Green Bananas Taste Better

90s party

2010-10-19T12:24:00.001-05:00

I can't think of another way to post this video outside of facebook.
Let's hope this works.
Enjoy, Kev.

Does anyone read this anymore?

2010-07-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

I forgot I had this.
Hmm...to keep up with it or not? I do not know.

My babbling has been kept to 140 characters or less lately.

Super fast recap - photography things are starting to go a place or two.
I need a website. I need help. I don't have a ton to put towards it. Ugh.

First, I should buck up for my very own domain name. Ideas?
Then, before people keep thinking what I shoot is really that great, I really do need to upgrade my camera body. It's a chunk of change but if I'm liking it like I am...and people want me to get to shooting around them...I should really invest in it. Not only that but it'll provide me with a second camera. Mmm...

Randomly - one of my buddy's, Ben, just showed me a sweet, sweet video. It's something this company/person does for weddings. And when they're as good as this one they're really cool to watch. Sweet. http://bruedesign.com/thecaptureblog2/?p=180
Check it out.
Video's not something I want to dabble in. I've my hands full with pictures at this point.

Other pointless to others news - I need to brand myself at some point. Working on contracts.

I took my camera in for its first cleaning. It was a dirty, dirty camera. The 35mm was dirty too. it kept giving the weirdest glares in non-sunny situations. A few bucks and a day from now I'll have it back and ready to rock.

Speaking of shooting (because it's all I really talk about to myself or to Kim...sorry Kim) I had some friends ask me to shoot their wedding on a 7 day cruise. And as awesome as that would have been, 7 days on a boat by myself would have been an interesting experience. I had other reasons for turning it down but that was a big one. I did refer them to people who I know could destroy that cruise with awesomeness and shoot their wedding better than I ever could. You know who are. Keep a look out.

I also had someone I knew/know tell me they were quoted a mere $450 to shoot their wedding. Err...how? All the more power to them but that sounds too good to be true, ya know? No matter.

How about the best site to use to sell things? People on FB expressed interest in buying pictures of some of the things I shot (which surprised me) and I don't have the first clue. There's smugmug.com - anything else? exposuremanager.com?

Yeah, that's it. That's all I've got. I'm constantly bottled up with photographer questions, thoughts and doings. Poor Kim is the outlet for it all. Sorry, babe! I need to make photography friends out here because I don't want to bore the hell out of my pals here about it. Yup. the end.

Congrats to Aaron

2010-06-14T21:42:00.003-05:00

3:26:34

The man finished his very first triathalon. That's one more tri than you'll see me do.
I can't swim
I ride in a car and not on a bike
I like to run.

Congrats to Aaron for accomplishing such a wild feat. Good work!

Under Construction

2010-06-14T21:13:00.003-05:00

Things are a changing around these parts. New focuses, new toys, new jobs - the works.

I haven't given the blog any love for some time. Work picks up, it slows down. I go on picture-taking binges. I get new ideas. I want to relax. I want to sleep. I want to drink. Most of the time blogging isn't first or 5th on my mind. It's probably because I don't have a lot to say that's really that interesting.

For anyone who reads these ramblings, you know that I've taken a liking to photography. With my limited knowledge, I could easily ramble on about it for countless minutes. I don't have a lot of photography pals but I'll chat to anyone who'll let me (thanks, Kim!). Josh is off in Portland and probably tires of some of my remedial questions to some of the simpler things. It's all in practice. And my cousin has 2 little ones. That - and her and my approaches to photography seem pretty opposite of each other. Not a bad thing but different.

On any note - I think if the blog focuses around light personal things and a lot more on photography I'd be able to stay updated more often. I've all sorts of questions that I don't need answers to but sometimes like to have vetted out into blog world.

But in terms of other changes - I may use the blog more in the future but for now it's under construction. I'll either keep with this one or start a new one with a photography focus.

I've since moved all of my recent photography (sort of the evolution of my "skills") to flickr. I bucked up and went "pro." Having access to stats gets me all excited because I'm nerdy like that. Seeing my photos get looked at 500+ times in 1 day might not be too wild but it made me happy. As long as those bastards don't go stealing anything. Grr! :)

I also upped for a new computer with much faster RAM. Went from 2 to 6. It's expandable up to 16. Mmm...16. Baby steps.
Lightroom 3's Beta stopped. It's time to start using LR3.
As for equipment - I had the opportunity to use a D80. Older and a little slower but it had the internal motor to allow me to use some of the passed down lenses. It was cool to do.
I found out one of my lenses is broken (the motor is) but that's ok. I had another with the same focal length and better glass. And a long-range lens that needs a much steadier hand.
I was able to get out and shoot with it (see the Twin Lakes walk around or the Minis for examples)

I will still rely heavily on the 35mm. It does great things.
As for camera body - well, like Josh and Kim have pointed out - FX is where I could look to go next. It's a 2k+ investment I don't have the money for yet.
I need to determine how serious I am with it all.
Do I want to start shooting more often?
Do I want to shoot for other people and get paid to do it?

I've always liked shooting because it's a whole "by my rules" mentality. But if someone else likes my rules and wants to pay me for my rules then let's do it, right? I just need to have a Sally Field moment or something.

I was booked for my first "event" last week. Surreal.
An afternoon with a bride's wedding party and then an engagement shoot. That'll be fun but isn't until later this year.
I was also asked to help shoot a wedding. The "main" shooter is relying on me (if I can do it). It's small. Not big. Well, actually, I don't know the details. Daunting.
And with my cousin - she's getting more bookings and looking for help.
So, I think the opportunities are there. It doesn't interfere with my "real" job, which is good. It's keeping me busy, which I like. It's a hobby I can show for when the day's done.
I like it.
That's what matters when it's all said and done. I like it.
So, I think I'll keep doing it.

But on any note --
With a new computer, new equipment, motivation, some support, a new place for the photos and a work-in-progress website (mostly as a portfolio site, I think) - I'm chugging along for my almost-year-long hobby.

What's mildly amusing is - despite the new things I have or the toys I am learning to work with - the list of wants never seems to dwindle. There are always upgrades or new things I could deal with having. Like what? Well, I'm glad you asked. For example - there are always new lenses I'd love to have; especially ones that will work well my current camera body (maybe this one or this one perhaps?) New camera body. Better flash (like this one or this one). Sturdy (tall enough) tripod. Better camera strap. A battery charger that doesn't scare me. I think the list goes on and on.

Once some form of a site is up I'll let people know.
I'm trying to determine what my niche is or if I want or need to have one.
I just like shooting whoever, whatever because I like it and others seem to as well.

Papa. Papa. Paparazzi

2010-04-25T12:36:00.016-05:00

I've been such a paparazzi lately. Hopefully my pals don't mind. If they do, just let me know and I might listen but I might keep that razzi going strong because whatever we do there always tends to be all kinds of awesomeness worth getting captured on "film."

So begins 8 weekends of something to keep me busy. Which means it's 8 weekends of opportunities to get my paparazzi on. This weekend's been chalked full of parties. Friday has Jess' "wine that reminds you of me" party (which I tuckered out on too early) and last night was the "Beer for Boobs" party which was a fundraiser for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer (which Kim's migraine tuckered her out too early). Oh well, both events were a lot of fun for the time we were there and they warranted some crazy fun pictures.

I may use the blog as a place to add and show pictures now rather than Flickr. They told me to upgrade for $25 for unlimited pictures/year. That's silly. And expensive. I'm not important enough to have a Pro account on Flickr. If anything, I'll add some memory to the google/blog account so I can post like a crazy fool. Facebook has a tendency to skew the photos in funky ways but it's the easiest way to share pics to the larger group of people.

On Friday night, a couple of Jess/Kevin's friends tried to talk me into moving towards the professional photographer route. I wanna laugh at the idea because I like what I take and I've liked the results but I don't feel that what comes out of my camera is what someone else would want to pay for. Plus, I know my skill set and abilities. There's some more stuff I'd like to do or use (such as some of the longer-range lenses I have) but need a camera body that'll help that (w/ the built in motor for those AF lenses). Not that I couldn't use them as is but I'm shaky with auto-focus let alone manual. Yeeeeikes.

