…guesses anyone…?) that’s right FACEBOOK and the friendship is something that’s quite nice. I admit to having a mini-crush on the girl, but that’s as far as that’ll go and I’m OK with it. Ironically her (pregnant) friend has a crush on me.
One of the other concert goers is a tattoo artist, so I have a new ‘connection’ and you may be seeing some new art on my body in the not too distant future. Suggestions anyone?
Let’s see…happy…happy…
I was going to put the Ren & Stimpy Happy Happy Joy song here, but you can just google or youtube it yourselves. I'll wait.
…um…
Adam came over for dinner and to hang out on Friday last. He’s really turned into quite an amazing young man and I’m excited for his future. He’s finishing up at the Junior College soon (the next to last semester started today) and has plans laid out to attend Trinity College (Deerfield, IL) for his Bachelor’s Degree. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that his girlfriend of over a year is now attending the very same institution of higher learning.
Mama & Papa ‘Shot are doing well. They’ve both lost a good bit of weight and are plugging right along.
Brother Spider’s birthday is tomorrow. I haven’t gotten him anything, but as I probably won’t see him anytime soon (he’s always so busy) I have time.
Not much to complain about really. I have my health (such as it is) and a job and a roof over my head. I guess that’s good enough for me right now.
So tell me, dear reader, what small happinesses have you had?
Monday - August 16
Monday, August 16, 2010
I'm feeling pretty chipper today. Perhaps a weekend of doing nothing at all was just what I needed.
A bit of bad news tho' (nothing to fret about, kids)... Sunday was to be the 'live' (via the interweb) draft for the 2010 Fantasy Football (NOT Soccer to those of you across the pond) League, but something did not allow me to connect to the live draft room. However, I think I can work with the team the auto-drafter gave me. Just a bit of incentive to work at it harder than the rest I suppose (and if a certain Witty Beatrice is reading this, you're going down!).
Apart from that, nothing much to report. Here's hoping that this week is better than the last for you all, and not as good as the week after that!
When Friday Comes Around...
Friday, August 13, 2010
Hello dear reader! Here we are again. Friday.
I suppose you're all on pins and needles waiting to find out what exciting adventures I'm off to this weekend. I won't keep you waiting any longer.
This evening after work I shall go home. I'm considering buying rather than making dinner. I also would like to see if there are any episodes of this season's Burn Notice that I can catch up on (God bless the interweb).
There's a sink-full of dirty dishes waiting for me (yeah, yeah...I know, but that's just how it goes sometimes) which means at some point, I'll be emptying the dishwasher of the clean, loading it up with the dirty and hand-washing the big items. Exciting, no?
Tomorrow, I was to have a date, but I don't think that's happening now. Unsurprisingly, I'm not all that upset at the notion. Apparently I got into an argument (I had to be told after the fact as I thought I was partaking in a lively, respectful discussion) and it turns out I was "... insensitive and callous..." as well as being told I was " rude to [her] and...extremely sarcastic,...with an attitude of superiority".
Now I ask you, dear reader, does that sound anything like me? (rhetorical)
C'est la vie
So, in lieu of going out to a bar, paying a cover charge and seeing a local band I don't care much about one way or the other while spending altogether too much on drinks, I think I'm going to treat myself to a very self-indulgent Saturday. I shall sleep until I no longer feel like sleeping (expect me to be up around 10:00 or 11:00), I will eat things that are bad for me and play on the internet.
Sunday...erm...I dunno. Suggestions?
In other news, Adam celebrated his 22nd birthday yesterday. Gosh I'm old.
Musical Monday
Monday, August 9, 2010
I want to share two songs with you today. Hope you like 'em...or at least one of 'em. If not, sorry to have troubled you. If so, YAY!
The first: I'm not a huge Country Music fan, but the song is quaint and the video is Hi-freakin'-Larious (as Biddy would say).
