Note: not necessarily the best Christmas movies, because I suppose that list begins and ends with It's A Wonderful Life and A Miracle on 34th Street, neither of which I've ever seen all the way through.
10. The Santa Clause:
I didn't really want to see this when it came out, and I can't remember why I eventually did, but it has a certain charm to it.
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas:
Does Burton ever do anything wrong...other than Mars Attacks and Planet of the Apes?
8. A Christmas Carol
7. A Charlie Brown Christmas:
I think I've seen this every year for 25 years
6. Bad Santa:
Some variation of the word 'fuck' was uttered 147 times in this movie. What's not to like?
5. Home Alone:
This is *Christmas*. The season of perpetual hope. And I don't care if I have to get out on your runway and hitchhike. If it costs me everything I own, if I have to sell my soul to the devil himself, I am going to get home to my son.
4. Gremlins:
"The worst thing that ever happened to me was on Christmas. Oh, God. It was so horrible. It was Christmas Eve. I was 9 years old. Me and Mom were decorating the tree, waiting for Dad to come home from work. A couple hours went by. Dad wasn't home. So Mom called the office. No answer. Christmas Day came and went, and still nothing. So the police began a search. Four or five days went by. Neither one of us could eat or sleep. Everything was falling apart. It was snowing outside. The house was freezing, so I went to try to light up the fire. That's when I noticed the smell. The firemen came and broke through the chimney top. And me and Mom were expecting them to pull out a dead cat or a bird. And instead they pulled out my father. He was dressed in a Santa Claus suit. He'd been climbing down the chimney... his arms loaded with presents. He was gonna surprise us. He slipped and broke his neck. He died instantly. And that's how I found out there was no Santa Claus."
3. Die Hard:
Yes, it counts; "Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker".
2. Scrooged:
"The Jews taught me this great word. "Schmuck". I was a schmuck, and now I'm not a schmuck"
1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation:
The best of the National Lampoon's movies, and one of the funniest movies ever.
"Hey. If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people and I want him brought right here, with a big ribbon on his head, and I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey shit he is. Hallelujah. Holy shit. Where's the Tylenol?"
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The grades are in......
Two A's, a B and a W. GPA is 3.818
I'll take it. Not a bad start. Good job me.
I'll take it. Not a bad start. Good job me.
I'll never get enough of this
I'm in the middle of posting some of my personal favorite sports moments on my ESPN profile (there's a link to the right!) and I was reminded of these:
It's still awe-inspiring to watch. That's still the most amazing individual athletic achievement I have ever seen, and I can't think of another instance where anyone has exerted such dominance over a group of athletes who are among the best in the world at what they do. 19.32! Get outta here. That's not even possible.
It's still awe-inspiring to watch. That's still the most amazing individual athletic achievement I have ever seen, and I can't think of another instance where anyone has exerted such dominance over a group of athletes who are among the best in the world at what they do. 19.32! Get outta here. That's not even possible.
Monday, December 17, 2007
This could become a problem.
I finally decided to make a playlist for my MySpace page instead of having to browse through the MySpace music pages (that take forever to load) every time I want a new song. Now, I've decided that I just make many, many playlists! and they can all have themes! So I got the idea for the first one from an e-mail concerning my high school reunion. This reunion should have actually happened last year. The company that the reunion committee booked the party with went out of business and disappeared about 3 weeks or so before the reunion. I wasn't going to go anyway, but this is just how it goes with the GRHS Class of '96. Anyway, the e-mail was about a do-over. A cruise is being planned to the Bahamas next year. I think I might want to go this time. I've never been on a cruise, and it could be fun. Who knows. Anyway..........my first playlist contains songs from the illustrious year of my high school graduation, 1996:
First, I'm aware "You Oughta Know" actually debuted in 1995, but by the time '96 rolled around, my friends and I had already bought the album, and we listened to Jagged Little Pill (along with The Fugees' The Score) virtually everday throughout the last half of our senior year.
There were some other notable musical happenings in 1996. It was the Year of The Spice Girls and the Macarena. Tupac died September 13, 1996 after being shot in Las Vegas. Brad Nowell of Sublime died from a heroin overdose. The Ramones and Crowded House played their last shows. Slash quit G&R, Phil Collins left Genesis, and the Sex Pistols began a reunion tour. MTV2 was launched on August 1, and Linkin Park, Disturbed, Godsmack, Mudvayne, Good Charlotte, Matchbox 20 all came onto the scene in 1996. David Bowie's "Telling Lies" became the first song offered as a free digital download by a major record label.
If 1996 brings back any musical memories for you, please share. If you having any theme ideas, share those too.
P.S. Hit play. I set it so it wouldn't start automatically, because I'll be doing this again.
First, I'm aware "You Oughta Know" actually debuted in 1995, but by the time '96 rolled around, my friends and I had already bought the album, and we listened to Jagged Little Pill (along with The Fugees' The Score) virtually everday throughout the last half of our senior year.
There were some other notable musical happenings in 1996. It was the Year of The Spice Girls and the Macarena. Tupac died September 13, 1996 after being shot in Las Vegas. Brad Nowell of Sublime died from a heroin overdose. The Ramones and Crowded House played their last shows. Slash quit G&R, Phil Collins left Genesis, and the Sex Pistols began a reunion tour. MTV2 was launched on August 1, and Linkin Park, Disturbed, Godsmack, Mudvayne, Good Charlotte, Matchbox 20 all came onto the scene in 1996. David Bowie's "Telling Lies" became the first song offered as a free digital download by a major record label.
If 1996 brings back any musical memories for you, please share. If you having any theme ideas, share those too.
P.S. Hit play. I set it so it wouldn't start automatically, because I'll be doing this again.
Andy Pettitte and the Mitchell Report
This is an article from ESPN's Jayson Stark. I probably could have said it better, but that would have required some work from me, so here you go:
Andy Pettitte screwed up.
Let's get that out of the way fast.
Every player who (pick your favorite action verb) used, or tried, or obtained, or experimented with HGH over the last decade knew it was wrong.
Knew it.
Knew it was a decision that was as shaky ethically as it was medically.
Knew it.
Knew it just from what he had to do to get ahold of that HGH in the first place.
Whether he had to head on down to the anti-aging clinic, or go see a doctor (or dentist) he'd never seen before, or click on some link he found for buycheapHGHrighthere.com, or call up his favorite strength coach, he had to know that didn't feel right.
Because it wasn't.
Wasn't legal. Wasn't honorable. Wasn't cool medically.
And every player knew that. Every one of them.
But …
We want you to consider the tale of two players. We won't name them. See if you can tell the difference.
Player A is a long-time star for a team that has won multiple titles. Great guy. Beloved by fans and teammates alike. Then finds himself connected with an HGH story he can't escape.
So he admits it. Admits he bought it. Admits he took it. Admits he did that over a long period of time, during which his team won championships and he was an All-Star. Admits he "sent the wrong message" to kids and to the public. Admits he's "very, very embarrassed."
But Player A also says he wants to make it clear he never used steroids. And the only reason he used HGH was because he was hurt and wanted to get back on the field to help his team.
OK, now let's move on to Player B -- another terrific player for teams that did nothing but win. Another likeable guy. Fan favorite. Clubhouse favorite. Then looks up one day and hears his name all over TV and radio, linked to HGH use.
So Player B takes some time to think about how he should react, then confesses. Confesses by saying he was injured at the time. Confesses by saying he felt an obligation to get back and help his team. Confesses by saying he'd heard a lot of talk about the healing properties of HGH, so he tried it briefly, then stopped.
It didn't feel right. It wasn't the kind of player or person he was, or is. So he stopped. And ohbytheway, he never used steroids, either, despite what people have been saying about him.
Two stories that couldn't be more identical, right?
But Player B wakes up the next morning to find a headline that says: "PLEASE SPARE US."
Player A, on the other hand, is greeted by headlines like this one: "DON'T SINGLE OUT (PLAYER A)."
Hmmmm. What's up with that?
Two indistinguishable stories. Two very different reactions. Why is that, anyway?
Well, you probably figured out that Player B is Pettitte, a fellow who plays baseball for a living.
Player A, on the other hand, is New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, a guy who plays in that Teflon National Football League, in which all those chiseled bodies are clearly on the up and up.
Where's the outrage over Rodney Harrison, huh? We've been waiting for it to show up in some form, any form, for weeks now. We're still waiting. We'll probably wait a lifetime.
Maybe somebody will write an indignant column about this topic to fill space before the Super Bowl or something. But it'll come. Then it'll go. And then Rodney Harrison will go ride off on his parade float and soak in the cheers.
Meanwhile, there are baseball fans who will never forgive Andy Pettitte. Never. Even though there's no indication, in the Mitchell report or anywhere else, that he was a habitual HGH user.
But that doesn't mean we don't understand that reaction. We get exactly why people feel that. Pettitte deserves to pay a price -- some kind of price -- for what he admits he did.
But as you're inflicting that price on Pettitte, think of Rodney Harrison. And if your only reaction to his crime was, "How does this affect my fantasy team?" you have some confessing to do yourself -- about the never-ending double standard applied to baseball and football on this issue.
We don't want to belabor that one, though, because it leads us to a bigger issue:
Is what either of the two athletes did "cheating"?
This is a question that deserves a thorough nationwide debate one of these days. Doesn't it?
If an already-great player decides his goal in life is to break the biggest record in sports, and to do that he's willing to inject or ingest just about any substance on the market, that feels like cheating.
But what about all those players -- in all sports -- who used HGH for other reasons? What do we do about them?
It's getting more and more obvious to those who pay attention that HGH developed a reputation among athletes as some kind of miracle quick-healing potion. Do a little research. That theme comes up over and over.
We hear medical authorities tell us, just about daily, that that's a myth. But it's a myth that became part of the sporting culture. So clearly, it was that panicky desire to heal faster, to "get back on the field," that fueled the HGH use of hundreds of athletes.
"I'm willing to say that in the case of just about every guy who used HGH," one longtime baseball man told us recently, "it can almost always be traced to some kind of injury."
So let's ask you again: Is that "cheating"? Discuss.
Maybe yes. Maybe no. We all have some thinking to do to answer that question.
But whether it was or it wasn't -- in Andy Pettitte's case, in Rodney Harrison's case, in the case of anyone who looked up the phone number of the nearest anti-aging clinic -- it was still wrong.
Morally wrong. Legally wrong. Dead wrong.
And Andy Pettitte knew it. Knew it when he did it. Knew it when he stopped doing it. Knew it when he owned up this weekend.
So he'll deserve his inevitable trip to principal Selig's office. He'll deserve whatever boos he hears on Opening Day, and on every road trip for the rest of his life. He'll deserve whatever price he has to pay for this.
But that doesn't mean we can't put his offense in perspective, judged against the more heinous and selfish offenses of others, judged against the context of his career.
Sorry, we're just tired of the ridiculous oversimplification of a complicated issue. It never stops. People just can't wait to pin easy talk-show labels on every one of these stories. But look a little closer the next time you come up for air. They don't all fit.
So yeah, Andy Pettitte screwed up. That's where we started. That's where we'll finish.
But does he deserve more wrath than Rodney Harrison? Why?
Does he deserve to have his photo plastered all over the back page of a tabloid, with the photos of a bunch of other members of the All-Mitchell Report Team, under the giant headline: "CHEATERS?" We're still sorting that one out.
But we've already sorted this out:
All crimes in the courthouse are not created equal. And neither are all crimes in the Mitchell report.
Andy Pettitte screwed up.
Let's get that out of the way fast.
Every player who (pick your favorite action verb) used, or tried, or obtained, or experimented with HGH over the last decade knew it was wrong.
Knew it.
Knew it was a decision that was as shaky ethically as it was medically.
Knew it.
Knew it just from what he had to do to get ahold of that HGH in the first place.
Whether he had to head on down to the anti-aging clinic, or go see a doctor (or dentist) he'd never seen before, or click on some link he found for buycheapHGHrighthere.com, or call up his favorite strength coach, he had to know that didn't feel right.
Because it wasn't.
Wasn't legal. Wasn't honorable. Wasn't cool medically.
And every player knew that. Every one of them.
But …
We want you to consider the tale of two players. We won't name them. See if you can tell the difference.
Player A is a long-time star for a team that has won multiple titles. Great guy. Beloved by fans and teammates alike. Then finds himself connected with an HGH story he can't escape.
So he admits it. Admits he bought it. Admits he took it. Admits he did that over a long period of time, during which his team won championships and he was an All-Star. Admits he "sent the wrong message" to kids and to the public. Admits he's "very, very embarrassed."
But Player A also says he wants to make it clear he never used steroids. And the only reason he used HGH was because he was hurt and wanted to get back on the field to help his team.
OK, now let's move on to Player B -- another terrific player for teams that did nothing but win. Another likeable guy. Fan favorite. Clubhouse favorite. Then looks up one day and hears his name all over TV and radio, linked to HGH use.
So Player B takes some time to think about how he should react, then confesses. Confesses by saying he was injured at the time. Confesses by saying he felt an obligation to get back and help his team. Confesses by saying he'd heard a lot of talk about the healing properties of HGH, so he tried it briefly, then stopped.
It didn't feel right. It wasn't the kind of player or person he was, or is. So he stopped. And ohbytheway, he never used steroids, either, despite what people have been saying about him.
Two stories that couldn't be more identical, right?
But Player B wakes up the next morning to find a headline that says: "PLEASE SPARE US."
Player A, on the other hand, is greeted by headlines like this one: "DON'T SINGLE OUT (PLAYER A)."
Hmmmm. What's up with that?
Two indistinguishable stories. Two very different reactions. Why is that, anyway?
Well, you probably figured out that Player B is Pettitte, a fellow who plays baseball for a living.
Player A, on the other hand, is New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, a guy who plays in that Teflon National Football League, in which all those chiseled bodies are clearly on the up and up.
Where's the outrage over Rodney Harrison, huh? We've been waiting for it to show up in some form, any form, for weeks now. We're still waiting. We'll probably wait a lifetime.
Maybe somebody will write an indignant column about this topic to fill space before the Super Bowl or something. But it'll come. Then it'll go. And then Rodney Harrison will go ride off on his parade float and soak in the cheers.
Meanwhile, there are baseball fans who will never forgive Andy Pettitte. Never. Even though there's no indication, in the Mitchell report or anywhere else, that he was a habitual HGH user.
But that doesn't mean we don't understand that reaction. We get exactly why people feel that. Pettitte deserves to pay a price -- some kind of price -- for what he admits he did.
But as you're inflicting that price on Pettitte, think of Rodney Harrison. And if your only reaction to his crime was, "How does this affect my fantasy team?" you have some confessing to do yourself -- about the never-ending double standard applied to baseball and football on this issue.
We don't want to belabor that one, though, because it leads us to a bigger issue:
Is what either of the two athletes did "cheating"?
This is a question that deserves a thorough nationwide debate one of these days. Doesn't it?
If an already-great player decides his goal in life is to break the biggest record in sports, and to do that he's willing to inject or ingest just about any substance on the market, that feels like cheating.
But what about all those players -- in all sports -- who used HGH for other reasons? What do we do about them?
It's getting more and more obvious to those who pay attention that HGH developed a reputation among athletes as some kind of miracle quick-healing potion. Do a little research. That theme comes up over and over.
We hear medical authorities tell us, just about daily, that that's a myth. But it's a myth that became part of the sporting culture. So clearly, it was that panicky desire to heal faster, to "get back on the field," that fueled the HGH use of hundreds of athletes.
"I'm willing to say that in the case of just about every guy who used HGH," one longtime baseball man told us recently, "it can almost always be traced to some kind of injury."
So let's ask you again: Is that "cheating"? Discuss.
Maybe yes. Maybe no. We all have some thinking to do to answer that question.
But whether it was or it wasn't -- in Andy Pettitte's case, in Rodney Harrison's case, in the case of anyone who looked up the phone number of the nearest anti-aging clinic -- it was still wrong.
Morally wrong. Legally wrong. Dead wrong.
And Andy Pettitte knew it. Knew it when he did it. Knew it when he stopped doing it. Knew it when he owned up this weekend.
So he'll deserve his inevitable trip to principal Selig's office. He'll deserve whatever boos he hears on Opening Day, and on every road trip for the rest of his life. He'll deserve whatever price he has to pay for this.
But that doesn't mean we can't put his offense in perspective, judged against the more heinous and selfish offenses of others, judged against the context of his career.
Sorry, we're just tired of the ridiculous oversimplification of a complicated issue. It never stops. People just can't wait to pin easy talk-show labels on every one of these stories. But look a little closer the next time you come up for air. They don't all fit.
