Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
News Flash
Do any of you out there in Blogger Land remember the good old days of PBS children's programming? If I could, I would watch Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers still. I used to watch those shows well into college when I would be home "sick", and nowadays with all the insanity of the relentless political ads on TV, it's enough to make you miss "News Flash with Kermit The Frog".
I always felt so much better after watching these shows. "News Flash" was always one of my favorite Sesame Street skits. The little morse code noise urgently beeping, "Kermit Theee Frog here" interviewing Peter Piper about his pickles, Sleeping Beauty, and my personal favorite, Don Music:
I used to laugh my head off every time he would bang his head on the piano keys because he couldn't think of the right words for his song he was composing.
So friends, let's take a few moments to remember those good ol' days of PBS when we didn't care about politics and only cared about whether or not Snuffalupagus would be making an appearance on Sesame Street.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Must Mode
I was watching my regular Thursday night programming - Ugly Betty - last night, and they were putting together ideas for the annual “Must Mode” list for their January publication; it is a list of the must have items or must do things for 2007. I decided to make my own list of things I must have / do / can’t live without…
1. A fabulous pair of Puma’s. I really think that my footwear collection (all 5 pairs of shoes I own) MUST include a fabulous pair of Puma’s. My first pair of Puma’s I bought was in 7th grade and I thought I was da bomb. They were your traditional blue suede shoes with the signature white stripe along the sides. They were the biggest shoes in the world, but I loved them to death. I went without a pair of Puma’s for many years until I did my study abroad in Paris, where everyone and their dog had a pair on their feet. I succumbed to pressure and bought another pair of blue and white Puma’s, but these were the hip and trendy Euro shoes that hadn’t made it to the States yet. I have owned a pair of sleek and trendy Euro Puma’s ever since.
2. Bumble & Bumble hair products: Made in New York City, these hair products are probably the best I have ever used. Not overly potent, great hold, and creatively designed packaging, make these products a must have for me.
3. Chapstick Lip Moisturizer: The BEST Chapstick on the face of the PLANET. If it were a real person, I think I’d marry it and produce millions of little Chapsticks. It’s practically one with my body… my lips ar so silky and soft because of it.
4. iTunes/iPod: This is really a no brainer. Everyone loves this and I really don’t know what I’d do without it. Always a must have for me.
5. Something between my knees when I’m sleeping: And no I’m not talking about a man… I’m not that much of a skeeze. If my knees are touching, I have the hardest time getting comfy. So whether it’s a pillow, comforter, Matt’s leg, whatever – I need something between my knees.
6. Chamomile tea with lemon and honey: I used to drink this when I had a sore throat and sometimes I would drink it a little while before a choir concert… it always makes me feel better inside and helps soothe my throat. I haven’t had it for a while, but I am going to rekindle that obsession now that I have a cold.
7. PARIS: France, not the Hilton. It is my goal to make it back to Paris at some point next year. If you ever find yourself in Paris, again FRANCE not the Hilton, it is a MUST to go to this quaint little bakery where the workers dress in what appears to be Chanel (it is Paris after all…) on Rue Daguerre. It was near the Denfert Rochereau metro stop and they made the BEST chasse-aux-pommes. Apple filled pastries that were like heaven on earth. Also, there is a Vietnamese restaurant at 178 Rue Daguerre right across the street from my school that makes the best Pho Soup… to die for.
8. An Ella Fitzgerald CD: Any CD of hers will do, really. Her sexy, sultry voice makes anything feel a million times classier. I still love her renditions of any Christmas song, and I love her Moonlight in Vermont.
9. Chicago: What in this city wouldn’t make it on a MUST list? I didn’t get out there but once this year, and that was a bad experience, so it is a goal of mine to visit again. From the Magnificent Mile to Boystown to Oprah, you need to get there if you have never been. And while you’re there – at the very least, get some caramel corn from Garret’s on Michigan Avenue, have lunch at the Signature Room atop the Hancock Tower, and catch a Cub’s game at Wrigley Field.
10. Take a road trip with a loved one: Talk about a great way to get to know someone or to see if you’re compatible. And a perfect road trip would be to #9! Nothing says “Let’s see how long we can tolerate each other” better than cramming you and a lover or family member in a car with luggage and hundreds of miles of road ahead. I haven’t heard enough road tripping stories this year and I think they need to make a come back. Maybe Matt and I will take a road trip sometime… and hopefully live to tell about it.
1. A fabulous pair of Puma’s. I really think that my footwear collection (all 5 pairs of shoes I own) MUST include a fabulous pair of Puma’s. My first pair of Puma’s I bought was in 7th grade and I thought I was da bomb. They were your traditional blue suede shoes with the signature white stripe along the sides. They were the biggest shoes in the world, but I loved them to death. I went without a pair of Puma’s for many years until I did my study abroad in Paris, where everyone and their dog had a pair on their feet. I succumbed to pressure and bought another pair of blue and white Puma’s, but these were the hip and trendy Euro shoes that hadn’t made it to the States yet. I have owned a pair of sleek and trendy Euro Puma’s ever since.
