Wow, it's been a month since I've written on here, and even then it was the CMA awards blog. Well, a lot has happened since then as you know. I went to NYC, quit my job to move back home, down over 40 pounds, lots of stuff.
Yes, I'm moving back to Alabama. This was not a quick rash decision. This is something I've been thinking about for months. The main reason is, even though I've lived up here for 2 years, my life was still in Alabama. My family & friends are all in the south. My visits home were too few and too brief. I felt like I never got to see everyone or do everything when I was home. I didn't spend Easter at home for the first time ever this year. My dear friends had a baby in July (my sweet Caroline) and when I went to see them at Thanksgiving, I couldn't believe how grown up she was in those 4 months. I lost 40 pounds and didn't get to rub that fact in the face of friends & family. I wasn't able to go to Arkansas with Daddy. Every night after work, I'd come back to the apartment and just turn on the TV. Or go to the gym first then come back and turn on the TV. I didn't have the family, friends, & support group I had back home. I've had many people tell me they could never move that far away from home, for that long, with no friends or family around. Apparently, I am brave! I like the thought of that. I sometimes wondered if I dropped dead on a Friday after work, would anyone notice before I didn't come in to work on Monday hahaha
So after much prayer, thought, advice, and job searches, I decided to take a leap of faith and move on back home. I'd come to discover that if you are looking for a job in Atlanta (or Birmingham) and you have a Pennsylvania address, it's tougher to get noticed. No, I don't have a job right now. But I have a peace about it and I have faith. Even more than that, I have a TON of contacts in TV in Birmingham who know me and love me and are helping me by looking and recommending. So on that, I'm not worried, and nobody else should be either. Just keep me in your prayers, and if you have contact in Birmingham (or even Atlanta, that's close enough but far enough haha) see who's hiring. I've already had contact about 2 different jobs. I wouldn't come back COMPLETELY unprepared.
I've had a great 2 years here. It was a great experience to live in (well, actually just near) the big city. I had a very good job. One that actually changed about 8 months in, but gave me valuable experience and led me to meet more great folks. I found a church up here as well. A southern Baptist church even! They are fantastic and I love them dearly. They are a great church home and I will stay in touch. I did a lot of traveling here too. I went to NYC (twice), Philly, Hershey (twice), and San Diego. I had people jealous of my travels. But I did these alone, well except for Hershey last year & NYC this year. I had snow up here too. Snow is very pretty when it blankets the city and you can sit and look out the window and see life in a peaceful white slumber. But then you have to get out in it, drive in it, shovel it, stay in a hotel and walk across a blizzard hit parking lot to go to work. Then, it's a hideous white demon. I'm not made for snow & ice & shoveling & getting my car stuck.
So now, I'm coming back. Back to my family & friends. Back having movie night with the Busbys. I'll have lunch with MaryJo and catch up on everyone. I'll get to see Caroline and be around to hear her call me "Uncle Eddie". I'll be here for women's basketball season. I'll see my Gilgal family, I'll see my Union Chapel family, I'll see my actual family more than just at Thanksgiving. I can drive over and see Brandon & Adam in Atlanta when I've had more than 3.5-4 hours of sleep and walking around NYC all day...
Which was fun. I love NYC and I will go back again. It's an amazing place to be. So much to do, so much to see. My friend Brandon (who I think I talk to as much as if not more than I talk to my parents) was going to NYC for his birthday with his roommate. I joked that I should come up a day since I'm just a few hours away. So we agreed I would, and I did. NYC in a day is a lot, but I made it. We went to Rockefeller Center, saw the tree, saw the rink, ice skated in Central Park (I didn't fall!), ate pizza, saw snow flurries, took pix in Times Square, charged our iPhone back at their hotel room, took pix inside Grand Central Station (which is AMAZING!), and I had a great time. I hope I didn't come across as too tired. They had more sleep than me. haha. And now, if they'll have me, I can come over to ATL to hang out on more sleep. See, it's good having friends around.
So now, I start the process of packing up and moving back. A little sad to leave folks behind, but very excited at what's to come for me. I know it'll be great. Some are shocked, some can't believe I'm doing it without a job, some are wondering how I could stay gone so long haha. I think Bon Jovi & Jennifer Nettles sang it best "Who says you can't go home". Some things are just more important.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
CMA Awards Blog - Hour 3
Lady A is starting off the 3rd and final hour with one of my favorite songs, Hello World. BRILLIANT!! That's all I can say about that. Male vocalist goes to Blake Shetlon. I had a feeling he'd get it. I always root for Brad, and Dierks Bentley is great. But Blake is really good, really funny, and engaged to Miranda Lambert, that didn't hurt at all. The Band Perry is great, and I love that song If I Die Young, but I didn't expect them to look like that.
Why does Carrie get to sing again? Also is is against the CMA rules for her to be seen in the same dress twice? This song has bored me. I don't hate all Carrie songs. I love her song Wasted.
I guess Dierks Bentley is having to use the leftover fog from Tay-Tay's performance. Love me a good fiddle part in a song. One of my fiddle parts in a song, Amarillo By Morning by George Strait. Love that. One of Daddy's favorites too. Good performance.
They keep threatening to have Gwyneth sing. They just showed the commercial for her movie Country Strong. Seems a bit Lifetime-ish right now and not nearly as cool as Jeff Bridges last year, but it could be good. Heck, they should have had Jeff come on and sing The Weary Kind from Crazy Heart. Awesome song, awesome performance.
Speaking of Oscar winning performances of country singers, here's Sissy Spacek starting a Loretta Lynn tribute. Gotta love the Coal Miner's Daughter! Miranda is doing a good respectful version of that song. Sheryl Crow isn't doing bad either. But then Loretta herself comes out, how awesome. You could see how much it meant to her. Reba is even in tears. She looks like she's been pulled so tight she probably cries out of her ears. WTG Miranda!
Here's Gwyneth finally. At least she's with Vince, and she sings live better than Taylor (yes, duh, I know). The song itself isn't all that amazing, but not bad. She actually looks a little nervous. I've heard her sing before and she's not bad. She's still more than halfway crazy when she's trying to act pretentious and better than everyone. Good grief her legs are long. Looks like one of the flamingos I saw at the San Diego Zoo & Sea World.
Now Entertainer of the Year: Lady A, Miranda, Brad, Keith, or ZBB. Who will it be? BRAD PAISLEY! Congrats to him! Could have done without Tim giving it. Seriously CMA, did y'all get too much self tanner at Sam's Club? At least he didn't sing that stupid Southern Voice song. But back to Brad, he is truly humbled.
All in all, not a bad show. Good, I needed that after a long day!
Why does Carrie get to sing again? Also is is against the CMA rules for her to be seen in the same dress twice? This song has bored me. I don't hate all Carrie songs. I love her song Wasted.
I guess Dierks Bentley is having to use the leftover fog from Tay-Tay's performance. Love me a good fiddle part in a song. One of my fiddle parts in a song, Amarillo By Morning by George Strait. Love that. One of Daddy's favorites too. Good performance.
They keep threatening to have Gwyneth sing. They just showed the commercial for her movie Country Strong. Seems a bit Lifetime-ish right now and not nearly as cool as Jeff Bridges last year, but it could be good. Heck, they should have had Jeff come on and sing The Weary Kind from Crazy Heart. Awesome song, awesome performance.
Speaking of Oscar winning performances of country singers, here's Sissy Spacek starting a Loretta Lynn tribute. Gotta love the Coal Miner's Daughter! Miranda is doing a good respectful version of that song. Sheryl Crow isn't doing bad either. But then Loretta herself comes out, how awesome. You could see how much it meant to her. Reba is even in tears. She looks like she's been pulled so tight she probably cries out of her ears. WTG Miranda!
Here's Gwyneth finally. At least she's with Vince, and she sings live better than Taylor (yes, duh, I know). The song itself isn't all that amazing, but not bad. She actually looks a little nervous. I've heard her sing before and she's not bad. She's still more than halfway crazy when she's trying to act pretentious and better than everyone. Good grief her legs are long. Looks like one of the flamingos I saw at the San Diego Zoo & Sea World.
Now Entertainer of the Year: Lady A, Miranda, Brad, Keith, or ZBB. Who will it be? BRAD PAISLEY! Congrats to him! Could have done without Tim giving it. Seriously CMA, did y'all get too much self tanner at Sam's Club? At least he didn't sing that stupid Southern Voice song. But back to Brad, he is truly humbled.
All in all, not a bad show. Good, I needed that after a long day!
CMA Awards Blog - Hour 2
Tay-Tay starts off hour 2. How off key will she be? Apparently she wandered on a fairy tale set. No guitar this time, it's a piano! And fog! It actually looks like she's in a cemetery, with fake snow. Very pretty song, but very cheesy and about as country Manhattan. But she's staying on key more. I think it's because she's sitting down. I guess she can't walk and say on pitch at the same time. Plus she doesn't come across as big of a skank as Miley does.
Now, SUGARLAND!! But what the heck is with this musicbox dancer routine? Thankfully it didn't last too long. Jennifer Nettles still looks a lot like Kirsten Dunst mixed with Martha Plimpton from Raising Hope & The Goonies, and the lady from Reno 911. Lady Antebellum wins vocal group, not a shock. I hope they sing Hello World. I luuuurrrrrrve that song!! They have some famous relatives. Hillary's mother is Linda Davis, who sang with Reba on that Does He Love You song. And one of the two guys is the brother of Katherine Heigl's husband. He's a singer too, but everyone knows him as Katherine Heigl's husband or Lady Antebellum guy's brother. Wow, sucks to be him.
Now it's time for Keith Urban. Good song and good use of Ellen Degeneres' former hairstyle. Now Reba is singing "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce. Well, at least she isn't doing the 5,000th youtube version of Single Ladies. But it would have been fun to hear her do Crazy In Love. Sugarland has already done a great job on Irreplaceable.
KELLY CLARKSON!! I've heard great things about this duet. Wow, they tore that up! Great job, although Jason Aldean was slightly blown out of the water by Kelly, it still was good. Her voice as strong and awesome as I've heard it. Album of the year time. It's between Lady A & Miranda. Who'll win? Miranda Lambert takes it home. I need to download that. She seems a little crazy. I appreciate that! Plus, one of her producers kinda looks like Chaz Bono. Now, Kid Rock is singing. This I dedicate to my dear sweet friend Vicki! She's been on the Kid Rock cruise. He is a very good performer. I actually liked this song too. But dude, that fringe is too much.
Once again, let me just say that Brad Paisley is awesome. He is someone who respect the history of country music, is super talented, and funny as all get out. Now time for Vocal Duo of the Year, and it's Sugarland. This is mainly because there aren't really any other duos out there having much success. They should just combine duo & group. And apparently they couldn't put the video of the year in the main telecast. You need time to have Gwyneth Paltrow sing. Because when I think country, I think of a pretentious actress who lives in England and tells everyone how backwards America is. Well that's country!
Bring on hour 3!
Now, SUGARLAND!! But what the heck is with this musicbox dancer routine? Thankfully it didn't last too long. Jennifer Nettles still looks a lot like Kirsten Dunst mixed with Martha Plimpton from Raising Hope & The Goonies, and the lady from Reno 911. Lady Antebellum wins vocal group, not a shock. I hope they sing Hello World. I luuuurrrrrrve that song!! They have some famous relatives. Hillary's mother is Linda Davis, who sang with Reba on that Does He Love You song. And one of the two guys is the brother of Katherine Heigl's husband. He's a singer too, but everyone knows him as Katherine Heigl's husband or Lady Antebellum guy's brother. Wow, sucks to be him.
Now it's time for Keith Urban. Good song and good use of Ellen Degeneres' former hairstyle. Now Reba is singing "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce. Well, at least she isn't doing the 5,000th youtube version of Single Ladies. But it would have been fun to hear her do Crazy In Love. Sugarland has already done a great job on Irreplaceable.
KELLY CLARKSON!! I've heard great things about this duet. Wow, they tore that up! Great job, although Jason Aldean was slightly blown out of the water by Kelly, it still was good. Her voice as strong and awesome as I've heard it. Album of the year time. It's between Lady A & Miranda. Who'll win? Miranda Lambert takes it home. I need to download that. She seems a little crazy. I appreciate that! Plus, one of her producers kinda looks like Chaz Bono. Now, Kid Rock is singing. This I dedicate to my dear sweet friend Vicki! She's been on the Kid Rock cruise. He is a very good performer. I actually liked this song too. But dude, that fringe is too much.
Once again, let me just say that Brad Paisley is awesome. He is someone who respect the history of country music, is super talented, and funny as all get out. Now time for Vocal Duo of the Year, and it's Sugarland. This is mainly because there aren't really any other duos out there having much success. They should just combine duo & group. And apparently they couldn't put the video of the year in the main telecast. You need time to have Gwyneth Paltrow sing. Because when I think country, I think of a pretentious actress who lives in England and tells everyone how backwards America is. Well that's country!
Bring on hour 3!
CMA Awards Blog - Hour 1
Well, Carrie Underwood is starting off this year's awards show by oversinging to show how loud she can sing. Unfortunately, the audio person is cranking up the electric guitar even louder than her. I guess the audio guy is a Taylor fan. Brad Paisley & Keith Urban came on to play guitar and banjo respectively. They make her look more & more like a robot. No, I'm not a huge Carrie fan. She has a great voice, but annoys me. But then the opening monologue further proving how awesome Brad Paisley is. Redoing Buck Owen's Tiger By the Tail into a Tiger Woods song was brilliant.
Ty Pennington looks like a tall skinny oompa loompa. Orange isn't his color. Lady Antebellum wins single of the year for "Need You Now", a great song about a booty call, but a classy one. It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now. That's class. haha, I kid I kid, it's a great song and I downloaded their album. For those of you under 30, album is an old term for a big CD.
Rascall Flatts sang a song that wasn't horrible cheesy and overly emotional for a change. But I don't know where the lead singing shot got that couch to shoot so someone could make that shirt. By the way, his name is Gary Le Vox. That's not his real name, he changed it. Le Vox is Latin for "the voice". Pretentious much?
What happened to Kellie Pickler's face? WOW! She looks like a mannequin, and not in a good way. Song of the year went to "The House That Built Me". That is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time. It's just brilliant. Miranda Lambert sang it beautifully. More funny from Brad then some Blake Shelton. I've watched Blake on Chelsea Lately and he's at least half crazy and dang proud of it. I appreciate that.
Miranda Lambert is just flippin awesome. But it's odd still to see country music sung in fancy clothes. The sound mixing is still awful. Are they really afraid people won't be able to hear the electric guitars? George Strait is and always will be the King of Country Music. Kids, this is how to be cool, by not forcing it. Just let the cool be. Nicole Kidman was so moved by it, her over botoxed face almost showed emotion. Glad Zac Brown Band won New Artist. But I promise you he looks like the homeless guy who used to show up around my office at my first job. But their performance was just down home awesome, especially when Alan Jackson came out to sing with them. Then Kenny Chesney came out to sing his football song. He makes weird faces when he sings, and the song is pretty schmaltzy and predictable, but it perfectly captures football, especially in the south.
Bring on hour 2!
Ty Pennington looks like a tall skinny oompa loompa. Orange isn't his color. Lady Antebellum wins single of the year for "Need You Now", a great song about a booty call, but a classy one. It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now. That's class. haha, I kid I kid, it's a great song and I downloaded their album. For those of you under 30, album is an old term for a big CD.
Rascall Flatts sang a song that wasn't horrible cheesy and overly emotional for a change. But I don't know where the lead singing shot got that couch to shoot so someone could make that shirt. By the way, his name is Gary Le Vox. That's not his real name, he changed it. Le Vox is Latin for "the voice". Pretentious much?
What happened to Kellie Pickler's face? WOW! She looks like a mannequin, and not in a good way. Song of the year went to "The House That Built Me". That is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time. It's just brilliant. Miranda Lambert sang it beautifully. More funny from Brad then some Blake Shelton. I've watched Blake on Chelsea Lately and he's at least half crazy and dang proud of it. I appreciate that.
Miranda Lambert is just flippin awesome. But it's odd still to see country music sung in fancy clothes. The sound mixing is still awful. Are they really afraid people won't be able to hear the electric guitars? George Strait is and always will be the King of Country Music. Kids, this is how to be cool, by not forcing it. Just let the cool be. Nicole Kidman was so moved by it, her over botoxed face almost showed emotion. Glad Zac Brown Band won New Artist. But I promise you he looks like the homeless guy who used to show up around my office at my first job. But their performance was just down home awesome, especially when Alan Jackson came out to sing with them. Then Kenny Chesney came out to sing his football song. He makes weird faces when he sings, and the song is pretty schmaltzy and predictable, but it perfectly captures football, especially in the south.
Bring on hour 2!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
I'll find a reason to believe.
This weekend has been more bad than good. I think I'm done with people for a while. I think Thoreau had it right, even though Walden bored me to tears. Although, with the life I lead, I almost feel like I'm isolated at Walden Pond, or I'm the Unabomber, one of the 2 haha.
Eh, I'll start with the bad and work around to good. Bama lost. South Carolina just outplayed them. It was painful to watch, but it didn't ruin my weekend. It won't ruin my week, month, or year. If a football game affects you that much, you really need more to your life haha.
Other things can tick you off instead. I've lost 35 pounds. That's great and all, but now, my pants look like a drawstring bag on me. I still have more weight to lose, so I don't know how long I'll be in that size. Therefore, I don't want to make a huge investment. I want to be economical. You'd figure I could find some pants, but NOOO! Either they don't fit right or they aren't the right color or style. Yes, I'm picky. I have to wear them everyday so they need to be something I like. I made it through the redneck mall in York (although there is apparently one that's even more redneck), the Towson mall, Kohl's, & Marshalls. I think I know most every style of pant (including short jorts, YIKES! Gotta please the rednecks) and none are right. So I have to be droopy for a while longer. I hate shopping. I hate it more when nothing is right. Maybe I'll wear sweatpants everywhere. I have a pair that fit.
Then, there is my phone. Had trouble getting & keeping a signal. Went to Best Buy first. Went to the one closest to the office. Wanted to make sure my iPhone protection plan was still good. Guy there, well, not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Yes, he could have been the butter knife. He suggested I check with the store where I bought the phone. So I did. That guy thought the other guy was just not smart. He couldn't figure out what was wrong. Told me to check with AT&T and Apple before switching out my phone. He thought it could be a network issue that AT&T could fix easily. Saturday, went to AT&T. He said it wasn't a network issue. Wouldn't even humor me and check. Best Buy guy was right. They work on commission. If you ain't buyin, they ain't tryin. So that made me ill. Went to a different mall today. Different AT&T, same result. So I went to the Apple Store. OK, it's like Wal-Mart at Christmas in there. And you have to make an appointment they are so crowded. I was lucky to get one 1.5 hours later. But the one chick there either hated me or hated her life. She wasn't friendly. Maybe it was because I rolled my eyes when she said 1.5 hours. Well excuse me for thinking that's odd. So I looked at more pants that were too expensive. Got seen about 15-20 minutes after my time. Lady said she'd restore/reset the phone, should take care of it. She did it, I leave, tried to make a call, same problem. Went right back in, she reset it again. I went outside, had to try a call. It worked, but then it went back. GRRR!! Went right back. Had to deal with Little Miss Sunshine again (she really needs charm school). This time, instead of resetting it, my technician Toni (who actually was very nice, unlike other chick) got me a new phone. So it worked and off to more fruitless pants shopping. Get back to the apartment, I'm having trouble with iTunes and have to call Apple. I apparently have them stumped until tomorrow. At least I didn't call for an iPhone problem. I would have had to PAY for a tech call about that. Yeah, ridiculous. Ugh, nothing went right. Braves couldn't even hold a lead in the 9th. Weekend wasn't great.