But it was encouraging to hear people tell me they liked what I've shot. Like I've said before, I've always like taking pictures because I don't have a boss to tell me I'm not doing it right, fast enough or up to some company standard. I shoot and edit what I want to see and that's working out so far. Poor Kim, though - she's been the constant photo muse, but she makes a really good one, right? Right.

On any note - with more opportunities for taking pictures comes more stuff to blog or share online. I'd rather write about pictures than work because work causes anxiety and taking pictures doesn't and if they do - I can not work on them and not worry about getting in trouble, it's awesome.

Let's show some of the highlights from Jess' party --
(when you click on a picture it will become a lot clearer - sometimes they post fuzzy here too...)

And then there was the Beer for Boobs party. I was surprised that there were a lot of good pictures from this one. I wasn't feeling particularly social or photo intrusive. So, I sat back and watched things happened and caught some fun things. Such as...

April Showers

2010-04-05T23:41:00.006-05:00

Hot damn is it ever raining. I think I heard hail. Awesome.

I've been meaning to get my rambles on but there's been little free time for it. I'm still in the transition period of my new 6-month gig and I'm typically on my best behavior for the first month or so before I end up transitioning back to my regular routine.

This new spot has me traveling more and it throws off my clock, so I end up having to be to bed earlier - no thanks.

What to bore any of you with?
I bought a flash. Isn't that exciting? It is to me - now I can take better indoor photos without making someone sit there for 10 seconds hoping the camera will pick up light some some nearby source. It's not as nice as what I'd like to purchase but it was also 1/4 as much and that makes a big difference.

It's still taking some getting used to but so far it's yielding some pretty fun results. Like these:

Fun stuff.
And that popcorn was good too. Caramel apple.
Ya know what else is fun? Whirlyball. Got to do that this weekend for Missy/Bis' engagement party. I'm sore from it but it's a warrior's sore! It's a little costly but I think it's worth it. The drinks are affordable so it balances out. Let's go.

All in all, it was a really good weekend. Very busy.
The only downside was catching some sort of bug Saturday and trying to fight it off that day and Sunday. It won last night but taking Monday off proved to be genius. Sleep cures all.
That and it gave me some extra, stress free time to edit out the weekend's photos

I think the best part of today was finally having what I gave up for lent - Pizza. OMG. I missed pizza. It's really salty (that's what she said) if you haven't had it in a long time but still a tasty treat.

Also back in swing today were the Cubs. All I have to say is - let's hope for better things. After today, there's really nowhere for them to go but up. It was pretty awful to watch. It's games like today that give those damn sox fans ammo against us who-knows-why-we-are cubs fans.

It's a hair away from Tuesday but I want the weekend here again. It's when the fun happens.

Posting again soon...

2010-03-24T00:15:00.003-05:00

But not really tonight.
The new job has provided me with a new feeling.
It's this internal stress. Can't explain it, really, wish I could.

It's a stress where - you know what things bug you but you can't put them into words so well and if you could...you probably wouldn't be listened to anyway. Rock and a hard spot but without pressure. Weird stuff I tell ya.

The time is flying though. It's 1/2 way through another week and a great weekend is up ahead. UFC and Wrestlemania. Real vs. Scripted. It'll be a good weekend. Now to just push through the rest of this week.
---------

New but the same

2010-03-15T00:00:00.007-05:00

Tomorrow starts 6 months of something new at work. I was picked to be in this TDY program. Basically it means, I get to work for a different part of the company for 6 months to gain more outside experience. It's to make me more appealing to move me up the corporate ladder.

I'm not sure how it's all going to go or how much I will really enjoy it but I know I need to go into this with an open mind otherwise I'll doom myself from the get go. It'll give me more time to be in the field, drive around the state, and get a fresh perspective on things I am only used to seeing from my silo'd bubble.

There'll be more on that in the future but for now I figure I should be wise and get to bed early and not be late on my "first day." But why change routine? I stay up too late and do alright.

Other weekend news - it was a good weekend. Saturday turned out to be a lot better than I could have planned. All you can eat sushi always equals a good time. We tried a new board game (a game of things) and it was just as I had predicted - dirty, wrong and all kinds of awesome. I didn't snap as many pictures as I could have but...really...what am I going to do with hundreds of pictures of the same 6 people from one night? Not much. I had a tough time with the 100 I sifted through. Moved them down to under 50.

It reminded me again of how much I enjoy editing. I don't try to stream the event together with a theme or anything. For right now, since I'm still learning a lot, I am trying to look at each picture as an individual and edit it as a standalone. At times there'll be a good string of pictures with the same look and feel but I don't want to throw away any opportunities for something unique to come out of my brain. I think I wrote this too (or told someone) but the best part of editing is that they can come out to how I think they should be. I'm the critical eye. If you don't like them that's ok because I'm not being paid and I'm having fun. It's the sassy truth.

The more I shoot the better I get and the better I can adapt to my surroundings. And people don't seem to mind as much that it's out and about with me. And if they do - that's fine because I don't mind. It's fun.

Err, that's about it, I think.
Our awesome friends are coming to town this week for an extended stay for a wedding and work but we'll get a chance to hang out with 2 cool people. This week should fly by and then comes a party at Richie's and having some bar fun in the heights. I look forward to it already.

If you're sitting at work and you're bored and want to kill a few minutes - feel free to check out the pictures from last night here.

Here are my couple faves from the night and then it's time to rest on up.

----------------
Listening to: Jamie Cullum - Mixtape
via FoxyTunes

Do you know what's delicious?

2010-03-13T00:55:00.004-06:00

I'll tell you...

Vodka Tonic w/ Lime.
There is a difference in vodkas. Grey Goose is awesome. Belvidere is smoky. Stoli is sort of syrupee.
When I don't want to grab a beer, I've got my drink.

Today, Kim bought some tonic water and limes for me. Awesome wife. What did I have while playing COD? That's right, vodka tonic with lime. Lots of lime. Because the lime makes it more delicious.

I can feel just as loopy but without feeling so full. It's an awesome I didn't know existed kind of a drink. That's all I really had to say. It's Friday night and I feel alright. Because I get to sleep in. Jackpot.

want, want, want - need, need, need

2010-03-11T00:01:00.003-06:00

Is there really a difference between the two? I mean, when you want something you convince yourself you need it, right? Aside from something life saving, do you really need anything? For the most part, no.
You need food and water.
Everything else is a nice to have which is sort of bleak if you look too into it.

I'm currently in a want, want, want state of mind. My tiny brain is flooded with ideas of things I'm convinced I need to figure out how to make, do, buy, afford, attain and get in some form or fashion. Why? I have absolutely no idea. In real life, I live a pretty good life. I don't have to sacrifice too much or worry about too many things, as they pertain to money. And that isn't because I'm well off or anything but because I tend to be conservative with money.

In all honesty, I really dislike money. Well, that's also not completely true. I dislike money when it burdens me or others that I know. When money causes debt I dislike it. When money can buy me something I want then I like it.

For most of us...or wait, all of us, it's tax time and we are all hoping for money back from Uncle Sam. There's a laundry list of things I'd like to get my hands on. Everything from a new kitchen to new bathroom(s). Buy some new toys perhaps or maybe even some new furniture. It's a pathetic little conundrum.

I sit with a seemingly easy dilemma. Do I knock out debt or continue to linger with it for awhile longer to save the money or does it become counterproductive to save with the dreams of interest brewing or knock out what you're required to pay on each month? Ugh, the travesties of adult life! haha.

On any note - what's the difference between need and want? I want toys and new things and fun things. I need to be happy with what I've got. I have a great wife. A great house. Usually, some pretty great friends. A great job, that I don't tend to admit to too often. A great family when you get down to their core and shave away the unnecessary dramas that occur. Life is pretty great and I think that's what I need. But oh to dream of all the things I want...