So yeah, Andy Pettitte screwed up. That's where we started. That's where we'll finish.
But does he deserve more wrath than Rodney Harrison? Why?
Does he deserve to have his photo plastered all over the back page of a tabloid, with the photos of a bunch of other members of the All-Mitchell Report Team, under the giant headline: "CHEATERS?" We're still sorting that one out.
But we've already sorted this out:
All crimes in the courthouse are not created equal. And neither are all crimes in the Mitchell report.
Nerd Alert! Nerd Alert!
I feel it's time for a fantasy update, as though I've ever given one. I have four fantasy football leagues:
League #1: This is a league with some guys I play Fantasy Baseball with (I demolished them all in a 20-team baseball league. It wasn't pretty). I won my division at 7-4-2, and cruised in my first round match-up thanks to the usual stellar performance by Brian Westbrook, Kurt Warner carving up the Seahwaks secondary, dominance by the Packers defense, and two other really great performances from Jamal Lewis and Brandon Marshall. My semifinal matchup was against the #1 seed, and I eeked out a win with the usual suspects; Kurt Warner leading the way. I'm actually up by 5 with Sidney Rice going tonight, and my opponent is done. Super Bowl bound! It's going to be really sweet beating these guys in both baseball and football.
League #2: A public league with a bunch of strangers. I didn't make the playoffs in this one. Injuries (Rudi Johnson, Travis Henry, Andre Johnson), ineffectiveness (Lee Evans, who I'll never draft again), and questionable draft choices (Why did I take a chance on Rivers?) left me on the outside looking in at 4-8-1. Of course now that I've been eliminated, I've put up 221 puts over the last two weeks, tops in the league.
League #3: This is another league with guys who are aquaintances, at least over the World Wide Web. I clinched a playoff berth on the last Monday night of the regular season (I finished 7-6) with Kyle Boller as my quarterback and Shaun Alexander and Eli Manning relegated to my bench. I've been carried in this one by Braylon Edwards, Clinton Portis, Chester Taylor and savvy defensive choices (I had the Bucs this week). My first-round match-up against the #1 seed has yet to be decided. He was leading me by 6 after the first week, but going into play tonight I have a 21 point lead. I'm running Chester Taylor and Bernard Berrian against Adrian Peterson (Yes, that AP) and the Vikings D, so it is by no means over. Should I advance, Eli Manning is going to have to play quarterback for me in the championship match-up....
League #4: Easily my best draft and my best performance this year. I finished the regular season 13-0, beating a 12-0 team the last week of the year. I decide to draft a QB a round or two earlier than I normally would, and it paid off, as I have Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Matt Hasselbeck. At WR I have Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe (who was great early), Bobby Engram (who's been solid of late) and Anquan Boldin. My RB corps consists of Brian Westbrook, Fast Willie Parker, and Edgerrin James. And, just to add to my embarassment of riches, I was ably to move up to the #1 waiver position just in time for a frustrated owner to dump BOTH Jacksonville Jaguar running backs. yes, you read that right, I have the top two quarterbacks, 5 top 12 running backs, and Fred Taylor. Needless to say, I'm steamrolling this league.
Looking ahead, I joined a 16-team fantasy baseball league with some really interesting settings that's doing a bit of an old-school pen & paper draft (albeit on a message board). We're still drafting, as it will probably take 6-8 weeks to complete the draft, but I've assembled quite a roster thus far:
C:
1B: Justin Morneau
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Jimmy Rollins
3B: Garrett Atkins
OF: Nick Markakis, Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez
SP: Matt Cain, Rich Hill, Brett Myers
RP: Brad Lidge, Rafael Soriano
It's a dynasty league with a salary cap and full minor league rosters, so while I'm putting a pretty good team together for this year, the minor league draft is where I'll do my real damage.
League #1: This is a league with some guys I play Fantasy Baseball with (I demolished them all in a 20-team baseball league. It wasn't pretty). I won my division at 7-4-2, and cruised in my first round match-up thanks to the usual stellar performance by Brian Westbrook, Kurt Warner carving up the Seahwaks secondary, dominance by the Packers defense, and two other really great performances from Jamal Lewis and Brandon Marshall. My semifinal matchup was against the #1 seed, and I eeked out a win with the usual suspects; Kurt Warner leading the way. I'm actually up by 5 with Sidney Rice going tonight, and my opponent is done. Super Bowl bound! It's going to be really sweet beating these guys in both baseball and football.
League #2: A public league with a bunch of strangers. I didn't make the playoffs in this one. Injuries (Rudi Johnson, Travis Henry, Andre Johnson), ineffectiveness (Lee Evans, who I'll never draft again), and questionable draft choices (Why did I take a chance on Rivers?) left me on the outside looking in at 4-8-1. Of course now that I've been eliminated, I've put up 221 puts over the last two weeks, tops in the league.
League #3: This is another league with guys who are aquaintances, at least over the World Wide Web. I clinched a playoff berth on the last Monday night of the regular season (I finished 7-6) with Kyle Boller as my quarterback and Shaun Alexander and Eli Manning relegated to my bench. I've been carried in this one by Braylon Edwards, Clinton Portis, Chester Taylor and savvy defensive choices (I had the Bucs this week). My first-round match-up against the #1 seed has yet to be decided. He was leading me by 6 after the first week, but going into play tonight I have a 21 point lead. I'm running Chester Taylor and Bernard Berrian against Adrian Peterson (Yes, that AP) and the Vikings D, so it is by no means over. Should I advance, Eli Manning is going to have to play quarterback for me in the championship match-up....
League #4: Easily my best draft and my best performance this year. I finished the regular season 13-0, beating a 12-0 team the last week of the year. I decide to draft a QB a round or two earlier than I normally would, and it paid off, as I have Tom Brady, Tony Romo, and Matt Hasselbeck. At WR I have Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe (who was great early), Bobby Engram (who's been solid of late) and Anquan Boldin. My RB corps consists of Brian Westbrook, Fast Willie Parker, and Edgerrin James. And, just to add to my embarassment of riches, I was ably to move up to the #1 waiver position just in time for a frustrated owner to dump BOTH Jacksonville Jaguar running backs. yes, you read that right, I have the top two quarterbacks, 5 top 12 running backs, and Fred Taylor. Needless to say, I'm steamrolling this league.
Looking ahead, I joined a 16-team fantasy baseball league with some really interesting settings that's doing a bit of an old-school pen & paper draft (albeit on a message board). We're still drafting, as it will probably take 6-8 weeks to complete the draft, but I've assembled quite a roster thus far:
C:
1B: Justin Morneau
2B: Chase Utley
SS: Jimmy Rollins
3B: Garrett Atkins
OF: Nick Markakis, Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez
SP: Matt Cain, Rich Hill, Brett Myers
RP: Brad Lidge, Rafael Soriano
It's a dynasty league with a salary cap and full minor league rosters, so while I'm putting a pretty good team together for this year, the minor league draft is where I'll do my real damage.
I'm glad it's done, because I'm done.
The semester is over, and while I could have done better, I'm pretty pleased with the way it went. It was a pretty tough semester, because it's been awhile since I took a full load of real classes. My brain was fried by the end. I definitely coasted home on fumes, but I felt an overwhelming sense of relief when I finished up my chemistry exam this morning. We'll see in a few days if my feelings are validated by my actual grades. I'm looking forward to next semester.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Bah-humbug
I don't know about anyone else, but I'm just not into Christmas this year. The fact that it was 80 degrees outside earlier this week doesn't help. Being broke doesn't help either, but I don't think that's really it. Some things seem to be going in the right direction, while others seem to be spiraling out of control. Christmas has become a time of year when all of the bad things really come into focus, as opposed to a chance to celebrate the good things. I guess that's my own fault....it's just becoming more and more difficult to find reasons to be happy.....
Thursday, December 13, 2007
w00t There it is...
Merriam-Webster has selected it's Word of the Year for 2007. First of all, I didn't know such a thing went on. The word that was chosen for this honor is w00t. w00t. Yes, those are zeroes. The word first became popular in competitive online gaming forums as part of what is known as l33t ("leet," or "elite") speak—an esoteric computer hacker language in which numbers and symbols are put together to look like letters. Although the double "o" in the word is usually represented by double zeroes, the exclamation is also known to be an acronym for "we owned the other team"—again stemming from the gaming community.
So, umm, when did words begin having numbers in them? Online gamers have their own language? People, you really need to get your kids outside.
Two of the other finalists for the award that I really liked were blamestorm and quixotic.
Blamestorm is officially defined as sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible. Im sorry, that's just damn funny. I've seen this, and it's hilarious (unless it's affecting my ability to work; then it just pisses me off).
Quixotic is a great word that most people first run across when they're trying to pick a mood on MySpace. Quixotic means foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially : marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action. I get this way at times. Sometimes we forget about goals and get lost in unrealistic fantasy. Sometimes we forget that our head and heart have to work together. We're often caught following our heart while abandoning all sense of logic. We get so caught up in an idea that we often fail to see that the idea is all that's really there. I think romanticism is good quality as long as a certain amount of pragmatism accompanies it. It's okay to chase windmills sometimes, but don't ignore your head it drags you back to reality.
So, umm, when did words begin having numbers in them? Online gamers have their own language? People, you really need to get your kids outside.
Two of the other finalists for the award that I really liked were blamestorm and quixotic.
Blamestorm is officially defined as sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible. Im sorry, that's just damn funny. I've seen this, and it's hilarious (unless it's affecting my ability to work; then it just pisses me off).
Quixotic is a great word that most people first run across when they're trying to pick a mood on MySpace. Quixotic means foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially : marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action. I get this way at times. Sometimes we forget about goals and get lost in unrealistic fantasy. Sometimes we forget that our head and heart have to work together. We're often caught following our heart while abandoning all sense of logic. We get so caught up in an idea that we often fail to see that the idea is all that's really there. I think romanticism is good quality as long as a certain amount of pragmatism accompanies it. It's okay to chase windmills sometimes, but don't ignore your head it drags you back to reality.
Do You Think Roger Clemens WIll Sign My Copy of the Mitchell Report?
The Mitchell Report was released today. For those of you who live in a vaccuum, an investigation has been ongoing for the last 20 months regarding the use of performance enhancing drugs by Major League Baseball players. The investigation was led by former U.S. Senator (Dem. Maine) George Mitchell.
The first thing that needs to be understood about the report, that some people are already missing, is that exclusion from Mitchell's report does not mean a player is clean. Period. That being said:
This report is an absolute travesty. I can't believe that any good can possibly come from Mitchell's report. Performance-enhancing drugs have been a major problem in Major League Baseball for years, and a problem that owners, GMs, managers and the commissioner have collectively turned a blind eye to until now. Great, we already knew that, but this witch hunt was the wrong approach for solving the problem. The real solution is working harder to eliminate performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. This is something the Commissioner's Office has failed miserably to do, and Mitchell's investigation was a way for Bud Selig to spread the blame. Most of the "facts" included in the report are mere hearsay. This was an investigation into a culture of cheating and lying in baseball, and now we're to believe everyone involved is suddenly telling the truth? Why, because they were "advised" that lying could constitute a criminal offense? Horseshit.
Then we have the issue of potential punishment of the players named. This, too, is ridiculous. In the absence of a positive test, leave them alone. It doesn't make any sense to punish them now. Baseball knew it was going on and looked the other way. We, as fans, suspected is was going on, but did anyone say anything when Sosa, McGwire, and Bonds were hitting 60 and 70 homeruns? No, because it was fun. We loved the way balls were flying out of the stadium. We loved the chase on Maris' record. Then we decided we didn't like Barry Bonds chasing the all-time homerun record because he isn't a likeable person, so we vilified him, and this is what we got for it. Punish them? I think we've all been punished enough. Drop it. Let it go. Let the past be the past, chalk it up to the way the times were, and just get it cleaned up.
The recommendations Mitchell makes at the end of the report are solid strategies that should have been implemented 15 years ago in an effort to control the use of illegal performance-enhancers in baseball. Instead, we've had this fiasco where we're digging up the past, and for no particularly helpful reason. Have anyone's questions been answered? Do we know who to believe anymore now than we did before the report? All this is going to lead to is a rift between the Players Association and ownership, and further lead to all players being guilty until proven innocent in regard to performance-enhancing drugs. This whole episode has been disgraceful and a huge black eye on a sport I've loved as a player, a coach, a student, a historian, and a fan almost my entire life.
The first thing that needs to be understood about the report, that some people are already missing, is that exclusion from Mitchell's report does not mean a player is clean. Period. That being said:
This report is an absolute travesty. I can't believe that any good can possibly come from Mitchell's report. Performance-enhancing drugs have been a major problem in Major League Baseball for years, and a problem that owners, GMs, managers and the commissioner have collectively turned a blind eye to until now. Great, we already knew that, but this witch hunt was the wrong approach for solving the problem. The real solution is working harder to eliminate performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. This is something the Commissioner's Office has failed miserably to do, and Mitchell's investigation was a way for Bud Selig to spread the blame. Most of the "facts" included in the report are mere hearsay. This was an investigation into a culture of cheating and lying in baseball, and now we're to believe everyone involved is suddenly telling the truth? Why, because they were "advised" that lying could constitute a criminal offense? Horseshit.
Then we have the issue of potential punishment of the players named. This, too, is ridiculous. In the absence of a positive test, leave them alone. It doesn't make any sense to punish them now. Baseball knew it was going on and looked the other way. We, as fans, suspected is was going on, but did anyone say anything when Sosa, McGwire, and Bonds were hitting 60 and 70 homeruns? No, because it was fun. We loved the way balls were flying out of the stadium. We loved the chase on Maris' record. Then we decided we didn't like Barry Bonds chasing the all-time homerun record because he isn't a likeable person, so we vilified him, and this is what we got for it. Punish them? I think we've all been punished enough. Drop it. Let it go. Let the past be the past, chalk it up to the way the times were, and just get it cleaned up.
The recommendations Mitchell makes at the end of the report are solid strategies that should have been implemented 15 years ago in an effort to control the use of illegal performance-enhancers in baseball. Instead, we've had this fiasco where we're digging up the past, and for no particularly helpful reason. Have anyone's questions been answered? Do we know who to believe anymore now than we did before the report? All this is going to lead to is a rift between the Players Association and ownership, and further lead to all players being guilty until proven innocent in regard to performance-enhancing drugs. This whole episode has been disgraceful and a huge black eye on a sport I've loved as a player, a coach, a student, a historian, and a fan almost my entire life.
Monday, December 3, 2007
The last three days the rain was unstoppable
Sometimes, like when I wonder where I'm going to get the money to pay for this house I live in, I wonder why I'm still kidding myself. It's clearly not meant to be, right? Every time I see my schedule and I'm working 2 days, I decide it's time to give up; to take the safe route.
I look at myself sometimes and wonder, at 29, what have I really done? Am I ever going to do anything? Then there are times I feel that I'm still young; I have plenty of time to do this and then organize the chaos that is my life.
Everytime I make school a priority, everything else falls apart, and I go right back to the job I hate the most. I should just do it again and be happy.
Not this time. I'm not backing down. I'm not quitting. I've sacrificed too much: time, money, relationships. It's not just about me, either. Others have sacrificed just as much, and it's not going to end like this. I'm not who I can be yet. I'm not where I want to be yet. I'm not going back.
Fuck you. I can do it.
I look at myself sometimes and wonder, at 29, what have I really done? Am I ever going to do anything? Then there are times I feel that I'm still young; I have plenty of time to do this and then organize the chaos that is my life.
Everytime I make school a priority, everything else falls apart, and I go right back to the job I hate the most. I should just do it again and be happy.
Not this time. I'm not backing down. I'm not quitting. I've sacrificed too much: time, money, relationships. It's not just about me, either. Others have sacrificed just as much, and it's not going to end like this. I'm not who I can be yet. I'm not where I want to be yet. I'm not going back.
Fuck you. I can do it.
Jack Handey
Why don't we ever act on our impulses? Are our instincts so bad that we just don't trust them, or do we not trust them because we just won't listen?
Is it wrong to act on a hunch or even the slightest feeling? Isn't it better to know you were wrong this time then to never know anything? What if you have something in front of you that's never been there before, and you don't know it because you didn't find out?
Why do we do what others think we should do instead of what we feel is right?
It's still okay to make mistakes, right?
What if one of you realized you were mistaken, but the other was right all along? Who ends up suffering?
Is a solution always the answer?
What's wrong with taking a chance once in awhile?