2. Bumble & Bumble hair products: Made in New York City, these hair products are probably the best I have ever used. Not overly potent, great hold, and creatively designed packaging, make these products a must have for me.
3. Chapstick Lip Moisturizer: The BEST Chapstick on the face of the PLANET. If it were a real person, I think I’d marry it and produce millions of little Chapsticks. It’s practically one with my body… my lips ar so silky and soft because of it.
4. iTunes/iPod: This is really a no brainer. Everyone loves this and I really don’t know what I’d do without it. Always a must have for me.
5. Something between my knees when I’m sleeping: And no I’m not talking about a man… I’m not that much of a skeeze. If my knees are touching, I have the hardest time getting comfy. So whether it’s a pillow, comforter, Matt’s leg, whatever – I need something between my knees.
6. Chamomile tea with lemon and honey: I used to drink this when I had a sore throat and sometimes I would drink it a little while before a choir concert… it always makes me feel better inside and helps soothe my throat. I haven’t had it for a while, but I am going to rekindle that obsession now that I have a cold.
7. PARIS: France, not the Hilton. It is my goal to make it back to Paris at some point next year. If you ever find yourself in Paris, again FRANCE not the Hilton, it is a MUST to go to this quaint little bakery where the workers dress in what appears to be Chanel (it is Paris after all…) on Rue Daguerre. It was near the Denfert Rochereau metro stop and they made the BEST chasse-aux-pommes. Apple filled pastries that were like heaven on earth. Also, there is a Vietnamese restaurant at 178 Rue Daguerre right across the street from my school that makes the best Pho Soup… to die for.
8. An Ella Fitzgerald CD: Any CD of hers will do, really. Her sexy, sultry voice makes anything feel a million times classier. I still love her renditions of any Christmas song, and I love her Moonlight in Vermont.
9. Chicago: What in this city wouldn’t make it on a MUST list? I didn’t get out there but once this year, and that was a bad experience, so it is a goal of mine to visit again. From the Magnificent Mile to Boystown to Oprah, you need to get there if you have never been. And while you’re there – at the very least, get some caramel corn from Garret’s on Michigan Avenue, have lunch at the Signature Room atop the Hancock Tower, and catch a Cub’s game at Wrigley Field.
10. Take a road trip with a loved one: Talk about a great way to get to know someone or to see if you’re compatible. And a perfect road trip would be to #9! Nothing says “Let’s see how long we can tolerate each other” better than cramming you and a lover or family member in a car with luggage and hundreds of miles of road ahead. I haven’t heard enough road tripping stories this year and I think they need to make a come back. Maybe Matt and I will take a road trip sometime… and hopefully live to tell about it.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
My Secret Lover
I love Nyquil... it's fast and easy. I took a cap-full last night and was out like a light until the alarm went off this morning. The one down side to taking Nyquil is that it tastes like ass crack (a.k.a. black licorice) and it's effects last far longer than the regular 8 hour sleep schedule. I didn't think I was going to make it to work this morning because I was pretty much passing out and struggling to keep my eyes open. I am better now, but man - they should tell you not to drive or operate machinery until you know the effect it will have on you. On Tuesday night I barely slept at all and my throat was so sore the next day that I was 2 octaves lower than where I normally am; so to avoid a repeat sleepless night, I took some Nyquil and it is my secret lover.
I do have a cold, by the way... I'm not taking it for fun... however... ;o)
I do have a cold, by the way... I'm not taking it for fun... however... ;o)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween, Kiddies!
And now for a Halloween treat - something truly heinous and much scarier than accidentally stumbling upon your parent's S&M dungeon while it's being rented out and used by your grandparents:
And I shall be crowned the Queen of the Damned!
And I shall be crowned the Queen of the Damned!HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
In the waiting line...
I am on the phone right now at work on hold with Dillon's trying to schedule a delivery appointment. After having been on hold for 5 minutes, I decided to turn on the timer function on my phone, and at this moment it is coming up on 9 minutes, which means I have been holding for close to 15 minutes once you factor in the first undocumented 5 minutes. How ridiculous... how much time do you think we spend on hold in a lifetime? At this point, I'm thinking its a lot of time.
Oh! It's ringing! I have reached a live person at 15 minutes and 30 seconds... and the call finally finished at 17 minutes and 30 seconds. Wow! And this, sadly, is pretty typical for these large chain stores.