"I Love This Bar"
We got winners, we got losers
Chain smokers and boozers
And we got yuppies, we got bikers
We got thirsty hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like movie stars
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
We got cowboys, we got truckers
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers, we got fighters
Early birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scars
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
[Chorus:]
I love this bar
It's my kind of place
Just walkin' through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain't too far, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
I've seen short skirts, we got high-techs
Blue-collar boys and rednecks
And we got lovers, lots of lookers
And I've even seen dancing girls and hookers
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Yes I do
I like my truck (I like my truck)
I like my girlfriend (I like my girlfriend)
I like to take her out to dinner
I like a movie now and then
But I love this bar
It's my kind of place
Just trollin' around the dance floor
Puts a big smile on my face
No cover charge, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Also:
"Tragic Comic"
Flowers I sent were found dead on their arrival
The words I said inserted foot in my mouthful
So when we dance, my lead it ain't so graceful
(Isn't so, not ain't so)
I'M A HAPLESS ROMANTIC
ST-T-TUTTERING P-POET
JUST CALL ME A TRAGIC COMIC
CAUSE I'M, IN, IN LOVE WITH YOU
And when we dine, I forget to push in your seat
I wear the wine, spilling hearts all over my sleeve
A stitch in time, proposing down on my knees
(Splitting between the seams)
I'M A HAPLESS ROMANTIC
ST-T-TUTTERING P-POET
JUST CALL ME A TRAGIC COMIC
CAUSE I'M, IN, IN LOVE WITH YOU
Nobody can know the trouble I've seen
Nobody can know the trouble I've seen
Nobody can know the trouble I get into
when I'm with you
I'M A HAPLESS ROMANTIC
ST-T-TUTTERING P-POET
JUST CALL ME A TRAGIC COMIC
CAUSE I'M, IN, IN LOVE WITH YOU
Friday - August 6, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
AUGUST 6th!!! How crazy is that? Weren't we just talking about Christmas and New Year's Eve and Tax Season and now it's August 6th!
Issue 1: Adam's birthday is coming up fast and I have little funds and less idea of what to get him. He had mentioned wanting a 'Fixie' which is some sort of fixed gear bicycle. That seems a bit out of my financial reach so your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Issue 2: The reason I'm thin on cash THIS month (as opposed to the myriad reasons I'm thin on cash in any other given month) is because I never got around to actually PAYING my state income tax. Oh, I completed the forms and submitted them (electronically) but couldn't really be arsed to figure out how to send the money due at that time. They've since been kind enough to send a letter requesting the funds and supplying a return envelope. They've also gone as far as sending a follow up letter, mentioning the earlier letter and charging interest on the unpaid amount. (I REALLY need to get in the habit of opening my mail more than quarterly (at best)).
Issue 3: I don't feel good. Do you know the feeling one has when one is about to come down with a cold? You know, you're not QUITE sick, but you know it's about to hit. Well, I've felt like that for over a week now. What's that about?
Issue 4: Don't tell anyone, but I took Tuesday and Wednesday off from work this week. Not so much because of issue 3, but more because I was overwhelmingly tired on Tuesday morning and just couldn't bring myself to get ready for work. Let's call it a 'Mental Health' day (or in my case Mental Day). Since spending the day on the couch went so well on Tuesday, I repeated it on Wednesday (that can't be good, can it?). So, since I'm out of sick/personal days at work, they've begun dipping into my vacation time, which really is alright with me as I don't see how I could afford to go anywhere or do anything anyway. But that's a whinge for a different day.
Issue 5: ...and when I say 'issue' I don't mean it in a negative way, just separating the things I'm thinking about into tidy littel piles.
If only it WOULD rain pennies from Heaven.
Monday, July 26, 2010
How is it that when I sit down and do a budget, the figures tell me that I should have a little something extra after paying all the bills (and even including a $200 'Miscellaneous' each month), but with a long week and weekend ahead, I'm looking at zero dollars and no cents (no sense either, but that's another story) until payday. Luckilly, this coincides with my latest attempt at dieting, so there won't be any risk of a McBackslide this week.
I think my wallet is hiding the money I put into it for some planned escape. Time to reattach the chain.
Payday, why must you taunt me so from so far away?
There's the way things are...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
...and there's the way we want things to be.
In theory, I think I'd rather be a teatotaler (teatotaller?). Of course, IN THEORY I'd rather not smoke cigarettes and I'd rather weigh about 3.5 stone less than I do...in theory.
Monday - July 19
Monday, July 19, 2010
Nothing much to report. Still did not catch the roadrunner.
Feeling more than a bit 'blah'.
There's gotta be more to life than this.
Wednesday - July 14
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Holy yikes! Is it really mid-July already? How did that happen?