Don't you sometimes just want to go for it, or sometimes wish you had?
Randoooooom! I was in the car just now, on my home from the bank, thinking about nothing in particular, when "Babylon" by David Gray came on the radio. I like the song, so I began singing it. When I got to the chorus, a bunch of really random (or are they?) thoughts just ran into my head, so I came home and wrote them all down exactly the way I thought them. I never do that. I usually ignore these random thoughts and feelings. Maybe that's what's wrong with me. This was fun. Everyone one of those has a specific meaning to me, but I'll leave you all to speculate....
Friday night I'm going nowhere
All the lights are changing green to red
Turning over TV stations
Situations running through my head
Well looking back through time
You know it's clear that I've been blind
I've been a fool
To ever open up my heart
To all that jealousy, that bitterness, that ridicule
Saturday I'm running wild
And all the lights are changing red to green
Moving through the crowd I'm pushing
Chemicals all rushing through my bloodstream
Only wish that you were here
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I've been afraid
To tell you how I really feel
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made
If you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Babylon, Babylon
Sunday all the lights of London
Shining , Sky is fading red to blue
I'm kicking through the Autumn leaves
And wondering where it is you might be going to
Turning back for home
You know I'm feeling so alone
I can't believe
Climbing on the stair
I turn around to see you smiling there
In front of me
If you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
And feel it now
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Is it wrong to act on a hunch or even the slightest feeling? Isn't it better to know you were wrong this time then to never know anything? What if you have something in front of you that's never been there before, and you don't know it because you didn't find out?
Why do we do what others think we should do instead of what we feel is right?
It's still okay to make mistakes, right?
What if one of you realized you were mistaken, but the other was right all along? Who ends up suffering?
Is a solution always the answer?
What's wrong with taking a chance once in awhile?
Don't you sometimes just want to go for it, or sometimes wish you had?
Randoooooom! I was in the car just now, on my home from the bank, thinking about nothing in particular, when "Babylon" by David Gray came on the radio. I like the song, so I began singing it. When I got to the chorus, a bunch of really random (or are they?) thoughts just ran into my head, so I came home and wrote them all down exactly the way I thought them. I never do that. I usually ignore these random thoughts and feelings. Maybe that's what's wrong with me. This was fun. Everyone one of those has a specific meaning to me, but I'll leave you all to speculate....
Friday night I'm going nowhere
All the lights are changing green to red
Turning over TV stations
Situations running through my head
Well looking back through time
You know it's clear that I've been blind
I've been a fool
To ever open up my heart
To all that jealousy, that bitterness, that ridicule
Saturday I'm running wild
And all the lights are changing red to green
Moving through the crowd I'm pushing
Chemicals all rushing through my bloodstream
Only wish that you were here
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I've been afraid
To tell you how I really feel
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made
If you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Babylon, Babylon
Sunday all the lights of London
Shining , Sky is fading red to blue
I'm kicking through the Autumn leaves
And wondering where it is you might be going to
Turning back for home
You know I'm feeling so alone
I can't believe
Climbing on the stair
I turn around to see you smiling there
In front of me
If you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
And feel it now
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Friday, November 30, 2007
When You Look In the Mirror, It Says A-M-B-U-L-A-N-C-E
Holy shit people, are you all fucking stupid?!? What do you think the flashing lights and loud sirens mean? Get the fuck out of the way! Someone might be dying, and your ass is sitting there, staring at the red light, listening to the driver blare his horn, which is at least 5x louder than the sirens, for you to move out the fucking way! "But the light's red! What do I do?" Move your ass lady! I hope you're waiting for an ambulance one day when some ass is sitting at a red light and won't move. Most people at least make a half-hearted effort to slide over so the ambulance has to weave through traffic, but not you. You stick to your guns, because running a red light is illegal. You didn't notice that everyone else did what they were supposed to do when they heard the siren: they stopped and/or moved. Clear intersection. Then, when you finally get it through your head that he's honking at YOU, you ease out into the intersection. Once there however, you have no clue what to do once the ambulance has passed. Now, everyone who stopped for the ambulance has to remain stopped while you figure out that your dumbass should have just gone through the intersection once the ambulance went by. Super. I hope I don't see anyone I know in the obits tomorrow, because I memorized your license plate number.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
R.I.P 21
Sean Taylor, free safety for the Washington Redskins, passed away early this morning from a gunshot wound at the age of 24.
There are plenty of people who are pointing at his past indescretions and saying he brought this on himself. Some have even said he got what he deserved. My gut reaction following word of the shooting says something different.
Sure, Sean Taylor wasn't the epitome of a role model when he entered the league. He was young, immture, and suddenly rich & famous. Taylor had a troublesome first two years in the NFL after he was drafted No. 5 overall by the Redskins in 2004. Taylor has been fined at least seven times during his professional career for late hits and other infractions. He was also fined $25,000 for skipping a mandatory rookie symposium shortly after he was drafted. In 2005, Taylor was accused of brandishing a gun at a man during a fight over some all-terrain vehicles that had allegedly been stolen. Last year, he reached a deal in which he pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors and was sentenced to 18 months' probation.
Is it that inconceivable to believe, though, that a young black man, who made some questionable decisions as the trappings of fame and money took hold, also made some positive changes in his life? I don't believe Sean Taylor was into anything shady here. I believe this shooting was a result of Sean Taylor trying to rid himself of all of the people of questionable moral character that he'd surrounded himself with in the past. Sean Taylor was trying to be a responsible father; he was trying to do right by his family, his team, and himself. Sean Taylor was becoming a man, and this is what he gets for it. It's just a shame how doing what is right can turn so horribly wrong.
Clinton Portis actually said it best (which odd, because Portis doesn't say anything best): "It's hard to expect a man to grow up overnight, but ever since he had his child, it was like a new Sean, and everybody around here knew it. He was always smiling, always happy, always talking about his child."
Sean Taylor, in a rare interview during training camp: "I just take this job very seriously," Taylor said in a rare group interview during training camp. "It's almost like, you play a kid's game for a king's ransom. And if you don't take it serious enough, eventually one day you're going to say, 'Oh, I could have done this, I could have done that. So I just say, 'I'm healthy right now, I'm going into my fourth year, and why not do the best that I can?' And that's whatever it is, whether it's eating right or training myself right, whether it's studying harder, whatever I can do to better myself."
From Jeffri Chadiha: "It may take some time to sort out exactly what happened the day Taylor was shot. Even when we do find out, it may not make much sense. After all, Taylor had seen the value in growing up long before somebody broke into his home and shot him. He saw it in his daughter, in his growth as a player.
Hopefully, people will remember that about his character as they mourn him today
There are plenty of people who are pointing at his past indescretions and saying he brought this on himself. Some have even said he got what he deserved. My gut reaction following word of the shooting says something different.
Sure, Sean Taylor wasn't the epitome of a role model when he entered the league. He was young, immture, and suddenly rich & famous. Taylor had a troublesome first two years in the NFL after he was drafted No. 5 overall by the Redskins in 2004. Taylor has been fined at least seven times during his professional career for late hits and other infractions. He was also fined $25,000 for skipping a mandatory rookie symposium shortly after he was drafted. In 2005, Taylor was accused of brandishing a gun at a man during a fight over some all-terrain vehicles that had allegedly been stolen. Last year, he reached a deal in which he pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors and was sentenced to 18 months' probation.
Is it that inconceivable to believe, though, that a young black man, who made some questionable decisions as the trappings of fame and money took hold, also made some positive changes in his life? I don't believe Sean Taylor was into anything shady here. I believe this shooting was a result of Sean Taylor trying to rid himself of all of the people of questionable moral character that he'd surrounded himself with in the past. Sean Taylor was trying to be a responsible father; he was trying to do right by his family, his team, and himself. Sean Taylor was becoming a man, and this is what he gets for it. It's just a shame how doing what is right can turn so horribly wrong.
Clinton Portis actually said it best (which odd, because Portis doesn't say anything best): "It's hard to expect a man to grow up overnight, but ever since he had his child, it was like a new Sean, and everybody around here knew it. He was always smiling, always happy, always talking about his child."
Sean Taylor, in a rare interview during training camp: "I just take this job very seriously," Taylor said in a rare group interview during training camp. "It's almost like, you play a kid's game for a king's ransom. And if you don't take it serious enough, eventually one day you're going to say, 'Oh, I could have done this, I could have done that. So I just say, 'I'm healthy right now, I'm going into my fourth year, and why not do the best that I can?' And that's whatever it is, whether it's eating right or training myself right, whether it's studying harder, whatever I can do to better myself."
From Jeffri Chadiha: "It may take some time to sort out exactly what happened the day Taylor was shot. Even when we do find out, it may not make much sense. After all, Taylor had seen the value in growing up long before somebody broke into his home and shot him. He saw it in his daughter, in his growth as a player.
Hopefully, people will remember that about his character as they mourn him today
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Dream a Little Dream With Me
So, I had a really strange dream today. I dozed off for exactly 15 minutes--from 5:09 to 5:24. I had been studying for Chemistry and it was nearly time to get up and make dinner for the kids. Anyway, the first strange thing about this, as those of you who know me best know, I NEVER remember my dreams. I almost never even remember having dreams. Ever. Weird, I know. The second thing that is so strange is how real the dream seemed while it was going on. While I said I never remember my dreams, that wasn't true when I was I a kid, but they never felt this real. Anyway, back to my dream. First the cast of characters (the fact that I can remember so many details is very strange to me as well):
Jeanette: a close friend of mine since high school.
Krissy: a friend and coworker at the Cheesecake Factory.
Ashley: a close friend from Lynchburg; we worked together at the Olive Garden
Mary: my cousin (and godmother) who died in August, 2001 after battling colon cancer
There were some others in the dream, but their faces faded away as soon as I woke up. It may have Teri, Jen Lacks, and John Foster, but I cannot be sure anymore. My kids were in the dream too, but I never saw them, only heard them.
So, I'm sitting in a room similar to the room I have my computer in; it's even four steps lower than the rest of the house, but in my dream it's much smaller. I can hear the kids palying upstairs. When I look through the doorway, it looks like a kid's room. There are bunkbeds, and I see a lot of red.
I hear a car pull up so I look out the window. I don't see my driveway or front yard. Instead, it looks like a motel. There are parking spaces, and I can see an overhang, like a second floor balcony. At this point I notice that I'm looking out the window through a Halloween mask. It may have been Anthony's Optimus Prime mask. I took it off. Anyway, a white truck (maybe a pickup) is parked in the spot closest to me, facing the building, and there is a car three spots over. The two spots in the middle are empty, and this is where Krissy is parking her black Jetta, only she doesn't drive into the space facing the building like you're supposed to. Instead, she's parking parallel to the building and perpendicular to the white truck. There's not enough room to accomplish this by standard parallel parking. Instead, Krissy has the car hopping sideways, inching toward the building, until she is as close to the curb as she can get.
It fast forwards (or I forgot what happened after that) to the living room. I'm sitting at the back of the room facing the front door. The kitchen is to my left. Everyone is sitting around. Both Krissy and Jeanette say something, but I forgot what they said when I woke up. Everyone is carrying gifts and it seems to be some sort of celebration. I see a bag, and something is in it. All i see is the word "engagement". Then, whatever was supposed to happen doesn't. I'm told to wait a minute, by either Krissy or Jeanette. As far as I can remember, no one else said anything at all.
Like I said before, this dream feels very real as it's going on, and this is where it got weird for me. Someone is walking across the living room toward the front door. It's Mary. Her hair is short, the way it looked after growing back following chemotherapy. I'm feeling really freaked out, but that passes. She doesn't say anything, she just smiles as she passes by, and then she goes out the door. At this point, I clearly remember having the conscious thought "Oh, this is a dream. I guess I better get up and give the kids dinner." I don't get up though. I cannot remember anything else happening, but after laying there for a few seconds, or minutes, I don't know, the phone rings, and I think to myself "Alright dammit! I'm getting up" (the caller id said "unknown caller").
I realized I had had a dream, and that I remember it. I tried to sort through as many of the details as I could before I forgot. Then I had to yell at the kids for being too rowdy. I can't take a 15 minute nap without them going nuts?
Anyone know anything about dreams and what this might mean, if anything?
Jeanette: a close friend of mine since high school.
Krissy: a friend and coworker at the Cheesecake Factory.
Ashley: a close friend from Lynchburg; we worked together at the Olive Garden
Mary: my cousin (and godmother) who died in August, 2001 after battling colon cancer
There were some others in the dream, but their faces faded away as soon as I woke up. It may have Teri, Jen Lacks, and John Foster, but I cannot be sure anymore. My kids were in the dream too, but I never saw them, only heard them.
So, I'm sitting in a room similar to the room I have my computer in; it's even four steps lower than the rest of the house, but in my dream it's much smaller. I can hear the kids palying upstairs. When I look through the doorway, it looks like a kid's room. There are bunkbeds, and I see a lot of red.
I hear a car pull up so I look out the window. I don't see my driveway or front yard. Instead, it looks like a motel. There are parking spaces, and I can see an overhang, like a second floor balcony. At this point I notice that I'm looking out the window through a Halloween mask. It may have been Anthony's Optimus Prime mask. I took it off. Anyway, a white truck (maybe a pickup) is parked in the spot closest to me, facing the building, and there is a car three spots over. The two spots in the middle are empty, and this is where Krissy is parking her black Jetta, only she doesn't drive into the space facing the building like you're supposed to. Instead, she's parking parallel to the building and perpendicular to the white truck. There's not enough room to accomplish this by standard parallel parking. Instead, Krissy has the car hopping sideways, inching toward the building, until she is as close to the curb as she can get.
It fast forwards (or I forgot what happened after that) to the living room. I'm sitting at the back of the room facing the front door. The kitchen is to my left. Everyone is sitting around. Both Krissy and Jeanette say something, but I forgot what they said when I woke up. Everyone is carrying gifts and it seems to be some sort of celebration. I see a bag, and something is in it. All i see is the word "engagement". Then, whatever was supposed to happen doesn't. I'm told to wait a minute, by either Krissy or Jeanette. As far as I can remember, no one else said anything at all.
Like I said before, this dream feels very real as it's going on, and this is where it got weird for me. Someone is walking across the living room toward the front door. It's Mary. Her hair is short, the way it looked after growing back following chemotherapy. I'm feeling really freaked out, but that passes. She doesn't say anything, she just smiles as she passes by, and then she goes out the door. At this point, I clearly remember having the conscious thought "Oh, this is a dream. I guess I better get up and give the kids dinner." I don't get up though. I cannot remember anything else happening, but after laying there for a few seconds, or minutes, I don't know, the phone rings, and I think to myself "Alright dammit! I'm getting up" (the caller id said "unknown caller").
I realized I had had a dream, and that I remember it. I tried to sort through as many of the details as I could before I forgot. Then I had to yell at the kids for being too rowdy. I can't take a 15 minute nap without them going nuts?
Anyone know anything about dreams and what this might mean, if anything?
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Light the Night
Well, the Light the Night Walk to support the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society was last night, and it was a pretty good time. My balloon wouldn't float, so I had to get a new one, but at least my light worked (unlike Dad's). The channel 10 helicopter flew over us with a camera, but the only one of us who made it on t.v. was Jonathan. Anyway, I'd just like to thank all of the person who made an online donation on my page: Light the Night. Your contribution was greatly appreciated. I did manage to make my meager goal with the help of a few co-workers and family members, so thank you all very much. Oh, and we won a gift certificate to a restaurant downtown in the raffle. Sweet. Well, it's time to start collecting donations for next year and look for the next event.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Light the Night....only 4 days left!
Hey everybody, I'm raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk. My hope is that as we get down to the wire, everyone who reads can donate $1 or $2.
Light The Night is an annual Society event to raise funds for cures. It’s the nation’s night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of patients and their families.
Funds raised through Light The Night Walk support the work of hundreds of the world’s best and brightest researchers in their search for better therapies and cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
How your contributions help:
Funds raised through the Walk events will:
*Enable leading researchers to investigate causes, treatments and cures
*Support government advocacy efforts to ensure attention to cancer-related issues
*Create support assistance programs for patients and their families
*Help educate healthcare professionals on the latest medical advances
*Provide information to the general public on leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
Read more on my personal donation page:
Light the Night
The Light the Night Walk is October 20, 2007. You can donate right on my page, and in any amount you want. Even if it's a dollar, you're a superstar in my book! It's completely secure. I set a modest goal since this is my first time, but hopefully you all can help me blow right by it! Thanks!
P.S. If you like, you can make an anonymous donation. It will even hide the donation amount for you. There's also a section for the top contributors, so you will be forever immortalized!
