We Are Now "The Mean Neighbors"

Yep, Nicci and I are now the mean neighbors. I had the Cops at my house yesterday because of our crazy 93 year old neighbor and her 50 something live in son.

I didn't ask the Cops to come by. They just did. Our neighbor has a Cat that has been digging up Nicci's garden. (Actually it's the son's cat.) It has been using the garden as a litter box and ripping out plants. We haven't seen it do damage but we have seen it peeing in the garden. Nicci has had to replace 5 plants now.

So yesterday when we got home one of the plants in the front was lopsided and there was this big glob of cat poop semi-buried beside it. That was enough for me. I decided I will go to the Humane Society and rent one of ther 'Hav-a-Hart' traps and catch the fiendish feline. But I didn't want to get myself into serious trouble by trapping someones pet. So I called the Township Offices first to see what the laws were. I talked to a nice Police Officer there and he looked up the ordinances for the Township. Sure enough letting an animal run loose like that was illegal. So I told him my plans and he suggested I go and talk to the neighbor first about it. I thought that was reasonable so I did.

As I was talking with the neighbor, who was very cool about it and said he would keep his cat inside for a while so we could see if it really was his doing the damage, the Cops pull into my driveway. Couldn't have been better timed. The neighbor looked at me and asked if I had called them. I told him I had called to find out what the laws were but I didn't expect them to come by.

Well, it turns out that they took all kinds of information and filed a report. An official report about cat poop in a garden. I laughed with them about that one. But they said they needed to do it since I had called. They even looked at the poop Nicci had dug out of the garden! I am not making that up.

Later that evening the old lady came outside and just stood there staring at Nicci with her arms crossed, shaking her head and clicking her tongue. She stood there on her porch like that for 20 minutes or so until Nicci (who was watering her garden) stopped and asked her if there was a problem. The old lady didn't say anything but just walked inside. I'm sure we haven't heard the last of that one. She'll be telling all the neighborhood that we called the Cops on her and her cat.

Now we are "The Mean Neighbors". Somehow I find the whole thing amusing. :)

I'm So Sorry

I'm sorry for those of you who are at work. I really am. I just love the fact that I am off and spending the day with my best bud and the weather is amazing! We will be heading out on our adventures soon but I felt the need to stop in here first.

Weird isn't it? I feel like I am tired of blogging but I still feel like blogging. Maybe I'm confused. :)

I had my morning Starbuck's, chomped on an apple thingy and now I'm heading outside to suck up some air. I hope everyone has a great day. I know I will. :)

The Day After

A lot of people would have some seriously gory things to tell about on the day after their birthday. I have some stories to tell too. Just not this year. All I can say is that I had a fun day. That's all I wanted anyway.

Nicci surprised me with some cool things. The biggest surprise was that she kept a secret. She can never keep a surprise to herself. She gets too excited and anxious and never holds gifts until the day they were intended for. But this time she kept her secret and I didn't even know it was coming. She got me a green diamond earring. I remember posting about the green diamonds we saw a while back. I just never expected her to get one.

The green ones are exceptionally rare. My birthstone is actually Emerald and the green diamond isn't as dark as emerald but it is awesome. She was sneaky and had the store find one and had it made into an earring. It is awesome!

So I went out yesterday, wearing my cool new earring, and managed to have a little fun. I went and looked at new Mercedes. They are nice but I found that I still like the BMW better. Plus they are way more expensive! I was surprised. (Not that I planned on buying one any time soon. I just wanted to compare.) We will get rid of that stupid car Nicci bought asap though. Some of you may remember that whole scenario when she got mad and bought it and I've been mad ever since.

Then I went and had Starbuck's. You didn't think I'd go a birthday without Starbuck's did you? Don't be silly.

What's funny to me is that yesterday I managed to satisfy a few cravings all in one day. I didn't plan on doing that. It just happened. There was the test driving of the car, which I had been curious about. There was the Starbuck's, which is always fulfilling. There was the burger from Wendy's that I had been craving for some time. Then late in the evening we had Papa John's pizza and some hot wings. Then later we snuggled up and watched Bedknobs and Broomsticks. (Yes Peachy, finally!)

The last part was the most disappointing though. Somehow I remembered the movie being way better than it was last night. I know it hasn't changed so it had to be my memory. I was mostly bored the whole way through.

Then there was the sex part (but I won't write about that here.)

All in all it was a nice laid back, fun day. Now the cool part is this; I still have 2 more days off after this one! Ha! It's like my weekend hasn't even started yet. Gotta love that.

I hope everyone else is having a great holiday weekend. Remember what this weekend is for too. This is a time to thank all those veterans and past heroes who sacrificed and gave us the freedom we have. We have some problems in this great country but at least we have choices. Lots of other places don't. God Bless America!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

It's YB's Birthday today!!

I hope you have the best one ever. I tried to stay up until midnight, but I only made it until 11:45. I did wake up at 12:15 though. :)

Have a great day.

Politicians Are So Stupid

I heard this morning that candidate for governor of Maryland Doug Duncan will return campaign contributions made seven years ago by corporations linked to lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Thats nice but I just want to know something: Who freakin cares?!! It was 7 freakin years ago!

Do these politicians really think that Joe Public cares about stuff like that? The average person on the street probably just thinks he's being a grandstanding ass. Plus, returning money from an indirect source makes little sense to me. Besides the point that it was used long ago for another campaign. It's all stupid.

