The Essential 'Shot

December 21, 2011

2011-12-21T15:11:00.002-06:00

'Ello Kiddiez!!!

I reckon all my Christmas shopping is done. Not that I had much to get or many to buy for anyway. Kind of makes me wish I had little ones running about or at the very least nieces and/or nephews. Such are the wages of a solitary life I suppose.

As I write this, I'm listening to Mario Lanza. I remember my mother (Mama 'Shot to you) listening to his albums when I was just a wee 'Shot. If you haven't heard his rendition of O Holy Night, you're surely missing out. Of course, Nat King Cole's version is right up there as well, and if you're not opposed to slipping off the beaten path, treat yourself to The Brian Setzer Orchestra's recording of the song.

Still no snow, apart from Saturday morning's dusting that was gone by midday. :(

December 1, 2011

2011-12-01T20:24:00.003-06:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year... (come on, I know you know the words so sing along)

After a VERY LONG hiatus from blogland, here I am again, home-sweet-condo. I suppose it's only fair to catch you all ("all" he says, as if...) up on the comings and goings in my little corner of terra sometimes not so firma.

Where to begin?

Mama and Papa 'Shot are doing well and up to their usual nothing much at all. I think I've decided what I'll get them for Christmas. If you promise to keep the secret, I'll tell you.

Brother SPidER has learned all there is to learn when it comes to the bass lines of Motley Crue. The band is really quite good, however his next show, I'm told, will be his last. It seems he doesn't have a passion for the lower register.

Adam is settled in and studying away at college. No time for dear-ol' dad these days, but such is life.

I can't believe it'll be TWO YEARS next month that I've been working where I work. Tempus where do you fugit to? In these most difficult of economic times, I got quite the increase this summer, it seems that for whatever reason, those in power think I have a bit of a knack for this. And to top it off, I'll start instructing in the on-site classrooms soon. Yikes!

I'm sure there's loads more, but that should be enough for now.

More later.

I love you all, and I've missed you terribly. Sorry for the absence, has your heart grown fonder or is it truly out of sight out of mind? We'll see I guess.

TTFN!

Stephen Fry Kinetic Typography - Language

2011-03-04T14:09:00.000-06:00

Tuesday - February 22

2011-02-21T21:13:00.003-06:00

I seem to have gone into hibernation mode. During this time, I've discovered some enjoyable shows on TV and Hulu. Some are old friends that I've reconnected with, some are new additions to the networks' line-ups and some are simply new to me.

Here's a run-down of the things I've been watching:

HOUSE M.D.
While the adventures of Greg House and his staff of doctors is become quite predictable (his diagnosis and treatment seems to be working, then the patient takes a turn for the worse, his second diagnosis is wrong as well, but he gets an epiphany in the final 10 minutes and saves the day) the B-Stories are still entertaining enough to hold my interest.

The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon, Leonard and their geeky ways are still chuckle inducing, even if they're becoming caricatures of themselves.

Rules of Engagement
The addition of Timmy to the ensemble was a stroke of genius and Patrick Warburton's dry delivery and perfect comedic timing make Jeff a riot.

Lie to Me
This show has actually usurped House as my top 'must see' drama. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend you give it a try.

Doc Martin
I stumbled across this gem on PBS. Another great show from our friends at the BBC.

Hustle
And again, the BBC hit it out of the park. I like anti-heros.

Honorable Mentions:

Castle: Rich writer & Uber-hot lady cop
Mr. Sunshine: Funnier than expected single camera comedy.
$#*! My Dad Says: William Shatner taking the piss. 'Nuf said.
How I Met Your Mother: Barney is still worth watching.
Mad Love: I'm gonna give this one a chance to heat up. So far, it's been an extended introduction.

Requiescat in pace et in amore

2011-02-06T16:19:00.002-06:00

One of my musical heroes died today, Mister Gary Moore.

His career dates back as far as the 1960s when, while still a teenager he joined Skid Row (not to be confused with the 80s heavy metal group). Gary Moore was probably best known for his work with Thin Lizzy and his solo career. He was 58 years old.

One of my favorites

2011-01-31T22:03:00.003-06:00

Musical Midweek - Max Raabe Edition

2011-01-25T23:38:00.001-06:00

The Bridge Builder

2011-01-23T10:21:00.001-06:00

An old man, going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim, near,
“You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again will pass this way;
You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide-
Why build you this bridge at the evening tide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head:
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today,
A youth, whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm, that has been naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”

By Will Allen Dromgoole

Non-Musical Weekend

2011-01-14T17:27:00.000-06:00

So which one should I try next?

