2009

I'm bringing in the new year perfectly quiet and alone. And I'm enjoying it. I prepared my resolution packet by stopping by a few stores tonight. I purchased the following:

• A carton of cigarettes
• Orange Juice and a 6 pack of Coca-Cola for my Bocci Ball: Mix with Amaretto
• A Mr. Goodbar Candy Bar
• Pretzels for my Guacamole
• A Virginia Lottery New Year's $20 Ticket

This is just part of my annual ritual to be defy the gods of resolutions. I also plan to sleep in late. I wonder if I can fit the 7 deadly sins on my schedule for tomorrow?

1. Lust, I'll probably surf some porn on the net
2. Gluttony, the Bocci Ball and the Candy Bar is not all I'll be eating
3. Greed, I have my lottery ticket and I purposefully didn't buy a male friend a Christmas Present.
4. Sloth, I might not shower and I will be sleeping in
5. Wrath, though no longer a dominant part of my personality, I think I can find a target of aggression.
6. Envy, hmmm - yeah I'm jealous of and admire the bodies of hot sexy men
7. Pride, I am the Supreme Commander of the Universe, after all

Yeah, I'm not making any friggin' New Years Resolutions. And I'll be wonderfully content with that decision. *woot*

Happy New Year - Everyone

Enjoy your extra second of time in your day!

Me vs. The Snow

Before I left for NY, I had 2 days to take care of some things around my end that needed to get done. But I still didn't have all the time I needed. The morning I left I put my NY winter coat next to my door so I wouldn't forget it. ... I forgot it, remembering it when I was well past Baltimore. But mom went out and bought me a new one. Thanks mom! It'll come in handy in Virginia for all of 2 days. But her love and thoughtfulness was there and I did appreciate it since it was so friggin' cold! That bitchin' coat is toasty as all get out, I felt like a pig in a blanket!! I ate some of those too, while I was home.

The snow - damn it to hades, I hate snow. The pics are of the street my parents live on. There was more snow to come. Oh yes, I hate snow.

You'll recall that my grandfather passed away (love ya gramps) in June. I said my eulogy then. My Aunt loved it so much that she wanted me to write it out for her. I did better and made a presentation in a frame for her and all the family. Seemed to go over pretty well as a Christmas present because we had non-stop guests all week. It was great seeing everyone, but it left me with little time to do anything that I wanted since there was much other stuff planned in between visits, shopping, planned visits I had prearranged and the holidays. I almost didn't have time to visit with my closest buddy from college. And that would not have been good because I had his daughters Christmas presents to deliver. I think of myself as their pseudo-uncle.

Christmas Eve was exciting. Unanticipated guests showed up in advance of the planned time and stayed a while. Then the planned crowd started to stream in slowly. By 8:00pm all were on board to begin the real festivities (we can drink, and so can my mother apparently). The final guest that left was my cousin. He left at 4:00am. I'm not sure I have ever been up that late with my mother and father still awake and "entertaining". My folks are fairly quiet, but not this time. Dad was telling stories and mom was drinking and carrying on. All the fuss and stress of preparing seemed to wash away. I was glad for that.

I gave my family "last-name" key rings made by NobamaGirl's husband. Dad immediately set his to working. Mom is using hers currently as a counter decoration delicately poised to let all those that enter, be warned of who's house they have entered. I gave my mother a Celtic-throw to place on her bed (or wherever) because it matches the mahogany furniture. Dad doesn't need anything. So I got the sugar freak a huge crystal container filled with about 15 pounds of Jelly Belly jelly beans. You'd think he'd be diabetic, but no. I know my pop so well. He loved it. Mom went immediately into the bedroom and draped her bed with the throw. Looks pretty damn good and I'm glad she likes it. She's so picky!!

When I did meet up with my college friend, he wanted to see a movie. So we went to see "The Day the Earth Stood Still" starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connolly. Visually appealing, but the original is much better. And I've sort of grown disgruntled with the politically correct environmentalist messages in movies since "Happy Feet" with the jiggity penguin. But it's always great too see my friend. My gifts to his girls were not repeats, so I was happy for that. They both seem to be perpetually stuck in Hanna Montana and Dora the Explorer mode. I can't wait for them to grow up a bit more.

The drive back was a Nascar driver's nightmare. Traffic on the NJ Turnpike was 10-20 mph if not a dead stop. I swear every state has raised their tolls again. Seems to me, if the roads are that congested, that I am not getting my money's worth and I want - at the very least, a discount. Try saying that to a toll-booth operator. You'll make his/her day. So since I was sitting still so much, I rolled down the car windows and uber-blasted my music. My present to myself I suppose, and I got plenty of nasty looks. Ho Ho Ho. On to a new year folks, thanks for sticking with me. *subliminal message of positivity: I'm happy to be back to work, I'm happy to be back to work, I'm happy to be back to work*

Back from Snow Hell

I have returned from New York. I drove back on Saturday, which I will just assume was the better day to travel and not Sunday. The NJ Turnpike was so durn slow. But for you folks that are needing a snow fix, glance above. That is snow covering the compact cars in the parking spaces adjacent my family house. And I was thinking it sucked to be me in the NY snow. On Sunday I just relaxed and didn't feel like blogging. Tonight I got home fairly late, so this is just a note to say "Hello and I know you missed me!" More about my vacation later.