He's just running for higher office anyway so he can hook up with some other lobbyist who isn't dumb enough to get caught. That's the only reason these clowns run for office at all. They make their personal fortunes once they get in office and start working for the lobbyists. They sure don't work for the people like they are supposed to. This is the reason that Lobbying has become such a huge business and why it will never be outlawed as it should be.

To me, the modern politician is like an alien or something. They do things that would be considered outrageous in normal life. (Like that dork Rep. William Jefferson who got busted taking bribes and joking about it.) But the worst part is that we keep pretending we don't know. We keep going to rallies and swearing that 'our candidate' will be different. That they will do their job and we will be happy. It just never works that way.

I think the whole system needs to be scrapped and rebuilt.

Return the money Doug. Do a little grandstanding just like the other clowns have done. Someone somewhere will be impressed and you'll get their vote. Get elected. Then you can find another Jack Abramoff to make up the difference later.

Question Of The Day

When people get mad at other people, why do they (a lot of them anyway) say "Fuck you!!"? And if someone gets a raw deal on something people say they got 'fucked'.

Seems to me if someone is getting laid that can't be a bad thing.

Sounds Like "That 70's Show"

I was just talking with someone I work with. She is an older lady, into her 60's, and she told me that she once grew a big marijuana plant right in the middle of her garden. It apparently got pretty tall. She didn't even know what it was.

She is an avid gardner. One of her sons gave her this "cute little tree" (she called it) and she planted it in her garden. She watered it and fertilized it and got it to grow several feet tall. She said it was really pretty and she liked it a lot.

Then one morning she looked outside and the tree was gone. She ran outside and saw that someone had just pulled it out of the ground and took off. When she asked her boys and her husband if they saw anything they all said no. But she does remember the two boys looking a little sheepish that day.

Then a few years later when everyone was all grown up they finally told her the truth. The one boy had given her the thing knowing she would grow it nice and big for them to harvest later. They knew she wouldn't know what it was. She said she has a corner lot and is surprised that no one called the cops or something. It was in plain view of anyone going past the house.

That sounds like something from "That 70's Show". I have never watched the show but I get the impression it could have happened on it. Plus, it was the 70's when this happened. At any rate, it's pretty funny to me. :)

American Idol Finale

The American Idol Finale just finished. I thought it was pretty damn good. Both Katherine and Taylor were great. Personally I think Taylor had the edge tonight.

This year was a good one. There sure was a lot of good talent. Some that I thought was questionable (like Kevin) but for the most part I liked this year very much.

Tomorrow we find out who wins. I don't think they can get it wrong this time.

This Guy Is Amazing!

This guy was drunk! 18 Times over the Legal Alcohol Limit! "He registered 7.27 grams per liter of alcohol in his blood repeatedly on different devices." The usual person would and should be dead with just 3.5 grams per liter of alcohol in the blood.

I think he is Superman or something. How does someone function with that much in them? How does someone breathe after sucking down that much booze? I'd be full for days.

Wow.

For Cap'n Karen

Baseball Bandwagoner

I'm Always Curious Anyway.....

Ever wonder what your sexual orientation really is? Check it out. (I bummed this from Britni.)

Klein Sexual Orientation Grid

I scored an average of 1.9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Heterosexual

Bisexual

Homosexual

Meaning

This result can also be related to the Kinsey Scale:

0 = exclusively heterosexual
1 = predominantly heterosexual, incidentally homosexual
2 = predominantly heterosexual, but more than incidentally homosexual
3 = equally heterosexual and homosexual
4 = predominantly homosexual, but more than incidentally heterosexual
5 = predominantly homosexual, incidentally heterosexual
6 = exclusively homosexual

Summary

The idea of this excercise is to understand exactly how dynamic a person's sexual orientation can be, as well as how fluid it can be over a person's lifespan. While a person's number of actual homo/heterosexual encounters may be easy to categorize, their actual orientation may be completely different. Simple labels like "homosexual", "heterosexual", and "bisexual" need not be the only three options available to us.

Take the quiz

New Job Drama

This post really doesn't need to be commented on. (You can if you want to.) I am just putting down my thoughts and feelings about this whole 'new job drama' while they are fresh in my mind. Then I can look back later to remember it all. This is supposed to be a journal after all.

I sat and talked with the current boss about the new job offer on Wednesday. She and I discussed several ideas she had for changing the department around to make it "more interesting for me". The truth is, I'm not disinterested. Maybe I didn't make my self clear enough. That's easily a possibility. Her ideas were all things I would not want to do. We agreed to talk more about it as the week progressed.

That evening I got a call from the new job wanting an answer. They needed to move on getting the new person in place. The project was a high priority. I know the HR Manager as a friend and told her I wasn't 100% sure yet. She told me they might have to retract the offer if it went too long. Now, I know these are techniques that 'sales' type people use to get things moving. I'm no dope. But she is a friend too so I had to take it somewhat seriously. I decided that I couldn't go back into the current job with no options. The boss was laying out new responsibilities that I did not want. Plus, the cat was now 'out of the bag' so to speak that I was bored and needing something new. There was no way I could go into work and say "I have turned them down. Now what ideas do you have for torturing me here." (That's what I envisioned would happen.) So I told the new place I would accept. I saw no other option.

The truth is I am happy here. I like what I do and the people are great. (Most of them.) But as I tried to explain to the cry baby boss, I feel like I have taken a break from work for the past 3 years. There is no challenge. There is nothing to look forward to. I do the same thing all the time. I like it but I came from a high pace, high stress situation. I took this job because I needed a break from that high pace environment. But now I may be done taking that break.