Also found out that my neighbor from up the street back home (Alabama is home, I currently live in "the apartment", I don't call it home) passed away. Mr. Shuttlesworth was always just the nicest man, always with a smile, always a Godly man. He lived a good long life and I was blessed to know him. RIP to a dear man.
But at least The Social Network was a great movie. Who knew the story of Facebook was so interesting. Jesse Eisenberg was amazing, Andrew Garfield (soon to be the new Spider-Man) was also very good. Justin Timberlake even did a good job. You must see this movie. And I sang at church this morning. Small solo that I first went over just the other night. It all worked out. Yeah, those were the only good things. Dang, my weekend did suck. haha
So I move on to next week. Gotta be better, right? I hope my phone gets fixed. It's my key to my friends & family. Tough being away from home. Hope everyone has a great week. I'm done whining. For now at least.
Eh, I'll start with the bad and work around to good. Bama lost. South Carolina just outplayed them. It was painful to watch, but it didn't ruin my weekend. It won't ruin my week, month, or year. If a football game affects you that much, you really need more to your life haha.
Other things can tick you off instead. I've lost 35 pounds. That's great and all, but now, my pants look like a drawstring bag on me. I still have more weight to lose, so I don't know how long I'll be in that size. Therefore, I don't want to make a huge investment. I want to be economical. You'd figure I could find some pants, but NOOO! Either they don't fit right or they aren't the right color or style. Yes, I'm picky. I have to wear them everyday so they need to be something I like. I made it through the redneck mall in York (although there is apparently one that's even more redneck), the Towson mall, Kohl's, & Marshalls. I think I know most every style of pant (including short jorts, YIKES! Gotta please the rednecks) and none are right. So I have to be droopy for a while longer. I hate shopping. I hate it more when nothing is right. Maybe I'll wear sweatpants everywhere. I have a pair that fit.
Then, there is my phone. Had trouble getting & keeping a signal. Went to Best Buy first. Went to the one closest to the office. Wanted to make sure my iPhone protection plan was still good. Guy there, well, not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Yes, he could have been the butter knife. He suggested I check with the store where I bought the phone. So I did. That guy thought the other guy was just not smart. He couldn't figure out what was wrong. Told me to check with AT&T and Apple before switching out my phone. He thought it could be a network issue that AT&T could fix easily. Saturday, went to AT&T. He said it wasn't a network issue. Wouldn't even humor me and check. Best Buy guy was right. They work on commission. If you ain't buyin, they ain't tryin. So that made me ill. Went to a different mall today. Different AT&T, same result. So I went to the Apple Store. OK, it's like Wal-Mart at Christmas in there. And you have to make an appointment they are so crowded. I was lucky to get one 1.5 hours later. But the one chick there either hated me or hated her life. She wasn't friendly. Maybe it was because I rolled my eyes when she said 1.5 hours. Well excuse me for thinking that's odd. So I looked at more pants that were too expensive. Got seen about 15-20 minutes after my time. Lady said she'd restore/reset the phone, should take care of it. She did it, I leave, tried to make a call, same problem. Went right back in, she reset it again. I went outside, had to try a call. It worked, but then it went back. GRRR!! Went right back. Had to deal with Little Miss Sunshine again (she really needs charm school). This time, instead of resetting it, my technician Toni (who actually was very nice, unlike other chick) got me a new phone. So it worked and off to more fruitless pants shopping. Get back to the apartment, I'm having trouble with iTunes and have to call Apple. I apparently have them stumped until tomorrow. At least I didn't call for an iPhone problem. I would have had to PAY for a tech call about that. Yeah, ridiculous. Ugh, nothing went right. Braves couldn't even hold a lead in the 9th. Weekend wasn't great.
Also found out that my neighbor from up the street back home (Alabama is home, I currently live in "the apartment", I don't call it home) passed away. Mr. Shuttlesworth was always just the nicest man, always with a smile, always a Godly man. He lived a good long life and I was blessed to know him. RIP to a dear man.
But at least The Social Network was a great movie. Who knew the story of Facebook was so interesting. Jesse Eisenberg was amazing, Andrew Garfield (soon to be the new Spider-Man) was also very good. Justin Timberlake even did a good job. You must see this movie. And I sang at church this morning. Small solo that I first went over just the other night. It all worked out. Yeah, those were the only good things. Dang, my weekend did suck. haha
So I move on to next week. Gotta be better, right? I hope my phone gets fixed. It's my key to my friends & family. Tough being away from home. Hope everyone has a great week. I'm done whining. For now at least.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
I Feel Good, I Knew That I Would Now
So, who's sick of me talking my weight loss? Well, tough luck buster, I'm talking about it some more. What's more, you get a few more details tonight. Yes, you'll even get numbers tonight. I know you've been waiting on that. haha. But before I tell you where I am, I must tell you how I got here.
I never was the skinniest of kids. I was even born big. 10 lbs, 9 oz. Sure, I was over 3 weeks late, but that's not the point. In elementary school I got a bit chunky around 3rd or 4th grade. I even wore "husky" size jeans. Yeah, don't get me started on calling jeans husky. Even though I played little baseball & basketball and was on a swim team, you wouldn't know it by looking at me. That probably had to do with the fact that I wasn't very good. haha. Then around the age of 13 or 14, it evened out. I grew taller and had to give up fried foods because of my stomach condition. Eh, it helped. So in high school I was never fat, just not as skinny as everyone else. Same thing in college. Just your average guy, a little heavy. Then I went to Savannah, GA on summer missions. Being so active that summer and in the sun, I came back 10-15 lbs thinner and tan. I wasn't complaining haha. I finally evened back out to my normal weight.
But that didn't last forever. After a few years, I started noticing some pain and stiffness. I finally went to the doctor when it became too much to bear. I was diagnosed with arthritis. When it hurts to move, you don't move. When you don't move, well, you obviously gain weight. It took 4 years to find the right medicine. But finally I did. I felt like the Tin Man after Dorothy used the oil can on him. Physically, I was better. But after 4 years of being lazy, it's tough to be unlazy. Once I moved to Baltimore, I had my arthritis doctor and my primary care doctor telling me I needed to lose weight. I will admit, the worst part about going to the doctor wasn't getting blood drawn, it was getting weighed. That number kept going up. I learned to live with the weight gain. I had mama move over the buttons on my pants until I finally had to go up a size.
I even joined a gym back in March. I was good about going at first. Then I got sick or hurt or busy or had high blood pressure or something and I didn't go as much. Then I kept thinking about doing some sort of weight loss program. I had semi decided on Weight Watchers. I'd heard good things about it. I kept seeing my weight go up and then got a look at myself in some pictures, including that one I put on Facebook. I was heavier than I wanted to be. So when I was in Alabama, I signed up for Weight Watchers.
On Sunday July 18th, I weighed myself at home. My weight was lower than it was earlier in the year, but still too high. I weighed 263.3 lbs. Yup, I'd been in the 260s for a while. But with Weight Watchers and working out 3-4 times a week, I started losing weight. I was losing more than I imagined I could. 5 became 10, 10 became 15, 15 became 20 and so on. I can't tell you how good it has felt to see the numbers on the scale go down. My arthritis doctor was pleased. My only regret is that my family & friends back home can't share it in person and I can't rub it in their faces :-) Kidding.
Well, I weighed myself this morning and I was at 230.0 lbs. Yup, I'm almost in the 220s. Just 2-2.5 months ago, I was firmly in the 260s. I thought I was destined to stay there. I look back on pictures now and I can't believe the change. Thanks to everyone for all their encouragement. It has meant a lot. I can't wait to get back home to show off to everyone in person. It's a great feeling. I'm not done yet. My primary care doc suggested being under 200 for my height. So I'm aiming for that. I'm pretty much halfway there. This is but one goal I'm working on. Bring it on world, I'm ready for ya!
I never was the skinniest of kids. I was even born big. 10 lbs, 9 oz. Sure, I was over 3 weeks late, but that's not the point. In elementary school I got a bit chunky around 3rd or 4th grade. I even wore "husky" size jeans. Yeah, don't get me started on calling jeans husky. Even though I played little baseball & basketball and was on a swim team, you wouldn't know it by looking at me. That probably had to do with the fact that I wasn't very good. haha. Then around the age of 13 or 14, it evened out. I grew taller and had to give up fried foods because of my stomach condition. Eh, it helped. So in high school I was never fat, just not as skinny as everyone else. Same thing in college. Just your average guy, a little heavy. Then I went to Savannah, GA on summer missions. Being so active that summer and in the sun, I came back 10-15 lbs thinner and tan. I wasn't complaining haha. I finally evened back out to my normal weight.
But that didn't last forever. After a few years, I started noticing some pain and stiffness. I finally went to the doctor when it became too much to bear. I was diagnosed with arthritis. When it hurts to move, you don't move. When you don't move, well, you obviously gain weight. It took 4 years to find the right medicine. But finally I did. I felt like the Tin Man after Dorothy used the oil can on him. Physically, I was better. But after 4 years of being lazy, it's tough to be unlazy. Once I moved to Baltimore, I had my arthritis doctor and my primary care doctor telling me I needed to lose weight. I will admit, the worst part about going to the doctor wasn't getting blood drawn, it was getting weighed. That number kept going up. I learned to live with the weight gain. I had mama move over the buttons on my pants until I finally had to go up a size.
I even joined a gym back in March. I was good about going at first. Then I got sick or hurt or busy or had high blood pressure or something and I didn't go as much. Then I kept thinking about doing some sort of weight loss program. I had semi decided on Weight Watchers. I'd heard good things about it. I kept seeing my weight go up and then got a look at myself in some pictures, including that one I put on Facebook. I was heavier than I wanted to be. So when I was in Alabama, I signed up for Weight Watchers.
On Sunday July 18th, I weighed myself at home. My weight was lower than it was earlier in the year, but still too high. I weighed 263.3 lbs. Yup, I'd been in the 260s for a while. But with Weight Watchers and working out 3-4 times a week, I started losing weight. I was losing more than I imagined I could. 5 became 10, 10 became 15, 15 became 20 and so on. I can't tell you how good it has felt to see the numbers on the scale go down. My arthritis doctor was pleased. My only regret is that my family & friends back home can't share it in person and I can't rub it in their faces :-) Kidding.
Well, I weighed myself this morning and I was at 230.0 lbs. Yup, I'm almost in the 220s. Just 2-2.5 months ago, I was firmly in the 260s. I thought I was destined to stay there. I look back on pictures now and I can't believe the change. Thanks to everyone for all their encouragement. It has meant a lot. I can't wait to get back home to show off to everyone in person. It's a great feeling. I'm not done yet. My primary care doc suggested being under 200 for my height. So I'm aiming for that. I'm pretty much halfway there. This is but one goal I'm working on. Bring it on world, I'm ready for ya!
Monday, September 27, 2010
I never heard the melody, until I needed a song
Wow, it's been a while since I blogged. I didn't think it'd been a month. Time flies when you have no life. Well, anyway, I looked back and on my last blog/note, I was down 20 pounds. Now, I'm down close to 30 pounds! I'm well on my way to my original weight of 10 lbs., 9 oz!! Yes, I even lost a pound on vacation. I kept up with my points and walked around a lot, which was my exercising instead of the gym.
So yeah, I went on vacation about a week and a half ago. I went to San Diego. If you read this at all, you know this. No, I don't know anyone in San Diego, although I did find out that I did know someone who would be there (more on that later), I have no family out there. It was a random choice. Free flight from Southwest and I've always wanted to go to California. My flight was mid-morning so I didn't have to wake up too early to get to the airport and I made it there in plenty of time. I had my book ready and my Vanity Fair & Games magazine on hand as well. I was prepping for an uneventful flight. I got on the flight and thought I was gonna have drama courtesy of one woman. She and her husband were the last 2 passengers and the only seats left were center seats. She complained without complaining to her husband about it and made a big deal of the inconvenience. Her husband was sitting by me, she was in the row behind. The lady in the window seat behind me heard her griping too and offered to switch seats after she was done with her work. She also told griping lady that if you check in earlier, you won't have this problem, but in a polite way. Griping wife finally made friends with the passenger on the other side so when working woman offered her seat later, she politely declined. She said her husband probably was enjoying the peace & quiet. Since I was reading Vanity Fair rip Sarah Palin to shreds, I wasn't talking to him, so I imagine he was enjoying the peace & quiet. Glad I could help you out sir!
So then I landed in San Diego. I saw sunny skies & palm trees. I loved it already. Hotel wasn't far from the airport and I didn't get lost, so that's good. Went to my hotel, which wasn't fancy, but it was clean and nice and the pool was good - and it was CHEAP! then I got something to eat. I headed to the beach so I could get some west coast sunset pictures. It look a long time to find a park, but I found one just in time. There is a huge pier at Ocean Beach and I got some great shots. Leaving the pier, I saw some guy with rolling papers and he was putting something in them. HOPEFULLY it was tobacco. I was too intrigued to look away but too paranoid to stick around. Then, I went to eat at the Mexican restaurant at the hotel that night. I got a spicy chicken sandwich, I don't like Mexican food. Then I prepped myself to be a tourist!
Thursday was zoo day. That is a big zoo, and it's really nice too. It's layout is good. They have a lot of animals and they do a lot for animal conservation. I got lots of pics of some sort of critters. Some of them I even recognize. I even dealt with some work issues while there. I'm a multi-tasker! The day started out sorta cloudy, but by noon, it was perfect. Clear skies and temps in the 70s. Yes, I got too much sun that day. But I couldn't be in California without coming back with sun. After the zoo, I went to the Wild Animal park which is about half an hour north of the zoo. I don't know why I went. It had some of the same animals as the zoo, the exhibits were just ok, and it overall looked decent, but like it was an afterthought or maybe once had been more dynamic. It looked like the old mall in what's now the lesser part of town.
That night, I went to Old Town. Mainly because I heard it was cool and I could get there without getting on the interstate. I walked around a bit, tried to find something to eat, and scope out haunted tours. I found a lot of Mexican restaurants. But I found a place called O'Hungrys. They had 2 guys singing and playing guitar, but more importantly, they had $5 entrees. I was sold! It would be my home the next 3 nights haha. I also found the "haunted" Whaley house and made plans that next night to visit there. It was good to hear the stories about the house. They give history tours of it by day, ghost tours by night. One night in Old Town, I even saw a man who set up camp outside a store and had 2 dogs and a chicken. Sometimes, the chicken would ride on the dogs' backs. Yeah, it's weirder than it sounds and that says a lot.
Friday, was Sea World. My friend & former co-worker Brook, I found out, was in SD the same time I was. Happy accident. I was at Sea World the same day she, her husband, and her sister were. I had hoped to run into her but she found me at the sea lions show. I loved that show. It was actually funny & entertaining. The dolphin show had too little dolphin, too much weird aerial ballet & diving. Shamu was good, but with some horrendous Disney style song that could have benefited from a sound system malfunction. I saw a dog & cat show too. Yes, at Sea World. No, I didn't get it either. I saw dolphins up close, I saw sharks, I dealt with a work issue, I rode the sky tram and didn't freak out (but was scared, I freely admit it!). It started off cloudy but soon gave way to clear skies and temps in the 70s. Sea World was awesome. Later that evening, just before sunset, I got in the hot tub at the hotel. I was all alone in the pool area and loved it. I looked up and saw the sky begin to change colors from blue, to red, to orange. I saw the tall palm trees sway gently in the breeze. I was perfectly at peace. I was in a hot tub in southern California at sunset. Loved it!
Saturday, I had plans at one point to drive up to LA. I'm glad I thought better of it. So I took a trolley tour of San Diego. I went to the Harbor (it was the beginning of fleet week so it was PACKED!), went to Coronado and saw the hotel there. It's HUGE!! And it's wooden and had a red roof, but it's nothing like a Red Roof Inn. Apparently, parts of Some Like It Hot were filmed there. I went to eat lunch at a restaurant there (after the seafood place at the harbor messed up my order) and found some Tennessee fans. They were very nice people. Bama was demolishing Duke and UT was in a dogfight with the Gators at the time. It was good to be around folks who cared about SEC football though. One last night in Old Town, then off to pack to come back to Baltimore and deal with work issues on Sunday morning. The plane ride back was quieter. I sat next to the 2 nicest older ladies on the flight to KC. They were sweet as can be. I sat close because I had a quick turnaround between flights, but I need not have worried. I had to go 30 feet to my gate and still way 10-15 minutes and deal with a work issue before boarding.
So yeah, then it was back to reality. Back to work on Monday. Back to the gym but with still sore feet, back to my exercise class, back to choir practice. Back to life, back to reality, back from a fantasy (thanks Jeff for also thinking of that song for me earlier this week, it was already in my brain haha). I did see The Town on Friday. Awesome movie, a must see! Yesterday, it was the church community fair, then back to the apartment to watch Bama come back in the 2nd half for a huge win, watched a kinda decent episode of SNL, then sleep. Today was church, WalMart (and some NedWrecks!), Steel Magnolias (don't judge), NFL, and Mad Men. Yes, I'm that boring.
My deep thought of the week is about resilience. Kids are some of the most resilient creatures on Earth. They have short memories of heartache, despair, and pain. Yesterday, a little boy at church busted his mouth open, he was crying, he was bleeding, his world was awful. His dad was inside packing stuff up, his mom was at his grandmother's car. He needed his parents in a bad way. So I scooped him up and we went searching. It hurts me when kids are crying & in pain. Mom was found and she took over. I checked on him a few minutes later, his two front teeth were out and he was cleaned up and smiling. He was happy again. 5 minutes earlier was an awful time for him, but he bounced back that quickly. He even smiled for us all and showed his new profile. Why aren't we like that? Why do we let petty things drag us down? Why do we have such long memories? Jackson has a lot to teach us I believe.
Have a good week everyone. Wake me up when September ends.
So yeah, I went on vacation about a week and a half ago. I went to San Diego. If you read this at all, you know this. No, I don't know anyone in San Diego, although I did find out that I did know someone who would be there (more on that later), I have no family out there. It was a random choice. Free flight from Southwest and I've always wanted to go to California. My flight was mid-morning so I didn't have to wake up too early to get to the airport and I made it there in plenty of time. I had my book ready and my Vanity Fair & Games magazine on hand as well. I was prepping for an uneventful flight. I got on the flight and thought I was gonna have drama courtesy of one woman. She and her husband were the last 2 passengers and the only seats left were center seats. She complained without complaining to her husband about it and made a big deal of the inconvenience. Her husband was sitting by me, she was in the row behind. The lady in the window seat behind me heard her griping too and offered to switch seats after she was done with her work. She also told griping lady that if you check in earlier, you won't have this problem, but in a polite way. Griping wife finally made friends with the passenger on the other side so when working woman offered her seat later, she politely declined. She said her husband probably was enjoying the peace & quiet. Since I was reading Vanity Fair rip Sarah Palin to shreds, I wasn't talking to him, so I imagine he was enjoying the peace & quiet. Glad I could help you out sir!
