Playing the Game of My Life

Holy Crap....

2011-08-04T06:29:00.002-06:00

I have a blog. Totally forgot I still had this floating around the nets. Perhaps I should play around with this a bit now that it's here.

For the Horde

2009-05-29T12:31:00.000-06:00

Cool Video

2007-12-21T08:19:00.000-06:00

Is it just me...

2007-05-11T07:44:00.000-06:00

...or did this week really drag. Anyway, I'm glad that it's Friday. I'm really looking forward to some time away from work. But then again, aren't we all?

Nice Weekend

2007-04-24T13:12:00.000-06:00

Last weekend with Nikki was wonderful. Not only did I get to spend an extra day with the woman I love, but we also had a chance to tool around Indianapolis and take in a few of the sights. Happy hour at the art museum was a pleasant surprise as well as the historical house tour (The name of which escapes me at the moment) that featured the Victorian undergarment exhibit. I especially liked how she impressed the tour guide with her knowledge of the period. We also took a carriage ride around the downtown after dinner. Indy really does have a nice downtown, especially when it's lit up like that.

Anyway, I'm sad that's she's leaving for Utah again, but I am planning to come out and visit her while she's out there. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun.

Shooting at Virgina Tech

2007-04-16T15:50:00.000-06:00

My God. One man ended the lives of 33 people. I can't imagine what was going through that guy's mind, nor do I really want to know. Evil...just evil.

The Natural Order

2007-04-12T07:53:00.001-06:00

With their latest winning streak, the Cardinals now sit atop the NL Central division. Way to go guys! Let's keep it that way.

Bracing for Another One

2007-04-11T07:34:00.000-06:00

It's been a long while since I posted last. Both work and life have been pretty busy, but enjoyable for the most part. The only hiccup so far has been a false fire alarm at 2:00am on Sunday morning. I had some mad college flashbacks that evening, but it did give us all a chance to meet the other people in the building. It's mostly elderly and retireds, but there are a few university students hanging around. Sure, it's an odd way to meet your neighbors, but it was kinda nice.

I spent Easter with my roomate and his family. His mother fixed us a very nice lunch and sent us home with enough ham and potato salad to feed us for weeks. That's kinda surprising considering that we almost dropped a couch on her head the previous weekend.

This week is going to be hell on wheels at work. The sales team is gearing up for the big Lake and Home Cabin Show in Chicago, with the rest of the office gearing up for the upcoming season. Everyone is scrambling to get ready, but the upcoming snowstorm has everyone worried. They say we're going to get feet, not inches this time around. The good news is that the worst is supposed to be over by Wednesday, so it shouldn't interfere with anyone's travel plans. But it is so hard to believe that snow is on the way considering how perfect this evenings weather was. Oh well, I guess you can't always believe your eyes.

Minnie is such a tease

2007-03-29T07:39:00.000-06:00

We get one day of gorgeous, sunny 80 degree weather and now we're back to the "normal" gloomy 50's and 60's. :( And here I was getting ready to bust out my shorty shorts.

Nah, I could be cruel. But the world doesn't deserve that.

No snow so I must go

2007-02-26T11:39:00.000-06:00

Honestly, I was kind of hoping that this weekends snow would be a little heavier. I like spending time on the road, but after my three day road trip last week, my enthusiasm has waned quite a bit. Today I'll be in Two Harbors (3 hr drive) and tomorrow I'll be in Walker (another 3hr drive). Weather permitting, I'll be round tripping both of them same day. The iPod helps , but it's no subsitute for conversation. It's trips like these that make me feel how lonesome a soul can get.

But it helps to know that I have friends and family out there who care. I carry them with me where ever I go. So while I may feel lonely sometimes, I am never alone. I just wish I was driving to see one of them right now.

Happy Monday

2007-02-19T15:51:00.000-06:00

I'm back at the office only to be out again on the road for most of the week. I'm leaving for a cross country tour of Minnesota on Tuesday and I still have some prep work to complete. I'm only going out to cover various planning and zoning meetings 5 different counties, so it's not too big a deal. But I'm looking forward to the drive time and seeing the scenery.

What a weekend.

2007-02-04T22:51:00.001-06:00

So many things happend, I'm still trying to process it all. But it's a good thing. If I wasn't so tired, I'd write more about it.

I got sick

2007-01-29T10:36:00.000-06:00

So I got sick this weekend. :( It was the worst fever/head cold I've had in the longest time. Completely wiped me out on Saturday, but I managed to bounce back in time to make it to work. It's a new week and its good to be up and about.

I'm looking forward to this weekend. I'm headed to Indy. No, not to revel in the Colts imment Super Bowl victory, but to see something much better.

Oh, and check this story out. Another "odd" story on Drudge, go figure.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/01/28/wkim28.xml

I will not get sick!

2007-01-26T09:34:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here at work coughing my lungs out. I'm starting to think taking a half day would be a good idea. I will not get sick!

