So it's 10:40pm on New Year's Eve. Big Freaking Deal.
New Year's Eve has never been anything more than just another night for me and pretty much anyone in my family. It generally comes down to a reason for people to get together and have a party, and well, I've never been the type of guy to get invited to many parties, New Year's Eve or otherwise.
In honor of the end of the year, a little reflection on some major events.
My wife and I completed the process to apply to adopt a baby from China only to later discover that it will be something close to five more years before this dream might become a reality.
In June I was fired from a job I generally liked. The depression that ensued lead to accepting a job making about 60% of what I had been making and not being motivated to try to find anything better. The mortgage and other bills remained the same despite the reduced income to pay them.
I was called a racist by a woman I don't even know, and she decided to start a website dedicated to bringing attention to me.
I spent over $2500 to have repairs done to my vehicle only for the repairs to fail about 5 weeks later.
I upset my wife numerous times with things I said or did both on this blog and in person with people, including alegedly causing great strain in a relationship with another couple we know who she loves to tell me how awesome they are.
I had a period of excellent control of my diabetes swing 180 degrees the opposite way. After my firing I gave up the expense of gym membership, while we continue to pay over $400 a year for my wife to belong to a gym that she visits about once every 6 weeks.
I have apparently become angry at the world because I refuse to pander to political correctness and because I make an effort to point out the flaws that lead to the hardships for people who the world seems to want to pity. Responsibility is not a requirement in any form or fashion anymore, and yes, I do not always live by the same rule I talk about, but who in this world is not a hypocrite in some manner? Does being similar to those I talk about make them any less wrong?
And the final fun thing, as New Year's Eve ticked along this afternoon, I was asked to promise not to go out and be anywhere at midnight where I might kiss someone. The precursor to this request is the fact that before I was engaged to be married, I kissed someone other than my wife. Note this was BEFORE I was even engaged, let alone before I was married, so this is the level of trust I am merited.
Happy Freaking New Year
Monday, December 31, 2007
Pixel the Hunter
The tally as of this afternoon....
Pixel versus....
Birds... Unknown loses, though he hides in the Camellia bushes to monitor the bird feeder. He has at least 3 complete wins and one tie when Peter rescued one alive and got it back outside.
Chipmunks... I think we've seen one dead, and Pixel knows where they live.
Lizards... Little Gecko kinda guys that I didn't know lived this far north. Two wins for Pixel including one we saw outside and a carcass I found in the dining room today.
Snakes... One loss for Pixel as I found him with the snake alive in the dining room and I rescued and released it.
Pixel versus....
Birds... Unknown loses, though he hides in the Camellia bushes to monitor the bird feeder. He has at least 3 complete wins and one tie when Peter rescued one alive and got it back outside.
Chipmunks... I think we've seen one dead, and Pixel knows where they live.
Lizards... Little Gecko kinda guys that I didn't know lived this far north. Two wins for Pixel including one we saw outside and a carcass I found in the dining room today.
Snakes... One loss for Pixel as I found him with the snake alive in the dining room and I rescued and released it.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Also Stupid
More local news.....
A father and his teenage son were shot and killed here in Atlanta yesterday over "candy money."
Someone came to their apartment and wanted to rob them of their cash. The suspect knew there was cash there because it was known that the family was running a miniature convenience store from their place.
Am I wrong to think that if these people had not been breaking the law in running a store without a license and without paying taxes that their husband and son might be alive today?
Also, from what I've been told by members of the law enforcement community, this type of "business" is not uncommon among people who were not born in the United States, do not have the legal right to be here, and typically come from countries located South of the United States.
A father and his teenage son were shot and killed here in Atlanta yesterday over "candy money."
Someone came to their apartment and wanted to rob them of their cash. The suspect knew there was cash there because it was known that the family was running a miniature convenience store from their place.
Am I wrong to think that if these people had not been breaking the law in running a store without a license and without paying taxes that their husband and son might be alive today?
Also, from what I've been told by members of the law enforcement community, this type of "business" is not uncommon among people who were not born in the United States, do not have the legal right to be here, and typically come from countries located South of the United States.
Are The Darwin Award Nominations for 2007 Open?
All due respect to the tragic loss of the children's lives, with the exception of the thought that
these were the children of the adults responsible and there is genetics and heredity involved...
