Breaking Things with Care and Precision

Year of the Pig.

2007-02-19T17:53:00.000-06:00

AMP and I headed down to Chinatown yesterday for the New Year's celebrations. It was too damned cold to do much of anything save hop around and swear, driving snow near canceling out the smell of sweet and sour this that and the other. But, we got to see some dragons, and the mayor of DC.

Man, I'm getting so Virginian.

2007-02-15T13:41:00.000-06:00

I'm from Illinois. I'm used to snow. I'm used to getting a few feet in the evening, waking up, cursing, brushing the car off, and driving 30 miles to work. It's just what you did.

Here in Virginia, things are a bit different. The office was closed yesterday because of the weather. I'd never seen this happen before, though it should be noted that the Chicago home office has been closed a couple times this season, as well. All that global warming, I guess. Anyways, I worked from home yesterday, and I was even able to venture out into the tundra to pick up some flowers, etc., for my lovely wife.

Today, things are back to normal, and the office is open. Unfortunately, after spending well over an hour with the car, I found myself completely unable to leave my parking spot. Ice. I tried kitty litter, I tried shoveling, I even tried enlisting the help of a guy with similar problems across the street. Neither of us could get the other guy to budge. So, though I feel like a real sap about it, I'm working from home again today. I was able to move my car a little bit ago and reparked in a less icy spot, but at this point, it's not worth going in. In fact, were I to be caught on 66 in 15 minutes heading West, I'd get a ticket for violating car pool laws. For the second time. No thanks, and I have no idea how to get to work any other way.

I should get on that, probably.

So, I'm going to sit back and watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, and might even make a movie night of it by adding King King afterwards.

That's just how I roll.

January's Almost Over.

2007-01-30T18:33:00.000-06:00

I made no resolutions for the New Year, which is good. Had I, I might have to take a look back at the past month with a bit of regret. As it stands, I'm feeling pretty good about myself. Were there a mirror in front of me right now, I might just exclaim with a wink, "Looking good, big guy!"

It's been just your run of the mill typical month. I got a ticket for violating Virginia carpool lanes and will be in court next month fighting the Man. I've hugged the wife a few times, pet the cat, done some laundry, made some meals. Typical stuff. I even saw a pair of movies- how 'bout that, January?

Here's hoping that February kicks all sorts of ass.

Alone With My Thoughts (Poor Company.)

2007-01-08T18:12:00.000-06:00

Classes started up for AMP tonight, which leaves me home with the computer, the cat, and a Miller Light. Nothing inspiring. It's lonely not having her around after a couple of weeks of solid company. So it goes. This is the investment you make to add a hot shot lawyer to the family. Nothing to report. I'm feeling a lot better than I was, but I'm still not to the 100% mark yet. Hopefully another good night of sleep will kick this thing in the ass.

Alright. I'm bored with this already. Think I'll wake the cat and see if he wants to talk.

I Don't Waffle.

2007-01-07T16:48:00.000-06:00

I pancake.

My plan for spaghetti went nowhere with the wife, who really wanted waffles for dinner. Waffles are a bit of a pain in the ass. Lots of mixing and mashing and beating and blending and the like. So, boxed blueberry pancakes are the order of the evening. Box powder and water- it can't get any easier than that. Throw in some turkey bacon (were I still single, this crap would be in the garbage), and you have dinner.

I mixed up a vodka and Coke to get myself in the mood for the festivities, and here's hoping we'll have dinner magic.

Ill, not at Ease.

2007-01-04T11:46:00.000-06:00

I started coming down with some sort of a chest cold yesterday evening, and I woke up feeling like garbage. So, I stayed home. This was much more of a treat when I hated my job, but I enjoy what I do now. I'd actually rather feel well and be there, truth be told. So, it goes. My body tells me that it's the best thing for me right now to stay home, hydrate, rest, and try to kick this thing. My body's also telling me to playing some Yoshi's Island on the DS.

Lots of things I wanted to do today, little administrative life things, but I don't have the things I need to do them here at home. I'll go pick up AMP's school books for the next semester and then come back here and do more of this nothing thing I've got going right now.

Ah, well. Tomorrow's another day, hopefully a feeling good one.

Merry Christmas, Everyone.

2006-12-23T15:48:00.000-06:00

That is all. Best wishes to you and yours. Have a safe and happy holiday, enjoy your families, and all the rest of it.

A.O.K.

2006-11-26T15:55:00.000-06:00

AMP and I took a nice little trip back to Chicago for Thanksgiving to see my family. There were fourteen of us in all, likely making it the biggest Thanksgiving we've ever had in that house. It was an eventful time. My wife ran in the Turkey Trot (I cheered from the car), we sorted a lot of junk that I had in storage, and we ate a whole lot of stuff.

I miss Chicago, and even though I just left the place a few weeks ago, it was refreshing to get back.

Today's been a slow one, which is nice. Church, grocery store, and then I split for a walk to the library while AMP worked on a paper. She's an active one, and is currently out for a run. Me, I'm just diddling around waiting for her to get back. I guess there's really nothing to report. The upshot is, I love my family, and I'm currently diddling around. Carry on.

Oh, Satan!

2006-11-23T12:03:00.000-06:00

Seen on the way through town this morning. Thank you, vandals!

You Reheat Friday.

2006-11-17T19:14:00.000-06:00

So, that's what I'm doing. A lazy boring dinner before heading out to a lazy boring birthday party for a friend of a friend of the wife. Tomorrow morning's the DMV and running errands. I honestly think I'd prefer to be at work, but it's not really an option. And so, it goes.

It's an odd thing coming home from work and having no company but the cat for several hours while my wife's at school, but I guess it's no different from my old life. Being married, however, gives the expectation of, well, a wife. I'll find my groove, I'm certain.

Not a Tourist.

2006-11-11T07:51:00.000-06:00

After spending so much time traveling back and forth between Illinois and Virginia, it's a bit difficult to get in the mindset that I live here. There's no early-morning airport run rapidly approaching, and any trips I do take to Chicago will end with me flying back to DCA.

I'll get used to it.

Right now, the place is pretty bare. I have a storage unit full of furniture back in Illinois and no solid plan on how, when, or if I'll get it up here. Another item to tackle. So, it goes.

Two nights ago, I went out for drinks with my good friend Andrew, who's out in the area working for a spell. Last night, drinks with another couple of friends. Today, going to see Borat with another couple of friends. It's a bit strange, all these folks whom I've known for a long time- I now live right next to them.

All of it, some getting used to.

I'm a Virginian.

2006-11-08T11:49:00.000-06:00

I rolled into town on Sunday afternoon, and I start up work on Thursday. The last three days have been gloomy, drizzle and a decided lack of sun. So, it goes.

We don't have much furniture at present. That's something we still need to tackle. Furniture is legion back in Illinois, but the transport of said furniture is up in the air right this second.

So, yeah- I guess I've got nothing. Looking forward to starting up a new routine tomorrow, but also feeling a bit anxious at the same time.

Married Life Sans Wife.

2006-10-26T15:25:00.000-05:00

Lots of folks have taken to asking me how married life is treating me.

In a lot of ways, this is just one of those questions people ask because they have nothing else to say to you. It's flip, and requires little thought. But, it's a damned good question, because I'm not really sure how married life is treating me. Two days after the wedding, I sent my wife out of state. I thought this would make things easier, but in fact, it's made things a bit of a pain in the ass. Who knew?

I'm transfering to a Virginia office with my current company. I've been waiting on a start date for three weeks, and was just told yesterday that they want me out there a week from Monday. I'll have a week of serious hyperventilation, but after the sixth of November, I'll be able to accurately answer the question of how married life is treating me.

Ooh- yeah.

2006-10-15T11:32:00.000-05:00

I'm married.

Heading up North.

2006-09-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

In Milwaukee until Sunday for my bachelor party.

This is my last weekend as a single man.

Thank fucking God.

Long Time, No See.

2006-09-20T00:11:00.000-05:00

I'm 30, as of minutes ago.

And, tired.

And, I'll be married in less than three weeks.

Go, me.

A Change of Scenery.

2006-07-27T23:38:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, AMF and I decided that the DC area would be our home. The previous plan was for the two of us to settle in the Chicago suburbs, but, you know- things change. Last Sunday, we signed a lease on a place in Arlington, and as soon as I can find gainful employment out that way, I'll be a Virginian.

There's a lot that goes into a decision like this, so, being responsible and mature adults, we put lots into it. There are plenty of folks who think it's a poor decision, but it's ours, so, I'll take good care of it.

We moved continually throughout my childhood, so I suppose that heading out East is no big deal. That said, I've been in Illinois for the last seven years, so I'm sure I'll miss Illinois. I'll certainly miss my family. I'll also miss the couple of friends I still have out here, as well as my favorite bar. So, it goes. A new chapter begins.

Ben recently relocated himself, from the Chicago area to Madison, WI. The change seems to have done him some good. At the very least, it's done me some good, as it's resulted in some updates to his oft-dormant blog. There are some great pieces here, and I hope his recent increase in output continues. I encourage you to check out his site; whether or not you're a fan of punk music or not, you'll certainly be a fan of his storytelling.

Dogged.

2006-07-24T22:09:00.000-05:00

For the time being, I'm living back home, a perfectly respectable thing for a man nearing 30 to be doing.

I just turned around and saw that the dogs made their way up here to the "office," and are expecting to sleep in my room in the absence of my parents. This is truly a different world. I'm used to a squalid one-bedroom environment with a cat, and I've moved to a decidedly non-squalid multi-roomed environment sans cat with a pair of dogs. I'll adapt, because I'm adaptable.