Light The Night is an annual Society event to raise funds for cures. It’s the nation’s night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of patients and their families.
Funds raised through Light The Night Walk support the work of hundreds of the world’s best and brightest researchers in their search for better therapies and cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
How your contributions help:
Funds raised through the Walk events will:
*Enable leading researchers to investigate causes, treatments and cures
*Support government advocacy efforts to ensure attention to cancer-related issues
*Create support assistance programs for patients and their families
*Help educate healthcare professionals on the latest medical advances
*Provide information to the general public on leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
Read more on my personal donation page:
Light the Night
The Light the Night Walk is October 20, 2007. You can donate right on my page, and in any amount you want. Even if it's a dollar, you're a superstar in my book! It's completely secure. I set a modest goal since this is my first time, but hopefully you all can help me blow right by it! Thanks!
P.S. If you like, you can make an anonymous donation. It will even hide the donation amount for you. There's also a section for the top contributors, so you will be forever immortalized!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Rules To Live By?
1.Women always makes the rules.
2.The rules can change without notice.
3.Men cannot know the rules.
4.If a woman suspects that a man knows all the rules, she must immediately change some of the rules.
5.A woman never bears the blame for being wrong.
6.If a woman is wrong, it is because of a flagrant misunderstanding which was a direct result of something that a man did or said which was wrong.
7.If rule 6 applies, the man must apologize for causing the misunderstanding.
8.A woman can change her mind.
9.A man must never change his mind without the consent of the female.
10.A woman has every right to be angry or upset at any time.
11.A man must always remain calm unless the woman wants him to be angry or upset.
12.A woman must never let a amn know whether or not she wants him to be angry or upset.
13.If a woman has PMS, there are no rules.
14.A man cannot diagnose PMS.
2.The rules can change without notice.
3.Men cannot know the rules.
4.If a woman suspects that a man knows all the rules, she must immediately change some of the rules.
5.A woman never bears the blame for being wrong.
6.If a woman is wrong, it is because of a flagrant misunderstanding which was a direct result of something that a man did or said which was wrong.
7.If rule 6 applies, the man must apologize for causing the misunderstanding.
8.A woman can change her mind.
9.A man must never change his mind without the consent of the female.
10.A woman has every right to be angry or upset at any time.
11.A man must always remain calm unless the woman wants him to be angry or upset.
12.A woman must never let a amn know whether or not she wants him to be angry or upset.
13.If a woman has PMS, there are no rules.
14.A man cannot diagnose PMS.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Okay, I was a little off
Prediction:
New York 96-66
Boston 95-67
Reality:
Boston 96-66
New York 94-68
Not bad. Go Yankees.
New York 96-66
Boston 95-67
Reality:
Boston 96-66
New York 94-68
Not bad. Go Yankees.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Today's Most Important Thing
Mike Mussina: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER Just in time, baby.
Mussina's thrown 12.2 consecutive scoreless innings and won his 10th game for an AL record 16th straight season. Oh by the way, the Yankees are now 2.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox (2 in the loss column). Remember what I said: New York 96-66, Boston 95-67. That's 9-2 for New York and 5-5 for Boston the rest of the way. I think others are starting to believe.
Look at this, too
Mussina's thrown 12.2 consecutive scoreless innings and won his 10th game for an AL record 16th straight season. Oh by the way, the Yankees are now 2.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox (2 in the loss column). Remember what I said: New York 96-66, Boston 95-67. That's 9-2 for New York and 5-5 for Boston the rest of the way. I think others are starting to believe.
Look at this, too
Friday, September 14, 2007
Cheaters never win, unless they play in Super Bowls
In light of the New England Patriots' videotaping scandal, I have to say the team and their coach, Bill Belicheat, got off easy. He should have been suspended. Now, I know that videotaping the Jets signals probably wasn't going to affect that particular game, but they do play the Jets again. You wonder how often the Pats pull this trick. I've heard a lot of "everybody does it, it's not just the Patriots", which is a total hogwash. There is no way in hell that Bill Walsh, Joe Gibbs, Bill Parcells, Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgen, Andy Reid or any of a long list of coaches has ever cheated to win an NFL game. Not only is he a thief and a cheater, but Bill Belichick is a liar, too. His "my interpretation of the rule was wrong" BS is really lame. Roger Goodell made it quite clear to the Patriots, who were the NFL's #1 suspects, as well as the rest of the NFL that videotaping was against league rules. Some people, like ESPN's Sean Salisbury, don't think this should be this big of a deal. After all, as Salisbury says "Isn't everyone trying to gain a competitive advantage?" This is different. This is a serious intregity issue. Normal people lose their jobs when their integrity is proven to be dubious at best. Lawyers are disbarred, doctors are stripped of their medical licenses. Bill Belichick? His $500,000 fine means he'll only gross about $3.7 M this season. I think Kraft should fire him. I certainly wouldn't want someone with such questionable integrity and moral standards running the day-to-day operations of my multi-million dollar business
S.O.L.......how appropiate
Wow, it's been awhile. Being a full-time student again is a little rough. Anyway, I'm in Chemistry lab on Monday, and at the end of the lab, the professor.......now, the first time I was in college, 10 years ago, all my labs were taught by grad students. Now that I'm taking Chem 111 at the community college, my lab is taught by a molecular biologist who has a degree in chemistry and two doctorates. She did work on cloning amylase for Christ's sake, and now she's my lab instructor.........where was I? Oh, so she assigns the questions she wants us to answer: #1, 2, 3, 8, and 9. Simple, right? Apparently not, because a girl in the back of the room raises her hand and asks "Sooooo, does that mean we don't have to #4, 5, 6, 7, and 10?" I think I would have been justified in smacking her in the face. The real problem is, she wasn't cute either, so doesn't at least have that going for her. This is what I think standardized testing, especially the SOL, is doing to kids now.
Last night was the first PTA meeting of the new school year, and all of my kids teachers said the same thing: they were teaching the kids test-taking skills so that more kids would pass the test and the school could remain accredited. My oldest son's Language Arts teacher even went so far as to say they had been successful in getting children with very low comprehension to pass the test, even the ones who couldn't read very well, by teaching them how to eliminate answers that made no sense. How is this helping these kids? They're develping a skill that they will rarely, if ever, use once they are done with school, and in the meantime they aren't learning how to think analytically at all. I used the girl in my lab as an example, but my kids do the same thing. They frequently ask me questions to which the answer is obvious and requires very little thinking. That's okay when you're 2, but my boys are in the 3rd and 4th grades. What's happens when the question requires some problem-solving skills? That's what they're lacking the most. They are being taught how to get the answer without understanding the application.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope I'm just overthinking things a bit. Who knows, maybe my kids are just dumb, but given their genetics, I doubt it. I do know the kids spend way too much time preparing for the SOL and not enough time doing any thinking.
Last night was the first PTA meeting of the new school year, and all of my kids teachers said the same thing: they were teaching the kids test-taking skills so that more kids would pass the test and the school could remain accredited. My oldest son's Language Arts teacher even went so far as to say they had been successful in getting children with very low comprehension to pass the test, even the ones who couldn't read very well, by teaching them how to eliminate answers that made no sense. How is this helping these kids? They're develping a skill that they will rarely, if ever, use once they are done with school, and in the meantime they aren't learning how to think analytically at all. I used the girl in my lab as an example, but my kids do the same thing. They frequently ask me questions to which the answer is obvious and requires very little thinking. That's okay when you're 2, but my boys are in the 3rd and 4th grades. What's happens when the question requires some problem-solving skills? That's what they're lacking the most. They are being taught how to get the answer without understanding the application.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope I'm just overthinking things a bit. Who knows, maybe my kids are just dumb, but given their genetics, I doubt it. I do know the kids spend way too much time preparing for the SOL and not enough time doing any thinking.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
"I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps"
On June 14, 2007, I posted this on a message board:
The Sox are in the midst of getting destroyed at home by the Colorado Rockies for a second night in a row. Unless they can pull off a great comeback, their lead over the Yankees in the A.L. East will shrink to 7.5 games with 97 to go. Now Red Sox fans and people who hate the Yankees will come on here with all sorts of bravado, stating how they aren't worried, and the Yankees are only a game closer than they were a month ago. Face it; this isn't the same Yankee team as a month ago. Despite all of your posturing, Red Sox fans, I know the doubt is starting to creep in. It's in the player's eyes, too. You're looking in your rear view mirror and seeing the Ghost of Division Race Past. Your golden boy Beckett is getting blown up again. The Yanks rake Matsuzaka and Schilling everytime out. It's natural to be worried, even if you won't admit it. The Sox finish behind the division-winning Yankees every year. This year will be no different. Read it here first: Yankees 96-66, red Sox 95-67
I posted this on August 11, 2007, in response to a comment following another Yankee win and very solid showings from phenoms Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain:
It was just one day, but it was a nice win. At least for one day, all those people who said the Yankees are only winning because they aren't playing anybody can shut up. We all know that's just a front to mask their fear anyway. Not just in Boston, either. They're wondering in Los Angeles, Cleveland, Detroit, and Seattle what's going to happen if someone doesn't slow down the Yankees. Two months ago, it was almost guaranteed that Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, and Los Angeles would make the playoffs. At least one of those teams isn't going. A few weeks ago, Boston fans felt confident that the Sox would easily win the division, but begrudgingly admitted that Yankees would win the wildcard. Now? The Yankees keep winning. They're only 5 games back. Boston is 16-12 (.571) since the break, while the Yankees are 21-8 (.724). They have 8 games coming up against Detroit that will take away all hope the Tigers had of making the playoffs. The 3-game series at Fenway Sept. 14-16 will be the final nail in the Red Sox' coffin, relegating them to no better than second place for a tenth year in a row.
On July 25 the Red Sox were 61-40, and the Yankees were 54-46. I said that day, for at least the third time, the Yankees would finish 96-66 and the Sox 95-67. That would have meant a 34-27 (.557) finish for the Sox and a 45-20 (.692) finish for the Yankees. I was scoffed at. Since then: Boston 8-6 (.571), New York 9-4 (.692).
I just wanted people to know how smart I am.
The Sox are in the midst of getting destroyed at home by the Colorado Rockies for a second night in a row. Unless they can pull off a great comeback, their lead over the Yankees in the A.L. East will shrink to 7.5 games with 97 to go. Now Red Sox fans and people who hate the Yankees will come on here with all sorts of bravado, stating how they aren't worried, and the Yankees are only a game closer than they were a month ago. Face it; this isn't the same Yankee team as a month ago. Despite all of your posturing, Red Sox fans, I know the doubt is starting to creep in. It's in the player's eyes, too. You're looking in your rear view mirror and seeing the Ghost of Division Race Past. Your golden boy Beckett is getting blown up again. The Yanks rake Matsuzaka and Schilling everytime out. It's natural to be worried, even if you won't admit it. The Sox finish behind the division-winning Yankees every year. This year will be no different. Read it here first: Yankees 96-66, red Sox 95-67
I posted this on August 11, 2007, in response to a comment following another Yankee win and very solid showings from phenoms Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain:
It was just one day, but it was a nice win. At least for one day, all those people who said the Yankees are only winning because they aren't playing anybody can shut up. We all know that's just a front to mask their fear anyway. Not just in Boston, either. They're wondering in Los Angeles, Cleveland, Detroit, and Seattle what's going to happen if someone doesn't slow down the Yankees. Two months ago, it was almost guaranteed that Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, and Los Angeles would make the playoffs. At least one of those teams isn't going. A few weeks ago, Boston fans felt confident that the Sox would easily win the division, but begrudgingly admitted that Yankees would win the wildcard. Now? The Yankees keep winning. They're only 5 games back. Boston is 16-12 (.571) since the break, while the Yankees are 21-8 (.724). They have 8 games coming up against Detroit that will take away all hope the Tigers had of making the playoffs. The 3-game series at Fenway Sept. 14-16 will be the final nail in the Red Sox' coffin, relegating them to no better than second place for a tenth year in a row.
On July 25 the Red Sox were 61-40, and the Yankees were 54-46. I said that day, for at least the third time, the Yankees would finish 96-66 and the Sox 95-67. That would have meant a 34-27 (.557) finish for the Sox and a 45-20 (.692) finish for the Yankees. I was scoffed at. Since then: Boston 8-6 (.571), New York 9-4 (.692).
I just wanted people to know how smart I am.
Friday, August 10, 2007
I'm moving to Arizona
A hot day once in awhile is okay; I can deal with it. This week, however, has been a bit ridiculous. In fact, I firmly believe I died a little on Thursday. Those of you who live here in Hampton Roads know that it's not just the heat that gets you, but the oppressive humidity. I left work at 11:30 Wednesday night, and when I walked outside after spending 7 hours in an air-conditioned building, it was hard to breathe. You know it's hot when you can see it. So far the lovely week has gone like this:
Monday: Relatively cool at 102. I think the humidity was 1042%
Tuesday: A little warmer: 103
Wednesday: Still climbing to 105; humidity 67487569%
Thursday: 107, and I'm not even sure you could still call it humidity, since really it was like walking throught pure water. The sky started to cry at one point.
Friday: Relief! In a way, at least. It's a brisk 101 today, but as I type this, severe thunderstorms carrying 70+ mph winds are pummeling the area. It's dark as night at 3:30 in the afternoon. I don't what's going to be worse, having to repair the roof after tonight, or having to mow the damn lawn again already.
Speaking of weather, it's been a pretty crazy first half of 2007. Not much has been going on here in Va Beach, or further south, although forecasters are predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. The rest of the world, however, has gone nuts. As if tornados in Brooklyn and flooded subways weren't enough, the World Meteorological Organization said global land surface temperatures in January and April were likely the warmest since records began in 1880, at about 3 degrees Fahrenheit higher than average for those months. Three degrees doesn't sound significant, but it took 5 consecutive days over 100 degrees (after 2 months in the nineties) to raise the temperature of 10000 gallons of water in my backyard three degrees.
Southern Asia is experiencing the worst flooding on record, and the Arabian sea had it's first-ever documented cyclone. Meanwhile, England had the wettest May-July since they began keeping track in 1766, while Germany experienced the driest summer on record. In June, South Africa received it's first significant snowfall in more than 25 years, while it snowed in Buenos Aires in July for the first time since 1918. January and April were southern Europe's hottest months in recorded history. Too many different countries are experiencing their worst, most, hottest, wettest weather events in recorded history at the same time.
I saw The Day After Tomorrow. I know what's going on here. I'm going to buy some batteries. ;)
Monday: Relatively cool at 102. I think the humidity was 1042%
Tuesday: A little warmer: 103
Wednesday: Still climbing to 105; humidity 67487569%
Thursday: 107, and I'm not even sure you could still call it humidity, since really it was like walking throught pure water. The sky started to cry at one point.
Friday: Relief! In a way, at least. It's a brisk 101 today, but as I type this, severe thunderstorms carrying 70+ mph winds are pummeling the area. It's dark as night at 3:30 in the afternoon. I don't what's going to be worse, having to repair the roof after tonight, or having to mow the damn lawn again already.
Speaking of weather, it's been a pretty crazy first half of 2007. Not much has been going on here in Va Beach, or further south, although forecasters are predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. The rest of the world, however, has gone nuts. As if tornados in Brooklyn and flooded subways weren't enough, the World Meteorological Organization said global land surface temperatures in January and April were likely the warmest since records began in 1880, at about 3 degrees Fahrenheit higher than average for those months. Three degrees doesn't sound significant, but it took 5 consecutive days over 100 degrees (after 2 months in the nineties) to raise the temperature of 10000 gallons of water in my backyard three degrees.
Southern Asia is experiencing the worst flooding on record, and the Arabian sea had it's first-ever documented cyclone. Meanwhile, England had the wettest May-July since they began keeping track in 1766, while Germany experienced the driest summer on record. In June, South Africa received it's first significant snowfall in more than 25 years, while it snowed in Buenos Aires in July for the first time since 1918. January and April were southern Europe's hottest months in recorded history. Too many different countries are experiencing their worst, most, hottest, wettest weather events in recorded history at the same time.
I saw The Day After Tomorrow. I know what's going on here. I'm going to buy some batteries. ;)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I'd rather be doing calculus
Waiting tables again is great. You get to see many different kinds of people, and it really makes you wonder. For instance, is it really that important to sit outside on the patio? You're about to drop 80 bucks ($96 with tip!!) for you and your girl to have a nice dinner and some cheesecake, so it makes perfect sense to share it with flies. In addition, our patio is right on the street at the Town Center in Virginia Beach. Central Park Avenue happens to be the only street people use at the Town Center. I'm sure Chicken Madeira tastes great mixed with exhaust fumes.