It's the old man's birthday

2007-01-24T09:28:00.000-06:00

I'm pleased to say that he's still going strong. Good on him, man. I sent him an e-card and I called him this morning, but he's at work. I'll try to catch up to him later.

What a difference two hours can make

2007-01-19T09:07:00.000-06:00

I came home last night and essentially crashed cue to fatigue and maybe the beginnings of a cold or flu. I promptly fell asleep and accidentially got a full eight hours of sleep for the first time this week. I've been running fine on six all week, but I can certainly feel the difference now. I might be able to go ahead with my full weekend plans after all.

On a related note, my roomate has left for the island of Kauai for a week long vacation. I'd hate on him, but it couldn't have happend to a nicer guy.

In a Weird Mood

2007-01-18T15:31:00.001-06:00

Hmm. CSI and The Who...

CSI: Vegas= Who Are You

CSI: Miami= Won't Get Fooled Again

CSI: New York= Baba O'Riley

The logical progression has to be...

CSI: Akron, OH= Squeeze box.

Thoughts? I don't know about you but I feel absolutely certifiable.

Paul Sanchez, Gone!?

2007-01-16T11:12:00.000-06:00

Longtime Cowboy Mouth member Paul "Papi" Sanchez has left the band. This sucks. He was the guy I always talked with first after I saw them perform. He's such a nice guy, down to earth, and very pleasant to chat with. The band will certainly miss his vocal and song writing talent.

Rumor has it that they've replaced him with Vance Degeneres, Ellen's brother.

Oh, boy.

Jack Bauer 1, Terrorists 0

2007-01-15T11:47:00.000-06:00

At my roomates suggestion, I sat down to watch the season premiere of "24." Wow! It was the best 2 hours of television I've seen on network for the longest time. The clock at the bottom is a tired gimmick, but the story, pacing, and action were all quite enjoyable.

I'm looking forward to tonight's conclusion. JB is looking to put a big hurting on someone tonight.

ABF

2007-01-12T09:56:00.000-06:00

Another Busy Friday. I'm trying to pump out two articles by closing time today. That is if other office work doesn't swallow me whole first. I might just have to grab a quick burger from the nearby McDonalds and eat at my desk. Ack...my stomach is protesting already. Still, I'll be happy if I get one on the site before I check out.

But enough of my griping. I'm sure eveyone else out there is busy banging away at their jobs, especially Nikki. Hang in there, kiddo. Tech can't be that bad, can it? ;)

State of the Union

2007-01-11T09:26:00.001-06:00

Things are good right now. The holidays came and went, and I spent some quality time with the family in St. Louis. All of it wasn't as Normal Rockwell as I had hoped, but it lead to some revelations and new found respect for the family.

The website business has kept me busy as of late. There is plenty to do between editing, writing, and researching to keep me glued to my workstation for hours at a time It's nice being busy and I hope the trend continues.

I miss my family and my friends spread hither and yon across the country. I look forward to some time that I'll be able to visit and spend time with them.

Fly or Drive

2006-12-19T09:59:00.000-06:00

I made up my mind to drive to St. Louis for the holidays. That is until I saw a really cheap fare for a round trip home on orbitz. I don't mind putting the miles on my car and I like the idea of being able to swing by my friends in Milwaukee, but do I really feel like spending 20 hours of my vacation on the road. I'll be losing a whole day

Something to ponder, indeed.

In a Christmas kinda mood.

2006-12-15T14:32:00.001-06:00

A funny thing happened to me while I was grocery shopping this afternoon. I was doing my shopping like normal when I caught myself singing along to the Christmas music they were piping through the store. And I wasn't just singing under my breath to myself, the shoppers around me heard me loud and clear. I was a little embarasses when I saw a woman looking at me, but she just smiled at me and passed me down the aisle. And wouldn't you know, she started singing to.

Who would have thought that a trip to the grocery store could boost my spirits so? I guess that's just the magic of Christmas.

We are Live

2006-12-14T12:33:00.000-06:00

As of 11:30 this morning, the new LakeshoreDreams.com has gone live. Finally, we can all breathe a sigh of relief around here.

News from the Philippines

2006-12-13T17:29:00.000-06:00

I called my dad at work and he said that the doctor recommended dialysis for grandpa. Not the worst news in the world, right? Unfortunately, gramps isn't keen on the idea. He says he's lived a full life and doesn't want to go through with it. He must have his reasons, but I don't like the sound of him giving up like that. Neither does my dad or his brothers and sisters. I have a feeling that this could get kinda messy.

Just wondering what I can do to help.

Waiting on Some News

2006-12-13T13:58:00.000-06:00

I called my folks yesterday and found out that my grandfather in the Philippines may be suffering from kidney failure. If it is, it could be bad news for grandpa. He's old enough as it is, and this can't make it any better.

I'm worried about my father as well. I know how much he loves his dad. I've always suspected that he felt a guilty about leaving his dad in the Philippines. He's already planned a trip to visit him this coming April. If it turns out to be bad news, I think he may move that trip up a bit. I have half a mind to join him if he does.