Yes, this is a wholly different world.

Yeah, I'm Alive.

2006-07-20T22:05:00.000-05:00

So, stop asking.

Things have been very busy, leaving little time for updating the "blog." Apologies.

I'm moved out of my old place and living with my folks while AMF and I get our respective stuff together for a married life. Being "home" is certainly a change, but thus far, it's been pleasant. Truman is living, for the time being, at my sister's, and he seems to be adapting well. I visit him, though not as often as I should, and I need to remedy this.

I saw him climb stairs for the first time ever earlier in the week. I felt like a proud father.

Since last writing, I've been to Atlanta to see AMF and her family. It was nice to see everyone. I'm definitely adding some great folks to my world. Tomorrow, I fly out to DC to see AMF for a busy weekend of assorted errands, plans, and to-dos. As I've said, things have been busy, and they continue to be so. I'll try my hardest to keep up.

Again: I am alive. Thanks for asking.

I'm Moving Slowly

2006-06-24T20:49:00.000-05:00

No updates in quite a while, though it's been an incredibly busy month.

I'm moving out of my apartment, and today was the big "rent a truck, move the big furniture" day. There's still a lot left to do. I have to drive to Indiana for business tomorrow, and will be there through Tuesday night. From there, I have until Friday afternoon to finish everything. I think I"ll end up taking a couple days off of work.

So- right now I'm exhausted. So exhausted that I'm not even going to shower before going to bed, and I'm filthy. No shower this morning, either. I'm choking down a beer, and then- sweet blissful sleep in an apartment that no longer has any furniture save this desk and my bed.

More to come, perhaps from the road.

Take care, my friends.

Good Reading.

2006-05-29T23:52:00.000-05:00

I've been gone for a while, because I haven't had much to say.

However, Larry has. Please click to see a great blog from a fellow who appears to be pretty alright himself.

Memorial Day.

2006-05-29T23:48:00.000-05:00

I wish I did, but I have nothing to add outside of what I said last year. My prayers are with all those who fight to protect our freedom. Whether you agree or disagree with our government's policies, support of our troops should be tantamount in all our minds at this time. For all those who have fallen, I offer my thanks.

No Replacement- Ha!

2006-05-05T18:48:00.000-05:00

Those who never really gave the Replacements a chance have a good opportunity on June 13 with the release of "Don't You Know Who I Think I Was: The Best of the Replacements."

The Replacements are one of the finest bands you're ever going to hear, and while any fan is going to take some issue with the track selection of a greatest hits album, this disc seems a pretty good place for a newcomer to start. And, as a bonus to those of us who already own all the albums, the band got together to record two new tracks, "Pool and Dive," and "Message to the Boys."

Good stuff.

Some time ago, I wrote a stupid little piece on Paul Westerberg that was supposed to run on A Small Victory. It never did, so I'm posting it here for the sake of housekeeping:

I never saw the Replacements vomit.

Take that, yell my way, and scream about Bob.

Tell me that I'm too young, and I'll take it and tell you that you're
too old. Get in my face and tell me "Sid," and I'll throw it back
your way and tell you "Matlock."

Paul Westerberg is important to me, and that's mine.

In June of '91, I was beyond enthused to be going to see Elvis
Costello at Lake Compounce. Opening for him were the Replacements,
about whom I knew little. My ninth-grade friend Ryan tried to tell me
about "Tim," and I didn't really listen. My friend Ben's older
brother wore an "All Shook Down" t-shirt, but besides that, I was
oblivious. Of the Costello/Replacements show, Harford Courant writer
David Yokomoto wrote, "for fans of peerless songwriting," there was no
better. So, I hoped for the best.

The Replacements were terrible. At 14, I was an arrogant fool. As I
sat waiting for Elvis to take the stage, the Replacements were little
more than impediments. They played "Skyway," and I fell upon my
knees, listening to the crowd sing along as I prayed for the feel-good
acoustic singalong to end. Periodically, I went to find my friend
Ryan, who was sitting elsewhere with a gorgeous co-ed to ask, "how can
you like this?"

And then, I was hit by a double shot of songs that I would later
identify as "Left of the Dial" and "Alex Chilton," and I knew that a
chink in the arrogance of my musical armor was broken forever. In the
midst of my teenage boredom, something hit me, and it hit me hard.
The weeks following the concert would find me scouting out local
record stores for Replacements albums, trying to get back the moments
I'd squandered waiting for Elvis to hit the stage. Something stuck.
The choruses stuck hard in my head. There was a voice there that
really meant something.

I got them all, from "Sorry, Ma…." to "All Shook Down" and back
through, completing my collection. A knock to my
know-it-all-musicality- here was something that had snuck through the
radar of Elvis, Graham Parker, and Joe Jackson. I was sent asunder.
I remember sitting in a dark room listening to "16 Blue," and, Jesus
Christ, "Answering Machine," and feeling that there was a guy out
there who actually GOT it. Blaring "Tim," with Ryan, I knew I had a
friend for life as we belted out "Hold My Life" together, delighted as
we realized, together, the cartoon origins of the pre-chorus. Christ,
WE were the "Bastards of Young."

I moved away soon after, and I was left on my own with the
Replacements. Alone in a bedroom in Dallas, I listened, over and
over, to everything Paul had to say. His first solo album hit, and I
had to have been the first kid in the Park Cities to pick it up. A
friend and I-- a friend really only in the sense that he had a car--
bought tickets and drove downtown to see Paul play solo. We were the
first in line. Way behind us, we saw him talking to a bunch of folks
in the crowd. He asked if I wanted him to hold our place in line so I
could go back and babble, and I decided that this was better left for
after the show. There was no after the show, as the bouncers refused
me entry based upon my age.

And, that was it. We went home. And, it hurt. In Westerberg, there
was a voice with which I could connect, and seeing him live seemed to
kind of seal some sort of deal. So it went.

I still sat there in my room listening. With few friends after my
mid-high school move to Dallas, I found "Here Comes a Regular" an
invitation to a future state of solemn hedonism. Someday, I thought,
I could sit in a bar and be all the things about which I thought, a
tragic and beautiful man. I could sit with folks who'd appreciate me.

Years went by. College, and whatnot, and I picked up all subsequent
solo albums, "Eventually," "Suicaine Gratifaction," and I liked them
all- but, they didn't hit the same way Paul had hit before.

So, we fast forward to a couple years ago, where I'm somewhere in the
neighborhood of 25 years old. Paul was really nowhere to be seen. I
didn't know what the hell I was doing with my life. Music didn't hit
the way it had before.

"Stereo" and "Mono" came out, and at the risk of hyperbole, my life
was changed again entirely. Paul had come back out of left field. He
came back in the same way Ryan had after a spell of silence. I
listened on headphones to both, intently, as I walked through downtown
St. Louis, convinced I was about to get knifed as a girlfriend
attended a conference. I had come to find that life at the bar could
be filthy and venal, and I understood the lines I'd let pass from the
same album as "Here Comes a Regular"- "You grow old in a bar." I'd
grown a bit, and Paul was there, too. Playing in the basement!
Playing every instrument! Singing of life the way it was for a real
person, not a celebrity, not a rock star. "Let the Bad Times Roll,"
"We May Be the Ones,"- Christ. Thank you. Anyone, tell me- can you
listen to "We May be the Ones," and tell me that there is not a
passion, anger, and frustration that goes far beyond anything anyone
stuck in a "Bastards of Young," mindset can accept.

I saw him live on that tour. He forgot songs, blew frets, and all the
stuff people liked to write about those shows. I hated the crowds,
all the folks who wanted to meet him on the bus afterwards, all the
folks who sang along. What I saw, there in the present moment, was
all that mattered. The songs still resonated. All hope for some sort
of circus was simply silly. God bless you, Paul, for that. I'm going
to miss the Chicago show this April due to a stupid work commitment,
but it just doesn't matter anymore. What matters are the songs that I
still play continuously, not the spectacle. Paul's given us a
catalogue we can go back to for pretty much any situation. He's alone
in the basement, giving us what we need as we go through life alone.

I don't care about the legend; it's for chumps who can't get on with
their own lives. I love Paul for reminding me that there really is no
moment in which to get stuck. You keep growing, you keep getting hit
with the nonsense that's life, and you keep on going. The best thing
you can have is a song to keep you company and know you're not alone.

Tomorrow morning, with a cup of strong coffee and a loud car stereo,
I'll remember that.

General Housekeeping.

2006-05-03T20:51:00.000-05:00

Not much to say this evening. I tied one on, as the kids say, yesterday after work with my brother, and was a bit disheveled today as a result.

I still made myself run when I got home (after a short nap), which made me feel a bit better. Now, I'm showered and drinking some tea and ready to play some Mario Kart and then fall asleep. Wrapping things up.

Before I go, I want to point out a new link over there to the right, Joe's blog, JEEIII World Tour. Joe's a fine fellow with a good blog, and I recommend checking it out.

Night, folks.

I Lack Stamina.

2006-05-01T18:37:00.000-05:00

I just went for a run.

What the hell was that all about? I wasn't even being chased! I feel rather crappy now, but kind of a good crappy. The run was a nice reminder of how out of shape I am, and how I should be doing things like running/getting back to the gym on a regular basis.

Go, me.

Wiiiiiiiii!

2006-04-29T17:26:00.000-05:00

Nintendo's given it's "Revolution" console an official name- Wii.

Wii.

Let it sink in:

Wii.