Be Excellent To Each Other

I have not been home for a Christmas with my parents in well over 5 years. I dread snow, and what am I driving right up into? ...Bleck! But my folks seem to be excited about my arrival, so I will perservere through the treacherous weather. I thought that I might be able to get to meet Sean/Breenlantern this go'round but I have a jam packed visiting schedule with family and friends from college that have not seen me for a while. And they truly need their fix of the Thomas. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas week and focuses on the festive and social gathering aspect. You'll hear from me in about a week. Enjoy each other's company and be excellent to each other.

Merry Ho Ho Ho !!

Merry Christmas Damn it!

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced with the most joyous traditions of the belief persuasion of your particular choice, but with no respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own beliefs, as well as those who choose not to practice any belief-system at all. Additionally, a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars-of-choice of other cultures, whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to race, creed, color, religion or sexual orientation.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for himself or others, and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)

Butt of Jokes

d'oh, she said "GoaD" !!

Would I do that Ms. Indigo Orion?

Moonstone

Well this certainly is no post about the mystical powers of the moonstone. It's about my sister, probably the hardest person I know to buy a gift for at any time. I have bought her gifts that she has wanted, loved, desired and had-to-have. And she's always ended up not liking, using or wearing any of them. But two years ago I bought her a pair of Irish design moonstone earrings. She actually said she loved them. So last year I got her the matching necklace and she said, "ooh this will go well with the earrings."

This year she's getting the matching ring. I was nearly horrified that I couldn't find the right moonstone opaque yet clear and blue consistency. (sort of like the pic) Oh there were fully white moonstones. There were moonstones with sparkles. I rather liked the moonstone with green speckles in it (imagine that).

I was a bit frustrated. Until I saw that some rings were situated in their resting spots wrong. So I picked through them to see what they were. I found it. The perfect moonstone to match her earrings and necklace. Gosh I hope the ring size is right!

Now I'm out of ideas for next year. Back to square one, hoping that I can land a winner. But that's next year. I have momma taken care of as well, and Daddy's confection is on order. My Secret Santa/White Elephant gift is solidly in hand.

I've got this Thursday and Friday off and all of next week. I'll be heading to New York to spend time with the parents. I have not been home for a Christmas in over 5 years. I hate snow. I love it, but I despise it. And where am I headed? Right into to hell. (oh wait, that's Ohio)

Bucket Power

I'll have to admit that the Full Moon won. I was in touch with the werewolf within, but the moon was just to powerful. I succumbed to the bucket power. I was more Gleek today than the Wonder Twins. I was meant to be more of an assistant, helping others with their issues than being able to tend to my own work. I do like that part of my job, but gee whillickers, not today. I had two really enormously messy cases I needed to resolve today but only completed one. All day, I had this one case spread across my desk and I kept hearing from everyone, even my boss "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need your help". And really, I can't say no. NO REALLY, I can't say NO! Especially when the other skilled counterpart was out today and our new hire is still learning.

So today I spent shifting my work aside to delve into the myriad messes of other folks. They were wonderfully messy too. I would pretend to be Gleek. Being pleasant and joking along to make things not so stressful. I would activate my bucket power (create a bucket out of thin air) to help the situation along by carrying the "problem" to safety. The problem would go away and I would deactivate my bucket power and get back to doing what I was doing. I'm not sure how many times I pulled a bucket out of thin air but I got tired of finding it. What I really needed was my Twin to show up so I could say "Wonder Twin Powers - Activate!" so that my twin could turn into a Guardian Gorilla, or some such nonsense to play bouncer so I could turn into a water hose and wash my problems away. Alas, all I could manage was to tap out a two page letter with my prehensile tail and call it a day.

However, today was Friday (+1)

and, today was payday (+1) = 2

AND, I was blessed with MORE Pecan Pie Mini-Muffins (+1) = 3

I know that's not how baseball works, but I consider THAT a home run. *WOOT*

Thank you mysterious PPMM friendly unnamed person.

Fierce Friday

The weather has made posting this entry a pain in the ass. I'm on dial-up and the rain is just making everything react slow. Even my brain feels a bit foggy. OOH Oooh Fog - durn if my car windows weren't so foggy today that it even took the heater some time to cut through the thickness. Yes I could have wiped the windows, but then I would have had streaky windows and I just despise that. *anyone that has seen my windows with Solomon's snot all over the passenger window can keep their traps shut, thank you.* Well none of that is what I'm actually wanting to yadda-yadda about. Tomorrow - Friday, or maybe Today, your now-Friday will be a Full Moon. Can't you feel it in the air? I can. My knuckles are getting all tight and my shoulders are getting achy. Good thing too, because I need the wolf to break free on Friday so I can have one fierce day of attacking my work like I had last Friday. Two days off this week has put me behind a bit. So, while I didn't have to stress over last weekend's long weekend, since I work on a rolling calendar work volume, as the days roll along the work can catch up to you. Sort of like driving with cruise control and not paying attention as much as you might should, when the car in front of you has not used their brakes, yet slowed down. Oopsie, cars on top of you all of a sudden. That's how our work volume gets. Well, here's to having an AaauuUUUWESOME Friday.