What things do you want?
A new car? New TV? Maybe a new beer because your old one is empty and that's sad? Maybe a girlfriend or to win the lotto?

----------------
Listening to: Jamie Cullum - We Run Things
via FoxyTunes

a theme developing

2010-03-08T00:09:00.005-06:00

I sense a theme developing that whenever I want to sit and blog I'm usually feeling too tired or too pressed to get to bed. Tonight is more the latter since I slept in too long this morning.

It was a good weekend. Took Friday off to hang out with Kim and Linds. Spent more time in the city but had my picture taken with a real Oscar, bought fancy chocolate, ate a really good burge r and had a lot of fun at a bar called English.

The drinks were affordable, the waitress was really attentive and Kim was nice and toasty - just as she should since she was the birthday girl. The toughest part was documenting it effectively since there was really zero light. But, with a candle nearby or some TV in the background I made it work the best I could. Feel free to check them out by going here.

I'd go back to that bar if and when I end up city-bound again. Next time I'll avoid post-bar McDonalds trips :)

I think that's about it. The last two days have been lazy and wonderful.
The Oscars were predictably surprising.
And...it's one week until I start my new gig at work for 6 months. That's excitingly terrifying - we'll see how that fares itself over the summer.

And just for the hell of it, here's the picture of me with the Oscar. I stumbled upon the place when I escaped into Nordstrom to warm back up. I figured...I'm by myself and it's free...so, why not? I'm also, proudly, making one of more stupid faces. I was going for "surprised" but it came off as pretty queer. Oh well. The one thing I did learn is, the Oscar really is heaver than you think it's going to be. Here's to a great week and hopefully a fast one as well. I always love the weekends more than the work-filled week.

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Listening to: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - The Planets, Sutie for Large Orchestra, Op. 32: Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
via FoxyTunes

snapshots

2010-03-01T00:15:00.007-06:00

Oh photo editing how I am learning to love and hate you. You make my photos look worlds better than they do straight out of the camera yet, sometimes, you take so damn long to finish. I can completely understand why editing something like a wedding could takes weeks to do. Weeding out 1000s of photos and then having to edit them is quite the task, let alone my mere 100 photos I took in an evening that I'm just toying with.

I read some article about resolutions someone can have who likes to take pictures. There were 30 things and a lot of them didn't apply to me but that's alright, there were a few that did and they're stuck in my head. The biggest, most noticeable thing I read was to bring my camera with me even when I don't think I need to.

For example - Friday. I wasn't sure if a dark night club would warrant any good pictures but hanging out before and after (and the drive down) definitely did.
Here's an example of a before and after picture from this weekend.
Before and after.

A few simple tweaks and my crappy, taken-from-the-passenger-seat photo turned out to be sort of cool.

I put a handful of them out on flickr and there's an album on facebook. The downside to facebook is - it takes my pictures (everyone's for that matter) and squishes them. The resolution gets all funny and the sharpness goes away and it looks shittier. I don't see that as much with flickr, which I like.

Alright, one more set of compare and contrast and then it's off to bed.

Before & After...

I like how they turned out. They're all dramatic and stuff. ha. Check out the other pictures on fbook. Oh and random - I could put copyrights on the pictures but I don't know what to call them, or myself or the name that goes on the pictures...any suggestions, ideas, thoughts? I'm all ears.

busy

2010-02-24T00:10:00.004-06:00

Between work and life I have had very little time to get my blog on.
same story now. the difference is that I'm fighting sleepy time. I'll only regret it each minute more in the morning.

work is getting a shake up. I'll be getting 6 months of field experience. what that entails exactly I don't fully know yet. I just know that my current projects are being given to other people and my responsibilities are being divvied up and I am assuming a whole new role until right after my birthday. I'll be traveling throughout the grand state of Illinois for an array of reasons (more to come once confirmed).

Kim's still in the hunt for something but I know she'll get something sooner rather than later. There isn't a lot out there and not a lot out there that sounds appealing.

Taxes are done and will soon be en route to the state and government to give us some money.
What we do with that money has a potential purpose but it seems to shift and change the more it's thought about. Do we update the kitchen? Pay off old debt? Have a wild and crazy vacation? All of the above?

I've think I've found my photo editing software of choice. Now, for it to get released and for me to buy it. I want warmer weather and more camera-acceptable social situations and there'll be more pictures to see. I'm going to start bringing it with more often. Sorry. It's all for the best. The more pictures I take the better the outcomes will be. I'm bringing a false sense of class to our fantastic nights of tall boys and inappropriate conversation.

I've been stuck on Paramore lately. Right now it's "Misguided Ghosts." It's a really good CD and worth buying if you haven't already. Oh and my earlier review of the "fun." cd was underrated. It's actually really good. "The Gambler" and "Light a Roman Candle with me" are really good. It's more mellow than I had originally hoped but the guy's got a really good voice.

What else?

I'm now in 2 weddings in the next 14 months. Groomsman and best man. That means a speech. Hmm...that daunting task that once plagued Rich now lays in my hands. That and a bachelor party. He's hoping for paintball but I need to weigh the fading athleticism of us all and figure out if we'll be able to get physical and still have social delight in the same night. We'll see. There's still some time but it'll be good no matter what happens. Who's in?

I think I could write a whole blog on the Olympics and maybe I will but not tonight. Basically, they've been awesome. I love being patriotic every 2 years. It's fun.

And this has been 5 minutes inside the brain of me. Yikes.

things, work, dad, mom, superbowl, diapers, meat, cars and snow

2010-02-09T00:14:00.012-06:00

Do you have those things you have to do but really hate doing? Lord knows I do. Lots of. The two things I really dislike doing the most are getting gas for my car and getting a haircut. I'm happier once those two things are completed but I don't like taking the time out to do it. I want my car to stay full all the time and for the shaggy, shitty looking hairdo to become an acceptable corporate practice.

Speaking of corporate - turns out I might have an opportunity for something new and different at work. I'm game. I'd get to work for a different area for 6mo to a year or so. Field experience. Makes me feel so military. But...in khakis and button down shirt. I'm told it's a big deal to be picked for it but we'll see. With only 6 months somewhere and knowing that my old job awaits, it will be a fun time to explore and shake a thing up or two. Though - what's the point for only 6 months? It takes that long to get acclimated to a new job in corporate America. I could be wrong. Either way, it'll be an escape for a little while and I might learn a thing or two. And if nothing else, I'll at least be able to bitch about my longer commute, but it falls in the summer so it'll at least be nice out.

Ah - which also means no intern! I was excited to get to manage some young college mind for a few months. I'm not sure I'm the best representation of the corporate culture but that might not be such a bad thing. But if it's a choice between career advancement or a few months of managing someone, I'll take the advancement opportunity. It was fun to interview everyone and go through the process but there's always next year.

On a brighter note...

My dads surgery went well. I wanted to take a picture of him in the hospital but he probably would've slapped me silly. That would've been really funny, come to think of it. A 50 something year old man, doped up on morphine, flailing his arms around yelling, "don't take my picture, god damnit!" Haha...

But seriously, the doctor said it went as well as it could have. He's bed ridden for only a few more days and then he can start to be back up on his feet and doing more active things, yet not lifting anything more than 10 pounds. Sucks but at least he is currently cancer free, right? Right. More on that in the future.

In even more positive news, today is my mom's birthday (Monday). Happy Birthday, Mom. We were able to hang out with her and Al on Saturday for an evening of laid back Asian dinner at the Red Lantern (eh, it's the Adam's Rib of Asian cuisine...it needs a few months to iron out the kinks). Then we came back and ate on some cupcakes I made (weird because I don't tend to get my bake on). The cupcakes lent themselves to some good pictures and my mom enjoyed her gifts. 2.5 bottles of wine later...we had ourselves a successful night.