Musical Monday - NC17 Edition

2011-01-09T18:39:00.000-06:00

WARNING: The video contains adult language.

Musical Monday - New Year Edition

2011-01-03T11:54:00.004-06:00

Musical Tuesday - Christmas Edition

2010-12-28T16:03:00.000-06:00

The true meaning of Christmas

2010-12-25T22:35:00.000-06:00

Musical Thursday - Mongolian Edition

2010-12-23T12:47:00.000-06:00

Musical Thursday - Flashback edition

2010-12-23T11:23:00.000-06:00

Musical Wednesday - Redux

2010-12-22T12:17:00.000-06:00

Musical Wednesday

2010-12-21T23:24:00.000-06:00

Muscial Midweek

2010-12-15T09:58:00.000-06:00

"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

2010-12-14T11:45:00.000-06:00

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

2010-12-09T17:31:00.001-06:00

I can't believe this is almost 5 years old already!

Musical Thursday - Sheehan Edition

2010-12-09T13:06:00.000-06:00

Musical Tuesday : Holiday Edition

2010-12-07T09:41:00.000-06:00

Musical Monday - Yuletide Edition

2010-12-05T18:16:00.000-06:00

Musical Friday

2010-12-03T12:22:00.000-06:00

Musical Wednesday : Midday Edition

2010-12-02T12:13:00.000-06:00

Musical Midweek

2010-12-01T22:29:00.000-06:00

Adult Language rating. You've been warned.

Musical Friday

2010-11-26T22:07:00.000-06:00

Musical Monday

2010-11-22T14:25:00.000-06:00

Musical Thursday

2010-11-11T15:47:00.000-06:00

Musical Tuseday

2010-11-09T12:05:00.000-06:00

Musical Monday

2010-11-08T13:18:00.000-06:00

Musical Monday

2010-11-01T10:36:00.001-05:00

Musical Monday

2010-10-18T00:57:00.001-05:00

Today's offering is the exceptionally talented Mr. Steve Stevens:

Literary Thursday

2010-10-14T13:11:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-10T19:37:00.003-05:00

Three versions for your enjoyment by three of the greatest guitar players around.

Week to Week

2010-10-08T11:42:00.005-05:00

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

2010-10-06T15:30:00.002-05:00

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

2010-10-04T00:04:00.002-05:00

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

2010-09-28T12:32:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-27T09:08:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-23T09:42:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-20T10:14:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-09-17T10:02:00.003-05:00

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)

2010-09-16T11:05:00.003-05:00

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.

2010-09-15T09:42:00.002-05:00

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

2010-09-14T09:54:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-13T10:52:00.004-05:00

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

2010-09-09T17:20:00.002-05:00

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.

2010-09-08T17:09:00.003-05:00

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

2010-09-07T16:13:00.003-05:00

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?

2010-09-02T12:47:00.002-05:00

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.

2010-09-01T16:32:00.002-05:00

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?

2010-08-23T17:43:00.002-05:00

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

2010-08-16T15:28:00.004-05:00

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...

2010-08-13T11:49:00.001-05:00

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

2010-08-09T15:09:00.008-05:00

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

2010-08-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

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.

2010-07-26T17:49:00.004-05:00

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...

2010-07-21T11:53:00.009-05:00

...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.

In practice, I have the will-power of an unsupervised three year old in a room full of candy.

Monday - July 19

2010-07-19T16:17:00.001-05:00

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

2010-07-14T15:41:00.003-05:00

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

2010-07-09T13:43:00.001-05:00

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

2010-07-06T08:54:00.002-05:00

I am actually NERVOUS about the game tomorrow!

It was bad enough when Argentina was the opponent (before the game/clinic) and I was unsure of the result, but now that we're in the final four...YIKES!

Weekend review

2010-06-28T13:57:00.003-05:00

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?

Melody Gardot - Baby I'm A Fool

2010-06-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

Monday - June 21

2010-06-21T10:14:00.001-05:00

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

2010-06-15T14:44:00.002-05:00

Can you believe the year is just about 1/2 over?!?! Where does the time go?

So, after failing miserably at both tracking my spending and the cessation of smoking (cessation means stopping, right?), I think I'll take a more lax approach next month (yes, I'm postponing until next month,what of it?).

Meanwhile, the band is working towards having enough material to play an opening set. Rehearsals are being held in fits and starts what with everyone (else) having other bands to worry about, wives to appease and children to parent. We'll get there, though.