I say that because now when I get to look at something new (the new job) and I start thinking about how I could work out the kinks and how I would handle the processes my mind gets excited. It hasn't been used a lot in the last 3 years or so. It liked the idea of the challenge. Yes, I have it easy where I am. No stress. But is it healthy? I think not. Not for someone like me anyway. I think I am done taking a break from working for a living. It is so easy here that I feel bad about taking the money sometimes. I feel like I work half days but am paid for full days. My brain is more and more upest about that.

As for this company being "sloppy seconds" as Meritt commented last week, I do not see it as that. I had the same thing happen back in November. I got a call and when I saw the new potential job, my mind wouldn't let go. I am still sad that it didn't work out. I would love to still be there. But that has all been documented.

This company really is second rate though. The only reason it is still in business is that a big parent company is dumping money into it to keep it open. This place has not been making a profit for years. The other reason it is still operating is that the service we provide to clients is very specialized. It is in demand and not a lot of places do the same thing. Given proper mamagement, it would do very well. But the place is cursed with mediocre managers, a bad reputation in the industry and complacency with the majority of the employees. (Like I described earlier.) It is like a disease here. A person comes in full of piss-n-vinegar and eventually figures out that they don't have to be that way. That doing just enough to get by is like doing an awesome job here. The culture here makes you lazy. I am embarrassed to say that I have become like that too. Not toally and irrevocably, but it is what it is.

So I go into the bosses office to talk more about the future. This is what we had planned to do. (Her plan.) But now I have this whole thing of a 2 week notice hanging over my head. I wanted to find out just what we could do to keep me from having to move to another job. I really could have been into staying. I believe she has the potential to change our area of the world at least. Hopefully it will be a start for the rest of the company to change the culture. But instead she flew off and jumped on me (see last week's post). Never gave me a chance to explain what happened and why. She took it personally for some reason. Then on Friday she was in and out of this office many times being obvious about not talking to me. She hasn't said word one to me yet. This is a professional?

She spouted off about loyalty and how she values that above all else. I think she should stop it. She walks around telling everyone about how at her previous job she built her team all by herself. How that team, every member, was hand picked and how it worked very well. It was runing very smoothly. Then in the next breath she talks about how that company got into trouble with the government and if they don't fix some major issues they will be closed down. So she left. She left that hand picked team at the worst time imaginable for them. Where is the loyalty there? Please!

I'm tired of worrying about the whole thing. Maybe I could have handled something better. That's always a possibility with me. But I couldn't help the timing of the thing. I certainly can't help being interested in the new challenge. Especially since I have been living wihout any challenges for a while. I think maybe my subconscious is telling me I need to get back into the fire. That I am done taking the easy way. Maybe I'm just crazy because I can work here for a long time (barring the company folding which is always a threat here) and do little but have enough. I don't like that idea so that's why it has been so dangerous for me to consider other offers. I never went looking for a new job. Both times I was called by people who know me and trust me.

The end result is that I don't think I could stay and work for this woman anyway. If she is the type to take things personally all the time and if she is one of those "do as I say not as I do people" like it seems (reference the loyalty issues) then I will be glad to be away from her.

I am supposed to meet with the GM today or tomorrow to discuss all this stuff. We'll see how that goes.

One Of My Fave Baseball Quotes

1962 Mets Record: 40 - 120

Casey Stengel, the Manager of the 62 Mets, knew what he had to work with.

"When one of them hits a single to you," he advised his outfielders, "throw the ball to third. That way we can hold them to a double."

The Boss Is A Baby

Yesterday I gave my resignation letter to my boss. When I did she just looked at me and said (in a very snotty manner btw) "Are you expecting a counter offer?" I just shrugged and said "not really". Then she said (again very snotty) "Because when you resign, you resign!" I was momentarily stunned and then I was pissy. She started to say something else but I just walked out.

It's not like she didn't know it was coming. We have talked about options several times this week. But now she is acting like I have personally attacked her or something.

It was weird and it made me uncomfortable. I have never had this happen to me before but of course I don't change jobs much. This is only my 5th job since high school. Maybe its a more common thing than I know. Anybody else had this 'attitude' thing happen to them before?

Is This Funny?

I honestly can't decided if it is.

Leaving Again, Round #2

So today I will be putting in my 2 weeks notice at work. I have been recruited by my old job (for a different position) and they are being quite good to me. So I really have to take it seriously and get my butt back there.

I left this current job back in November and then came back in December when things just didn't work out. If I leave here again I know for sure they won't want me back. Heck, I wouldn't either. It looks like a pattern but the truth is I never once went looking for a new job. I was forcibly taken both times for tours & interviews. Ok fine! I could have said no but I am naturally curious. I couldn't help myself.

If I was smarter I would just have left well enough alone. I like it where I am and really I have no complaints. But now my brain is working overtime on the problems of the new job and how I can solve them. That is something I just can't resist. I like the challenge.

My current boss and I spoke about this yesterday and she is willing to reorganize the department to give me some more stuff to keep me interested and happy. I'm thinking that it's just not possible to do that now that I have been to the other side and gotten my mind going in that direction. It was a nice compliment though.

So soon I'll be on a different blogging schedule again. Not that I've been the most consistant blogger lately anyway. But maybe I'll be even better since I'll have more limited access to the blog world. Let's hope that is true.

Free Love?

This guy is a crack-up. (Link is here).

