Sunday, April 30, 2006

Foot In Mouth Disease - Take 972

I know it's been a while since I last let my foot in mouth disease get the better of me. Yesterday it surfaced several times when I was least expecting it.

As some of you may remember, Nicci bought a car back in September that I do not like. I didn't want it and it has caused some contention since. The fact that she regrets buying it doesn't help much when I have to take care of service for the thing. That's what happened yesterday.

I was walking through the showroom toward the service window to pick up the bastard automobile when I heard someone calling my name. I pretended to not hear because I knew it was the sales guy that we had dealt with. But he persisted and ran me down to say "Hi!" Lucky me. He then proceeds to introduce me to someone who is looking at the same model car I bought. I politely reminded him that I didn't but it, Nicci did. I hoped he would remember that I was almost irate when he was doing the sale with Nicci that day. No such luck.

He then asks me to recommend the car to this new potential buyer. I just stared at him wondering what freakin planet he was from. I told him that idea wasn't a good one. He persisted. This is how the conversation went (as best I can recall):

(Keep in mind this is a true 'running' dialog. I never stopped walking toward the service window.)

Sales: Just tell these fine people how much you like the car.
YB: I'm in kind of a hurry.
Sales: But for just a second. We like to have satisfied customers tell new customers how happy they are with us and their new cars.
YB: Well then you need to find someone else. I'm running late.
Sales: But the car is awesome right? And the service?
YB: Yes, the service is awesome. (It really is btw.)
Sales: Now tell them about the car.
YB: (getting irritated) I am not the person for this.
Sales: C'mon, just a minute and I'll let you go.
YB: You should just let me go now. Or do you not remember when Nicci bought the thing?
Sales: (Laughing) Yeah but you've driven it for a while now. So about the car.....
YB: (interrupting him) Look, I told you last year I didn't want the thing. I still don't want it. As a matter of fact I hate the stupid piece of crap. On top of that I hate all of them. Even more than that, I hate everyone who has one and loves it. Now I'm starting to hate this dealership.
Sales: stunned silence
YB: How's that for a recommendation? I AM LATE! (walking away) Oh, and have a nice day.
Potential buyers: chuckles behind their hands

I have no idea how he saved that sale. I don't even care. But one thing I do know is this; I had such a good laugh all the way home that I didn't even mind driving that stupid car for once. :)

Friday, April 28, 2006

Brain Waves

My brain waves were wandering all over the place yesterday. It was neat. :)

When I was leaving work I noticed a woman planting flowers across the street from our building. She was planting them in one of those little dirt rings surrounding a tree that is growing up through the sidewalk. You know how the city is; they leave holes in the sidewalks and let some trees grow through. It's a nice thing. But when I watched her a little while I got kind of a melancholy feeling about it.

I liked that she was planting a mini-garden right outside her door. That is a great idea. But it made me a little sad too. Kind of a feeling of "Too bad that's what we are becoming" thing maybe. Those little flowers are going to be pretty but I have seen the people in this neighborhood. They walk the dogs and those grassy areas are pretty much the only place the pets have to do their business. Plus the people around here don't have much care for others property. Also, this building is right next to a major sports stadium and two blocks from another one so when games are happening the sidewalks and streets overflow. I am fearful for those little flowers.

At the same time I am happy they are there. Hopefully people will respect them a little bit.

Weird feelings eh?

Later on the way home I was driving through this little tiny town en route. There were these 3 little kids standing on the sidewalk and they kept giving all the passing drivers the 'honk your horn' signal. You know the one kids do; when they act like they are pulling on an air horn in a semi. No one ahead of me honked so when I got nearby and they gave me the signal I laid on the horn for a long series of toots. When I did that they all jumped up and down and screamed and laughed. That made me laugh out loud.

I remember being that little and doing the same thing. When someone finally honked their horn it was pretty satisfying somehow.

Then I went home and pondered these things in my brain. That was my drive home.

I'm glad I have this blog to write this stuff down. I don't want to forget feelings & moments like these.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Bummed From Peachy

I got this from Peachy. She got it somewhese else. I like these list things anyway.


