He Does Exist

Well I started out my last day of Christmas this past Tuesday by staying way to long at my brothers but I never get to visit so it just made my day longer is all. I went to and store and then made a phone call.

It happened. After 8 or 9 months Top Cat and I finally met on Tuesday. How convenient he lives so close to my brothers. I am sure there will be future visits. For now I was able to see his equipment that he uses to produce his music. I could spend all weekend on that alone. I also got to meet most of the pets, all but the one cat that was particularly shy. At the very end of the short visit Mrs Top Cat made it home from work and what a pleasure it was meeting her.

One thing I experienced while there was what a wonderful person Top Cat was. From his hospitality, to the way he treated his pets, to well everything. I got to see a child in a candy store and I hope he considers that a compliment because it was meant to be. He was expecting a new synth that he had won on auction to show up. The postal carrier showed up and he was all excited that his package might be, could be, should be there. He met the carrier and I must say what a wonderful little conversation ensued with someone he had never met before. Listening to that, at that very moment I knew Top Cat was everything I had ever imagined and more. What a super person.

Well the visit ended rather suddenly was it was time for me to head on and for them to get ready for other activities that evening. Even so I so enjoyed the visit.

Back down by my parents house I went over a friends house for a visit. I left so late from there but it was worth it. I was able to help him out on several things (they really ought to make WEB pages more friendly for blind people), talk about some old times, go out to dinner, visit with the pets and in general have a nice time.

Finally I tore myself away, went over my sisters house to collect a few items and make a mad dash back to home. I had a very enjoyable but busy extended Christmas time but it sure was nice to be back in my own bed. I had a couple of other people I would have liked to visit with but there is always next year.


If we conferred with our furry friends, man to animal
Think of all the things we could discuss
If we could walk with the animals, talk with the animals
Grunt and squeak and squawk with the animals
And they could squeak and squawk and speak and talk to us --Talk to the Animals

To be 30 again

Monday, December 26, was the SIL’s birthday. Can you imagine growing up with a birthday so close to Christmas? I once worked with someone who was born on December 25 so they celebrated Christmas on the 24 and her birthday on the 25. Anyway, we tend to lump the SIL birthday and my brothers birthday together toward the end of January and celebrate then. With my Mom having a lung disease, the fewer times we get together in the winter months, the better. Well I was invited to go and celebrate her birthday, on her birthday. Since I do not do a lot with them, and since it was her 30th and she was not taking it to well, I decided it would be a great idea to attend.

The plans where a dinner and a night at the arcades. I decided to do something silly but I am all about silly. I bought her a pretty pink Princess card for her birthday. You know the kind that you might get someone that is 5 to 10 years old. I explained in the card this was an anti-age card to ward off or offset some of the nasty cards she was bound to get. She actually kind of liked it. We gathered at their house and proceeded to the Irish pub/restaurant to begin the evening. I went with my brother to the restaurant.

Might I say now that my brother has had advanced drivers training and driven on the GM proving grounds before. Might I also say he scares me the way he drives especially when he is in a car that has some muscle to it. Well just the same we arrived in one piece. I thought about jumping out of the car and kissing the ground but I thought that might have been a little obvious, that and the ground was covered in salt, yuck.

The restaurant was nice with lots of alcohol choices to be made right of the bat. I ended up with something with cider in it and was not real impressed. What I was impressed with was the lazy susan. It was huge. The table we were seated at sat 12 and the lazy susan allowed them to get the orders to all the people just by dropping it on the wheel and giving it a spin. Most people behaved themselves and allowed the table to be used for it’s official purpose. Of course there were those that just could not resist playing with the thing. A few beers were even almost spilled. How childish! OK, so I was one of the ones playing with it but it was just so much fun. It spun so nice and all.

The remainder of the party, 11 people in all, showed up and we were ready to order once all the drinks were in hand. The food was sort of expensive but then I discovered it was because there was enough food to feed three people. I had narrowed my choices down to Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew, or Shepards Pie. I chose the dish with the cabbage. How dumb is that on an evening that I will be around a bunch of people, many of whom I either just met or maybe only met a few times? Well I managed to get through the evening without embarrassing myself to much. I wonder if beano works on cabbage?

Part way through the meal it was time to venture into the beer list again. This time I decided to try a Black and Blue. What, you may ask, is a Black and Blue? One guess could have been Guinness and Blue Moon. Good guess but they gave that some other creative name. Here in Michigan Labatt is a very big seller outselling many of the domestic beers. As a matter of fact I believe it believes it is a domestic beer. This drink was with Guinness and Labatt Blue, hence Black and Blue. Now I know the Black and Tan drinkers out there are growning. This should be made with Guinness and Bass Ale or Harp Lager. None the less it was not bad.