Which led right into Superbowl Sunday! The commercials were ok this year but
nothing too spectacular. My favorites were "casual day" and the snickers commercial with Betty White. Classics.
The BBQ pulled pork was a hit. The spice rub and 10 hours in the slow cooker really made the dish so good. It was even good as leftovers. I felt bad for Nick because people kept eating the pork and not so much on the chili. I also witnessed something new. A doggy diaper. I thought it was a myth. I always told Kim that having a kid makes more sense because you can put a diaper on a kid...but evidently you can also put a diaper on a dog. It's a sight to see for sure.

All in all, a good weekend. Lots of different things went on and I look forward to the upcoming weekend as well. Though...I don't know what's going on really, aside from a dinner on Sunday night. I bet Kim has competition or at least dance practice and that's about it.

Um...and yeah. The Chicago Auto show is coming up. Let's go. It's been 2 years and it was fun then so I bet it would be fun now.

That's all I've got. Here's to the upcoming foot of snow!

Not much to say

2010-02-03T00:12:00.013-06:00

No exciting topics tonight.
Someone asked me about my dad today and I wanted to say, "you could just follow the info updates on my blog," but realized that I don't widely distribute this bad boy and probably for good reason. I don't know, what do you think?

I don't tend to talk about work on here too much so I should be safe there. And if I bitch about people I'll usually keep it nice and vague to make it less obvious. At the same time, do I really want it to get where people I don't really know are reading this? Plus, who would want to read this who I don't know? Who do I know that wants to read this? I guess it's an easy way to kill 5-10 minutes at work. Plus, it doesn't look like a facebook application so we're safe there.

If someone asks me what my site is I'll share but I don't want to openly promote my ramblings. Maybe I should...dunno.

So, last night I wanted to try a new alarm clock approach to see if I would react better to it because I have become numb to my old alarm clock. I'll hit snooze or off in my sleep and keep on going. I have one of those iPod alarm clocks I never use and thought it could be fun to wake up to a song. Terrible idea. Around comes the waking hours and on comes "Somebody to Love" by Queen. If that opening chorus isn't enough to scare the shit out of someone as the first thing they hear I don't know what is. I think the song was on for under 5 seconds before I was up and ready for the day. I guess it worked but never again will I wake up to the sounds of Freddie Mercury. F no. "Caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan..." AAAH, turn it off, turn it off!

That's all I've got. How about I put up some pictures I like that I've taken lately. I'm still learning the simple tunings of Photoshop and I'll get there eventually. For now, it's all about color adjustments/enhancements and sharpening my images. I think I have a pretty good eye for a shot and if I don't I can crop pretty well. Let's see...and in no particular order...

My parents always bring over good wine and sometimes it's fun to watch it slide down the glass before I have another

I tell her she's my photo muse all of the time. She says she hates it but then she gives me the fishy face and it cracks me up to no end.

Always a good time with Mr. Warmack.

I dunno why but I like this picture.
Let's do one more and then bed...

From the trees outside. There was a crazy ice storm and here's what came from it. Cool stuff.

I'm still not mobile enough to get take pictures whenever I see something awesome. I'll get there. Eventually, my friends will not see the camera and go "ooh, gotta pose," and then we'll get some really awesome photos. So far so good.

If you click on any of the photos, you'll get it to pop up in a different window at full resolution, which always looks so much better. The best thing about the photos you see is none of them have been altered in Photoshop, except for converting the one of Adam to b&w.
Someday, I'll learn layers and blurs and other stuff. But for now it's just taking something good the first go round.

That's all she wrote, folks.
Tuesday out and Humpday in.
Happy Wednesday.

----------------
Listening to: Owl City - Dental Care
via FoxyTunes

In no particular order

2010-02-01T23:24:00.015-06:00

I guess I have all sorts of mish mashed thoughts jumbling around in that lump 3 ft above my ass tonight.
I had a fun filled weekend of the arts of a variety of sorts, many delicious brews and deciding, "ya know what, I'm not gonna go to work and that's a-ok."

Bright and early this morning my dad had cancer surgery. The good news is - the doctor said it went as well as it could have. The bad is that he's doped up on morphine and in funky levels of pain. It was a 3.5 hour surgery, which isn't so bad I'm told. Mid today, Kim and I decided to go visit his recovering self in the hospital and see if he was up and coherent. Luckily for us he was. It was depressingly positive, if such an emotion exists. You're happy to see that your dad is still around. The surgery intended to remove him of a life threatening cancer is potentially removed and the road to good health and recovery should be all we see from here on out. Any other option is one I refuse to consider at this point. The oddity was walking into a hospital room to see your dad all hooked up like he's an extra in the Matrix. There's one wire for morphine. There's another for blood pressure. Another for saline fluids. He 's got these tubes that go to these devises on his feet to keep the muscles moving to prevent blood clots (which was pretty cool, actually). In front of him is a tray of unappetizing hospital liquids (clear only) that he's got to pretend are bearable while trying to get Mr. Stomach to play nicely.

But with the unfamiliar site came some humor.
As I learned, one of the perks to visiting a man doped up on morphine is you have no idea what he'll say or talk about. So, when he was awake he was a riot. He told us the ins and outs of poker strategy for a good 20 minutes. We knew the drugs were flowing like a riv er when the stories hit repeat. A good sign to tell us he needs his rest and it's time to head on home. My favorite conversation he had was with the nurse who tried to seem empathetic to whatever he wanted, which was solid food. After checking for him, she informed my dad that only liquids could be consumed. He bargained for some juice and she thought about it and said, "how about a sierra mist? You can choose from diet or regular." Oh goodie, a kid in a candy store. Nevertheless, it was really funny to see a 50 something old man sort of pout for not getting what he wanted. But who could blame him? He just had his prostate removed and holes put into his abdomen for life threatening reasons...after having to fast for 48 hours. I think I'd want a little something to make me happy too, but that's just me...and my dad, ha, right?

But on any note - he's doing well. He'll be stuck in the hospital all day tomorrow and hopes to go home Wednesday, where he gets to stay bed ridden for a full week. That won't be too much fun, but at least he gets the comfort of home and not the overly clean yet deathly smell of the hospital. Blech. So, here's to him, his health and the hope that cancer stays the hell away from him again. It's become too much of a trend in my families and I'd prefer it to be a fad that fades away as fast as it's come around.

What else?
Oh - Saturday - day 1 of the fasting for dad - we were able to check out The Million Dollar Quartet at the Apollo Theater in Chicago. Well worth the money paid. If you're a fan of Elvis, Johnny Cash or Jerry Lee Lewis then it's worth checking out. The theater is intimate; I don't think there was a bad seat in the house. From the moment the house lights went down to the time they went back up it was nonstop music. The storyline was a tad weak but anytime you thought, "well, this seems a bit far fetched..." there would be more music and good music at that. I looked around throughout the show and people were always singing along or tapping their feet. It was almost like a show for people who don't really go and see shows...if that makes sense.

From there - off to the south end of Grant Park to check out Adam's entry to the snow sculpting com petition. It was really, really cool to see all of the sculptures. I think Adam was robbed for 3rd place but hey - he still placed and now I can say I know someone who does something like that. For it and his upcoming birthday we were able to celebrate with him at a local bar. I had hoped many more folks could come play because I knew we'd have fun and we almost got ourselves into a whole world of trouble, but the photos turned out well. It's always a good time when Adam works his way back home. There's always plenty of funky stories and Budweiser for everyone.

Today was covered. I decided earlier in the weekend that I wouldn't work on Monday. It's been stressful and with my dad's surgery, I would've rather been work stress free in case something went off track and to make it easier t o visit. And, with a lot of PTO, I did just that. Not working always provides a great opportunity to slow cook food. So, I made some braised beef short ribs. It was a hearty meal and the wine (3 squared) was delicious with it. Or as Rachel Ray says, d-lish.

Kim and I now have a new closet, which is going to take a little getting used to. I walk in expecting to see a dresser and now it's floor-to-ceiling Elfa closets. It's nifty and provided a lot more space. Al and I worked to install it. Not as easy as they make it out to be but a lot easier to install than what was there before. It's worth checking out.