Pecan Pie Mini Muffins

Remember Fivel the mouse and the song "Some where out there". Well that's who I imagined myself to be and what I felt like singing forlornly when I finished the last of the *ever so few* pecan pie mini muffins that were shared with me. I cannot in good selfish conscience divulge their source locally (no, I cannot and will not). All I know is that my diabetic hind-halves would very graciously appreciate another *precious few* along with any crumbs that might be lingering in the bottom of the baking tin. uh oh, now I'm feeling like Gollum because I'm coveting the precious round bits of goodness.

**HINT HINT**

All I Learned from Santa Claus

Okay, well... I didn't learn THAT!

But I have learned

1. Encourage people to believe in you.
2. Always remember who's naughty and who's nice.
3. It's as much fun, or better, to give as it is to receive.
4. Some days it's OK to feel a little chunky.
5. Don't pout.
6. Make your presents known.
7. Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want.
8. Bright red can make anyone look good.
9. Wear a wide belt and no one will notice how many pounds you've gained.
10. If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you're very important.
11. Whenever you're at a loss for words, say, "Ho Ho Ho!"

Friday's End

I thought maybe I was going to have to re-post Torchic because I was a bit puny when I got to work. But as the day progressed I evolved into Combuskin and by time mid afternoon arrived I was on fire and fully evolved into Blaziken. I did have several battles during the day but I was able to defeat my challengers. I'm down to a handful of major issues to manage rather than the horrendous mess I did have. I can rest peacefully on my 4 day weekend. As Blaziken would say, "No one gets the better of me at kicking!"... some assage.

Crappy Winter Seasonal Festive Gifts

You Are a Self Help Book!

While your advice is not always welcome... It's always right on target. Wow, that's really accurate.

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

Friday

I am in no mood for anything to get in my way today. Attempt battle with me and you will go down. This is a 4 day weekend and I plan on kicking some serious assage on my workload. Do Not Mess With Me. Just get out of my way. Or, deal with the consequences.

Which Reindeer Are You?

I'm Comet

A total daredevil, I'm the reindeer with an edge! Why I'm Naughty: I almost gave Santa a heart attack when I took him sky diving Why I'm Nice: I always make sure the sleigh is going warp speed

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Oh Gosh, this better not be like a fortune cookie or I'm destined for a speeding ticket.

Start the month of right

Let's Say Thanks
^^^^^^^
Support Our Troops Always
All year long is a good time
But now, is a thoughtful time.

Verified on Snopes.com

Another Gay Movie

Once in a while I like to watch a quirky silly stupid movie.
I giggled all the way threw - ummm, with an occasional *eewwww*
I watched this as I recovered from my 2nd Thanksgiving.

The BOBs

The BOBs, the world’s largest international awards for Weblogs, podcasts and videoblogs that began four years ago. The winners of each year’s awards are decided by both an international jury of bloggers and online voting. More than 8,500 candidates were suggested in 16 categories for the 2008 Best of the Blogs. The Winners Have Been Decided. Over 100,000 votes were cast during the BOBs, and you can see all the winners.

I bring this up because Captain Obvious was awarded a Kreativ Blogger award.

I got curious and started back tracking who gave it to him (Nuestra Vida Dulce), then who gave it to her (Life is Beautiful), then who gave it to her (Good Food, Good Friends, Good Life), then I started to think "for pete's sake, how far back must this go?" and then I started to think of the Pert commercial and figured I needed to cut to the chase. I googled "Kreativ Blogger Award" and ran across The BOBs. For which I will just assume sired this mania. It's so easy to groan about our lives inside our individual blogs. What a simple and fascinating tool to say "Hey, you're pretty neato!"

Michael/"Captain Obvious" tagged me to do the Meme behind the Kreativ Blogger to list out 6 things I am grateful for. It's extended by an additional Meme of listing out 6 additional bloggers that I think are neato. He also asks that I do a book Meme that I'll explain later. And yet again he extends the Meme out to include, what amounts to posting a photo of myself using rules. Okay, Michael here you go, for which I think you should post a pic on your blog of your left nipple.

I am grateful for:

1. My Solomon/Solomonster/Silly/booger/baby: An almost 13 year old male German Shepard that has truly been at my side through many fun times and desperate down times. He is one of the smartest beings I have ever known and certainly the most stubborn.
2. My Wayne: Who would have thunk that a blind date could lead to one of the best platonic relationships I have ever experienced. Love ya buddy.
3. My Self-motivated unemployment: I threw caution to the wind a while back and quite a fun job (bad bosses) to job hunt for more security. 3 months of uncertainty later the job I truly value was mine.
4. Positive Mental Attitude: I follow a non-denominational unorthodox Christian belief that for me guides me to make the inappropriate uncalculated irrational and oddly "works for me" impromptu decisions that blurr my path in life. I fall and I get back up. I succeed and I take people with me.
5. My Family: Each member challenges me to embrace the impact they have had on my life. And they humble me to reflect on my impact on them.
6. Wakeful mornings: I'm always happy to wake up each morning. Otherwise...