So then I landed in San Diego. I saw sunny skies & palm trees. I loved it already. Hotel wasn't far from the airport and I didn't get lost, so that's good. Went to my hotel, which wasn't fancy, but it was clean and nice and the pool was good - and it was CHEAP! then I got something to eat. I headed to the beach so I could get some west coast sunset pictures. It look a long time to find a park, but I found one just in time. There is a huge pier at Ocean Beach and I got some great shots. Leaving the pier, I saw some guy with rolling papers and he was putting something in them. HOPEFULLY it was tobacco. I was too intrigued to look away but too paranoid to stick around. Then, I went to eat at the Mexican restaurant at the hotel that night. I got a spicy chicken sandwich, I don't like Mexican food. Then I prepped myself to be a tourist!
Thursday was zoo day. That is a big zoo, and it's really nice too. It's layout is good. They have a lot of animals and they do a lot for animal conservation. I got lots of pics of some sort of critters. Some of them I even recognize. I even dealt with some work issues while there. I'm a multi-tasker! The day started out sorta cloudy, but by noon, it was perfect. Clear skies and temps in the 70s. Yes, I got too much sun that day. But I couldn't be in California without coming back with sun. After the zoo, I went to the Wild Animal park which is about half an hour north of the zoo. I don't know why I went. It had some of the same animals as the zoo, the exhibits were just ok, and it overall looked decent, but like it was an afterthought or maybe once had been more dynamic. It looked like the old mall in what's now the lesser part of town.
That night, I went to Old Town. Mainly because I heard it was cool and I could get there without getting on the interstate. I walked around a bit, tried to find something to eat, and scope out haunted tours. I found a lot of Mexican restaurants. But I found a place called O'Hungrys. They had 2 guys singing and playing guitar, but more importantly, they had $5 entrees. I was sold! It would be my home the next 3 nights haha. I also found the "haunted" Whaley house and made plans that next night to visit there. It was good to hear the stories about the house. They give history tours of it by day, ghost tours by night. One night in Old Town, I even saw a man who set up camp outside a store and had 2 dogs and a chicken. Sometimes, the chicken would ride on the dogs' backs. Yeah, it's weirder than it sounds and that says a lot.
Friday, was Sea World. My friend & former co-worker Brook, I found out, was in SD the same time I was. Happy accident. I was at Sea World the same day she, her husband, and her sister were. I had hoped to run into her but she found me at the sea lions show. I loved that show. It was actually funny & entertaining. The dolphin show had too little dolphin, too much weird aerial ballet & diving. Shamu was good, but with some horrendous Disney style song that could have benefited from a sound system malfunction. I saw a dog & cat show too. Yes, at Sea World. No, I didn't get it either. I saw dolphins up close, I saw sharks, I dealt with a work issue, I rode the sky tram and didn't freak out (but was scared, I freely admit it!). It started off cloudy but soon gave way to clear skies and temps in the 70s. Sea World was awesome. Later that evening, just before sunset, I got in the hot tub at the hotel. I was all alone in the pool area and loved it. I looked up and saw the sky begin to change colors from blue, to red, to orange. I saw the tall palm trees sway gently in the breeze. I was perfectly at peace. I was in a hot tub in southern California at sunset. Loved it!
Saturday, I had plans at one point to drive up to LA. I'm glad I thought better of it. So I took a trolley tour of San Diego. I went to the Harbor (it was the beginning of fleet week so it was PACKED!), went to Coronado and saw the hotel there. It's HUGE!! And it's wooden and had a red roof, but it's nothing like a Red Roof Inn. Apparently, parts of Some Like It Hot were filmed there. I went to eat lunch at a restaurant there (after the seafood place at the harbor messed up my order) and found some Tennessee fans. They were very nice people. Bama was demolishing Duke and UT was in a dogfight with the Gators at the time. It was good to be around folks who cared about SEC football though. One last night in Old Town, then off to pack to come back to Baltimore and deal with work issues on Sunday morning. The plane ride back was quieter. I sat next to the 2 nicest older ladies on the flight to KC. They were sweet as can be. I sat close because I had a quick turnaround between flights, but I need not have worried. I had to go 30 feet to my gate and still way 10-15 minutes and deal with a work issue before boarding.
So yeah, then it was back to reality. Back to work on Monday. Back to the gym but with still sore feet, back to my exercise class, back to choir practice. Back to life, back to reality, back from a fantasy (thanks Jeff for also thinking of that song for me earlier this week, it was already in my brain haha). I did see The Town on Friday. Awesome movie, a must see! Yesterday, it was the church community fair, then back to the apartment to watch Bama come back in the 2nd half for a huge win, watched a kinda decent episode of SNL, then sleep. Today was church, WalMart (and some NedWrecks!), Steel Magnolias (don't judge), NFL, and Mad Men. Yes, I'm that boring.
My deep thought of the week is about resilience. Kids are some of the most resilient creatures on Earth. They have short memories of heartache, despair, and pain. Yesterday, a little boy at church busted his mouth open, he was crying, he was bleeding, his world was awful. His dad was inside packing stuff up, his mom was at his grandmother's car. He needed his parents in a bad way. So I scooped him up and we went searching. It hurts me when kids are crying & in pain. Mom was found and she took over. I checked on him a few minutes later, his two front teeth were out and he was cleaned up and smiling. He was happy again. 5 minutes earlier was an awful time for him, but he bounced back that quickly. He even smiled for us all and showed his new profile. Why aren't we like that? Why do we let petty things drag us down? Why do we have such long memories? Jackson has a lot to teach us I believe.
Have a good week everyone. Wake me up when September ends.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
I'm not drowning, there's no one here to save!
Welcome back blog readers. It's been a couple of weeks, I hope you missed me, because I enjoy being missed. Only in America and only on the interwebs could the travails of a single guy who does as little as possible be read by anyone. Well, the only people that read it are people who know me, so I guess it's not as spectacular as I would have myself believe. (cue the sound of bubble bursting).
Well, after an opening negative, I will now move on to a positive. I have now dropped 20 pounds through Weight Watchers and exercise. I still can't believe I get to say I've lost that much. Now, I have to keep it up because I'm nowhere near my goal yet. But I'm very proud of that 20 pounds. It came off easier than I thought it would. That's just an evil tease of that weight. Sure, the first 20 are easy, now try for more. I'll kick your butt you stupid weight! BRING IT ON!
I've been going to the movies lately for some tacky cheesy horror movies. Piranha 3D was exactly what I thought. It was gory, bloody, and stupid. I had a great time! I went to see The Last Exorcism this past Friday night. It wasn't exactly what I expected. It took a few turns. Some people will hate the twists. I may not have agreed with them, but I appreciated them. I think the twists can be traced back to stuff earlier in the movie too. It's not for everyone, but it kept me on the edge of my seat. If scary movies scare you, well, then, you are a wuss. MAN UP!
I've taken a few daycations lately as well. Last weekend, I went to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. I went expecting to find a bunch of really nerdy people in ye olde timey garb speaking like bad Shakespeare and generally being annoying. Sadly, I was wrong. But I still had a good time. The look of it was fantastic. It's on the estate of a winery in PA and the old buildings and all the trees made it look authentic. They had a lot of shops with all sorts of clothes, knick knacks, turkey legs, things like that. There was some stupid dance troupe which was a bit ridiculous. But I did get to see a guy in stilts as part of an audience participation circle dance. You don't see that everyday. Once a week, maybe, but not everyday. The Queen was also there! Not Helen Mirren, or Aretha Franklin, the ACTUAL Queen!! Sure, she died in 1603 but it had to be her. They also had some performance shows. One was a group of Squires & Sirens telling dirty jokes & singing dirty songs. Apparently, the time of Elizabeth I was like an episode of HBO's Def Comedy Jam. Who knew! There was a human chess match which had two knights fighting because one insulted the other. They finished it on the final jousting field. One knight championed by Sir Francis Drake, the other by Sir Walter Raleigh. Well, Raleigh's guy insulted the Queen a few times. It made it seem like a 16th century WWE match. Turns out that Raleigh's guy, unbeknownst to Raleigh, was working with the Spanish king to overthrow Good Queen Bess. Then there were attacks, explosions, blood, all sorts of fun stuff. Overall, it was a well done production. Very professional, with dirty jokes, fire, knives, another Spanish defeat! Next time, I need to have a turkey leg!
Yesterday, I went to the Inner Harbor. A bright sunny day. I got on a speedboat. I got a sunburn. But I look good with color. It helps me avoid looking like a vampire extra from Twilight or True Blood. But being around people, at the Faire or out in public, I've come to realize that we really need to keep people from wearing certain things in public. Not every body type was made to wear a tank top with, um, a lack of support. Not every foot was made for flip flops. Think before you go strapless. All shorts should be a minimum length on your leg. Also, bikers, are bike shorts REALLY necessary? I need scientific evidence or an episode of Oprah to convince me. I just don't get them. Also, I wonder, are bike riders supposed to be like car drivers or like pedestrians when on the road? I've seen both & it confuses me.
My next goal in life is to win a contest. HGTV is giving away an apartment in NYC. A NICE apartment. I want that!! I was gonna get political on stuff, but ya know what, I don't have the energy to do that tonight. I'll tell everyone on both sides how stupid they are at another time in the future. For now, I'll go back to watching the Emmys. I've been pretty happy with the awards so far. However, I never wanted Kyra Sedwick to win for The Closer because her southern accent is horrific. Anyway, how ya doin? How's yer mama n'em?
Well, after an opening negative, I will now move on to a positive. I have now dropped 20 pounds through Weight Watchers and exercise. I still can't believe I get to say I've lost that much. Now, I have to keep it up because I'm nowhere near my goal yet. But I'm very proud of that 20 pounds. It came off easier than I thought it would. That's just an evil tease of that weight. Sure, the first 20 are easy, now try for more. I'll kick your butt you stupid weight! BRING IT ON!
I've been going to the movies lately for some tacky cheesy horror movies. Piranha 3D was exactly what I thought. It was gory, bloody, and stupid. I had a great time! I went to see The Last Exorcism this past Friday night. It wasn't exactly what I expected. It took a few turns. Some people will hate the twists. I may not have agreed with them, but I appreciated them. I think the twists can be traced back to stuff earlier in the movie too. It's not for everyone, but it kept me on the edge of my seat. If scary movies scare you, well, then, you are a wuss. MAN UP!
I've taken a few daycations lately as well. Last weekend, I went to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. I went expecting to find a bunch of really nerdy people in ye olde timey garb speaking like bad Shakespeare and generally being annoying. Sadly, I was wrong. But I still had a good time. The look of it was fantastic. It's on the estate of a winery in PA and the old buildings and all the trees made it look authentic. They had a lot of shops with all sorts of clothes, knick knacks, turkey legs, things like that. There was some stupid dance troupe which was a bit ridiculous. But I did get to see a guy in stilts as part of an audience participation circle dance. You don't see that everyday. Once a week, maybe, but not everyday. The Queen was also there! Not Helen Mirren, or Aretha Franklin, the ACTUAL Queen!! Sure, she died in 1603 but it had to be her. They also had some performance shows. One was a group of Squires & Sirens telling dirty jokes & singing dirty songs. Apparently, the time of Elizabeth I was like an episode of HBO's Def Comedy Jam. Who knew! There was a human chess match which had two knights fighting because one insulted the other. They finished it on the final jousting field. One knight championed by Sir Francis Drake, the other by Sir Walter Raleigh. Well, Raleigh's guy insulted the Queen a few times. It made it seem like a 16th century WWE match. Turns out that Raleigh's guy, unbeknownst to Raleigh, was working with the Spanish king to overthrow Good Queen Bess. Then there were attacks, explosions, blood, all sorts of fun stuff. Overall, it was a well done production. Very professional, with dirty jokes, fire, knives, another Spanish defeat! Next time, I need to have a turkey leg!
Yesterday, I went to the Inner Harbor. A bright sunny day. I got on a speedboat. I got a sunburn. But I look good with color. It helps me avoid looking like a vampire extra from Twilight or True Blood. But being around people, at the Faire or out in public, I've come to realize that we really need to keep people from wearing certain things in public. Not every body type was made to wear a tank top with, um, a lack of support. Not every foot was made for flip flops. Think before you go strapless. All shorts should be a minimum length on your leg. Also, bikers, are bike shorts REALLY necessary? I need scientific evidence or an episode of Oprah to convince me. I just don't get them. Also, I wonder, are bike riders supposed to be like car drivers or like pedestrians when on the road? I've seen both & it confuses me.
My next goal in life is to win a contest. HGTV is giving away an apartment in NYC. A NICE apartment. I want that!! I was gonna get political on stuff, but ya know what, I don't have the energy to do that tonight. I'll tell everyone on both sides how stupid they are at another time in the future. For now, I'll go back to watching the Emmys. I've been pretty happy with the awards so far. However, I never wanted Kyra Sedwick to win for The Closer because her southern accent is horrific. Anyway, how ya doin? How's yer mama n'em?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Daycation All I Ever Wanted
I'm becoming increasingly aware that people actually read & follow what I write & what I do. Wow, I don't know how I feel about that. haha. It gives me pressure to keep it entertaining. Eh, I'll do what I've always done. I'll write to entertain myself. If others are entertained, so be it!
As you know, I went to Philly on Saturday. Earlier in the week, I decided I needed a day trip on Saturday, or as I called it, a "daycation". I thought I was clever and original with the name. Um, no, I wasn't. I still like it though. After scouring the area to see what was within driving distance, I settled on Wilmington & Philadelphia. After researching Wilmington further, I decided I'd only lunch in Wilmington and spend the afternoon in Philly. Come Friday, I still didn't know exactly what I'd do in Philly. I did find a lunch place though. A retro type diner in Wilmington. I even kinda knew what I'd order. Then, luck and Google would shine on me. WALKING TOUR. I love walking tours. You get to see so much more. This one took you to the historical areas in Philly. Then, more luck. There was a deal to get a few bucks off when you buy a walking tour ticket AND a ghost tour ticket (called Spirits of 76. Clever!). Boom, my day was planned.
After my exercise class Saturday morning (yup, still going to the tai chi/yoga/pilates hybrid class. The people in it are very nice too. Some of the moves are just odd though), I got ready to head out. Still no scale at the gym after some MO-ron smashed the old one to smithereens. A picture of it was even posted. Bizarre! I didn't get lost at all on the way. I would have gotten there sooner but there were a couple of wrecks. By the time I reached them, the wreck & police presence was over. I'm guessing folks were slowing down to look. DON'T DO THAT!! Drive past and move on. I think people who slow traffic by rubber necking should have their car keyed. I also had to pay a couple of tolls. I've never been through many tolls booths. I've only been a passenger through them. I didn't realize it until I went through them. Is it odd I've never tolled? Anyway, some of these toll booths reminded me of pit stops in NASCAR. You get off the exit at the same time them you split off and find the booth with the shortest line before anyone else gets there. I was expecting to get my tires changed or radio my crew chief. Since I left from Maryland and came back to PA, I had different routes. The route going back had 1 toll. There were 2 coming from MD. Just saying.
Anyway, made it to lunch. Friendly retro place. Most of the servers were guys. That was odd to me. Had the Monte Cristo, which was ham, turkey, & swiss on French toast. Pretty good. Plus a side of home fries. It was way too much for me to eat all of. Then on to Philly. Found my parking garage, then tried to find my tour which was many blocks away. Yeah, I should have taken a cab (or is it a taxi, or a taxicab?). Twice I was asked if I was from Philly so they could ask directions. I think it's because I made eye contact with them. Here's a hint, if someone makes eye contact, they probably aren't local lol. Saw giant board game pieces in front of a museum, a guy riding a motor scooter shirtless, and a guy skateboarding in traffic, stopping at a red light & everything. So yeah, weird.
Finally found where I needed to be. This exercise must be paying off because my walking was fine :-) GO ME!! At first, I was the only one on the tour, then others joined at the last minute, including 3 Brits. I find that hilarious, but they were awesome. Tour guide was great. Very informative, plus he's an actor so he sold it really well and did a few accents. Got to see a lot of historic places that shaped the country today. After the tour was over, I still had a few hours to kill before the ghost tour. So I decided to go ahead and eat. I found a place that served cheesesteaks. Probably not a well known place for them, but I didn't care. Had one, had some baklava and a diet ginger ale. All in all, pretty nice. Then I still had a ton of time to kill so I found the place, then walked around a while longer and saw some more cool buildings. Finally, the ghost tour started. I don't believe in ghosts and spirits and stuff like that. I know that sounds strange since this is my 3rd ghost tour (in addition to Chattanooga and Fell's Point) but it's fun hearing the scary stories and walking around the town. There were 2 children on this tour. Why you'd take a child on a scary GHOST tour is beyond me. One kid was about 9 or so and she was smart and she was fine. The other poor girl was about 4 years old (Yeah, 4 on a ghost tour. Lazy parents) and kept talking and asking questions and asking if the ghosts were mean & stuff like that. Plus, some of the stories were pretty gruesome. I saw no orbs, no spirits, no specters, no cold chills, nothing. After that, I got in a cab, back to my garage, and off I went alone into the dark Pennsylvania night.
All in all, it was a good day. I saw a lot, got to do some fun things, eat, say I've been to Philly. I did have to cross over one sort of scary bridge, but it could have been worse. Plus, the temperature wasn't too warm. I was fine in jeans. The world didn't need to see me in shorts. Oh, and 1 person got that the A on my shirt stood for the University of Alabama. He asked if Bama was gonna win the SEC. I told him yep. I would have stayed and chatted with him, but we were about to start the tour and he was on a break from the visitors center so he was probably about to head back to work. Less than 3 weeks till kickoff. RTR!
Got in at midnight Saturday/early Sunday. I was exhausted and sweaty. But I still made it up for church today. Then I went to see Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. AWESOME movie. Too much fun. Action, comedy, non stop fun. Then back to church for a church wide meeting. It's fun seeing folks other than Sunday morning. You get to talk with them more when they aren't in a rush.
I haven't lost as much weight this week, but after a few days of futility, the scale at least is headed back down. WooHoo!! Other than all that, work, Dale Carnegie, and trying to help a friend get over a romantic crisis, life's been pretty simple. Got to decide when my next daycation is and where to go. I have friends in DC so I could go there. A lady in my exercise class and the awesome Janet Cash both suggested places in northern Virginia. But my next accomplishment will be my San Diego vacation next month. Maybe a trip to LA too while I'm there? I wonder if either of them have ghost tours. Hmm...but pre-schoolers aren't allowed this time.
As you know, I went to Philly on Saturday. Earlier in the week, I decided I needed a day trip on Saturday, or as I called it, a "daycation". I thought I was clever and original with the name. Um, no, I wasn't. I still like it though. After scouring the area to see what was within driving distance, I settled on Wilmington & Philadelphia. After researching Wilmington further, I decided I'd only lunch in Wilmington and spend the afternoon in Philly. Come Friday, I still didn't know exactly what I'd do in Philly. I did find a lunch place though. A retro type diner in Wilmington. I even kinda knew what I'd order. Then, luck and Google would shine on me. WALKING TOUR. I love walking tours. You get to see so much more. This one took you to the historical areas in Philly. Then, more luck. There was a deal to get a few bucks off when you buy a walking tour ticket AND a ghost tour ticket (called Spirits of 76. Clever!). Boom, my day was planned.