Without question, the name choice is surprising, especially when folks have gotten used to the idea of Nintendo's system being called "Revolution." "Revolution" worked, and epitomized what Nintendo told all of us to expect from their new system, a complete change in the way we play games. While the name's a bit of a head scratcher, it doesn't bother me. In fact, it's grown on me over the last few days.

I have faith in Nintendo, and hope that their gamble on a "revolutionary" system with a silly name pays off. I love videogames, and have become a huge fan of the DS. Here's hoping lightning can strike twice for them with the Wii.

The Washington Post has a nice piece on Nintendo in today's paper. Enjoy.

A Lack of Motivation.

2006-04-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

That's what I've got today.

I woke up early, but didn't shower and dress until after three. I sat around fishing for hours on Animal Crossing. Funny how I can put up with mundane activities in videogames, but leave laundry and dishes to pile up in my real life. A shame, actually.

It's grey and rainy out, which helps perpetuate a feeling of laziness. In fact, shortly after showering, I fell asleep on the couch for about an hour. I'm trying to wake up presently, with Frasier on in the background. So, it goes. It beats wasting the afternoon at a bar.

It's Fun to be Sick!

2006-04-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

Or, rather, it could have been.

I've been playing around with a cold/allergy combination for the past several weeks. I ended up taking two days off last week to recover, and while I'm getting better, there's still some achiness and congestion to overcome. I've been taking Tylenol and Nyquil (for the sake of full disclosure, it's been generic Walgreens "Nyquil." I've never been able to bring myself to purchase name-brand medication.), but had I known about this, I would likely have been all over it. Or, at least, I would have looked at the box a few times before walking out with a generic.

The cold's been a drag. In addition to the physical discontent, there are mental components, as well. Being sick turns you into a pariah. I attended an engagement retreat this weekend with AMF, and I was the Johnny Appleseed of germs. It started with my coughs punctuating the room of couples, and by Sunday afternoon, coughs joined mine like dogs hearing other dogs barking. I felt hated. You could tell no one wanted to shake my hand at the end of the affair.

The retreat itself was full of strangeness. While I'm glad AMF and I now have it under our belts as a shared experience, I'd be lying if I didn't say it had its fair share of crap attached to it. The sign greeting us set the standard for my expectations:

Beyond our surprise that this was a correct spelling-optional event, we were also surprised to be housed with roommates. I was surprised to be housed with Raoul. I was doubly surprised to be awoken on Friday night by Raoul speaking in Spanish while he slept and then letting off a loud fart before slipping back into slumber. So, it goes. Raoul and his fiancee' seem to have snuck off home on Saturday night, leaving me to a Spanish-free fartless night. Maybe it was the fires of lust that drove Raoul to sneak off site, but it certainly could have been an aversion to my germs.

Anyways, the net effect of the weekend is that AMF and I are now engaged to the EXTREME.

But, it Feels like Deadness Day.

2006-04-19T10:40:00.001-05:00

I feel some better than yesterday, but not quite well yet. So, I'm home.

Dammit. Hate taking a sick day, as they go against my vacation days, and I have a lot planned for the year, what with the wedding, etc.

So, it goes.

I need to get better. Engaged Encounter this weekend. Can't be sick there.

Babbling.

Off to grab a cup of coffee, then back here to do laundry, play Animal Crossing, and maybe watch a movie.

Just trying to rest.

But, it Feels like Deadness Day.

2006-04-19T10:40:00.000-05:00

I'm Sick.

2006-04-18T19:34:00.000-05:00

No witty title, just the facts: I feel like complete crap. There's a combination allergies/cold thing going on, with each battling for supremacy. I'm the prize. I called in sick, which was a drag to have to do, and slept most of the day.

Now, I'm watching American Idol, having just finished a dinner of hot and sour soup. This is AMF's favorite when she's not feeling well, and in lieu of having her with me to nurse me back to help, I got takeout. I'm about to take Nyquil and then just lay on the couch until I feel like going to bed. Hopefully, I'll be better in the morning. If not, I'm not going to play around. I need to get better by the weekend, when AMF and I are going to an engaged couples retreat. I have to kick this crap.

Wish me luck!

Oh- I stumbled upon this site earlier today, and preliminary inspection has made it a strong recommend. I love checking out old toys and the like; hope you do, too.

If This Isn't Nice...

2006-04-09T17:45:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful Sunday.

I ended up at the mall looking for a present for AMF, who's visiting over Easter weekend. While at the mall, I got a call from my brother, who came and joined me. The Fox Valley Mall (Can't bring myself to use the new "Westfield Shopping Center" name) is basically a zoo for damaged folks, but the two of us ended up having a great time walking around and drinking coffee. Sometimes the most mundane of activities can be a real shot in the arm, and hanging around the mall with my brother did wonders to perk me up.

I'm off for a steak dinner at my parents'. It turned out to be a really good Sunday.

My Day.

2006-03-26T10:41:00.000-06:00

Last night's excursion to Dave and Buster's was a good time, despite the hoops I had to go through when I found that the machines wouldn't read the game card I got from a work outing two Christmases ago. Once the manager took care of that, things were good, and we got a lot of games in.

But, the thing is- the games just weren't that fun. The arcade's kind of antiquated now. They really don't offer much that you can't do on a home system, and the things they do offer just don't feel worth leaving home for. My fun amounted to hanging out with my brother and my friend, and the games pretty much served as props in the background.

I was exhausted when I got home, and I slept later than I usually do. I got up, made coffee, played around on the computer, argued wi-fi legislation with AMF (I pretended I actually understood things related to networking), and now I'm listening to Social Distortion and realizing I need to get in gear if I want to be at church in a half hour.

The rest of the day, God willing, will be spent playing videogames. Me, the couch, and a general lack of arcade patrons.

One Screen is Cool, but Two Screens are Friggin' Fantastic!

2006-03-25T08:49:00.000-06:00

I ended up picking up a Nintendo DS last week as a little present. Now, I can whip the asses of kids across the country-- nay, WORLD-- in Tetris. This "technology" is more like "magic." Go, Nintendo. If any of you out there play, let me know, and we'll swap "friend codes."

Yes, I'm almost 30. Shut the hell up.

On the same topic, I'm heading to either Dave and Buster's or Gameworks later today to play some videogames with my brother and a friend. Good times.

Back to the Burbs.

2006-03-19T18:11:00.000-06:00

I got home at around 11:30 this morning. Taking first things first, I fed the cat, who is craving attention something fierce. As much as I disliked the jaunt to Dallas, waking up without having to handfeed a cat gave me a feeling akin to that which I believe parents taking a break from their kids experience. From there it was church. When I got home, my brother's car was here, and he showed up from taking a walk soon after. We went and played pool with a friend, where I drank coffee served by a cranky waitress who had an aversion to bringing out cream or stirring implements. From there, Costco for razors, and now I'm home for the evening. I tried taking a nap, but it didn't take. I think the coffee combined with a general sense of geographic displacement has left me a bit out of sorts.

It's probably for the best; I have to be at a cat dermatologist tomorrow at three, so I'll be going into work as early as humanly possible to make up for a 1:00 departure from the office. A nap would have just turned the whole plan on its ear.

So, yeah- I feel distinctly amiss. It's a lousy feeling to lose the weekend to work and work-related travel, and the feeling's intensifying as I boot up the laptop to finish up some more work. Don't feel so great. Overtired, and thinking too much. So, it goes. It probably doesn't help that I haven't eaten today, save a yogurt smoothie at the airport.

And now, my laptop won't let me log in. My password must have expired, which leaves me dead in the water, as it appears it can only be changed from work.

So it goes.

Goodnight, Kind of.

2006-03-14T21:43:00.000-06:00

Dammit.

I have to get up at three, and I'm still getting ready for the stupid trip. There's a TV dinner in the microwave and laundry in the dryer.

And, it's a pretty safe bet I won't be able to fall alseep anyways.

So, it goes....

Night. Kind of.

And, Before I Forget, and Before I Go to Sleep.

2006-03-13T22:05:00.000-06:00

Matt at X-Entertainment does it again and presents a fantastic article about finally finding a Shamrock Shake after years of drought.

I might suggest that Matt's site is the most entertaining I've ever found. Over the past couple of years, I've spent a lot of time going through his archives. And, it's been quality time. Matt's a fantastic writer, consistently funny without falling victim to the "check me out, I'm a riot!" syndrome so pervasive on the Web, and he writes about things that matter. Check out this past piece on the top ten GI Joe figures ever if you don't believe me.

Anyways, check out his site. It's so good I find myself wishing he would lose his day job so he could write more often.

Bugged.

2006-03-13T21:53:00.000-06:00

I had strange dreams this morning.

I Took a walk around my town, and the tiny college became much bigger. In a large quad area, there was a dog sale, lots of people selling puppies.

From here, I ended up in a building where people were selling strange insects and reptiles. Really disgusting creatures, beetles, and whatnot. One tank had headphones attached so you could listen to them scuttle and bite. There was a tank with miniature alligators, just a few inches long. Floating throughout where chewed up tiny alligator jaws, and some alligators were rolling over dead ones. Then, at one end up this area were a tank of small cobras. I screamed out when it appeared one was outside its tank, but it turned out to just be an electrical "prank." One end of it was a power cord, which made it move around like a snake. Also by this vendor were comic books. There was a Bloom County/Outland book I'd never seen, and all the comics were inspired by the Andy Griffith Show and Days of Our Lives. Thumbing through, all the comics were unfamiliar, but I couldn't remember if they were new or reprints. The book came with a T-shirt and videotape. The man at the booth asked if wanted to buy it, but then I realized I was in my old office in the city, and there was a pile of old mail of mine that had never been forwarded. My old green backpack was there. I filled it with my mail, and left.