Is there really free love? If there is, who's with me for a trip to Cyprus?

Anyone Else Tired Of This?

I am really, really tired of hearing Pres. Bush say over and over that "we are a nation of immigrants". He keeps saying that so that the people who are NOT immigrants will buy into his BS line. "Hey Bushy, the last time I checked I was born here in the United States of America. That makes me a citizen!"

The immigrants that founded the country are all long dead. They passed away long before idiots in modern government invented the open borders ideal and I am sure they would not be too happy with the country being illegally invaded like it is.

His plan allows for people who broke the law to get by. His plan tells all those millions just across the border that they better hurry and get over here so they can get some free amnsety too. Don't be fooled by the bullshit Bush is pushing. It is amnesty.

Why don't our elected officials feel it necessary to protect and preserve our culture? Why are all the other cultures of the world more important than ours, even in this country? Sickening.

Stupid fucktard. I'm not buying into your amnesty plan buddy.

The Preacher Man

Here's something interesting: I recently found out that there is a Preacher living behind me that I know from a long time ago. Not just know but have had an interesting encounter with.

Way back a few years ago (OK, more than a few) when I was a senior in high school I had started hanging out with an older woman. She was 11 years older than me to be exact. Imaging how cool I looked to all the other high school guys. Anyway, as it turns out my new girlfriend wasn't totally single yet. She was only seperated working on a divorce. Personally, I didn't care. But her ex sure did.

He even came by one time and threatened to kill me if I didn't stay away from her. I just laughed at him. To me, he was a dork for even saying that. It also made me want to hang with her more since he told me not too. :)

Anyway, it turns out that this dudes sister was married ti this Preacher. He was trying hard to get them back together. He even showed up a couple of times when I was at her place. Then one night she called me and said he was on his way to visit me. I thought that was weird because I really didn't give a cpar what he wanted nor thought. But he did show up.

He preached to me about how I was breaking up a home and how I was sinning. I just laughed at him too as I pointed out that she came after me well after she left dork boy. (Yes, I used those words.) Then he started the really funny stuff; he started telling me how he didn't fit into the family and that he was trying hard to get those two back together so he could get some brownie points with the parents. When he said that I was just stunned. I asked him why I should care that he married into a goofy-assed family that he couldn't get along with and how was it my problem that "MY BABE" had been smarter than him and gotten out.

Well guess what? That shut him up finally. He just said a few more words and then left. I thought it was funny. He never got them back together either. They tried dating for a few months and counseling but it never worked. Plus, she came running back to me once I graduated and we lived together for a while.

Now that Preacher lives right behind my new place. His yard would connect to mine if we weren't seperated by a small side street. Cool, eh? What a small world. I can't wait to see his reaction if/when he realizes who I am. I may have to ask "How's the family?" ;)

Joke

I usually don't post jokes I get. I get way too many. But this one just reminded me of someone. :)

A Yankees fan was enjoying himself at the game in a packed Yankee Stadium, until he noticed an empty seat down in front. He went down and asked the guy next to it if he knew whose seat it was.

The guy said, "Yes, that's my wife's seat. We have never missed a game since Joe DiMaggio played, but now my wife is dead."

The fan offered his sympathy and said it was really too bad that he couldn't find some relative to enjoy the game with.

"Oh no. I can." the guy replied. "It's just that they're all at the funeral."

(That is so me.)

Mother's Day Roundup

So how was everyone's Mother's Day celebrations? If you were like some people I know you just ignored it. (Yeah, I'm talking about you!) I had a good time despite my Mother being present. Weird as that sounds, it's true.

I had my Mother, my two Aunts and my Uncle over for dinner. We kicked butt on the dinner too! OK, I assisted. Nicci kicked butt, as usual. But it was great. The whole day went well. My Aunt & Uncle did well even though their only son had been admitted to the hospital the day before. I was glad they came despite that news.

My Mother is a strange bird. She is one of those people who sees conspiracy in everything. To her, the Superbowl and the World Series is always fixed. No reason to root for a team. They already know whos going to win it all before the season starts. They also fixed American Idol. She swears that Catherine will win and "boy! if she does she's never watching again!" (I'm sure that means something to the shows Producers.) They always fix the elections and even the government has control of the stock market. Theres no point in doing anything if you ask her. It's all rigged. What a crack-up. :)

We've all just learned to ignore her. Yeaterday she started telling Nicci how sad it was that she had to leave her last job. Nicci asked why it was sad. Then my Mom started talking about this incident where a woman was harassing Nicci because she found out Nicci was South African. She said the woman was black and didn't like where Nicci was from and it got so bad she had to get a new job. Funny thing was neither Nicci nor I remembered anything like that ever happening. I think we would remember it, eh? We told her just that. But she argued for 10 minutes that it happened. She wouldn't give it up even when it became apparent that she was making it up. I think the woman thinks about stuff like that and the longer she thinks about it the more real it becomes. Nothing like that ever happened to Nicci. But to my Mom, it really happened.

Later we just laughed about it. Weird person indeed. I'm sure when I see either of my Aunts alone they will have a chuckle with me. That's what usually happens.

So the day was good. I am still hurting from the 'project' I managed to finish Friday and still live. Peachy thinks it would have been cool if I had left the drylock on my forhead when I banged against the wet wall. Now that I think about it. I should have taken a picture. It was kinda funny. Oh well, I'm quite sure there will be another opportunity. :)

Possessed By Larry, Moe & Curly

I managed to finish that project I posted about Friday. It was quite the chore. On the surface it looked easily done. In reality, no so much. The worst part was that Larry, Moe and Curly came along and helped me do it.