The dinner was good and the drinks went down well but it was time to move on. The target, an arcade called Lucky’s. Another short road trip latter (funny how I did not mind my brothers driving near as much now) and most of us where there. Some chose not to continue on with the evening.

After checking the coat I proceeded to get a gaming card, charge it with money and venture into the sea of people. At first the group did one of those dance machines, I watched. Most were OK but one of the songs was insane, no one could have survived that except for one of those 12 or 13 year olds that seemed to be floating around. After much fun being had the group kind of dispersed to opposite corners and explored.

I ended up playing skeet ball a little and did poorly. Don’t know if it was the drink or the arm that has been killing me for a little while. I decided time to move on. I bumped into the group here and there.

I raced a snowmobile a few times. What I do not understand is why I seemed to be driving the snowmobile through a mall or at least indoors, very weird. I can only assume it was to show off the controller vibrating as the sled proceeded along the cement.

I did some various shoot'em up games and some car race games, each time coming in close to last. Now I might have an excuse here. By that time all the underage people had been banished but I was the token senior citizen there. Most everyone there was a twenty something or maybe in their early 30s. I am working on a half century in a few years. That must be it.

Off to try a few games that required no luck, no skill ... just my kind of game. Drop in some coins, which the game card was used to buy, and see if you can fill a coin box which causes the coin box to dump or just try and knock coins off the shelf that was moving in and out. Well I earned a few tickets. I then tried a few more times and had 85, 105, and even 185 tickets dispensed for my skillful playing. Oh wait, I already said it does not take skills, darn.

Well I handed over my tickets to the birthday girl as did others and they ended up with over 1000 tickets. I believe it took 300 tickets to get a stick of gum! They had a cool clock/weather thing with wireless outdoor sensor, which they won before, for 4000 tickets. Some fun bar signs for about the same, a bunch of stuffies for less and much more. I am not even sure what they ended up getting. Well time to move on. Off to my brothers house to finish the evening.

A little munchy type stuff was brought out and the PS2 games were started. We had a few Guitar Heros there but not me. I did not want to show them up. OK, so I might have gotten smoked but I have not had any time to practice. By the way, side note, I ordered my equipment which should be here within a week or two so I can continue my passion, guitar superstar. I promise a picture or two when I get it but it will never be the same as the first time, it never is.

The crazy eye-toy game was brought out and people got to chop pickles, mush the tomatoes, salt the fries, protect the cupcakes, flip pancakes, and grate the cheese against the head chef. I must say he was rude when you beat him and he basically said it meant nothing. Now if he won he bragged up a storm. Then it was time to be short order cook and make hamburgers and fill orders with that, fries, cupcakes, and pancakes then ding the bell for pickup. Surprisingly, if you take the game seriously, it can work up a bit of a sweat. Once again I did not do that mostly because there were a bunch of people wanting to do things and only the one machine. I thought I would be polite. So what did I GET to try. Karaoke.

OK, maybe I can be the lead singer instead of the Guitar Hero. I think I could handle the ego trip and all. Then I can be the super star. Everyone will look up to me. Groupies will be everywhere and I am sure that could be fun. Yes, that is it, a different career all together. Time to be a lead singer. I will spare you the gory details but I think I killed the dog. I only lasted part of the song before the tomatoes came out and I am not sure all the tomatoes were just from the game. I think the people I had just been out having a good time with were pelting me too. I got booed of the stage, the game was buried deep in the ground which was not easy as it was frozen, and the microphone was melted down to make sure this incident would never happen again. I tried to say something about it but everyone kept changing the subject. It is as if the night never happened. Shortly after that the party broke up. Some of the other people were OK at the Karaoke but I guess I was not one of them.

Well we stayed up and watched a little TV after everyone left and finally called it a night about 2:30 am. This may have been the earliest night I got to sleep over the Christmas extravaganza weekend, no wonder I am sick. Well I have one more day with the extravaganza that I will write about but it is much shorter. I better get it in today because I think I am giving up strange stories for the new year.


You know, Peter, just because you guys entertained a bunch of drunken idiots at a karaoke bar doesn't mean you have what it takes to form a band. -- Family Guy

Have You Ever?

WARNING: There are over 100 questions. It may take some time to read.

Put an "X" by all the things you've done and share it with your friends.

1. ( ) Smoked a cigarette.

2. ( ) Crashed a friend's car.

3. ( ) Stolen a car.

4. (x) Been in love.

5. ( ) Been dumped.

6. (x) Shoplifted. Not real proud of this one.

7. (x) Been fired/laid off. Twice actually. Neither time was really justified.