1. My roommate once: Had a girl overnight that peed in his bed.
2. Never in my life: Have I wanted kids..
3. The one person who can drive me nuts, but then can always manage to make me smile: My best friend Lisa.
4. High School was: The age of enlightenment. Yeah, that was BS. It sort of sucked ass except for all the art classes. ;).
5. When I'm nervous: I make really dumb jokes.
6. The last time I cried: Was the last time I ever will cry! Yeah, I know, more BS. It was recent. That's all. (Don't think I'm tellin either.)
7. If I were to get married right now my bridesmaids/groomsmen would be: I will never marry again (unless Peachy offers).
8: I like salad: With tons of toppings, minus tomatoes. (Me too Peachy!)
9. My hair: Is leaving this planet by some secret method that science has yet to figure out.
10. When I was 5: I was in the hospital for my 3rd bout with pneumonia.
11. Last Christmas: I had the best open house ever!
12. When I turn my head left, I see: My way cool peacock.
13. I should be: More settled. That's what the standard is right? ;)
14. When I look down I see: A business card from some dork I really don't care much for.
15. The craziest local recent event was: The drunk who fell on his face right outside our gate.
16. If I were a character on Friends I'd be: Joey.
17. By this time next year: I have no idea where I'll be. I hope things are drastically different (but somehow I doubt my luck).
18. Current Relationship Status: Taken?
19. I had a hard time understanding: How I managed to let the right one go so long ago.
20. At family gatherings I: Wish Nicci would not call my Mother "Mom". Nicci is way too good for her.
21. You know I "like" you if: I don't just walk away when you try to talk to me. Or if I actually look you in the eyes when you speak.
22. If I won an award, the first person(people) I'd thank is/are: The person I bribed for the win.
23. Take my advice: Love does not conquer all. Big time BS.
24. My ideal breakfast is: Berry flavored Lucky Charms with a cherry Pepsi chaser.
25. If you visit a place I grew up: You'd be scared. They still call it 'the projects.'
26. Where don't you plan to visit anytime soon: Anywhere in the middle east. Sheesh!
27. If you spend the night at my house: You would never want to go home again.
28. I'd stop my wedding if: The drugs wore off in time to save myself.
29. The world could do without: Liars and child molesters & Tom Cruise.
30. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than date: Britney Spears.
31. Most recent thing you've bought yourself: The PC game Pirates.
32. Most recent thing someone else bought for you: An engraved pocket watch. Shhhh! It's supposed to be a surprise!
33. My favorite blonde is: Meritt
34. My favorite brunette is: Peachy
36. The last time I was drunk was: I had a good buzz on during my Christmas open house. I think drunk would have to be way back in July 1995.
37. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: Cows. I would train one to take dumps on command too. :)
38. I shouldn't have been: So arrogant when I was younger.
39. Once, at a bar: I did the worm from the Tequila after we killed the bottle. Talk about a psycodelic night!
40. Last night I: Wondered who wrote the book of love.
41. There's this girl I know who: Makes me wish I was single.
42: I don't know how to: Be all that I can be. (Maybe I needed to join the army?)
43. A better name for me would be: Buck Naked
44. If I ever go back to school I'll: Finally finish my Art degree.
45. How many days until my birthday?: Exactly 30 days. Mark it on your calendars. (That wasn't a request!)

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

AI Pickler-less

Kellie has been eliminated from American Idol. Too bad. I knew she was the next one to go though. She just doesn't have the pipes the others have. She is pretty much a county singer and I think she will be a good one. (Which means I'll never hear her sing again.)

One thing is for sure, I'll miss the Kellie moments. She had more personality than any three other contestants combined. Bye Bye Kellie.

Our Poll sort of picked this one right too. We did get the bottom two right. We need more votes though.


Poll Results:

Who do you think will be the next one elimated on American Idol?

Selection Votes
Paris 50% 3
Kellie 50% 3
Katherine 0% 0
Taylor 0% 0
Chris 0% 0
Elliot 0% 0

6 votes total

Green Diamonds

Has anyone else ever seen a green diamond? I knew there were the regular clear kind, blue ones, pink ones and yellow ones but this past weekend I saw a green diamond. It was really green. It was neat.

I was told that they were exceptionally rare too. Something about a certain compound that the diamond has to have in it and then they irradiate it so the color really shows up.

My birthstone is Emerald but I really liked the green diamond so I asked if they could find me one. I think I want an earring made with one of those. I did forget to get an idea of how expensive it will be. Oops! Anyone else have any experience with green diamonds?

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Cindy Margolis

So Cindy Margolis is going to pose for Playboy. I'm sure a lot of guys will be saying "Finally!" I am also looking forward to it. She is beautiful.

I like her reasoning for doing it now that she is 40 years old too. "In the past it would have been for gratuitous reasons," she said. I can see that being a reason to do it after all the offers in the past having been turned down. Good for her.

The story is here. Interesting lady I think. More than just a pretty face (and other body parts).


Monday, April 24, 2006

I've Been Away.....

** I have been trying to post this all day but Blogger was being a butt!


The weekend is over. I'm ambivilant. I don't know if it was a good one or a bad one. I was set to play poker with my friends on Friday but I got the guilt trip before hand. So I went anyway. I managed to lose a little but the night was great. Seeing all the old friends again was worth the hassle.

I lost my cell phone. Friday night somewhere, I lost it. I had no idea how a silly thing like a cell phone can be such a big part of everyday life. It sneaks up on you and next thing you know, it's an important part of life.

When I realized that all my friends numbers and some special numbers were in there, I was a little upset. A lot of numbers I couldn't get back. I also still had a ton of text messages saved, pictures I hadn't loaded onto the computer and some silly texts I have sent. (I like being goofy at times.) When I thought of someone else looking into my life like that, I was really freaked. There really is a lot of life stored in a silly cell phone. Lose yours once and see how it makes you feel thinking about someone else having it.