6 Blogs of note: *mind you it's my universe*

1. Jadielady: Knitter Maniac, kitty momma, and work guru
2. Kelly Stern: 'Cause he's cute and a bit over-exposed
3. Breen Lantern: Mostly because he's a Green Lantern fan, and from my original neck of the woods in NY. But also because he exposes all his failings to the raw nerve and still gets up and brushes himself off each morning.
4. BobMitchellinThe21stCentury: I enjoy his "Slap Sue Storm" posts and myriad of other comic drama.
5. SF Signal: Tons of kool Science Fiction stuff that keeps me in the "know".
6. Earth2Karen: There's something about her blog that keeps me grounded.
6+. Indigo Orion, Sports Nut in Dallas, That's So Gay, and IdiotBoy: Cause she's a super momma, he's just adorable, because I steal from his blog quite often, and because he's simply really nice.

The Book Meme: Open the closest book to you – not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book literally closest to you at this very moment – to page 56. Write the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that. WOW, not a bookworm, I had to hunt for a book that was "near" me...

At that happens to be the Kia Motors 2002 Warranty and Consumer Information Manual. I just know you are all thrilled beyond measures.
Page 56: Wouldn't you know it's blank, referencing nothing for the State of Colorado's Consumer Notice. I guess that state is not important enough for a consumer notice. Well that was fun.

The Photo of myself: Rules - Go to your sixth picture folder and pick your sixth picture, remember the details and share. Okay I don't have a sixth picture "folder" so I'll have to share just my sixth picture.

This was last Christmas 2007. Wayne's mother gave me a pocket comforter. It's a comforter that folds up into a pillow. And just for her/now you, I got a bit silly with the pocket portion and decided to wear it for her/now you.

Now - I am to Tag 6 other people to do the same. Get to work: Jadielady, Kelly Stern, Karen, Idiotboy, Joey, Sean, Bob (he won't do it), JJ, Cawfeeguy.

Gobble Gobble

Travel Safely

Encourage the Happy

Exercise Thankfulness

*

Have a Great Day!

Tina Turner

The Tina Turner concert was a Birthday/Christmas/Birthday present to my buddy Wayne. When I purchased the tickets, it turned out to also be a "Congratulations you've been let go from your job of 21 years" present. Well we finally cashed in and left for the concert on Sunday at 2:30 pm. We stopped for a late lunch, early dinner in Fredericksburg at the Cracker Barrel. My first time at that restaurant and it was pretty good and all the better with a cute waiter named Andrew. A certain person's anxiety aside, we made it to DC by 6:00 pm for the 7:00 pm concert and we were not in a rush.

Neither of us had been to the Verizon Center. It was larger and steeper than I had anticipated. We were somewhat in nosebleed seats, but well within view of the stage so that Tina looked like Tina and not an ant. The stage was blocked with whore-red curtains that remained closed. And they remained closed until nearly 7:30 pm. I detest people that arrive late. I'm not talking about Tina, I'm talking about nearly 1/2 of the audience. At 7:00 pm, the Center was about 1/2 empty (yes 1/2 not full). We were however sitting in the gayest of all sections. Not entirely sure how that happened, but there was a plethora of eye candy to entertain us as we waited and waited. We were also entertained by AMWAY commercials on the big screens. I was ever so happy to pay for a concert to watch commercials for AMWAY!! But I figure they "sponsored/paid for" the concert, they can infringe on my entertainment.

When the concert did begin, a few late-comers arrived to our section just in time to block our view of the grand entrance. Thankfully, the noise was so deafening that I'm sure they didn't hear me yell "sit the fuck down already!" as they leisurely stood to take their draping trench coats off.

Tina did put on quite a show, but you can tell she's not as spry as she used to be. Her usual fancy footwork was just a fancy box step and wiggle. Not much of the major moves. That was left to the other girls on the stage that was meant to make her look her funkiest, and it did. But the critical eye saw threw the facade. But she can definitely still work in heels while wobbling her knees.

The concert had entertainment between songs that varied on the theme of the upcoming song while she did a wardrobe change. The first one was a bit confusing as it looked like some punk had jumped the stage and was causing a fight with the security guards. But you soon realized that it was staged. She came out in a flowing blood red outfit to sing the Rock Opera Tommy song where she played a druggie whore. She looked fantastic. You could tell they added boobie makeup to give them a punch, which was really not that necessary. But, SHAZAM - there they are.

There was a 30 minute intermission, which was really well timed cause I think everyone's bladder's needed attention. EVERYONE, even the late-comers. During the intermission we were entertained with more AMWAY commercials, no joke.

When she came back, she was sitting down along a line of other musicians and the back up vocalists. They sang three slow blues songs, one where the saxophone had a solo and Tina chimed in to compete with the sax in her sultry husky "I can drown that sax out voice!"

Then she ran off and a skit started that was obviously Thunderdome inspired. Voila! Out she comes in full Thunderdome gear! That entrance was far out.

At one point she sang "What's love got to do with it" and she got the audience involved. She had the women sing that verse first and then challenged the men. One queen behind us said "I'm just not that butch!" But we all chanted and it was a good time. Proud Mary was her last song and it went on for about 20 minutes.