I'm just praying for good news, for his and my grandfather's sake.

Peter Boyle, RIP

2006-12-13T13:36:00.000-06:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061213/ap_en_tv/obit_boyle

I never liked "Raymond," but his performance in "Young Frankenstein" was one of the funniest things I've ever enjoyed watching. Rest in peace, Pete.

What a way to start the day

2006-12-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

I was just about to get dressed this morning when I heard my roomate screaming bloody murder in the living room. Turns out he was suffering from a massive arm cramp that prevented him from extending his right arm straight from the elbow. From the way he was screaming, I thought it was something far worse. Hopefully it isn't something more serious than a cramp.

One good note, this incident allowed me to skip my morning cup of joe. I'm all eyes this morning.

Been away, but doing fine

2006-12-12T09:04:00.001-06:00

Here's a quick update:

1.The website is scheduled to go live--Yea!!!

2.The Rams got blown out by the Bears. I'm not super upset about that (well, yes I really am), but what I'm really upset about is that the Chicago fans came into the Ed and took it over. It sounded like there weren't any St. Louis fans in the place. Not that they had anything to cheer about, mind you, but c'mon people.

3. Contrary to popular believf, I'm the one who is going to bring sexy back.

That is all.

Uggh!

2006-12-06T09:44:00.000-06:00

Getting out of bed today was a chore. I feel like I got some kind of stomach bug working it's magic on me once more. Maybe the Lil' Smokies I had for dinner last night wasn't the wisest choice of cuisine. I'll just have to tough it out at work. Hopefully, there won't be a repeat of this morning.

Moving in the right direction

2006-12-04T16:26:00.000-06:00

Another interview in the bag and a gaggle on the way. We're all trying to get our ducks in a row, but the mood in the office is optimistic. I just wish the office was a little warmer. I'm freezing my balls off here.

Deep Thought

2006-11-29T11:15:00.000-06:00

Like everyone else, I have a lot of things on my mind, a lot of things I want to express both here on my blogs and with other people in general. It just seems like my urges to communicate don't happen at the most opportune times (i.e. work, in my car, etc...)

It's not a huge deal, but it's been bugging me for a bit. I just got to make time, I guess.

Good to be back.

2006-11-27T09:45:00.000-06:00

After a five day Thanksgiving hiatus, I am back on the horse again. It's always good to spend time with friends and family, but unfortunately things have to get done.

I have lots of things bouncing through my mind, but I'll have to write about them later. Maybe later on tonight.

It's a good day...

2006-11-21T09:29:00.000-06:00

...because Turkey Day is almost here. I leave for St. Louis tomorrow to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. I can't believe it's been almost six months since I've been home. It will be good to get back.

And for all those who are traveling and seeing family, safe journey and have a very happy Thanksgiving.

I'm glad I don't live here

2006-11-16T10:11:00.001-06:00

A citywide smoking ban!? Yeah that will be the day. And all because of one crazy old coot.

http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=66988

Stop and Breathe

2006-11-15T09:49:00.000-06:00

The end of the tunnel is nigh. But now comes the real stressful part...the holidays. It's not that I don't enjoy them, but now it looks like it's going to be more stressful than my work. There are so many people I want to see, but not nearly enough time to see them all. It's too bad because I miss all my friends and family very much. But, hey, I'm not the only one, right?

Sweating the Details

2006-11-07T09:31:00.001-06:00

We are so close to launching this bad boy. Months of my work and years of my companions are about to come to fruition. It really is quite a liberating feeling. However, we find ourselves plauged with nitpicky bugs that pop up at every inopportune time. It's frustrating, but the silver lining here is that the bulk of the work is done and now we can focus on all the little details.

Funny Onion Article

2006-11-02T13:17:00.000-06:00

Cardinals Apologize For Winning World Series

Let's Get Crackin

2006-11-01T09:34:00.000-06:00

I hate the 1st of the month. That's when all my hard earned money seem so go buh bye. Rent, credit cards, utilities are a real drain, but it could be worse. It would suck even worse if I didn't have the money to cover it all.

Thank goodness for small blessings, eh. :)

Panty Raid

2006-10-31T09:58:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when I leave Marquette. Stuff like this goes down. *Sigh* An embarrasing day for the house that D Wade built.

http://www.local6.com/spotlight/10104877/detail.html

Busy Busy Busy

2006-10-31T09:31:00.000-06:00

I got lots to do and loving it. When all this is done, it's going to make my trip all the more sweeter and my evenings all the more enjoyable (read Final Fantasy XII).

How sweet it is

2006-10-29T02:00:00.001-06:00

St. Louis Cardinals...World Champions. You gotta love the sound of that.

One more win...

2006-10-27T09:32:00.001-06:00

...and the Cardinals are World Champs once again. If we can put it away tonight at home that would be huge. What a way to christen a new ball field.

Welcome to Baseball Heaven, folks.