I got it back Saturday morning. Lucky. I went out right away and got what I needed to get the pics off it onto the computer. $80.00 well spent. Whew!

Then I became domestic. (A state I hate more than anything else.) I walked into the garage and hated what I saw. So I spent 5-6 hours organizing and cleaning it. Now everything is in it's place, even the tools are neatly organized. The floors are clean. All nice and pretty. What did I think when I saw what I had done? "Good job YB!" Yep, I called myself YB. I do that a lot lately.

That night I tried to get into blogging but I couldn't. I didn't feel like it. I did check to see if anyone was on for a chat but no one was so I hung out alone watching Baseball. Nice evening all in all.

Sunday came and I had to cut the grass. We have a lwan service coming today so it had to be done. I started the mower and it ran for maybe 5 minutes, then it quit. I wondered a bit but it restarted right away. Then it quit again in about a minute. It slowed down and then sputtered out. I thought that was strange so I decided to see if it would start again. It did, then it slowed down and then Bang! the whole side of the motor blew out. Big chunks of metal flying in a huge cloud of white smoke. It was cool!

That mower was only 33 days old and the motor blew up. It had oil in it. I don't know what happened. But here's the coolest part; Lowe's took it back and gave me a new one without any questions. I got the yard done after all. If anyone wants to bad mouth Lowe's you will have to talk to someone else. They are good to me.

Yesterday I also took the family out for lunch. One of my Aunts had her birthday on Friday. She is 77 now. Weird to think of her being 77. We offered to take her to this one really nice place but she refused. Her favorite place is one of those infamous old people places where they have buffets. Salad, generic food and dessert buffets. She said she loves the place. So we went there. It was OK. It also cost about 1/4 of what I would have paid so I made out I guess.

Does anyone else have one of those family members who do so much for the family that they don't know how to accept something graciously? I do. My other Aunt always argues about paying for lunch/dinner. I knew it would happen. I made sure it was all one bill and when the time came, she was freaking out. The weird part is that she always has us over for dinner. They have a furniture store and they don't even charge the family for things. She never forgets birthdays or holidays. But she gets freaky when I try to buy her lunch. Too bad. I did it anyway.

So in the afternoon I ran a few miles. It hurt. It still hurts. I've been away from running for a while. (A long while.) So the first few weeks will hurt. But I am finally off my ass and getting into a routine. All I needed was the start. I once had a routine of working out on the machine (which I set up this weekend too) and then running 2 miles. I did that for years and I felt great. I plan on getting back to that now. Wish me luck.

There's my weekend. I have been away from blogging for a few days so this got long. The funny thing is, when I read over this post, I realize that life can be pretty bland. When the coolest thing to happen was a lawnmower blowing up, maybe I need some more adventure. Yeah, I think I do. Don't we all?

Happy Monday.

Friday, April 21, 2006

This Makes Me Laugh

Language experts are amazed Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have named their baby daughter Suri because there is no record of the name meaning "Princess" in Hebrew. According to Hebrew linguists, Suri has only two meanings - one is a person from Syria and the other "go away" when addressed to a female.

Hebrew expert Jonathan Went says, "I think it's fair to say they have made a mistake here. There are variations of the way the Hebrew name for princess is spelt but I have never seen it this way."

Suri can also be translated into a Hindi boy's name, and it also means "pointy nose" in some Indian dialects and "pickpocket" in Japanese.

(Link to news story)

So the obnoxious and pretentious dork screwed the pooch again. I pity the kid. Can you see her in school? "Hey Pointy Nose, gimme a crayon!" Oops! Forgot. That kid will be home schooled by a scientologist guru or something.

Stupid asses.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

My First Trip To The Irish Pub

We went to an official Irish Pub in the city today for lunch. One of the Engineers is having his birthday and that's where he chose for us to take him. I have never been to the real deal before. I've been to the poser bars that just pretend to be Irish. This one was way different.

To begin with, the girls there are actually from Ireland. At least the two I had contact with were. Plus, the decor is not American. I can't vouch for it being like Ireland but I can say it was not American.

The girl who waited on us was from Ireland and when I started to talk with her about it, she just walked away. So I decided she didn't want to talk about it. Too bad. She was kinda cute too.

After looking at the menu a while, Peachy and I decided to go for the true lunchtime experience and had the fish & chips. We almost got the Shepard's Pie. I almost went for the Irish potatoe soup too but I didn't want to get too filled up. They had a Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate cake on the dessert menu that I was sure I had to have later. Smart move on my part.

I headed to the restroom once our orders were taken and I was sort of shocked at the condition. Pristine is pretty much the way to describe it. You just don't see that in the city. There was even a checklist on the wall where they filled out the cleaning & sanitizing schedules. One other thing I was surprised about was how low the urinals are. I'm not too sure why they were so low but I sure wouldn't want to be very tall and try to use them. Either Irishmen are mostly short or they have very low hanging johnsons.