Coincidentally, our guitar player's other (main) band has a private party booked coming up and their bass player can't make it, so he asked if I would fill in. That'll be a fun and daunting experience. Fun in that I enjoy playing to a crowd and daunting because I have a week or so left to learn all 58 songs (Yikes).

What have YOU been up to, dear reader?

Update - day whatever

2010-06-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

Erm...let's talk about something else.

(goes to corner...feels shame)

Fail

2010-06-07T10:53:00.002-05:00

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)

2010-06-04T11:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a good day, all things considered.

I managed to stay cigarette and fast-food free all day, which included rehearsal in a smoky room and the consuming of cigarette craving inducing adult beverages.

Spending was limited to a 12 pack of beer (it was my turn to buy) totaling $10.49.

I've already spent $58.55 today ordering new contacts, but that's just the cost of passable vision.

Next week, I need to do something about this exercise I've heard so much about. Apparently it's supposed to do wonders for the body.

Day Two - summary

2010-06-03T09:38:00.002-05:00

Well, day two was a Pyrrhic victory.

I did NOT have any cigarettes, even though I went out to a bar to watch the hockey game, and boy-oh-boy does a beer make one want to smoke, but I was a good boy, yay me.

I also did NOT go to any fast-food restaurants. I brought my lunch from home and did not supplement it. I did, however purchase a sandwich from the 7-Eleven in lieu of a proper dinner.

Where I feel I fell on this day was my spending: $40 at the bar. A bit over my budget (at least in my head for a month where I'm trying to get a handle on expenses). Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

P.S. Splenda is expensive, Kool-Aide is not that tasty and water is just boring.

So far, so good.

2010-06-02T11:12:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-28T10:54:00.002-05:00

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!

Bonus June activities/efforts:

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!

Anything I've missed?

Time for a change

2010-05-18T16:00:00.002-05:00

Your mission, dear reader, if you choose to accept it, is to find a suitable Blogger Template for this page.

The Third Epiphany: Simplify

2010-05-17T15:25:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-04T17:39:00.002-05:00

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

2010-04-30T09:19:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-10T16:19:00.006-06:00

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?

2010-03-02T22:12:00.005-06:00

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.

Is it…

2010-03-01T12:47:00.003-06:00

…Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder or Out of Sight, Out of Mind?

In my most unscientific poll, it seems the unwashed masses were split down the middle. A good portion also gave the ubiquitous, “It depends,” which I think is actually the case…sort of.

After reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve come to the conclusion that with the addition of time, the matter gets more extreme (or polarized if you will). That is to say, at least in my mind, I tend to dismiss any bad and remember only the good, thus leaving only fond feelings for those for which there was any fondness to begin with. Conversely, I’m sure I’ve entirely forgotten the more forgettable of acquaintances.

So, my final conclusion is…

…wait for it…

…

It depends.

The Saying: ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER.
Who Said It: Thomas Haynes Bayly
When: 1844
The Story behind It: One of England's more versatile writers, Thomas Haynes Bayly wrote novels, plays, poems, political articles, and songs. In 1844 a poem titled "Isle of Beauty" appeared in Bayly's two-volume Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems. It is here that the following romantic words are found:

What would not I give to wander
Where my old companions dwell?
Absence makes the heart grow fonder:
Isle of Beauty, fare thee well!

Bayly is credited with popularizing the phrase, but he took it from Francis Davison's Poetical Rhapsody (1602). The exact words appeared as the first line of a poem by an anonymous writer. An updated version of the quote goes: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder-of somebody else!"

The use of 'in mind' for 'remembered' and 'out of mind' for 'forgotten' date back to the at least the 13th century. The earliest printed citation of a link with memory and the sight of something is in John Heywood's Woorkes. A dialogue conteynyng prouerbes and epigrammes, 1562, as reprinted by the Spenser Society, 1867: "Out of sight out of minde."

Kings and Queens

2010-02-26T13:28:00.005-06:00

Long ago in days I'm told
Were ruled by Lords of greed
Maidens fared with gold
They dared to bare their wombs that bleed

Kings and queens and guillotines
Taking lives denied
Starch and parchment laid the laws
When bishops took the ride
Only to deceive

Oh I know I lived this life a'fore
Somehow know now truths I must be sure
Tossing turning, nightmares burning, dreams of swords in hand
Sailing ships the Viking spits the blood of father's land
Only to deceive

Living times of knights and mares
Raising swords for maidens fair
Sneer at death, fear only loss of pride

Living other centuries
Deja vu or what you please
Follows true to all who do or die

Screams of no reply they died
Screams of no reply and died
Lordy lordy and then then they died
Lordy no then they died

Live and do or die
Long ago were days I told...Lord they died
Kings and queens and guillotines...
Live and no reply they died
Long ago were days I told...
Kings and queens and guillotines...