Here are the adventures I had once they showed up:

As I was scraping the walls I totally forgot that I had cut one of the steps out to get back into the area under the steps. Naturally being possessed like I was with the Stooges spirits, I tried stepping on the thing 3 times! Once on the way up but I caught myself before my head hit the steps above. (It was close!) Twice backing down. Luckily I noticed just in time the second time. Not the third. I stepped back that third time and just went down through the hole. All the way. My leg got scraped up and I went backwards hard against the wall. It took the wind out of me for a few minutes. Today I have serious bruises on my back and right side with a bruush-burn on my right shoulder that I got through my shirt. How do you get brush-burned through a shirt? It doesn't feel good. I remembered the missing step after that.

When I was under the steps scraping I noticed the odd position was making my legs act weird. Like they were going to sleep or something. I thought it was kinda funny. Then the one time I tried to stand up and I thought I had my feet under me I was shocked to see the wall hitting my face. That right leg never got under me and I went forward right into the wall. It hurt. The worst part is that I did that 4 times. The next two I simply fell down and scraped my knees up. My knees look like some 5 year old has been outside playing in gravel. The last time it happened naturally had to be when I was painting the first coat. Have you ever tried to get drylock off your forehead? Yeah, it sucked! I went forward and knocked my head into the wet wall. Seems like I couldn't learn lessons on Friday. Just like the Stooges.

Another thing I couldn't stop doing was stepping on the drylocked floor. I had to do the part under the lower steps first, then crawl out and reach back under to get where I had been sitting to finish the floor. So when I stepped forward to get into position I stepped right onto the area I had just painted. 3 different times. The last time I had to hurry and clean up because I managed to step back into the basement. Drylock on the nice floor would mean dead YB. Oh well, at least my Reeboks are sealed on the bottoms. I have that going for me now. :)

The last Stooge-like thing I managed to do was forget just how much dust a job like that makes. Especially when you are cleaning up with a shop vac. I never gave it a thought as I was scraping and vacuuming and scraping and vacuuming. I never closed the basment door. When I was done with the final vacuum and I went into the basement for some reason I was shocked to see there was nothing but a huge cloud inside. The whole finished basement area was smogged. What a dumb ass! Can you guess what I did most of yesterday evening? Yep, cleaning all the furniture and walls and floors in my basement room. It all had a nice pretty white dusting all over it. Sheesh!

The moral of the story is this: Never let the 3 Stooges in to help with a project. Usually when I do something I have a few hiccups along the way. I'm used to that. But this project was a comedy of stupidity the whole time. I am amazed at all the screwy things I did. I am even more amazed that I got it done and it turned out great! It really did make a difference.

Now I hope the Stooges stay away when I go to cut out those big ass nails and replace the step. Can you imagine the damage I can do to myself with that type of equipment running?

Yeah.

I Are A Geen-e-ous

Yep, I are today. See, I took off from work to get a project done at home. I'm scraping and dry-locking the walls and floor of our basement entrance. I took off to do it for several reasons. One is that today is the only day in the near future without rain. Another is that I can do it without interruption since I am all alone.

The biggest reason is that I don't want to waste another weekend day on a shit ass project. That really gets to me. So I'm doing it now to be done with it once and for all.

Of course there are always complications with every 'simple' project. I had planned on just popping out a step or two to get in behind them and do those walls. The steps weren't cooperating. Nothing I did worked. It should have been a simple thing. Use a small wood chisel and clean out the seams of all the old paint. Then nudge the steps out with a hammer. Simple. Nope. Nothing short of cutting them out would make those damn steps move. So I did. I cut one of the suckers out. Guess what? There are 4 big ass nails holding each one in place. Hammered in through the sides. Nice.

Now I can get back and do the dry lock job but I need to go and get a new step and something to cut those nails out. I haven't been able to get the nails out so I guess I'll be cutting them out later.

So my genius plan has it's complications. But I will get this stupid thing done today. Then the weekend is all mine! (With the exception of of the old lady visit on Sunday.) Ok, back to it. Wish me luck. :)

I Saw Meritt Last Night

Last night on the way home this woman in an SUV came from out of nowhere, jumped from the right lane and nearly clipped my bumper to get in front of me. Then she proceeded to slow me down and everybody behind me too. I was pissy about that, let me tell ya! Then she got into the lane to my left so I sped up so I could give her a once over, you know, for maybe flashing the fickle finger of fate. When I got beside her I couldn't do anything but smile. When she looked over I immediately thought it was Meritt.

She looked a lot like Meritt. I had one of those moments of hesitation where I actually thought "What is she doing here?" Then when she looked over she waved to me. I guess she knew I wasn't happy about the stupid driving. All I could do was nod and smile and keep going.

I knew it wasn't Meritt. She is a couple miles away from here. (maybe 941.27 miles?) It also was a Ford SUV. But I still couldn't do anything but wave and smile. (Besides, I am sure Meritt is a much better driver than that, right?)

This morning when I drove the opposite way past that area it made me laugh again. Funny how associations like that can change your attitude, eh?

Too bad it really wasn't her too. I was really close to a Starbuck's. :)

Incognito Is Neato

Sorry I've been away so much this week. I've been incognito. Yep, if you've never been to Cognito you should check it out. You can throw the peanut shells on the floor and the waitresses are all fat and jolly. Plus the beers are always free as long as you are having the special. It's a nice diversion.