Yesterday I was on hold with Wal-Mart (excuse me while I vomit) for 35 minutes of my life until I finally reached someone. I tried desperately to bargain with Judy on the other end of the phone to get those 35 minutes of my life back, but she wouldn't budge. I even tried the Wal-Mart tactic of "Rolling Back" and saying I'd settle for getting 30 minutes back, but she still didn't want to concede any "Roll Backs". So I told her I'd roll her a punch in the nose... the call ended shortly after that. Luckily I had already secured the delivery appointment.
So just in those two calls alone, I have wasted a little over an hour of my life. I don't even want to think about all those other calls I have made to the wretched Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Dillon's, and other stores. And I'd try to get revenge on the person and put them on hold for an equal amount of time, but I'm too scared that they would hang up, forcing me to call back and start my wait all over again.
Ah, the turmoils of working for the man every night and day. Big wheel keep on turnin'... Proud Robbie keep on burnin'... Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river...
Oh! It's ringing! I have reached a live person at 15 minutes and 30 seconds... and the call finally finished at 17 minutes and 30 seconds. Wow! And this, sadly, is pretty typical for these large chain stores.
Yesterday I was on hold with Wal-Mart (excuse me while I vomit) for 35 minutes of my life until I finally reached someone. I tried desperately to bargain with Judy on the other end of the phone to get those 35 minutes of my life back, but she wouldn't budge. I even tried the Wal-Mart tactic of "Rolling Back" and saying I'd settle for getting 30 minutes back, but she still didn't want to concede any "Roll Backs". So I told her I'd roll her a punch in the nose... the call ended shortly after that. Luckily I had already secured the delivery appointment.
So just in those two calls alone, I have wasted a little over an hour of my life. I don't even want to think about all those other calls I have made to the wretched Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Dillon's, and other stores. And I'd try to get revenge on the person and put them on hold for an equal amount of time, but I'm too scared that they would hang up, forcing me to call back and start my wait all over again.
Ah, the turmoils of working for the man every night and day. Big wheel keep on turnin'... Proud Robbie keep on burnin'... Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river...
Monday, October 23, 2006
News of the Stupid: Oh Crap
Those crazy frat boys... At what point do you think they thought, "Oh crap..."???
Beer keg explosion in Connecticut kills 1, injures 7 partygoers
Associated Press
Last update: October 23, 2006 – 9:03 AM
NEW MILFORD, Conn. — Investigators were trying to determine who tossed a beer keg into a burning barrel at a party, causing a deadly explosion that sent metal shards slicing through a crowd of people.
The explosion early Sunday killed Sean M. Caselli, 22, of New Milford. Seven other people were taken to hospitals with burns and shrapnel wounds, police said. Caselli was struck in the neck by a piece of flying metal.
Sgt. Lee Grabner said investigators interviewed witnesses Sunday to try to identify the person witnesses say threw a quarter-keg of beer into the flames, and to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
Fires had been set in several barrels to keep people at the partygoers warm at the outdoors party in western Connecticut, said Police Captain Michael Mrazik.
"This is a certain tragedy," said Police Chief Colin McCormack. "However, nothing I have been apprised of to this point in this investigation, which I caution is at the very early states, indicates a deliberate act on anyone's part."
Beer keg explosion in Connecticut kills 1, injures 7 partygoers
Associated Press
Last update: October 23, 2006 – 9:03 AM
NEW MILFORD, Conn. — Investigators were trying to determine who tossed a beer keg into a burning barrel at a party, causing a deadly explosion that sent metal shards slicing through a crowd of people.
The explosion early Sunday killed Sean M. Caselli, 22, of New Milford. Seven other people were taken to hospitals with burns and shrapnel wounds, police said. Caselli was struck in the neck by a piece of flying metal.
Sgt. Lee Grabner said investigators interviewed witnesses Sunday to try to identify the person witnesses say threw a quarter-keg of beer into the flames, and to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
Fires had been set in several barrels to keep people at the partygoers warm at the outdoors party in western Connecticut, said Police Captain Michael Mrazik.
"This is a certain tragedy," said Police Chief Colin McCormack. "However, nothing I have been apprised of to this point in this investigation, which I caution is at the very early states, indicates a deliberate act on anyone's part."
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Stars Are Blind... and drunk...
So, as much as I love Paris Hilton and her wacky antics on Simple Life (the first few seasons, that is... the 4th season sucks balls), I must say I laughed when I heard she got pulled over last night for a DUI. You'd think that with all the partying she does, that she would have been pulled over at least one other time, since apparently she drives sometimes and doesn't have a driver.
So, to make this a little funnier, I was reading the little blurb on kstp.com about this and she said that she had only had one margarita on an empty stomach and she was just so tired from work, so she was swerving on the road and got pulled over. Ok. What "work" does she do??? I wasn't aware that she had a job other than being rich for a living. If anyone can give me any insight on what Miss Paris does for a living then please tell me!