Rainout

2006-10-26T09:19:00.001-06:00

Damn! Sure it helps our pitchers, but it does the same for Detroit. We might have to face Rodgers and his stuff again.

We shall see.

A Carpenter's Work

2006-10-25T11:01:00.001-06:00

Carp helps the Cards put another nail in Detroit's World Series hopes. I know there is still plenty of series left, but I'm liking St. Louis' chances more and more. Let's hope Suppan can give us another start like he did in the NLDS.

I haven't talked to my folks, but I know they're going crazy down there. And if they win the title at home...my goodness. That will be a sight. But first we gotta win two more.

They gotta get the job done. Let's go, Cards.

The Paris Syndrome

2006-10-24T08:48:00.000-06:00

Wow, either the French are that rude, or tourists need to grow a backbone. It's an interesting read.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15391010/?GT1=8618

Futureworld

2006-10-23T18:48:00.000-06:00

Wow. I never realized how hot Blythe Danner was in her prime.

All Tied Up

2006-10-22T22:02:00.001-06:00

All righty. Kenny Rodgers did a number on our bats tonight. Discouraging, but he can't pitch every game.

Go Cards!!!

Choke!?

2006-10-21T21:01:00.001-06:00

I think not.

Cards take Game 1 7-2 in Detroit.

Priceless

2006-10-21T20:55:00.001-06:00

10 hours on the road

430 miles traveled

No deers hit.

Priceless

Oh my goodness...

2006-10-20T10:06:00.000-06:00

The Cardinals are going to the World Series. Recongize, bitches!

Cure for Cancer?!

2006-10-19T12:48:00.000-06:00

Let's hope this is true.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/19/061019102114.ms2asupj.html

Sacha Baron Coehn: Our Generation's Andy Kaufman?

2006-10-19T10:45:00.000-06:00

I'm kinda psyched to see the new Borat movie coming out. He's got a comic sensiblilty that can make you piss your pants laughing and make you extremely uncomfortable at the same time. Case in point...his address to a crowd of Texans at a rodeo after he butchered the national anthem, "May George Bush drink the blood of your Iraqi enemies!"

Thoughts? Opinions?

Hump Day Already?

2006-10-18T09:07:00.000-06:00

There's a linear relationship between getting older and the passage of time. The assumption that life slows down as you get older is highly inaccurate. I've been so busy with work and other things that it seems like everytime I blink, whole days just seem to go by.

It's not necessarily a bad thing. Projects seem to get completed quicker. The holdiays that will be spent with friends and family are getting that much closer. It's just sometimes I feel like I not taking the time to truly appreciate the people and things around me.

I am reminded of a Chinese proverb (Lao Tsu, I think): "A wise traveler values not the destination, but on the journey itself." For what it's worth, it's been a heck of a journey so far.

I know I'm gonna regret this.

2006-10-17T08:38:00.000-06:00

I just had a Starbucks jumbo frappuccino with my breakfast today. I'm gonna crash hard come lunch time. :( But I'm feeling Awesome now!

Minnesota Nice

2006-10-11T14:32:00.000-06:00

Heh, I got this email via work bulletin :

From: Greater Alexandria Area Association of R Inc.
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 1:42 PM
Subject: [MLS Mail] Safety

I am getting reports that an individual calling himself "Jason"
has been calling around asking realtors as well as other business's in town that he wants to look at some property or an item and then states that he is warning them ahead of time them that he ripped his pants at work but he really wants to look at the property or other items etc. He will then flash the victim.
Can you send out an email to all the realtors and advise them if they have had any similar calls to contact the Alexandria Police Dept . We have the suspect identified and I am working on the case, need to know if there are any similar cases.

Man, even the perverts here are so nice.

Snow?

2006-10-11T08:13:00.000-06:00

Neat. My first taste of Minnesota snow. Sure it's only a flurry and none of it is sticking yet, but that should change quickly. Pretty soon I'll be contending with six foot falls, slippery highways, out-of-control drivers and...

Come to think of it, maybe this isn't as neat as I thought. :p

...

2006-10-10T09:26:00.000-06:00

Situations change all the time. It's the only real constant out there. But sometimes, no matter how things get switched around, there are certain things that you can and should hold onto even though it may seem difficult.

What are those things? That's up to the individual.

Big Booms and a Bit of Bad Luck

2006-10-06T09:23:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I'm not Dirty Harry, but I found out this week that I'm not that bad of a shot. As a birthday present to myself, I took a basic firearm saftey course and shot a handgun for the very first time in my life. Nothing too fancy really, just a S&W revolver and a 9mm baretta, but it was very cool. I'll post a pic of my target on my page later. You'll notice the double tap shot to the head and the one to the throat. That's right, I'm bad ass ;) But seriously, it was a lot of fun, but I'm not going to go out and buy a gun anytime soon. I have a new respect for people who have to use firearms and the immense responsibilty they bear.