Nothing of any significance to report at Chez Moi. I do have a few upcoming events to note for those of you keeping score:
Saturday - CargoWise (my employer) is having their annual company party. It will be a casual event with buffet style food service. I suppose I must attend for appearances and social/corporate networking. I've enlisted my "+1 for life" D to come along. We have an agreement to be the +1 for each other at such social events. Alas, I'm sure one day she'll again find love and I'll be back to being a single in a +1 world.
Later Saturday - My friend Dan R., who is also the guitar player in Monkey Chow has another band, Alternate Past that's playing at Wool Street in Cary, IL. I'll be heading that way after the work-related obligations are met (making an appearance at the above).
That's about it really.
And you, dear reader?
Lyrical Friday
Friday, July 9, 2010
GUENEVERE
What do the simple folk do
To help them escape when they're blue?
The shepard who is ailing, the milkmaid who is glum
The cobbler who is wailing from nailing his thumb
When they're beset and besieged
The folk not noblessly obliged
However do they manage to shed their weary lot?
Oh, what do simple folk do...we do not?
ARTHUR
I have been informed by those who know them well
They find relief in quite a clever way
When they're sorely pressed, they whistle for a spell
And whistling seems to brighten up their day
And that's what simple folk do
So they say
GUENEVERE
They whistle?
ARTHUR
So they say
GUENEVERE
What else do the simple folk do
To pluck up the heart and get through?
The wee folk and the grown folk
Who wander to and fro
Have ways known to their own folk
We throne folk don't know
When all the doldrums begin
What keeps each of them in his skin?
What ancient native custom provides the needed glow?
Oh, what do simple folk do?
Do you know?
ARTHUR
Once, upon the road, I came upon a lad
Singing in a voice three times his size
When I asked him why, he told me he was sad
And singing always made his spirits rise
And that's what simple folk do
I surmise
GUENEVERE
They sing?
ARTHUR
I surmise
BOTH
Arise, my love, arise, my love
Apollo's lighting the skies, my love
The meadows shine with columbine
And daffodils blossom away
Hear Venus call to one and all
Come taste delight while you may
The world is bright and all is right
And life is merry and gay
GUENEVERE
What else do the simple folk do?
They must have a system or two
They obviously outshine us at turning tears to mirth
Have tricks a royal highness is minus from birth
What, then, I wonder, do they
To chase all the goblins away?
They have some tribal sorcery you haven't mentioned yet
Oh, what do simple folk do to forget?
ARTHUR
Often, I am told, they dance a fiery dance
And whirl 'till they're completely uncontrolled
Soon the mind is blank and all are in a trance
A violent trance astounding to behold
And that's what simple folk do
So I'm told
GUENEVERE
They dance?
ARTHUR
So I'm told
GUENEVERE
What else do the simple folk do
To help them escape when they're blue?
ARTHUR
They sit around and wonder what royal folk would do
And that's what simple folk do
GUENEVERE
(spoken)
Oh, no, really?
ARTHUR
I have it on the best authority.
BOTH
(sung)
Yes, that's what simple folk do
World Cup 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
I am actually NERVOUS about the game tomorrow!
Weekend review
Monday, June 28, 2010
Merry Moon’s Day dear reader! Are you all … erm … both … well, YOU (yes, you) fair of face today? Only 186 days left before we say goodbye to 2010 AD. Interesting note about June 28, it is the only date in the year where both the month (6) and the day (28) are different ‘perfect numbers’. (OK, so perhaps ‘interesting’ is a bit of a stretch)
I do hope you enjoyed the silky smooth vocal stylings of the lovely Ms. Melody Gardot from my last post. Ain’t she just the bee’s knees?
So, I’m sure you’re dying to hear about the show and my weekend. Who am I to deprive you of such information? Surely, I shan’t be keeping secrets from YOU, shall I?
Friday evening was my last chance to get in a bit of practice (read: hunker down and learn) the songs for the show on Saturday. After my work day, when I arrived back at Chez Moi, I grabbed the list of tunes and went down the line alphabetically, jotting notes (get it, ‘notes’?) regarding the key, any significant and/or unexpected changes in the song structure and what note the song starts on (for my part).
About half-way through the list, I started getting bored (I know, terrible, isn’t it?). I started again from the bottom of the list this time, to give those X, Y, and Z titled tunes their fair shake at being at the head of the line. Again, the method grew tedious and I MAY have slacked off a bit again as I approached the mid-point of the list.