I love this picture...
Amy Klobuchar: You look like a frickin' Backstreet Boy with that stupid headset on Mark. Dipwad. I'm going to totally cream you in this election. You don't stand a chance against my campaign's TV ads featuring my #1 human intrest bait/vote-getter - my big-earred "special" daughter giving two thumbs up.
Mark Kennedy: Shut up. I have my kids in my commercials too, plus I have this kickin' State Fair shack between the cheese curds stand and the pronto pup stand.
AK: Whatever, at least my booth looks homey and welcoming, and I was there everyday with Amy Klobuchar's daughter. And at least in my commercials I don't look like a stiff robot in another boring and predictable plaid accountant's shirt.
MK: Shut up, hooch. Accountants are cool. I'm going to sit here and scowl at you now.
AK: Yeah, ok then. I'll be sure to send you a postcard from Washington, ass.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
I'm bringing Sexy Back
Here is a video clip from "So You Think You Can Dance: Season 2". It's the final four dancing to "Sexy Back", choreographed by Wade Robson. It is one of the most fun/coolest/sexiest things I've seen in a long time. I could watch it over and over and over... ENJOY!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
We caught him! Yesssssss...
Every gay Minnesotan guy's wish... that they could catch Sven... Matt and I did see him at Saloon a few weeks ago, but I didn't have my net on me. Dammit!
Reality Round-Up
So You Think You Can Dance (henceforth known as SYTYCD) had their season finale last night, so if you haven't watched it yet and don't want to know who wins, READ NO FURTHER!!!
Ok, now that that's done, I can say that I was kind of surprised to see that Benji won and not hottie potatie Travis; however, they are both phenomenal dancers and I absolutely loved their hip-hop "Nerd Dance"...
*Travis on top (I wish) & Benji on bottom*
Ok, now that that's done, I can say that I was kind of surprised to see that Benji won and not hottie potatie Travis; however, they are both phenomenal dancers and I absolutely loved their hip-hop "Nerd Dance"...
*Travis on top (I wish) & Benji on bottom*
I mean, just look at how cute they are together! I want to take them home with me and keep them forever!
And the group performance last week to Sexy Back rocked my pants off, and I agree that Travis stole that performance... he had my attention the second he turned the corner and strutted down the stage... SIDEBAR: I'm upset that "Sexy Back" won't be available on iTunes until September 12th... I love that song and hope that they won't over play it on the radio so I get sick of it by the time I can buy it...
Lastly on the topic of SYTYCD, I was NOT PLEASED with how they abruptly got rid of Heidi and Donyelle after their solos... that was way harsh. They should have waited until the end to give them the boot. If I were those two, I don't know if I could have handled dancing the rest of the show.
Moving on to Project Runway...
The challenge last night took them to seedy Newark, New Jersey, America's Landfill and Arm Pit, to a recycling center where they had 30 minutes to collect recycled items to make an outfit of their choice. And in keeping with the show's normal theme, they had to be innovative and make the outfit in about 10 hours.
It was a fairly interesting challenge - making trash pretty. And not just any trash, but Newark, New Jersey's trash... a HUGE undertaking! I was thinking the only materials they would have to choose from would be crack pipes, dog feces, and used gym socks; but alas, I was wrong and they chose from various paper, plastic, and mylar remnants. Most of the designers did a good job, but then there were some who just didn't get it.
Michael won the challenge, and rightly so:
His presentation was gorgeous, and the execution was flawless. "Captain Save-A-Ho" is so going to make it to Fashion Week.
Allison was Auf'd for lame reasons:
So she was a little off this week! Who cares?! She has produced some of the most gorgeous pieces on that show, AND they have kept designers, like Kayne for example, because though he was a little off one week, they knew what he could do. Why not extend that same courtesy to Allison?! Get rid of Vincent! Who cares if he cashed in his 401K to do this show?! Go back to the insane asylum, Vinnie!
Laura is also becoming quite the little frigid bitch! First she gets on Kayne's back about his "choices" regarding his pieces on the show, and then she digs into Vincent back stage after Allison gets the boot! Instead of consoling Allison and making her feel better, she's yelling at Vincent about how his dress didn't move and it basically sucked big donkey balls. It was quite the juicy drama!
That's all she wrote for now! If and when I do another round-up post, it'll more than likely just be about Project Runway since that's the only reality show that's on right now that I watch...
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Moving Accomplishments
I'm back from my long weekend. It was very restful and I spent a majority of my time off getting the last of my things moved up to the apartment. I can happily say that our apartment is finally in order and organized! It feels really good to be able to say that after having lived in complete chaos the last two weeks.