On a more serious note, Nikki got into a car accident last night. She made it out okay, but the car wasn't that lucky. She's convinced it's totalled, but hopefully that's not the case. I'm just glad that she's all right and no serious harm came to anyone.

Moving a Couch

2006-10-03T10:41:00.000-06:00

I am now pleased to say that our apartment is now Feng Shui compliant. Esentially, we just flipped the couch and tv around and now the place just feels like it makes more sense. The gas fireplace is now away from the couch, so if we actually get around to inviting some ladies into the apartment, we might be able to actually use it. Craig also added a sweet area rug, mainly to cover up all the mud and tar stains we've been tracking onto the off white carpet, but it looks really cool.

My only complaint with the new apt. layout is that it makes those half asleep trips to the bathroom a little more adventerous than they need to be.

One Year Older...

2006-10-01T23:36:00.000-06:00

And hopefully a little bit wiser. I enjoyed a nice quiet birthday weekend. The present I bought for myself won't happen until tuesday, but it should be pretty fun. I just hope I don't wind up shooting my own foot off. Much love for the "surprise" visit from some good friends. Sorry about the communication snafu, but it turned out all right in the end. :)

I'm not exactly looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. It's the monday blahs, I know, and there is going to be a ton of work on my desk. However, it's all working toward something that, if done right, will benefit the company greatly. In the end, all this hard work will pay off, and that's more than enough to get me up in the morning. That and a couple of cups of kona coffee.

Words of Wisdom

2006-09-28T12:39:00.000-06:00

"Everything is temporary given enough time."

--Jewel "Stevenville, Texas"

Big Day Tomorrow

2006-09-27T16:07:00.000-06:00

We are finally going to see the mock up for our new website layout! I'm especially anxious because now I will be able to see how and where all the content I've been generating and gathering will look on the site. We're still a few weeks away from actually launching the thing, but this is definitely a big step.

More of the Same

2006-09-27T11:46:00.000-06:00

I brought another pen-for-hire on board today. I can't help but feel a little intimidated, though. Some of these guys I'm talking with have written high profile publications like Time. It feels both strange and thrilling that I'm working with these guys when their experience obviously dwarfs mine.

But a buddy of mine put it into perspective for me. He said, "If they wanted a job like yours, they would have already gotten it." Hey, they are happy with their job. I'm happy with mine. Intimidation shouldn't even be a factor here.

On that note, I'm off to lunch and to reclaim the Playboy Mansion for the Holy Roman Catholic Church.

Scotty Doesn't Know

2006-09-26T15:54:00.000-06:00

Euro Trip...What a fun and stupid movie. Reminded me of the time I went to Florida for my spring break. For some reason I've had it going through my mind for the last couple of hours at work.

Ah. my carefree youth.

Resumes and Robert Frost

2006-09-22T14:38:00.000-06:00

"I don't know about you, but I'll take a rainy friday over a sunny monday any day." I'm going to have to agree with my buddy Craig on that one.

I'm having one of those days where you get a lot done, but don't feel all that accomplished. Let's see...

1) Pumped out another agent profile

2) Began contacting writers to see if they were up for assignments.

3) Deposited pay check and the contents of my change jar at the bank.

4) Reviewed more resumes.

I guess that is a lot to get done in a day, but there is always more work coming down the pipe. I never like to look at the big picture for too long because it just reminds me of how much farther I have to go. Robert Frost said it best, "I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep."

But, hey, forward progress is better than none at all. It's the little accomplishments that keep me going.

Onward My Minions

2006-09-21T12:26:00.000-06:00

I just finished perusing the latest batch of resumes. They ran the entire gambit or experience and talent, but for the most part I was impressed by most of them.

Now come the fun parts...interviewing candidates, selecting my team, and then handing out assignments.

Wow. I almost feel grown up.

Break Out the Lutefisk

2006-09-20T14:57:00.001-06:00

It's official. I got my shiny new Minnesota license plates yesterday and I just passed the written drivers exam today. My Minnesota driver's license will be arriving int two weeks. I am now an official resident of the Land of a Thousand Lakes.

Sadly, my cheesehead days are over.

On the other side of the fence...

2006-09-19T15:50:00.000-06:00

When I went through my jobless drought a few years back, I often wondered why it took so long for companies to get back to me when I submitted a resume. Now I know why.

No, it wasn't the man trying to keep your favorite Filipino down ;). The fact is that they probably get slammed with hundreds of applications a week. I just posted our want ad on journalismjobs.com yesterday and now my email box is overflowing with applications. It's going to a few days just to sort through the ones I have now, let alone the ones I'll get in the following weeks.

But this is a problem that I am glad to have. I'm glad because now, I am the man.

A Little Pre Birthday Fun

2006-09-18T12:56:00.000-06:00

Your Birthdate: September 29

You have the mind of an artist, even if you haven't developed the talent yet.
Expressive and aware, you enjoy finding new ways to share your feelings.
You often feel like you don't fit in - especially in traditional environments.
You have big dreams. The problem is putting those dreams into action.