Since I have nothing of my own to say right now

2010-02-23T12:38:00.000-06:00

EPILOGUE

by D.H. Lawrence

Patience, little Heart.
One day a heavy, June-hot woman
Will enter and shut the door to stay.

And when your stifling heart would summon
Cool, lonely night, her roused breasts will keep the night at bay,
Sitting in your room like two tiger-lilies
Flaming on after sunset,
Destroying the cool, lonely night with the glow of their hot twilight;
There in the morning, still, while the fierce strange scent comes yet
Stronger, hot and red; till you thirst for the daffodillies
With an anguished, husky thirst that you cannot assuage,
When the daffodillies are dead, and a woman of the dog-days holds you in gage.
Patience, little Heart.

I suffer from Sometimers

2010-02-09T20:47:00.007-06:00

I had the first sputtering, smoking ember of an idea for a blog post earlier today. I even had an idea of the images to accompany it...

...I forgot what it was going to be about. :(

Le sigh!

So I thought I'd write about forgetting, and I came across this lovely quotation:

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow,
yet we forget that he is someone today."

~ Stacia Tauscher

I thought that was simply marvelous. Of course I have no idea who Stacia Tauscher is, so I googled her and found THIS. So it seems I'm not the first to head down this path.

I'm OK with that.

So, the book cover (I think it's a clicker, but I've never tried to make an image in a blog clickable before, so I'm hoping) led me to explore (via the interweb) more about what the innards of the book might consist of, and I found a chapter titled: "Life is Tough - But Then Again, Compared to What?" And I thought THAT was amazingly clever and insightful.

"The time has come," the Walrus said, “To talk of many things”

2010-02-02T14:15:00.009-06:00

Of shoes...

...and ships...

...and sealing-wax

Of cabbages...

...and kings

And why the sea is boiling hot

And whether pigs have wings.

-Through the Looking Glass (Lewis Carroll)

It's a Mentos. They're the fresh maker.

2010-01-27T18:06:00.001-06:00

Another day, another...

...day.

I typically am ambivalent towards technology. It provides tools that perform a service or allow one to complete a task (or something like that). However, recently I've grown to appreciate the wonders that are computers, the interweb and the applications people create to make the world a very small place indeed.

I can sit at my desk and chat in real time with someone half way around the world. I can take a picture and within moments have it posted to a forum where oodles of people can see it and comment. It really is quite amazing if you think about it.

That's all I've got for now. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to leave a note to let me know you've wandered 'round.

The countdown continues

2010-01-25T16:30:00.003-06:00

Monday – January 25, 2010 4:07pm CST
Five days from the 42nd anniversary of my birth.

In my time to date on this big blue marble, I’ve accomplished so very little of any significance. I’d always thought that I’d end up in history books of one sort or another; perhaps for some contribution to society or literature or perhaps simply as an entry in a Rock and Roll Encyclopedia of some sort. So far, I’m woefully insignificant. I don’t think I’d like to be noted for any sort of infamy, I do have a legacy of sorts to maintain for the sake of my son.

It kind of bothers me my family name will die out with me. As you may or may not know, my son’s family name is that of his adoptive father, not mine (tho’ he’s been loathe to use it at times). I wonder if my own father thinks about the fact that the last ‘Shots are all living now with no prospects of progeny other than genetic.

I suppose in a world of about 6.6B people, I suppose it’s the pinnacle of hubris to think that I may have been more noteworthy than anyone else. But it does bother me.

Tuesday – January 19

2010-01-19T15:26:00.002-06:00

Firstly, a few questions for you, dear reader:

1. Do you believe in ghosts?
a. If so, what do you suppose they (the ghosts) are?
b. And what do they want?
2. Do you believe that there is intelligent life somewhere else in the universe?
3. Do you believe in a Supreme Being?
4. Do you believe in miracles?

Ok, now that that’s out of the way…

My weekend: Friday evening I went over to my friend L.M.’s house for pizza and margarita’s. D.O. showed up after work as well and we watched The Hangover. Well, THEY watched The Hangover and I fell asleep on the couch. (This 8-5 M-F thing has messed with my preferred sleep schedule of staying up until the wee hours and then sleeping in until the crack of noon, only to be followed by an afternoon nap) Being the caring friends they are, they grabbed their camera-phones and took pictures of me in my repose.