Somewhat satisfied with my knowledge of the greater portion of the list, and resigned to ‘faking’ my way through the few numbers that I didn’t have under my fingers, I called it an evening and moved on to other matters.
Saturday morning was devoted to things non-musical; namely, picking up my new dining room table and chairs. I had enlisted the help of the lovely Ms. D (she who has an SUV). We went to ‘breakfast’ (it was about 10:30 AM) at the renowned International House of Pancakes and then to Value City Furniture to get the aforementioned dining room set.
I was a bit surprised that the table and all four chairs were packaged in one box! Luckilly, the thing slid perfectly into her vehicle and off we went.
Now I just have to put it all together (presumably a much simpler project than the entertainment armoire).
Back to Saturday: I had hoped to have a couple of spare hours to work on the bits of the songs that were stymieing me, but ended up running behind schedule. I only had time to shower, pack my gear and head over to the guitar player’s house to help him load up and get going to the venue.
We managed to make it to Gurnee, IL by about 5:30 PM and began setting up on what turned out to be an oppressively hot and humid day. The band started the first set at around 7:30.
Private parties have their plusses (the band is in no way obliged to be responsible for the number of people in attendance or promote the event) and minuses (the audience usually includes a good portion of OAPs and young children, both groups never pleased with the volume or song selection). But that contingent typically leaves early and the dedicated revelers are all that is usually left by the second set, and those folks are generally well into their cups by then, making for a more receptive and interactive group.
Our last number ended around 11:30 I’d guess, leaving what I thought was only the breaking down of the equipment, packing it all back into the vehicles and calling it a night. However, the guest of honor wanted to continue the party at his residence so, after the hour needed to load-out, we headed over and played a short acoustic set.
It was about 3:00 AM when we finally called it a night and started back to the guitarists. Four o’clock found me lying on his couch, my phone’s alarm set for 7:30 so I could get up and get back to civilization in time to watch the Germany/England World Cup match.
What did YOU do this weekend, dear reader?
Monday - June 21
Monday, June 21, 2010
Hello and good morning and a very happy Monday to you all, dear readers!
You’ll never guess what I did Saturday. Go ahead, guess.
Nope…try again.
Uh-uh, one more try?
Sorry. I’ll tell you.
I went DANCING!
Yes, I know!!! How very un-like me. I’ll tell you how it came about.
My friend Mark (a.k.a. Rhino, a.k.a. The Mayor of Waterford a.k.a. Big Mark) sent me a text a few days prior to the event asking if I had plans for Saturday. Me being me had none of course, and I told him as much. He then went on to inform me that his neighbor (we’ll call her J) was sans partner for the evening.* I agreed to attend.
Saturday came and off we went to the VFW Hall. The group of us was the youngest bunch there, which REALLY says something as we’re not exactly fresh off the fruit truck ourselves. Apart from the way everyone was dressed (did I mention that Mark called me as I was getting ready to leave and mentioned “No jeans, no gym-shoes” (that’s sneakers to you lot) ?) it was straight out of the ‘50s if you ask me.
The evening began with a brief mambo lesson and then moved on to a pre-programmed series of tunes that cycled through the various dances: tango, cha-cha, fox trot, etc. I was dead lousy at ‘em all, but gamely went ahead and did my level best.
Also, the VFW Hall had a room next door to ours that held a 60 foot long bar serving the cheapest drinks found anywhere I know. A round of adult beverages for six was a mere $17! Contrast that with a typical Chicago watering hole where the same order would be in the neighborhood of $60.
* Mark and his wife, along with their other neighbors Mark (as if that’s not confusing) and HIS wife have been taking ballroom/latin dance lessons. Their mutual neighbor and friend J has become the alternate in the event one of the ladies (or, in fact one of the gentlemen) cannot make it to the week’s lesson. Once a month, they have what I’ll call a dance social where the couples can dance the night away using the steps taught over the course of the course.
Tuesday - June 15
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Can you believe the year is just about 1/2 over?!?! Where does the time go?
Update - day whatever
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Erm...let's talk about something else.
Fail
Monday, June 7, 2010
So, while I did have an interesting weekend, I did not manage to maintain my flawless status for June goal achievements.
My spending showed a significant spike, but I still managed to avoid the McBurgerFriedBellHuts of the world.