The bugs, in particular, creeped me out.

Truman's been locked in the bathroom with his e-collar for the past five weeks. He periodically (read: continually) knocks over his water dish, so I've taken to laying a bathtowel next to it to soak up at least some of the spilled water.

I lifted the current towel this evening to wash it, and underneath was a swarm of tiny ants and a centipede. God, almighty....

I see more distasteful dreams involving insects coming tonight.

YEE HAW!

2006-03-13T19:44:00.000-06:00

Ugh. Argh. Ugh.

I'm taking off for a business trip so early on Wednesday that it might as well be last Thursday. I'm going to Dallas, which was my home for a while back in high school. I'm not exactly jumping up and down about this trip. The fact that it's Dallas is somewhat annoying to me, though I'll be in a hotel for the entire conference, so it might as well be anywhere. More to the point, the thought of spending the rest of the week, including my weekend, knee-deep in insurance sickens me. I don't like mingling and socializing. Nor do I care much for glad handing nor back slapping. The back slapping, in particular, sits poorly with my sensitive stomach. So it goes, I suppose. This is how I get the big bucks that keep me in my drafty one-bedroom apartment.

I'll try to post from the road. I'll be busy pretending to care about what I do for a living, but as I've given up booze for Lent, I should be able to sneak away from the cocktail parties, the post cocktail parties, and the late night runs to various and sundry touristy nightclubs. Hopefully, I'll have more time in my room than on previous trips.

And, so it goes.

Sunday Morning in March.

2006-03-05T10:08:00.000-06:00

I slept for close to 11 hours last night, and I just don't get it. I was in bed during the 10:00 hour, and woke at 9:30. Strange thing, that. My body must have needed it.

There's a dusting of snow outside, and all is grey. So goes March. It's good incentive to stay in and get some cleaning done, I suppose. AMF's back on Friday, and manners dictate she returns to a clean house. Well, except for the bathroom. With Truman in there, one has to settle for a "Not-covered-in-excrement" bathroom.

So, not much of a day.

But now, time to jump in the shower and get ready for church and the first Sunday of Lent. I've given up alcohol. I don't think I've ever given anything up for Lent before, and I think that I picked a good one. There are some who think giving up chocolate is pretty hardcore, but I consider that a pretty week sacrifice. Others probably cheat and give up things like dry ice, though their lifestyles in no way require the use of dry ice.

God knows.

Hey Kids, I Made a Word Cloud!

2006-02-26T15:44:00.000-06:00

To the Individual Who Stumbled Upon this Site Via an MSN Search for "Things to Say to a Boy When Breaking Up With Him"

2006-02-24T17:29:00.000-06:00

Best of luck to you.

I hope I was of some assistance.

Cat Pissed Off; Owner Pissed On.

2006-02-12T09:22:00.000-06:00

That's how the headline of this long-overdue story would read.

I've mentioned Truman's medical ailments before, as they've been ongoing since the summer. In a nutshell, he scratched a wound into his throat, and he would keep re-opening it and refuse to let it heal. It would get better, then it would get bad again. I've been in and out of the vets and spent large sums of money on medication. I've spent more money on doctors for the cat in the past year than I've spent on them for myself in the last 10.

I hit a point a few weeks ago where I thought enough's enough. I'd tried using an E collar before (the comical lampshade collar you see on dogs in cartoons), but Truman always managed to get it off, and I'd become a complete pushover when I'd see how much he hated it. This time, the thing had to stay on until the wound was 100% totally and completely healed.

I went to the vet last Saturday, and we secured the collar on Truman. He was also given steroid and antibiotic injections, and a two week supply of antibiotics.

When we got home, Truman was a mess, and per the typical, he removed the collar within an hour, this time by wedging it between the bed and the wall. Son of a bitch can be a little Houdini when he needs to be.

That night, I put the collar back on, and Truman sat like a little lump on the kitchen floor. I scooped him up when I was getting ready for bed and laid him down next to me. Then, I fell asleep. I slept for a good half hour until I was awoken by Truman walking around swinging his lampshade head. I'd pet him and try to fall back asleep.

At 3:30 in the morning, Truman climbed onto my chest. I pet him, and he purred. We were both happy. We were bonding. He felt warm atop me. In seconds, he felt very warm. In a few more seconds, I realized with shock that Truman had just unloaded a very full bladder all over me. I jumped out of bed, while Truman just laid there, oblivious to what had happened. I threw away the shirt, as nothing could ever salvage it. I found myself thanking God that the cat had pissed on me rather than the mattress. The smell was overwhelming.

Some folks would have thrown the cat out into the winter night at that point, but I'm not some folks. I'm a man who knows responsibility, dammit. I showered, and then I threw Truman in the bathroom for the rest of the night. I stripped the bed, because though the brunt of his bladder had gotten on me, tiny drops on the sheets were still emitting a powerful smell. I tried to go back to sleep, and couldn't.

The next morning, I let him out of the bathroom, and he promptly laid still under the kitchen table. When I went to put him back in the bathroom to go to church, I found that he had pissed all over the kitchen floor and was just lying in it.

So, though it's been breaking my heart, Truman's home for the last week has been the bathroom. And, after visiting the vet yesterday, it will continue to be so for the next week, as well.

His neck is getting a lot better, though, so hopefully this "tough love" will do the trick.

Just Another Day in Paradise.

2006-02-04T16:20:00.000-06:00

THAT's what Phil Collins would say. That's not what I would say, however, so please replace the title of this post with "Today is Just Stupid," or something like that.

Thank you.

I was up early this morning taking Truman back to the vet. As the result of his persistent neck wound, trips to the vet feel like trips to court, or visits to the cops of Animal Precinct. I've spent a great deal of money and a great deal of patience, time, and care trying to get Truman to heal, but the vets have thrown up their hands and want me to go drop approximately $500 at a specialist, something I just can't do right now.

So, I got Truman injected with antibiotics and steroids (I question the latter.... he's already mean, making him stronger might have been a poor move on my part), picked up a prescription for antibiotics, and got him fitted with a lampshade collar. Upon getting him home, Truman cried and thrashed around with the collar, and eventually got it off. The remainder of my weekend, thus, seems to consist of chasing the cat, putting a collar on him, waiting for him to thrash around breaking things, and ultimately removing the collar. Rinse, and repeat.

In the midst of this, I had to go to the lab to have blood drawn, and the nurse intentionally picked the most painful arm vein I own from which to take my sweet sweet blood.

So, today's just stupid. Take that, optimists.

This Weekend Has Been Too Grey.

2006-01-29T12:20:00.000-06:00

Seriously, if I don't see a little bit of sunlight soon, I'll jump about a damned window. I live on the first floor, so this won't really DO anything, but the sentiment is there. The gloom makes me want to do rash things.

It's almost painful. Everything feels dead and wet, and it's hard to feel inspired about anything, much less mundane and necessary tasks such as laundry, dishes, and vacuuming. I'm in a rut, and I blame the weather. Caffeine sometimes helps, but I went too far in that direction yesterday and found myself stuck in a self-induced panic attack for the majority of the day. It took all the strength I had to get in the car and drive to Long John Silver's for dinner. The drive was terrifying. My heart beat audibly, and I sat at the edge of my seat like an old woman, hands tightly clasped to the wheel.

Not again.

I'm fixing myself some tea, and then I'll figure out what to do with the rest of the day. Eating is imperative. I need some good grub.

Speaking of which, good friend Amanda and her fiancee' have put together a great blog on eating.

I recommend checking it out. It will make you hungry. In my case, it's made me hungry for food from restaurants that are hundreds upon hundreds of miles away. Thanks for the frustration, jerks. Hear you've had a beautiful sunshine-filled weekend, too. It figures.

Like a Fat Man in a Skinny Suit.

2006-01-22T20:09:00.000-06:00

That's the best way to describe trying to move my sister's couch into the basement. You might like to see it fit, but it just isn't going to happen. So, it goes. We moved it up to an upstairs sitting area instead, and now I think we'll be moving it into her bedroom.

Later, we had a wonderful dinner at my folk's house, and now I'm getting ready to take the garbage out and then read before going to bed. Not a bad Sunday evening.

Cat in Hiding.

2006-01-22T12:20:00.000-06:00

Running late, and on my way out to church. Plugging a cup of Irish breakfast tea (with milk!), but wanted to share a picture of Truman hiding in my dresser cabinet.

We had a rough day yesterday that left me with a shredded right hand and arm, but then he goes and gets cute like this, and it's hard for me to stay mad.

Good boy.

When Rain Turns to Snow.

2006-01-21T08:48:00.000-06:00

Last evening was a night of driving, pissing sleet. As it got colder, it turned into snow, and this is what I woke to see. Enjoy it while you can, folks. That's snow in Chicago: an hour of pretty, followed by several days of grey ugliness. The temperatures will be above freezing for the rest of the weekend, and all of the snow in the branches will start pouring down on heads, both human and squirrel.

This day is one without obligation. I have nothing to do.

So far, I've made a pot of coffee, which is a good start. The day might end up spent playing videogames, or I might watch some movies. The car, still covered with snow, is going nowhere, unless I'm wounded by an icicle and require immediate medical attention. These are good days, nothing to do, and nowhere to be.

Last weekend was spent with AMF out in DC. I had a great time, and I would certainly rather be spending a weekend doing stuff with her than doing nothing alone, but still- doing nothing can be quite great.