Your strength: Your vivid imagination

Your weakness: Fear of failure

Your power color: Coral

Your power symbol: Oval

Your power month: November

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Wookies are not Pets

2006-09-15T13:14:00.000-06:00

Have you guys seen the commercial for the re release of the original Star Wars trilogy on dvd? You know, the one where the little girl smiles into the camera and says, "I would love to have a pet wookie." WTF!

Chewbacca is not a pet. Wookies are not pets! Can your cat fix your hyperdrive? Can Fido pilot a starship, or pull the arms off a droid. No! Why? Because they are pets. They don't do anything special except look cute, and maybe fetch the occasional paper.

Wookies are sentient beings who have long suffered under the oppression of the empire. They are a proud people with a storied history and cultural accompishments that would rival those of our own ancient empires. They have fought in an intergalatic conflict defending freedom and justice throuought the galaxy. Why then would our children seek to further humiliate our proud wookie brethren by wanting to keep them as pets?

Shameful, indeed.

Weird

2006-09-14T08:55:00.000-06:00

On a completely random note, I dreamt about a person I haven't thought about in years. She and I went to college together, but we never really hung out too much. It was more of a friend of a friend acquaintanceship. Then why did the hell did I dream about making out with her in a practice room in CFA?

Mind you, it wasn't a horrific experience. Quite the contrary, actually. But how the hell did this pop into my head?

I miss the Y-Not

2006-09-13T15:31:00.000-06:00

You're A Passed Out Drunk

Drinking gives you that warm fuzzy feeling, until you're thrown in the back of a police car...

What Kind of Drunk Are You?

Bank Error Not In My Favor

2006-09-12T11:30:00.000-06:00

It turns out my work cut me a reimbrusment check that was a little too heavy...to the tune of $300.00+ ! I thought something was fishy, but when that fat check landed in my lap I didn't think twice about it. I paid it back plus the $80 I owed my roomate for my share of the electric and cable bill. Talk about a cash hemmorage.

Sigh, and I thought I'd be able to get that new computer at the end of the month. Oh well, plugging away at my credit card debt is a better plan anyway.

Monday Meetings/Sept. 11th

2006-09-11T10:23:00.000-06:00

Oddly, I look forward to Monday meetings. Not only does it provide concrete direction for what I have to do for the week, but it also takes up most of my morning.

It puts me that much closer to lunch and that much closer to Monday Night Football. :) Go Vikings.

On a much more serious note, I can't believe it's been five years since the terror attack in New York. So much has changed, and there is so much more to come.

Pray for our leaders to make wise decisions. Pray for our soldiers risking their lives overseas. Pray for the world so this will all come to an end.

On the lake.

2006-09-08T07:50:00.000-06:00

Lake Vermillion is as beautiful as everyone said it would be. No wonder the land out here is so expensive. The cabin I stayed in was a few mere feet from the water. I could here the water beating on the shore all night long. It was very relaxing. Unfortunately, it was overcast last night so I didn't get to see one of their famous sunsets. It's the perfect excuse to come back out here.

I have two interviews to conduct before I head back to the Grove. I have to remember that this is a business trip. But with the places they send me, it's almost like a vacation.

Labor Day

2006-09-06T00:21:00.000-06:00

I went back to Milwaukee for Labor Day last weekend. I had lots of fun and enjoyed hanging out with all my friends again. It was almost like I hadn't left. It felt like an ordinary weekend with the gang. Very nice

I honestly thought that I would miss the city more, but I can now honestly say that its true appeal to me lies with the friends and the family that reside there. I probably won't make it back there until next month, but I'm already looking forward to my next trip.Next time, I'm going to make some time for training and maybe a new tat.

I just have to remind myself to watch out for those crazy Wisconsin drivers. On my way back, two jackasses were cutting each other off and throwing cups at each other for close to twenty miles. They're just lucky that they didn't cause any accidents. I hope they got their redneck honky asses pulled over by highway patrol.

Hello September

2006-09-01T08:47:00.000-06:00

Why can't all new months begin with a three day weekend?

I'm just totally excited that I'll be leaving work in about an hour to head down to Milwaukee. I could have taken the day off, but there were a few things that I could nail down at the office before I leave. Less work for me when I get back in, I figure.

I'm looking forward to the cookouts, the beer, and most importantly, the friends that come with them.

The world don't move...

2006-08-30T12:50:00.000-06:00

...to the beat of just one drum"

Seems like it's bad 80's sitcom theme song music here at the office. I can't seem to get the theme song from Diff'ent Strokes out of my head.

Please, dear God in heaven, make the hurting stop.

Great Freaking Joke

2006-08-26T11:01:00.000-06:00

A woman walks into a plastic surgeons office and asks for a face lift. The doctor says, "Hey, we got this great new procedure. We attach a knob to the back of your head and whenever you want a lift you just turn the knob."

"Great," says the woman. So, she gets it done and for five years she lives happy and beautiful.

However, one day she returns to the plastic surgeon with a problem.