BTW, I just finished the Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate cake. It was awesome! Now theres a great way to have booze at work without getting busted. ;)

It was a fun time. These lunchtime excursions are always cool. The place was very nice. I'd recommend the real Irish Pub experience to anyone. My conclusions about it are the food is great, their women are cute but little unfriendly and their tallywhackers hang real low. All in all a good lunch.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Rod Who?

(My AI play by play is tonight since last night's got sucked into the netherworld somewhere.)

OK, that was hilarious! Rod Stewart just sang "Just The Way You Look Tonight" on the American Idol elimination show. He really sucks but singing Frank Sinatra's song he is the worst! That guy doesn't even belong on the same stage as any of the AI finalists let alone singing Frank classics.

Has anyone else noticed that the longer the show goes this season the more lame the guest artists get? That was terrible. I wish they would let Simon critique that performance. I'd love to hear what he would say.

Oh boy, next week an opera singer. Oh boy.

Damn! They really put Taylor on the spot tonight. He is safe but he has to go join the group of three he thinks is safe. Talk about a tough thing to ask.

Taylor chose right. Good job.

Bottom three this week were Chris, Ace and Paris. I can see two of them being in the bottom at least. I think Chris is starting to fall from grace. Damn again. Not Paris. Ace and Chris are the bottom two.

Cool! Ace is done. Axed. Adios. See ya!

He is pretty though, isn't he? ;)

Check out the Poll we did. We called that one just right. Good on us.

Poll Results:

Who do you think will be the next one elimated on American Idol?

Selection Votes
Paris 11% 1
Kellie 11% 1
Katherine 0% 0
Taylor 0% 0
Chris 0% 0
Elliot 0% 0
Ace 78% 7

9 votes total

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

American Idol

I had a way cool play by play done for tonight's American Idol show but stupid blogger ate it. I haven't lost a post in quite a while. I should know better damn it.

Anyway, here is my mini-critique:


Taylor great, Paris, Chris, Kellie... well all the rest were OK.

Katherine... Awesome!! By far Katherine was the most amazing. I wish I had recorded that performance. I'd love to see it again. I love that kind of music anyway so it wouldn't be hard for me to watch over again and again.

The judges were pretty on for a change. Paula could talk less (please) but mostly I agreed with them. Huh, imagine that. :)

I still don't like Paris or Ace. I think one of those two will go. We'll see tomorrow.

Anti-BS Friday Answers

OK, I'm finally getting around to answering the questions from the anti-BS Friday post. Before I do I have to say this; what is wrong with you people? You get an opportunity like that and do nothing with it? I'm surprised and a little disappointed.

Now, on with it:

S! asked this question:

"kinda bland question, but where do you see this country heading down the line?"

Truthfully, I see this country faltering and disappearing in the future. Probably not in our lifetime but it is well on it's way. The multi-culturalism is going way too far and that only leads to tribalism and eventually civil war. Also the unchecked illegal immigration will be a huge determining factor on how the country runs in later years. Those people will only want less restrictions and less Americanizing and the American way will eventually be gone. Sad too since this country is what many wish theirs was like.

Then you have the idiots that are demonstrating out there against the "American way." Almost anywhere else they wouldn't even be allowed to demonstrate. They only have that freedom thanks to that same ideal that they are protesting. Dumb asses!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Allie asked:

"So you started blogging for whatever reason, but what do you despise most about blogging? Pet peeves? Loves? Shit list? Etc?"

Despise is a strong term. I do despise the know-it-alls I've run into. The people who attack others even when the object of their attacks are writing on their own blog. Those people suck. I also don't like the non-anonymity. I shouldn't have let my friends and family know about this blog. I despise the fake people. They eventually end up being found out but not until they have worked their manipulative damage on someone.

Peeves would include the anonymous jerks that aren't brave enough to nit-pick and leave a name. Also the way that blogger just stops working for hours at a time. Not too many peeves I guess.

Loves include the innumerable different points of view you get on one subject. It's so cool to see things from other peoples eyes sometimes. My mind has been broadened (or twisted) many times by someone pointing out a view I would not have thought of. (Very recently broadened by Cindy Lou, as a matter of fact.) I love the way good friends can be made. I love the fact that any subject can be and is discussed. I love the idea of meeting blog friends eventually. That will be great! I love to hear what life is like in areas of the country and the world that I may never get to experience otherwise. I love venting. ;)

My shit list is very small. It includes the bloggers that just up and disappear, deleting their blogs for no real reason. I don't get that unless there is a really good reason like a stalker or something.


Madley asked:

"BTW what does "had the shits of blogging" mean? You're tired of blogging and the blogosphere? You get the runs whenever you blog? LOL"

Funny Madley :) But nope, I was just tired of blogging that day. It happens sometimes. I can be moody.

"And should you decide to do you what you suggest... WHICH BLOGGER ARE YOU SECRETLY IN LOVE WITH? hehehe"

I have toyed with how to answer this one. I have no problem answering it. I have a problem with how the person in question would feel to be singled out. I truthfully have several favorites. A list that I have to visit daily. That includes Karen, Meritt, Peachy, Cindy Lou, Terra, Betty & Summer. Peachy already knows I adore her. She wouldn't be surprised if I said it was her. But I think in deference to the other persons feelings, I will break my word and keep silent.