I'm also working on selling off a couple of things. Kim calls this "me growing up." I call it "aaaah, come on..." I have a surplus of speakers around the house that need a good home. I also have a 15", yeah a 15" subwoofer that may go to a new home. It's so good. So loud. So awesome, but doesn't get the love it deserves here. I wish it did though cause MAN can it thump with ease. Same with a receiver. Just don't have a need for it. It'll do me some good, I guess. I can move my better speakers downstairs for TV/Music/Video game use and get some better than average computer speakers up here for something more consistent and wire free. Then again, until I find me a taker they'll stay connected because what's the point in taking it all down if it'll just go back up later? Growing up sucks sometimes. Kim's trying to convince me that a subwoofer looks tacky as an end table. I disagree...sort of. hehe.

Growing up isn't all bad. In a month or two we'll get our government money for buying the house and in comes a new kitchen, or so we plan. I'll need to enlist the help of Leo - the only man I know who sounds excited about installing new anything. It's good to have someone like that because I would stare at the new cabinets or appliances and try to will them with my mind to install themselves. It should be a whole new kitchen when we're done with it...I hope. Appliances, counters, cabinets. If there's leftover we could be smart and save it...OR put it towards other fun house fixing ups such as making the master bathroom more of a master bath experience or faux wood blinds around the house because the metal ones are so damn hard to clean. Who knows. Right now it's all in my head trying to be sorted out. I have no idea how we'll redo the kitchen or what we can do...more on that to come.

Anyway - a lot's been going on. Good stuff but a lot of stuff.
This week should fly by. Then the weekend again. PHEW. There'll be my mom's birthday celebration, another dance competition, the Superbowl (anyone have plans for that yet?) and...who knows what else.

Corporate Calamity

2010-01-29T00:25:00.005-06:00

Tonight, I'm super tired but I'm all riled up still.
A coworker's managerial style included using feedback I provided on someone to thrash me against them. While this wouldn't be such a bad thing if I said what was relayed. It's frustrating - you get in a spot where you supply feedback for another teammate to better help the manager understand what's going on and then the recipient of the information spins it around.
I left high school almost 10 years ago and I'm not about to get a bad rep because of some information-mutating twit. Blerg.

This is a situation where I step back and tell myself - this is stupid, don't let yourself get worked up over it, it'll pass soon enough. But it's tough when you're in the "now" of it all, ya know?

It's too bad most of us have our best moments of clarity after the fact. Too often I'll want to snap it out in a moment of haste but have been working much harder on just holding it back and letting it sift and simmer before addressing anything major. Despite wanting to dial the person up today to talk it out, I knew it wouldn't accomplish anything. Hell, even going to my own boss to casually mention it wasn't the best idea.

It also reaffirmed my dislike for passive aggressiveness. If something bugs you that I did (or you think I did) then come on out and say it. No need to suppress it, unless it wasn't really worth being upset about in the first place...which usually seems to be the case. In this instance, the gal who felt blindsided kept getting fed BS and finally broke and emailed me about it. Sigh. I know confrontation isn't anyone's favorite thing to do, but if something (whether true or misinterpreted) comes to bother you enough to act on it - then just walk over, call or something. I'd even accept an instant message. Emailing. Pah.

I get too casual and easygoing with what I'll say and talk about. Sometimes, I'll lose sight of what people will take as common conversation and actual truth. Sometimes you get caddy and just vent on whatever comes to mind. Doesn't make it truth, just gets random feelings out of the system. Petitioning for feedback from people to only twist it and use it against you to better your own perceptions from others is irritating, to say the least.

See, look, now I keep writing, which means I need to sleep it off.
I reaffirmed another thing, as it pertains to how I manage people; the best results come from treating everyone as equals, whether they are or if they are not. No matter what your role or rank, if you're all working for the same goal and support each other in the process then you'll better reach it. But, if you use your power for evil or pit others against each other with the attempt at progress then things will eventually hit a standstill and progress will cease.

I've always been one to trust that people, when given a task, should be able to complete it on their own. We're all adults, why not try a little faith until proven otherwise? I know I say that the world is filled with stupid people (if it weren't, who might we make fun of?), but it doesn't mean they're too stupid to do work and figure things out. Mind you, I'm not saying hug it out and be all buddy buddy, I'm merely saying that people work better in an environment where they feel relaxed and trusted to do their job, not micromanaged or undermined.

But on any note. I could bitch about the frustrating personalities of the work place for pages upon pages...or blog after blog. The week is finally drawing to a close. I'm exhausted and should try to get a little bit of sleep.

There's a closet being assembled soon and we'll feel more organized. A show to see. A friend to celebrate with. And hopefully some other pals will come out to partake in the good times.

Good night.

Feelin' Old

2010-01-28T00:13:00.004-06:00

I liked it when I was in college and I could work out, twist an ankle, get really drunk, eat 2lbs of wings and the next day...feel perfectly fine.
5 short years out of college...
If I lift something wrong...it hurts.
If I work out...it hurts
If I get hammered...the next day...it usually hurts (because I don't keep drinkin' water)
If I eat 2lbs of wings...parts of me hurt.

Man...what gives?
Plus, in college, if I ate 2 delicious pounds of wings...I could go back and do it again the next day (and for a low, low price as well). Now, that much food makes me fat. Fat?! COME ON!
Metabolism is the devil.

I'm sure if I were in shape or at least exerting effort to be in shape, I wouldn't hurt as quickly if I did something physically stupid. But, I'm still being lazy and blaming it on anything. It's too cold. I want warmth. I don't want to join a gym. I'm too hungry, too tired, too lazy...

In only a few short years I have gone from a lifestyle of eating multiple Tombstone pizzas with the roommates (or a $5 Hot & Ready from LCs) to watching what I eat. I lived in metabolism changing denial after college. I would take down 1/2 a box of pasta with ease. Rich and I would destroy BWW 3 nights a week. We'd add in beers and a tub...yes a tub...of blue cheese to cool those wings-of-the-night down. So, naturally, when weight gain came along I blamed...something else. Haha...

Subsequently - the weight flux screwed with my lactose tolerance. It's amazing - once I dropped 20, I could eat dairy again. Weird...

This isn't about weight though. It only is because it was fun being able to destroy my body with sugary delights and take out every night. I could hit the Bermuda triangle of downtown 'Nona then finish it up with some Erbs or Hardees and feel magical in the AM. God...to think about Hardees sober makes my butt go "blerg, blergy, blerg." Ever make you grossed out by the stuff you used to eat but couldn't anymore? I like that I've become involved in the kitchen and educated on food. It allows me to be pickier and help others, if necessary. No one believes an expert of the Little Debbie snack. I can't even remember the last time I had a Nutty Bar or Swiss Cake Roll. Though, the chocolate chip cookies Kim whipped up last night were...are delish.

All of this makes me wish corporate America would institute nap hour. Nap time. Nap place. Something. That 230 hump in the day is a monster. I'd happily stay an extra bit longer if I could power nap somewhere clean. Caffeine will tire me out later and I usually pay for it. A nap room...could be genius. Or - let me go into work later.

I know the old white folk in my work love to be at work around 6. HA. If I showed up at 9 someone might poop themselves. I remember fearing the 8am class and now it's when I should be at work. Meh.

Anyway, I'm not old yet but I'll get there and I'm certainly not 21 anymore. The dumb injuries of the past are slowly beginning to stick around longer, linger and just be an irritant.

I remember when I was a kid, we could always tell when Mom was coming up the stairs because her ankle would crack on each stair she hit. I thought "she's old, that'll never happen to me." At the time, she couldn't have been any older than my age. And, of course, when I twist my ankle...crackity crack. Same for the back, or the knee or neck and knuckles. Yikes.

Whatever, though, right? Life is a cycle. You start out as a kid, you peak and then slowly revert back to being a kid. It's not all bad. The rest of us are going through the same thing, we just find new ways to hide it or make up for it.

I don't mind the eating healthier part. I still enjoy a really shitty burger from time to time and I'll always love McNuggets, but they aren't a staple like they once were. My arteries and waistline thank me for that. Mmm...nuggets. I always loved the "dark meat" nuggets from the 80s-90s...tasty...