I was hoping to be able to post some pictures of the Spy Museum, but they had a strict no photography policy. I didn't even think about cheating; they would have known.

No More Shall I be Loyal to my Sorrowful County.

2006-01-12T11:55:00.000-06:00

At least in the sense that I shall not be here from tomorrow through Monday.

A week back, I took a look at the calendar, and saw that Monday was Martin Luther King Day. What better way to commemorate, I thought, than to fly to DC and go to the Spy Museum with AMF. I'm taking tomorrow and Monday off from work, and look forward to enjoying a nice long weekend with the young lady who I'm going to marry.

Right now, I'm working from home following a doctor's appointment. It's a beautiful sunny day outside, and feels like a great one to not be physically in the office. Plus, I can get laundry and other assorted mish-mash done for the trip. Everything rocks.

So- be good, folks, and we'll talk soon.

When the Wind Hits This Building, This Building it Tilts.

2006-01-08T11:42:00.000-06:00

I spent Friday night recording the second song for my new band, "Aluminum Crutches." This is pronounced "Al-loo-MIN-yum," in accordance with the King's English. This band plays Clash covers. The first track recorded was a loud and garbled version of "What's My Name," of the self-titled album, and Friday's was a slowed-down acoustic take on "Up in Heaven (Not Only Here)." I like how it sounds thus far, but want to screw around with it a bit more today. So, I might.

Yesterday was spent having a new suit fitted, which entailed a trip to the mall with my folks. I'm going to look like a dapper man. I also got a couple new ties and a pair of Pumas out of the deal. My folks, they do spoil me at times.

The rest of the day was spent playing Civilization IV, going to the gym, picking up Wendy's, watching Ocean's 12, playing more Civilization IV, and then reading. I ended up going to bed fairly late, so I'm going in slow motion right now. Church is at 12:30, then I have some errands to run. Hopefully, I can find time for some more screwing around, i.e., aluminum Crutches and Civilization IV. Both are addictive, and likely healthier than many other ways I could find to waste time.

Rock on.

A Couple Quick Things.

2006-01-06T09:45:00.000-06:00

First, my good buddy Brendan's dad woke up in India. We are unsure how this occurred, but you can read about his saga here. I wish him the very best, and my hopes and prayers are with him and his family.

Second, someone contacted me about purchasing www.thighpod.com, a domain I own (don't bother clicking, as there's nothing there). While the sale fell through, I feel obligated to point all who are interested in the direction of the inquiring party's Website. One can only imagine his plans for thighpod.

And, third, I purchased toilet paper and beer last night at Target and was given a gift receipt at the end of the transaction.

I am still puzzled.

That is all for now.

Happy New Year's, Folks.

2006-01-01T02:21:00.000-06:00

This is not my TV. I do not have a nice TV like this, but it's okay. I still feel good about myself. Also, this is a representation of New Year's on the East Coast. In the Midwest, we still had an hour to go. It was anticlimatic when it happened. The East Coast takes it all, and leaves us in the heartland to lap up the crumbs.

Still and all, I harbor no ill will, and I wish everyone across the world a happy new year.

Rocking Out, Right the Hell Out of Here.

2005-12-30T13:55:00.000-06:00

I'm leaving work early. Happy stinking New Year's, and all.

Off to Target for lightbulbs and a cup off coffee, then back to kick AMF's sweet sweet ass at raquetball. I let her win last night, but tonight, I'm not feeling as charitable.

Keep your hips swinging, folks.

Imagine Seeing a Two-Year Old Stumbling Around Like a Drunk.

2005-12-29T10:05:00.000-06:00

That's what Fox News just asked me to imagine. I'm trying to imagine it now, but it's difficult. Two year olds stumble; that's just what they do. I don't think I'd ever see a two year old stumbling around and think, "man- he's stumbling just like a little drunk. He's stumbling just like his old man!"

Then, Googling brings me this. Live and learn. I guess it's the bloodshot eyes.

I also found an article starting that Chicago's Berghoff Restaurant is closing. I only ate there once, and was a bit underwhelmed, but I did spend a couple of enjoyable evenings having drinks there after work. It's certainly a landmark, and it seems a shame that it will be going away. Progress, right? See you Fields, and see you Berghoff.

Merry Christmas.

2005-12-25T08:50:00.000-06:00

Nothing to Do.

2005-12-17T20:54:00.000-06:00

It's a boring Saturday night, and I have a cold.

I spent part of the day at the mall, trudging through crowds, and standing in long lines. A bit fried, I picked up some Taco Bell on the way home and took a long nap.

And, that's basically been it. I'm going to call a do over and hopefully get some stuff done tomorrow.

Right now, I'm drinking a beer, and I think I'm going to try to record some stuff.

That's it.

Above Chicago, Via Jetpack.

2005-12-13T12:30:00.000-06:00

As Winter Comes, So Does the Love.

2005-12-04T12:11:00.000-06:00

Live Blogging: Watch Me Try to Cancel Two AOL Accounts (Updated).

2005-11-18T11:03:00.000-06:00

AOL is blocked through my work. Use Google to find customer service number.

Dial number, connected with Diane. Tell her I want to cancel two accounts. Am told she will have to transfer me to cancellations. Give her the one screen name I remember, verify my pet's name, transfered to cancellation department.

"The number you have dialed is not available. Please try again later."

I am disconnected.

Fortunately, Diane has given me the direct number to the cancellations department.

Dialing now.

UPDATE:

I tell the automated system that I am a current customer, and my phone number. I spell my screen name. The only one I know.

My account information has been pulled up.

I select "Cancellations."

"Did you know that AOL provides you with one of the most comprehensive security suites on the market?"

The system asks, and I respond with my pet's name.

"Great, we're all set. I appreciate your taking the time to help me with that."

I am on hold.

UPDATE:

I am on the phone with Tiffany. Again, I have to tell her my screen name. Again, I have to tell her my pet's name.

She tells me I can keep AOL even though I have high speed.

I tell her I don't care.

She tells me about the security that AOL gives.

I tell her I don't care. I tell her I never want to see another AOL bill.

She tells me they billed me on 11/11, and that I have a month prepaid. Am I sure I want to cancel?

Yes. I never want to see another AOL bill.

Tiffany has been silent for over a minute. I think she might be eating something.

She tells me my account has been canceled and reads me mumbo jumbo.

One part sticks out: "You will be responsible for any charges incurred." I ask her what this means. She says, "I have no clue."

I am given a confirmation number, and as I start to ask questions, she continues reading a script. She says I will be transfered so I can hear important information on cancelling my account.

"WAIT," I yell. I have two accounts. They both need to be cancelled."

I am disconnected.

UPDATE:

I have to tell the automated system that I am a customer. Again. My phone number, again. My screen name, again. My pet's name, again. I am thanked for saying "Truman," again. It says my account is cancelled. I need to talk about the other. I select "Consultant." I am on hold. Again.

UPDATE:

The hold music appears to be Jimi Hendrix.

I am now on the phone with Leticia. I think she is in India.

She asks, and I tell her it's okay to call me Adam.

I tell her my address.

She searches for my other account.

I tell her my cat's name.

She gives me my other screen name.

She transfers me to Cancellations.

I am on hold.

I am talking to Brandon. He apologizes for my being on hold and says I've pre-verified.

I tell him I do not want to keep AOL.

He says they will drop the price to $7.99.

I tell him I do not want to keep AOL.

I am read mumbo jumbo and transfered.

A mean recording is telling me they are sorry I've cancelled. This guy sounds pissed. He would love to welcome me back, he says, but I don't believe him. This guy sounds like the kind of guy who would beat up his girlfriend.

I am waiting for a confirmation number. the other guy told me I'd get a confirmation number. I did not.

I press zero to get back to a customer service rep.

I am talking to Bertha.

I have to tell them my pet's name again.

She tells me she loves high speed. She tells me I can keep AOL with my high speed. She tells me about their security.

She gives me my confirmation number.

This is done.

Or..... is it?

I Need to be More Industrious.

2005-11-09T19:42:00.000-06:00

No one bought my candle.

Hopefully, I will have more luck with my hat and bandana.

I am a Captain of Industry.

2005-10-31T19:50:00.000-06:00

That's right folks.

Check it: My first Ebay auction.

That's been my evening, figuring out how to list an item on Ebay.

Should Golden Palace take notice and leave me a mint, I'll remember you, my gentle readers.

I'm also watching Wife Swap, giggling at the thought of a spoilt wife handling a contraption used to inseminate cows.

It's a good night, and, I'm very tired, so I'll wish you all a good night, as well.

It's Okay: I Won't Stain Yer Blood.

2005-10-30T10:10:00.000-06:00

I woke up feeling hit by a train. I went to bed far too late for my own good last night. But- I took care of the phone issue, and I also got in some reading. I had vague hopes that, aided by daylight savings, I'd go to 6:30 AM mass this morning and have the entirety of my day ahead of me. Alas, that would have meant about 3 hours of sleep, and I'm not that tough.

I've been up for a while now, but I still don't see myself getting to church before 12:30. So, it goes.

I've been drinking tea trying to wake up, but it's not taking. I think I'll hit the BP and grab a cup of coffee, come home, regroup, and try to bring myself to apply blade to face, the ceremonial starting of any day (save Saturday. Saturday is the day for being scruffy).

Until next time...

Phoned Up.

2005-10-30T00:44:00.000-05:00

I switched my mobile service over to AMF's T-Mobile account today, and got a new camera phone out of the deal. This is good, as my old phone had exploded, losing it's display and staying together only by way of a rubber band.