The Darwin Award honors those who serve the rest of the world by removing themselves from the gene pool.
Read on..... (and then tell me how this is simply part of their culture and not their fault, as many people said about the Michael Vick dogfighting case)
Four people including two young children were killed and two others were injured in a fiery crash in rural Butts County late Friday after the group had been "mud-bogging," authorities said.
None of the victims was wearing a seat belt, their Ford Bronco was going an estimated 70 m.p.h. when it ran off the road and into some trees, and most of the adults connected with the incident were intoxicated, police said.
Three adults and three youngsters in the Bronco had just freed themselves from having gotten stuck in mud while playfully driving around, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
It is believed that most or all of the victims live in Butts County and live on the same road -- Lucy Lane -- about a mile from where the accident occurred, State Patrol Trooper J.T. McMillan said.
Authorities identified the deceased as:
--Susanna Guffey, 24.
--Lucas Ross, 2.
--Christina Levan, 36.
--Zoe Flick, 5.
Guffey was driving the Bronco, and Lucas was her son, police said.
Zoe's mother, Tammy Flick, 36, and Guffey's son, Brody Guffey, 4, survived the accident by crawling through a back window after the crash, McMillan said. Flick broke one of her legs, and Brody sustained only scratches.
The crash was reported around 11 p.m. on a curvy, narrow stretch of Lunsford Road that is lined with trees, McMillan said.
Two of the women's husbands had just helped get the Bronco out of the mud but, in the process, had gotten their dump truck stuck in a ditch, the trooper said. While the men tried to extricate themselves, Guffey and her passengers sped off in the Bronco.
A short distance away, Guffey lost control, and the Bronco went off the road and hit one tree and then another before bursting into flames, McMillan said. The husbands came upon the wreck on their way home and called 911.
Autopsies will determine whether the four died from the impact or from the fire that engulfed the Bronco.
UPDATE: I received an email from www.thedarwinaward.com and they will not consider this story for consideration because the children who died were innocent victims. While this is true, I think it is arguable that their removal from the gene pool may help the world as much as the removal of their mothers' DNA.
these were the children of the adults responsible and there is genetics and heredity involved...
The Darwin Award honors those who serve the rest of the world by removing themselves from the gene pool.
Read on..... (and then tell me how this is simply part of their culture and not their fault, as many people said about the Michael Vick dogfighting case)
Four people including two young children were killed and two others were injured in a fiery crash in rural Butts County late Friday after the group had been "mud-bogging," authorities said.
None of the victims was wearing a seat belt, their Ford Bronco was going an estimated 70 m.p.h. when it ran off the road and into some trees, and most of the adults connected with the incident were intoxicated, police said.
Three adults and three youngsters in the Bronco had just freed themselves from having gotten stuck in mud while playfully driving around, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
It is believed that most or all of the victims live in Butts County and live on the same road -- Lucy Lane -- about a mile from where the accident occurred, State Patrol Trooper J.T. McMillan said.
Authorities identified the deceased as:
--Susanna Guffey, 24.
--Lucas Ross, 2.
--Christina Levan, 36.
--Zoe Flick, 5.
Guffey was driving the Bronco, and Lucas was her son, police said.
Zoe's mother, Tammy Flick, 36, and Guffey's son, Brody Guffey, 4, survived the accident by crawling through a back window after the crash, McMillan said. Flick broke one of her legs, and Brody sustained only scratches.
The crash was reported around 11 p.m. on a curvy, narrow stretch of Lunsford Road that is lined with trees, McMillan said.
Two of the women's husbands had just helped get the Bronco out of the mud but, in the process, had gotten their dump truck stuck in a ditch, the trooper said. While the men tried to extricate themselves, Guffey and her passengers sped off in the Bronco.
A short distance away, Guffey lost control, and the Bronco went off the road and hit one tree and then another before bursting into flames, McMillan said. The husbands came upon the wreck on their way home and called 911.
Autopsies will determine whether the four died from the impact or from the fire that engulfed the Bronco.