Of course she did an encore and that was the "Back to Pride Rock" song from The Lion King (I am humbly corrected by the Anonymous commentor that the encore song was Nutbush City Limits and he/she is correct, but now I can't recall when she sang Pride Rock - and I know she sang that unless I went into Tina-land and sang it to myself). I had anticipated but was not sure when she would sing that song. As she sang, she ran over to one side of the stage and got into a small cage. The cage started to lift and the stage floor was lifting as well. This was when she was in the Cherry Picker and went out INTO the audience and got different areas into the song singing PRIDE ROCK! That was very cool. Though it might have been even more cool had the cherry picker lifted her up higher into the audience. But with her hanging over the edge like she does, it's probably best not the have her getting to high without being chained in. The woman has guts though. At one time she ran off of the Cherry Picker and onto its platform and danced a bit. All in heels.

I think, had everyone demanded a second encore, she would have sang more. But being Sunday night everyone started getting up to leave. Heck the lights were still dim, which told me that she would have done more. But we left and got back to the smoking parking deck. Cause that's what we did while we waited an hour to be able to think of leaving.

Getting out of DC was a whole lot easier than getting in. Sort of tells you something, doesn't it??? Made me chuckle. Thanks for coming and giving us your money, here's the easiet way out. We stopped at IHOP and had a late dinner and got their monster Colorado Omelets. Man, you need to try those but take your lipitor beforehand. Wayne got me back home at 2:30 am. I was dawg tired but still stayed up a bit to get some lovin time in with the Solomonster. He was very good without me for so long. Then I fell asleep, thankful that I did not have to work on Monday. I was a lazy cuss today.

Thank you Tina!

Cherry Picker

I'm hoping that these lips will be hovering around on a cherry picker, tonight.

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My Bad

Have you ever burped and farted at the same time. It's sort of funny and embarrassing when that happens. You may also feel guilty and horrified. Well in a week where I am trying to get folks to share some fun and happiness; I fell flat on my face and got up with two black eyes. All before 8:30am this morning. I'm a bad friend.

I sent an email that I rather liked to a bunch of friends. I didn't take into consideration whether or not they might like or dislike the email. One friend, and possibly more - I don't know; took offense to the message of the email (burped). To add insult to injury, I sent an email to apologize because I truly had not meant to offend this person, but I did and I should have known better because I know how this person feels about the topic of the email. But I missed the connection. Not just with this person but with the message of the email. My apology was shallow as I attempted a brief explanation of my interpretation of the email. I believe I added salt to the wound, and well... that's when I... (farted). My interpretation aside: while I realized by gaff, I reared by hind-end at the same time to show my insensitive and socio-centric vantage point that truly denied him of his valid belief system in this diverse world.

Sean, I very much apologize for offending you. I understand that you know I meant no malice and I do appreciate YOU. I'm sorry and I will strive to be more thoughtful. Feel free to keep me in check!

And now I humbly offer the most awesome SMILE of the day. I received a Direct email from the President of the company I work for, today. I have been hand-holding *to the extreme* a very needy (even he agrees) customer that is stressing over the economy. Truth be known, I have probably spent 40 hours on the telephone with him since the beginning of October. He called the President because I had put a smile on his face. Well shucks, his calling the President which lead to a major kudo for me - put a pretty big SMILE on my face, today. You're welcome Mr. J, and thank you too.

Smiles - Day 2

Bring on the smiles, Folks!! Just talking to Jadielady she has you all beat. But she needs to share all her Smiles on the blog. Today, while I don't right know that I made the person smile, I'm fairly certain that I did. There's a particular product that I am just dumb as rocks about. I had to call this person's "help" area and she answered. She was more that attentive. She solved my problem for me and got me money for my complaining whiny people. AND she was able to fully explain to me all the issues that impacted the situation to the point that I understood. So kudo's to her. I sent her manager an email of awesomeness and included her in on the email. Her manager wrote back and recognized her stellar performance. I think that put a smile on her face. And for once, I recognized someone other than Jadielady. But she's beyond awesome and she knows that's how I feel.

So get out there and make people smile for "significant" reasons.

Come back here and share your impact on people in your life.

*This post in honor of Thomas, Mr. Grumpy Pants.*

Smiles

I'm needing some motivation, so here's the challenge!
*
Report back to me on Thursday of this week.
Your mission is make 5 - just 5 - people smile.
Not a simple smile. A meaningful smile.
There's got to be substance behind the smile.
*
Why 5? Because one a day, would be too easy!
Consider yourself tagged - Get to work.