Oh, and then you have the glorious combination of sun and wind. Around 10 or so in the morning, the sun starts to creep up above the roughly 26-story Armada Hoffler building and shines right down on the patio, which has a glass "roof". I feel like an ant under a magnifying glass. During a tornado. The wind is insane. Most of the buildings are at least 5 stories, creating this nice windtunnel, so a light breeze in Virginia Beach translates to gale force wind on Central Park Avenue. Particularly windy days blow rolled silverware and salt-and-pepper shakers off the tables and onto the street.
People just love to sit outside, and I just love working outside. It seems that people who know they're bad tippers like to sit outside. It's cool though, that's why we have a patio, I guess. Just don't ask for any grated cheese on your pasta, because it's all going into your lap when the wind picks up.
Oh, and then you have the glorious combination of sun and wind. Around 10 or so in the morning, the sun starts to creep up above the roughly 26-story Armada Hoffler building and shines right down on the patio, which has a glass "roof". I feel like an ant under a magnifying glass. During a tornado. The wind is insane. Most of the buildings are at least 5 stories, creating this nice windtunnel, so a light breeze in Virginia Beach translates to gale force wind on Central Park Avenue. Particularly windy days blow rolled silverware and salt-and-pepper shakers off the tables and onto the street.
People just love to sit outside, and I just love working outside. It seems that people who know they're bad tippers like to sit outside. It's cool though, that's why we have a patio, I guess. Just don't ask for any grated cheese on your pasta, because it's all going into your lap when the wind picks up.
Monday, July 23, 2007
You think cell phones are dangerous.
Now, I'm not going to say I'm the world's most attentive driver. I often drive when I'm much too tired to do so, but generally speaking, I know what's going on around me. I don't follow too closely (anymore) and I make sure I always have a way out when possible by not driving directly next to someone. I check my mirrors and I look at the cars around me. You see people some intersting things. People talking on the phone, putting on make-up, the usual. Some people even eat or send text-messages while driving. Today I saw a woman reading while driving. She was not glancing at some notes or a newspaper at lights. She had paperback novel open on the steering wheel, and she did not put it down while she was driving. This bitch was reading and glancing at the road while she was driving. It wouldn't have surprised me to find out there was a child in the back. I don't understand people.
Well, I've clearly received overwhelmingly support for my new reading list. The suggestions I did get were good ones, though. The first came from Kristin (thank you), and it was a book I was thinking about anyway, so the first book on my list will be The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I expect it to be a good, educational read. I'll let you know.
Well, I've clearly received overwhelmingly support for my new reading list. The suggestions I did get were good ones, though. The first came from Kristin (thank you), and it was a book I was thinking about anyway, so the first book on my list will be The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I expect it to be a good, educational read. I'll let you know.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Yes, I can read
I'm compiling a reading list. I read a ton, but I read a lot of the same sort of stuff. I'm trying to branch out and try different things; broaden my horizons if you will. I could use some suggestions. Leave me a comment with some suggestions: your personal favorites, must-reads, etc. I'll read anything; fiction of any kind, non-fiction, literature new and old; it doesn't matter. I'm doing a little research to start my list, but anything you suggest is greatly appreciated. I read about a book a week, even when I'm in school, so the list can't get too big. Thanks!
Oh, and the cough went away. I didn't kill myself.
Oh, and the cough went away. I didn't kill myself.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Those who forget the past...........
So, I left my last job on May 7. It was easy, and the money was pretty good, but the hours sucked and hated doing it. I was going to leave anyway, but personal circumstances caused me to quit a week or two before I wanted. No big deal; I had been looking anyway.
I took the next week off to take care of some stuff, and then my son's birthday was that weekend. After that, on the 14th, I hit the job search again full speed. I submitted my resume for a job I really wanted. The hours were good; I'd see my boys more and be able to go back to school. That is the ultimate goal anyway: to finish my degree. I'm 29 now, and I need to get it done. The moey was good, and the benefits were great. I got called for an interview, got a second interview, and then nothing. about two weeks later I got a standard auto-email for those who aren't hired. Great, a week wasted.
So, since I didn't get that job for whatever reason, I back to waiting tables. At 29, that's not where I had envisioned myself. I've been in training two weeks at The Cheesecake Factory, and still haven't made a dime. I won't get to until Monday, either.
I'm not sure how long I've been stuck in this same circle, but it's longer than I can remember. Things go okay for awhile, then something happens and I take a step or two back. Sometimes it's money, sometimes it's school, sometimes it's work. Everytime the circle comes around again, the good seems to get a little better. I make more money, I get good grades, whatever. I'm living a great house now, and out of an apartment or townhouse for the first time in my adult life. The bad, however, always gets worse. I hated my job; absolutely hated it. I was miserable, and I knew being a restaurant manager was not what I wanted to retire doing. I made this decision before, and it didn't turn out well, but once again the time looked right to get out and go back to school.
Money was already tight, and I expected to have a job much sooner than this. Now, I haven't been paid since May 16. I'm not sure what I need to change to break this pattern. I think about it everyday, and I have no idea what to do. Sometimes I wake up pissed off, mostly because I woke up (that goes away when the kids are around, but always manages to creep back in). I will be starting school in August, but who knows how that will go? The odds are pretty good that I'm either going to fail my classes or go broke. Then I'm just going to have to leave school and go right back into restaurant management. Maybe I should just accept my fate; condemned to the only thing I've ever done.
Anyway, I'm really screwed at the moment. I'll probably be homeless very soon..............again.
I took the next week off to take care of some stuff, and then my son's birthday was that weekend. After that, on the 14th, I hit the job search again full speed. I submitted my resume for a job I really wanted. The hours were good; I'd see my boys more and be able to go back to school. That is the ultimate goal anyway: to finish my degree. I'm 29 now, and I need to get it done. The moey was good, and the benefits were great. I got called for an interview, got a second interview, and then nothing. about two weeks later I got a standard auto-email for those who aren't hired. Great, a week wasted.
So, since I didn't get that job for whatever reason, I back to waiting tables. At 29, that's not where I had envisioned myself. I've been in training two weeks at The Cheesecake Factory, and still haven't made a dime. I won't get to until Monday, either.
I'm not sure how long I've been stuck in this same circle, but it's longer than I can remember. Things go okay for awhile, then something happens and I take a step or two back. Sometimes it's money, sometimes it's school, sometimes it's work. Everytime the circle comes around again, the good seems to get a little better. I make more money, I get good grades, whatever. I'm living a great house now, and out of an apartment or townhouse for the first time in my adult life. The bad, however, always gets worse. I hated my job; absolutely hated it. I was miserable, and I knew being a restaurant manager was not what I wanted to retire doing. I made this decision before, and it didn't turn out well, but once again the time looked right to get out and go back to school.
Money was already tight, and I expected to have a job much sooner than this. Now, I haven't been paid since May 16. I'm not sure what I need to change to break this pattern. I think about it everyday, and I have no idea what to do. Sometimes I wake up pissed off, mostly because I woke up (that goes away when the kids are around, but always manages to creep back in). I will be starting school in August, but who knows how that will go? The odds are pretty good that I'm either going to fail my classes or go broke. Then I'm just going to have to leave school and go right back into restaurant management. Maybe I should just accept my fate; condemned to the only thing I've ever done.
Anyway, I'm really screwed at the moment. I'll probably be homeless very soon..............again.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Adventures in Suburbia
So, it's been two weeks since my birthday, and even though I say I don't feel any older, I find myself spending money on fertilizer and weed-killer. I just had two days off in a row (very, very rare for me), and I spent it doing yard-work and getting the pool swim-ready. I remember the days when I would purposely screw up the yard so Dad would do it, and now I don't want my kids to help because they'll fuck it up and I'll just have to do it over.
The pool is a mess. I've never had a pool before. I guess it's normal to uncover 10,000 gallons of swamp water at the beginning of spring. After two days I can finally see how filthy the bottom of the pool is, at least on the shallow end, and it's actually starting to smell like a pool.
The first thing I did when trying to start the filtration system was fail to realize that the jets for pumping the water back into the pool were plugged. In my defense, I couldn't see them through the Great Dismal Swamp. Then, the booster pump was missing a plug, so it flooded my backyard and lowered the water-level too much. I had to run the garden hose in the pool for nearly four hours to raise the water an inch.
The trees in my backyard are a huge pain-in-the-ass. As soon as I scoop everything out of the pool, the wind blows more crap off the trees. I'm going to cut everyone of them down. With scissors if I have to. I hate them.
A duck started coming around and decided the pool would be a good place for a swim. Not much later, she was joined by a male companion, and then another (slut!). I'm pretty sure I witnessed duck-rape today. One of the males tried to get it on today, but she was have none of it. After she freed herself from him, she chased him away, then bitched about it very loudly in the backyard for about an hour. She pisses the cats off. Later on in the evening, both males were back, joined by a second female. The ducks have decided that I'm no threat, so when I go out back, they just swim to the other side of the pool and yell at me. I'm going to hit them with rocks until they stop coming back.
There are people everywhere now that the weather has warmed up (it was 85 today!). They walk together, they walk their dogs, they ride bikes, they push their babies in strollers, and they wave and say hi if you happen to be out in the yard when they pass. Is this what people do? It's okay, I suppose, but if any of those little fuckers on skateboards fails to move out of the street when I'm driving again, I'm just going to run him over.
I've realized that while I hate my job and the business in general, I like being outside and doing yardwork. I'm going to quit soon.
By the way, duck poop floats.
The pool is a mess. I've never had a pool before. I guess it's normal to uncover 10,000 gallons of swamp water at the beginning of spring. After two days I can finally see how filthy the bottom of the pool is, at least on the shallow end, and it's actually starting to smell like a pool.
The first thing I did when trying to start the filtration system was fail to realize that the jets for pumping the water back into the pool were plugged. In my defense, I couldn't see them through the Great Dismal Swamp. Then, the booster pump was missing a plug, so it flooded my backyard and lowered the water-level too much. I had to run the garden hose in the pool for nearly four hours to raise the water an inch.
The trees in my backyard are a huge pain-in-the-ass. As soon as I scoop everything out of the pool, the wind blows more crap off the trees. I'm going to cut everyone of them down. With scissors if I have to. I hate them.
A duck started coming around and decided the pool would be a good place for a swim. Not much later, she was joined by a male companion, and then another (slut!). I'm pretty sure I witnessed duck-rape today. One of the males tried to get it on today, but she was have none of it. After she freed herself from him, she chased him away, then bitched about it very loudly in the backyard for about an hour. She pisses the cats off. Later on in the evening, both males were back, joined by a second female. The ducks have decided that I'm no threat, so when I go out back, they just swim to the other side of the pool and yell at me. I'm going to hit them with rocks until they stop coming back.
There are people everywhere now that the weather has warmed up (it was 85 today!). They walk together, they walk their dogs, they ride bikes, they push their babies in strollers, and they wave and say hi if you happen to be out in the yard when they pass. Is this what people do? It's okay, I suppose, but if any of those little fuckers on skateboards fails to move out of the street when I'm driving again, I'm just going to run him over.
I've realized that while I hate my job and the business in general, I like being outside and doing yardwork. I'm going to quit soon.
By the way, duck poop floats.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Who says getting older can't be fun?
This might turn out to be boring for everyone else, but feel like reliving the evening's events for my own amusement.
Saturday was my mother's 50th birthday party. Let me preface this by saying that in my family, get togethers generally suck. The food sucks, and everyone just sits around and looks at each other. If there is a fair amount of alcohol going around, it's makes most of the family unbearable, especially my mother. It can be pretty excruciating. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to going. But go I did, and let me tell you, I have never had more fun around my family in my life. Ever.
To be fair, there wasn't a whole lot of family there. I'll try to remember the guest list as accurately as possible, though it won't matter to most of you anyway. My parents, my sister Jessica, her boyfriend David and his brother Steve, my Aunt Elaine and Uncle John, Aunt Rita, my dad's best friend (since 4th grade!) Albert, his ex-wife and about half of their 738 kids, including Lola, who I haven't seen in 20 years (and who looks pretty damn good), some of Albert's grandkids, a couple people dad works with, and lastly, my mother's best friend Pam and her son Patrick, who I also hadn't seen in 20 years or so. They drove from Tennessee to be there. That might be it. Oh! and Michelle. Now onto some of the highlights of the evening.
First, I arrived an hour late, hoping everyone would already be drunk and I could make a hasty exit. When I get there, my sister and Patrick are lining up Irish Carbombs. Well, this night may be a total loss after all, because those of you who really know me know my passion for an Irish Carbomb or 4. I decide I should at least have a beer first, so I go out onto the deck and there's a swimming pool full of Sam Adams. What, you mean it's not just Bud Light and Corona? Score!
So after a couple of beers and an Irish Carbomb or two, I'm feeling okay, mingling a bit, generally being the life of the party. I go into the kitchen to see my parents doing "Tic-Tacs". Apparently this concoction of Absolut Mandarin and Red Bull is supposed to taste like an orange Tic-Tac. I didn't partake, but my parents are throwing them back. Instead of getting annoying, however, my parents have really loosened up and are having fun. It's still really early in the evening, mind you.
I head into the dining room to gorge myself, because usually eating is all there is to do. I notice the music has cut off, and instead of listening to Santana 8 times in a row, I remembered I had my cds in the car, and I saved the evening with Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones. The old folks are going nuts, especially since Jimi was live.
About the time I get back from the car with the cds, my father, Pam and Patrick are on the front porch. Well, apparently, Dad and Patrick had been in the backyard smoking weed. That's right. Now, I know my father did some shit when he was younger, and I know he smoked well into my teenage years, but he would NEVER have done it with us around or allowed us to know about it. On top of that, he did it with Patrick! Hell, I remember when that boy was in diapers. Anyway, I'm sure he expected me to be appalled to know he had been out back hitting the bowl, but instead I leaned toward Patrick and said "Why wasn't I invited to the party within the party?" The look on dad's face was absolutely priceless.
About this time, Steve is in the middle of going shot-for-shot, beer-for-beer with my Uncle John. Now, Steve is in his early 20s and is a United States Marine. Uncle John is closing in on 70 and hasn't been in great shape for, oh, 40 years. This turned out to be a huge mistake for Steve. The kid passed out on the couch before midnight and never moved another inch.
I will, at some point, be providing video of my mother and Albert dancing to "Under My Thumb" by The Stones. It's pretty damn funny.
But first, we are not done with the weed. Next thing I know, I'm in the backyard with Patrick, Pam, and my mother (my mother!). It was my mother who made me go. This however, is only the first episode. Later, Mom and Pam decide it's a great time to introduce Jennifer to the joys of getting high. Having never done it, she had no idea what to do with the bowl. Never fear, Aunt Rita is here. She's giving step-by-step instructions, and it's fucking hilarious. She's 60, for Christ's sake. Everyone is in the backyard being loud as hell, yelling things like "Hurry up and light it" and "Puff,puff, pass bitch! What are you doing" (that may have been me). And yet, no cops were called.
Next came the story-telling. This is a ritual at family gatherings, and probably the worst part. We've been hearing the same old stories for years and they just aren't funny anymore. Ah, but they are not the same old stories when you throw Pam into the equation. And me, being the life of the party that I am, kept the crowd going for quite some time. It's not often I laugh that hard or that much.
After a couple of Johnny Walkers (Gold!) with my father (wait, he doesn't know I poured myself another!) the party started to settle down. It was quite an unusual, and enjoyable, evening. Oh, except Elaine was really pissed at John for getting so drunk, but man was he funny. She didn't get pissy with everyone else, though. Rita managed to get through two conversations about Mary Beth without completely breaking down and having to leave. I enjoyed my sister's company, her boyfriend, by all accounts, is a genuinely good guy (a rarity indeed), my parents had a great time, and they're not going to be able to look me in the eye for a long time! Oh, and Pam is absolute riot.
Oh, and they tried to make me promise not to tell Eric, but I informed them that everything was going into the blog.
Maybe I'll remember more.......maybe not
Saturday was my mother's 50th birthday party. Let me preface this by saying that in my family, get togethers generally suck. The food sucks, and everyone just sits around and looks at each other. If there is a fair amount of alcohol going around, it's makes most of the family unbearable, especially my mother. It can be pretty excruciating. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to going. But go I did, and let me tell you, I have never had more fun around my family in my life. Ever.