UPDATE: I received an email from www.thedarwinaward.com and they will not consider this story for consideration because the children who died were innocent victims. While this is true, I think it is arguable that their removal from the gene pool may help the world as much as the removal of their mothers' DNA.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Randomness
On the way home from the eye doctor yesterday I stopped at Publix to get dinner fixings. Nothing fancy, just spaghetti, but for some reason it was a very tasty batch. I noticed, and Amy noticed.
I made plans while at the store to do breakfast this morning. It's a nice thing to do, and Amy has a bad flu-like cold, so I figured a nice hot meal before bed would be pleasant.
I went out to play cards last night, had a good time and stopped at Kroger to get Amy some Nyquil and at Taco Bell for a snack on the way home. By the Taco Bell there was a police scene with about 4 Woodstock Police Cars and a Georgia State Patrol cruiser there. I noticed the wrecked cars and kept on. When I passed it again heading home from Taco Bell I realized the car with the worst damage was a Woodstock Police car, which would explain the GSP unit there. I think they have to respond to any accident involving another department's vehicle.
I didn't get to sleep until 2am or so, and I had the alarm set for 7:30. I got up okay and came downstairs to start the roast for dinner tonight (in the crockpot with potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and onions). Then I started on breakfast. Omelets with ham, cheddar cheese, onions and mushrooms, cheese grits and toast, and Amy got the last glass of OJ (need that vitamin C) and I made some iced tea. We enjoyed our breakfast while watching the season premiere of Private Practice (the Grey's Anatomy spin-off) and while AMy participated in her Saturday morning waiting mom's chat group.
Amy's asleep now, and I am considering a nap before enjoying my day off by going to Winston's to play cardsa t 2pm and to watch my UCF KNIGHTS play in the Autozone Liberty Bowl this afternoon at 4:30. They are playing against Mississippi State University in Memphis, and UCF is favored to win by 3 and a half points. (not that you can have a half a point).
Oh yeah, it's going to be in the mid-60's here today. We had a lot of rain in the past two days, so much that a building had a roof and wall collapse over on the NE side of town. We'll still take all the rain we can get!
There are 2 days left in 2007. It has not been a bad year, but neither Amy nor I have EVER had any interest in celebrating New Year's Eve. It's just another night followed by just another day, but New Year's Day does mark the two week countdown to our birthdays, yes plural, birthdays. Amy and I have the same birthday. Did you know that? January 15. I find it hard to believe I am about to be 37. Where did the time go? (I say this while watching We Are The 80's on VH1 Classic)
Oh yeah, the original random thought I had. I remembered something this morning when I looked at the Valtool's Box page and the Peanuts theme. We had some Peanuts sheets and pillowcases while growing up and I remember fighting over who got to use the cool Snoopy pillowcase on which he was the World War I Flying Ace. (hint if anyone can find some of these, notice the birthday mention above). :)
I made plans while at the store to do breakfast this morning. It's a nice thing to do, and Amy has a bad flu-like cold, so I figured a nice hot meal before bed would be pleasant.
I went out to play cards last night, had a good time and stopped at Kroger to get Amy some Nyquil and at Taco Bell for a snack on the way home. By the Taco Bell there was a police scene with about 4 Woodstock Police Cars and a Georgia State Patrol cruiser there. I noticed the wrecked cars and kept on. When I passed it again heading home from Taco Bell I realized the car with the worst damage was a Woodstock Police car, which would explain the GSP unit there. I think they have to respond to any accident involving another department's vehicle.
I didn't get to sleep until 2am or so, and I had the alarm set for 7:30. I got up okay and came downstairs to start the roast for dinner tonight (in the crockpot with potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and onions). Then I started on breakfast. Omelets with ham, cheddar cheese, onions and mushrooms, cheese grits and toast, and Amy got the last glass of OJ (need that vitamin C) and I made some iced tea. We enjoyed our breakfast while watching the season premiere of Private Practice (the Grey's Anatomy spin-off) and while AMy participated in her Saturday morning waiting mom's chat group.
Amy's asleep now, and I am considering a nap before enjoying my day off by going to Winston's to play cardsa t 2pm and to watch my UCF KNIGHTS play in the Autozone Liberty Bowl this afternoon at 4:30. They are playing against Mississippi State University in Memphis, and UCF is favored to win by 3 and a half points. (not that you can have a half a point).