What's not so good is that it appears that, in adding this line, AMF's line has somehow been cut off.

Surely, that's the only reason she hasn't called me yet tonight.

I've tried calling her from both my cellphone and landline, and all I get is the central T-Mobile voicemail system. When I enter her number, they tell me it's invalid. AMF- an invalid! Impossible, I think, so I call customer service at 12:30 AM, and sit on hold for a spell. I guess that calling customer service is a big thing for folks on a Saturday night. Once I got through to a human, I'm told that they can't help for another 45 minutes, as their systems are refreshing. Since I'm a kick ass fiance, I'm staying up. Can't have AMF without a phone.

I was very pleased with the service I received today at the T-Mobile store when I picked up my phone and had my number ported over. I'm not as thrilled with the current goings-on.

So, it goes.

Scrabble Down the Hallway Yelling "Yahtzee."

2005-10-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

Listening to the Weakerthans "Reconstruction Site" and getting ready to head home.

There are few things less tolerable than an office cube, particularly after being away for the better part of a week. So, it goes. The bill collectors want my money, so I'll keep on keeping on.

Anything for them.

Got back safely and more or less soundly from NY yesterday afternoon. I left in grey and gloom and arrived to the same, with the added benefit of rain. NY's rain from the days prior. Go to Florida, the knobs cleverly ask you to bring back some good weather. Me, I go to New York and bring back the crap.

And now- I'm going home. Rock on, mothers and fathers.

M.E. in N.Y.C.

2005-10-21T17:13:00.000-05:00

So, I'm in Brooklyn, and have been since Wednesday afternoon. I shot out this way to surprise my friend Ryan for his birthday, a plan that's been brewing for a couple of months now. It was certainly a surprise, and we've been having a good time thus far.

We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge on Wednesday, as evidenced above. Quite a nice walk, and certainly a change in environment for me.

Yesterday, we hit the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and fed the enormous carp in the Japanese garden. Or raisen bread and English muffins made the waters boil. Ducks fought fish for our crumbs, while the ever-pathetic turtles were spun in circles.

Poor little guys.

Right now, Ryan's off tutoring in Queens, and Alexandra's at the gym. I spent an hour just walking around, and called it quits once I realized I'd hit the projects. At that point, it was time to scan the skyline for St. Agnes' and get my walk home in order.

So now- I chill.

I Hear 'em Whisperin' When I Walk By.

2005-10-17T21:44:00.000-05:00

The day at work went by quickly. This is a blessing. I trudged along, producing and doing, and activity made everything move.

So it goes.

This promises to be a long week, and a long week after that and after that and after that.

And- ultimately, it will mean as little as little can mean.

And so, I lift a glass to being a hamster in a wheel.

But! Unlike the rodents, we do what we do to an end, or at least a sense of an end. We do it out of love. Not for the job, but for the people for whom we care. We do it for that house, or car, or, perhaps most importantly, that sense of security.

You can scream "sell out," and I'll just say that we do what we do for the time proscribed. We do it to ensure that the rest of life is spent not scratching, wondering, and worrying.

That said- there's a time to know when it's time to go, and it's a precarious balance between need and want.

God grant me the ability to know that time, and to act accordingly.

God grant me the sense to not get caught in the trap, and to know when it's necessity, and when it's rote activity.

I think I know the answers- grant me the sense to know when it's time to move.

Ah- I think he already has. And, it's time to move.... For the second act, give me the follow through.

She's Pulling Out the Pin.

2005-10-16T21:03:00.000-05:00

I spent last night playing around with iTunes 6, finally downloading it, and then throwing a bunch more discs on. Rote work. I also downloaded some songs from the iTunes music store, including Elvis Costello's "She's Pulling Out the Pin," a track which was left off the US release of The Delivery Man.

I like it.

I also downloaded Bruce Springsteen's "I'm Goin' Down," after AMF called to tell me about "Born in the USA" being played as a fist-pumping encore at a country concert she went to last night. I need to get the whole album, but for now, "I'm Goin' Down" will suffice.

Today was a typical Sunday: Church, a haircut, stopping by the folks for lunch and dinner to spend time with my grandparents, laundry, a nap, and now getting ready for bed.

I hope everyone out there had a nice weekend. I got to see a lot of family, so I'll say mine was quite nice, indeed.

Stuck in my Craw.

2005-10-15T22:54:00.000-05:00

I can't stop thinking about that stupid article about Oprah.

Dammit, man- did they teach you nothing in J School? What is the story? Did she "meet her idol," or did two acquaintances have lunch? Either way, it's a crap story, but your article makes no sense. I missed the episode, dammit. I work for a living. I didn't even TiVo it. Now, I'm going to have to go to sleep not knowing if Oprah's a fruitcake for dedicating an episode to a model meeting her model idol (new band name: check) or for dedicating an episode to two models having lunch and discussing the trials and travails of being models.

It's hard for me to sleep not knowing exactly why I hate you, Oprah.

Smells Like Suck.

2005-10-15T22:24:00.000-05:00

Oftentimes, I find myself mouthing little "thank you"s to Oprah for keeping the world spinning.

Had Naomi Campbell been unable to sit and chat with her idol Iman, well, crap- I don't want to even imagine. More importantly, had the viewing public been unable to watch this bonding of mind and spirit, we would have been left just a little bit incomplete.

Thank you Oprah. Thank you for reminding us of what's important.

I have to admit that this article leaves me a bit confused, however. The title leads one to believe that they'd never met, yet Naomi's gushing makes me wonder:

"As a friend, you've been there for me when I've been down... I've always trusted you... You're my goddess, you are, it's like the elegance of you, your heart.
"I know you're shy... and you're feminine and you're a mother, you're a wife, you take your priorities right. I wanna learn from you."

No matter. Thanks, Oprah!!!

Thanks for letting two pretty people get together and talk about the challenges of being pretty.

I'm Just a Clown Walking Down the Street.

2005-10-11T19:50:00.000-05:00

And, I think Lou Reed is a creep.

But, no one cares what I think, truth be told.

I showed up at work at 5:00 this morning, and I'm tired as a result. Call me a sally, I'll call you a well-rested son of a gun. Me, I need to sleep.

For the boys and girls out there who care about such stuff, AMF and I have finalized a location for our wedding reception. It cost a bit more, but, we've decided that peacocks and swans were the way to go. You only get married once (if you do it right!!!!!), and we decided to do it right.

Next stop: Flora. We've got the fauna hooked up like nobody's business.

I love you, peacocks.

Down in the Alley is Where I Hunt.

2005-10-06T12:32:00.000-05:00

Today's newsflash is that All's Quiet on the Eastern Front is my current favorite Ramones song.

Clearly, it's been a slow day, which is just fine with me.

I got home from work last night feeling terrible. I threw myself upon the mercy of the couch and grabbed the remote. Finding it out of batteries (damn you, smoke detector), I grabbed a Calvin and Hobbes collection from the coffee table. I was asleep in minutes. Lulled, perhaps. I slept for 45 minutes, then hobbled around in a daze for another 15, finally getting into the car and driving into town for a walk. Ironic, eh? More ironic was the fact that I had to park on the top floor of a five story parking garage, meaning it probably would have been quicker to just walk into town. So, it goes.

Back at home, I played old videogames all the while fearing that the flu was coming on.

But, it didn't, and I felt pretty okay, albeit still foggy, this morning.

AMF bought her wedding dress yesterday, and tomorrow marks the one-countdown for the wedding. We're getting there, kids.

In other news, I seem to have a bit of cartilage or something out of whack on the right side of my nose, creating a bit of a bump. I can't stop moving it around and obsessing upon it. How could this happen? Am I dying? Did I suffer painless trauma?

Stupid noses.

I Don't Hate You Kid; That's Not It.

2005-10-03T18:16:00.000-05:00

Back from work, back from Target. There's Cat Chow, a birthday card for Dad, and a six pack of Bud Light.

The tattooed gentleman at the store didn't card me, which was convenient, but fills me with a small bit of "I'm not old; I'm cool like YOU!," as I walk out in my khakis, button down short sleave shirt, and loafers.

Cat food, beer, and a birthday card. He must think I'm a total loser.

I should go back and talk to him. Dammit.

Meh. Another 100 Words to dull the pain.

To Him, Life is a Great Big Bang Up.

2005-10-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

Another Saturday morning, another lackluster 100 Words. Inspiration was hard to come by this morning.

After I finish my second cup of Trader Joe's Irish Breakfast tea, I'll jump in the shower and then head out to take a look at a banquet hall AMF found. I'll bring the camera and be all photojournalistic and stuff later on today.

I also have some items I want to try to unload on eBay, including a box of ex-girlfriend stuff I found lying around, so I might try to set up my first auctions. Or, I might just go see "Serenity" by myself. My day, my choice.

More to come, kids.

Ramones.

2005-09-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

One of the most affecting things I've ever heard was an appearance by Paul Westerberg on one of the late night talk shows. He played a song called "Let the Bad Times Roll," which was a song that I'd already grasped and added to my own personal collection of adored songs.

On this appearance, Westerberg added the line, "Joey and Dee Dee home..." During a break.

I was affected. There was a passion and pain in his voice that I could understand.

The Ramones are one of the greatest rock bands that the world will ever see. Their first three albums are perfect examples of what was wrong with rock music in the latter part of the seventies, as well as a plan for correcting it. They took the sounds that the loved, and the sounds that made sense, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, Dion, Buddy Holly, Carl Vincent, the Beach Boys, it was all there.