But seriously, I really have been disguised as a hard working employee lately. That is something I'm not a big fan of. Plus Monday just flew by me. What started out as a friendly tour of a place turned into a 7 hour interview for a new job. See what I mean? Everyone thinks I'm employee material. I've got them all snowed good!

Today I plan on an easier day with lots of attention to detail... ie: catching up with blogging friends. Much better plan in my opinion.

This morning I got to stop at Starbuck's. It has been a while for me. (Since the weekend.) I was having shakes and withdraw. Good thing I was ahead of schedule today. My friend Devon was there too so that made the stop even better.

So this weekend I get to do something I rarely do; I'm going shopping for shoes. I know that sounds funny but it is true. I never shop for clothes or shoes for myself unless I have no choice. I hate going for me. I like going with friends who are shopping. Thats different.
But for me its just annoying.

I have exactly one pair of work shoes that are now wearing out and need replaced. I have on fairly new pair of tennis shoes and I have on pair of dress shoes that only get to come out when I am doing something that requires dressy clothes. Thats it. I wear stuff until it is screaming to be replaced. Then I wait just a bit longer and finally go for something new.

So this weekend will be one of those rare times when I go looking for something for myself. I'm sure I'll get irritated within about 5 minutes of walking into the store but what the heck, it needs to be done.

The worst part of the weekend will be having the old ladies of the family over on Sunday for Mother's Day. It has become a tradition that Nicci started a few years ago to have them over for dinner and presents. Not that I mind my Aunts coming over. I mind my Mother coming over. Sad but true. Luckily it will be for just a few hours and then the rest of the day is free. I'll be needing some stress relief after the mom visits.

That's about it for now. I'll be back.

Nuttin Much....

I don't have much to say this morning. Just a blah kind of morning.

Yesterday was pretty cool. My tour/interview went well. I got to see a bunch of old friends and see the new area. Now they want me to consider coming there to work. Ah, to be so popular. :) We'll see how that one goes.

This business I'm in sure reminds me of a Baseball team. What I mean by that is that from one visit to another in whatever facility I go to there is someone there I know. Someone whom I've worked with or worked for, always someone familiar. It's like each company keeps hiring the same people from each other back and forth, back and forth. Like a free agent in the Baseball world, the players go where the pay is best. Funny how that works.

Anyway, I'll check back once the coffee reaches my brain. For now, it's just slowly trickling through my system and not allowing me to feel awake yet. :)

Hello It's Me....

Ha! Remember that song? For some reason it's in my head this morning. Well, at least something is in there. (I said that so everyone who wanted to write that in the comments could relax.)

Anyhow, I'm not working today so I may not be visiting much until later today. I'm going back to the old job and checking out their new additions. I'm not really sure why they want to give me a tour but at least I have a good excuse to be off today. Then I get to see my friend Lisa so this day is looking good so far.

I played my first round of golf yesterday. It was something to see! Yep, I started this year the way I ended last year; I stunk up the place. Typical.

Golf is a weird game. Usually when I try something I can eventually master it. That game still eludes me. It's addicting too. You hit that one great shot in the round and somehow you convince yourself you are getting better. So you keep going and maybe hit 2 good shots the next round. But in the end the scorecard always tells you the truth. Oh well, it's fun at least. (In a masochistic sort of way.)

So, I'm heading out soon to see old friends and new stuff. I'll be back to bloggerville sometime today. Funny, somehow I don't even mind the rain today. Must be that old "I'm not at work" thing. Yep, I believe it is. :)

Glommed From Meritt

Just because I can't resist.


There are only two rules to this game and you MUST follow them.


1. You can only say YES or NO!
2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone asks!




Have you Ever:


Taken a picture naked? -- yes
Danced in front of your mirror naked? -- yes
Told a lie? -- yes
Had a one night stand? -- yes
Been in a fist fight? -- yes
Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back? -- yes
Been arrested? -- yes
Fooled around in your parents house? -- yes
Ditched school to have sex? -- yes
Slept in a bed with a member of the same sex? -- yes
Seen someone die? -- no
Kissed a picture? -- yes
Slept in until 3? -- yes
Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by? -- yes
Played dress up? -- yes
Fallen asleep at work/school? - yes
Touched a snake? -- yes
Ran a red light? -- yes
Had detention? -- yes
Been in a car accident? -- yes
Pole danced? -- no
Been lost? -- yes
Sang karaoke? -- yes
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? -- yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? -- yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? -- yes
Kissed in the rain? - yes
Sang in the shower? -- yes
Gave your private parts a nickname? -- yes
Ever gone to school/work without underwear? - yes
Sat on a roof top? -- yes
Played chicken? -- yes
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? -- yes
Broken a bone? -- no
Mooned/flashed someone? -- yes
Had sex with your socks on? -- yes
Slept naked? -- yes
Blacked out from drinking? -- yes
Played a prank on someone? -- yes
Felt like killing someone? -- yes
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? -- yes
Cried over someone? -- yes
Had sex more than 10 times in one day? -- no
Had/Have a dog? -- yes
Been in a band or played an instrument? -- yes
Taken more than 10 shots of alcohol ? -- yes
Shot a gun? -- yes
at someone? -- yes
Played strip poker? -- yes

I Totally Agree Charlie Brown

Sometimes the boy knows what he's talking about. :)

Brain Farts

More brain farts this morning.