Anyway - that's all that's on my mind tonight. It only came about because my shoulder is still mysteriously sore. Thank goodness Kim purchased me some heating pads (she's the bestest).

Mmm...music

2010-01-25T23:22:00.007-06:00

I haven't played in anything too new. I'm waiting for something to blow my mind. Any suggestions?
More reviews coming at ya:

fun. - "Ignite & Aim"
From what was The Format comes 'fun.' It's a slower, more melodic version of The Format. If I had to choose I would stick with The Format's first CD. All you're really getting out of the fun. cd is the lead singer of The Format and a lot of additional instruments. I hope they have a second album because, though it's good, they could really make some catchy music together.
B-

Jason Mraz - "Jason Mraz's Beautiful Mess - Live On Earth"
It was inevitable. Jason's become a full blown, granola-loving, vegan endorsing hippie. It was only a matter of time. I think the best part of this live CD is that it was taped in Chicago. You can rarely go wrong there. I'm left torn on this effort. Where I want to throw down an A+ and call it a day, I won't. It's not his best effort. Most of the songs are slowed down...way down. I wouldn't put it past Jason that he was stoned out of his mind before this show. Along with the fact that he played in a big venue, which isn't very Jason like. There's something to be said about seeing him live though and maybe that's what this album lacks, which is actually being there. I'm ready for his next studio effort or a live album from his upcoming solo shows. But until then - this album is too rubbed down with patchouli oil for me to fully get my love on for it.
C

John Mayer - "Battle Studies"
Mom rock a la John Mayer. It's John of a different era. I'm not sure if he was tired, lazy or out of ideas but there's nothing new here. Like someone told me, "it's a continuation of Continuum," but, to me, without the enjoyable guitar solos. The lyrics fall short. I feel grumpy when I put this album on because I keep hoping it will be a lot better than it is. But - it could be a new chapter for Mr. Mayer and I may need to learn to love it. I didn't enjoy Continuum at first but can always put it on and enjoy it. I don't want John to fall in the trap of, "well, people know who I am so they'll buy my record." Hopefully, he's using this overly mellow crap to lure himself some more Cougars and then get back to the good stuff.
C

Ke$ha - "Animal"
Half good, half bad. But the good half is really good. "Tik Tok" has been on the radio for awhile and it isn't driving me bananas yet. It's still so damn catchy. For the rest of the album, "Animal" and "Blah, Blah, Blah" I think are catchy and fun to listen to. For her first effort, I think it has some good stuff. When you're midway through the disc and you come across a song called "Party At a Rich Dude's House," you know you're going to have a good time. The CD basically sounds like Disney Channel dance tunes with dirtier lyrics. I'm a sucker for both.
B+

Lady Gaga - "The Fame Monster"
I have to say - I am not a Lady Gaga fan but this EP is good...really good. "Teeth" is awesome. I bought it because Kim is/was/is into "Bad Romance" and I tried to hate it, I really did but she is good at making a catchy song. It's inexpensive, it's good for parties and it's not bad on the ears. I know I'll buy (or find) whatever she comes out with next. For that...
A

Matt & Kim - "Grand"
If you know who Matt & Kim are and you like them, then you'll like this CD. Their music's for a certain type of people. This is like the Ke$ha CD in the sense that 1/2 of it I really, really like and 1/2 of it hurts my ears. I do enjoy how simple it all is and they don't hide behind Auto-tune (ahhem, Vampire Weekend...) If you're a M&K fan, I say get it.
B

Michael Buble - "Crazy Love"
He's good at what he does, which is croon. "Haven't Met You Yet" might be one of the few new songs on this album but it's cool to see his take on some of the classics. It's easy to listen to. He has a flawless voice. It's almost too clean and produced but it's a good formula to sell a lot of records. If you're a Buble fan then this album is worth purchasing.
A-

Vampire Weekend - "Contra"
Let's see here...go buy this album. It's awesome. I don't want to analyze every track because that would take the fun out of this album. They play in auto-tune (and I don't know why) but they pick up and build on where the last album left. It's catchy and fun. We should see a lot more of VW in commercials, movies and around town because it's different and because it's good. Get it.
A

Tick Tock

2010-01-23T16:26:00.003-06:00

1 week to go. In a week I ride the fun train a couple of times.

It'll be a mightily packed weekend of the arts on stage and of the hand.
Adam will be in town and I'll get to see a show in the city. The first time in a very long time.

As a part of a Christmas present, Kim and I will be down in the city to see Million Dollar Quartet. I can't even remember the last show I went to see. Hmm...I did see a straight show with CH/Leo a few years back, though I can't remember the name of it to save my life. But, for a musical, I fear the last show I saw was with Adam and it was "How to Speak Minnesotan without Really Trying." That's sad. Wait, no, I take that back. Kim and I saw Wicked. That was fantastic. How could I forget Wicked? Yikes. Oh Christ, and how could I forget the show I erased from my brain...oh boy.

A year or so ago, my dad got Kim and I tickets to see a show...why am I writing this...to see High School Musical, the stage production. I have never felt more like a pedophile in my life. Where we appreciated the free tickets to a show...seeing a play based on a Disney movie...that...was...well, High School Musical? Yikes. But, we went and enjoyed ourselves the best we could. The coolest part about that whole night was rushing back to the train station to catch one of the last trains and, while scurrying as fast as we could, we saw a lot of the set from the latest Batman movie. That made the awkwardness of that show subside and we made the train.

This time around, we're seeing the show on our own accord. I don't know much about the show but that will work out for the best. It's been described as Jersey Boys who can play an instrument. According to the website, "On December 4th, 1956, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presely, Carl Perkins (who?) and Jerry Lee Lewis played together for the first and only time - the night Rock 'n Roll came alive." I'm not sure you can argue how that couldn't be awesome. I'm sure there'll be more to report on after we see it.

At the same time, Adam is in town for a Snow Carving Competition. It's something he participated in every year when he was in college. Plus, any time Adam is in town I'm happy to find a way to hang out with him. For those reading and curious of where it is - it's on the southern end of Grant Park. More information can be found here - http://bit.ly/8AVRCQ

Hopefully, we'll be able to get down there after the show to see the snow sculptures. If they're already down then I'm hoping to get to share a drink or 4 with Adam just because and because it's a good excuse to celebrate his birthday early. If the play wasn't going on, I'd be there earlier to see the judging and snap some fun shots of everyone making their creations. If anyone else wants to hang out in the city for drinks or to check out the snow sculpture competition let me know. The more the merrier and I don't see Adam or Sally turning down a ride on the fun train.

It'll be a good day/night to take my mind off of my dad's upcoming surgery. Last I heard, it'll be early in February plus the additional joys of a couple night hospital stay. Hooray? I'm just hoping he goes into it ok and comes out of it for the better and with the outlook of a healthier body.

Which reminds me. Cancer is a terrible thing, not that it's news to anyone out there. And people always talk of how they want to do something to help the cause. Lucky for you there is. You could help and donate $1 or $100 to Kim's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I know that donating to her cause isn't the same cancer type as my dad's prostate cancer but any research towards cancer is better than no research towards it. There are worse things to donate to, right? Right. Plus, it helps Kim inch towards her goal, makes her happier and you can feel better for giving to a good cause.

On any note, that's all I have to really ramble about for this Saturday. I'll get to music eventually. As I listened to the albums over and over again I began to change my mind on how I felt about them. For example, the Matt & Kim CD is good on the whole but not track by track. 1/2 is awesome and 1/2 is...eh. But for the $6 it costs on iTunes...why not? So, I'm seeing if my musical mood will settle long enough to blog about it.

Now it's time to return a gigantic wine fridge for one that doesn't have a mega dent in it and hopefully maintains temperature more consistently. That'll be fun and I'll keep looking forward to a week-away night of fun.