Meritt asked:

"I had some questions, but they were all too 'serious' so I decided not to ask them. ;)"

You should have asked.

"Maybe I'll just ask; What color is your underwear?"

Today, gray to match my outfit. I try everyday to match the underwear color to the outfit. And before you ask, yes even on weekends when I wear my Yankee stuff. :)


Anything else?

Monday, April 17, 2006

Morning Thoughts

I am really craving chocolate chip cookies this morning. I mean really really.....

It's like when Snoopy has a craving... they are following me everywhere....



Sunday, April 16, 2006

Garden Pics

As promised, here are some pics of the new garden, still in progress.


The first two are to show how bare the place was. Nicci used the hoses to mark out where she wanted to make the garden borders.




Here's a view of the current garden from approximately the same location as the above.


A longer view.



A view from the bottom of the yard. The cute little fenced area is Nicci's first attempt at growing some veggies. There are carrots (yum!), tomatoes (yuck!), cucumbers, herbs and some other things. I'm sure she'll do fine. She seems to be able to grow anything.



The new arbor. She wanted it simple and rustic. On the sides are clematis and in the back is a grape vine. One it's all grown the whole thing will be covered in flowers and grapes. When we start getting lots of grapes, I'll be making my own wine. See the little tiny Japanese red maple tree on the right? We got that because I love those. They are great.



The path. (Don't tell Nicci she was in the pic.) I wanted all flagstone but we can't afford that right now. There is thyme planted between the stones. Once it grows there won't be any mulch showing. Then it will be nice to walk on in bare feet, right Meritt? (I said that for you.) BTW, the bird bath is solar powered. It has a little fountain in the center.



The front of the house. That is a weeping cherry tree. Aren't the pansies cool? They will eventually cover all the ground there. I put that neat copper mailbox there so the mailman would stop tracking dirt and mud onto the porch. We painted the porch and keep it nice so we can walk out there any time without getting crap on our feet. (Socks in my case.)



Side view of the garden and path leading to the firepit. That block patio thing in front of the pit was a pain in the butt to get right! The tree on the left is a weeping willow.



Side view toward the arbor. No it's not an illusion, that one side twisted on me. The posts were perfectly straight when they went in. The one on the left front is twisted and now bent out. It makes it look funny. I started to go for a replacement but Nicci refused. She wants it to look rustic. I guess it will when the wood gets gray and old looking. The little tree in the far corner (hard to see) is an apple tree. Red delicious. Yum!



I just added this for fun. These are a couple of my regular friends that show up. This is a pic. taken out of my kitchen window. The birds come at very regular times during the day. There are many different colors too. I added two more feeders onto the arbor. My birdie friends appreciated it. :)


So there is the garden. Still a work in progress but much progress has been made. Mostly with me complaing and crying the whole time but I have done my part.

Just think, this is only half the yard! Suddenly I am tired.

** For those who don't already know this, click on the pics and they get bigger. Then pause your mouse cursor at the bottom right of the pic for a second and click the orange and blue box to make them even bigger.

Friday, April 14, 2006

Anti-BS Friday

Did you ever wonder what would happen if you were honest all the time? I mean, if everyone in the world just said what they thought and never BS'd anyone? No hiding, no games, obvious intentions, truth to questions, just total honesty. Would the world suck or would it be a much better place?

There is this thing called 'the gray area' where most people spend their time. Their minds, emotions and what they say mostly come from the gray area. Mostly I think it's because people don't like to offend others or hurt someones feelings unnecessarily or intentionally. So they fudge their words to make things easier for others to swallow. I get that. I do that. Almost exclusively.

Today I am wondering what it would be like if no one did that. I am wondering if we would actually have friends or loved ones if we were totally honest all the time. I have my doubts. So lets try a little experiment, shall we? What say we do this: Ask me anything you want to. I will answer 100% truthfully. I will not fudge, I won't waffle & I won't go near 'the gray area'. I will keep the question lines open until this evening since I have friends on the west coast (and I never really remember what time it is in Australia).

Be careful what you ask, just in case you really don't want me to answer. This is a good way to lose friends, I think. But wtf? I have almost had the shits of blogging anyway. There's my first honest statement today.

This could make for some interesting times ahead. Of course the saying "May You Live in Interesting Times" is not really a blessing is it? It is also a curse.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Secret Code?

I just got this email. If someone can decipher it, I'd appreciate it. If it's a treasure map and it works out, I'll split it with you. :)



trout... formulation at constitution as bluegrass to was with! leggy bundle fight, generosity but illumination and hurricane

turn-off the corner bottom the as vortex augment, to that potato predilection to Xmas of sorely the
cleaning refinery tortuous lurid
tract gremlin and natural resources busboy the an singsong hair spray Kleenex intramural? pie chart goddamn attic

American Idol

Bucky was elimated last night. No big surprise there. I had assumed like most people that Ace would be. Oh well.