First, I hear the American Idol final 4 are doing Elvis songs this week. That's cool. I also hear they are going to Graceland and meeting Pricilla Presley. That makes me wonder. I wonder about how Pricilla is so famous still. She was married to Elvis, true. But she also screwed around on him and dumped him for a Karate dude. But she sure has milked that broken relationship for all it's worth. Is that a strange thing to anyone else?

Have you noticed that a lot of billboards along the highways are ads for beer & liquor? Mostly Budweiser that I can see. I think it's kind of funny. If there is one product in this country that doesn't need advertising its alcohol of any kind. Everyone just sucks down some whenever they want. Reminders aren't necessary. I don't think the booze companines are hurting for business. Maybe they should save their money?

Today is Cinco de Mayo. A cool day to be sure. I heard this morning it is celebrated because this day the Mexicans forced the French out of their country. Makes me wonder why they celebrate it anymore since they all seem to be determined to leave Mexico too. Maybe it's more of a drinking holiday these days than anything else. It's probably those damn billboard ads causing it.

I hear that Starbuck's opened 4000 new stores last year. 4000!?! Wow. They really will be everywhere soon. (Not soon enough if you ask me!) But have you heard all the rhetoric about the cost? Just mention Starbuck's to someone and they will start bitching about how it's soooo expensive and how they would never go there for coffee. Well, someone is going there for coffee! I believe there are a lot of closet Starbuck's junkies out there. A lot! Maybe it's the cool thing to fake a cheap coffee addittion? C'mon people, don't be embarrassed. Starbuck's is awesome!

I heard the story again recently about the Doctor who was a casual gambler with his friends. Then a cop wormed his way into 'being his friend', worked him into betting a large enough sum so that he could arrest him and then another cop 'accidentally' shot him to death when they were doing the arrest. A totally good citizen set up and killed for what? Private gambling with friends. Stupid. My question is why is gambling illegal anyway? It just doesn't make sense to me. Who is the govermnment to tell me I can't bet on something? They have no right to do that and we let them. It's all so stupid.

Along those lines, I don't get why prostitution is illegal either. Maybe thats not the politically correct thing to say but wtf. It doesn't make sense to me. But I have mentioned that before.

Enough farting for one morning. Today is Friday and casual day and I am off on Monday! Very cool! Let's get this day going so I can get outta here asap.

Used Sex Toys?

I was thinking this morning that there are definitely some places in this world I would not shop. I'm not just referring to my fear of shopping at Kmart. I mean if someone opened certain stores I think I'd have to pass.

For example:

The Day Old Deli & Bakery - Sorry, some of that deli stuff tastes old to begin with. When you know it's old before you go in there are no guarantees about what it's like. And some weird stuff can grow quickly in old tuna salad. The cool part is that the free day old bread can be softened up well with the runny stuff oozing from the tuna or chicken sald you get. That would help.

The Slightly Past the Expiration Grocery - The expiration dates are on there as a 'guideline', true. But who would buy food already expired? Besides, who eats all the stuff they buy before the last day anyway? No thanks.

A South American Imports Drug Store - First, they may not be well regulated since they are probably importing all the 'good stuff' under the table, so to speak. Second, I don't want drugs imported in someones bowels. Pass.

The Big & Tall, You'll Eventually Fit Them Clothes Store - This place sells clothes that you are supposed to literally grow into. You get a free guide on how to start your "eat till I explode diet" right away. Obesity is the in thing at this store. (It's the American way, right?) Can you imagine the mannequins at this place?

The Uninspired Electronics Store - They make all kinds of cool things like an electronic dog polisher and an automatic hairbrush for bald guys. Yeah, real cool stuff. You get a free set of used, almost dead batteries with every purchase.

The Pre-Owned Sex Toy Shop. - Sorry, that idea is just gross. You never know where those things have been. Plus the mens used toys could cause serious feelings of inadequacy since they may have been used by someone... uhmm shall we say "larger" than the person who purchases it. Unless you get to try things out before you buy in which case you would know not to buy. Whatever... No thanks.


These are places I think I'd avoid. Take my advice and skip the experience should you encounter any of these shops.

Check It Out Dude!

Have you noticed that bikers tend to stand around their bikes and smoke and point and talk about their bikes? I noticed this a while back but this morning it is fresh in my mind. Why this morning you ask? Because at 5:14 a.m. I went past these 2 biker dudes in their biker duds and they were standing, smoking, sipping coffee (I assume) and pointing at their bikes.

Now, I've seen bikers doing that in normal times. Every evening I pass this cool bike repair shop on my way home and there is always 5-6 bikes out front and usually that many bikers standing around looking at them. (Usually with beers, not coffee.) But to see a couple of them at 5:14 a.m. makes me wonder.

I started wondering if they were part of some group that was standing and admiring their bikes the night before and those 2 just couldn't get enough. Maybe they were standing there all night admiring each others cool rides. Maybe they were so enthralled with the bikes that they just couldn't get going for fear of not having a good enough view. To them, the view is the thing. I dunno. It just was funny to me.

Is this something all bikers do? Stand around and look at bikes and talk shop? I wonder if thats what happens in car clubs too. Car dudes & dudettes standing around looking at each others stuff, talking, pointing, sucking down beers and not driving. I've never belonged to any of those clubs but I do wonder.

I also wonder if you have to learn a secret handshake or something when you join up with these gangs. Maybe a secret greeting. You know, like Fred Flintstone; ack rack-a-dack....

Maybe Peachy can help us out with these questions. Hey Peach, any of this sound familiar? Any insight?