To be fair, there wasn't a whole lot of family there. I'll try to remember the guest list as accurately as possible, though it won't matter to most of you anyway. My parents, my sister Jessica, her boyfriend David and his brother Steve, my Aunt Elaine and Uncle John, Aunt Rita, my dad's best friend (since 4th grade!) Albert, his ex-wife and about half of their 738 kids, including Lola, who I haven't seen in 20 years (and who looks pretty damn good), some of Albert's grandkids, a couple people dad works with, and lastly, my mother's best friend Pam and her son Patrick, who I also hadn't seen in 20 years or so. They drove from Tennessee to be there. That might be it. Oh! and Michelle. Now onto some of the highlights of the evening.
First, I arrived an hour late, hoping everyone would already be drunk and I could make a hasty exit. When I get there, my sister and Patrick are lining up Irish Carbombs. Well, this night may be a total loss after all, because those of you who really know me know my passion for an Irish Carbomb or 4. I decide I should at least have a beer first, so I go out onto the deck and there's a swimming pool full of Sam Adams. What, you mean it's not just Bud Light and Corona? Score!
So after a couple of beers and an Irish Carbomb or two, I'm feeling okay, mingling a bit, generally being the life of the party. I go into the kitchen to see my parents doing "Tic-Tacs". Apparently this concoction of Absolut Mandarin and Red Bull is supposed to taste like an orange Tic-Tac. I didn't partake, but my parents are throwing them back. Instead of getting annoying, however, my parents have really loosened up and are having fun. It's still really early in the evening, mind you.
I head into the dining room to gorge myself, because usually eating is all there is to do. I notice the music has cut off, and instead of listening to Santana 8 times in a row, I remembered I had my cds in the car, and I saved the evening with Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones. The old folks are going nuts, especially since Jimi was live.
About the time I get back from the car with the cds, my father, Pam and Patrick are on the front porch. Well, apparently, Dad and Patrick had been in the backyard smoking weed. That's right. Now, I know my father did some shit when he was younger, and I know he smoked well into my teenage years, but he would NEVER have done it with us around or allowed us to know about it. On top of that, he did it with Patrick! Hell, I remember when that boy was in diapers. Anyway, I'm sure he expected me to be appalled to know he had been out back hitting the bowl, but instead I leaned toward Patrick and said "Why wasn't I invited to the party within the party?" The look on dad's face was absolutely priceless.
About this time, Steve is in the middle of going shot-for-shot, beer-for-beer with my Uncle John. Now, Steve is in his early 20s and is a United States Marine. Uncle John is closing in on 70 and hasn't been in great shape for, oh, 40 years. This turned out to be a huge mistake for Steve. The kid passed out on the couch before midnight and never moved another inch.
I will, at some point, be providing video of my mother and Albert dancing to "Under My Thumb" by The Stones. It's pretty damn funny.
But first, we are not done with the weed. Next thing I know, I'm in the backyard with Patrick, Pam, and my mother (my mother!). It was my mother who made me go. This however, is only the first episode. Later, Mom and Pam decide it's a great time to introduce Jennifer to the joys of getting high. Having never done it, she had no idea what to do with the bowl. Never fear, Aunt Rita is here. She's giving step-by-step instructions, and it's fucking hilarious. She's 60, for Christ's sake. Everyone is in the backyard being loud as hell, yelling things like "Hurry up and light it" and "Puff,puff, pass bitch! What are you doing" (that may have been me). And yet, no cops were called.
Next came the story-telling. This is a ritual at family gatherings, and probably the worst part. We've been hearing the same old stories for years and they just aren't funny anymore. Ah, but they are not the same old stories when you throw Pam into the equation. And me, being the life of the party that I am, kept the crowd going for quite some time. It's not often I laugh that hard or that much.
After a couple of Johnny Walkers (Gold!) with my father (wait, he doesn't know I poured myself another!) the party started to settle down. It was quite an unusual, and enjoyable, evening. Oh, except Elaine was really pissed at John for getting so drunk, but man was he funny. She didn't get pissy with everyone else, though. Rita managed to get through two conversations about Mary Beth without completely breaking down and having to leave. I enjoyed my sister's company, her boyfriend, by all accounts, is a genuinely good guy (a rarity indeed), my parents had a great time, and they're not going to be able to look me in the eye for a long time! Oh, and Pam is absolute riot.
Oh, and they tried to make me promise not to tell Eric, but I informed them that everything was going into the blog.
Maybe I'll remember more.......maybe not
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Can't I just get some Cheesecake Bites?
One of the girls at work comes in early this afternoon, and decides she's going to make a run to Tropical Smoothie. She goes around the restaurant and asks everyone if they might won't anything. I graciously decline. I'm not much of a smoothie person. Don't get me wrong; occasionally I like to add a little pizzazz to my life and get a smoothie when one of the girls goes, but usually I remember that I'm straight (sorry Jeff). Anyway, back to the point I was trying to make. Why is it that whenever I decline to partake in the fun and excitement of Tropical Smoothies, I'm looked upon as though I have three heads? Not everyone likes smoothies, folks. Not everyone likes Starbucks, either. I appreciate being asked, of course, and if you're going to Panera or Chick-Fil-A or Sonic (they really need to bring those cheesecake bites back), then I'm game. I shouldn't, however, have to get a smoothie because everyone else is getting one. I will not be a slave to conformity. I will not drink smoothies just to fit in. If I want one, I'll get one. If I don't, please don't look at me like I just killed your dog or slapped your grandmother. Oh, and don't call Jody. ;)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Channeling my inner Chuck Norris
I was going to write about a completely different subject, but maybe I'll come back to that tonight. Something interesting happened to me on the way home. I had picked the kids up from the busstop and I was leaving the neighborhood when I came upon another school bus stopped in front of me, coming the opposite way. There was a car stopped in front of me, and the mailman was half-way into the street, turning right off of an adjoining street. While I'm sitting there, a white car (a Grand-Am from the late '90's, I think) pulls up behind the mailman at the stop sign. The schoolbus pulls off and the car in front and the mailman go ahead me. As I'm passing the white car, the driver decides to disregard the stop sign and try to jump ahead of me. This, of course, pisses me off because the car nearly ended up in my passenger seat. Naturally, I yell "Don't you see the stop sign stupid?!" I try very hard to refrain from cursing with the kids in the car. Anyway, at the red light leading out of the neighborhood, the white car pulls up beside me. Great, here we go. All of my windows are down, and so are all of his. The driver is a young black kid, maybe early 20's with a gold tooth and his hat turned backward. What he looks like is only significant because of what he thought it might represent to me. I could tell where this was going to go by the dialogue. He saw a white boy in the car and thought he might scare me by being tough. Anyway, here's how the conversation went verbatim(it was only 10 minutes ago):
Driver: "What did you say to me?"
Me: "I said 'Didn't you see that stop sign, stupid?'" (maybe I shouldn't have called him stupid, but I was a little steamed that he almost hit me, then stopped to question me, as though I disrespected him by yelling at him. Besides, he asked what I said, and that's what I said.)
Driver: "Yo, who do you think you're talking to?"
Me: "I'm talking to the guy who almost hit my car."
Driver: "Yo, you got a problem with me?"
Me: "I got a problem with your driving."
Now he gets out of his car. He's clearly not a threat to me, so I don't get out at this point. I think he was hoping I'd either roll up my windows and lock my doors so he could yell at me from a safe vantage point, or drive away. Sorry guy, I've had lots of black friends. Black people don't scare me. I could tell he may have started to come to this realization when he saw the brown kids in the back, because he never got closer than about 6 feet from my car.
Driver: "If you got a problem, why don't you step out of the car?"
Me: "Do you think this is cool to do in front of these kids? Are you some kind of tough guy?" Now I'm unbuckling my seat belt, and he visibly took a step back, maybe just to give me room to get out, maybe not: I don't know. "You don't want this kind of trouble, so I suggest you get back in your car before something bad happens."
He turns around as he saying "I just want to know if you have a problem with me." He looks back after he gets back around to the driver's side and gives me a dirty look before getting back in. Now, maybe it's wrong, but I got a small measure of satisfaction from his backing down. I also was surprised by two things. The first was the restraint I exhibited.
Now, I got into a few fights when I was younger, and when I'm threatened, my adrenaline runs high. I was never really cool under pressure, which is okay when you're in a fair fight with one guy. Here, I was clearly at a disadvantage, being that I was still in the car, and he was not. Ten years ago, I probably would have bolted out of the car to confront him and gotten kicked in the face before I could even get out of seat (at least that's what I would do if the situation was reversed). Also, when I'm angry, I curse alot, and that's usually when I start to lose control and my anger boils over. I have quite a temper. In this instance, however, I thought through a couple different scenarios of what I was going to do if I had to get out or he tried to get in. I guess the combination of having kids and being a restaurant manager has taught me patience and calm. Maybe that's part of getting older.
The second thing that surprised a me a little was the rage that I have inside me. I had a pretty good idea it was there, but not like this. I was just waiting, waiting for this guy to put me in a situation to defend myself. I already knew what was going to happen if he did, and it wasn't going to be pretty.
Now, I won't say I'm so angry that I'm going to go to the mall and start shooting people. It's nothing like that; however, I do on occasion wish someone would put me in a situation where I'm threatened and the law would be on my side when I pummel them. I guess it's just years and years of stress that I never talk about building up. Maybe I should take up boxing or martial arts. Actually, maybe T'ai Chi would be better.......I think this is also from having kids and being a restaurant manager.........
Driver: "What did you say to me?"
Me: "I said 'Didn't you see that stop sign, stupid?'" (maybe I shouldn't have called him stupid, but I was a little steamed that he almost hit me, then stopped to question me, as though I disrespected him by yelling at him. Besides, he asked what I said, and that's what I said.)
Driver: "Yo, who do you think you're talking to?"
Me: "I'm talking to the guy who almost hit my car."
Driver: "Yo, you got a problem with me?"
Me: "I got a problem with your driving."
Now he gets out of his car. He's clearly not a threat to me, so I don't get out at this point. I think he was hoping I'd either roll up my windows and lock my doors so he could yell at me from a safe vantage point, or drive away. Sorry guy, I've had lots of black friends. Black people don't scare me. I could tell he may have started to come to this realization when he saw the brown kids in the back, because he never got closer than about 6 feet from my car.
Driver: "If you got a problem, why don't you step out of the car?"
Me: "Do you think this is cool to do in front of these kids? Are you some kind of tough guy?" Now I'm unbuckling my seat belt, and he visibly took a step back, maybe just to give me room to get out, maybe not: I don't know. "You don't want this kind of trouble, so I suggest you get back in your car before something bad happens."
He turns around as he saying "I just want to know if you have a problem with me." He looks back after he gets back around to the driver's side and gives me a dirty look before getting back in. Now, maybe it's wrong, but I got a small measure of satisfaction from his backing down. I also was surprised by two things. The first was the restraint I exhibited.
Now, I got into a few fights when I was younger, and when I'm threatened, my adrenaline runs high. I was never really cool under pressure, which is okay when you're in a fair fight with one guy. Here, I was clearly at a disadvantage, being that I was still in the car, and he was not. Ten years ago, I probably would have bolted out of the car to confront him and gotten kicked in the face before I could even get out of seat (at least that's what I would do if the situation was reversed). Also, when I'm angry, I curse alot, and that's usually when I start to lose control and my anger boils over. I have quite a temper. In this instance, however, I thought through a couple different scenarios of what I was going to do if I had to get out or he tried to get in. I guess the combination of having kids and being a restaurant manager has taught me patience and calm. Maybe that's part of getting older.
The second thing that surprised a me a little was the rage that I have inside me. I had a pretty good idea it was there, but not like this. I was just waiting, waiting for this guy to put me in a situation to defend myself. I already knew what was going to happen if he did, and it wasn't going to be pretty.
Now, I won't say I'm so angry that I'm going to go to the mall and start shooting people. It's nothing like that; however, I do on occasion wish someone would put me in a situation where I'm threatened and the law would be on my side when I pummel them. I guess it's just years and years of stress that I never talk about building up. Maybe I should take up boxing or martial arts. Actually, maybe T'ai Chi would be better.......I think this is also from having kids and being a restaurant manager.........
Friday, March 2, 2007
I'm losing the will to blog....
Well, that horrible loss to Miami didn't hurt much, as UVA has all but wrapped their first outright ACC regular season title since 1981. Unbelievable. I'm rooting for Appalachian State to win their conference tourney just for the remote chance at some veangence for the Puerto Rico disaster.
It's almost baseball season, so I've already drafted 5 fantasy baseball teams with 4 more drafts to go. I'm sure I'm not done either, since I love drafting so much. I'm such a nerd.....
Speaking of which, anyone else hear about the 33-foot, 1000-pound colossal squid that those New Zealand fisherman caught off of Antartica about 3 weeks ago? (1)At 33 feet and 1000 lbs, it is by far the largest squid ever seen by man, (2)It was an adult male, which no one has ever seen before, (3)It was still alive when they caught it. I find this fascinating; again, I'm a nerd......
I wonder if signing London Fletcher and Fred Smoot(eek) is going to be as good for the Redskins as losing Derrick Dockery is going to be bad. I used to really hate that guy, but he's made vast improvement. He's going to have a really nice career, though $7 million a year is outrageous.
I don't feel like talking about tornados, snow storms, bus crashes, or dead former NBA players so I'll leave with this from my Bush Quote Generator on my home page:
"We need to do what we need to do to get the bodies out of there, if they're there."
- George W. Bush February 14, 2001 Referring to the tragic sinking of a Japanese fishing boat by a U.S. submarine near Hawaii. Reported in the Chicago Tribune.
Oh, more nerd stuff; this is kinda cool: Non-Newtonian Fluids
It's almost baseball season, so I've already drafted 5 fantasy baseball teams with 4 more drafts to go. I'm sure I'm not done either, since I love drafting so much. I'm such a nerd.....
Speaking of which, anyone else hear about the 33-foot, 1000-pound colossal squid that those New Zealand fisherman caught off of Antartica about 3 weeks ago? (1)At 33 feet and 1000 lbs, it is by far the largest squid ever seen by man, (2)It was an adult male, which no one has ever seen before, (3)It was still alive when they caught it. I find this fascinating; again, I'm a nerd......
I wonder if signing London Fletcher and Fred Smoot(eek) is going to be as good for the Redskins as losing Derrick Dockery is going to be bad. I used to really hate that guy, but he's made vast improvement. He's going to have a really nice career, though $7 million a year is outrageous.
I don't feel like talking about tornados, snow storms, bus crashes, or dead former NBA players so I'll leave with this from my Bush Quote Generator on my home page:
"We need to do what we need to do to get the bodies out of there, if they're there."
- George W. Bush February 14, 2001 Referring to the tragic sinking of a Japanese fishing boat by a U.S. submarine near Hawaii. Reported in the Chicago Tribune.
Oh, more nerd stuff; this is kinda cool: Non-Newtonian Fluids
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Wahoo
Nice job guys. Way to go into the gym of the worst team in the league and lose your hold on the conference title. Everyone's got them figured out now. Well, baseball season starts soon....
I'm sinking to the bottom of my everything.
So, I wonder sometimes if I did something wrong, or am I just destined to be this way? Is it something I can ever fix, or will I keep repeating the same cycle?
I feel like the walls are closing in; that even at 28, my life is running out on me. Thinking back, I can't say I ever remember a time when I was truly happy. I've had periods of contentment in my life. I've even had times where I felt like I found what I was looking for. Those times never lasted long. I wonder more and more often if I'll ever have what I want; if I'll ever be happy. Sometimes I think that whatever I get, it will never be good enough; that I always want more.
I know, I have kids to take care of, and I should put them before me, and I do; but what about me? I feel like I'm either doing something someone else wants me to do, or I'm doing nothing at all. Does it make me a terrible person to want to think about myself once in awhile? Maybe that's it. Maybe I shouldn't post this.....
I feel like the walls are closing in; that even at 28, my life is running out on me. Thinking back, I can't say I ever remember a time when I was truly happy. I've had periods of contentment in my life. I've even had times where I felt like I found what I was looking for. Those times never lasted long. I wonder more and more often if I'll ever have what I want; if I'll ever be happy. Sometimes I think that whatever I get, it will never be good enough; that I always want more.
I know, I have kids to take care of, and I should put them before me, and I do; but what about me? I feel like I'm either doing something someone else wants me to do, or I'm doing nothing at all. Does it make me a terrible person to want to think about myself once in awhile? Maybe that's it. Maybe I shouldn't post this.....
Sunday, February 11, 2007
And the Grammy goes to....