I also succumbed to the cravings of the Dark Mother and once again suckled at her smoky teat.
But, as we’re all human (we are ALL human, aren’t we? I mean if a non-human is reading this, I certainly would appreciate you identifying yourself because I’m going to have a LOT of questions) I’ll simply do my best to shake off the slip-ups and move in a generally forward direction.
Weekend in review: (spoiler alert – I’m going to tell you how it ended)
FRIDAY – M(1) and his wife S, along with their neighbors M(2) and HIS wife B have been going to dance lessons every Friday for the past couple of months. Afterwards, they typically go out to dinner or get together at someone’s house to socialize and enjoy the evening. Another one of their neighbors, J (no relation) is the alternate, going along whenever one of the principal dancers can’t make it. As she is currently unattached and it was noted that I, too, am unattached, S and B arranged a group outing last Friday that included J and me.
M(1), M(2), B and J all smoke and M(1) happened to have the remains of a pack of Camel Crush. I ended up having those over the course of the evening.
In less disappointing Friday news, the food was incredible! We feasted on a variety of appetizers including but not limited to: clams casino, the best mussels I’ve ever had (whatever liquor 42 is (an ingredient in the sauce) I must find it and use it in my cooking), bacon wrapped scallops, crab cakes, goat cheese in marinara sauce, and spinach/artichoke dip.
The tab was amazingly reasonable (each ‘couple’ got their own bill) at less than $40 for “our” portion.
SATURDAY – I got a new flat screen television to fill the TV sized hole in my new entertainment amoire. While I did not get the absolute cheapest model, I did select a relatively inexpensive brand that does not provide too much more than I need (which is not a lot, really).
I also met up with a co-worker who flies RC Airplanes as a hobby. He was taking a couple of his flyers out and I tagged along to watch and enjoy the outdoors a bit.
On my way home, I managed to do a bit of grocery shopping, spend, spend, spend and really not all that much to show for it.
Unexpectedly, D & L invited me out to dinner and a movie. Our meal was at Outback (I was in the mood for steak of some sort) and the film was Killers. More spending, but I think it was worth it to share an evening with a couple of great friends. Also, L is a smoker so I bummed a couple/few off of her over the course of the evening.
SUNDAY – I didn’t do much of anything. I didn’t spend money, I didn’t smoke and I didn’t eat poorly.
Not exactly back to the start, but a few missteps along the path. I won’t beat myself up too much for it, though. I’ll leave that bit up to you, dear reader.
Day Next (three, I believe)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Yesterday was a good day, all things considered.
Day Two - summary
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Well, day two was a Pyrrhic victory.
So far, so good.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Day One was a success. No cigarettes and no fast food stops.
I had brought a sandwich for lunch, but ended up eating it sometime in the mid-morning (did I ever mention I don’t eat breakfast as a rule?). So at lunch time I went over to Mama & Papa ‘Shot’s and visited for a bit, which is always, often, sometimes nice.
I’ve got to admit that the drive home from work included a couple of moments of minor temptation. I sure am programmed to light up when I get into the car. I could feel my body willing me to turn into the gas station* (petrol to you Brits) for a pack of Newport Lights. However I resisted and soldiered on.
When I got near home, I realized how hungry I was and remembered how yummy the new Mushroom and Swiss Angus Beef Burger from The Golden Arches is, but again resisted the urge.
I decided that I’d better stock up on some foodstuffs for the bat-cave and went to Jewel-Osco. Managing to avoid anything that might resemble actual healthy food, I spent about $25 on a variety of snack items and lunch supplies (read Asian noodle soups).
Of course, over the span of the evening I managed to devour a good portion of the afore-mentioned snack items (le sigh).
Even so, I brought lunch for today, don’t plan on smoking and will update you all, both?, … erm… you as the month progresses.
* NOTE: The prices in the gas station photo are historical if not downright mythical.
June 1: Resolution Day
Friday, May 28, 2010
Beginning June 1st, I resolve to:
- Stop Smoking - (Quit laughing, one of these times it's gonna work for good and this time is the one!)
- Budget and Prioritize my Finances - Maybe I should hold off on the motorcycle riding lessons until the bass guitar and laminate flooring are paid off. Maybe I should have more money in my account than just enough to get me to the next payday. Ok, maybe I should just delete the 'maybe's.