Ramones made the sounds their own. While Rock Star Dreams might have existed, my sense is that all they wanted to do was make the music that they wanted to hear.

It's what I want to hear, as well.

My brother gave me the "Weird Tales of the Ramones" box set for my birthday, and while I already have all the music, the gift itself was special. It was a reminder of what the Ramones have always meant to me. They were comic book figures whose weirdness would always ensure that I was okay; as strange as I might have felt at any time during my life, I'd always be at home within their Cretin Family. It was a lovely gift, that of remembrance of times when I walked through high school in a Ramones t-shirt, and was hassled for it.

It's a far better time than now, where the corpse-fuckers have churned out t-shirts, lunch boxes, and the like now that Joey, Dee Dee, and Johnny have died. I walk through town seeing folks in Ramones shirts who would have tried to kick my ass ten years ago for wearing the same. And, now I can walk down the streets and see 14 year old girls in Ramones gear. Hot Topic makes a killing on the dead, and the kids just don't know any better. They like to be different, which ends up meaning that they want to be just the same as every other "punk" out there. They want their own identity, so they'll throw their lot in with the Dead Ramones.

It's great, and it's too bad. It's great that folks will continue to appreciate Ramones, and it's too bad that they'll appreciate them for the wrong reasons. So, it goes. Play "She's a Sensation" for a 15 year old in a Ramones tank top, and the best you can expect is a blank stare.

Meh.

Joey, Dee Dee, and Johnny- God bless. My apologies for the fashinistas who fuck your skulls.

Did You Know They Get Urine By Sticking a Needle Through the Belly?

2005-09-19T19:37:00.000-05:00

I didn't either! But, they do!

This must have been what they did last time, too. They told me they used ultrasound, and I naively believed that they used the ultrasound to somehow coax the cat into peeing. Kind of like tickling, I thought. I thought this because I could not believe that someone would stick a needle through an animal's belly.

Live and learn, live and learn.

So, it was a pain in the ass. But, we'll see what the test results show. They said it tasted normal, but the tests run by the lab give a better picture.

Time to find something to eat.

The Cat's Going to Need to Get a Job.

2005-09-19T17:31:00.000-05:00

Back to the vet tonight for a 6:30 appointment, and I'm sincerely dreading it.

Last time I went, they said his neck looked like it was getting worse and that they wanted me to go consult with a specialist. In order for me to see the specialist, they wanted to do bloodwork. Following the bloodwork, they were unhappy with the results, and wanted to do urinalysis. The conclusion? Completely unrelated to the sore on his neck, it looked like he had a urinary tract, bladder, or kidney infection. So- more antibiotics.

It was an expensive day.

So, the purpose of tonight's follow up is to check his urine again to see if his infection's cleared up.

More expenses.

And, I never got out to the specialist. Truman's neck was starting to look a lot better over the next couple days as I made sure to religiously apply the steroid/antibiotic spray to his neck, despite the hiding, hissing, and scratching. It was looking like the problem was that he just wouldn't let it heal. I still think that that's the case. On Saturday night, the spray ran out, and as I slept, he scratched the wound on his neck open again. I was beside myself Sunday morning.

When I go back tonight, I'm going to have to explain that I didn't go to the specialist, and I dread a lecture. And, I dread even more having to say that a consultation with a specialist at $150 is something that I really can't swing right now, especially after all the other expenses this whole thing's entailed.

So, the hope is that the refill his prescription for the spray, that the urinalysis comes back clear, and that his neck finally heals up after two months of this nonsense. Nagging in the back of my mind are the concernst that they had about his bloodwork. So, we'll just have to see, I guess.

Dammit.

This issue's been tearing me up for a while now.

Hump Day.

2005-09-07T18:22:00.000-05:00

But, there is no humping to be had.

But, there is another so-so 100 Words.

Sometimes, kids, you've just got to take what you can get.

I'm doing laundry and trying to get a handle on domestics now that I'm back from this weekend's wedding in Cleveland. It feels like there's been lots of traveling lately, but I guess that that's not really the case. There will be more in the future, for certain. I can say that there have been a tremendous amounts of trips to and from airports, once you factor in visits from AMF. These, too, shall continue.

Rock on. I'm an airport pro. No one can take that from me.

The wedding was great, and it was wonderful to see Brendan as happy as he was. Too, I was proud to be a part of the wedding party. My first time as a groomsman was by all counts successful. Should anyone require my services in the future, I can provide a reference.

The Straw that Slit the Camel's Throat.

2005-09-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland OH. Body Worlds 2.

Shoot on Sight.

2005-08-30T22:14:00.000-05:00

In the midst of tragedy, some folks rise to the occasion. They act selflessly to help those in need. Others act like animals. There was a rocket scientist available for news interviews in New Orleans:

Mike Franklin stood on the trolley tracks and watched the spectacle unfold.
"To be honest with you, people who are oppressed all their lives, man, it's an opportunity to get back at society," he said.

I hope to Christ that Mr. Franklin was a looter, and not an observer. I have a much easier time hearing uneducated things coming out of the mouths of the uneducated than out of those of the educated paternalistic apologist jackasses out there.

This is not an act of social revolution, folks. This is not a response to oppression. This is, by and large, a bunch of amoral ass hats seizing opportunity in tragedy. I'll give 1% of them a pass and assume they needed that which they took. I'm going to make an assumption (thereby making an ass out of you and me- my apologies) that the remaining 99% will be sitting on a stoop bragging about their free cokes a few weeks from now.

This is new to me, so let me know: is it wrong to wish cholera on people?

My Cat Knows That I Am Broke Because of Him.

2005-08-25T20:48:00.000-05:00

As I sat in the vet's office for an hour and half tonight waiting for my appointment, I knew that Truman probably hated me.

The room was packed with idiots with dogs far too big for them, dogs they couldn't contain and which constantly jumped at Truman's carrier. It was also filled with idiots who just shouldn't own pets, like the old pierced and tatted up woman with the pitbull puppy whose nails she had painted pink.

It takes all kinds, from the man arguing with the doctor about the diagnosis she gave to his Boxer to the little boy punching a dog he thought got too close to his behemoth.

After seven weeks of these vet visits, it looks like Truman's starting to get better. He gave himself a cut on the throat from scratching, and despite all the medication, he kept making it worse. We're on the fourth batch of antibiotic now, but it looks like the steroid spray they gave him last time is doing the trick. The scratching is waning, and with it, the cringe-inducing blood splatters on the walls and floors. So, in that sense, despite the stress and aggravation, it was a good night at the vet.

While waiting to see the doctor, I read a copy of Cat Fancy, paying close attention to an article debating whether or not our cats love us. That I made Truman sit in a small cage while large dogs taunted him and he's still crying at me right now to pet him ends the debate for me.

Don't Try to Be Up to Date.

2005-08-24T15:45:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. I was out of town all weekend, and recovering for the last couple of days.

Back to the grind, slowly but surely. Here's another 100 Words.

That's the Reason I'm not Hanging Around.

2005-08-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

As I pulled out of the alley this morning, I saw an old friend walking what I thought to be an old dog coming towards me. Though I was running a bit late for fork, I stopped and rolled down my window and said hello.

We talked for a spell, but what do you really talk about when you haven't seen each other for over a year? Especially when the two of you live within blocks of one another. Times have moved on, and it's bittersweet. Nice to see an old familiar face, but a bit dismaying to think that this person had once been a fairly constant part of your life. And, it wasn't the dog I remembered, but a new one. Things change.

When the conversation turned to a, "hey- if you're ever looking for a realtor...." I realized it was time to get rolling. Exchange a couple of "we should get together sometime"s, and be on your way.

I have lots of people like this in my life. At its core, it stinks, but it sure makes putting together the guest list for the wedding a lot easier.

100 Words.

Fruitless Monday.

2005-08-15T19:37:00.000-05:00

New 100 Words for you.

I drove straight to my folks' after work so my mom could measure me for the tux rental for Brendan's wedding. I own a tux, but, you know how it goes. Wedding's are big on matching, so it seems. Mine might be more a pot luck kind of affair. Maybe that would look pretty. Or, at least eye catching. You can learn things from such mundane events as being measured for a tuxedo. I learned that I am a very small man.

So, it goes.

On the way home, I stopped at two Best Buys as a result of the gift cards burning holes in my pocket. I wanted the first season of the Muppet Show. I can't explain why, but the desire's manifested itself into a sick sort of monomania. I always liked the show just fine, but nothing to justify tonight's feeling of needing to watch the Muppets while I folded laundry. The first Best Buy had nothing. The second had several. Unfortunately, it was no longer on sale. The extra nine bucks snapped be back into reality. With an hour of my evening completely wasted, I headed home.

I'm folding laundry with the TV off. This night could have been so much better.

Sunday Morning Brings the Dawning.

2005-08-14T09:48:00.000-05:00

Trying to get back into the game again, I bring you a mediocre 100 Words.

Up early today, but not early enough to comfortably make 9:30 Mass, so I'm slowly getting ready for the 11:00. I've had my first cup of coffee, and I've more or less made the bed. So, I've got that going for me. There's still the matter of shaving, showering, and getting dressed, but I'm ready to face those challenges.

It's grey and gloomy outside, and I am thankful for that. Weather like this is more conducive for being a bit lazy, and I'm in the mood for some controlled laziness this day. I have to be away next weekend, and I want to milk the hell out of the lazy opportunities this day offers. I'll get some stuff done, the basic laundry/dirty dishes nonsense, but that's about it.