One of my biggest accomplishments of the long weekend was getting the laundry room organized. It's so pretty in there now that I could just sit and stare at it for hours and revel in my fabulous organizational skills. Most people would probably look at it and think, "Wow, he's a wee bit anal retentive...", but I don't care because I get my rocks off on doing that sort of stuff and the laundry room was by far one of the biggest challenges I had to tackle after moving in. That and teaching Matthew how to fold towels the right way (i.e. MY way... hehehe), but we're still working on that one...
On a completely different note, my second biggest accomplishment of the weekend was going to Valleyfair with Matt and walking around with my sister and 6 of her youth from her soon-to-be-former-church's youth group. I decided I'm really too old and fragile to cram myself into one of the seats on the "Corkscrew" rollercoaster and survive a minute of sheer torture on one of the roughest rollercoaters in the midwest. The antique cars are always a good time, even though I had to put all of my weight on the gas pedal just to get the car to move, while the 6 year old girl in the car ahead of mine was driving with the greatest of ease, having no issues pushing her gas pedal down. That and spending $7.53 on a medium soda and a small fry, which I seriously think came with about ten fries, is a little ridiculous. I still had fun, but my goodness, my body hurt at the end of the day.
So those were two of my biggest accomplishments from the long weekend. I feel like I deserve a medal or something.
One of my biggest accomplishments of the long weekend was getting the laundry room organized. It's so pretty in there now that I could just sit and stare at it for hours and revel in my fabulous organizational skills. Most people would probably look at it and think, "Wow, he's a wee bit anal retentive...", but I don't care because I get my rocks off on doing that sort of stuff and the laundry room was by far one of the biggest challenges I had to tackle after moving in. That and teaching Matthew how to fold towels the right way (i.e. MY way... hehehe), but we're still working on that one...
On a completely different note, my second biggest accomplishment of the weekend was going to Valleyfair with Matt and walking around with my sister and 6 of her youth from her soon-to-be-former-church's youth group. I decided I'm really too old and fragile to cram myself into one of the seats on the "Corkscrew" rollercoaster and survive a minute of sheer torture on one of the roughest rollercoaters in the midwest. The antique cars are always a good time, even though I had to put all of my weight on the gas pedal just to get the car to move, while the 6 year old girl in the car ahead of mine was driving with the greatest of ease, having no issues pushing her gas pedal down. That and spending $7.53 on a medium soda and a small fry, which I seriously think came with about ten fries, is a little ridiculous. I still had fun, but my goodness, my body hurt at the end of the day.
So those were two of my biggest accomplishments from the long weekend. I feel like I deserve a medal or something.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
"Dumber Than A Box of Rocks" Quote of the Week
I have found a new favorite website to visit every day: www.overheardinminneapolis.com
So in lieu of my laziness at the moment to think of something to write, I'll just copy and paste this funny quote from OIM's post today:
"Stay In School" Real Life Example #297
Middle-aged office woman: So, when is your last day?
Summer intern: I'm leaving in September to study abroad in Paris.
Middle-aged office woman: Paris, huh? In France?
Summer intern: That's the one.
Middle-aged office woman: So what do they speak over there?
Summer intern: ...Really?
Middle-aged office woman: *silence as she, glassy-eyed, waits for an answer*
Summer intern: Portuguese.
So in lieu of my laziness at the moment to think of something to write, I'll just copy and paste this funny quote from OIM's post today:
"Stay In School" Real Life Example #297
Middle-aged office woman: So, when is your last day?
Summer intern: I'm leaving in September to study abroad in Paris.
Middle-aged office woman: Paris, huh? In France?
Summer intern: That's the one.
Middle-aged office woman: So what do they speak over there?
Summer intern: ...Really?
Middle-aged office woman: *silence as she, glassy-eyed, waits for an answer*
Summer intern: Portuguese.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Wow, I suck!
So I know I said I'd post something everyday, buuuuuuuuuuuut, I suck and haven't had the time to actually fulfill that goal. I promise that I have a really good excuse this time for not posting since last Monday!
I started moving all of my stuff up to St. Paul this last week. I am now an official renter. I was handed the keys to our (Matt and I) apartment on Saturday the 5th. So ever since that happy day, I have been shuttling to and fro getting all of my little stuff that I can haul in the Jetta up to my new humble abode.
Ok, I know that doesn't explain my lack of posts between the 31st and the 5th, but I was very busy at work that week, and I usually blog while I'm chained to my desk. I do have a computer at home, but I was so tired each day after work that I couldn't muster enough energy to get off my butt and walk that 10 feet to the computer. Plus I'm still in the stone age and have dial-up internet at my house in Burnsville... but now I have DSL, so I should be posting more frequently I hope! I might even force Matt to blog more too... so, there you have it. My lame excuse for my lack posts.