Oh yeah, it's going to be in the mid-60's here today. We had a lot of rain in the past two days, so much that a building had a roof and wall collapse over on the NE side of town. We'll still take all the rain we can get!
There are 2 days left in 2007. It has not been a bad year, but neither Amy nor I have EVER had any interest in celebrating New Year's Eve. It's just another night followed by just another day, but New Year's Day does mark the two week countdown to our birthdays, yes plural, birthdays. Amy and I have the same birthday. Did you know that? January 15. I find it hard to believe I am about to be 37. Where did the time go? (I say this while watching We Are The 80's on VH1 Classic)
Oh yeah, the original random thought I had. I remembered something this morning when I looked at the Valtool's Box page and the Peanuts theme. We had some Peanuts sheets and pillowcases while growing up and I remember fighting over who got to use the cool Snoopy pillowcase on which he was the World War I Flying Ace. (hint if anyone can find some of these, notice the birthday mention above). :)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Bright and Blurry
It's abou 3:30 on Friday. I am sitting here watching the Disney Christmas Parade (we taped it while I worked on Tuesday). It's warmer today, in the low 60's here, and even though it is overcast, it's too bright for me because I had a visit with the eye doctor today. Guess whose eyes are dilated?
About half way through the parade here are the two highlights, the opening number with Jon Secada singing and celebs and dancers from Dancing with the Stars including Drew Lachey and Joey Fatone. Now we are told Jessica Simpson will also be performing, but she could be in CA where the rest were in FL (not that it matters because the parade is taped in Octber and edited for broadcast on Christmas) because Nick Lachey is Jessica Simpson's former brother-in-law and as a member of 98 Degrees, he was in direct competition for your music money with Joey Fatone who was a member of N*Sync. You see what being married to Amy has done for my knowledge of celebrity relationships and all things boy band?
About half way through the parade here are the two highlights, the opening number with Jon Secada singing and celebs and dancers from Dancing with the Stars including Drew Lachey and Joey Fatone. Now we are told Jessica Simpson will also be performing, but she could be in CA where the rest were in FL (not that it matters because the parade is taped in Octber and edited for broadcast on Christmas) because Nick Lachey is Jessica Simpson's former brother-in-law and as a member of 98 Degrees, he was in direct competition for your music money with Joey Fatone who was a member of N*Sync. You see what being married to Amy has done for my knowledge of celebrity relationships and all things boy band?
Friday Flashback #55
Motley Crue - Home Sweet Home
Posted for my wife who told me last night she does not know this song.
Posted for my wife who told me last night she does not know this song.
Bravo TV Network's Top TV Characters
I was channel surfing and found an interesting show on. In 5 segments Bravo is listing and having guest commentary on their list of the top 100 TV characters of all time. When I turned it on, they were on #11 and moving up the list. Here's what I saw....
# 11. Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, they liked her independence, her influence on style, and the fact she was there trying to determine who she wanted to be when there was a lot of expectations on her based on her age and place in life.
#10 Tony Soprano from The Sopranos, husband, father, Godfather, patient. That's how they started his commentary. He kills people at will, but would die for his family.
#9 Capt. James T. Kirk from Star Trek, a bonified hero with a moral compass, though he said he was overwhelmed, it was disgusting how many beitiful women he had every week.
#8 Mary Richards fom the Mary Tyler Moore Show, a grown up Laura Petrie from the Dick Van Dyke Show. They rode the crest of women's liberation creating a great role model for single working women.
#7 Lt. Columbo from Columbo, as described by Peter Falk himself, "an ass-backwards Sherlock Holmes." Tom Selleck said, "Trying doing COlumbo with ANYONE but Peter Falk."
#6 Kramer, George, Jerry, and Elaine, yes the entire cast of Seinfeld. My personal thought is since the show is about nothing, it makes sense that it takes four people to make one character on the show.
#5 Homer Simpson from the Simpsons. He sees donuts where the rest of us see anything else.
#4 Fonzie (Arthur Fonzerelli) from Happy Days - did you know that Henry Winkler went to the Yale school of Drama?
#3 Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy. The first very pretty woman, sexy woman to play comedy according to Carl Reiner.
#2 Ralph Kramden from the Honeymooners. Jackie Gleason NEVER has been equaled. He could do no wrong. In the mind of Kramden, your adversary wasn't your boss, it was life.