8. ( ) Been in a fist fight. I once was pissed at someone and picked them up and threw them but not a fist fight.

9. ( ) Snuck out of your parent's house.

10. (x) Had feelings for someone that didn't have them back.

11. (x) Been arrested. We don't talk about this. I was very young. See #6.

12. ( ) Gone on a blind date. Nope. Never needed to.

13. ( ) Lied to a friend.

14. (x) Skipped school. Yes, on senior skip day. Well that and a few college classes.

15. ( ) Seen someone die.

16. (x) Been to Canada. Many day trips including a curling weekend. Also a week long vacation.

17. ( ) Been to Mexico.

18. (x) Been on a plane. Many times but not recently.

19. ( ) Purposely set a part of yourself on fire. Set hair on fire that was no longer on my head.

20. (x) Eaten sushi. Not a big fan.

21. (x) Been skiing. I have my own cross country skis.

22. (x) Met someone in person from the internet. Almost a dozen people including TC on Tuesday. I have been lucky, no real regrets so far.

23. (x) Taken pain-killers. Vicodin is the best. I try to stay away from pain killers however.

24. (x) Love someone or miss someone right now. I have a cousin I was really starting to enjoy and then he passed on of a heart attack.

25. (x) Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by. I highly recomend it.

26. (x) Made a snow angel. Hello, I live in Michigan! (borrowed from Jenn)

27. (x) Had a tea party. Do I have to admit to this?

28. (x) Flown a kite. Even flown a stunt kite before on trip to Canada.

29. (x) Built a sand castle. Natch.

30. (x) Gone puddle jumping. Growing up a boy I think it is a right of passage or something.

31. ( ) Played dress up. Not inclusing Halloween, I guess not.

32. (x) Cheated while playing a game. Come on, doesn't everyone know how to cheat at computer solitaire? Other than that I not on purpose.

33. (x) Been lonely.

34. (x) Fallen asleep at work/school. It has happened a few times. Once I marked out for the day and went home.

35. ( ) Used a fake I.D.

36. (x) Watched a sunset. They are beautiful but then so are sunrises too!

37. (x) Felt an earthquake. About 3 of them but in Michigan they are very small.

38. (x) Touched a snake. Gardener snakes and I believe a boa in High School.

39. (x) Slept beneath the stars.

40. (x) Been tickled.

41. ( ) Been robbed.

42. (x) Been misunderstood.

43. (x) Petted a reindeer/goat. Seems like I remember a goat in there somewhere.

44. (x) Won a contest. Does Bingo count?

45. (x) Ran a red light. It happens.

46. ( ) Been suspended from school.

47. (x) Been in a car accident. About 5 but nothing for a long time. 1 was my fault.

48. ( ) Had braces. I should have but the parents couldn't afford both my sister and me.

49. (x) Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night. Put one heck of a dent in a half gallon before too.

50. (x) Had deja vu. Growing up I had it all the time. Not so much now.

51. ( ) Danced in the moonlight.

52. (x) Liked the way you looked. Occasionally

53. (x) Witnessed a crime. Saw someone get stabbed.

54. (x) Questioned your heart.

55. ( ) Been obsessed with post it notes.

56. (x) Squished barefoot through the mud. Not recently but what fun.

57. (x) Been lost. I am a man, I don't get lost. LOL

58. (x) Been to the opposite side of the country. Living in the mid west, what is opposite? California and Florida should cover that however.

59. (x ) Swam in the ocean. Once in Florida.

60. (x) Felt like dying. Yes many times including #11.

61. (x) Cried yourself to sleep. Yes on more than one occasion.

62. (x) Played cops and robbers.

63. (x) Recently colored with crayons. Not yesterday but this year.

64. (x) Sung karaoke. Yes including on Monday, run for the hills.

65. (x) Paid for a meal with only coins.

66. (x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.

67. (x) Laughed til some kind of beverage came out your nose.

68. (x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue. If it is good enough for the Charlie Brown Christmas special, it is good enough for me!

69. (x) Danced in the rain. If you want to call it dancing.

70. (x) Written a letter to Santa Claus.

71. (x) Been kissed under the mistletoe. Not recently, darn.

72. ( ) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about.

73. (x) Blown bubbles. I have a Texas sized bubble maker that can make 8 inch bubbles.

74. (x) Made a bonfire on the beach. Love the beach.

75. (x) Crashed a party. Sort of.

76. (x) Gone roller-skating. Yes. Had my heart broken at a roller rink.

77. (x) Had a wish come true. I wish these questions would end. Darn now that I told you that it probably will not happen.

78. ( ) Worn pearls.

79. ( ) Jumped off a bridge.