Home

Melissa and I went to a house-warming party last night. We were fashionably late and left just before the end time, so not to be stragglers. The home was a newly built house in a cul-de-sac in Glen Allen, VA. Very nice neighborhood for our friends to live in. All the homes have a different appearance yet blend well. We walked in and were so impressed with the open layout. There was no claustrophobic feeling, even with so many folks already mingling. Well they weren't so much mingling as bunched up in their personal comfort zones. We were told not to bring a gift, but we did anyhow. You just don't go to a house-warming party and not bring a giftie. We brought two reasonably priced complimenting bottles of Chilean wine. I figured them for white wine drinkers. They were serving red wines at the party that are on the deep chewy heavy side. That surprised me, so I was glad that I went with a white and a red. Their home was nicely but not obnoxiously over modern. I was rather into the kitchen, probably because mine needs a major overhaul. All the rooms were modestly decorated with very tasteful accents. What I really liked was the spacing of the guest rooms. None were right beside the other and had there own baths. I'm not a real fan of the cathedral ceiling, which this house does have. I just can't imagine myself worrying about the cobwebs that are 20 feet up or more. OH, and the yard was a lush green and big enough for dogs to really run around. Some things are simply more important.
*
When I got home I looked around and thought "oh boy, this place has a long way to go to get to being nice and presentable." But it will happen later than sooner.
*
Congratulations on your new home Victoria and Roy, you deserve it.

True Colors

The Ultimate Color Test

When I am at peace, I am: Deeply stable When I am moved to act, I am: Confident and optimistic When I am inspired, I am: Spontaneous and adventurous When my life is perfectly balanced, I am: Light hearted and funny My life's purpose is: To find contentment

The Ultimate Color Test

Rubbers

I woke up to the news this morning and they said it was going to rain for the next few days. My first groggy thought was we all need to put our rubbers on. Well that woke me up. I hadn't thought of wearing rubber footwear on my shoes since I was a kid. But there it was. *Get your head out of the gutter Michael* Then my day proceeded according to plan:

I listened to Q94's war of the roses on my way to work and heard a man "mooo" at his newly ex-wife.
An 8am call I needed to make never happened as I promised because I was quickly side-tracked into a meeting as I walked in the door to work.
One very important letter went out this morning that should have left yesterday.
Another VERY important letter that should have mailed today will not mail until tomorrow.
I hate having to wait on others.
A work colleague/friend did not come in today. She was sadly sending her beloved German Shepard off to Angel School. Make us proud Rusha!!
The rest of the afternoon I focused on the plentiful easy stuff. My mind did not want to think about the difficult items any longer. So, I delved into the world of "git r dun" and that helped to bring down my work-item count a good bit.
I left work early (yes, still after 5pm) and went off to have dinner with Indigo-Orion and her little cream puff of a darlin' named MM. I had fish, Indigo had chicken and MM had the Dog d'haught with Mac d'chez.
Then I went and purchased two bottles of Chilean wine for a house-warming party this weekend. I am going with one of my work-wives, Melissa.
Then I came home to the Solomonster and he begged to go out cause he had to do his business. Then he came in and begged for treats. Then begged for more. Then MORE. Since I knew this was the game plan, I started out stingy. Being smarter than me, he knew what I was up to.
Now it's time to sleep and I'm not tired.

Chocolate

Sometimes I tickle myself and often it's for all the wrong reasons. Chocolate - it comes in so many delightful presentations. For some it's a simple candy bar and others are not sated until they have double chocolate with fudge topping. I have a friend that prefers the later. If I do have chocolate I prefer the candy bar (again, don't tell my doctor). I'm actually not a chocolate fan like many people. But I do appreciate the visual display of chocolate. Maybe it's just the earthy brown color. It gives off a rich warm glow. I noticed a sweater on a colleague today that was a dark golden brown and he had on thick brown corduroy pants. It was really nice outfit and the two garments complimented each other nicely. To which I said (and this is where I should have bit my tongue) "You look all chocolaty today!" *and I think I said it a bit flamboyantly*.

It might not have been such a slip of the tongue had the person's pigmentation not been a rich dark chocolate color as well. I turned away not thinking anything of it, then it hit me. WTF!?? And I looked back at him and he just grinned. And I awkwardly walked off into the beginning of my day.

Scatterbrain

POWERS/ABILITIES: Telepathy, limited to reading other peoples' thoughts. On occasion, he's demonstrated the ability to erase peoples' memories and to fire a bolt of psionic energy that incapacitates the recipient, but these newer abilities have a draining effect on Scatterbrain.

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I could use a bit of that right now.

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I would consider erasing the minds of some of the people calling me at work about how nervous they are about the economy. I would mind-blast a few folks I work with that should be smart enough to remain calm. I would definitely read the minds of our leaders to know what they knew and why they make the decisions they do. Or better yet, try to understand better why they don't act faster.

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I would reach into people's minds to see what really makes them tick. I would be tempted to abuse the negative information to my advantage, but I would focus on the positive. I would work the positive motivators into conversations. I would try to guide folks to their happy place and help them understand themselves better. It would be so awesome to bring out the positive in people.

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WAKE UP!!!

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Fine, I'd psionic blast the heck out of I-64 drivers. But I'd still find some way of using my power to be a hero.

Veterans - Thank You

Thank you to all Veterans for protecting our country. Thank you for protecting us here and abroad. Thank you for our Freedom that is not Free at all. Thank you to the women and men that selflessly put themselves in harms way to protect our way of life.