Well, I'm still up, so I guess I should give some thoughts about the Grammy's. After all, I actually watched them. This way, the 4 people that read my blog and chime in with their thoughts, although probably only Eric and Mike will. Anyway:
The Grammy's don't have a host? It's been awhile since I watched.
I'm not a big fan of country music, but you gotta love Natalie Maines. She's never backed down from her views. Much respect. (And she looked hot tonight; isn't she the chubby blonde one?) How many of you agree with her now, 3 1/2 years later?
Hard rock still can't make it on t.v., huh?
Who's idea was it to group Smokey Robinson, Lionel Ritchie, and Chris Brown together??? I know Chris Brown is popular right, but he does not belong on stage with Smokey and Lionel Ritchie. He isn't half the talent; he couldn't even sing his own song (although the boy does have moves, albeit copied from those before him, but I can't do it). I started to wonder if there was any real singing talent left, then Christina Aguilera came out, which leads me to.....
With all due respect to Mary J., who deserves all of the personal and professional triumphs she's achieved over the past year or so, Christina Aguilera is The Best Female Vocalist on the Planet. Period. You don't even have to like her music to understand that.
I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What's this about a competition of unknown singers for a spot on the Grammy's singing a duet with Justin Timberlake? They were like "you get to vote on who performs later." Based on what? Who was voting on this? Well, at least the girl didn't embarass herself, although the performance wasn't memorable.
"Well, to quote the great 'Simpsons' — 'Heh-Heh.'------that's hot
I'm finding it more and more difficult to hate John Mayer.
Who's the little punk who turned on the music while Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder were talking?!?
The James Brown tribute was nice; draping his robe over the microphone as the lights went out was especially poignant.
I really liked Carrie Underwood's rendition of Desperado
Who the hell is Beyonce that Prince is introducing her? No one else sees a problem with that? She's a star, sure; but she's not Prince.
What hasn't Rick Rubin done? Timbaland who?
I'm tired; that's all I have for now.
The Grammy's don't have a host? It's been awhile since I watched.
I'm not a big fan of country music, but you gotta love Natalie Maines. She's never backed down from her views. Much respect. (And she looked hot tonight; isn't she the chubby blonde one?) How many of you agree with her now, 3 1/2 years later?
Hard rock still can't make it on t.v., huh?
Who's idea was it to group Smokey Robinson, Lionel Ritchie, and Chris Brown together??? I know Chris Brown is popular right, but he does not belong on stage with Smokey and Lionel Ritchie. He isn't half the talent; he couldn't even sing his own song (although the boy does have moves, albeit copied from those before him, but I can't do it). I started to wonder if there was any real singing talent left, then Christina Aguilera came out, which leads me to.....
With all due respect to Mary J., who deserves all of the personal and professional triumphs she's achieved over the past year or so, Christina Aguilera is The Best Female Vocalist on the Planet. Period. You don't even have to like her music to understand that.
I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What's this about a competition of unknown singers for a spot on the Grammy's singing a duet with Justin Timberlake? They were like "you get to vote on who performs later." Based on what? Who was voting on this? Well, at least the girl didn't embarass herself, although the performance wasn't memorable.
"Well, to quote the great 'Simpsons' — 'Heh-Heh.'------that's hot
I'm finding it more and more difficult to hate John Mayer.
Who's the little punk who turned on the music while Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder were talking?!?
The James Brown tribute was nice; draping his robe over the microphone as the lights went out was especially poignant.
I really liked Carrie Underwood's rendition of Desperado
Who the hell is Beyonce that Prince is introducing her? No one else sees a problem with that? She's a star, sure; but she's not Prince.
What hasn't Rick Rubin done? Timbaland who?
I'm tired; that's all I have for now.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
"I am such an idiot! I can't believe I said that!"
Soooooo, a couple of days ago, I said something I shouldn't have (don't confuse that with saying something I didn't mean, because I meant it) to someone I should not have said it to, at a time and place that was totally inappropriate for saying such things. It just kind of came out (no, I won't tell you what it was). My instincts in these type of situations are typically dead-on, but I'm afraid I may have been way off the mark this time. Maybe I can just pretend it never happened. I am an ass.
Ten bucks if you know where I got the title. Okay, not ten bucks; but I'll think you're cool.
Ten bucks if you know where I got the title. Okay, not ten bucks; but I'll think you're cool.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
I quit
It amazes me how some people can come to be in a position of power without having any skills as a leader. I promise that this will be my one and only rant about my job, but I just thought I'd get it out before I quit and bitch about just a few of the things that bother me about my "boss". Strap yourself in and get a drink; this is going to take awhile and it probably will have no rhyme or reason to it.
Just today, while I was in the kitchen and my "G.M." was "managing" the dining room, we had a man come in the restaurant who smelled as though he hadn't showered in months. No one could sit within 25 feet of this man. Now, I'm not speaking ill of this man, nor do I wish to speculate as to why he may have smelled so awfully, but that fact is, he made all of the employees and the other guests very, very uncomfortable. Also, we had two ministers come in to have lunch. They asked several personal questions of their server, then told her she was beyond saving and was going to go to hell. Then they proceeded to approach a couple who was dining near them, asked them several personal questions, then them they were going to hell. How did our G.M. handle these situations? He ran away. Hid in the office. He allowed everyone else in the restaurant to feel uncomfortable so that he could avoid a confrontation, thereby maintaining his own comfort. These might seem like minor events, but it's the principle of the matter. It's his job a manager, a leader, to make his establishment a comfortable place for the employees and guests of the restaurant.
No, I'm not done. When he does decide it's time to confront an employee, he does it with hostility. It's so bad, that I feel I have to compromise some of my own standards because the employees catch so much shit from the other managers (the kitchen manager is his little protege). I have to be especially lenient because they're treated so poorly. This is one of the biggest reasons I'm seeking employment elsewhere. Anyway, our district manager, came in the other night. I was the only manager there at the time, so we sat and talked for awhile. A nice chat, I thought. Afterward, one of the servers took her aside to inquire as to why she hadn't had a raise in two years. Now, I had explained to her that servers don't get raises. You make your money from your guests. I teach my servers everything I know about great guest service, and those who choose to listen invariably make more money. I explained to this server that would be happy to help her figure out what she could do better with her guests. She accepted this, but wanted to hear it from the DM. She asked the DM why she hadn't had a raise in two years, or an opportunity to be a trainer. The DM told her two years wasn't a long time, she had servers that worked for for ten years, and "Look at you. You look like a sack of shit." The fact that a DM would talk to a server like that astounds me.
So, a few days later, GM comes to work and tells this particular server that her apron looks like hell and she has to either buy a new one or go home. Now, those of us who care about doing our jobs right have a process for going about change. First we explain the change that needs to be made, in this case a better looking uniform (I should say that her apron was not dirty or wrinkled, just a little faded). Then, we explain why this change is important for everyone, as well as how everyone will go about such a change. Lastly, we set a deadline for said change to be made, and explain the consequences of not achieving the set goal. We do not say "Buy a new apron right now or go home." We especially don't say these things in front of other employees. Never do we chastise or punish an employee in front of other employees. I thought that was common sense, but I guess not. Anyway, this server leaves, ultimately losing her job, because the DM didn't like her and said get rid of her.
Shortly after sending this server home, GM gathers everyone together for a pre-shift meeting (which never happens unless there's something to bitch about, despite the fact that daily pre-shift meetings are one of the most important tools for teaching and development). I'm thinking he might begin the process for change I outlined above. Silly me. He says "You all look like trash. I'm fucking sick of this. I'm not going to put with this shit anymore. If I or one of the other managers tells you to fix your uniform, you fix it right then or you'll be sent home. If it's not fixed on your next shift, you'll be discharged." Way to pump everyone up for a great shift. Now, when was the last time you think he mentioned any sort of uniform problem before? It's also noteworthy that the uniforms are about to change drastically, and everyone will have to pay for their own, so who's going to buy anything new now?
What's really great is when you confront him about his behavior and the way he treats people. "I didn't say that." "I didn't say it like that." "Are you going to believe a server over me?" Absolutely. I hope that everyone knows that I have their best interests in mind and I'm constantly going to bat for them (so is Drema, by the way)
GM and KM have created an environment of hostility with a lack of respect, inappropriate, foul language, and sexual harassment. I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to convince everyone that there are other jobs, and they can do better. I'll even give you a reference if you'll just leave. They are the only thing keeping that place together, because God knows I'm just trying to get out at this point.
At a recent employee meeting, when the employees (mostly servers, who are treated the worst, by far) raised some questions about the way the restaurant is run, they were told that they were not asked to work at Texas Steakhouse, they chose to apply and they were all replaceable. Basically he said "Do as I say, not as I do, because I don't need you and I'll get rid of you." I hope the day comes when he realizes just how much he needs his employees.
Basically what goes on here on a daily basis is a GM and KM using whoever they must to get whatever they need at that moment, including me. They give no consideration to achieving future success, developing employees, and providing great guest service. As long as they're not made to look bad, everything is peachy. The worst part about it is that most of the employees don't understand how bad it is and how much better it could be. I do. I was lucky to learn from and work with two of the best people I've come in contact with in this business: Scott Sipler and Julie Gagne. Both work for The Olive Garden, and I have much respect for them both, and that respect grows everyday I'm here. There are others that would tell you the same. I want my people to get a taste of how things are supposed to be. I tried when I first arrived at this restaurant, to no avail. You can't save a sinking ship if you're the only one with a bucket. Time to throw the raft and bail out. I truly care about the people I work with, almost to a fault, but I feel like it's because I understand how to manage a successful operation, and most of the people I work with know that and will go to war for me.
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
"The way people feel about me is the way they feel about themselves when they are around me."
"Do unto others as they would have you do unto them."
I don't think these are hard concepts to live by. I have others, but these are the main things that GM and KM are not understanding, and they're so set in their ways that they won't change. How hard is it to understand that it's not their job to command people, it's their job to serve people, including employees. Our job is to provide our employees the tools, training, and support they need to give our guests exceptional product and service. They certainly won't take any advice from me. I know this doesn't even begin to paint an accurate picture for outsiders, especially those not familiar with the restaurant business. I just hope everyone who lives this with me knows that I'd love a chance to start new with them so we can do it right together.
I apologize to anyone who sat through that entire thing. That was more for me, though I didn't come close to expressing all of my frustrations. I know that I am very good at what I do, and I'm angry at myself for putting myself in a situation where I cannot do what I do best. I can't wait to quit this job, though I truly feel bad for the good people I'll leave behind, and I can only hope that the ones I can't bring with me will find something better soon.
Just today, while I was in the kitchen and my "G.M." was "managing" the dining room, we had a man come in the restaurant who smelled as though he hadn't showered in months. No one could sit within 25 feet of this man. Now, I'm not speaking ill of this man, nor do I wish to speculate as to why he may have smelled so awfully, but that fact is, he made all of the employees and the other guests very, very uncomfortable. Also, we had two ministers come in to have lunch. They asked several personal questions of their server, then told her she was beyond saving and was going to go to hell. Then they proceeded to approach a couple who was dining near them, asked them several personal questions, then them they were going to hell. How did our G.M. handle these situations? He ran away. Hid in the office. He allowed everyone else in the restaurant to feel uncomfortable so that he could avoid a confrontation, thereby maintaining his own comfort. These might seem like minor events, but it's the principle of the matter. It's his job a manager, a leader, to make his establishment a comfortable place for the employees and guests of the restaurant.
No, I'm not done. When he does decide it's time to confront an employee, he does it with hostility. It's so bad, that I feel I have to compromise some of my own standards because the employees catch so much shit from the other managers (the kitchen manager is his little protege). I have to be especially lenient because they're treated so poorly. This is one of the biggest reasons I'm seeking employment elsewhere. Anyway, our district manager, came in the other night. I was the only manager there at the time, so we sat and talked for awhile. A nice chat, I thought. Afterward, one of the servers took her aside to inquire as to why she hadn't had a raise in two years. Now, I had explained to her that servers don't get raises. You make your money from your guests. I teach my servers everything I know about great guest service, and those who choose to listen invariably make more money. I explained to this server that would be happy to help her figure out what she could do better with her guests. She accepted this, but wanted to hear it from the DM. She asked the DM why she hadn't had a raise in two years, or an opportunity to be a trainer. The DM told her two years wasn't a long time, she had servers that worked for for ten years, and "Look at you. You look like a sack of shit." The fact that a DM would talk to a server like that astounds me.
So, a few days later, GM comes to work and tells this particular server that her apron looks like hell and she has to either buy a new one or go home. Now, those of us who care about doing our jobs right have a process for going about change. First we explain the change that needs to be made, in this case a better looking uniform (I should say that her apron was not dirty or wrinkled, just a little faded). Then, we explain why this change is important for everyone, as well as how everyone will go about such a change. Lastly, we set a deadline for said change to be made, and explain the consequences of not achieving the set goal. We do not say "Buy a new apron right now or go home." We especially don't say these things in front of other employees. Never do we chastise or punish an employee in front of other employees. I thought that was common sense, but I guess not. Anyway, this server leaves, ultimately losing her job, because the DM didn't like her and said get rid of her.
Shortly after sending this server home, GM gathers everyone together for a pre-shift meeting (which never happens unless there's something to bitch about, despite the fact that daily pre-shift meetings are one of the most important tools for teaching and development). I'm thinking he might begin the process for change I outlined above. Silly me. He says "You all look like trash. I'm fucking sick of this. I'm not going to put with this shit anymore. If I or one of the other managers tells you to fix your uniform, you fix it right then or you'll be sent home. If it's not fixed on your next shift, you'll be discharged." Way to pump everyone up for a great shift. Now, when was the last time you think he mentioned any sort of uniform problem before? It's also noteworthy that the uniforms are about to change drastically, and everyone will have to pay for their own, so who's going to buy anything new now?
What's really great is when you confront him about his behavior and the way he treats people. "I didn't say that." "I didn't say it like that." "Are you going to believe a server over me?" Absolutely. I hope that everyone knows that I have their best interests in mind and I'm constantly going to bat for them (so is Drema, by the way)
GM and KM have created an environment of hostility with a lack of respect, inappropriate, foul language, and sexual harassment. I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to convince everyone that there are other jobs, and they can do better. I'll even give you a reference if you'll just leave. They are the only thing keeping that place together, because God knows I'm just trying to get out at this point.
At a recent employee meeting, when the employees (mostly servers, who are treated the worst, by far) raised some questions about the way the restaurant is run, they were told that they were not asked to work at Texas Steakhouse, they chose to apply and they were all replaceable. Basically he said "Do as I say, not as I do, because I don't need you and I'll get rid of you." I hope the day comes when he realizes just how much he needs his employees.
Basically what goes on here on a daily basis is a GM and KM using whoever they must to get whatever they need at that moment, including me. They give no consideration to achieving future success, developing employees, and providing great guest service. As long as they're not made to look bad, everything is peachy. The worst part about it is that most of the employees don't understand how bad it is and how much better it could be. I do. I was lucky to learn from and work with two of the best people I've come in contact with in this business: Scott Sipler and Julie Gagne. Both work for The Olive Garden, and I have much respect for them both, and that respect grows everyday I'm here. There are others that would tell you the same. I want my people to get a taste of how things are supposed to be. I tried when I first arrived at this restaurant, to no avail. You can't save a sinking ship if you're the only one with a bucket. Time to throw the raft and bail out. I truly care about the people I work with, almost to a fault, but I feel like it's because I understand how to manage a successful operation, and most of the people I work with know that and will go to war for me.
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
"The way people feel about me is the way they feel about themselves when they are around me."
"Do unto others as they would have you do unto them."
I don't think these are hard concepts to live by. I have others, but these are the main things that GM and KM are not understanding, and they're so set in their ways that they won't change. How hard is it to understand that it's not their job to command people, it's their job to serve people, including employees. Our job is to provide our employees the tools, training, and support they need to give our guests exceptional product and service. They certainly won't take any advice from me. I know this doesn't even begin to paint an accurate picture for outsiders, especially those not familiar with the restaurant business. I just hope everyone who lives this with me knows that I'd love a chance to start new with them so we can do it right together.
I apologize to anyone who sat through that entire thing. That was more for me, though I didn't come close to expressing all of my frustrations. I know that I am very good at what I do, and I'm angry at myself for putting myself in a situation where I cannot do what I do best. I can't wait to quit this job, though I truly feel bad for the good people I'll leave behind, and I can only hope that the ones I can't bring with me will find something better soon.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Hoos you're daddy?