I started moving all of my stuff up to St. Paul this last week. I am now an official renter. I was handed the keys to our (Matt and I) apartment on Saturday the 5th. So ever since that happy day, I have been shuttling to and fro getting all of my little stuff that I can haul in the Jetta up to my new humble abode.
Ok, I know that doesn't explain my lack of posts between the 31st and the 5th, but I was very busy at work that week, and I usually blog while I'm chained to my desk. I do have a computer at home, but I was so tired each day after work that I couldn't muster enough energy to get off my butt and walk that 10 feet to the computer. Plus I'm still in the stone age and have dial-up internet at my house in Burnsville... but now I have DSL, so I should be posting more frequently I hope! I might even force Matt to blog more too... so, there you have it. My lame excuse for my lack posts.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Lost in Translation
My nephew Luke is 20 months old now and is just barely starting to learn a few words aside from his normal gibberish (which I think is a combination of French, Spanish, Russian, German, and Chinese... and a smattering of northern Minnesotan). His word of choice at the present time is "hi". From the opening of a door to the opening of an eye, he'll greet you with his limited vocabulary of "hi" about 80 times in a row. Another "word" he has aquired is "la". "La" happens to mean "bye-bye", though when I first heard him say the word, it took me a while to translate what exactly he was trying to communicate with me until it was accompanied by a waving hand gesturing for me to get out. I am also quite proud to say that, other than boring old ma and pa, he can say my name. He addresses me as Rob or Ra-Ra, depending on his mood and laziness factor.
Not everything he babbles about always makes sense however. More and more lately, I am starting to pick up subtleties thinking he really is trying to say something coherent underneath all the mumbles and jumbles. You can ask him a question and he will respond. Though I don't really comprehend what he is trying to tell me, I will nod in agreement and smile as though I'm following along with everything he is telling me.
For instance, at lunch today I was being lazy and lying on the couch while he used my legs as a highway for his Matchbox cars. I asked him a simple question: "Lukie! Are you going to go swimming in the pool this afternoon?" To which he responded: "Aye bloob a doob flerple nerples mathwich." Or something to that extent. I didn't get a direct quote so I had to paraphrase. Now, in my mind I tried to translate his crazy reply to which I guess he was telling me that either he (A) was going swimming this afternoon and he was very excited; or he (B) was mowing and trimming a spoon and he was merry exited. No matter what, I got lost along the way and before I could clarify what exactly he was trying to tell me in response to my question, he was in the other room talking to the TV.
Not everything is as confusing as the above incident - there will always be the clear answer of "NO" where he throws himself to the ground in the most dramatic fashion and puts his head on the floor shaking it back and forth while whining and screaming. The terrible two's are coming... I'd better brace myself.
Not everything he babbles about always makes sense however. More and more lately, I am starting to pick up subtleties thinking he really is trying to say something coherent underneath all the mumbles and jumbles. You can ask him a question and he will respond. Though I don't really comprehend what he is trying to tell me, I will nod in agreement and smile as though I'm following along with everything he is telling me.
For instance, at lunch today I was being lazy and lying on the couch while he used my legs as a highway for his Matchbox cars. I asked him a simple question: "Lukie! Are you going to go swimming in the pool this afternoon?" To which he responded: "Aye bloob a doob flerple nerples mathwich." Or something to that extent. I didn't get a direct quote so I had to paraphrase. Now, in my mind I tried to translate his crazy reply to which I guess he was telling me that either he (A) was going swimming this afternoon and he was very excited; or he (B) was mowing and trimming a spoon and he was merry exited. No matter what, I got lost along the way and before I could clarify what exactly he was trying to tell me in response to my question, he was in the other room talking to the TV.
Not everything is as confusing as the above incident - there will always be the clear answer of "NO" where he throws himself to the ground in the most dramatic fashion and puts his head on the floor shaking it back and forth while whining and screaming. The terrible two's are coming... I'd better brace myself.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Crappity, Crap, Crap, Crap!
Picture this: attempting to collect your own "specimen" in a teeny tiny cup; then having to scoop small amounts of the "specimen" and mix it into a vile filled with preservative to make sure you don't have a parasite from Mexico, which your friends have so lovingly named "Pepe".
That's hot.
That's hot.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Why yes, Jimmy! You ARE a Transport American...
So I didn't blog yesterday. Oops. I said I'd blog something every day. So I'm blogging today and I'll try and make it longer to compensate for yesterdays lack of motivation.
So even though I detest my job and have been crapped on by trick-ass management more times than I'd like to say, it was suggested that I write about a day in the life of a Transport America slave. So, a la the dreamy Sven Sundgaard, here is my day:
5:15 - Alarm starts beeping because Matthew needs extra time to wake up. Repeat this annoyance about 5-6 more times until he gets up.