"Doctor," she says, "There is something wrong. I got these huge bags under my eyes and they won't go away."

"Well," says the doctor, "First off those aren't bags. Those are your breasts."

"Oh," says the woman, "That explains the goatee."

And Thus Begins the Fall of Western Civilization

2006-08-25T15:40:00.000-06:00

Okay, this may be an overstatement, but c'mon. Check this out.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=402146&in_page_id=1770&in_a_source=

Walk the freakin dog, for Christ sake. They want to be walked!

This would make a good bumper sticker.

2006-08-25T10:44:00.000-06:00

We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't. -Frank A. Clark, writer (1911- )

Feminazi, religious righters, and bleeding heart liberals take heed.

Eight Planets in the Solar System?

2006-08-24T08:49:00.000-06:00

Today the international astronomer community officially stripped Pluto of its planet status. Pity. I was always pulling the little guy.

Too Little, Too Late

2006-08-22T22:58:00.000-06:00

I checked my voicemail on my Milwaukee phone at lunch today. It turns out that MATC wanted me to come in that afternoon to interview for an open english professorship. I couldn't help but laugh. That was a job that I applied for over three months ago.

Now I don't regret moving to Minnesota. I like my job here and I can see myself going far with this company. However, I can't help but wonder how different things could have turned out if I got that phone call three months ago.

I know that that interview was no guarantee of employment. I guess I just miss my friends back in Milwaukee. I miss what I had there. But I'm finding that I like what I have now better. I just don't feel like it right now.

Simple Pleasures

2006-08-21T18:03:00.000-06:00

Hmm. Dinner on the stove. Bills paid. The apartment all to myself. Who would have thought that a Monday could be so relaxing. :)

Saturday Slothing

2006-08-19T21:56:00.000-06:00

My Satuday To Do List:

1. Play Fight Night 3

2. Watch Football

3. Eat Chinese Food

4. Watch Tube

God, I'm such a sloth.

Learning to Love Lists

2006-08-14T17:50:00.000-06:00

I just made my first "To Do" list at work. After all the shit I gave my Nikki for constantly making them, here I am doing it myself. Wow, hipocrisy sucks :p My apologize, babe.

I did' however, manage to accomplish everything on my list. It does give one a sense of accomplishment.

Felt That One in My Gut

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

Funny office moment. Craig went across the street to get his hair cut. He came back and informed me that the woman who cut her hair was an attractive red head. He must have seen the look of interest on my face, because he quickly added, "No, you wouldn't like her. She isn't slutty enough."

Ouch! :) That was a damn fine zinger. Kinda makes me miss my buddies back in Milwaukee.

And I don't like my women slutty. I prefer to look at them as "earthy."

Veritas, Aequitas, Devoveo

2006-08-07T23:48:00.000-06:00

Finally got around to getting one. I think it turned out pretty nice.

I Like My Truth With A Little Bit of Wiggle Room

2006-08-07T22:02:00.000-06:00

I met an old friend of mine for coffee last night. I haven't seen her for almost six years. So obviously we had a lot to talk about. We ran the gambit of religion, politics, sex, old times, etc... It was almost as if we were all back in Galesburg. Before I knew it was almost 9 in the evening. We had talked for nearly six straight hours. It was a good time.

It's kinda funny. I'm starting over with a new place and a new job, yet I seem to be reconnecting with old friends. I guess I'm lucky that way.

Sunday, Sunday.

2006-08-06T12:42:00.000-06:00

Nothing like waking up at 11:00 and knowing that you got nothing pressing to do. For the most part, the apartment is unpacked. I still got some boxes filled with clothes in my bedroom, but all the common areas in the apartment are set up and ready for habitation. The only thing missing is a beer in my hand and football on the tv. Alas, it is too early for both.

Later on today I'm going to meet an old college buddy of mine. She actually was the roomate of my college girlfriend. We all had a lot of good times back then. It should be fun catching up. Hopefully, I won't get lost on the way to the coffee shop.

Movin In, Moving Up.

2006-08-02T02:01:00.000-06:00

Now this is living. Tonight, I am spending the first night in my new apartment. Craig was a huge help moving in and much love goes out to my buddy, Jason, for the huge assit back in Milwaukee.

The place is awesome. It's huge. It has a great view of the woods from the deck, and it even has in unit laundry.
No more quarters and no more lugging huge baskets up and down stairs. I know it sounds really stupid getting excited over something like that, but I still find it very cool.

I'd write more, but I gotta help pay for this place somehow. Gotta go to work. :)

Welcome to Minneapolis

2006-07-30T22:51:00.000-06:00

Got in an hour ago. Dog tired from packing and driving. The shower felt heavenly. Going to sleep now.

F*ck MySpace

2006-07-28T11:27:00.000-06:00

Now I remember why I resisted moving to myspace.

At the request of my fellow Wisconsin Pai Lums, I started a myspace account last night. They said it would be the easiest way for all of us to keep in touch (like email and my cell phones weren't enough), and they weren't going to read some damn ordinary boring-looking blog.