Saturday was rehearsal with The Fabulous Disasters. We’ve hit yet another bump on the road as SPidER has gone AWOL. Now we have to recruit a new guitar player (or bass player for all I’m concerned, I’ll gladly take over some of the guitar duties instead of thumping in the lower register) and hope that some sort of chemistry can be found. It’s really a lot like dating except instead of two people, you’ve got a small group of personalities to deal with.

From rehearsal, I drove out to friend R’s house. He was having the usual suspects over for adult beverages, finger food and football (American Football (NFL) that is).

Sunday, I spent the afternoon with BNRI who had returned from her trip to Indy (she attended one of the football games). BNRI’s daughter and I went to see Daybreakers while BNRI rested and recovered from the drive and the night before.

Then, last night (after work) I stopped by Mama & Papa ‘Shot’s to see if I could fix whatever problem was causing the television in the back room not to receive a signal (I could not, as I believe it has something to do with the aerial antenna outside their unit). Papa ‘Shot informed me that one of my headlights (or do you say headlamp?) had burned out. Since I’m already driving on a ticket (did I mention I got a ticket?), I didn’t want to chance driving home in the dark with only one headlight, so I spent the next hour or so getting a replacement bulb for BOTH headlights and installing them.

Afterwards, (and after scurrying home to tend to Miss Molly) I met up with D.V. at a local Bar & Grill for a couple of beers and a quick dinner. I’m sure I’ve mentioned D.V. before: we went to High School together, were in a band together once long ago, and we share the same birthday. After a lovely chat about music, musicians, musical instruments and equipment I had to call it an evening and head home so that I could get up refreshed and ready for another day at work!

How was YOUR weekend?

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2010-01-16T12:55:00.003-06:00

Oooh lookey what I won!

I got it over at I,LTV's place, along with this:

Which I also won at View's, HERE beating out far folks far more clever and deserving than little ol' me, but I'm grateful, humbled and appreciative.

2010 really is off to a grand start! I hope it is for you as well, dear reader.

Monday - January 11, 2010

2010-01-11T15:49:00.003-06:00

My brain had been sufficiently numbed by the marathon training session today. In a few hours time, I've been hurried through just one of the many 'modules' included in the ginormous software package provided by my employer.

It's more than likely that I will remember almost none of the force-fed information, as there was absolutely no 'hands-on' involvement.

My eyes glazed over around 2:00pm signaling that the words being spoken by my trainer were registering as little more than a low buzzing sound in my head.

Hopefully, reading through the 350+ pages of the module guide will reinforce at least some of the information, as I will be required to regurgitate the data when I am tested on the module.

In other news: COME ON PAYDAY!

One down...

2010-01-07T21:27:00.005-06:00

...a lifetime to go! (le sigh)

Today was my first day in the office at my new job...erm...career (he added wistfully). The morning was spend being led around the cube farm introduced to a dozen or so people all of who's names I forgot by lunch time.

There was also a pile of forms to be filled out...name, address, phone, repeat ad nauseum, ad infinitum. Additionally, there was a troublingly frequent request for my Next-of-Kin information. Perhaps there's an unusually high death rate among Customer Service Operations persons at this firm. Maybe particularly dirty paper slicing through flesh and infecting the victim, leading to complications that even Dr. House couldn't get ahead of?

How was YOUR day?

Monday - January 04, 2010

2010-01-04T11:54:00.006-06:00

2010, 2010, 2010... gotta practice... 2010, 2010. You know how for the first quarter of the year one keeps writing the previous year in error.

So, will you be calling this year "Two-Thousand-Ten" or "Twenty-Ten"?

I STILL can not seem to get rid of this lingering pseudo-coldy, kinda-fluey raspy cough(particularly when I laugh) and the odd runny nose (QUICK, would someone be kind enough to catch it and return it to me, my voice sounds even more ridiculous without my schnozzola). Consider me one of the walking wounded for the time being.

In other news: I had a most awkward evening the other night. Went out with BNRI to meet up with my friend Di to see a band. Di is friend with my super-ex-girl-friend (SXGF) and, it being a free country, she invited her and her new beau to come along. So there I was, standing between BNRI and SXGF, can you say uncomfortable?

Now, I believe I handled the whole thing with a simple grace and charm that would have made you, dear reader, proud. However, I'm sure there will be some 'blow back' forthcoming. I'll keep you all posted.