The only problem I have with laziness is that I'm not terribly good at it. I get antsy and restless. That's not to say that I'm able to turn the antsiness and laziness into productivity. Were that the case, there'd be no concern. I just end up not quite relaxed, but with no payoff. It's a sort of limbo that ends up only cured with a nap, which in turn makes me feel crappy and eats away at perfectly good hours of doing nothing.

It's quite a conundrum.

The Stainless Steel Virgin.

2005-08-11T18:03:00.000-05:00

I guess that I haven't been following the local news too much.

At Mass last Sunday, they announced that the Mary of the New Millenium would be arriving at the church that day, and I kind of zoned out.

Then, I saw it, and had a real "holy crap!" moment. This thing is huge!

Completely Engaging.

2005-08-07T19:03:00.000-05:00

As I stated at the end of last week, AMF and I became engaged last Saturday morning.

The ring arrived early, and I was able to buy it on Thursday night, thus turning my trip to D.C. into a real mission as opposed to a lark. For all the kids asking "man- how did you stand the pressure," I reply, "no pressure, kids. It felt just right." That said, there wasn't much time for planning the how and the where (for the journalists out there, the "why," of course, was already clearly defined). I pride myself on thinking quickly on my feet, however, and my pride proved justified. On the way from the airport, I had AMF pull off at the Monuments, and after a long muddy walk through FDR's spread-out affair (including a ghoulishly large statue of Eleanor), we arrived at Jefferson's. Once out of the small gathering of folks with nothing better to do on a Friday night, I got on one knee and proposed shortly after midnight. And, she said "yes."

The rest of the weekend was great, as well, despite AMF's folks being unable to come out at the last minute. We occupied ourselves with many a things, including visits to a winery, a bed and breakfast, and UVA. Truly a nice time.

And now, the planning begins, tentative date, October 7, 2006.

Rock on.

NEWSFLASH: AMF TO BECOME AMP.

2005-08-04T00:19:00.000-05:00

That's right, folks. This hot piece of meat is off the market.

I flew out to D.C. on Friday, and proposed first thing Saturday morning. AMF and I are getting married, and I could not be a happier fellow.

Details to follow.

P.S. AMF- I love you.

And So, Before I Go On My Merry Way.

2005-07-28T21:55:00.000-05:00

Leaving for DC tomorrow night. Expensive car picking me up at the office at five and taking me to O'Hare, and then, off.

I'm looking very forward to this trip. I'll see both AMF and her folks, both of which will be a lot of fun for me. It'll be a good time.

Tomorrow will be an early morning for me. I'm going to try to be in before seven again, and I have no idea when I'll get to sleep. All this- packing. And laundry, and other assorted sundry things. Kaitlin will be taking point on caring for Truman, for which she deserves big, as the kids say, "ups." She's a good girl, and I'm both pleased and proud to have her as a sister. Josh rocks, too. No worries, Josh- you rock.

And, all of you out there: Solid. Proper.

But- hey- quickly, before I go: I got a call from Ryan on my way home, my gargantuan fear-inducing rock 'n' roll fiend of a friend. And, he got engaged to the lovely and talented Alexandra, his girlfriend of many many many years yesterday. I'm proud as hell of the guy, the first of my good friends to take the "plunge," again, as the kids say. Ryan's one of my favorite people ever, and a guy whose friendship I truly cherish. I've known him longer than anyone I know outside of family, even though I couldn't quite stand him when I first met him in the seventh grade.

So, I say this: Ryan- you've done well, and you've done Right. You're a good man, and I know I'm a better person for having the privilege of knowing you.

I look forward to throwing rice at you.

A Little Rain Never Hurt No One.

2005-07-25T19:41:00.000-05:00

And thank God for that. It's coming down something fierce right now. We can surely use it, though. The brown grass is thankful, as are the hordes of old people who burst into flames during yesterday's 105 degree spell. I love rain like this and am hopeful that it continues through bedtime. There's nothing quite as peaceful as falling asleep during a thunderstorm. A bit strange, that.

The weekend's left me a bit disheveled. I finally ended up finding some adventure on Saturday via a call from my boss telling me that the DuPage Country Symphony Orchestra was doing a bit of a sci fi show at the bandshell. It's a five minute walk to my house, so I was game, especially after reading online that there'd be stormtroopers there. Honestly, knowing that, is there any way I wouldn't be there? They played some Star Trek themes, some Holst, and a whole mess of Star Wars. I had a blast, helped in part by the fact that the French horn player looked strikingly like Palpatine.

Good times, good times.

I had trouble sleeping that night as a result of my several naps, so I was up reading and futzing around on the computer far too long. Sunday dragged, and I again had trouble with the sleep last night. I woke up this morning with a really fierce case of bad stomach, and it's still with me.

But- I've got my ginger tea, and I've got a nice thunderstorm outside, so I guess it's okay. I'll try to hit the sheets a bit early with my copy of Harry Potter, and hopefully I'll sleep soundly and wake up energized. Knock on wood.

I'm heading to DC to see AMF (and her family) on Friday and will be there through Wednesday. It promises to be a good time. I miss her tons.

Rock on.

So, Adam- Did You Have an Adventure?

2005-07-23T21:12:00.000-05:00

YOU tell me.

A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.

2005-07-23T08:09:00.000-05:00

I've been up since before seven this morning with plans to get in the car and head out for an Adventure.

What this Adventure should entail, I have no idea. It's just, you know- an Adventure.

Thus far, I'm coming up dry. I've just put on another pot of coffee for potential inspiration. I'll keep you informed of any updates on the Adventure front. Something has to happen.

But, the Money's No Good...

2005-07-20T10:26:00.000-05:00

The song of the day is "(Get a) Grip (On Yourself)" by the Stranglers. For you iTunes sorts of folks out there, I say "give it a go." It's pissed off and snotty, just like you.

TELL ME WHO YOU ARE.

2005-07-18T21:11:00.000-05:00

Please. Leave a comment and just say, "hi," if you will.

Another Day, Another Dime.

2005-07-18T21:06:00.000-05:00

Long day at work, then to Target for gauze and bandages, then to my folks' to walk their dogs, and then home in anticipation of the blood and the vomit. I found neither, and was pleased to see Truman's neck looking a bit better. So- things are good.

I'm having a beer and trolling the Web, and that's pretty much the evening in a nutshell. Soon, to bed and a bit more Harry Potter, then up with the roosters for a busy work day.

But, I'm not complaining.

Sometimes, in spite of the nonsense static in which we encase ourselves, you can take a step back and say that life is good. It's good, folks.

A Frog Walking Stick From My Grandfather.

2005-07-17T19:23:00.000-05:00

I Love the Big Trees in My Neighborhood.

2005-07-17T18:51:00.000-05:00

A Rule of Cats:

2005-07-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

It is impossible for a cat to vomit on hardwood or linoleum floors. Only carpet allows regurgitation to occur.

Truman has not thrown up since the two from last night and the one from this morning. I just fed him half of his evening's dose of antibiotics in the hope that splitting it up a bit will be easier on his stomach. My fingers are crossed. I spent a nice bit of time a couple hours ago trying to re-clean spots that still belied my cat's illness...

And, so it goes.

I got in some good reading time, and thus far, I'm enjoying the new Harry Potter. I've felt a bit unsettled and distracted today, though, so it's been hard to really give myself over to reading. It's probably just the whole Sunday night pre-work dread thing creeping up on me. Ah, well....

Family Guy's on tonight. That puts me right.

Back to my apple juice.

Sick and Ill.

2005-07-17T11:40:00.000-05:00

Truman's not doing too well. I took him to the vet yesterday morning for some sores that have developed on his throat. Vet trips take a lot out of the both of us. He gets traumatized, has his temperature taken anally, and is generally made uneasy. I get covered in scratches and cat hair, and I die a bit hearing him cry.

They shaved down his throat, and gave me a bag of medicine: a wash for his throat, a cream for his throat, and oral antibiotics. They gave me a syringe to force the pills down his throat, but fortunately, I've been able to stick his pills in treats, which is easier for the both of us.

Unfortunately, the pills seem to upset his stomach. I've been cleaning up a lot of vomit. If this keeps up, I'll have to get him another set of pills and take another hit to the pocketbook.

(I don't really carry a pocketbook, folks. It's just an expression.)

Poor little guy.

After the vet visit I went to Costco and picked up the new Harry Potter book for myself and my mom. I dropped her copy off, then came home to medicate Truman. Following this, I went out for some beers, and then home for a nap. I woke up at seven, unsure if it was Saturday night or Sunday morning. What a drag....

So, now I'm getting ready for Mass, and I look forward to a nice day of doing nothing much at all. I'll open the windows and the front door and sit in the living room reading Harry Potter. There are certainly worse ways to spend a Sunday.

Hope y'all have a pleasant Sunday, as well.

I Am A Man of Dedication.

2005-07-13T18:32:00.000-05:00

Went to the gym again. I think I wanted to make sure that I was just as tired tonight as I was last night. Keep me out of trouble, perhaps. Now, it's time to watch "Unwrapped" followed by some show on outrageous TV moments. I'm big on the outrage. And, time to think about dinner, though my appetite seriously wanes after a workout. I prefer to do what I'm doing, sipping ginger ale and doing nothing. That's it; that's my update.

A Good Old-Fashioned Bleeding.

2005-07-12T17:31:00.000-05:00

Now I know what it is to be woman.

On a lark, I gave blood today at work. My conclusion? I might be too small a guy. I feel stoned. I think I'm going to sit, sipping ginger ale and orange juice and playing videogames. I'm good for nothing else right now.

I'm such a wuss.