On a personal note: Thank you
Granddaddy Thomas (Army)
Daddy Thomas (Navy)

Brain Power

There Are "0" Gaps in My Knowledge

Where I have gaps in my knowledge: No Gaps! Where I don't have gaps in my knowledge: Philosophy Religion Economics Literature History Science Art

Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

Okay, so if I'm so smart why do I feel so completely dumb lately? I almost got into an accident this morning because I was not paying attention to the other guy. All my files at work are in a disorganized mess. My plan is just not coming together with the work I have to do. I did manage to get one letter written today on a very overdue issue that required more brainpower that I wanted to provide. I didn't want to write the letter mainly because I can't help a person that I really want to be able to help; but my hands are tied. I need to shake off this soft compassionate side that is hindering my objectivity. Whoa Whoa Whoa!!! What did I just say? No, that ain't right. Not right at all. The situation just sucked for a customer and I had no way to fight to a "yes" for her. But I did respond in my educational, helpful and empathetic manner that is important to me. It's just some decisions suck more than others. And some external resources just aren't as helpful as they should be. Then I had dinner with my buddy Wayne and I think I pressed to hard about him finding a job. He accepted it but I could tell that it bothered him. And the prick that I am pushed the point of asking him what color he wanted me to paint his room in my house when it comes time for him to move in. I can be such an ass. But if it comes to it, my home is his; because his home has been mine before. I think my minds just a mess right now. But I did have two gentlemen today thank me for being patient with them. One went so far as to say that I missed my calling as a psychologist. I did actually, only because I knew that I'm more sponge than mirror. I would totally take on people's problems as my own were I to be a counselor. So I take my psychology degree and exercise the soft skills outward into the world to assist people. I focus on the mirror reflecting and I don't absorb. Who am I'm fooling. I so very much absorb.

On another note: Circuit City is a local business that has been fighting to survive. They have products that appeal to all purchase ranges and wallet sizes. I'm fighting myself to tell you to boycott the City because I think they could have done better and because yet again they let several friends go today. But I like the City so much better than Best Buy. Maybe it's the old-school in me. But I say "Save the City".

Shutdown

I had planned on going into work on Saturday to do some major "digging me out of the shit hole" that I am in. I've had a backlog before, but never like this as long as I've been in my role. So Saturday came and Solomonster needed to pee. I let him out, he did his business and came right back in. That was around 6:00am - clockwork for him to just stay on the work schedule. He does it on Sunday's as well. I could barely keep my eyes open. I lied back down for just a few more minutes. I woke up many hours later. I tried to motivate and get online to wake me up. I just putzed around a bit and felt the pillows yammering for my head. I answered the call and fell asleep. I woke up at 6:00pm. I stayed awake until about 9:30pm then felt the sleepmonster calling. I answered. (oh yes, solly got to pee when I was awake) I didn't wake up until 9:00am. Good golly, how can I be this tired. Otherwise I feel fine. I had not drive to even try to go into work today. I must be in the worst work-funk ever. And I love my job. I just don't like being swamped. I loved helping folks with their problems. I just don't like being pressured to help them faster than the speed of light. And with the financial world in an uproar, complainers are complaining faster than ever.

Or, it could also be partly due to my body having some difficulty acclimating to the new insulins I'm on. A nurse friend (not karen) told me that my sugar levels are lower which is a good thing. But my body might be rebelling from not getting that ever present sugar high I have been on. So I'm in Glucose Detoxification! Whodda thunk that?

So I need candy and all will be right in my universe, right? (I know Karen... no candy... there's always a party pooper out there lingering)

Sucking

But my work week apparently had ALL the time in the world to do just that.

I'm drained and tired.

I'm cranky.

And, I had to put on a happy face for 40+++ hours.

Oh yeah, and my week includes Saturday.

Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck Suck

HUG TIME

BreenLantern needs HUGS
^^^^ click here ^^^^

Tell him you care

Share the love

Stunned Silence

Something unusual was in the air at work today... near complete silence. Sure the office was a-buzz with work. But everyone was oddly quiet and more focused on work. (wish I could say the same. but I got to work at 8:10am and I was immediately tagged to speak with one very upset woman) However, the folks I work with tend to be regular news hounds and barkers about events and what-not. I was thinking to myself most of the day... What day is it? What month is it? Did we just have an election of epic proportions? Not ONE person in the office today spoke of the elections. I even tried eavesdropping on some of the folks that were more vocal about being McCain supporters. Not even the lone Obama supporter was heard making a comment, and she's a yakker. It really felt like the twilight zone.

President Obama

Embrace The Change

Really!

My Gay Vote

A few people have asked me how I'm voting, considering the fact that I'm gay. One is fairly disappointed in my selection or preference toward McCain. I will be voting for McCain. While the gay issue is "important" to me; it is not entirely what I am about. I am a sum of all of my parts. Being gay is only one facet. And I live a pretty decent life. Maybe if I had a partner that I wanted to marry, I might feel differently. But just because it's an issue for you, does not make it a must-have concern for me. Take Gun Control. If the right to bear arms were taken away from me - I would not be happy about it, but I could live a decent life without it. Fully aware that just because I can't bear arms, doesn't mean I won't own one. While I can't legally marry in the State of Virginia - I can still carry my gay-ness with me, fully aware of who I am and what I have inside. I know where I stand with McCain/Palin on this issue. I don't trust Obama/Biden on this issue. Obama has said, "I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman." While he supports civil unions and having the decision of such be made by individual states; I'm not satisfied with that stand. Gay Marriage needs to be a Supreme Court decision of equal rights, making it mandatory for all states to follow. On this issue, among others, he is hiding. I don't care for that in my President. No more than I cared for Clinton waving his finger at me saying "I did not have sex with that woman" or "It depends on what your definition of "is", is". No I will not give my vote to a person that talks pretty, says nothing, and will deliver less, and who knows what else. Nope, can't do it. I will proudly walk with my gay-penis in my pants to the voting polls and vote McCain and say "F**k Yeah!" (and whistle a little tune for Bob).