After my exercise class Saturday morning (yup, still going to the tai chi/yoga/pilates hybrid class. The people in it are very nice too. Some of the moves are just odd though), I got ready to head out. Still no scale at the gym after some MO-ron smashed the old one to smithereens. A picture of it was even posted. Bizarre! I didn't get lost at all on the way. I would have gotten there sooner but there were a couple of wrecks. By the time I reached them, the wreck & police presence was over. I'm guessing folks were slowing down to look. DON'T DO THAT!! Drive past and move on. I think people who slow traffic by rubber necking should have their car keyed. I also had to pay a couple of tolls. I've never been through many tolls booths. I've only been a passenger through them. I didn't realize it until I went through them. Is it odd I've never tolled? Anyway, some of these toll booths reminded me of pit stops in NASCAR. You get off the exit at the same time them you split off and find the booth with the shortest line before anyone else gets there. I was expecting to get my tires changed or radio my crew chief. Since I left from Maryland and came back to PA, I had different routes. The route going back had 1 toll. There were 2 coming from MD. Just saying.
Anyway, made it to lunch. Friendly retro place. Most of the servers were guys. That was odd to me. Had the Monte Cristo, which was ham, turkey, & swiss on French toast. Pretty good. Plus a side of home fries. It was way too much for me to eat all of. Then on to Philly. Found my parking garage, then tried to find my tour which was many blocks away. Yeah, I should have taken a cab (or is it a taxi, or a taxicab?). Twice I was asked if I was from Philly so they could ask directions. I think it's because I made eye contact with them. Here's a hint, if someone makes eye contact, they probably aren't local lol. Saw giant board game pieces in front of a museum, a guy riding a motor scooter shirtless, and a guy skateboarding in traffic, stopping at a red light & everything. So yeah, weird.
Finally found where I needed to be. This exercise must be paying off because my walking was fine :-) GO ME!! At first, I was the only one on the tour, then others joined at the last minute, including 3 Brits. I find that hilarious, but they were awesome. Tour guide was great. Very informative, plus he's an actor so he sold it really well and did a few accents. Got to see a lot of historic places that shaped the country today. After the tour was over, I still had a few hours to kill before the ghost tour. So I decided to go ahead and eat. I found a place that served cheesesteaks. Probably not a well known place for them, but I didn't care. Had one, had some baklava and a diet ginger ale. All in all, pretty nice. Then I still had a ton of time to kill so I found the place, then walked around a while longer and saw some more cool buildings. Finally, the ghost tour started. I don't believe in ghosts and spirits and stuff like that. I know that sounds strange since this is my 3rd ghost tour (in addition to Chattanooga and Fell's Point) but it's fun hearing the scary stories and walking around the town. There were 2 children on this tour. Why you'd take a child on a scary GHOST tour is beyond me. One kid was about 9 or so and she was smart and she was fine. The other poor girl was about 4 years old (Yeah, 4 on a ghost tour. Lazy parents) and kept talking and asking questions and asking if the ghosts were mean & stuff like that. Plus, some of the stories were pretty gruesome. I saw no orbs, no spirits, no specters, no cold chills, nothing. After that, I got in a cab, back to my garage, and off I went alone into the dark Pennsylvania night.
All in all, it was a good day. I saw a lot, got to do some fun things, eat, say I've been to Philly. I did have to cross over one sort of scary bridge, but it could have been worse. Plus, the temperature wasn't too warm. I was fine in jeans. The world didn't need to see me in shorts. Oh, and 1 person got that the A on my shirt stood for the University of Alabama. He asked if Bama was gonna win the SEC. I told him yep. I would have stayed and chatted with him, but we were about to start the tour and he was on a break from the visitors center so he was probably about to head back to work. Less than 3 weeks till kickoff. RTR!
Got in at midnight Saturday/early Sunday. I was exhausted and sweaty. But I still made it up for church today. Then I went to see Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. AWESOME movie. Too much fun. Action, comedy, non stop fun. Then back to church for a church wide meeting. It's fun seeing folks other than Sunday morning. You get to talk with them more when they aren't in a rush.
I haven't lost as much weight this week, but after a few days of futility, the scale at least is headed back down. WooHoo!! Other than all that, work, Dale Carnegie, and trying to help a friend get over a romantic crisis, life's been pretty simple. Got to decide when my next daycation is and where to go. I have friends in DC so I could go there. A lady in my exercise class and the awesome Janet Cash both suggested places in northern Virginia. But my next accomplishment will be my San Diego vacation next month. Maybe a trip to LA too while I'm there? I wonder if either of them have ghost tours. Hmm...but pre-schoolers aren't allowed this time.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
BEWARE IT'S A LONG BLOG:
Well, well. Another week and another month have come and gone. July was pretty good. I had two 4th of July parties, went to the carnival and the parade, turned 35, went home, saw my sweet girl Caroline, started exercising and Weight Watchers (and even lost weight!!), finished reading one book and even started another. Church & work were good. I saw Inception which was amazing. August, you are on alert, you better bring it!
So where should I start? OK, with the weight. I've been on WW a couple of weeks now and I've almost hit my first goal. I am even exercising 4 days a week. I went back to my BodyFlow exercise class. This time, I didn't have to chug down a SlimFast before class so I didn't feel sick 15 minutes in. Let me tell you, all that balancing and stretching ain't easy! Especially when you have to support your own body weight to do it. And the part where we work on abs, ok, listen skinny teacher, don't ask a person with a stomach to lay on their stomach. It just gets in the way. Same thing when I bend. But I was tired and sore after so that had to be good (plus I'm losing the weight). I was even able to, thanks to the freaky yankee summer, walk on the trail 2 nights this week. It's usually pretty low key with people walking or biking. But one guy had the NERVE to be fit and shirtless and running. Really, you are gonna show off? That ain't brave. Dragging my arthritic overweight out of shape self on the trail in sweatpants and chugging along at a good pace for 40 minutes, THAT'S BRAVE!
I'm still in awe of the number of people who read this thing. Weird that people are entertained by it. I'm surprised I am. But it makes me feel connected to friends. Well, this and Facebook. I swear, I keep up with people more now than I used to. Well, this Facebook and text messaging. But you get the drift.
Anyone have the iPhone 4 yet? Would it be worth selling my iPhone 3GS on eBay (what's with all the weird capitalization on stuff? WooHoo! I'm glad I don't do that) and investing in the iPhone 4? Or just forget it and live with what I got?
What's next? Um, let me get things which tick me off out of the way first. As you read on Facebook, Domino's is now my enemy. That's what I get for splurging. I order ahead to have it delivered at 730pm and it gets there cold an hour later. I call and I get excuse after excuse. Not "I'm so sorry. My sincerest apologies. You are correct sir". I didn't "Go Holt" on Antoine the phone answerer or George the driver. I did kinda "Go Holt" on Domino's in one of my famous complaint emails though.
#2 complaint is political ads. People buy too many of them. You think you hate watching them? Trying placing them! Politicians in Tennessee should be glad I don't live there. I'd say more but I still want the FCC to love me. Speaking of politics, here is #3 complaint. When did we as a nation turn politics into a playground shouting match? People can't discuss politics without this current of hatred and vitriol aimed at the other side. Commentators, who should be there (in my opinion) to help clear things up for us, instead stir the pot to where we don't know what's up and what's down. Politicians, you are worse. As lawmakers, you are entrusted with doing the best for the country. Instead, you do just enough to strike fear in your power base of voters so you can get re-elected. That's not helpful, that's not progressive. For YEARS now, you can't even admit if the other side does something good. That's why I'm looking into the Coffee Party Movement.
OK, enough of that. But going on those themes, like I've repeated to y'all ad nauseum, I just read "The Unlikely Disciple" by Kevin Roose, about a guy who spent an entire semester at Liberty University. He's not an evangelical conservative Christian. He's a liberal Quaker from the Ivy League. But I was happy when I read it that he was able to have most of his stereotypes busted, and busted theirs. A few of mine were reinforced, mainly Christian guys use of nicknames and facial hair. Add in fist bumps, seriously where did that start and can we end it soon--at least the ones where it looks like your hand explodes after you bump because that annoys me, and you have the triumvirate. But if someone can come into that environment and focus on similarities instead of differences, why can't all of us? Why do we look for differences which separate us instead of similarities to unite us? Why are we still living with an us vs. them mentality. This man was able to conduct an interview with Jerry Falwell and bring out his humanity even though his family and friends were fearful for him. If you can't like people because they are people, you really need to re-read the New Testament. These themes are also echoed in my current reading adventure, Kathryn Stockett's "The Help" about maids and race relations in 1960s Mississippi.
Finally, on a funny note, with just a little lyrical tinkering, I think I can turn Whitesnake's 80s power balled "Here I Go Again" into a Christian song. I am singing at church next Sunday, but I don't think I'll break it out just yet haha. Look at the lyrics and see if you can see it too. Maybe soon, I'll have it rewritten for ya. But for now, "Mad Men" wooHoo!!
I don't know where I'm goin
but I sure know where I've been
hanging on the promises in songs of yesterday.
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time
but here I go again, here I go again.
Tho' I keep searching for an answer
I never seem to find what I'm looking for.
Oh Lord, I pray you give me strength to carry on
'cos I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.
Here I go again on my own
goin' down the only road I've ever known.
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time.
Just another heart in need of rescue
waiting on love's sweet charity
an' I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days
'cos I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.
Here I go again on my own
goin' down the only road I've ever known.
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time
but here I go again, here I go again,
here I go again, here I go.
Well, well. Another week and another month have come and gone. July was pretty good. I had two 4th of July parties, went to the carnival and the parade, turned 35, went home, saw my sweet girl Caroline, started exercising and Weight Watchers (and even lost weight!!), finished reading one book and even started another. Church & work were good. I saw Inception which was amazing. August, you are on alert, you better bring it!
So where should I start? OK, with the weight. I've been on WW a couple of weeks now and I've almost hit my first goal. I am even exercising 4 days a week. I went back to my BodyFlow exercise class. This time, I didn't have to chug down a SlimFast before class so I didn't feel sick 15 minutes in. Let me tell you, all that balancing and stretching ain't easy! Especially when you have to support your own body weight to do it. And the part where we work on abs, ok, listen skinny teacher, don't ask a person with a stomach to lay on their stomach. It just gets in the way. Same thing when I bend. But I was tired and sore after so that had to be good (plus I'm losing the weight). I was even able to, thanks to the freaky yankee summer, walk on the trail 2 nights this week. It's usually pretty low key with people walking or biking. But one guy had the NERVE to be fit and shirtless and running. Really, you are gonna show off? That ain't brave. Dragging my arthritic overweight out of shape self on the trail in sweatpants and chugging along at a good pace for 40 minutes, THAT'S BRAVE!
I'm still in awe of the number of people who read this thing. Weird that people are entertained by it. I'm surprised I am. But it makes me feel connected to friends. Well, this and Facebook. I swear, I keep up with people more now than I used to. Well, this Facebook and text messaging. But you get the drift.
Anyone have the iPhone 4 yet? Would it be worth selling my iPhone 3GS on eBay (what's with all the weird capitalization on stuff? WooHoo! I'm glad I don't do that) and investing in the iPhone 4? Or just forget it and live with what I got?
What's next? Um, let me get things which tick me off out of the way first. As you read on Facebook, Domino's is now my enemy. That's what I get for splurging. I order ahead to have it delivered at 730pm and it gets there cold an hour later. I call and I get excuse after excuse. Not "I'm so sorry. My sincerest apologies. You are correct sir". I didn't "Go Holt" on Antoine the phone answerer or George the driver. I did kinda "Go Holt" on Domino's in one of my famous complaint emails though.
#2 complaint is political ads. People buy too many of them. You think you hate watching them? Trying placing them! Politicians in Tennessee should be glad I don't live there. I'd say more but I still want the FCC to love me. Speaking of politics, here is #3 complaint. When did we as a nation turn politics into a playground shouting match? People can't discuss politics without this current of hatred and vitriol aimed at the other side. Commentators, who should be there (in my opinion) to help clear things up for us, instead stir the pot to where we don't know what's up and what's down. Politicians, you are worse. As lawmakers, you are entrusted with doing the best for the country. Instead, you do just enough to strike fear in your power base of voters so you can get re-elected. That's not helpful, that's not progressive. For YEARS now, you can't even admit if the other side does something good. That's why I'm looking into the Coffee Party Movement.
OK, enough of that. But going on those themes, like I've repeated to y'all ad nauseum, I just read "The Unlikely Disciple" by Kevin Roose, about a guy who spent an entire semester at Liberty University. He's not an evangelical conservative Christian. He's a liberal Quaker from the Ivy League. But I was happy when I read it that he was able to have most of his stereotypes busted, and busted theirs. A few of mine were reinforced, mainly Christian guys use of nicknames and facial hair. Add in fist bumps, seriously where did that start and can we end it soon--at least the ones where it looks like your hand explodes after you bump because that annoys me, and you have the triumvirate. But if someone can come into that environment and focus on similarities instead of differences, why can't all of us? Why do we look for differences which separate us instead of similarities to unite us? Why are we still living with an us vs. them mentality. This man was able to conduct an interview with Jerry Falwell and bring out his humanity even though his family and friends were fearful for him. If you can't like people because they are people, you really need to re-read the New Testament. These themes are also echoed in my current reading adventure, Kathryn Stockett's "The Help" about maids and race relations in 1960s Mississippi.
Finally, on a funny note, with just a little lyrical tinkering, I think I can turn Whitesnake's 80s power balled "Here I Go Again" into a Christian song. I am singing at church next Sunday, but I don't think I'll break it out just yet haha. Look at the lyrics and see if you can see it too. Maybe soon, I'll have it rewritten for ya. But for now, "Mad Men" wooHoo!!
I don't know where I'm goin
but I sure know where I've been
hanging on the promises in songs of yesterday.
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time
but here I go again, here I go again.
Tho' I keep searching for an answer
I never seem to find what I'm looking for.
Oh Lord, I pray you give me strength to carry on
'cos I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.
Here I go again on my own
goin' down the only road I've ever known.
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time.
Just another heart in need of rescue
waiting on love's sweet charity
an' I'm gonna hold on for the rest of my days
'cos I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.
Here I go again on my own
goin' down the only road I've ever known.
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone.
An' I've made up my mind, I ain't wasting no more time
but here I go again, here I go again,
here I go again, here I go.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat
Well, another week in the books and accounted for. Since I last blogged, I: flew home, saw family, saw friends, got 2 books, 3 shirts (one I couldn't wear, I'm super picky), got a cake, sang at church, and got to hold a precious sweet baby girl who wasn't even 24 hours old. All that happened in one joyous fun filled weekend in sunny...TUSCALOOSA ALABAMA!! Trying to make it sound like a game show prize, did I do a great job? I thought so, thanks for the compliment.
Then I decided to lose weight again. This time, I'm not only going back to the gym, I'm going on weight watchers. So far, I'm able to eat pretty much what I want. I can handle that sort of diet. I even went to one of the exercise classes at the gym. This one is called BodyFlow. It's a mix of tai chi, yoga, and pilates moves. It'll help with flexibility, cardio, and all that crap. It was more intense than I thought it'd be, but that's because I'm fat arthritic and out of shape. Amazing how that affects your fitness level. But apparently I've lost 5 pounds this week so I must not be screwing up too much. I'm eating less, switched to diet drinks (blech), and found a most amazing discovery today: BLUE DIAMOND VANILLA ALMOND MILK. Awesome stuff and lower in fat and calories.
I'm also reading a fascinating book, "The Unlikely Disciple" by Kevin Roose. This is the true story of Kevin, who was a student at liberal Brown University and decides to spend a semester at VERY conservative and Christian Liberty University, the one founded by Jerry Falwell. It's amazing to see how "outsiders" perceive Christians. I was worried that they'd be portrayed as kooks or weirdos, but they aren't. They are shown the way I see Christians, and that's a good thing. I'm about halfway through and not offended. Some of my more conservative friends SHOULDN'T be offended by it, they may, but shouldn't. It is a good read so far.
I'm still doing the Dale Carnegie course and it's not sucking. I saw the movie "Inception" and it was AWESOME! It's a total head trip so you have to pay attention and plan out your potty breaks. I also want to see Angelina Jolie in "Salt". It looks pretty good. I saw the preview for Jennifer Aniston's new movie "The Switch". Wow, that movie looks hideous, disturbing, and dumb. Saturday, after exercise class, I decided since I was already in town I'd take in a sight or two so I went to the zoo. Yeah, on a day where the high temperature was over 100, I go to an outside open air zoo with little shade. Even the animals were miserable. They have a penguin exhibit. #1, it's outdoors. It's not the flippin Arctic circle, so why are they outside in summer? #2, they had a lawn sprinkler out there to cool them off. They looked like little redneck children playing in the yard haha. The zoo also has camel rides. Yeah, that's odd. They have a lion, and he was in the back under the shade and not putting on a show like all good zoo animals should. Chimpanzees look weird from behind. All the animals were just so sad. I was a miserable animal too. I was sweating like a fat kid at the zoo on a hot July day. It wasn't pretty. I didn't make it to the Maryland exhibit or the polar bear exhibit. The African exhibit had all the cool animals anyway. I mean, they had giraffes! Then I went back to the apartment all sweaty, tired, and disgusting. All in all, a productive day!
Other than that, not much is going on. My life is still as boring as ever. But at least I'm good at commenting on other people's lives and giving advice too. I'm waiting to get my own show on radio or TV and make money off of this deal. I figure I won't start writing my books until after I become famous. I even have them titled already. Well, that's it for now. I watched the Mad Men premiere tonight and it was AWESOME!! No show would be able to stand up after that so I decided to just watch the Kardashians in Miami and Holly's World on E! instead. You don't expect them to stand up to Mad Men so it's like a cleanser. Have a good night everyone!
Then I decided to lose weight again. This time, I'm not only going back to the gym, I'm going on weight watchers. So far, I'm able to eat pretty much what I want. I can handle that sort of diet. I even went to one of the exercise classes at the gym. This one is called BodyFlow. It's a mix of tai chi, yoga, and pilates moves. It'll help with flexibility, cardio, and all that crap. It was more intense than I thought it'd be, but that's because I'm fat arthritic and out of shape. Amazing how that affects your fitness level. But apparently I've lost 5 pounds this week so I must not be screwing up too much. I'm eating less, switched to diet drinks (blech), and found a most amazing discovery today: BLUE DIAMOND VANILLA ALMOND MILK. Awesome stuff and lower in fat and calories.
I'm also reading a fascinating book, "The Unlikely Disciple" by Kevin Roose. This is the true story of Kevin, who was a student at liberal Brown University and decides to spend a semester at VERY conservative and Christian Liberty University, the one founded by Jerry Falwell. It's amazing to see how "outsiders" perceive Christians. I was worried that they'd be portrayed as kooks or weirdos, but they aren't. They are shown the way I see Christians, and that's a good thing. I'm about halfway through and not offended. Some of my more conservative friends SHOULDN'T be offended by it, they may, but shouldn't. It is a good read so far.
I'm still doing the Dale Carnegie course and it's not sucking. I saw the movie "Inception" and it was AWESOME! It's a total head trip so you have to pay attention and plan out your potty breaks. I also want to see Angelina Jolie in "Salt". It looks pretty good. I saw the preview for Jennifer Aniston's new movie "The Switch". Wow, that movie looks hideous, disturbing, and dumb. Saturday, after exercise class, I decided since I was already in town I'd take in a sight or two so I went to the zoo. Yeah, on a day where the high temperature was over 100, I go to an outside open air zoo with little shade. Even the animals were miserable. They have a penguin exhibit. #1, it's outdoors. It's not the flippin Arctic circle, so why are they outside in summer? #2, they had a lawn sprinkler out there to cool them off. They looked like little redneck children playing in the yard haha. The zoo also has camel rides. Yeah, that's odd. They have a lion, and he was in the back under the shade and not putting on a show like all good zoo animals should. Chimpanzees look weird from behind. All the animals were just so sad. I was a miserable animal too. I was sweating like a fat kid at the zoo on a hot July day. It wasn't pretty. I didn't make it to the Maryland exhibit or the polar bear exhibit. The African exhibit had all the cool animals anyway. I mean, they had giraffes! Then I went back to the apartment all sweaty, tired, and disgusting. All in all, a productive day!