#1 Archie Bunker from All in the Family. He's probably the ultimate TV character, the most complete and compelling of all time. He was an American working-class male that was afraid of the changes that were happening in time around him.
Having only seen the last 11 of the 100, I am curious where a few other characters placed (if they did)...
Hawkeye Pierce from M*A*S*H
Dr. Johnny Fever from WKRP in Cincinatti
Arnold Drummond from Different Strokes
ADA McCoy on Law & Order
Judge Harry Stone or ADA Dan Fielding on Night Court
Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher on Murder She Wrote
Agent Fox Mulder from The X-files
# 11. Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, they liked her independence, her influence on style, and the fact she was there trying to determine who she wanted to be when there was a lot of expectations on her based on her age and place in life.
#10 Tony Soprano from The Sopranos, husband, father, Godfather, patient. That's how they started his commentary. He kills people at will, but would die for his family.
#9 Capt. James T. Kirk from Star Trek, a bonified hero with a moral compass, though he said he was overwhelmed, it was disgusting how many beitiful women he had every week.
#8 Mary Richards fom the Mary Tyler Moore Show, a grown up Laura Petrie from the Dick Van Dyke Show. They rode the crest of women's liberation creating a great role model for single working women.
#7 Lt. Columbo from Columbo, as described by Peter Falk himself, "an ass-backwards Sherlock Holmes." Tom Selleck said, "Trying doing COlumbo with ANYONE but Peter Falk."
#6 Kramer, George, Jerry, and Elaine, yes the entire cast of Seinfeld. My personal thought is since the show is about nothing, it makes sense that it takes four people to make one character on the show.
#5 Homer Simpson from the Simpsons. He sees donuts where the rest of us see anything else.
#4 Fonzie (Arthur Fonzerelli) from Happy Days - did you know that Henry Winkler went to the Yale school of Drama?
#3 Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy. The first very pretty woman, sexy woman to play comedy according to Carl Reiner.
#2 Ralph Kramden from the Honeymooners. Jackie Gleason NEVER has been equaled. He could do no wrong. In the mind of Kramden, your adversary wasn't your boss, it was life.
#1 Archie Bunker from All in the Family. He's probably the ultimate TV character, the most complete and compelling of all time. He was an American working-class male that was afraid of the changes that were happening in time around him.
Having only seen the last 11 of the 100, I am curious where a few other characters placed (if they did)...
Hawkeye Pierce from M*A*S*H
Dr. Johnny Fever from WKRP in Cincinatti
Arnold Drummond from Different Strokes
ADA McCoy on Law & Order
Judge Harry Stone or ADA Dan Fielding on Night Court
Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher on Murder She Wrote
Agent Fox Mulder from The X-files
Friday Feast #33
Appetizer - Name 2 things you would like to accomplish in 2008.
Get out of debt and get Amy pregnant.
Soup - With which cartoon character do you share personality traits?
Hrrmm, could it possibly be Charlie Brown?
Salad - What time of day (or night) were you born?
4am(ish)
Main Course - Tell us something special about your hometown.
In response to a law passed in some other state back in the 80's that severely regulated the ownership of firearms, Kennesaw, GA passed a law requiring a firearm in EVERY household within city limits.
Dessert - If you could receive a letter from anyone in the world, who would you want to get one from?
Sesame Street. They always said today's episode is brought to you by the letter ____.
Get out of debt and get Amy pregnant.
Soup - With which cartoon character do you share personality traits?
Hrrmm, could it possibly be Charlie Brown?
Salad - What time of day (or night) were you born?
4am(ish)
Main Course - Tell us something special about your hometown.
In response to a law passed in some other state back in the 80's that severely regulated the ownership of firearms, Kennesaw, GA passed a law requiring a firearm in EVERY household within city limits.
Dessert - If you could receive a letter from anyone in the world, who would you want to get one from?
Sesame Street. They always said today's episode is brought to you by the letter ____.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Rescuing the Snake
Well, you never know what you're going to find when you go to investigate the noise you hear coming from the dining room when you have a 9 month old kitten in the house, especially one that knows how to use the doggie-door.