I was just wondering. :)

You Know You Want To Tag It

Recon tagged me. She did 11 things even though she was only supposed to do 10, so I'm one-upping her and doing 12. ;)

Instructions:
Tag 4 people. List a few Weird Facts about yourself...The weirder the better....LOL.
Leave the links to the blogs of the people you tagged so they can be easily found.


1. I hate shaving so much I skip it every other day even though I look totally scruffy when I do.

2. I hold grudges so long against red sux players that it gets absurd. For instance, I still despise Wade Boggs and he retired at least a decade ago and won a World Series with the Yankees before he did.

3. I tried pot 3 times and every time I got violently ill.

4. I do not trust anyone easily but I can develop feelings for someone quickly.

5. I always wake up feeling like something great is about to happen but so far nothing has.

6. I think the Beatles are the most overrated group in the history of mankind. Them and Michael Jackson.

7. I have a large collection of Marilyn Monroe stuff but it never leaves the boxes it is stored in.

8. I secretly hope to someday see a real live ghost. (Or would that be a real dead ghost?)

9. I once kissed a girl on a dare and she ended up being my girlfriend for almost a year because of doing that.

10. I had sex with two different Teachers in high school.

11. I really hate coconut. Really really really hate coconut.

12. I wish I had never gotten married even one time. Ever.

OK, now I'm tagging Peachy, Beergirl, Cindy Lou and Terra. (Or anyone else who wants to do it.)

Gmail Chat

Anyone who has Gmail has probably by now noticed they added a chat thing to the email page. It is really cool plus very convenient. I like that you can see when your friends are online and can just pop in with a chat window to say hi.

What occurred to me this morning (not for the first time btw) is that I have some of the best conversations on Gmail chat. Plus they are automatically archived so I can read them again later. Here are some examples. (Names changed to protect the innocent.)

S: maybe he'll come to &*%&%$ today. I hope he contacts me.
me: Cool! Call him. I want to see him slurp down those wings and get the stuff all over his face. ;)
S: HA!!HA!! I'm not going to call him. He might want to chill out today. I'll check my messages here and there.
me: Ok fine, ruin my fun.
S: sorry. I called him yesterday, so i don't want to be a pain.
me: Yeah he may think you are interested in him if you call too much.
S: right..and we don't want that to happen. hee hee.
me: Nope. Play hard to get, even if you are.
S: Oh please..I think he could really care less.

me: Hey L!
L: hi? lol is this the gmail thing?
me: Yep. isn't it cool!
L: this is so weird. i thought i had a new email from you or something, lol.
i was actually going to respond. im so sore!!
me: You do somewhere. This is just a bonus.
L: hahaha awesome/
i went skiing on saturday!
me: Sounds like fun. I've never gone. I can't get past the idea of being cold.
L: I didn't feel cold at all. With all the clothes you're wearing and all the work you're doing, you stay warm.
L: It was awesome. I've snowboarded, but haven't skied... so much fun. But I fell on my head getting off the ski lift, so I hurt myself.
me: On your head? Ouch! I think I'd be fallin a lot.
If you keep it up maybe you'll be ready for the Olympics in 4 years. :)
L: Yep, I fell on my head. You don't really fall a lot while skiing, but man, it's a real workout. I'm SO sore. LOL.
I wouldn't mind going to the Olympics... as a spectator. LOL.
me: I'd like to go too as a spectator. Besides, I don't think they have a catagory for skiing with your head. ;)
Is snowboarding hard?
L: HAHAHA!

These are just some examples of some of the more tame conversations I have. I used to think that the chats were silly but these days I really enjoy them. It's like having a conversation without all the distractions and fluff. Cool.

So everyone, get a Gmail account so we can have fun chats.

BTW, my Gmail isn't advertised on the blog. Use the one listed to send me your account and I'll return the favor. :)

Nation Braces For 'Day Without Immigrants'

That's the headline of this story. Personally, I am as sick of all this crap as I can get. These people are protesting for immigrant rights. I haven't seen anything going on about the lack of rights. I have seen plenty of Americans upset about the illegals. There is a big, giant difference. Immigration is fine; illegal immigration isn't.

This quote from the story really pisses me off: "Some insist that a boycott is the next key step - beyond marches - to show the nation just how much economic power undocumented workers hold." First, that BS term "the undocumented workers" is so irritating. They are illegals. Screw that PC term. Second, they are illegals. Who gives a crap about what they buy or what they do? Are you getting the hint here about what I think? Illegal is illegal and they should not be here without going through the proper methods.

I have heard some talk about racism against them. I have heard that they have rights. I have even heard that the government may allow them to stay as guest workers until they can get the proper documentation. That is all crap too. Let's just reward this group of people for breaking the laws of the land. Nice.

It's not an issue of racism, rights or anything else to most Americans. It's an issue of criminal actions being rewarded. I, for one, think they all need to go home. The ones who walk out today are the ones I'd pick up first and drive to the border. "Come back when you want to follow the rules. Thanks for stopping by."

The worst thing I've heard about this stuff is that there is now a version of the National Anthem in Spanish. WTF is that all about? The National Anthem is America's Anthem and it is done in English. Immigrants coming here need to become more American or they need to go away. I am all for them keeping their heritage, teaching their young their roots, all that. But they can not be allowed to push aside our heritage and our ways. Integration is different than losing touch with their roots. Big difference.

We are a nation of idiots if we allow this stuff to continue.