Other than that, not much is going on. My life is still as boring as ever. But at least I'm good at commenting on other people's lives and giving advice too. I'm waiting to get my own show on radio or TV and make money off of this deal. I figure I won't start writing my books until after I become famous. I even have them titled already. Well, that's it for now. I watched the Mad Men premiere tonight and it was AWESOME!! No show would be able to stand up after that so I decided to just watch the Kardashians in Miami and Holly's World on E! instead. You don't expect them to stand up to Mad Men so it's like a cleanser. Have a good night everyone!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Listen To What the Man Said
Picture it, Tuscaloosa, AL, July 14, 1975. It's a hot mid July day in the south. The #1 song on the charts is "Listen to What the Man Said" by Paul McCartney & Wings. One young woman has been waiting since June 22nd to meet her son. Apparently, he's in no hurry or else doctors haven't heard of the word "induce" yet. Finally, at 3:30 in the afternoon at Druid City Hospital, a wonderful bouncing baby boy arrived. He weighed 10 lbs., 9 oz. Yup, that's me.
No big frills or fanfares greeted my arrival. No camera crews or paparazzi. My life hasn't been extraordinarily ordinary. I had pneumonia when I was 18 months old, but I recovered. I went to school, started reading early, went to the gifted program, went to church, left that church, found a new church, went to high school, marched in the band, sang in the choir, was on the math team and scholar's bowl team, I played the part of a nerd quite nicely I believe and am proud of it, I went to college, majored in too many things, worked for a stocks/investments broker, went to the BCM and met a ton of great friends,summer missions 3 times (hey Kansas! You too Savannah) switched to TV and worked a 2 TV stations and met a ton of great friends, diagnosed with a skin condition and arthritis but am doing much better now, switched to radio (more friends RIP RQ!), back to TV, another church (directing music!) up to corporate and far away from home, finally found another church, had my job responsibilities change to a brand new challenge, moved to a Mayberry type town, and here I am, on my bed flipping between Chopped and House Hunters International.
That's me in one incredibly boring run on paragraph. It's amazing how the high points of our life don't really fill up a whole lot of space. That's because life is made of so many small moments. Those small moments provide us with so many memories and experiences and life lessons. I've seen and learned so much in my life. In my 35 years, this is what I have seen & learned.
I've been alive bad times in Bama football and for 4 Crimson Tide National Championships! I have seen the Braves suck like a new Dyson vacuum and I've seen them win the World Series! I've made many friends and gained many new members of my family. I've also seen too many people pass away (now matter how long it's been, you'll always miss your grandmothers). I had 4 official majors, visited a lot of states, had 5 paying jobs, been through 7 presidents, owned 6 cars, went to NYC, and been through 8 Bama head football coaches (I don't count Pensacola Price).
What other things have I learned? Well...
I put up my senior picture as my profile picture because it's a good picture, I actually cleaned up pretty well back in 1992 when that picture was made (and see, I did have hair, smile and eyes still look the same though. My eyes aren't brown, they are Tootsie Roll colored!) I think the Hummer is the most ridiculous and impractical vehicle. I STILL don't get the appeal of Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston, or Nickelback. Politics has become such an ugly game that people on all sides should be ashamed of themselves and what they have allowed this country to become. Even though I was made to go to church all of my life, I do not regret it, I now go because I want to. I still want to host The Soup once Joel McHale when he gets too famous to be on E! I should be ashamed that E! shows are my guilty pleasure, but I'm really not. I need to start going back to the gym again before my doctor calls me fat again. What's Love Got to Do With It was a great movie to watch at the movies, especially when the sisters were cheering when Tina finally fought back against Ike. An "acquired taste" is a stupid thing, if I don't like something the first time I eat it, why would I try it again? I believe ice cream can heal a bad day and a sore throat. Selling seafood by the side of the road more than a couple of hours inland just doesn't inspire confidence (especially not at a place called She's Got Crabs). I hate that As the World Turns is going off the air because the show still reminds me of when my Granny used to watch it. I still remember the long Spring Break road trips to Arkansas. I miss hanging out with Krista, Ann(e) Marie, and the rest of the Gilgal youth group. I should probably be packing instead of blogging. Duff on Ace of Cakes looks like he'd smell like a mix of butter, sweat, and cigarettes. The look of joy on a 4 year old's face while he's watching his first parade AND getting candy thrown his way make you say HOORAY!! It's much easier and much more effective to smile and be in a good mood than a bad one, people tend to appreciate it. We as Christians should ALL learn to be more Christ like and help our fellow man instead of acting like we are all morally superior.
Finally, I've learned that just because you aren't in the same city, state, or time zone, you can still be good friends. I spend way too much time on Facebook, I know. But it's how I reconnected with a lot of friends. I love laughing with friends, listening to them, giving advice, getting advice, etc. Keeping friends around, even if you never see them or even call them on the phone, is critical. That's the most important thing I've learned in the last 35 years.
No big frills or fanfares greeted my arrival. No camera crews or paparazzi. My life hasn't been extraordinarily ordinary. I had pneumonia when I was 18 months old, but I recovered. I went to school, started reading early, went to the gifted program, went to church, left that church, found a new church, went to high school, marched in the band, sang in the choir, was on the math team and scholar's bowl team, I played the part of a nerd quite nicely I believe and am proud of it, I went to college, majored in too many things, worked for a stocks/investments broker, went to the BCM and met a ton of great friends,summer missions 3 times (hey Kansas! You too Savannah) switched to TV and worked a 2 TV stations and met a ton of great friends, diagnosed with a skin condition and arthritis but am doing much better now, switched to radio (more friends RIP RQ!), back to TV, another church (directing music!) up to corporate and far away from home, finally found another church, had my job responsibilities change to a brand new challenge, moved to a Mayberry type town, and here I am, on my bed flipping between Chopped and House Hunters International.
That's me in one incredibly boring run on paragraph. It's amazing how the high points of our life don't really fill up a whole lot of space. That's because life is made of so many small moments. Those small moments provide us with so many memories and experiences and life lessons. I've seen and learned so much in my life. In my 35 years, this is what I have seen & learned.
I've been alive bad times in Bama football and for 4 Crimson Tide National Championships! I have seen the Braves suck like a new Dyson vacuum and I've seen them win the World Series! I've made many friends and gained many new members of my family. I've also seen too many people pass away (now matter how long it's been, you'll always miss your grandmothers). I had 4 official majors, visited a lot of states, had 5 paying jobs, been through 7 presidents, owned 6 cars, went to NYC, and been through 8 Bama head football coaches (I don't count Pensacola Price).
What other things have I learned? Well...
I put up my senior picture as my profile picture because it's a good picture, I actually cleaned up pretty well back in 1992 when that picture was made (and see, I did have hair, smile and eyes still look the same though. My eyes aren't brown, they are Tootsie Roll colored!) I think the Hummer is the most ridiculous and impractical vehicle. I STILL don't get the appeal of Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston, or Nickelback. Politics has become such an ugly game that people on all sides should be ashamed of themselves and what they have allowed this country to become. Even though I was made to go to church all of my life, I do not regret it, I now go because I want to. I still want to host The Soup once Joel McHale when he gets too famous to be on E! I should be ashamed that E! shows are my guilty pleasure, but I'm really not. I need to start going back to the gym again before my doctor calls me fat again. What's Love Got to Do With It was a great movie to watch at the movies, especially when the sisters were cheering when Tina finally fought back against Ike. An "acquired taste" is a stupid thing, if I don't like something the first time I eat it, why would I try it again? I believe ice cream can heal a bad day and a sore throat. Selling seafood by the side of the road more than a couple of hours inland just doesn't inspire confidence (especially not at a place called She's Got Crabs). I hate that As the World Turns is going off the air because the show still reminds me of when my Granny used to watch it. I still remember the long Spring Break road trips to Arkansas. I miss hanging out with Krista, Ann(e) Marie, and the rest of the Gilgal youth group. I should probably be packing instead of blogging. Duff on Ace of Cakes looks like he'd smell like a mix of butter, sweat, and cigarettes. The look of joy on a 4 year old's face while he's watching his first parade AND getting candy thrown his way make you say HOORAY!! It's much easier and much more effective to smile and be in a good mood than a bad one, people tend to appreciate it. We as Christians should ALL learn to be more Christ like and help our fellow man instead of acting like we are all morally superior.
Finally, I've learned that just because you aren't in the same city, state, or time zone, you can still be good friends. I spend way too much time on Facebook, I know. But it's how I reconnected with a lot of friends. I love laughing with friends, listening to them, giving advice, getting advice, etc. Keeping friends around, even if you never see them or even call them on the phone, is critical. That's the most important thing I've learned in the last 35 years.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Ain't that America, Home of the Free
Happy 4th of July everyone. I hope y'all had a great day. I've had a good weekend. Saturday, I went to cookout number 1. I made my famous sausage rolls (aka "chicken nuggets" haha), met new people, got too see some adorable kids play. I walked there and back, ensuring my exercise for the day (ok, for the weekend). Sunday, I went to church. Then I was gonna come home, bum around for a few, then head to the church picnic. However on my way home, I got stuck behind a wreck so no time to bum (I hope everyone was ok). But I made it to the picnic in plenty of time, my red velvet cake was a huge hit (wooHoo famous!! Thanks Aunt Sara for the recipe in the Gilgal cookbook!) even if the layers did come out a bit cattywampus (yes, in the south that's a word). I thought it was a tad dry, but everyone loved it. Yes, I'm awesome. I'm humble too, and I don't mind telling people just how humble I am!
But I also got to hang around and chat with my fellow church members. I was glad to get to say more than a few hellos that I normally get to say between the end Amen and the time everyone gets to their cars. I got to make them laugh, just talk, tell them what I do for a living, etc. Those that don't follow me on Facebook got to see my sense of humor (although Wendy, and logically following that, Jeff as well, said she already knows my sense of humor and appreciates it from being my FB friend SHOUT OUT TO VALLEY!). It's good getting to know people. Special thanks to Ed & Joy Herbold for opening their home to everyone. PS - Get well soon Janet!
In a Sunday & church related rant (not my current church though), church business meetings are just plain ridiculous sometimes. I know there are rules which need to be followed. But the rules are there to move things along in an orderly fashion. They are not to be used to try to lord power over people (for lack of a better term) or push your own agenda, or to try to keep your fingers in everyone's pie. When I was told of actions today, I asked the person who told me the info if someone stood up and said to the offender "Why are you being such a butt? Just because you can be?" Seriously people, you aren't enacting laws or running a country here. Just let things run with logic & common sense. If you can't do that, sit down and be quiet.
OK, that was fun! Another thing that will be alternately fun and a headache is the New Freedom Carnival. It's a fair with rides & food & stuff and it's at the park. The park happens to be right across the street from my apartment. I'm glad it's so close, but I have a feeling this week will not be full of peace & quiet. haha. Um, anyone care to house me for a week? LOL. I'm glad I'm a night owl, but the fireworks Friday night will be at midnight. Plus, parking could be a hassle. Well, it's just a week, right? It's rare that Mayberry Hollow (this town is part Mayberry from Andy Griffith and part Star's Hollow from Gilmore Girls) has this much loudness & activity so I should be able to deal.
Finally, I'm actually thankful for Facebook. It's bizarre to me that so many folks tell me they read what I write. I write all this for my own amusement. If others are entertained, that's just a bonus. But because of FB, family back home can keep up with me, I talk more with folks I went to school with than I did when I was in school, I can stay in touch with former co-workers, I can play Family Feud, and I can reconnect with folks I haven't seen in a long time. Heck, some I now talk with a lot. Haven't seen them in years, but now we talk like time didn't pass. I am even able to give advice remotely. Hopefully it's good advice. If it's not, well, at least I'm not charging you anything for it. hahaha
OK, gonna finish watching Jaws (perfect July 4th movie huh?) and eat some KFC. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Hopefully you are off on Monday as well. If you aren't, well, I am, and isn't that what really matters?
But I also got to hang around and chat with my fellow church members. I was glad to get to say more than a few hellos that I normally get to say between the end Amen and the time everyone gets to their cars. I got to make them laugh, just talk, tell them what I do for a living, etc. Those that don't follow me on Facebook got to see my sense of humor (although Wendy, and logically following that, Jeff as well, said she already knows my sense of humor and appreciates it from being my FB friend SHOUT OUT TO VALLEY!). It's good getting to know people. Special thanks to Ed & Joy Herbold for opening their home to everyone. PS - Get well soon Janet!
In a Sunday & church related rant (not my current church though), church business meetings are just plain ridiculous sometimes. I know there are rules which need to be followed. But the rules are there to move things along in an orderly fashion. They are not to be used to try to lord power over people (for lack of a better term) or push your own agenda, or to try to keep your fingers in everyone's pie. When I was told of actions today, I asked the person who told me the info if someone stood up and said to the offender "Why are you being such a butt? Just because you can be?" Seriously people, you aren't enacting laws or running a country here. Just let things run with logic & common sense. If you can't do that, sit down and be quiet.
OK, that was fun! Another thing that will be alternately fun and a headache is the New Freedom Carnival. It's a fair with rides & food & stuff and it's at the park. The park happens to be right across the street from my apartment. I'm glad it's so close, but I have a feeling this week will not be full of peace & quiet. haha. Um, anyone care to house me for a week? LOL. I'm glad I'm a night owl, but the fireworks Friday night will be at midnight. Plus, parking could be a hassle. Well, it's just a week, right? It's rare that Mayberry Hollow (this town is part Mayberry from Andy Griffith and part Star's Hollow from Gilmore Girls) has this much loudness & activity so I should be able to deal.
Finally, I'm actually thankful for Facebook. It's bizarre to me that so many folks tell me they read what I write. I write all this for my own amusement. If others are entertained, that's just a bonus. But because of FB, family back home can keep up with me, I talk more with folks I went to school with than I did when I was in school, I can stay in touch with former co-workers, I can play Family Feud, and I can reconnect with folks I haven't seen in a long time. Heck, some I now talk with a lot. Haven't seen them in years, but now we talk like time didn't pass. I am even able to give advice remotely. Hopefully it's good advice. If it's not, well, at least I'm not charging you anything for it. hahaha
OK, gonna finish watching Jaws (perfect July 4th movie huh?) and eat some KFC. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Hopefully you are off on Monday as well. If you aren't, well, I am, and isn't that what really matters?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
I Hope You Had the Time of Your Life
Hello happy readers of my purposeless ramblings. I hope all of you are doing well. It's been quite a week, but I made it through. For one, I took a day off, a full day off!! I did it so DirecTV could come by and install. It was 4:15 or so when he got here and about 7:30 when he left, but at least I have HD and a DVR and more channels, so I guess that isn't bad (even though I thought I'd have to make up my spare bedroom and cook him supper!). I'm enjoying it so far. Still have to keep Comcast for internet, but I can deal with that.
Unfortunately, that happened on the same day that we lost a very dear person. A boss so nice I worked for him twice! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family & friends of Ronnie Quarles. Godspeed Q!!
On to lighter topics, I actually went out walking a few times last week (as evidenced by my boring nature shots on Facebook). That happened because the weather was actually quite nice. Normally, I wouldn't mind that, but it's June and I'm used to oppressive heat & humidity. Oh how I miss summers in the south. You get in your car and everything you touch leaves a 2nd degree burn because it's so hot. You crank your AC full blast, and when things finally cool off in the car, you arrive at your destination. Then you get out of your cool car and by the time you get inside, your shirt is already sticking to you. Good times! At least it is hotter here this weekend and I can utilize my AC, which finally got installed. Too bad my washing machine is a bit temperamental. I couldn't get it to rinse or spin last night. So I had clothes sitting in water for a while. I fished those out like they were a dead body on Law & Order and tried to get the spin cycle to work. It didn't. Thankfully, I had clothes to wear today. If not, I would have had to direct hymns in jeans, and I'm not sure Jesus or my Mama would have liked that.
Yup, I got to direct hymns this morning. It'd been a while since I got to direct. Did I miss it? Yeah, but I enjoy just being able to sing without the pressure of picking out songs. Plus, more people at church got to see me and put a face to my loud voice. Maybe even more people will know me and say hey and ask me to do stuff :-)
In the news, Joran van der Sloot is a creepy murderous villain and the parents who let their 16 sail around the world alone are stupid. That's all you need to know. In sports, the Big 12 is a big mess right now. Will anyone want to stay? It's like a group of kids at a school dance. Someone already asked Nebraska & Colorado to dance and everyone wants to dance with Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, OSU, and Texas Tech. That leaves Kansas, KState, Missouri, Baylor, and Iowa State feeling like the ugly nerds with no dates. Those poor schools. They are now wanting to keep the Big 12 together. Yes, dance with each other. Just get uglier nerdier people (schools less talented than yours) to come dance with you. Will the SEC ask anyone to dance? SEC is the stud everyone wants to dance with and get giggly and shy around. It's good to be the SEC. Oh, and USC and Lane Kiffin, bwahahahahahahahaha, y'all got what you deserved.
Finally, I get to plan trips!! Next month, I come home to Alabama for a few days (and for my birthday. Those of you in town, I can make a list of gifts I would like. Maybe I'll do it like a registry. You can buy the gift or gifts now, or you can start saving money) to see folks. I hope my sweet baby girl Caroline will be born while I'm here so I can see her. It will be a wonderful honor and privilege to see her!! PLUS!! I've decided on my vacation this year. I'm going to SAN DIEGO!! Home of the zoo and Sea World and hopefully an economically priced but still nice hotel. I have a free flight from Southwest that expires so why not spend it on someplace fun. Now to finish planning it. If you have any ideas, tips, discounts, donations, etc., just let me know. Plus, I'm gonna try to make a day trip to LA while I'm there. I CAN'T WAIT!!
Maybe when I'm in LA, I can ask the movie studios why they put out so much crap this summer. I have gift cards and passes burning holes in my billfold and there is precious little I want to see. I thought about seeing The A-Team, but thought better of it. Karate Kid? I don't think so. I'd rather watch the world cup.
OK, that's enough excitement for now. I thought I'd blog early just because. Plus, with the Kardashians and Holly's World coming on tonight, my dance card will be full. I like hard hitting, insightful, and informative TV! Have a great week everyone!
Unfortunately, that happened on the same day that we lost a very dear person. A boss so nice I worked for him twice! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family & friends of Ronnie Quarles. Godspeed Q!!
On to lighter topics, I actually went out walking a few times last week (as evidenced by my boring nature shots on Facebook). That happened because the weather was actually quite nice. Normally, I wouldn't mind that, but it's June and I'm used to oppressive heat & humidity. Oh how I miss summers in the south. You get in your car and everything you touch leaves a 2nd degree burn because it's so hot. You crank your AC full blast, and when things finally cool off in the car, you arrive at your destination. Then you get out of your cool car and by the time you get inside, your shirt is already sticking to you. Good times! At least it is hotter here this weekend and I can utilize my AC, which finally got installed. Too bad my washing machine is a bit temperamental. I couldn't get it to rinse or spin last night. So I had clothes sitting in water for a while. I fished those out like they were a dead body on Law & Order and tried to get the spin cycle to work. It didn't. Thankfully, I had clothes to wear today. If not, I would have had to direct hymns in jeans, and I'm not sure Jesus or my Mama would have liked that.