80. (x) Ate dog/cat food. Tried it before if that counts.

81. ( ) Told a complete stranger you loved them. Hey you, reading this ... I love you.

82. (x) Kissed a mirror.

83. (x) Sang in the shower. And in the car before. Better not drive anywhere with me.

84. (x) Had a dream that you married someone. Yes but I do not remember the jucy details.

85. (x) Glued your hand to something. Yes with several things including crazy glue but not to serious problem getting out of it. By the way, does anyone have any nail polish remover?

86. (x) Got your tongue stuck to a flagpole. On a dare.

87. ( ) Kissed a fish.

88. (x) Sat on a rooftop. I'm very afraid of heights but I pulled this one off. It was fun.

89. (x) Screamed at the top of your lungs. Yes including once in Middle School which I got the paddle for, my only time. Ouch.

90. ( ) Done a one-handed cartwheel. I tried 1 handed but I could only two handed ones.

91. ( ) Talked on the phone for more than six hours on one occasion. 2 1/2 was my max and I wanted off so bad but I was polite.

92. (x) Stayed up all night. Many time including just this past week getting ready for Christmas...

93. ( ) Didn't take a shower for a week. Three days maybe but a week, pew.

94. (x) Picked and ate an apple right off the tree.

95. (x) Climbed a tree that had a tree house.

96. ( ) Been told by a complete stranger that you're hot. Flirted with but not hot.

97. ( ) Ever had a one night stand. My whole life feels like a one night stand but no.

98. (x) Ever missed someone so much it still hurts to think of them.

99. (x) Ever loved someone that you knew wouldn't love you back. Story of my life.

100. (x) Ever been to a professional baseball, football, or hockey game in a stadium. Let's see we have the Tigers, the Lions and of course the Red Wings. Check, check, check. Got it covered. Of course one might question if the Tigers and the Lions count as profesional.

101. (x) Went hiking in the mountains. Very small hike but yes.

102. (x) Smoked a cigar. Guilty.

103. (x) Had a crush on someone you worked with but never told them. Several, even someone that was married. I tried to tell one person several times but I got cold feet.

104. (x) Wished you had the chance to change your profession. Yes every now and then. I still say selling sea shells by the see would make a great back up plan.

105. ( ) Ever cremated and kept the ashes of a pet you cared a lot about.

106. (x) Wished you could live your life over again beginning at age 21. Sure a do over would be fun. All this mistakes I could avoid but then I learn from my mistakes.

107. (x) Been baptized.

108. (x) Rode a horse. Several fun stories there including the time I dropped the rains and the horse just walked back to the barn.

109. ( ) Sent flowers to someone you never met. I hear GiGi likes Daisy's...

I Found My Calling

That is it. In about a week or so I am quitting my day job!

On Christmas I found my calling in a very strange place called PS 2. My SIL got a present from her hubby called Guitar Hero. From the very first lick I was hooked. I just knew I found my calling. As soon as I picked up the guitar I was belting the jams out with the best of them. It was a little ruff for the first few songs but by the end of the night I knew my destiny.

OK, so maybe quitting my day job is a little premature. I mean I am in the "easy" setting. I better bump up the difficulty a touch but I do not know. When I went to play "More Than a Feeling" in the more advanced setting it was pitiful. It reminds me of something I once heard... I have suffered for my music, now it is your turn. So maybe I should adjust that date. Certainly by the end of January I will be a superstar and I can quit the day job!

I had quit a few minor things go wrong over the last several days. I left an ingredient out of the Chex Mix I made. I think I over cooked the bread I made. The banana peppers I had in a small container leaked all over the place. The green peppers I had in a small container was spilled all over the floor. You get the point, nothing earth shattering but still I could not catch a break. It was nothing to do with the fact that I only got 1 hour sleep Friday night, honest. I just could not get off my lazy butt and get things done for the holidays.

In general however all went well. People showed up about when they should have. Everyone was there, even the two people with back problems from having slipped on the ice. The dinner went well, The entertainment was OK but did not include everyone. My niece cleaned up with the presents as she should as she is the youngest. Everyone made it home in one piece even though it started to snow and turn very slushy. I talked to Top Cat for a couple of minutes today (it has been 9 months in the making, that was nice). I am down so I can shovel my parents snow (my Dad is one of those people that fell on the ice). All and all things went pretty well.

I actually did play the Guitar Hero game and it was fun. Between that and a couple of other games I just might need to buy a play station 2 game console. I wonder if I can count rocking out as exercising?

I hope everyone else's Christmas went well and I think it is time to light a candle for Hanukkah.