6:00 - Matthew comes back from showering and rubs my back until I wake up... I think about rolling over and slapping him for waking me up from my dream about Sven. I think maybe my dream has come true and Sven is actually rubbing my back, roll over, nope, still Matt ;-) Get up.
6:04 - Stand in front of bathroom mirror and put in my contacts and hop in the shower. Sing something like "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked" to entertain myself. Sometimes make it a duet with Matthew while he finishes getting ready.
6:13 - Kiss Matthew goodbye as he jaunts off to work so he can support our lavish lifestyle.
6:15 - Finish getting ready and dress myself. Yes, I do dress myself.
6:30 - Walk 83 miles to my car down in the parking lot and drive to work. During my drive I take time to reflect on how much I loathe TA, I participate in solo sing-a-longs, think about the weekend, and yell at crummy morning drivers.
7:00 - Arrive at my desk (give or take 5 minutes) and log into my computer. While it's logging in I look out our floor to ceiling windows longing for the outside world and 4pm to hurry up and roll around.
7:15 to 12:00 - I usually spend this time working; HOWEVER, a lot of it is spent slacking off on the internet, emailing friends, talking to my sister who works here, and blogging. I always get my work done pretty quickly, so I have a lot of time on my hands.
12:00-1:00 - Lunch! WOOHOO! I get an hour away from this crap hole!
1:00-4:00 - Work, chat, email, and of course, surf the internet.
4:00 - FREEDOM!!! Tear out to my car as fast as my little legs will carry me... throw on my shades and crank up the music. Peel out of the parking lot and avoid plowing down nice co-workers... the ones I don't like so much I narrowly avoid.
4:27 - I get home and Matt and I sit around watching the last half of Oprah and make dinner.
6:30 - Wheel of Fortune!!! Yell out the answer to the puzzle long before the players get it and then yell at the players like an old man for being stupid. Think about applying to be on the show because I know I could make a haul.
The rest of the night's activities varies and depends on what we have planned. We are usually in bed by 10 because we're a couple of grandpas.
There you have it. It might be kind of boring, but......... you'd be right! :)
So even though I detest my job and have been crapped on by trick-ass management more times than I'd like to say, it was suggested that I write about a day in the life of a Transport America slave. So, a la the dreamy Sven Sundgaard, here is my day:
5:15 - Alarm starts beeping because Matthew needs extra time to wake up. Repeat this annoyance about 5-6 more times until he gets up.
6:00 - Matthew comes back from showering and rubs my back until I wake up... I think about rolling over and slapping him for waking me up from my dream about Sven. I think maybe my dream has come true and Sven is actually rubbing my back, roll over, nope, still Matt ;-) Get up.
6:04 - Stand in front of bathroom mirror and put in my contacts and hop in the shower. Sing something like "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked" to entertain myself. Sometimes make it a duet with Matthew while he finishes getting ready.
6:13 - Kiss Matthew goodbye as he jaunts off to work so he can support our lavish lifestyle.
6:15 - Finish getting ready and dress myself. Yes, I do dress myself.
6:30 - Walk 83 miles to my car down in the parking lot and drive to work. During my drive I take time to reflect on how much I loathe TA, I participate in solo sing-a-longs, think about the weekend, and yell at crummy morning drivers.
7:00 - Arrive at my desk (give or take 5 minutes) and log into my computer. While it's logging in I look out our floor to ceiling windows longing for the outside world and 4pm to hurry up and roll around.
7:15 to 12:00 - I usually spend this time working; HOWEVER, a lot of it is spent slacking off on the internet, emailing friends, talking to my sister who works here, and blogging. I always get my work done pretty quickly, so I have a lot of time on my hands.
12:00-1:00 - Lunch! WOOHOO! I get an hour away from this crap hole!
1:00-4:00 - Work, chat, email, and of course, surf the internet.
4:00 - FREEDOM!!! Tear out to my car as fast as my little legs will carry me... throw on my shades and crank up the music. Peel out of the parking lot and avoid plowing down nice co-workers... the ones I don't like so much I narrowly avoid.
4:27 - I get home and Matt and I sit around watching the last half of Oprah and make dinner.
6:30 - Wheel of Fortune!!! Yell out the answer to the puzzle long before the players get it and then yell at the players like an old man for being stupid. Think about applying to be on the show because I know I could make a haul.
The rest of the night's activities varies and depends on what we have planned. We are usually in bed by 10 because we're a couple of grandpas.
There you have it. It might be kind of boring, but......... you'd be right! :)
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Dust Yourself Off and Try Again...
I gave up on blogging a while back after I decided no one was really reading anything I had to say. That or people were reading, but just didn't comment on my boring musings of my life. Sometimes writing something everyday got to be more of a chore than anything; however, I really do love to write.