About a half an hour ago, I got up because I heard his claws dancing on the hardwood floor and I figured he's playing with something. I took a look and there he is standing over, watching a long thin snake, I would guess about 15 inches when not bent in curves.
I went to the kitchen to find a 32oz tumbler and a magazine and a few minutes later I had a snake heading to the front yard. Pixel is still in the dining room trying to find out where his toy went.
About a half an hour ago, I got up because I heard his claws dancing on the hardwood floor and I figured he's playing with something. I took a look and there he is standing over, watching a long thin snake, I would guess about 15 inches when not bent in curves.
I went to the kitchen to find a 32oz tumbler and a magazine and a few minutes later I had a snake heading to the front yard. Pixel is still in the dining room trying to find out where his toy went.
Thank You
Very, very, special thanks to the Blog Fairy(ie). She did my whole Peanuts Christmas theme, and tonight as I was writing my Thursday Thirteen, I noticed things were , um, CHANGING!
Pplease post here if you liked the Christmas layout and if you like the new one, and Blog Fairy, please feel free to jump in to this post and add a link to your site.
Pplease post here if you liked the Christmas layout and if you like the new one, and Blog Fairy, please feel free to jump in to this post and add a link to your site.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #34
 |
1. "Keep on Loving You" by REO Speedwagon 2. "Don't Let It End" by Styx 3. "Send Her My Love" by Journey 4. "Hold on to the Nights" by Richard Marx 5. "High Enough" by Damn Yankees 6. "Close Your Eyes Forever" by Ozzie Osbourne and Lita Ford 7. "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin (the song that killed the band) 8. "Angel" by Aerosmith 9. "Patience" by Guns and Roses 10. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler 11. "Home Sweet Home" by Motley Crue 12. "I'll Be There For You" by Bon Jovi 13. "Drive" by the Cars |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Day - So Far
The alarm buzzed at 6am. By 6:20 we were at Waffle House.
We were the only people there besides the two overnight employees. Everyone else was due in by 7 it appeared. We enjoyed our breakfast and came home to do the gift thing.
We kinda had to do it 2-3 for me and one for Amy because she prefers quantity to quality, but that was the way I went for her. Amy received the first season of "King of Queens" a Garth Brooks greatest hits CD/DVD, several sermon series CD sets, and the main thing, a new set of pots and pans, branded by Emeril Legasse! She also had a stocking hung by the chimney with care.
My stocking was just handed to me when we sat be the tree. My loot included a wrestling DVD I asked for, a t-shirt from Pennys, several games, a few DVDs that were unexpected including The Departed and The Goonies (because those two are so closely related), a couple of books, and a few things I don't think I am allowed to mention.
I went to work from 8:45-1:30 and had very little in photo to do, but I helped a LOT of people find the food items they needed. I recommended some gift items, and worked on straightening a lot of the food areas and cooler.
Now we are home and about to leave to see the new Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts movie and go to Shogun for our Japanese Steakhouse dinner.
Gotta Run!
We were the only people there besides the two overnight employees. Everyone else was due in by 7 it appeared. We enjoyed our breakfast and came home to do the gift thing.
We kinda had to do it 2-3 for me and one for Amy because she prefers quantity to quality, but that was the way I went for her. Amy received the first season of "King of Queens" a Garth Brooks greatest hits CD/DVD, several sermon series CD sets, and the main thing, a new set of pots and pans, branded by Emeril Legasse! She also had a stocking hung by the chimney with care.
My stocking was just handed to me when we sat be the tree. My loot included a wrestling DVD I asked for, a t-shirt from Pennys, several games, a few DVDs that were unexpected including The Departed and The Goonies (because those two are so closely related), a couple of books, and a few things I don't think I am allowed to mention.
I went to work from 8:45-1:30 and had very little in photo to do, but I helped a LOT of people find the food items they needed. I recommended some gift items, and worked on straightening a lot of the food areas and cooler.
Now we are home and about to leave to see the new Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts movie and go to Shogun for our Japanese Steakhouse dinner.
Gotta Run!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Forgot to Mention
It's time again to BELIEVE IN BLUELAND!
After 4 straight losses leading into last week, the Thrashers have won their past three games, including last night at home, and tonight on the road in St. Louis, both games won on overtime (that means free hockey for the fans!)