In the words of AC/DC: We roll tonight... to the guitar bite... and for those about to rock... I salute you.
-- The School of Rock

Happy Holiday Everyone

Wow, I am at least a full day behind on getting ready for and celebrating Christmas. I had hoped to post a nice holiday post but it looks like all I will be able to do is a short post while I finish the baking, the Chex Mix, the laundry and the salads. When am I going to get in some sleep? I guess if I could only have got my butt in gear that would not have been a problem.

Merry Christmas

I found this article on American Christmas Origins. Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year.

Happy Hanukkah

This is from the History Channel dealing with History of Hanukkah. This year Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 25 and lasts through sundown January 2. The observance of all Jewish holidays beings at sunset the previous day.

Happy Kwanzaa

I found this about Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 through January 1 every year.

For those not celebrating a holiday or if I missed something I hope you have a nice weekend and I will be back sometime next week. To everyone, may 2006 be filled with family, friends, good health, happiness, prosperity and what ever else is important to you.



"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown. -- A Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas, bah, humbug

It's funny, this year I have avoided Christmas. I am only shopping for my neice. I will do the baking and the visiting and all but I have not set up Christmas stuff. I will be visiting with the family and friends and will certainly enjoy the goings on but it has been nice sort of avoiding Christmas.

Now that being said, I am surprised but I do miss it. I think what I need is a small dose of it. Something small to say I care about you but not all this darn commercialism. I hate what people turn into this time of the year.

I had a rude awakening last Saturday morning. Now I do not normally do this so I don't know, maybe this is normal but OMG. I went to the local super store and went grocery shopping. It was a mad house and people were being so rude and inconsiderate. There are fairly large isles yet people line up three carts wide and just sit there. One women was walking down a main isle very slowly and even stopping. This is the main isle for people to get around in. She had her daughter with her and she was circling the cart. Anyone that has ever driven in an Indy or NASCAR race would have been proud of her. Every time I even thought about passing them up her daughter cut me off. There was no way I was going to take the lead, no way I was going to win!

Sorry, I try to be extra patient this time of year but I think I best do my shopping at a time when the other amateurs go shopping. Either that or just go walking the store and do some people watching. Now that I bet would be outstanding.


You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch.
You're a nasty, wasty skunk.
Your heart is full of unwashed socks
Your soul is full of gunk.
Mr. Grinch.

The three words that best describe you,
are, and I quote: "Stink. Stank. Stunk."
-- Dr. Seuss: You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Motivational Monday

I have know Top Cat for the better part of a year. In that time I have really enjoyed getting to know him. He always leaves the most interesting comments and you can see the sincerity in all he shares. Among his passions he has a passion for his music and music in general. It will be a fun day when he is able to post one of his creations for all to hear. He vary much enjoys his online friendships that he has formed and is a pretty great person to call friend.

Despite the fact that I thought I really knew him, he continues to surprise and amaze me. Sometimes maybe it is a stance that he passionately takes. Sometimes it is how he can share a few kind words to brighten some ones day. But for me the thing that has surprised me the most is his poetry. What he writes has very deep meanings and feelings and is a joy to read. Some of his poetry really makes you think to find what it means to you. Some of his poetry is simply beyond me at times. In saying that however I always enjoy seeing TC share more of his writings. I count myself lucky to have met Top Cat and I very much enjoy the little things I take away from having met him. I count him among the many positive influences in my life.

These are a few of my favorite things

Lets start out the new post with a shout out to SignGurl. Happy Birthday Jenn. You are always such a cool person in the comments you leave on everyone else's blogs that I thought it most appropriate to send a little more attention your way on your birthday. It has been fun having a blogger friend near by. Anyway, Happy, Happy Jenn.

I have been noticing something real interesting about blogs. I can understand that when you post more than a post or two the chances of people going back and reading everything you have written are slim. Mostly I think people only read the most current entry. Generally that is the only place comments are left. I love the fact that there are the prior posts available because sometimes someone is so fun or fascinating that you want to go back and find out more. Also you can post links back to your own messages rather then saying something again. Now I have not done that yet but I think that is great. Now I am getting lost.

What I am finding amazing is when someone has a comment section some people seem to read comments, others it is obvious that they do not read them. For me I think the stories that people post are fascinating. You learn a lot about people and things this way. It is often good for a laugh or a cry or a big old smile. But what I think I enjoy the most about blogs is the interactivity you get from the comment section in a blog. I think this has to be about my most favorite part. Going back and forth with others is very enjoyable. I find I am often entertained by the wit others display at that time. I don't know, I just find this to be the most fascinating part of a blog and something that I really enjoy.