Yup, I got to direct hymns this morning. It'd been a while since I got to direct. Did I miss it? Yeah, but I enjoy just being able to sing without the pressure of picking out songs. Plus, more people at church got to see me and put a face to my loud voice. Maybe even more people will know me and say hey and ask me to do stuff :-)
In the news, Joran van der Sloot is a creepy murderous villain and the parents who let their 16 sail around the world alone are stupid. That's all you need to know. In sports, the Big 12 is a big mess right now. Will anyone want to stay? It's like a group of kids at a school dance. Someone already asked Nebraska & Colorado to dance and everyone wants to dance with Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, OSU, and Texas Tech. That leaves Kansas, KState, Missouri, Baylor, and Iowa State feeling like the ugly nerds with no dates. Those poor schools. They are now wanting to keep the Big 12 together. Yes, dance with each other. Just get uglier nerdier people (schools less talented than yours) to come dance with you. Will the SEC ask anyone to dance? SEC is the stud everyone wants to dance with and get giggly and shy around. It's good to be the SEC. Oh, and USC and Lane Kiffin, bwahahahahahahahaha, y'all got what you deserved.
Finally, I get to plan trips!! Next month, I come home to Alabama for a few days (and for my birthday. Those of you in town, I can make a list of gifts I would like. Maybe I'll do it like a registry. You can buy the gift or gifts now, or you can start saving money) to see folks. I hope my sweet baby girl Caroline will be born while I'm here so I can see her. It will be a wonderful honor and privilege to see her!! PLUS!! I've decided on my vacation this year. I'm going to SAN DIEGO!! Home of the zoo and Sea World and hopefully an economically priced but still nice hotel. I have a free flight from Southwest that expires so why not spend it on someplace fun. Now to finish planning it. If you have any ideas, tips, discounts, donations, etc., just let me know. Plus, I'm gonna try to make a day trip to LA while I'm there. I CAN'T WAIT!!
Maybe when I'm in LA, I can ask the movie studios why they put out so much crap this summer. I have gift cards and passes burning holes in my billfold and there is precious little I want to see. I thought about seeing The A-Team, but thought better of it. Karate Kid? I don't think so. I'd rather watch the world cup.
OK, that's enough excitement for now. I thought I'd blog early just because. Plus, with the Kardashians and Holly's World coming on tonight, my dance card will be full. I like hard hitting, insightful, and informative TV! Have a great week everyone!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
In the Midnight Hour
Where I am, it isn't the midnight hour anymore, but back home it is. Yes, I still call Alabama "home". I'm in my apartment, but I don't call it home. Anyway, that's not important. I can't sleep so I thought I'd blog. Why? WHY NOT!!!
Anyway, it was fun keeping up with the Alabama elections online. It has felt odd since I stopped being involved in election coverage. Actually, my first real election experience was back in 1994 when Gerald Allen first ran for State Representative. I actually got to help on the campaign. I even held a sign one day. I remember it vividly. I was at the intersection of University Blvd, 15th St, and Hwy 216 in Cottondale, next to Meaney's. It was raining, but I had a poncho. I was dedicated. I held that sign and waved at the people going by. If I remember correctly, Gerald's brother in law, Robert Shirley was out there for some of it (and now that I think of it, Mr. Shirley and my current pastor look a lot alike, COOL!!). Then, I saw a man run a red light (slowly, odd in Tuscaloosa) and have a wreck. It looked like he had a heart attack. Many gathered, including me, to make sure he was ok. I think he ended up being fine. Oh, then, on election night, I don't know how except maybe my handwriting and math skills put me ahead, but I got to write the vote totals by county as they came in on the big white marker board at the post-election party. Yeah, I was inner circle that night and proud of it!
Then, several years later, I got to see elections from the newsroom side of things. I was the one typing the numbers up so they could go out over the air. I got to see people run around like chickens with their heads cut off. I got to see live election coverage from behind the scenes. That was amazing. Sure, we weren't the biggest station around, but we worked hard to get the results, and we were 100% local by golly! I was there during the 2000 Presidential Election. Boy wasn't that exciting. haha. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. Even though I was production, and not news, I learned a lot about the news business there on Jug Factory Road. Plus I'm still friends with folks from there and I've been gone 8 years! 8 years gone, can you believe it?
Now, I keep up with the election from my computer. I see Artur Davis, who did a very solid job in Congress try to run for Governor without playing the political game with his votes & actions. He lost, BIG! Politics is a tough game. The race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination is VERY close. Good to see Dr. Robert Bentley, a well respected Tuscaloosa doctor and just well respected as a person too, in the hunt. Congrats to him. I hope he makes it to the runoff. Not a Tim James fan. Like father like son, I say. Alabama doesn't need to be Fobbed again. Plus, that commercial would make Bama a laughingstock. I'm just glad Roy Moore didn't make it. I have no use for him. He reminds me too much of the Pharisees in the Bible (and they're not fair you see. C'mon, you knew you were singing it). Troy King seems to have lost because he didn't back Riley's Raids. I see that in my home gerrymandered district (come on, it goes from west Jefferson county down through the black belt and into Montgomery and is shaped like the letter C, It's GERRYMANDERED!), our old rep's son couldn't make it through. Good, I'd be afraid he was like his Dad. Hey Earl, how is Quaddafi these days? But you still have Sheila Smoot there. Anyone who was in Bham/JEFFCO politics, you should vote against them on principle. Ah, Alabama politics.
At least it beats Baltimore politics. I'm sick of hearing on NPR about the $121 million budget deficit the city is facing. It's the radio version of "a select coalition of all-white fraternities and sororities designed to influence campus politics." Turn it into a drinking game if you so desire.
What else is up? Glee was on tonight. It was, um, odd. OK, that ending funk song had me alternately, laughing at them, laughing with them, loving it, hating it, embarrassed for them, etc. It looked like what Soul Train would have been if produced by the ACLU.
I'm jealous of my friend Brandon. He got to go home for a few days PLUS he lives in Atlanta, home of the FIRST PLACE BRAVES!! I work in Baltimore, home of the embarrassment known as the Orioles. It just isn't fair. haha
Finally, I watched Chopped on Food Network tonight. For those unfamiliar, up & coming chefs, usually pretentious, are given a basket of ingredients and must make a meal out of it. All are given the same ingredients and one person is eliminated or "chopped" (aha clever!) each round. The ingredients are usually odd, ones they wouldn't normally use, or use together, and ALL the ingredients must be used. I leave you with this. In the dessert round, hot dogs was one of their ingredients. I think I threw up in my mouth a little and probably shed a tear. So wrong.
Well, I may attempt sleep. Who knows.
Anyway, it was fun keeping up with the Alabama elections online. It has felt odd since I stopped being involved in election coverage. Actually, my first real election experience was back in 1994 when Gerald Allen first ran for State Representative. I actually got to help on the campaign. I even held a sign one day. I remember it vividly. I was at the intersection of University Blvd, 15th St, and Hwy 216 in Cottondale, next to Meaney's. It was raining, but I had a poncho. I was dedicated. I held that sign and waved at the people going by. If I remember correctly, Gerald's brother in law, Robert Shirley was out there for some of it (and now that I think of it, Mr. Shirley and my current pastor look a lot alike, COOL!!). Then, I saw a man run a red light (slowly, odd in Tuscaloosa) and have a wreck. It looked like he had a heart attack. Many gathered, including me, to make sure he was ok. I think he ended up being fine. Oh, then, on election night, I don't know how except maybe my handwriting and math skills put me ahead, but I got to write the vote totals by county as they came in on the big white marker board at the post-election party. Yeah, I was inner circle that night and proud of it!
Then, several years later, I got to see elections from the newsroom side of things. I was the one typing the numbers up so they could go out over the air. I got to see people run around like chickens with their heads cut off. I got to see live election coverage from behind the scenes. That was amazing. Sure, we weren't the biggest station around, but we worked hard to get the results, and we were 100% local by golly! I was there during the 2000 Presidential Election. Boy wasn't that exciting. haha. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. Even though I was production, and not news, I learned a lot about the news business there on Jug Factory Road. Plus I'm still friends with folks from there and I've been gone 8 years! 8 years gone, can you believe it?
Now, I keep up with the election from my computer. I see Artur Davis, who did a very solid job in Congress try to run for Governor without playing the political game with his votes & actions. He lost, BIG! Politics is a tough game. The race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination is VERY close. Good to see Dr. Robert Bentley, a well respected Tuscaloosa doctor and just well respected as a person too, in the hunt. Congrats to him. I hope he makes it to the runoff. Not a Tim James fan. Like father like son, I say. Alabama doesn't need to be Fobbed again. Plus, that commercial would make Bama a laughingstock. I'm just glad Roy Moore didn't make it. I have no use for him. He reminds me too much of the Pharisees in the Bible (and they're not fair you see. C'mon, you knew you were singing it). Troy King seems to have lost because he didn't back Riley's Raids. I see that in my home gerrymandered district (come on, it goes from west Jefferson county down through the black belt and into Montgomery and is shaped like the letter C, It's GERRYMANDERED!), our old rep's son couldn't make it through. Good, I'd be afraid he was like his Dad. Hey Earl, how is Quaddafi these days? But you still have Sheila Smoot there. Anyone who was in Bham/JEFFCO politics, you should vote against them on principle. Ah, Alabama politics.
At least it beats Baltimore politics. I'm sick of hearing on NPR about the $121 million budget deficit the city is facing. It's the radio version of "a select coalition of all-white fraternities and sororities designed to influence campus politics." Turn it into a drinking game if you so desire.
What else is up? Glee was on tonight. It was, um, odd. OK, that ending funk song had me alternately, laughing at them, laughing with them, loving it, hating it, embarrassed for them, etc. It looked like what Soul Train would have been if produced by the ACLU.
I'm jealous of my friend Brandon. He got to go home for a few days PLUS he lives in Atlanta, home of the FIRST PLACE BRAVES!! I work in Baltimore, home of the embarrassment known as the Orioles. It just isn't fair. haha
Finally, I watched Chopped on Food Network tonight. For those unfamiliar, up & coming chefs, usually pretentious, are given a basket of ingredients and must make a meal out of it. All are given the same ingredients and one person is eliminated or "chopped" (aha clever!) each round. The ingredients are usually odd, ones they wouldn't normally use, or use together, and ALL the ingredients must be used. I leave you with this. In the dessert round, hot dogs was one of their ingredients. I think I threw up in my mouth a little and probably shed a tear. So wrong.
Well, I may attempt sleep. Who knows.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Ain't That Mr. Mister on the Radio
Good evening all my loyal readers & fans. How y'all been? I'm hanging in there. Yes, I mentioned on my statuses (stati? haha) that I haven't been feeling well. I am blaming it all on my attempt to lose weight. You see, about a month ago I bought this multi-vitamin at Wal-Mart. It's called Weight Conscious, same as the One-A-Day brand Weight Smart vitamins. They have something extra to boost metabolism and stuff. I have to take a vitamin anyway, might as well get something extra out of it. So I went to my regular 3 month arthritis doc checkup. They took my blood pressure. To me, this is simply a formality. My BP is ALWAYS 120/80. Has been for years. Nurse said, "Your pressure is a little high, so I'm gonna check it again". How high, I logically asked "How high" (I had my pressure checked within the last month & a half and it was fine so I was concerned). It was 140/100! What the WHAT!! I told my nurse & doc about the vitamins and a few doctor friends on here. They all think that could be the reason. I bought a monitor and have been checking it religiously. I believe it's finally starting to go down. I've cut back on caffeine and been taking it easy all week. I'm good at taking it easy. I'll ease back into things and exercise now that it seems to be back at a decent level. I did joke with mama Tuesday morning that I didn't have a stroke overnight so that was good. She doesn't appreciate extreme sickness jokes. Please, I've had enough wrong with me over the years that I like joking about it. Also, beware of any sort of diet/weight loss/fat-burning type pill or supplement. Apparently, it can mess you up!! I wish weight loss came in a pill form. It'd make things a heck of a lot easier.
Bama softball and baseball played today. Baseball in the SEC final lost to LSU in 10 innings. I napped & missed it. Bama lost on a walk off homer today in the super regionals. Heartbreaking and sad. Those little Hawaii heifers liked to lean into pitches to get hit. I think, and others do too, that the Bama pitchers should have really zoomed some pitches in there. If they want to get hit and get first base, you ought to pay for it. Oh well, hate it ended that way.
In idiot news, BP still hasn't capped their gushing oil well in the gulf. UGH! Now, the fun game to play is "Whose fault is it?" It's BP! It's TransOcean! It's Obama! It's Bush! It's Halliburton! Guess what, I DON'T CARE WHOSE FAULT IT IS, FIX IT YOU FINGER POINTING NIMRODS! They are worse than the Brady kids on the episode of The Brady Bunch when they broke the vase or when Jan ran over the picture, or when...wow, they were some trouble making little honkies, weren't they? Anyway, right now isn't the time for blame, it's the time for results. I really think the BP guys are sitting in a room getting high and trying to come up with the wildest ideas to stop the gusher. Try working together to fix this for once: BP, White House, Democrats, Republicans, etc. The Gulf can't afford this. But as we've sadly learned in this election cycle, cooperation with the other party will get you voted out. Yes, how dare we have compromise.
On to TV. There are some really bad/weird/trainwreck-you can't-help-but-watch shows on right now. This show on NBC the other night, 100 Questions, was one of the most unfunny things I've seen. I'm surprised Jenna Elfmann and Oliver Platt weren't in it. Right now, I'm watching Long Island Princess Unleashed on E! It's a new show. It wants to be Real Housewives with 20s-30s women. Just as trainwreck fascinating. I'm still thinking I should do "Real Housewives of West Alabama" It's be AWESOME! But in WONDERFUL news, Royal Pains returns for season 2 this coming Thursday. I loved this show last year and can't wait for its return. It was such a good, solid, funny show. HooRay!! Lee won Idol, but he shouldn't have. He did bad things, or at least uninteresting things, to 3 of my favorite songs of all time. I was team Crystal from the beginning.
Oh, the blog title? It comes from that horrific Hey Soul Sister song by Train. Train holds a special place for Drops of Jupiter, but I want to punch them all in the face for this abomination of musicality. It's as dumb as a Ke$ha song. WHY?!?!?!
Now, I am just sitting here watching TV. I have no Memorial Day plans. If I were back home, I'd be in Arkansas right now. Yes, I know that sounds confusing, but it makes sense to me. Holidays get ya homesick. I heard Sweet Home Alabama on the radio this morning. Plus, a friend of mine was able to go home to visit for the first time since last June!! Bless his mama's heart! Glad you are getting to visit buddy. I'll be in Bama in July. I fly in on my birthday night, so I expect presents or something. haha. But I also need a vacation soon too. I have friends in ATL so I could go visit there (I still have the $100 Delta voucher from earlier this year). I want to hit a beach though, maybe San Diego, West Palm Beach, someplace fun that Southwest flies. Gotta love a free trip. That'll probably be in September. I figure prices go down after Labor Day, and I'm cheap.
Well, that's enough mindless rambling for now. Later folks!
Bama softball and baseball played today. Baseball in the SEC final lost to LSU in 10 innings. I napped & missed it. Bama lost on a walk off homer today in the super regionals. Heartbreaking and sad. Those little Hawaii heifers liked to lean into pitches to get hit. I think, and others do too, that the Bama pitchers should have really zoomed some pitches in there. If they want to get hit and get first base, you ought to pay for it. Oh well, hate it ended that way.
In idiot news, BP still hasn't capped their gushing oil well in the gulf. UGH! Now, the fun game to play is "Whose fault is it?" It's BP! It's TransOcean! It's Obama! It's Bush! It's Halliburton! Guess what, I DON'T CARE WHOSE FAULT IT IS, FIX IT YOU FINGER POINTING NIMRODS! They are worse than the Brady kids on the episode of The Brady Bunch when they broke the vase or when Jan ran over the picture, or when...wow, they were some trouble making little honkies, weren't they? Anyway, right now isn't the time for blame, it's the time for results. I really think the BP guys are sitting in a room getting high and trying to come up with the wildest ideas to stop the gusher. Try working together to fix this for once: BP, White House, Democrats, Republicans, etc. The Gulf can't afford this. But as we've sadly learned in this election cycle, cooperation with the other party will get you voted out. Yes, how dare we have compromise.
On to TV. There are some really bad/weird/trainwreck-you can't-help-but-watch shows on right now. This show on NBC the other night, 100 Questions, was one of the most unfunny things I've seen. I'm surprised Jenna Elfmann and Oliver Platt weren't in it. Right now, I'm watching Long Island Princess Unleashed on E! It's a new show. It wants to be Real Housewives with 20s-30s women. Just as trainwreck fascinating. I'm still thinking I should do "Real Housewives of West Alabama" It's be AWESOME! But in WONDERFUL news, Royal Pains returns for season 2 this coming Thursday. I loved this show last year and can't wait for its return. It was such a good, solid, funny show. HooRay!! Lee won Idol, but he shouldn't have. He did bad things, or at least uninteresting things, to 3 of my favorite songs of all time. I was team Crystal from the beginning.
Oh, the blog title? It comes from that horrific Hey Soul Sister song by Train. Train holds a special place for Drops of Jupiter, but I want to punch them all in the face for this abomination of musicality. It's as dumb as a Ke$ha song. WHY?!?!?!
Now, I am just sitting here watching TV. I have no Memorial Day plans. If I were back home, I'd be in Arkansas right now. Yes, I know that sounds confusing, but it makes sense to me. Holidays get ya homesick. I heard Sweet Home Alabama on the radio this morning. Plus, a friend of mine was able to go home to visit for the first time since last June!! Bless his mama's heart! Glad you are getting to visit buddy. I'll be in Bama in July. I fly in on my birthday night, so I expect presents or something. haha. But I also need a vacation soon too. I have friends in ATL so I could go visit there (I still have the $100 Delta voucher from earlier this year). I want to hit a beach though, maybe San Diego, West Palm Beach, someplace fun that Southwest flies. Gotta love a free trip. That'll probably be in September. I figure prices go down after Labor Day, and I'm cheap.
Well, that's enough mindless rambling for now. Later folks!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Up to the Mountain
This is the song Crystal Bowersox sang on Idol as her last song. I'm glad they didn't make them sing some horribly written song that's sickeningly sweet and cloying and overly pseudo-emotional. This beautifully written gem is by Patty Griffin (whose version I have include) and was also amazingly sung by Kelly Clarkson on Idol Gives Back (further proof of why she's my favorite Idol by far!). Read these lyrics, please. She based it on a speech by Martin Luther King. We ALL can relate.