Tomorrow can be about the music

2010-01-20T23:39:00.005-06:00

I'm too tired to write a lot tonight. It's not that I did anything to cause a sleepier me. I'm just tuckered out. I need to stop randomly waking up at 3am too. That might help. That would also mean that I need to stop having really weird dreams that wake me up. Noted...

Anyway, I think I'll ramble on about a slew of new music I've been listening to the last week or so. It may not help you make a decision but it'll be fun to talk about. From Matt & Kim to Ke$ha (and her stupid $ sign) and the new Vampire Weekend, I'll cover it all - or at least the parts that entertain me the most.

For the 3 of you who read this - if you have any rambling topic ideas please let me know.
I think that's it. It's time for some bed.

Brown isn't your color

2010-01-20T17:39:00.001-06:00

I had an interesting meeting today.
Our new head guy is hosting meetings to better understand the department and what we do. The group was a hodgepodge mix from across our teams, but when it boiled down to it the room was filled with brown noses, a self-doubting admin, a Russian and me.

As with any meeting with a higher up, I’ve learned that the higher up you go the less funny you have to be to make people laugh. It’s nauseating.

He walks in, says something that’s casual and not very funny and the room erupts with laughter, like he’s Richard Pryor in his heyday. He’s not.

What surprised me most about the meeting was the lack of self indulgence he showed the group. I was surprised. Most times, when you go to these open-forum meetings, there’s an agenda…even if they say there won’t be. In this case, there really wasn’t. Again – shocking.

He sat there, misaligned in his chair trying to listen through people’s fluffy speeches of who they are and where they come from to see the essence of what each area does. For the most part people are pretty genuine but when there’s poop you smell it.

He welcomed criticism and feedback for the good, the bad and the needs to be looked at. The ideas presented, to make our are a better, were encouraging and realistic. They’re the kind of ideas that, once implemented, will create a better morale and a better work environment. Hearing someone say that your office colors and feel come across as an insane asylum is priceless. “We’re in marketing, for Christ’s sake, we should have creative space, right?” Best line of the meeting.

The only negative I’d pull from it all was his own reservation to be completely honest with the group. When people hear words like outsource and change they freak out. Even with reassurance that we’re fine they’re heads still sit on the ground as they run around like future Thanksgiving turkeys. Gobble, gobble. People get comfortable in the environment they know and function best in. Changing that causes chaos. People don’t like chaos. I say bring it on.

Now, I’m not the best with words, so it’s tough to describe the atmosphere. People were scared to have some coffee or eat some of the provided breakfast items until the leader went first. People are so restricted by image and by fear that they clam up. I find the sociology of it all to be enticing, to say the least. He's an open guy with a lot of good ideas. Funny and raw.

All in all, the new changes are for the good. Not because I was directly told our department is vital but because getting new life flown into these walls can only result in the better. I mostly enjoyed it because people will always brown nose because they think it’s the right thing to do. It’s smelly and the right kind of person, a good kind of person, can smell it a mile away and that makes me smile. Plus, brown isn’t a good color on anyone.

To blog, tweet or fb...do I really have to choose?

2010-01-19T22:59:00.011-06:00

I asked my buddy Aaron what I should write about since I'm starting to write to tucker me out before I crash. His idea - ramble out the perks and irritations of popular social media. I thought that's was a mighty good idea.

Blogging

Ah, blogging -- a place where everyone can show you just how funny, insightful, deep or chatty they can be. My biggest crime is not choosing any of those. Well, I guess I'd pick funny if any of them. I figure, if you're going to waste your time reading the things I put on internet paper, you might as well feel like you didn't lose your time.

At the same time, I realize that a person chooses to read whatever I'm spewing out so I have the ability and opportunity to talk about whatever is on my mind...like how I feel about blogging.

Basically - blogging is for the good. Unlike Facebook or Twitter, I don't have to read through droves of unnecessary banter to see or stalk what I want. With a blog, if I don't like what I'm seeing I can just close it out and not feel like I'm missing out on anything. And as for my own blogging likes and dislikes, my only dislike is corporate America's dislike for me blogging while I work.

Yeah, yeah, bad use of company time, but that's where I get so many of my unfiltered thoughts. By the time I'm tired and getting ready for bad they've all become muddled and take too much work to recreate.

For example - have you ever had one of your best ideas while in the shower or going to the bathroom? You have, admit it. I can't tell you how many times I came out of the bathroom, after peeing, in college and said to Aaron or Scott, "oh my god, so I had the greatest idea just now..." Those are the times I need a pad of paper or a tablet computer to just jot down my thoughts. But...it would look funny if I went strolling into the bathroom, computer in hand. Kim would be like, "are...are you going poo...with a computer...I...hmm...wash your hands when you're done please."

I could blog from my phone but that takes too long since I don't have baby dwarf hands. But man, if I did...you wouldn't be able to stop me.

All in all - blogging is for the better. It's a good outlet for people. Just, don't expect to get famous for it or for someone to one day recognize your blogging abilities and offer you some opportunity, like in Julia & Julia. That was a fluke. If you use it for a place to vent it out and you have a friend or two or no one to read it - then blog it out, get your blog on. You're not hurting anyone. Just don't blog with the thought that you're smarter than someone reading it because you're not. Because when it boils down to it, no matter what you're blogging about, you're still...just blogging not changing the world. :)

Facebook
Hmm - where to begin on this behemoth? I remember when there were 2 Facebooks but man has it evolved over the last 5 years.

I'll cut to the chase on how I'm feeling about Facebook. It bitch slapped MySpace back to a place where only pedophiles play, which is nice since it was always a pain to maneuver through MySpace. But now, Facebook won't slow down. It's a snowball that's just rolling down a hill of bad upgrades, applications, games and privacy mishaps yet I don't know what future program will come along to make me change my loving ways.

What other way is there to so easily stalk those you know, sort of know, met once and love? There is none unless you want a restraining order.

I love how Facebook has eliminated the need for any of us to really have a 10 yr reunion. I don't need to see you face to face to see that you got fat. I have facebook. I don't need to hear that you had 3 kids and a divorce because I have Facebook for that. What's that? You got really tanked last night and took pictures? I don't want to see them in person...I have Facebook for that?

But wait, there's more? You found a horny farmer in your cattle field in Farmville? That...that I don't need to hear or see...ever. Damn - enough with the applications already. Keep them to yourself. I don't care, I don't, if you built a new house, have a new high score in a game...unless you found a program that gives me statistics on how many people do something that involves me. Then...it's ok?

It's a conundrum, it really is.
Facebook, by comparison, is probably what it's like to be addicted to cigarettes. You know the negatives to it but you can't stop. You take the good with the bad. You might get cancer but you can look through all 4,376 photos of your ex boy/girlfriend for 4 hours. A give and take.

I like Facebook for all of the good it's capable of. I like being able to keep in touch with people without any real effort. It makes my life a little easier. It also helps me keep up with the people I wouldn't really want to have that awkward conversation with anyway. Thanks Facebook.

But, on the other hand, I wish it would subdue itself on a couple of things...
1 - updates on Mafia Wars, Farmville or any other interactive FB game
2 - stop status updating passive aggressive or overly vague thoughts...if you want us to care - then say so...don't make it a game. so dumb.
3 - I want a dislike button - you can't just like something...that's impossible. And if you have access to everything else on fb, then I shouldn't have to live by every mother's adage of "if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all." Mmm...ut uh. Lemme dislike whatevuuuur I want, please and thank you.

Yeah. Facebook. It has it's ups and down. But since it's my meth, I'll keep on doing it until my Iowa farm lab goes boom.

Twitter
It's great for my ADD state of mind. I know, surprise, I can be ADD. Shocking!
I love it because it's stuck to its guns. I can always block someone or follow whoever I want. I have the opportunity to be retweeted by people I consider celebrities. I can win things from companies I support and I can keep up with friends' days and maybe even learn some new news. The pros truly outweigh the cons with Twitter.