The show was kinda cool since the whole bottom 3 got to sing this time. I think it would be better if they got to sing something different though. They sang the same song as the previous evening.

I changed the Poll (on the left sidebar) to an American Idol voting Poll. This way we can track who we think will or should be eliminated each week. Have at it and remember, vote early and vote often. :)

I Just Get Tired

Is it possible to block someone from your blog?

For real. Block.

No more visits for you, 1 year!

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Question Of The Day

I was just wondering something; Do people that write to those advice columnists and bloggers etc... do they wait for the advice before trying to work out their problem?

For instance, when someone asks, "Should I call him back?" do they wait for the advice before calling? Seems to me like that wouldn't be a very efficient system. The answer could take weeks. Then what?

I'm A Dope Today

I just can't seem to understand much today. Peachy has had to educate me on what a bull dyke is (see Betty's blog for that one), on who Erma Bombeck is and what fontina cheese is. I am starting off the day just right. (Sarcasm intended.)

I wonder what this day will bring? Usually when it starts this way great and wondrous miracles happen all around me. But of course, I won't even notice.

Wish me luck.










More coffee!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

AI Play By Play

I am writing this play by play as I watch American Idol. True reactions as I see the show. Somehow I think I’ll end up offended. Queen is one of the icons of Rock. I hate bastardizations of true rockers.


Bucky was first. He destroyed Fat Bottom Girls. It sucked! I played that in a band once and we were better than that. But we stunk! WTF is wrong with Randy and Paula, telling him it was good. Again, Simon is the only voice of reason.

Ace is such a schmoozer. "WithFreddy Mercury you don't just hear it you feel it." Please, go kiss someone else's butt. We Will Rock You is a great song. Ace made me laugh. WTF was that mess with the 3rd verse? He was worse than Bucky. Dork. Randy was right for a change. Paula, please shut up. Again Simon is right on: "A complete and utter mess! I really, really hated that!" I love Simon.

Kellie is crazy trying Bohemian Rhapsody. Hey, did she borrow Freddie's clothes? Actually... respectable. She was better than the first 2 by far. Hmmm. Good call Randy. It was OK. Paula and Randy liked it too. It wasn't bad. The problem I have is when someone puts a country sound to a true rock song. OK Kellie, passable.

Chris is next. Innuendo. He is trying to be Freddy. It's OK so far but not great. Why not do something that really rocks Chris? You were my one hope. Just OK with me. Randy is crazy. Paula loved it I guess, whatever it was she said. Simon and I are on the same page. Chris could have rocked the joint. Too bad.

Katherine coming up. Who Wants To Live Forever. I remember Highlander. Great flick. Kat can sing but this is boring. Just another AI ballad. That part reminded me of a Sheena Easton song. Boring is my rating. Nice vocals but boring. Randy- I agree. Decent job. Paula - Does she ever find anything bad? Simon - Praise? Wow. I guess he likes ballads.

Elliot is next. Somebody To Love. He never heard the song before? Dork! Hoo boy! This bites! Big mistake. That boy has no soul. Freddy, I hope you aren't listening. P.U. stink. Ok Randy, what's up? Huh? Paula, Huh? Simon, you too? I hated it. Good thing I'm not a judge.

Taylor with A Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Dope missed the mike stand. Not the best voice for Queen but he is entertaining. Cool. I liked that one. Taylor is fun! Randy, good call. He liked it. Paula, she liked it too. Simon, "Are you drunk?" Sorry Simon, I don't agree this time.

Next is Paris. This could be great or horrible. The Show Must Go On. She can sing. This isn't showing her talent off enough. It is good. Now we're getting there. Alright! Great ending. Sweet! Randy, liked it. Paula, again with the BS. I just can't figure her out sometimes. What planet is she on? Simon, he thought it was weird.

Ace was the worst tonight. I think he is a goner.

All this did was make me miss Freddie Mercury all over again. RIP Freddie.

Things That Make Me Smile

I was driving toward work this morning when I noticed a beautiful Hawk sitting on the top of a pole along the highway. That Hawk (or Falcon, I'm not too sure which) is almost always there in the same spot every morning. It made me smile. I like seeing him and knowing I'll be seeing him the next day too.

This started me thinking about the simple things in life that continually make me smile. We all have them; little things that give us a warm fuzzy. We would miss them if they disappeared. I started to list in my mind some of the things I always get happy about when I see or experience them. Here are some:

Pepsi Fizz - I love to dump my Pepsi (especially cherry) very fast over the ice so I can suck down all the fizz that pops up. I love that. If they could bottle just the fizz I would have it continually.

Seeing "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on television - I love to watch it every year. I have the DVD but there is something about watching it along with millions of other people that I prefer.

Hearing Olivia Newton John sing "I Honestly Love You" - Yeah, corny but that song always gets me. I have the 45 still and sometimes I just have to hear it. It always makes me misty eyed.

Peachy saying "Good morning" - She makes my morning start better. Peachy has an infectious personality. Trust me.

The first sip of Coffee - that first sip in the morning just warms the soul. Ummmm!