UP TO THE MOUNTAIN (MLK Song)
I went up to the mountain
Because you asked me to
Up over the clouds
To where the sky was blue
I could see all around me
Everywhere
I could see all around me
Everywhere
Sometimes I feel like
I've never been nothing but tired
And I'll be walking
Till the day I expire
Sometimes I lay down
No more can I do
But then I go on again
Because you ask me to
Some days I look down
Afraid I will fall
And though the sun shines
I see nothing at all
Then I hear your sweet voice, oh
Oh, come and then go, come and then go
Telling me softly
You love me so
The peaceful valley
Just over the mountain
The peaceful valley
Few come to know
I may never get there
Ever in this lifetime
But sooner or later
It's there I will go
Sooner or later
It's there I will go
Here are Patty Griffin's version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl4HjwQ77XM
Kelly Clarkson (featuring the awesome Jeff Beck on guitar): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shTQ5UTbfsM
And Crystal Bowersox: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGt5bjf31o4
UP TO THE MOUNTAIN (MLK Song)
I went up to the mountain
Because you asked me to
Up over the clouds
To where the sky was blue
I could see all around me
Everywhere
I could see all around me
Everywhere
Sometimes I feel like
I've never been nothing but tired
And I'll be walking
Till the day I expire
Sometimes I lay down
No more can I do
But then I go on again
Because you ask me to
Some days I look down
Afraid I will fall
And though the sun shines
I see nothing at all
Then I hear your sweet voice, oh
Oh, come and then go, come and then go
Telling me softly
You love me so
The peaceful valley
Just over the mountain
The peaceful valley
Few come to know
I may never get there
Ever in this lifetime
But sooner or later
It's there I will go
Sooner or later
It's there I will go
Here are Patty Griffin's version: http://www.youtube.com/wat
Kelly Clarkson (featuring the awesome Jeff Beck on guitar): http://www.youtube.com/wat
And Crystal Bowersox: http://www.youtube.com/wat
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Just be yourself. It doesn't matter if it's good enough for someone else!
Forgive me readers for I have transgressed. It's been 17 days since my last update. In that time I've worked with an office that was displaced due to a flood, celebrated Mother's Day and Daddy's birthday alone, conversed with Michael Lohan (at least he claims to be him, but it could very well be him), avoided the gym due to sinuses and leg pain and lack of motivation, finally watched Sherlock Holmes, tried to see the new Nightmare on Elm Street with my free movie pass I earned only to be told they had to cancel the showing so instead I got 2 movie passes (no restrictions so I'm guessing new releases are fair game), suffered through the most boring season of Idol in quite some time (still I say CRYSTAL BOWERSOX FOR THE WIN!!!)Just, started watching the horrendous debacle known as Real Housewives of NYC (do NOT judge me! I am putting the blame squarely on Merideth Thaxton for getting me hooked), caught up with some old friends on Facebook and gone to work, church, and my apartment. Yeah, quite an eventful 2 1/2 weeks. Who says you can't have fun alone in Mayberry!
I was very happy today that no professed automotive Christians showed road rage towards me. What would Jesus do, NOT TAILGATE! Seriously, are you in that big of a hurry? If so, LEAVE EARLIER! I was going the speed I was because I had a car in front of me and an 18 wheeler next to me. I'll move when I can get over you selfish road hogging nimrod!
People still amaze me. Never underestimate the power to overestimate people. People either don't know what they are doing, think they know how to do everything, tell you something is wrong: call AND email, tell someone else, who tells someone else, to tell you to make sure you really know. Seriously? What, the skywriter wasn't available? Just tell people once, that's all that's needed.
I'm also amazed at how one tragedy bring legitimacy to a celebrity. In April, Bret Michaels was still a joke. An enjoyably entertaining joke, but a joke no doubt. He was in a fun cheesy 80s hair band, dated Pam Anderson, starred in a "dating reality" show which no doubt cause prescriptions of penicillin to increase exponentially, had a set piece drop on his head at the Tony Awards (Bret Michaels on the Tony awards is odd enough), went on Celebrity Apprentice. Pretty much this is the celebrity irrelevance tour. But, one near death experience with a brain hemorrhage and now he's on Oprah. Only in America!
Now, politics. Usually, I stay away from talking about politics because I have found very few people who can have a political discussion without it turning into a personal attack on the other person. To me, that is a sign of immaturity. If you think I'm wrong, that's your right. But it's my blog and I'll say what I want and I'm about to upset people. Extremism in politics is going to divide this country far too much. I'm not sure if talk radio/news commentary shows are the culprit or not. I do know it's seemed to make everyone an expert on what's wrong with the other side. And let me tell you, each side has come up with some winners. Hateful people, bullies, people with awful phone calls broadcast all over the media, WE'RE DOING IT LIVE!, former 2nd rate stand up comedians, and an ESPN anchor. Yes, when I'm trying to learn about the intricacies of a Senate bill, or our relations with a combative nation, I want to know what the former host of Inside Edition or a guy who used to make smart aleck remarks about sports bloopers has to say. Yes, that's my first thought!
But these programs and these hosts promote extremism. They've even led to political movement bent on removing people from office who aren't extreme enough. Some Democrats and Republicans were victims of movements to get rid of them because they voted for the health care bill. The Dems are out because it wasn't liberal enough. The Republicans are out because it was too liberal. Those people who dared reach across the aisle to try to get some work done are being voted out. I guess it's true that no good deed goes unpunished. I'm not a Democratic, I'm not a Republican. I've voted for both in the past and will vote for both in the future. I'm not a liberal, I'm not a conservative. The title of the blog (a song lyric of course) give a good hint :-) I'm a moderate independent and dang proud of it. But I think people are being ridiculed and ostracized for being so. Why is that? Why is it wrong to see the good & right in both sides? Why is it wrong to want to see the government try to help those who can't, yet still have some social & fiscal conservatism. Why does MSNBC make it seem like the Tea Party group are a bunch of kooky fascists who are racist and can't spell and are mesmerized by Sarah Palin (although, truth be told, I don't understand her appeal either. During the VP debate, she came across to me as someone who'd be overwhelmed in a debate for VP of the Hannah Montana fan club). Why does Fox News make it seem like liberals are evil atheistic egoists who are out to bankrupt the country and replace the stars & bars with the hammer & sickle? (although Harry Reid does sorta give me the creeps). I also love it when each side acts like they are the only one truly in touch with Jesus. Last time I read the Gospels, Jesus wasn't a registered Democrat or Republican. What I really want to know is why we can't get along? What's wrong with being a moderate? What's wrong with being able to see both sides of an issue? Political extremism frightens me. I don't see any good coming out of it. If we don't learn to be understanding with each other, we'll never make progress as a nation. We should be mature enough and smart enough to do that. Grow up and get along. Y'all are worse than 5 year olds on the playground. At least they can be friendly after throwing dirt at one another.
OK, that's enough for now. I really want something with cinnamon. But I don't have anything. Instead, I'll eat my Mint Oreo Fudge Cremes. So, any suggestions for my next topic?
I was very happy today that no professed automotive Christians showed road rage towards me. What would Jesus do, NOT TAILGATE! Seriously, are you in that big of a hurry? If so, LEAVE EARLIER! I was going the speed I was because I had a car in front of me and an 18 wheeler next to me. I'll move when I can get over you selfish road hogging nimrod!
People still amaze me. Never underestimate the power to overestimate people. People either don't know what they are doing, think they know how to do everything, tell you something is wrong: call AND email, tell someone else, who tells someone else, to tell you to make sure you really know. Seriously? What, the skywriter wasn't available? Just tell people once, that's all that's needed.
I'm also amazed at how one tragedy bring legitimacy to a celebrity. In April, Bret Michaels was still a joke. An enjoyably entertaining joke, but a joke no doubt. He was in a fun cheesy 80s hair band, dated Pam Anderson, starred in a "dating reality" show which no doubt cause prescriptions of penicillin to increase exponentially, had a set piece drop on his head at the Tony Awards (Bret Michaels on the Tony awards is odd enough), went on Celebrity Apprentice. Pretty much this is the celebrity irrelevance tour. But, one near death experience with a brain hemorrhage and now he's on Oprah. Only in America!
Now, politics. Usually, I stay away from talking about politics because I have found very few people who can have a political discussion without it turning into a personal attack on the other person. To me, that is a sign of immaturity. If you think I'm wrong, that's your right. But it's my blog and I'll say what I want and I'm about to upset people. Extremism in politics is going to divide this country far too much. I'm not sure if talk radio/news commentary shows are the culprit or not. I do know it's seemed to make everyone an expert on what's wrong with the other side. And let me tell you, each side has come up with some winners. Hateful people, bullies, people with awful phone calls broadcast all over the media, WE'RE DOING IT LIVE!, former 2nd rate stand up comedians, and an ESPN anchor. Yes, when I'm trying to learn about the intricacies of a Senate bill, or our relations with a combative nation, I want to know what the former host of Inside Edition or a guy who used to make smart aleck remarks about sports bloopers has to say. Yes, that's my first thought!
But these programs and these hosts promote extremism. They've even led to political movement bent on removing people from office who aren't extreme enough. Some Democrats and Republicans were victims of movements to get rid of them because they voted for the health care bill. The Dems are out because it wasn't liberal enough. The Republicans are out because it was too liberal. Those people who dared reach across the aisle to try to get some work done are being voted out. I guess it's true that no good deed goes unpunished. I'm not a Democratic, I'm not a Republican. I've voted for both in the past and will vote for both in the future. I'm not a liberal, I'm not a conservative. The title of the blog (a song lyric of course) give a good hint :-) I'm a moderate independent and dang proud of it. But I think people are being ridiculed and ostracized for being so. Why is that? Why is it wrong to see the good & right in both sides? Why is it wrong to want to see the government try to help those who can't, yet still have some social & fiscal conservatism. Why does MSNBC make it seem like the Tea Party group are a bunch of kooky fascists who are racist and can't spell and are mesmerized by Sarah Palin (although, truth be told, I don't understand her appeal either. During the VP debate, she came across to me as someone who'd be overwhelmed in a debate for VP of the Hannah Montana fan club). Why does Fox News make it seem like liberals are evil atheistic egoists who are out to bankrupt the country and replace the stars & bars with the hammer & sickle? (although Harry Reid does sorta give me the creeps). I also love it when each side acts like they are the only one truly in touch with Jesus. Last time I read the Gospels, Jesus wasn't a registered Democrat or Republican. What I really want to know is why we can't get along? What's wrong with being a moderate? What's wrong with being able to see both sides of an issue? Political extremism frightens me. I don't see any good coming out of it. If we don't learn to be understanding with each other, we'll never make progress as a nation. We should be mature enough and smart enough to do that. Grow up and get along. Y'all are worse than 5 year olds on the playground. At least they can be friendly after throwing dirt at one another.
OK, that's enough for now. I really want something with cinnamon. But I don't have anything. Instead, I'll eat my Mint Oreo Fudge Cremes. So, any suggestions for my next topic?
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Sing a song about the heartland, sing a song about my life
Well, it's been a busy week. Heck, it's been a busy month. I'm glad April is over. Work has been wicked busy, but that phase of busy is over. Now, onto a new phase of busy! But it's a different kind of busy. That's what I get I guess!
Anyway, on to the past couple of weeks. Yes, Comcast still sucks. Pretty soon, I'll probably get rid of it (except for internet, darn you New Freedom and your lack of DSL!) and switch over to DirecTV. I now need the account number of someone who has it and I'll give it when I sign up (which should be this coming week I guess). First come First serve (if you are referred by a DirecTV user, both of you get a $10 per month credit for 10 months!). Bring it on users!
Orioles suck this year (no shocker there) and the Braves suck this year too (Bobby's last year thankfully. He did a great job, but once you are 212 years old with 6 knee replacements, you need to give it up) so baseball isn't high on my list these days.
The other day, I had to turn on the heater. Today, it's 90 degrees and my air conditioners aren't in my windows so it's very warm in here. At least I wasn't moving today like my neighbors. Yup, the next door neighbors moved out this time. But apparently it's already been rented. I'm gonna have seniority!
But things aren't all bad. Friday I got GREAT news from my ENT (ear nose & throat). A year and half ago I had a small little ulcer type irritation on my throat. I sound more hoarse than I used to and my throat usually feels irritated and my singing range seems affected. Well, the doc (who, trust me, was a bit of an odd duck) said the spot wasn't there and my irritation was a combination of sinus drainage and reflux (gross sounding I know, but I'm happy it's fixable, or not worrisome at least). Then Friday night, I bought more Mello Yello (thank you Target) and finally broke down and bought some almond milk. You know what, it's not bad. I think I will like it a lot.
Today was quite a full day. I went to bed earlier than normal and woke up later than normal. Apparently, I've been tired. Then I had some Chocolate Cheerios with almond milk. Then I went to the Amish market. I went to the furniture/home store first. It looked like some cutesy country barn exploded and the merchandise is the shrapnel. Then, I went to the food part. Or as I like to call it "Heaven in south central PA". Bakery, candy, ice cream, fudge, restaurants, butcher, deli, and if you are so inclined, produce (I don't incline that way). I limited myself to the bakery and some homemade rolls (which I doubt will be as good as my aunt Sandra's, but away from home you take what you get) and a pound cake (but trying to lose weight, I only bought a half a cake). Then I went to eat at Cracker Barrel and it was good today, except I had the laziest waitress ever. It took several minutes after I sat for her to come over so I went ahead and ordered (that was visit #1), she brought my food (visit #2), and then brought the check and asked if I wanted dessert (visit #3). No extra trips to check on me, no extra trips to refill my Coke. LAZY! But I did get Yankee Candle car fresheners (vanilla lime is AWESOME!) and those red & black berry candy (those have been a favorite of mine since The Peanut Shack at the new mall all those years ago). Then I went and took my car through the car wash and threw away too much trash. Then I came back to the apartment and changed for my brisk walk. I walked around Mayberry some. Stopped and visited the Harrisons. Saw boss lady, knew better than to offer my lack of experience to her hubby while he put up a fence, saw the sister in law, and 2 adorably sweet little boys (one playing in the dirt, one playing with an air pump. Also learn if you spin around a 15 month old and try to get him to walk, he looks drunk, can't stand and it's hilarious!). I then went on the NCR trail to the tune of songs from Glee. OK, "Home" which was Kristin Chenoweth sang this past Wednesday night is AMAZING. Her performance of it was great and the words are great too. Yes, it's tough being away from home. Maybe one day. Now, off to eat something for supper and iron clothes (I iron at night because I'm OCD & paranoid about going off in the morning and leaving the iron on. Yeah, I'm weird!). Have a great May everyone!
Anyway, on to the past couple of weeks. Yes, Comcast still sucks. Pretty soon, I'll probably get rid of it (except for internet, darn you New Freedom and your lack of DSL!) and switch over to DirecTV. I now need the account number of someone who has it and I'll give it when I sign up (which should be this coming week I guess). First come First serve (if you are referred by a DirecTV user, both of you get a $10 per month credit for 10 months!). Bring it on users!
Orioles suck this year (no shocker there) and the Braves suck this year too (Bobby's last year thankfully. He did a great job, but once you are 212 years old with 6 knee replacements, you need to give it up) so baseball isn't high on my list these days.
The other day, I had to turn on the heater. Today, it's 90 degrees and my air conditioners aren't in my windows so it's very warm in here. At least I wasn't moving today like my neighbors. Yup, the next door neighbors moved out this time. But apparently it's already been rented. I'm gonna have seniority!
But things aren't all bad. Friday I got GREAT news from my ENT (ear nose & throat). A year and half ago I had a small little ulcer type irritation on my throat. I sound more hoarse than I used to and my throat usually feels irritated and my singing range seems affected. Well, the doc (who, trust me, was a bit of an odd duck) said the spot wasn't there and my irritation was a combination of sinus drainage and reflux (gross sounding I know, but I'm happy it's fixable, or not worrisome at least). Then Friday night, I bought more Mello Yello (thank you Target) and finally broke down and bought some almond milk. You know what, it's not bad. I think I will like it a lot.
Today was quite a full day. I went to bed earlier than normal and woke up later than normal. Apparently, I've been tired. Then I had some Chocolate Cheerios with almond milk. Then I went to the Amish market. I went to the furniture/home store first. It looked like some cutesy country barn exploded and the merchandise is the shrapnel. Then, I went to the food part. Or as I like to call it "Heaven in south central PA". Bakery, candy, ice cream, fudge, restaurants, butcher, deli, and if you are so inclined, produce (I don't incline that way). I limited myself to the bakery and some homemade rolls (which I doubt will be as good as my aunt Sandra's, but away from home you take what you get) and a pound cake (but trying to lose weight, I only bought a half a cake). Then I went to eat at Cracker Barrel and it was good today, except I had the laziest waitress ever. It took several minutes after I sat for her to come over so I went ahead and ordered (that was visit #1), she brought my food (visit #2), and then brought the check and asked if I wanted dessert (visit #3). No extra trips to check on me, no extra trips to refill my Coke. LAZY! But I did get Yankee Candle car fresheners (vanilla lime is AWESOME!) and those red & black berry candy (those have been a favorite of mine since The Peanut Shack at the new mall all those years ago). Then I went and took my car through the car wash and threw away too much trash. Then I came back to the apartment and changed for my brisk walk. I walked around Mayberry some. Stopped and visited the Harrisons. Saw boss lady, knew better than to offer my lack of experience to her hubby while he put up a fence, saw the sister in law, and 2 adorably sweet little boys (one playing in the dirt, one playing with an air pump. Also learn if you spin around a 15 month old and try to get him to walk, he looks drunk, can't stand and it's hilarious!). I then went on the NCR trail to the tune of songs from Glee. OK, "Home" which was Kristin Chenoweth sang this past Wednesday night is AMAZING. Her performance of it was great and the words are great too. Yes, it's tough being away from home. Maybe one day. Now, off to eat something for supper and iron clothes (I iron at night because I'm OCD & paranoid about going off in the morning and leaving the iron on. Yeah, I'm weird!). Have a great May everyone!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
ACM Awards - The Final Hour
Hour 3 starts off with the award for Vocal Group of the Year. OK, they really should combine Duo & Group into one award. This award was presented to the awesome Lady Antebellum by Eddie Cibrian, aka LeAnn Rimes partner in homewreckin’! Well, it is a country music show, might as well have homewreckin’ spouses together.
Tim McGraw is performing right now. Thankfully he’s not singing that horrendous Southern Voice song or that even worse It’s a Business Doing Pleasure With You, which was co-written by the lead singer of Nickelback, that should give you more than enough reason to hate it.
Brad Paisley is just awesome beyond words. He and his wife seem like they’d be normal, down to earth, and the type of people you could hang out with. This song “Water” is probably gonna be my summer anthem. Lovin it! Matthew Mc Conaughey is just pretty much half crazy and doesn’t care, ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT! I’m guessing his daughter is 3 months old now. Gee Matthew, thanks for sharing. But glad Brad won male vocalist. HooRay! Plus, he’s one of the funniest people around. And naturally funny, not forced funny.
I’m not a big B&D fan, but I would have picked “Red Dirt Road” for them to sing. It’s the best of the 3 songs. My Daddy says it’s the one song by them he can stand. It reminds him of growing up because he lived on a red dirt gravel road. But goodness, Ronnie Dunn looks a mess like he just woke up or something. But how bad was it that his microphone wasn’t working on their final performance as a duo? I think he’ll come out with a solo album soon, right? He was almost always front and center anyway. He could be a success. I still say Sugarland should have won top duo. B&D won because it’s their last hurrah. Oh well.
I’m glad Reba is having musical success again. She went a bit too over the top in the mid 90s but then reined it back in, just like her plastic surgeon reined in her signs of aging and sagging. But her work is more subtle than Dolly & Nicole. I’m glad Carrie didn’t win female vocalist. Good for Miranda. She seems shocked & happy. I like it when people don’t expect to win.