- Start Working Out (again) - Sigh. My portliness has reached an all-time high. My treadmill has reached the maximum amount of alternate uses (e.g. hanger, dust collector, object d'art, etc). Time for this boy to make some lifestyle changes.
- Set Goals - Goal #1: Make a list of goals...check!
- June will be The Month of No Dining Out!
- I will track EVERY expenditure from June the First until June the Last, even the pack of ciga...(crap)...even the drive through McDo...(sh!t)...well, I'm sure I'll find SOME way to waste my money, and when I do, I'll track it!
Time for a change
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Your mission, dear reader, if you choose to accept it, is to find a suitable Blogger Template for this page.
The Third Epiphany: Simplify
Monday, May 17, 2010
This one’s been thrust into my brain time and again, but I never seem to take it to heart:
Simplify
To that end, having had to shove everything into the bedroom and out of the way to allow for the new flooring to be installed in the living room, dining room and kitchen (photos to follow in the future), I’m going to take the opportunity to chuck all the things I can to create a less ‘stuff dependent’ environment and life.
Now, this is not to say that I’m the sort to acquire things willy-nilly. No, much more the opposite these days. I can hardly justify getting anything new just for the sake of it, though I will confess to a good deal of virtual window shopping.
And speaking of window shopping, I need to start saving to get new windows.
I’m also toying with the idea of getting rid of my television sets (I have two, one in the living room and one in the (GASP) bedroom, though, to tell you the truth, the one in the bedroom doesn’t get used much at all anyway). I have no idea what I will do with the time but it HAS to be better than staring at that box for hours on end, doesn’t it?
I don't really think my life is all that complicated as it is, but I have more stuff than I need, which only leads to more problems than I need.
So I ask you, dear reader: What would you do without to simplify?
The Second Epiphany
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Second Epiphany: Charity
I couldn’t tell you why I was even looking, but I came across the dictionary definition of Charity the other day and noticed that the etymology includes the Late Latin (whatever that is) caritat –, caritas, meaning Christian love. (if the writers of the entry in question are to be believed)
Suddenly (don’t judge, I’ve been busy thinking about other things up until now) the whole “Faith, Hope and Charity”1 thing made much more sense.
Yes, yes, I know that I’m probably well behind the curve on this most un-earth-shattering revelation, but to me, charity had always meant something akin to alms giving or organized, non-profit type things.
It never occurred to me that in the Christian sense, charity and love were fungible commodities.
I blame the King James Version and the Illinois Public School system for this gross miscarriage of linguistic justice!
* * * * *
I’ve never done much of anything in the way of volunteer work. I was Santa one year for an animal shelter. People brought their dog or cat (or whatever, but mostly dogs or cats) to the local PetsMart and for a donation had a photo of the animal with Santa Claus. That pretty much covers my philanthropic experience.
I think I WOULD do more volunteer work, but there’s no cause that I feel passionate about.
I liked working with the doggies. That was kind of fun, but mostly pointless. And I always think that if I were going to be giving my time to something, while I love dogs, people should probably take precedence.
And of people, I would think that children are the least able to help themselves, but I imagine most people think that and I would bet that there’s a significantly larger proportion of volunteers for children’s causes than there are for other causes. Purely conjecture, mind you.
So, then I’m left with adult humans. I don’t really buy into the (insert disease, disorder or disability) cure thing. Anything done for such organizations is to fund research which doesn’t help anybody except the researchers (assuming that no cures will be forthcoming soon).
I’m open to suggestions.
1. 1. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
Epiphanies: One of Three
Friday, April 30, 2010
In the past few days I’ve had a couple of epiphanies. Probably not meaningful or earth-shattering or even note-worthy to anyone but me, but I thought I’d share them with you anyway since, to me at least, they are quite significant. (I was going to make one very long post, but have decided that I shall split up my musings. Ed.)
Epiphany Number One(1): Sacrifice. I don’t think I ever really gave the meaning of the word much thought and, if I’m honest, haven’t really ever experienced it in the ‘new’ sense (that is to say, the sense in which I now understand the word).
Up until the time of my recent realization, sacrifice meant doing something that perhaps, but not always, hurt a little. Something like picking up a friend from the airport and thus missing my favorite sitcom, or lending a few dollars to a co-worker knowing it’ll never get repaid: small, insignificant things that didn’t really bite into the meat of what made me ME.