So what about you? What do you like about blogging? How do you find a new persons blog to read? I guess in general just something about your blogging experience would be fun to hear.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
-- Maria Lyrics: My Favorite Things

To Blog or Not To Blog

Isn't blogging the best? I have visited a lot of other peoples blogs, some on a regular basis. May of these people are people I probably would not associate with in real life. It is just we are so very different and we all have our own lives. It is hard enough to get everything done as it is.

Here we have this giant living journal. Not only can we write down anything that comes to mind but there are people out there that actually can and do respond back to you. Try that in a diary! It is also interesting that some things that we chose to share in the blog with people that are practically strangers, we might think twice about sharing it with friends or family. The anonymity thing can come in handy.

Sure I know you by your handle and possibly generally where you live and also how you look but we still are practically stranger, some more than others (me). I am sure friendships can and do blossom out of getting to know someone on a blog but I think that is more of the exception.

For now I am just enjoying the variaty of people I am getting to meet. Funny I do this for entertainment I guess and yet I think it is making me into a more rounded individual. This is especially true of the more we find people from other States and even other countries. I think I miss that the most. 10 years ago I was online a lot in another form called Usenet news. I loved the fact that I regularly communicated with people from Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, UK and I am sure much more. Sometimes communicating can be fun. Take the word "boot". I can think of at least three very different meanings depending on which country you are from. We are all so different and we all have so much we can learn from each other if we just give it a chance. Blogging is just such a super medium to do that in. It also gives us a chance to air what we are thinking and sometimes that, all by itself, is so rewarding. I think that returns me to...

Isn't blogging just the best? I know, step away from the keyboard...


[Spicoli has had a pizza delivered to class]
Mr. Hand: Am I hallucinating here? Just what in the hell do you think you're doing?
Jeff Spicoli: Learning about Cuba, and having some food.
-- Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Use It or Lose It

We are allowed to only carry over so may hours into the new year. I am over by a handful of days so it is use it or lose it time of the year. I have so many plans for today. At last count at least 1000 items. I hear the new Kong movie is suppose to be superb. The snow needs shoveling, siding fixing, kitchen faucet being replaced, check why my broadband Internet connection is DEAD, go work out at the gym, do the Christmas Cards... Gosh, way to many things to even think of them all.

So what will I get done? I think we will see a nap in there somewhere just because I can and the snow just keeps coming so that can not be ignored. Beyound that we will see where the day leads me. I think I need to squeeze in some fun time however. Don't be surprised if I lob a snowball your way today. I promise to aim right for you as then I am sure to miss.

I hope everyone has a super day and just think, the weekend is almost upon.


Sloane: What are we going to do?
Ferris: The question isn't "what are we going to do," the question is "what aren't we going to do?"
- - Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Blog Be Gone

I noticed something very interesting to me as I have been wandering throughout the blog universe. People have a blog for so long and poof, they either disappear forever or delete their blog and start over again. So what is going on?

It would appear that more often then not they have said things in their blog that, as long as it is anonymous, it is OK. But as soon as that layer of anonymity is removed it is time to hit that old button. I have noticed several were because of HNT on their blog. I think that is part of why I have decided not to take part in that. Of course the first word is "Half" and with a little creativity you can post things that even a child seeing would be OK.

Sometimes it seems to be things that were said or even just how the person behaved that gets the big button pushed. My family, relatives, friends found my blog, oh no! Now even though I have not said much in my blog and I try not to be mean to people, I certainly understand this.

Other times maybe you have worked through what ever it is you set out to do in the first place. Or maybe it is just time for a change. Time to head in another direction all together.

I guess "Seize the Day" applies here. Get out there often. Visit with you friends, make new friends and make the best of what you have right now. You never know when the big one is coming. Just my casual observation of this giant universe of blogging.


"Oh, this is the biggest one I ever had. You hear that Elizabeth? I'm coming to join you honey." – Sanford and Son

Motivational Monday

My short time exploring the world of blogging I have discovered Deb of Let Me Go On and On! She has inspired me to do better both in my personal life and on my blog. Deb is a writer and it shows. Her blog was voted best written by fellow bloggers. You never know what you may see there. Sometimes the message is very spiritual. Other times the message is very playful and often times very personal. No matter what everything she writes is always very well written and a joy to read.

Deb has accomplished something that most of us never will; she has sent a book off to the publisher. As I soon discovered finishing writing the book two years ago, finding a publisher and even getting the publisher to accept the book, it is still a ways from the book being published. I am sure she will preserver.

Deb is going through kind of a blah period in her life right now. I am sure this will be short lived as she has so much going for her. She has a book off to the publisher that sounds so fascinating and another book three quarters of the way finished; she just celebrated her twelfth year anniversary with the one she loves; she has a great relationship with her Mom; she always seems to have such wonderful things to say both on her blog and as comments on others; and much more. Deb is a gem that I am so happy I have found and I wish her well always in everything she does.