Keith Urban came in carrying a camera and they seem to be focusing on odd and different camera work during his performance. That’s a shame because he’s a very good performer and they shouldn’t detract from this song. But the camera they are using gives it a concert video or rehearsal look instead of a live awards show.
Carrie Underwood won Entertainer of the Year? Yuck! I just am not a fan of her overall. Why you got your cell phone on? Why’d you bring your purse onstage. Give it to your mama girl!
Darius Rucker closes the show? Why? He’s become a country success and that’s good, but why is he closing it? Why didn’t Sugarland perform? Overall, it wasn’t that bad of a show I must say. I figured Taylor Swift would have won at least something. She has a lot to live up to with her next CD though. Congrats to Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley!
Tim McGraw is performing right now. Thankfully he’s not singing that horrendous Southern Voice song or that even worse It’s a Business Doing Pleasure With You, which was co-written by the lead singer of Nickelback, that should give you more than enough reason to hate it.
Brad Paisley is just awesome beyond words. He and his wife seem like they’d be normal, down to earth, and the type of people you could hang out with. This song “Water” is probably gonna be my summer anthem. Lovin it! Matthew Mc Conaughey is just pretty much half crazy and doesn’t care, ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT! I’m guessing his daughter is 3 months old now. Gee Matthew, thanks for sharing. But glad Brad won male vocalist. HooRay! Plus, he’s one of the funniest people around. And naturally funny, not forced funny.
I’m not a big B&D fan, but I would have picked “Red Dirt Road” for them to sing. It’s the best of the 3 songs. My Daddy says it’s the one song by them he can stand. It reminds him of growing up because he lived on a red dirt gravel road. But goodness, Ronnie Dunn looks a mess like he just woke up or something. But how bad was it that his microphone wasn’t working on their final performance as a duo? I think he’ll come out with a solo album soon, right? He was almost always front and center anyway. He could be a success. I still say Sugarland should have won top duo. B&D won because it’s their last hurrah. Oh well.
I’m glad Reba is having musical success again. She went a bit too over the top in the mid 90s but then reined it back in, just like her plastic surgeon reined in her signs of aging and sagging. But her work is more subtle than Dolly & Nicole. I’m glad Carrie didn’t win female vocalist. Good for Miranda. She seems shocked & happy. I like it when people don’t expect to win.
Keith Urban came in carrying a camera and they seem to be focusing on odd and different camera work during his performance. That’s a shame because he’s a very good performer and they shouldn’t detract from this song. But the camera they are using gives it a concert video or rehearsal look instead of a live awards show.
Carrie Underwood won Entertainer of the Year? Yuck! I just am not a fan of her overall. Why you got your cell phone on? Why’d you bring your purse onstage. Give it to your mama girl!
Darius Rucker closes the show? Why? He’s become a country success and that’s good, but why is he closing it? Why didn’t Sugarland perform? Overall, it wasn’t that bad of a show I must say. I figured Taylor Swift would have won at least something. She has a lot to live up to with her next CD though. Congrats to Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley!
ACM Awards - Hour 2
Taylor Swift kicked off hour 2 by flying over the arena in a combination tuna can/hot air balloon basket. Good thing my friend Ms. Pendergrass wasn’t there to throw stuff at her. Then she took off the dress and was wearing black to show she’s serious. Then she walked to the stage followed by people for no reason. The curtain dropped to show a choir made up of people who couldn’t make it onto American Idol or Glee. Then she danced at the end like a spastic 19 year old white girl followed by a stupid stage dive. I will say Taylor actually sounded good tonight, very good. The song wasn’t very good though, but she sang the heck out of it.
Then, an Oompa Loompa came out and introduced the new artist nominees. I didn’t know Willy Wonka knew country music. Wait, that’s that chick from that dancing show with too much tanner? Nevermind. Glorianna was great. Their harmonies are great. Luke Bryan was good as well. Joey & Rory should win for using the term “white trash”, for him wearing overalls, and for having a great kiss off song. And the winner is Luke Bryan.
Lady Antebellum is now performing “American Honey”. If it wasn’t about a woman, it could be my song. I love it, I love them. They have had some pop crossover success, but can still keep country roots, unlike some.
Then Rascall Flatts had to perform. I’ve been over them for years now. Their lead singer is too full of himself and their songs have been horrid. That stupid summer song last year was a low point. The way he sang the word “sexy” in that summer song gave me the creeps. And tonight, as that genius Randy Jackson would say, they were pitchy dawg. I mean he was really off and really bad.
Miranda Lambert won Album of the Year. Glad Carrie didn’t win, she annoys me. She was shocked, she was planning to look ticked off again losing to Lady Antebellum. But those producers need to let people talk a little bit before cutting them off. They don’t have that many awards, give people their say, DANG IT!
Jason Aldean was OK singing Crazy Town, but to me, nothing special. Good, solid, etc., but I don’t think I’ll remember it tomorrow. Miranda Lambert went soft and slow tonight instead of fierce and angry. “The House That Built Me” was achingly beautiful and sad. Great job. LeAnn Rimes still looks squinty and creepy. She wins the Home Depot Humanitarian award last year, then proceeds to leave her husband for another woman’s husband. Not very humanitarian if you ask me. Heck, I haven’t liked her for a while. Plus, she was ticked Trisha Yearwood beat her out for awards for “How Do I Live”. LeAnn, it’s not Trisha’s fault that your version sucked. This “Barbie Doll” is kinda dumb. Dierks Bentley, how’d you get dragged into this? Oh look, dancing sluts on stage. You can tell this show is in Vegas.
Carrie is singing that sappy song Temporary Home. As usual, she has parts where she oversings, even though the arrangement is simply and beautiful. Pull back some or you’ll get to the point where you shout on every song like Martina. The flower petal rainshower at the end, ugh. But I don’t like flowers. But that being said, she seems like a sweet girl. On to the final hour!
Then, an Oompa Loompa came out and introduced the new artist nominees. I didn’t know Willy Wonka knew country music. Wait, that’s that chick from that dancing show with too much tanner? Nevermind. Glorianna was great. Their harmonies are great. Luke Bryan was good as well. Joey & Rory should win for using the term “white trash”, for him wearing overalls, and for having a great kiss off song. And the winner is Luke Bryan.
Lady Antebellum is now performing “American Honey”. If it wasn’t about a woman, it could be my song. I love it, I love them. They have had some pop crossover success, but can still keep country roots, unlike some.
Then Rascall Flatts had to perform. I’ve been over them for years now. Their lead singer is too full of himself and their songs have been horrid. That stupid summer song last year was a low point. The way he sang the word “sexy” in that summer song gave me the creeps. And tonight, as that genius Randy Jackson would say, they were pitchy dawg. I mean he was really off and really bad.
Miranda Lambert won Album of the Year. Glad Carrie didn’t win, she annoys me. She was shocked, she was planning to look ticked off again losing to Lady Antebellum. But those producers need to let people talk a little bit before cutting them off. They don’t have that many awards, give people their say, DANG IT!
Jason Aldean was OK singing Crazy Town, but to me, nothing special. Good, solid, etc., but I don’t think I’ll remember it tomorrow. Miranda Lambert went soft and slow tonight instead of fierce and angry. “The House That Built Me” was achingly beautiful and sad. Great job. LeAnn Rimes still looks squinty and creepy. She wins the Home Depot Humanitarian award last year, then proceeds to leave her husband for another woman’s husband. Not very humanitarian if you ask me. Heck, I haven’t liked her for a while. Plus, she was ticked Trisha Yearwood beat her out for awards for “How Do I Live”. LeAnn, it’s not Trisha’s fault that your version sucked. This “Barbie Doll” is kinda dumb. Dierks Bentley, how’d you get dragged into this? Oh look, dancing sluts on stage. You can tell this show is in Vegas.
Carrie is singing that sappy song Temporary Home. As usual, she has parts where she oversings, even though the arrangement is simply and beautiful. Pull back some or you’ll get to the point where you shout on every song like Martina. The flower petal rainshower at the end, ugh. But I don’t like flowers. But that being said, she seems like a sweet girl. On to the final hour!
ACM Awards - Hour 1
Miranda Lambert & Carrie started with CCR’s “Travelin’ Band” joined by Brad Paisley on some KICK BUTT guitar. Miranda can do good attitude. Carrie just looks like she’s playing slutty dress up and has painted on attitude. She always dresses like a slut though. John Fogerty which was cool, but you couldn’t understand a word he was saying and he looks like he went to Bruce Jenner’s plastic surgeon. When Charlie Daniels came out playing the fiddle though, I thought it was just a big long Geico commercial.
I love Reba hosting the show. She got off a good Tiger Woods/Jesse James joke. She’s sassy and gave a “Bless her heart”. Can’t beat that! She needs her own show again. What’s up with Nicole Kidman’s forehead? It looks like you could show an IMAX movie on it. She’s in her 40s and her forehead looks like that naturally? I don’t think so.
Why is Cher at the country music awards? She’s CREEPY these days. She better watch out with those cheekbones, she’ll put an eye out. Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins sang “Hillbilly Bone” which wasn’t too bad. Deep down, we all hick! Then Billy Currington sang “That’s Country Boys Roll”. Yeah, I know a lot of guys like that. And then there’s Kenny Chesney. He annoys me. I will not go to see his movie, especially 3D? Seriously, why does a concert movie have to be in 3D?
Song of the Year went to Lady Antebellum for their 1am drunken booty call song “Need You Now”. I was rooting for it or “People Are Crazy”. I didn’t know until a month or so ago her mom was the woman who sang with Reba on the “Does He Love You” song, the one with the video where the boat blew up at the end. I do love Lady Antebellum though, CONGRATS! But that one co-writer looked like he was 12. He wouldn’t know about a drunken booty call at that age. But he thanked his wife and daughter, so I guess he isn’t 12. But seriously dude, look older somehow.
Then Laura Bell Bundy performed. She was on a soap opera and has starred on Broadway. That was a very Broadway production of an unmemorable song. It was too much about dancing and performance. Plus, she isn’t a big enough star to get a full performance on a major awards show. Her record company must have pulled some HUGE strings.
Toby Keith’s tribute to Waymon Tisdale was touching without being sappy. I liked the use of Dave Koz
on the sax too. Glad to see Zac Brown Band out in the Middle East playing for the troops instead of in Vegas.
Single of the year went to Lady Antebellum again. I think it’s gonna be a HUGE night for them. “I Run to You” is still my ringtone. I downloaded their new CD. They are awesome! The song “Hello World” on there is BRILLIANT!
Hour 1 ended with the announcer saying something I’d never thought I’d hear on the ACM Awards “LL Cool J will introduce Taylor Swift”. Seriously LL, CBS is making you do this I know. Say no or tell them “Mama’s gonna knock you OUT!” But I do like Taylor, I want to make that known. It’s just that when I hear Taylor Swift, LL doesn’t automatically come to mind.
I love Reba hosting the show. She got off a good Tiger Woods/Jesse James joke. She’s sassy and gave a “Bless her heart”. Can’t beat that! She needs her own show again. What’s up with Nicole Kidman’s forehead? It looks like you could show an IMAX movie on it. She’s in her 40s and her forehead looks like that naturally? I don’t think so.
Why is Cher at the country music awards? She’s CREEPY these days. She better watch out with those cheekbones, she’ll put an eye out. Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins sang “Hillbilly Bone” which wasn’t too bad. Deep down, we all hick! Then Billy Currington sang “That’s Country Boys Roll”. Yeah, I know a lot of guys like that. And then there’s Kenny Chesney. He annoys me. I will not go to see his movie, especially 3D? Seriously, why does a concert movie have to be in 3D?
Song of the Year went to Lady Antebellum for their 1am drunken booty call song “Need You Now”. I was rooting for it or “People Are Crazy”. I didn’t know until a month or so ago her mom was the woman who sang with Reba on the “Does He Love You” song, the one with the video where the boat blew up at the end. I do love Lady Antebellum though, CONGRATS! But that one co-writer looked like he was 12. He wouldn’t know about a drunken booty call at that age. But he thanked his wife and daughter, so I guess he isn’t 12. But seriously dude, look older somehow.
Then Laura Bell Bundy performed. She was on a soap opera and has starred on Broadway. That was a very Broadway production of an unmemorable song. It was too much about dancing and performance. Plus, she isn’t a big enough star to get a full performance on a major awards show. Her record company must have pulled some HUGE strings.
Toby Keith’s tribute to Waymon Tisdale was touching without being sappy. I liked the use of Dave Koz
on the sax too. Glad to see Zac Brown Band out in the Middle East playing for the troops instead of in Vegas.
Single of the year went to Lady Antebellum again. I think it’s gonna be a HUGE night for them. “I Run to You” is still my ringtone. I downloaded their new CD. They are awesome! The song “Hello World” on there is BRILLIANT!
Hour 1 ended with the announcer saying something I’d never thought I’d hear on the ACM Awards “LL Cool J will introduce Taylor Swift”. Seriously LL, CBS is making you do this I know. Say no or tell them “Mama’s gonna knock you OUT!” But I do like Taylor, I want to make that known. It’s just that when I hear Taylor Swift, LL doesn’t automatically come to mind.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Just a hometown boy, born a rolling stone
Well, it's been a week and a half since I put thoughts to blog, but is anything really going on or worth writing? I'm just as busy at work as ever. I NEED a vacation. I mean, it's becoming a necessity. At least I'm not at the point where every little thing is annoying, but then again, that could be fun. I've never been a ticking time bomb, that'd be fun to try. God help Beaver Dam Road and New Freedom, PA!!
I did make it home and I got to spend time with family and friends. I got to see church friends, hang out with some friends I don't get to see enough of, ate supper with my parents and my aunts, and took mama out for her birthday. Yeah, nothing funny happened. Just saw folks. What, you were expecting humor? Funny stories? Goofiness? What, I can't just go visit folks in a normal non-funny fashion. I'm human dang it! Wow, I do need a vacation haha. But no, it was normal. Food, food, bowling, Yogurt Mountain (which I wasn't all that impressed with. It's way too overpriced. I don't care how many flavors and toppings they have. I saw boys fix theirs and have to pay 8 bucks. You have to be flipping kidding me. For that price, that cup best be dipped in gold, or crude oil). Went to Red Lobster for the first time in a long time. It was ok, but the little hostess/manager chick came over telling us we were lucky enough to participate in a survey and we could bring in the receipt for a discount. Oh GOODY! First off, you have a nasal annoying voice. Second, don't come barging in on our family meal to give us some stupid dog & pony show about that stupid survey. Third, on our way out, she puts her hand on my aunt's back in the way you'd help an old lady across the street and said "You are going to fill out that survey ok?" I was waiting for Sandra to turn around, cuss at her, then slap her. I would have smiled.
This week hasn't started off well. Monday I had a hideous bad headache. I didn't feel like cooking so I had something called "broasted" chicken. It's just fried chicken, but it was pretty dang good! Tuesday, I lost my billfold at work. Then I found out my employees didn't really know the word "billfold". Is it really that southern? Well, that meant I couldn't go to the grocery store to buy stuff so I'm glad I had stuff at the apartment. Oh, I had a pig out session when I got home. I was tired & frustrated. Tonight, since I'd already eaten bad and missed the gym this week, I said forget it and got a $10 pizza from Pizza Hut after choir. Yeah, I think I need to hit the gym again. If I don't, at the rate I'm going, I should be beach ready by 2037.
Other than that, things are ok. Celebs are still annoying me. Tiger Woods, Jesse James, all their sluts and the lawyers representing those sluts just need to shut up and leave the public eye. Kate Gosselin, nobody cares anymore. You are now Stepford Wife creepy. American Idol, except for Crystal and sometimes Lee, this season pretty much sucks. Andrew, I'm glad you are gone. Your look scares me and your singing is bad. AI has really gone down this year. That's sad. At least some shows are good. The Good Wife is AWESOME. Glee came back strong too.
OK, yeah, I need a life. I need friends up here. That's what going home helped me realized. All of my friends are online. haha. Thank goodness for Facebook. LOL, it is weird how many people mentioned my Facebook when they saw me. Is that good or bad? Well, anyway, I'll try to find some friends and some activities soon. But first, I really need a vacation. A beach, a tan. AAAAH! Oh, and politicians, y'all can join Tiger, Jesse, Gloria Allred, etc and get the heck out too. I'm glad I don't live in Alabama, there are some real wackos running for office this year on both side. Good grief! OK, will that do for now? Want more, just ask, give a topic even :-)
I did make it home and I got to spend time with family and friends. I got to see church friends, hang out with some friends I don't get to see enough of, ate supper with my parents and my aunts, and took mama out for her birthday. Yeah, nothing funny happened. Just saw folks. What, you were expecting humor? Funny stories? Goofiness? What, I can't just go visit folks in a normal non-funny fashion. I'm human dang it! Wow, I do need a vacation haha. But no, it was normal. Food, food, bowling, Yogurt Mountain (which I wasn't all that impressed with. It's way too overpriced. I don't care how many flavors and toppings they have. I saw boys fix theirs and have to pay 8 bucks. You have to be flipping kidding me. For that price, that cup best be dipped in gold, or crude oil). Went to Red Lobster for the first time in a long time. It was ok, but the little hostess/manager chick came over telling us we were lucky enough to participate in a survey and we could bring in the receipt for a discount. Oh GOODY! First off, you have a nasal annoying voice. Second, don't come barging in on our family meal to give us some stupid dog & pony show about that stupid survey. Third, on our way out, she puts her hand on my aunt's back in the way you'd help an old lady across the street and said "You are going to fill out that survey ok?" I was waiting for Sandra to turn around, cuss at her, then slap her. I would have smiled.
This week hasn't started off well. Monday I had a hideous bad headache. I didn't feel like cooking so I had something called "broasted" chicken. It's just fried chicken, but it was pretty dang good! Tuesday, I lost my billfold at work. Then I found out my employees didn't really know the word "billfold". Is it really that southern? Well, that meant I couldn't go to the grocery store to buy stuff so I'm glad I had stuff at the apartment. Oh, I had a pig out session when I got home. I was tired & frustrated. Tonight, since I'd already eaten bad and missed the gym this week, I said forget it and got a $10 pizza from Pizza Hut after choir. Yeah, I think I need to hit the gym again. If I don't, at the rate I'm going, I should be beach ready by 2037.
Other than that, things are ok. Celebs are still annoying me. Tiger Woods, Jesse James, all their sluts and the lawyers representing those sluts just need to shut up and leave the public eye. Kate Gosselin, nobody cares anymore. You are now Stepford Wife creepy. American Idol, except for Crystal and sometimes Lee, this season pretty much sucks. Andrew, I'm glad you are gone. Your look scares me and your singing is bad. AI has really gone down this year. That's sad. At least some shows are good. The Good Wife is AWESOME. Glee came back strong too.
OK, yeah, I need a life. I need friends up here. That's what going home helped me realized. All of my friends are online. haha. Thank goodness for Facebook. LOL, it is weird how many people mentioned my Facebook when they saw me. Is that good or bad? Well, anyway, I'll try to find some friends and some activities soon. But first, I really need a vacation. A beach, a tan. AAAAH! Oh, and politicians, y'all can join Tiger, Jesse, Gloria Allred, etc and get the heck out too. I'm glad I don't live in Alabama, there are some real wackos running for office this year on both side. Good grief! OK, will that do for now? Want more, just ask, give a topic even :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