P.S. SXGF's new beau seemed (to me) to be a shorter, plumper, less good looking (did I say that out loud) and less affable version of my humble self. But SXGF seemed to be happy and I'm happy for her.

Ok, enough about that.

"How cold is it?"

Home Stretch

2009-12-28T16:21:00.002-06:00

As 2009 winds down (thank The Maker!) and we turn our gaze to 2010 and the new adventures it promises I wish you, dear reader, the very best of everything, in such measure that you will never want for anything.

Someone once said, "Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you. But your Happy New Year depends on what you do for others." Make 2010 a VERY Happy New Year.

* * * * * * * * *

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Year's Day." ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

"Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment." ~Sydney Smith

"“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” ~Bill Vaughn

My Grown-up Christmas List

2009-12-24T15:05:00.005-06:00

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
and wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list

This is my grown up christmas list

I read the news today, oh boy!

2009-12-17T23:27:00.000-06:00

Guess who will be joining the ranks of the gainfully employed after the new year's celebration?

Go on, guess!

Hint: It's not Tiger Woods (ooooo, too soon?)

Wednesday - December 16

2009-12-16T23:38:00.002-06:00

Hmmmm. Didja ever notice that life tends to get 'interesting' right about the time you think that you've got things all figured out?

As you may have read in earlier posts, I went on a date (or two or three) with a lovely young lady I met recently.

Strangely, right about that time, I received a most untypical spike in messages on the dating website(s) where my profile was posted. I've never been one to casually date, so I'm not planning on replying beyond perhaps a "thanks" type thing. But, to top it all off, my phone rang today and since the number didn't have a name attached to it (which would indicate that it was someone in my address book and thus someone I know/speak with), I didn't answer. However the number seemed vaguely familiar.

I figured if it was anything important, the calling party would leave a message. Moments later my phone chirped telling me that I had a new voice message.

Would anyone care to guess who it was?

Meanwhile... I went over to my friend Mark's house this evening to give him a guitar lesson. We had a grand time. I'm looking forward to the next 'lesson'.

I've been remiss

2009-12-14T16:23:00.002-06:00

Choices

2009-12-12T17:54:00.002-06:00

Miscellany

2009-12-10T00:09:00.002-06:00

* I was talking with a female friend of mine and mentioned how incredibly sexy it is when a woman throws on a man's dress shirt. Not so much the act of doing so, but the resulting visual goodness.

* It's been about five days since my last cigarette.

* I can't seem to shake this miserable, lingering cold of mine. It's not even a proper cold, it's mostly just a run-down feeling and a raspy cough.

* The date went well. The subsequent times spent together have also been enjoyable. We'll call her BNRI (Beautiful New Romantic Interest). She has a 17 year old daughter, a hyperactive dog named Bo and a cat. She also has a dimple on her right cheek when she smiles, a gorgeous mane of brown hair, blue/green eyes, a VERY self-sufficient can-do attitude, and I guess we'll see what happens.

* It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

* Some of you may recall a job I had interviewed for that I was very much hoping to get. I went on three separate interviews, took a couple of online personality and skills tests and was one of two candidates left standing at the end of the whole ordeal. They, of course, went with the other candidate. Well, it turns out that there may be another position opening up and they've contacted me to give me first chance at it!

I hope you're all well and happy, dear readers.

A brief update

2009-12-05T12:43:00.000-06:00

1. I've been horrible at keeping up with the eating well and working out. This MUST change

2. Operation 'Quit Smoking' is not the overwhelming success it should be either

3. Band rehearsal this afternoon (YIKES, I should be getting ready)

4. A date this evening! Wish me luck.

Friday - December 4 (1:00 AM)

2009-12-04T00:59:00.002-06:00

Hi kids!

I hope you all had an amazing week. Have you finished your Christmas (and/or other religious/secular holiday) shopping yet? Have you even started?

I need ideas for The World's Most Inexpensive Yet Significant gifts for the following:

Mama 'Shot
Papa 'Shot
The Fabulous Spider St. Valentine (Brother 'Shot?)
Adam (son)
Jack a.k.a. The Poohs (godson)

Those of you who've been around know that I've been out of work so money is all but non-existent.

Christmas is my very favorite holiday, mostly for the giving of gifts. I've long been a serious 'perfect gift' hunter, so this year is going to be [expletive deleted]!

In other news, I have a house-guest! It's kind of fun. I even went and got mints for the bed pillow! (I'll be on the couch for the duration).