After 4 straight losses leading into last week, the Thrashers have won their past three games, including last night at home, and tonight on the road in St. Louis, both games won on overtime (that means free hockey for the fans!)
Thrasher Claus
Yesterday (Saturday) it was really slow at work, so I asked the boss if we could try something. We still have the Santa suit from two weeks ago, so I put it on and took a large sign advertising we're open until Midnight down to the road and waved at cars and held up the sign. I jokingly mentioned that I had my Atlanta Thrashers Jersey in the car and it would fit over the Santa suit enabling me to be Thrasher Claus. He liked the idea, but decided to pass.
So, as it is, I spent about 4 hours on Saturday down on the road waving at cars. I really enjoyed that part of my shift (despite the cold hands). When I am driving along and see someone advertising a business on te roadside, dressed in a costume, or just in uniform holding a sign, I generally try to avoid eye contact and move on. There is something different about doing it as Santa (like when I was the Chick-fil-a Cow) that people will smile, wave back, an honk their horns as they pass. It actually felt like I was spreading joy in some fashion, which was pretty cool. Now see, I'm not all this negative guy that some of my posts would make you all believe.
So, as it is, I spent about 4 hours on Saturday down on the road waving at cars. I really enjoyed that part of my shift (despite the cold hands). When I am driving along and see someone advertising a business on te roadside, dressed in a costume, or just in uniform holding a sign, I generally try to avoid eye contact and move on. There is something different about doing it as Santa (like when I was the Chick-fil-a Cow) that people will smile, wave back, an honk their horns as they pass. It actually felt like I was spreading joy in some fashion, which was pretty cool. Now see, I'm not all this negative guy that some of my posts would make you all believe.
Polite Society
I think we have reached a point where having your personal opinion and considering expressing it has taken second place to honoring and respecting other people's opinions, and refraining from either expressing your opinion or criticizing or saying anything contradictory to another person's opinion.
The latest evidence I have come across surrounds worship styles.
It all boils down to interpretations and opinions of art. In this world, anything that someone decides to call art becomes art. I remember a story about an exhibition that included a small crucifix submersed in a jar of urine. That was art. Robert Maplethorpe shot photographs of a man with a bullwhip sticking out of his anus, again art. If you criticize it, you might hurt the artist's feelings
I made a comment on another person's blog (Carlos) at http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com and it was not welcome. Carlos wants to tal to me on the phone or in person in order to explain things regarding this type of worship.
Part of the general argument from Carlos and his supporters, is, as I understnad it, that if someone feels they are reaching God through contemporary rock music, or by infusing The Little Drummer Boy with The Who, then that is worship and the entire congregation should be happy and accepting of this. Yes, lets use the music of a band known for outrageous performances (onstage and off) fueld by drug and alcohol abuse in order to glorify the Creator.
By the same logic, I could walk up on stage, sit on a snare drum and flatulate and call it worship because I say it brings me closer to God, and you would all have to accept it and respect me for my creativity and dedication to my heartfelt expression of my faith.
The solution, as it has been presented is to choose one of two options, accept whatever someone offers you from the pulpit and follow them blindly without asking any questions, or find another church. It's basically saying, if you don't like it, then leave, but in my case I like the teaching and we have numerous friends at our church, so leaving is not desired. Any other options?
The latest evidence I have come across surrounds worship styles.
It all boils down to interpretations and opinions of art. In this world, anything that someone decides to call art becomes art. I remember a story about an exhibition that included a small crucifix submersed in a jar of urine. That was art. Robert Maplethorpe shot photographs of a man with a bullwhip sticking out of his anus, again art. If you criticize it, you might hurt the artist's feelings
I made a comment on another person's blog (Carlos) at http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com and it was not welcome. Carlos wants to tal to me on the phone or in person in order to explain things regarding this type of worship.
Part of the general argument from Carlos and his supporters, is, as I understnad it, that if someone feels they are reaching God through contemporary rock music, or by infusing The Little Drummer Boy with The Who, then that is worship and the entire congregation should be happy and accepting of this. Yes, lets use the music of a band known for outrageous performances (onstage and off) fueld by drug and alcohol abuse in order to glorify the Creator.