A few things I learned (or I already knew, but were confirmed) from watching Virginia's overtime win over Duke at the JPJ tonight:
~Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds are All-Americans and two of the toughest guys in the NCAA; this is the best backcourt in the nation
~Barring an injury to either of those guys, the Cavs just got themselves into the NCAA tournament
~Dave Leitao is ACC, and probably National, Coach of the Year, by a hair over Seth Greenberg (since UVA will sweep Virginia Tech)
~College basketball is the most exciting sport to watch on t.v.
~Virginia might just be for real; whatever it was that was missing for the last 10 years or so, this team has
~John Paul Jones Arena is one fantastic venue for hoops, and a great home court
I haven't been this excited about UVA basketball since Curtis Staples was raining down threes and Harold Deane was running the point.
~Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds are All-Americans and two of the toughest guys in the NCAA; this is the best backcourt in the nation
~Barring an injury to either of those guys, the Cavs just got themselves into the NCAA tournament
~Dave Leitao is ACC, and probably National, Coach of the Year, by a hair over Seth Greenberg (since UVA will sweep Virginia Tech)
~College basketball is the most exciting sport to watch on t.v.
~Virginia might just be for real; whatever it was that was missing for the last 10 years or so, this team has
~John Paul Jones Arena is one fantastic venue for hoops, and a great home court
I haven't been this excited about UVA basketball since Curtis Staples was raining down threes and Harold Deane was running the point.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
God Hates Me
I'm driving home from work Sunday night, when all of a sudden my oil light comes on. Now, I just had my oil changed two weeks ago, but I had cause for concern. Here's why:
About 2 months ago I decided I was tired of changing my own oil. I didn't have time, and I didn't really like doing it, so I decided to take it down the street to Jiffy Lube. Big Mistake. They didn't put the oil filter case back on right, so the gasket sort of popped out. This wasn't noticeable until the car was started, so we didn't see it at Jiffy Lube. Well, after I got home, all of the oil leaked out of the car onto the driveway. If anyone is not aware, had I tried to start it, I would have seized the engine, which of course would ruin it beyond repair and I'd need a new engine. Anyway, Jiffy Lube fixed it and give me my money back.
So, I leave work Sunday night and get on I-64. The oil light comes on, but I'm thinking to myself maybe it's burned a quart and it's a little low; after all, I drive 60-75 miles a day at 70 mph or more. I didn't even finish getting the thought out when the car starts to shake and smoke. I immediately realize what's going on, but before I can get to the shoulder and turn the fucking car off, the engine locks up. I have to coast over to the shoulder. I popped the hood and jumped out. There's smoke everywhere, but I think maybe if I hurry I can save it. I had three quarts of oil in the trunk, so I dump them in. As fast I as dump it in, though, it's leaking back out onto the shoulder. I looked under the car, and it appeared oil was leaking from the drain plug AND the plug for the oil filter case. I figured Midas, who last changed the oil, really fucked something up, and I was pissed. I got it towed and contacted my insurance company, who said unless there was collision damage, they couldn't cover it. The next day I got a quote on a used engine (I drive a Mazda 6, by the way): $3942. I'm screwed. This, however, is where my luck changes a bit.
Yesterday, Midas comes and tows the car back to their shop so they can look at to determine whether or not they are liable. Fat chance is what I'm thinking. My claims adjuster at Progressive has gotten involved at this point, so I'm hoping he can convince them it's their fault. Well, Midas determines that it is indeed collision damage, as though I ran over something in the road. They say the oil filter case is cracked and there is damage to the oil pan as well. Chris, the insurance adjuster (who has been super helpful so far) agrees with this assessment.
Now, I have no recollection of running over anything. To cause the kind of damage they're talking about, I would have had to hit something pretty hard. My theory is, Midas ascertained that it was indeed their fault, and beat the shit out of my car so they wouldn't be liable. Far-fetched, I know, but hey, I thought of it. Anyway, Progressive is covering the cost, and while my premium will take a slight hit, at least I'm not forking out four grand for an engine.
Incidentally, this is not the first time I've had to replace an engine in a car. I previously owned a '97 Plymouth Breeze (think Dodge Stratus, with a gayer name), and I lost that engine to flood damage, but that's another story.
It's also the second time I've had to file a claim on the 6 in a month; I was in accident a week before Christmas. One day I'll figure out exactly what I did wrong.
About 2 months ago I decided I was tired of changing my own oil. I didn't have time, and I didn't really like doing it, so I decided to take it down the street to Jiffy Lube. Big Mistake. They didn't put the oil filter case back on right, so the gasket sort of popped out. This wasn't noticeable until the car was started, so we didn't see it at Jiffy Lube. Well, after I got home, all of the oil leaked out of the car onto the driveway. If anyone is not aware, had I tried to start it, I would have seized the engine, which of course would ruin it beyond repair and I'd need a new engine. Anyway, Jiffy Lube fixed it and give me my money back.
So, I leave work Sunday night and get on I-64. The oil light comes on, but I'm thinking to myself maybe it's burned a quart and it's a little low; after all, I drive 60-75 miles a day at 70 mph or more. I didn't even finish getting the thought out when the car starts to shake and smoke. I immediately realize what's going on, but before I can get to the shoulder and turn the fucking car off, the engine locks up. I have to coast over to the shoulder. I popped the hood and jumped out. There's smoke everywhere, but I think maybe if I hurry I can save it. I had three quarts of oil in the trunk, so I dump them in. As fast I as dump it in, though, it's leaking back out onto the shoulder. I looked under the car, and it appeared oil was leaking from the drain plug AND the plug for the oil filter case. I figured Midas, who last changed the oil, really fucked something up, and I was pissed. I got it towed and contacted my insurance company, who said unless there was collision damage, they couldn't cover it. The next day I got a quote on a used engine (I drive a Mazda 6, by the way): $3942. I'm screwed. This, however, is where my luck changes a bit.
Yesterday, Midas comes and tows the car back to their shop so they can look at to determine whether or not they are liable. Fat chance is what I'm thinking. My claims adjuster at Progressive has gotten involved at this point, so I'm hoping he can convince them it's their fault. Well, Midas determines that it is indeed collision damage, as though I ran over something in the road. They say the oil filter case is cracked and there is damage to the oil pan as well. Chris, the insurance adjuster (who has been super helpful so far) agrees with this assessment.
Now, I have no recollection of running over anything. To cause the kind of damage they're talking about, I would have had to hit something pretty hard. My theory is, Midas ascertained that it was indeed their fault, and beat the shit out of my car so they wouldn't be liable. Far-fetched, I know, but hey, I thought of it. Anyway, Progressive is covering the cost, and while my premium will take a slight hit, at least I'm not forking out four grand for an engine.
Incidentally, this is not the first time I've had to replace an engine in a car. I previously owned a '97 Plymouth Breeze (think Dodge Stratus, with a gayer name), and I lost that engine to flood damage, but that's another story.
It's also the second time I've had to file a claim on the 6 in a month; I was in accident a week before Christmas. One day I'll figure out exactly what I did wrong.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Meandering
I'm not sure I have enough imagination today for an entire post, but I wanted to write something anyway. Maybe just a few random thoughts.
~How's this for team spirit? Bruce Pearl may have taken it a bit far, however. Doesn't he kind of look like Bruce Willis here?
~I really can't stand that Geico commercial with Vern Troyer in it. It annoys me. I do, however, love the caveman ones.
~Now Isaiah, I'm sure you know of a word or two that should never be said on national T.V. Faggot is one of them.
~This makes me mad. I've subscribed to MLB Extra Innings on Cox and Adelphia for three or four seasons now. Maybe they just don't want anyone to watch until the whole steroid thing is over. Good move. $700 million over 7 years should make awfully affordable for us all going forward as well. Assholes.
~I can't wait to see Pan's Labyrinth
~Tonight is Bush's State of the Union address, so here's today's Bush Quote of the Day as provided by Google: "I'm pretty good about asking myself the own question, then answering it, see?" Yes, he said that.
~I'm very glad the Patriots lost.
~I'm not glad the Saints lost
~No beach swimming down under for me.
~American Idol is becoming unusually cruel. When it started, Simon told everyone they were worthless singers; then Randy Jackson (douchebag) gradually joined the act. Now, they've taken to telling contestants they're just worthless human beings and making fun of the way they look. Yo dawg, that ain't right. Oh, and I know that they meant to leave that left door locked so after they were done humiliating these kids, they would then be further embarassed by not being able to get out. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel sorry for the people on the show who know what they're getting into, especially the William Hungs of the world, but just what are they trying to teach the kids watching the show, that people who are different are to be ridiculed and shunned by the beautiful and talented?
Yikes, that almost turned into a full-on rant. I'm done for now.
~How's this for team spirit? Bruce Pearl may have taken it a bit far, however. Doesn't he kind of look like Bruce Willis here?
~I really can't stand that Geico commercial with Vern Troyer in it. It annoys me. I do, however, love the caveman ones.
~Now Isaiah, I'm sure you know of a word or two that should never be said on national T.V. Faggot is one of them.
~This makes me mad. I've subscribed to MLB Extra Innings on Cox and Adelphia for three or four seasons now. Maybe they just don't want anyone to watch until the whole steroid thing is over. Good move. $700 million over 7 years should make awfully affordable for us all going forward as well. Assholes.
~I can't wait to see Pan's Labyrinth
~Tonight is Bush's State of the Union address, so here's today's Bush Quote of the Day as provided by Google: "I'm pretty good about asking myself the own question, then answering it, see?" Yes, he said that.
~I'm very glad the Patriots lost.
~I'm not glad the Saints lost
~No beach swimming down under for me.
~American Idol is becoming unusually cruel. When it started, Simon told everyone they were worthless singers; then Randy Jackson (douchebag) gradually joined the act. Now, they've taken to telling contestants they're just worthless human beings and making fun of the way they look. Yo dawg, that ain't right. Oh, and I know that they meant to leave that left door locked so after they were done humiliating these kids, they would then be further embarassed by not being able to get out. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel sorry for the people on the show who know what they're getting into, especially the William Hungs of the world, but just what are they trying to teach the kids watching the show, that people who are different are to be ridiculed and shunned by the beautiful and talented?
Yikes, that almost turned into a full-on rant. I'm done for now.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Hey, great idea!
Some people will do anything to be noticed. In this case, it's a couple of douchebags on a shitty morning radio show in Sacramento. In case you haven't heard or didn't click the preceding link. a woman died from water intoxication shortly after participating in a "Hold your wee for a Wii" contest. These guys got their hands on a Nintendo Wii, and were so desperate to use it to promote the show, they thought up this brilliant idea where contestants drink as much water as they can without peeing or throwing up. This was the exchange between the DJs and Jennifer Strange, who lost her life trying to get a stupid video game for her kids, near the end of the contest:
DJ: Can't you get water poisoning and like die?
DJ2: Your body is 98 percent water. Why can't you take in as much water as you want? ...I know.
DJ: That is what I was thinking, maybe we should have researched this.
DJ2: Jennifer, congratulations on making it to the final two. How are you feeling?
Jennifer: I still have to go pee, but my stomach is like really, really full. I look like I am pregnant again. It's pretty funny.
DJ2: How much longer do you think you can go Jennifer.
Jennifer: As long as my stomach will continue to let me. I don't know. Maybe a couple more.
DJ2: Jennifer, I heard that you're not doing too well.
Jennifer: My head hurts. They keep telling me that it is the water, that it will tell my head to hurt and then it will make me puke.
During the show, a listener calls in to warn the DJs that the stunt is dangerous and says someone could die.
"Yeah, we're aware of that," one of them says.
Another DJ laughs: "Yeah, they signed releases, so we're not responsible. We're OK."
"And if they get to the point where they have to throw up, then they're going to throw up, and they're out of the contest before they die, so that's good, right?" another one says.
Now, I've watched anough Law & Order to know this is AT LEAST criminal negligence. I'm pretty sure McCoy could get them for murder. "Maybe we should have researched this" says the DJ. Good thinking. Don't drop the soap buddy.
DJ: Can't you get water poisoning and like die?
DJ2: Your body is 98 percent water. Why can't you take in as much water as you want? ...I know.
DJ: That is what I was thinking, maybe we should have researched this.
DJ2: Jennifer, congratulations on making it to the final two. How are you feeling?
Jennifer: I still have to go pee, but my stomach is like really, really full. I look like I am pregnant again. It's pretty funny.
DJ2: How much longer do you think you can go Jennifer.
Jennifer: As long as my stomach will continue to let me. I don't know. Maybe a couple more.
DJ2: Jennifer, I heard that you're not doing too well.
Jennifer: My head hurts. They keep telling me that it is the water, that it will tell my head to hurt and then it will make me puke.
During the show, a listener calls in to warn the DJs that the stunt is dangerous and says someone could die.
"Yeah, we're aware of that," one of them says.
Another DJ laughs: "Yeah, they signed releases, so we're not responsible. We're OK."
"And if they get to the point where they have to throw up, then they're going to throw up, and they're out of the contest before they die, so that's good, right?" another one says.
Now, I've watched anough Law & Order to know this is AT LEAST criminal negligence. I'm pretty sure McCoy could get them for murder. "Maybe we should have researched this" says the DJ. Good thinking. Don't drop the soap buddy.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Wahoo
So, I'm sitting in front of the t.v. watching my favorite college basketball team, Virginia. I can't understand why they are so schizophrenic. Or maybe it's bipolar. They've been this way for years. How is it that they can welcome #10 Arizona to their new court and win, then go to Puerto Rico, and in consecutive nights, get blown out by Appalachian State and Utah and beat a Puerto Rican team (that can't beat anybody)by 7 in a miserable performance. After these three outings, I figured my hopes for the season had been dashed. But alas, they come home and give Gonzaga a good old-fashioned woodshed-beatdown. Great! They're back! Just get by Stanford (at home!) and it's on to ACC play. A couple of good road wins, defend the home court, and it's off to the field of 65. But no, Stanford wins at the buzzer. Season over. They'll get blown out UNC and start a slide into ACC obscurity. What's this? As I type, Virginia is in Chapel Hill giving the #1 team in the nation everything they can handle. It's tied at 47. We'll see how it goes from here.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Elephants don't forget, but I'm only human
I forget things. Not in a Where-did-I-put-my-car-keys or Dude-you're-not-wearing-any-pants kind of way, but if I'm not completely focused on remembering something, I will certainly forget. Almost every time one of the girls at work says "can you take this coupon off of H1?", I walk 8 feet to the computer, pull up the list of tables and ask, "uhhh, what table?" I have a planner that I use ineffectively, but without which I would probably forget my keys or to put pants on.
Today I forgot my kids. Nothing serious; they were at their grandmother's. I knew when I left work that I had to pick them up, but about halfway home my mind started to wander. I snapped out of it as I pulled into the driveway, thinking to myself "Did I forget something? Oh right, my kids."
I do this frequently, especially while driving. It's not as if I'm not paying attention to the road or other cars or traffic lights, I'm just not paying attention to where I'm going. I've missed my exit on the interstate going home, and then missed the next exit before realizing something was amiss.
I will definitely forget what you've said to me 30 seconds after you've said it to me if I haven't made a conscious decision to remember it. What's kind of nuts about it all is that I remember everything I read or just catch a glimpse of. Yes, I'm aware that I exhibit classic signs of Attention Deficit Disorder, and I have unfortunately passed it to my kids, but come on, don't you outgrow this? It's pretty annoying. I can't remember half of what I wanted to put in this particular blog post, so it's not nearly as entertaining as I envisioned 6 hours ago when I decided to do it. I was thinking about whether or not I've always been this way, but I can't remember........
Today I forgot my kids. Nothing serious; they were at their grandmother's. I knew when I left work that I had to pick them up, but about halfway home my mind started to wander. I snapped out of it as I pulled into the driveway, thinking to myself "Did I forget something? Oh right, my kids."
I do this frequently, especially while driving. It's not as if I'm not paying attention to the road or other cars or traffic lights, I'm just not paying attention to where I'm going. I've missed my exit on the interstate going home, and then missed the next exit before realizing something was amiss.
I will definitely forget what you've said to me 30 seconds after you've said it to me if I haven't made a conscious decision to remember it. What's kind of nuts about it all is that I remember everything I read or just catch a glimpse of. Yes, I'm aware that I exhibit classic signs of Attention Deficit Disorder, and I have unfortunately passed it to my kids, but come on, don't you outgrow this? It's pretty annoying. I can't remember half of what I wanted to put in this particular blog post, so it's not nearly as entertaining as I envisioned 6 hours ago when I decided to do it. I was thinking about whether or not I've always been this way, but I can't remember........
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