It was always a passion of mine when I was a kid to write. I could sit in front of a keyboard and put my little imagination to work and whip out a story in an hour. I'd write family newsletters complete with a weather forecast (courtesy of someone like Paul Douglas or Ken Barlow of course) and a comic section. I was encouraged most to write by my 9th grade english teacher, Mrs. Born. She was a huge fan of my writings and always told me what a wonderful style and dry sense of humor I had in my pieces. She even went as far as giving me an award at the 9th grade awards ceremony saying I'd be the first published writer of my graduating class.
Well all of that passion and imagination kind of went down the drain when I got into my senior year of high school and college and was forced to write endless scores of research papers and legal summaries for some law classes I took. Doing something like that for 4 years really sucks any and all ambition and cleverness right out of a person. There was a brief stint when I studied in Paris my junior year of college when I had to write all my papers in french. That kind of lit a flame under my derriere for a while and made me feel like a true writer since most great authors/thinkers from the last century were french. Simone de Beauvoire. Jean Paul Sartre. And as much as I hate reading her work - Marguerite Duras. However, as much fun as writing en fraincais and pretending to be philosophical while sipping my espresso in a sidewalk cafe was, I was quickly brought back to reality by my french professors form of love and praise for my work. When I say love and praise, I mean breaking a student down mentally and verbally to the level of an infant, building them back up, and then ripping them a new rear end. All the while scolding you in french and smelling of bad cheese and body odor.
But, I overcame that little speedbump and managed to pump out some of my best work my senior year of college via my political science senior thesis and french portfolio. Writing got put on the back burner after college and I kind of missed writing the dreaded research paper. All those years of loathing and spite for writing those late night papers actually tured out to be a secret love of mine. Thus, inspired by some friends who had blogs and one quite notable blog by Stephanie Klein called Greek Tragedy (which, if you haven't read her blog before, I highly suggest it, and check out her new book), I began my own blog here.
I've been really bad at keeping up with this, hence the two month gap between my last post and this one, I am making a resolution, a la Miss Klein's once upon a time, to write every day. Whether it be something as little as 5 sentences or as long as a novel, write every day. We shouldn't let laziness get in the way of something we're passionate about. A passion sets us free from everyday stresses like work and gives us a chance to enjoy life. Writing is a passion and I shouldn't let it die because I feel like I have nothing to write about. If I'm passionate about it, I'll find something to write about.
Stay tuned my friends. Hopefully you'll see great things on this blog!
It was always a passion of mine when I was a kid to write. I could sit in front of a keyboard and put my little imagination to work and whip out a story in an hour. I'd write family newsletters complete with a weather forecast (courtesy of someone like Paul Douglas or Ken Barlow of course) and a comic section. I was encouraged most to write by my 9th grade english teacher, Mrs. Born. She was a huge fan of my writings and always told me what a wonderful style and dry sense of humor I had in my pieces. She even went as far as giving me an award at the 9th grade awards ceremony saying I'd be the first published writer of my graduating class.
Well all of that passion and imagination kind of went down the drain when I got into my senior year of high school and college and was forced to write endless scores of research papers and legal summaries for some law classes I took. Doing something like that for 4 years really sucks any and all ambition and cleverness right out of a person. There was a brief stint when I studied in Paris my junior year of college when I had to write all my papers in french. That kind of lit a flame under my derriere for a while and made me feel like a true writer since most great authors/thinkers from the last century were french. Simone de Beauvoire. Jean Paul Sartre. And as much as I hate reading her work - Marguerite Duras. However, as much fun as writing en fraincais and pretending to be philosophical while sipping my espresso in a sidewalk cafe was, I was quickly brought back to reality by my french professors form of love and praise for my work. When I say love and praise, I mean breaking a student down mentally and verbally to the level of an infant, building them back up, and then ripping them a new rear end. All the while scolding you in french and smelling of bad cheese and body odor.
But, I overcame that little speedbump and managed to pump out some of my best work my senior year of college via my political science senior thesis and french portfolio. Writing got put on the back burner after college and I kind of missed writing the dreaded research paper. All those years of loathing and spite for writing those late night papers actually tured out to be a secret love of mine. Thus, inspired by some friends who had blogs and one quite notable blog by Stephanie Klein called Greek Tragedy (which, if you haven't read her blog before, I highly suggest it, and check out her new book), I began my own blog here.
I've been really bad at keeping up with this, hence the two month gap between my last post and this one, I am making a resolution, a la Miss Klein's once upon a time, to write every day. Whether it be something as little as 5 sentences or as long as a novel, write every day. We shouldn't let laziness get in the way of something we're passionate about. A passion sets us free from everyday stresses like work and gives us a chance to enjoy life. Writing is a passion and I shouldn't let it die because I feel like I have nothing to write about. If I'm passionate about it, I'll find something to write about.
Stay tuned my friends. Hopefully you'll see great things on this blog!
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