By the same logic, I could walk up on stage, sit on a snare drum and flatulate and call it worship because I say it brings me closer to God, and you would all have to accept it and respect me for my creativity and dedication to my heartfelt expression of my faith.
The solution, as it has been presented is to choose one of two options, accept whatever someone offers you from the pulpit and follow them blindly without asking any questions, or find another church. It's basically saying, if you don't like it, then leave, but in my case I like the teaching and we have numerous friends at our church, so leaving is not desired. Any other options?
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Wanting, Needing, Hoping
I have checked back since last week, and noticed that at the time the site meter was at 4900 and change. Today it is over 5100, which leads me to believe there are people still interested in this thing. I don't foresee a groundswell like MTV's demand for Claire Danes and "My So-called Life" but I'm curious if you want more of MY So-called Life?
The floor is open for comments.
The floor is open for comments.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
# 500
Okay, here it is, the 500th post.
Having spent some time thinking about something my brother told me once, I have to agree there is truth to his comment, that the whole proliferation of blogging is simply a way for the average person to boost their ego and hope that others will for whatever reason be drawn to read about and comment (the true ego boost) on what the author has written.
I have accomplished nothing here other than meeting a small handful of people who have become online friends, and for you, I encourage you to write me directly at my email address, mjchristopher@comcast.net.
The expression of opinions and feelings publicly is a source of continued misery it seems. When I express my opinions, I find myself being labeled with names I do not appreciate. When I express my personal feelings, I find myself in the whirlpool that I wish I could escape. The world is not about me, and I am the cause of my own destiny. My words and my actions (or lack of words or actions) perpetuate a cycle in which I am unhappy, and I either get told that I am over-reacting or taking things too personally. Today the continuation is that even people I consider friends and loved ones are telling me I am to blame (see the 100% agreement that Carnegie is my savior).
I am almost 37 years old. I am not going to change who I am. I am too far gone. I am not looking for pity or consolation. I simply want you all to stop telling me to change because I honestly believe that I can not. Who I am is a result of my upbringing, the influence of those who raised me (and now participate in blaming me for my own situation, thanks a lot Dad).
So go read my wife's blog. She's widely accepted as a happy and positive person (except when she comes home and talks about how people at work make her miserable). Perhaps things might change in 5-7 years when or if we get to adopt our daughter. We'll see what happens.
In the meantime, have a nice life.
Postscript - those of you who read this and take offense, please do not hold it against my wife. She is concerned that my disfunction will cause her to lose friends, and that is not my desire, especially since I would be held accountable. If you are offended, blame me and reciprocate against me please.
Having spent some time thinking about something my brother told me once, I have to agree there is truth to his comment, that the whole proliferation of blogging is simply a way for the average person to boost their ego and hope that others will for whatever reason be drawn to read about and comment (the true ego boost) on what the author has written.
I have accomplished nothing here other than meeting a small handful of people who have become online friends, and for you, I encourage you to write me directly at my email address, mjchristopher@comcast.net.
The expression of opinions and feelings publicly is a source of continued misery it seems. When I express my opinions, I find myself being labeled with names I do not appreciate. When I express my personal feelings, I find myself in the whirlpool that I wish I could escape. The world is not about me, and I am the cause of my own destiny. My words and my actions (or lack of words or actions) perpetuate a cycle in which I am unhappy, and I either get told that I am over-reacting or taking things too personally. Today the continuation is that even people I consider friends and loved ones are telling me I am to blame (see the 100% agreement that Carnegie is my savior).
I am almost 37 years old. I am not going to change who I am. I am too far gone. I am not looking for pity or consolation. I simply want you all to stop telling me to change because I honestly believe that I can not. Who I am is a result of my upbringing, the influence of those who raised me (and now participate in blaming me for my own situation, thanks a lot Dad).
So go read my wife's blog. She's widely accepted as a happy and positive person (except when she comes home and talks about how people at work make her miserable). Perhaps things might change in 5-7 years when or if we get to adopt our daughter. We'll see what happens.
In the meantime, have a nice life.
Postscript - those of you who read this and take offense, please do not hold it against my wife. She is concerned that my disfunction will cause her to lose friends, and that is not my desire, especially since I would be held accountable. If you are offended, blame me and reciprocate against me please.
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