Drivers Training

At long last, the day is here. Time for some training, "Drivers Training Sir."

We have three lovely inches of snow on the ground. The snow plows have not been out other than laying down a pre-layer of salt I believe. The parking lots have not been plowed. I got out my snow blower and did my property just to make sure it was working. Now that I did a little work ... time to play.

After a quick clean job on the windshield it is off to the store to pick up some groceries for the Office Christmas Party on Saturday. I decided to fry a Turkey and I need some thaw time.

On goes the driving gloves, on goes the Red Barron driving scarf. A quick turn of the key and the engine comes to life. After letting it run for a little bit I gun it a few times, put it into gear and slowly slip down the double wide driveway in the mini van. Yes, I know... it's such a chick magnet!

I did not miss a trick, after all this was my time. Very little traffic and fairly slippery roads. Time to do a little controlled out of control driving to get my snow legs for the winter. I got going to fast and slammed on the breaks. I gunned it going around the corner which meant not to much steering with a front wheel drive vehicle. I purposely spun it a little, as much as I could with this vehicle. I did some donuts, again as best as possible in this mini van, in the nearest parking lot. I did a little bit of everything and did the rest on the ride home. Yes, I think I have my snow legs back for the year. I guess we will see tomorrow (Friday) when I face to 5-6 inches (possibly 8) of snow tomorrow morning on the ride into work. Of course they are talking about snow days for the schools. Could I be lucky like Buddha Girl was the other day? Although I do not work at a school, it is not unheard of them calling a snow day for us.

Well hopefully the snow will not be to bad so I can quickly clear it with the snow blower and build Frosty before heading into work. I can't wait! Hopefully I will move on to something besides snow soon but it does seem to be filling my days of late.


General Barnicke: Where have you been soldier?
John Winger: Training, sir.
Soldiers: Training, sir.
General Barnicke: What kind of training?
John Winger: Army training, sir.
Soldiers: Army training, sir.
- - Stripes

The sentinel

I was rudely awoken this morning. It was my always present, almost always silent sentinel, the weather radio. NOAA had issued a Winter Storm Warning as there was a possibility of 8 inches of snow on the way. Now my sentinel had woke up and, grabbing my attention with a warning tone, has shared with me the potential hazard on the way. One final blast of the plectron and the sentinel was once again silent, ever watching, ever waiting. I received one more warning this morning, this one being for a different portion of Michigan with a slightly different message.

Sounds like I need to make some adjustments to my radio. I need to narrow the areas that it reports to me about. Maybe I also need to narrow what it reports about, maybe not. Only time will tell for sure. Just the same I am now able to drift back to sleep in my warm bed with one less care in the knowledge that the sentinel has my back.

I got to thinking, wouldn't it be nice if we all had something like this in our lives. Something that we could adjust, something that could keep an eye out for us in some special way. Certainly everyone would have the bullshit monitor turned on as sometimes we seem to not know or just plain not care when that is present. Perhaps we could make adjustments to help us follow our diets or quit smoking on any number of other items. Or perhaps, just perhaps a weather monitor is nothing but a weather monitor, doing a valuable job, but nothing more.

I hope everyone had a little bit better nights rest than I. I think it is time to check out the old snow blower. They have made adjustments to the forcast now. They are only calling for 4 to 6 inches but still it is nice to have the option is available. HAPPY WINTER.


Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
--Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Fortune cookie anyone?

Thanks to Blondie by way of Top Cat for this fun link.

Your Fortune Is

Passionate kiss like spider web, soon lead to undoing of fly.

The Wacky Fortune Cookie Generator

Funny, I don't remember fortune cookies at the resteraunt being so much fun.

Motivational Monday!

I saw ~Lara was doing something new a few weeks ago that sounded wounderful. She found a link on Dan's blog that talked about a new use for Mondays. I too like the idea so I decided to give it a try.

First, begin by reading Dan's post...

From the Mind of Dan: Motivational Monday!

That brings us to the subject of todays motivational writing:

SignGurl, I only just met you and yet you have been so super to me. On my blog and in my travels I see you always leave the most wonderful comments on all I have seen. You are always a great addition to the comment threads. I have seen where you were nominated on another blog as the most friendly blogger. There was a good reason for that.

Visiting you blog is a daily ritual I hate to miss. Sometimes there is something fun, sometimes it is a wonderful story, sometimes it is just a short note. Regardless I get a smile or a tear or a fun laugh every time I visit. I am so happy to count you as my friend.

Special note: With blogger being down yesterday evening, at least for me, I was unable to post this on Monday. Please consider this a late Monday post...