Other Options

MMGL has an inner-Underdog that would not feel complete unless he made mention of the other Presidential candidates that you have an opportunity to vote for. I have no doubt that most of you that are going to vote - will vote for one of the Democrat or Republican tickets. I rather like the idea that there are other options available. Indigo-Orion is pleased that I may vote for one of the Underdogs. That way it gives 'something' to the Obama team. Have no fear I will vote. But she doesn't care for my argument that our popular votes don't matter. That it's only the voting Electorates that actually vote in the President. I don't think the Electorates are truly "Statespersons" and will simply vote their conscience. While they are supposed to vote the will of the people they represent, I don't see that happening. So I got to thinking, what would happen if the entire Electorate decided to truly "Rock the Vote" and give all their votes to, for instance - Chuck Baldwin or Cynthia McKinney. They have it within their power to do just that. But they'd have a lot of 'splainin to do Lucy.
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1. Chuck Baldwin - baldwin2008.com
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2. Bob Barr = bobbarr2008.com
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3. Cynthia McKinney - votetruth08.com
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4. Brian Moore - votesocialist2008.org
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5. Ralph Nader - votenader.org
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6. Gene Amondson - geneamondson.com
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7. Roger Calero - themilitant.com
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8. Dr. Tom Stevens - objectivistparty.us
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9. Charles Jay - CJ08.com
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10. Alan Keyes - alankeyes.com
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11. Gloria La Riva - votepsl.org
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12. Ted Weill - reformpartyusa.org
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Golly, I'm like a kid in a candy store.

Why Vote McCain

http://www.johnmccain.com/
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http://mccain.senate.gov/
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http://www.mccain.navy.mil/
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain
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http://www.ontheissues.org/john_mccain.htm
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http://www.logcabin.org/
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Please excersize restraint from bashing Obama/Biden

Why Vote Obama

http://www.barackobama.com/
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama
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http://obama.senate.gov/
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http://www.myspace.com/barackobama
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http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/o000167/
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Please exercise restraint from bashing McCain/Palin

Pee&Poo

Jadielady sent me an email with some funny pictures. One of the pictures was this image. I thought OMG how funny and "surely not?" Hail Yes! They are actually available for sale for about $35-$45. Google it to price them but Go here for the official website:

Pee&Poo

I can't help but think:

that my Christmas shopping is over.

every parent needs these if just for a giggle

there's a sub-culture that has been waiting for these.

and, I'd settle for a Musinex Germ Plush Guy stuffie.

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Durn... power of suggestion, brb.

Feeling Witchy

I Am 60% Witch

I've got some pretty witchy stuff going on. Even if I'm not a witch, I've got to admit that I'm a little freaky. I have a strong independent streak - social norms be damned. More power to me. Luckily, the time when I would have been burned at the stake has passed!

Are You a Witch?

I got my candy

What Your Love of Snickers Says About You

I am a very popular person. People can always find something about me to like. I am friendly and approachable. It's easy to feel comfortable around me. I am lively, playful, and sweet. But I am also substantial too. No matter what the situation is, I am good company... and the ideal best friend.

What Does Your Favorite Candy Say About You?

Happy Halloween

Oh! Now that's a Plumpkin!

Blackjack II

Think back to August and the Olympics. Samsung had a Medal Mania contest. They hid gold medals around the internet and you had to find them. I was hoping to win the $100,000.00 Grand Prize, but that seems to have eluded me. But I did win this cell phone: The Samsung Blackjack II.
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Now that I have it I don't know what to do with it.
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I'm sure you just raised an eyebrow or something akin to that. Let me help you understand. Before I received this, I did not have a cell-phone. Well that's a 1/2 lie. I do have a pay-as-you-go Virgin "whatever" phone that I keep in my car and hardly ever use. I tend to be a land-line guy that writes letters to family and friends (well mostly family). The car-phone is more there for emergencies and has mega-minutes on it. It's a comfort item for those "I'm in a pickle" moments. Kind of like the time I was shot at on I-64 (window got blown out) and needed the Virginia State Police to come.
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It's not something I really need. A cell phone was not an item I was jones'n to have. I'm not a gadget guru. The novelty of it is nice and fun to think about. I could sell it, but I don't really know what kind of price to put on it. Not having bought a cell phone before, just reading on the internet I see all sorts of combinations of phone and plan. The phone alone seems to be worth about $300.00 and I admit the plans just confuse me. Maybe that's because I just don't have the patience at the moment to want to think about it. Heck it took 10 weeks to get to me, I figure I can take a few more to figure out what I want to do with it.
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Durn, why couldn't I have won Jason Lezak? Now him, I could work.