I couldn't help but feel a little offended, but I like these people and so, for their sake, I gave it a whirl. I couldn't even load the page the first five times I tried to call it up on my browser. And when it did come up, the site was down due to some "internal malfunction." I understand that this site is insanely popular, but it they know they are handling this amount of traffic I would think that they would have their shit together better than this.

Later, I did manage to sign up and make my profile. I even started another blog and flagged my kung fu friends who had begged me to join up. And now *sigh* myspace is again down due to an "internal malfunction"

I like my blogspot. My own little slice of the web.

I'm going to go get something to eat and then pick up the U-Haul.

Breaking Orbit

2006-07-27T09:16:00.000-06:00

I'm leaving for Minnesota two days from now. My apartment is a wreck. Boxes and garbage bags are piled everywhere. Somewhere amidst all this junk is my all too important blood pressure medication. I'm sure once I pick up the truck tomorrow and move most of this stuff in there, my mental state will improve.

It's funny. I've been dreading this day for the longest while. Not so much over the logistical nightmare of moving. Maybe I'm just militantly resistant to change. But it's a good change and a neccessary one.

I'm leaving behind good friends and memories, but none that I can't revisit or take with me.
I've made my peace with Milwaukee.

It's time to move on.

Wow....

2006-05-29T20:32:00.000-06:00

My dream job just fell into my lap a couple of days ago. And my dream girl left me just around the same time. Funny how things work out sometimes. I can feel the karmic scales balancing underneath my feet.

I can sit here and try to work out all the emotions I'm feeling right now, but I can't bring myself to slog through all the conflicting feelings bouncing around in my head right now. My body literally aches from the happiness, hope, fear, anger, excitement, relief and regret I'm carrying around inside of me.

I'm going to miss Milwaukee. I'm going to miss my friends. But traveling around Minnesota sounds so exciting. I'll be able to earn financial security for myself doing the thing that I love to do. But now that personal victory seems so small because I'm not going to be able to share it with the woman I love.

I miss her terribly because I love her. That hasn't changed. But because of choices she and I have made, our relationship isn't going to work. We both need to find our own way. Perhaps our paths will cross again, but I know that we will be differnent people then, changed for the better hopefully.

Who knows?

Look Up

2006-04-13T00:54:00.000-06:00

I pulled my car into my parking spot next to my apartment early this morning. As I was getting out of the car, I just happened to look up to see a beautiful full moon framed by rapidly moving dark clouds. The contrast between the two was so sharp, it seemed almost unreal--like a moving photo negative.

I stood there for a few moments just marveling at this sight, wishing that my eyes could record every passing cloud as it became illuminated by the moon. I don't know why it was so moving, but I can't deny how the moment made me feel-small, slightly insignificant, but filled with a joyful awe. It's times like these that I know that God is out there.

You don't have to look for God in far off places. He's right there in your backyard. He's in your friends and loved ones. He's there in the quiet early mornings you spend writing about a full moon you just saw. Sometimes you have to just look up.

Fraiser on Star Trek?

2006-04-11T19:13:00.000-06:00

One Liners

2006-03-16T13:53:00.000-06:00

Stop me if you've heard this one...

Q:How do you tell if a woman is a lesbian/bi-sexual?
A:Look at her tongue. If it's in another girl's vagina then you know she's a lesbian/bi-sexual.

That joke may be a little mean spirited and inappropriate around the water cooler, but it still gets me chuckling every single time.

Nothing really new on my front here. I'm still writing for Lakeshoredreams.com and the check is doing nicely paying the rent and keeping my lights on. I'm still looking for permenant employment. I really do want to stay here in Milwaukee, but I've broadened my job search to include Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota. Pretty much it's places where I have either good friends or family nearby.

So if any of you readers out there live in those states and have need of a talented web writer/journalist, be sure to look me up.

It's Been Awhile

2006-02-24T13:02:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to post some thoughts and stream of conciousness kind of stuff I've been batting around for the past few months. Someday I'll organize it, maybe write an aritcle, short story, or what not. I just want to get them down in cyberspace so I don't forget.

*I have a love hate relationship with travel. I love the anciticpation of going someplace new, or revisiting a familiar place. But, I'm always sad of what and who I leave behind.

*A good time guy or a stand up guy? Why can't I be both? I thought I was, but maybe I'm just lying to myself.

*The worse kind of lie is the one that you tell yourself. It's far worse when you actually start to believe it.

*Writing is both an art and a craft. I want to keep it sharp, like a blade, and practice is the key.

*It should be no surprise that people find it easier to point out the faults and shortcomings of others. Our eyes and hearts don't turn 180.

*Fear of change/Fear of the unknown-it's crippling on so many levels, especially in relationships.

*What's so bad about being a shoeshine boy with a Phd? So what about ruined potential? Ever consider that he might be happier shining shoes?

*Do you grow up when you live life for yourself or live life for others?

That's all I got right now.