Emails from friends - I love to open the email inbox and see the big, bold writing that says someone out there was thinking about me.

Yankee games televised - in this area there aren't mane Yankee games televised. When they are, I am in heaven.

When my Uncle just pops in for a visit - He has a habit of just showing up. He did that on Sunday afternoon. Just wanted to see "If we were doing the yard the right way" he said. I love that.

The memory of my first kiss - more corny stuff but when I need a smile I think about that day. It was the most nervous I ever have been plus it took me so long to get the nerve. Makes me think of "The Wonder Years" when Kevin couldn't get the nerve to kiss Winnie.

OK, enough of that. I reread that and it's so goofy. Oh well. It's the mood I'm in today though so there it is.

So what are the simple things in life that make you smile?

Monday, April 10, 2006

Gardener Extraordinaire

Once again I have been doing the most exasperating job in the world; building stuff for Nicci's new garden. Some of you may remember the last garden she made at our previous home. Well, just think of it, we now have much much more yard to work with. Much much more! This whole past weekend was spent putting up a new arbor, building paths, planting trees, making a vegetable garden, all that stuff. This will be a spectacular garden when it is in full bloom. It is huge and we only arranged half the yard.

I'm a little stiff, a little worn out and a lot sunburned. Peachy laughed at how red I got.

I will have before and after pictures. The yard had nothing when we moved in. It didn't even have a tree. It now has 7 trees. It was all grass but now it's going to be a huge colorfest. The best part? My job is pretty much finished. I try to get it all done asap so that I can relax and enjoy life. Nicci enjoys life when she is in the garden so that works for both of us.

I have to give her props though. She has a plan and it evolves as we work on it but in the end it is awesome. I really can't wait for later in the Summer when it's all healthy and in bloom. It will be nice.

So there is my domestic update for the month. I hope it wasn't too boring. :)

Loopholes Are Our Friends

I say that facetiously. There is a loophole in the UK method of registering their vehicles that allow people to use any address they want. So they are registering them to businesses and PO boxes and mass-mailing places. That way they can speed, go through red lights even when there is a red light camera and basically drive with no fear of breaking any traffic laws. They know the cops can't find their real addresses.

Quote: "The scam involves offenders registering their cars at one of a network of 'mass-mailing' addresses used legitimately by businesses instead of at their own homes. When the driver triggers a camera, the penalty notice is sent to the mass-mailing address. Police seeking the motorist find only a shopfront where nobody lives." (Read the story here.)

Now, tell me the UK authorities couldn't see that one coming. If you don't have to prove your residency, you can list any address at all. I would think they'd know better. I wonder if they can catch the scammers when they attempt to renew their registration? I'll bet they keep a database somewhere that alerts them when one of the offenders comes in.

No matter. It still seems like a strange loophole to me.

Friday, April 07, 2006

Grrrrrr!!!

Have you ever had plans that you were really really really looking forward to fall through at the very last second possible?




I mean the last possible second and something totally unexpected shows it's ugly head and ten days of planning flies out the window.




Welcome to my Friday night. Yep, that has put me into a nice foul mood tonight. Foul, stinky and grrrr!!!



Anyone care to make a bet on the next time I let this happen to me?




Do not hold your breath.






Thank god for good wine.....

Thursday, April 06, 2006

What Do Women Want?

I have decided that I know little to nothing about women. I used to think i knew at least a little but now I'm sure I don't. So I am asking all the ladies out there to tell me just what women want. What does it take to make them happy? How come you aren't consistant?

Here are a couple of examples:

1. My best friend in the world is a woman. She and I have been close for nearly 20 years. We have been through thick-n-thin together. Pretty much everything life can throw at a person, we have shared and gotten through it. There has never been anything but friendship between us. Not an inkling of sexual tension, nothing. Nicci knew this before we even had our first date. Back then she thought it was so cool that my best bud was a woman. But as time goes on she resents it more and more. She has recently made it known that she doesn't want me to hang with her anymore. It's to the point where I hardly ever see my friend. We stay in touch but it's been hard. I can't keep that up long. WTF?

2. Nicci and I went to Williamsburg this past weekend. Eventually we had a kick ass time but for a good part of the drive down there all I heard was how she didn't really want to go. Now, we had planned this thing 2 weeks in advance. She even badgered me until I made and confirmed reservations. But on the travel day suddenly the 'truth is revealed?' WTF?

I could post many more examples of my confusing times with women lately. Not just with Nicci. (Those are the most easily explained right now.) But when I think about it this is a pattern I have seen for a long time. I think I'm just getting a little tired of it. So help me out here ladies. Tell me your secrets. Let me know what it takes to keep in your good graces. All I want is to have fun and live consistantly. Is that too much to ask?

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Bored Post

What do you do when you are bored and uninspired? Quizzes & Tests, of course!

A test to see how you pick the people you are attracted too. My results were predictable. :)

The How You Pick Test


Cute, X-factor Twigs

You scored 61% Skinniness, 52% Curviness, 76% Exoticness, and 66% Prettiness!