Sure, I gave up a bit of time, or a couple of bucks, but it wasn’t anything of much worth to me that I lost.
I don’t know what the moment was any more, but it suddenly dawned on me that true sacrifice means to give up something precious, something that holds significance and would otherwise be used in a substantial and important way.
I don’t think it’s a secret that I believe in God. While I don’t attend services and have no allegiance to a particular religious organization, I would declare myself a card-carrying Christian (which is not to imply that I’m a very good one, or good at being one, or however one would say that I often fall short of walking the walk or, to offer up a pun for your enjoyment, practicing what I preach).
So, from a Christian perspective, I thought about the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament and all the references to ‘first fruits’ and such. These things were the best of the best to their owners. Possessions which would normally go to support their very existence were being offered up.
What have I ever done to even come close to such faith?
Please understand, I don’t think their faith was in the act of the sacrifice: burning grains and lambs and whatever else it was they did that I never really paid attention to apart from noting the physical act. Their faith was that in doing so, they were proclaiming that the things themselves, the animals and the foodstuffs, while most likely important in that it may mean they go without food on the table, these things were not the objects in which they put their faith. Faith not only in the existence of a Higher Being, but faith that that self-same Being would look out for them and make sure they had enough of whatever it was they needed.
I now think that sacrifice HAS to hurt. It has to mean that you’re giving up something to prove that that thing is not what you put your faith in.
And, yes, I DO think sacrifice is a show of faith, whether in a deity, The One True God, or simply the fact that one’s personal ‘loss’ will be more than offset by some good.
Randomness
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
- My shiny, new (to me) Gallien-Krueger MB2-500 arrived at the office today via FedEx. The seller shipped it yesterday from St. Louis. Of course, I won't be able to experience the full glory of it's bassy goodness until I get a suitable speaker cabinet or two, but it has a headphone out so I can test it and dial in a sound.
- I need to get back to working out. I've gained back just about all of the 20 lbs I lost :( Perhaps I should try, yet again, to prepare for the Chicago Marathon. Maybe THIS is the year?
- I realized today that I don't feel like or think like an independent adult. For some reason, in my head, everything is less than urgent or important. I guess that, to me, it seems like, "who would hire/sell property/allow to drive/give responsibility to ME!" It's all so very surreal.
Where does the money go?
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Recently, I treated myself to a shiny, new Music Man Stingray 4-String Electric Bass Guitar. This occurred, of course, after I had a couple of paychecks under my belt (Figuratively. The funds actually get transferred directly into my bank account, whereupon they (the funds) generally get automatically transferred directly OUT of my bank account and into the virtual coffers of my creditors).
I was able to achieve this feat of financial wizardry due to the serendipitous intervention of the lovely B and her neigh-obsessive need to tidy. Whilst we [read: she] cleaned the condo one Saturday morning (ugh! morning?!?! Why on GOD’s green Earth would anyone: 1. Get out of bed with the intent to clean. 2. Get out of bed on a Saturday before noon. 3. Combine numbers 1 and 2 intentionally?) I discovered my long lost Musician’s Friend credit card.
And what would a shiny, new Stingray be without something to play it through?
So, thanks to TalkBass.com and the good folks who frequent and comment there, I was able to filter down the available bass amplifier heads in my price range to the two most recommended based on the options and information I provided.
As fate would have it, a TalkBass member was selling a used Gallien-Krueger MB2-500. Gallien-Krueger was the overwhelming favorite of the ‘other’ category I had provided in my unscientific poll, though the exact model was less definite (some people entirely disregarding my budget constraints and recommending amplifiers well out of my price range).
I, of course, messaged the good seller and we have since agreed to let me have the amp in exchange for currency.
Next up, I shall need to acquire two 2x10 bass speaker cabinets.
“TWO?” I hear you exclaiming.
Yes, two. As one 2x10 would be sufficient only for private rehearsals, not moving nearly enough air to be heard above the cacophony of dualing 4x12 guitar cabinets and the wallop of a drummer’s beat.
“Why not just get a 2x12 or even a 4x10 cabinet?” You ask.
I would love to get a 4x10 (preferring the tighter sound and cooler look to that of a 2x12), but whatever I get needs to fit into the confines of my 2004 Hyundai Sonata.
Also, I want a cast iron skillet.