Sexy Name Decoder

While i am not completley sure about this, the necking part sounds pretty darn good to me.

Strange Day

Pardon the name dropping.

I had a strange day as far as blogging is concerned. I found some very interesting people with the most interesting person by far being ~Deb with Let Me Go On and On! I love the way she writes. I love her blog. This is going to be a fun place to read daily, you can just tell.

Somehow yesterday, no matter how much I tried, I just could not bring myself to blog anything. I must have tried 10 times and always just tossed it away. What ever creative juices I may have were in short supply yesterday.

I got a chance to read a lot of my other favorite sites also. It was a day to explore, a day to catch up, a day to have fun. Part way through the day, however, I somehow got blogger confused. I left a message or to for people telling them what I was seeing which must have looked like I had tied one on from the previous night and now was suffering from a terrible hangover.

Basically what happened is Word Verification was not working for me. For some reason anytime I went to post a message on a blog that had WV, it always gave me the same word. When I typed that word in it did not work.

Being in IT for ages I decided no big deal. I closed my browser completely and got back in. Still a problem. I rebooted my computer, still a problem. I got on from another computer, STILL A PROBLEM.

I decided the blogger system must be messed up somehow. I left a strange blog entry about it on my blog, left odd comment on SignGurl Here's Your Sign. If she did not think I was insane before, shurley she does now. I wrote a couple of emails. In general I just settled in thinking that Blogger had a problem. Certainly it was not me.

Well of course IT WAS ME! I ended up logging out of blogger and back in. When I did that, WV was working just fine once again. Other than losing a little time and looking like a loon, I guess no damage done. Of course I might have a little bruised ego. For how knowledgeable I am in IT matters, this whole blogger thing is just so new to me. I hope the people I run into out there will excuse the novice as I try and feel my way around this very interesting world. For my part I will try and be a little less quick to judge, be more complete on checking what is wrong and not bother folks as much.

Let me close with it snowed last night. How lovely. Everything is covered in a thin layer of white. The pine trees out my back picture window have a nice glazing of white on each branch. The squirrels seem to be taking the day off as the birds have as well. Of course I know that will be short lived. Even though this is the light fluffy stuff that just will not pack no matter what you do, I think it is time to go make a few snow balls and maybe a snow angel or two before clearing the drive and walks and getting the day started properly. It is looking like a great day. I hope anyone who happens by my little corner and reads this has a great day too.

Thanks for stopping by.

Clearing the pallet

How about a short and sweet post. We have another recipe. I am not going to make a habit of this but I thought this might be fun. We have a DRINK RECIPE! It is what I was drinking last weekend after my reunion. Now this is just any recipe I found on the WEB. It is not the same one that they were using but I assume it is close. Very yummy. This is from www.drinksmixer.com. I do love my frozen drinks.

Hummingbird

1 oz bananas
1 oz coconut cream
1 oz creme de bananas
1 oz rum
1/2 oz Tia Maria® coffee liqueur
1 oz strawberries
crushed ice

Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Serve in: Hurricane Glass

Alcohol (ABV): 15% (30 proof)


Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away
Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away
In you I found a fragrance
I'll love you till I die
I just love you, love you, love you
I don't even know the reason why.
-- Seals & Crofts: Hummingbird

Stalker

I wanted to add a new blog entry but I just did not know what to write about. Then I was inspired but in a not very nice way. For the second time in a little over a week I had someone say something, this time in email, that made me feel like they thought I was a stalker. The first one was Signgurl. I think we are OK now. In the process of trying to make her feel comfortable I think I mentioned more about me, private information, that I do not generally tell people. This turned out to be a misunderstanding. It was just someone near by visiting her blog without leaving a comment I believe.

Well it just happened again. I received an email reply to something I had sent them out of the blue. The underlying part is they did not list their email and I said I was making a guess at it. It turns out I guessed wrong but, at the same time they had their email somewhere in their blog. I had run across it when I read their prior blog. What can I say, when I find someone’s blog fascinating I go back and read other stuff they have written. I don't know what it is about this particular persons blog but I find it super. Probably because I find them super as well. They are certainly one of the more nice people I have found out there.

Let me apologize should I ever make people uncomfortable. I am having a fun time running into people and getting to know them a little. It has all been so fascinating and gets more and more fun the more I wander. Anyway please read my prior blog entries, it says a lot about me. Also, I list my email address on my profile so please always feel free to write me about anything either in my blog or in email. Sometimes it may take a while to reply but I will reply.

Well let me end this blog entry, a kind of sad entry it is, by wishing everyone TGIF and have a nice weekend.

Your blogger host,
Bryan