Wow, this is a difficult one. You're either very easy to please (happy with women exhbiting any of these three characteristics), or hard to please (looking for women with all of these characteristics). In short, you looking for girls with cute, boyish figures, pretty, fresh faces, and a certain sexy, exotic X-factor. Very Interesting.




My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 65% on Skinniness

You scored higher than 30% on Curviness

You scored higher than 87% on Exoticness

You scored higher than 7% on Prettiness


If you liked my test, send it to your friends!
The How You Pick Test
http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=9469428947309440099









Televangelist
You are 42% Rational, 57% Extroverted, 42% Brutal, and 100% Arrogant.
As the Lord as my witness, I swear upon the good book that you are indeed the TELEVANGELIST! Characterized by extreme arrogance, self-assurance, and extroversion, you would make a very charismatic leader (or a very despotic one). On top of that, you are also more intuitive than rational, predisposing you to a more spiritual or emotional outlook on life. Thus, you are thoroughly irrational. You also tend to be rather gentle and considerate of others' feelings. Clearly, you would make the perfect televangelist. You could easily fleece people of their money and their dignity like so many sheep. Emotional, extroverted, arrogant, and gentle, you annoy the hell out of people who have to listen to the feel-good, intuitive shit spewing from your mouth. Not only that, but people may look down on you as a self-centered asshat. So while you are gentle and genuinely care about others, it is quite clear that you still care about yourself MORE. Why is your personality flawed? Because you are too damned extroverted, emotional, and arrogant. So preach your irrational message, brotha-man! I assure you, no one will be listening. Except for a few bums. But they just want you to feed them crackers and wine.


To put it less negatively:

1. You are more INTUITIVE than rational.

2. You are more EXTROVERTED than introverted.

3. You are more GENTLE than brutal.

4. You are more ARROGANT than humble.


Compatibility:

Your exact opposite is the Spiteful Loner.

Other personalities you would probably get along with are the Hippie, the Starving Artist, and the Robot.

*

*

If you scored near fifty percent for a certain trait (42%-58%), you could very well go either way. For example, someone with 42% Extroversion is slightly leaning towards being an introvert, but is close enough to being an extrovert to be classified that way as well. Below is a list of the other personality types so that you can determine which other possible categories you may fill if you scored near fifty percent for certain traits.


The Smartass: Rational, Extroverted, Brutal, Arrogant.








My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:



















free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 20% on Rationality





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 60% on Extroversion





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 47% on Brutality





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 98% on Arrogance
Link: The Personality Defect Test written by saint_gasoline on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Sorry, I Couldn't Help It...

...this one just cracks me up! It had to be posted. :)


Great Start + Foot In Mouth (Again)

As you can see by the Yankee update box the season started off very nicely. A 15-2 ass-whoopin is always a sweet game no matter what time of year.

Yesterday was a very cool day. I got to hang out with my best friend Lisa most of the day. That's always a plus. I also got to see parts of 6 different Baseball games. I brought in the new season in style.

I also managed to get my lazy butt to Game Stop to buy Civilization IV. Well, truthfully Lisa 'encouraged' me to just get it since we were there anyway. So far it's pretty interesting. There is so much new stuff to learn when you try a new game. Especially one as involved as Civilization.

I did get her to model some nice clothes for me. She didn't like anything though. But she has never broken down and modeled Victoria's Secret outfits yet. 18 years and counting that I have offered my standard "You model it and I'll buy it" deal. It never works. Actually, it did work one time but never with Lisa.

So I went to 7-11 to get lottery tickets later. As I was waiting in line this older lady with fish lips came and got right in front of me in line. I just looked at her funny, not saying anything. Then she looked back and waved me forward impatiently, like it was a problem for her that I was there first. While my tickets were being printed another older lady came and started talking with the first one. By the time I was leaving they were both standing right in the door. They were not interested in moving either. I waited a little while and then the guy who was behind me in line was waiting for them to move. Finally they must have noticed we wanted to exit (duh!) so they slowly went out the door. As I squeezed by them one said to the other "I almost won two and a half million last week..." Suddenly out of my mouth pops, "Someone should smack you in the head two and a half million times!"

Silence. Except for the guy behind me laughing out loud. I just walked away and went home. I still can not predict when and where that old foot-in-mouth-disease will pop up.

All in all, a very nice day off. A very nice way to start the Baseball season. :)

Monday, April 03, 2006

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!!!

Finally... finally... finally it's here... Baseball opening day. Yeah, so there was one game last night. Opening day for the rest of the league is today and most importantly, the first game for the Yanks is tonight.

Is everyone as psyched as I am? Winter gets longer every year. Is everyone off work to celebrate too? I am. I don't work on my birthday and I try hard to be off on opening day. I can't say I've managed it every year but this year I have.

So everyone have a hot dog for lunch with an apple pie chaser. Baseball is back. (You can skip the Chevrolet thing if you want.) Tonight the Yankees start their latest championship run. I'm ready. Can you tell? :)