The people I work with aren't on it which is a plus, which keeps me saying whatever I want (which I also like)

The only thing I don't like is excessive tweeting. I just started to follow Target because it was suggested to me and because I love Target (who will contest that? No one) but they don't tweet twice an hour or 10 times a day...oh no, they do it in bulk. They're the costco of tweeters. I shouldn't have to scroll to find someone elses tweets and thoughts - that defeats the purpose of it all.

Luckily, tweeting hasn't turned into poor text messaging where someone retweets with an, "ok, " "sounds good," "bye," or some other one word lame-o response.

I think my favorite thing about twitter is the ability to connect with people I could never do so with before like Judah Friendlander. When D texted me, "Judah tweeted you back," I honestly was excited. Ocho has written back to friends and there are probably other situations I've forgotten that have happened too. Oh yeah - for example - Jess became Batter Blaster's fan of the week and she hooked up an interview with Rue La La. Seriously, how awesome is that? Very awesome.

---

I dunno. I don't think I resolved any feelings towards any of those 3 methods of social media. No matter, I rambled it out. You can't even be forced to pick just 1 because they all have a different purpose.

Blogging is a good place to document out all of your would-be journal entries that is seen by an audience you never have to know or who you choose to see what you think.

Facebook is throwing your life into a giant wading pool of everyone you ever wanted to connect with or who wanted to connect with you. Pictures, thoughts, comments and life happenings are all out there for friends, family and "oh yeah, you" people to see and comment/like as they see fit.

And Twitter is a 140-character beast all its own. It's so restricting yet wide open to be as eclectic as you might want to be. It's great because I wouldn't blog thinking Ryan Stout will read it and I wouldn't add him as a friend on fb or write on his wall because that sounds creepy...but, for whatever reason, retweeting something he said or asking him a question on his tour schedule seems perfectly legit. It's like everyone is on the same level. I don't know, that might just be me.

I think Twitter does have the slight edge. It still feels unique and it hasn't been molested by the masses yet. This is probably because we're not the target demographic, but I'll use that to my advantage until it's overrun and overhauled.

But to the point of the title is do I really have to choose? Nope. Not at all. If I can take the good with the irritating, I can have all 3 and it's awesome. They're all perfect for a person who is easily distracted by all sorts of...ooh, look, a butterfly...

If only I were as handy as I am sarcastic

2010-01-19T00:15:00.002-06:00

I would be golden.
I'm sitting here listening to the upstairs toilet make a noise that I don't know how to stop. I open the lid. I stare in it. I examine it as if I know what might be wrong with it. I fiddle with a thing and move the big creepy ball thing up and down and hope to god that if I flush it one more time that it will stop making the noise.

I think 2 of the 3 toilets make this noise. It reminds me that I'm not handy. I don't want to be but I also don't want things in my house to not be fixed because I can't figure it out. Yet, if you give me some complex logical issue or puzzle, I'll think of many ways to potentially solve it. Maybe that's the difference. With logic or philosophy it's all about thought and feeling. Nothing's ever really concluded upon. The issue still exists, as does my toilet making a noise.

It's not leaking. It's filled. It works. It just acts like it's not content. It wants attention that I don't want to give it.

Another thing I don't quite get how to do is clean painted walls. In hindsight, my painter scares me. Those stories are for another day. Though he claimed to make love to the paint because it was so sweet and perfect...something tells me he could've been full of crap. I don't want to spend time cleaning some scuffs off a wall to see the paint come back up.

So paint over it if that happens, you say. No thanks. That's too much effort for me. I'm lazy on those things. Sand it. Prime it. Paint it. Fuck it.

I always wanted to make enough where I could just hire someone to come out and do it for me. I'm not there yet but if I click my heels 3 times it just might happen. Maybe. Probably not.

Now, if hooking up a new faucet, light fixture or cabinets were a stereo system...I'd do that lickity split. I'm not sure how they're different really. Both require patience and know how. It's not a matter of weight, power tools or measuring. I can do that just fine. Who knows, really?

I'll get over the lazy curiosity to it all soon enough. I have pictures to hang, shelves to mount and, eventually, a kitchen to help construct and cabinets to hang in the garage. If I'm nutty enough, Kim and I will redo our master bedroom closet for the better. Supposedly it's a breeze but only installation will tell. I have people to help me but I need someone to help me and show me how to do it at the same time. Otherwise, I'll keep being lazy and relying on someone else (which I don't mind, but come on...there's got to be a limit). That and I need a lesson on how to patch holes. That way I don't fear f*n up with a screwdriver/hammer.

All I know is, before I go to bed, I'm going to go into the bathroom, pull the lid off the toilet, stare down into it like I know what I'm looking at and pretend to fix it. And I'll continue to futz with it until it is quiet. And then, like a newborn, once it begins to make noise again I'll pretend like I can't hear it and let it cry itself to sleep. Or in the case of the toilet, I don't care what it does because I'm going to sleep.

Boobylicious for ya babaaay

2010-01-18T09:01:00.002-06:00

I'm getting my Beyonce channeled through me. I think I could rewrite the rest of that song to be all about breasts...

And speaking of breasts - for the next 5+ months, I'm going to do my best to promote the heck out of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer that Kim is participating in. It's not just her but 1000s of women. Kim's team, thus far, includes her sister and some family. My mom might get in the mix but that's TBD it seems.

During the process, they are writing a blog about the experiences leading up to the huge marathon long walk in June: http://nicholsgirls.wordpress.com/

It's a 2 day, 39 mile walk. That's crazy but it all goes to help breast cancer research.

Even before cancer started creeping into my family circle I always found it important to support causes such as these and it doesn't matter how you support. I believe Kim's brother will be holding a beer for boobs party where the proceeds all go towards cancer research. The options are limitless.

Anyway - I plan to push for as much support as possible for Kim to reach her goal of $1,800. I know she can do it and I know any and all of you can help. It doesn't have to be much. You don't have to go nuts and drop $100 or $500...but you can! :)

Donate $5. That's only 1 drink less the next time you go out. Your waistline will thank you and so will women's breasts everywhere.

To donate go here: http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Chicago?px=5245338&pg=personal&fr_id=1930

That's all there really is to it. There are hundres of causes out there to cure everything under the sun. If this cause doesn't motivate you then find one that does, but if you're a fence sitter then give this one a try and see how you feel about it. My bet is you like it and you want to donate or participate more!

Thanks!

Who's ready for something different?

2010-01-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

I am!
I'm pretty sure my body works in yearly cycles (at least).
Around a year a part my body and mind always think, "you should start your own business, it's a good idea, you'll be successful. Now, if only you had something you were good at that you could make money at..." and that's where that internal discussion usually ends. I think I enjoy too many different things to ever sit and focus on just one of them to make a concerted effort at it for any sort of profit gaining.

Lately, I've found enjoyment in photography. I don't know much about it nor am I very good at it yet but I'm trying the approach of submersing myself into anything and everything I can find about it and see what sticks. Trying to teach myself the basics of photo editing within Photoshop is proving to be an uphill challenge. To my credit, I can successfully manipulate color curves, convert to a good looking B&W, clear up any noise as well as sharpen and over sharpen images until they seem fake. I find it peacefully frustrating. Unfortunately, the more I learn and the quicker I adapt some skills behind taking pictures, the more I wish I had purchased a better camera from the get go. Don't get me wrong, the D3000 is really awesome but had I stepped up for the D90, we'd have use out of the older lenses I've acquired. No matter, the 35mm is doing wonders and it's giving me better pictures than I've ever taken in my Point-and-shoot days.

Now, could I start a business doing photography? No. Well, I could, but I don't know if I would want to. Not because of skill deficiencies but, again, I'm not sure if that's what I'd want to do all the time - all day, everyday. I think it's a hobby that I'll enjoy letting evolve picture by picture. Unfortunately for the rest of you, that means I'll be toting the camera around with me more often - trying to see what I can capture.

Plus, I've learned that, as much as I dislike getting up early and going to work, going into work has its peace to it. Working from home, sometimes, provides undue stress for the other things on my to do list that definitely do not involve work. I bet when I have kids, I'll really enjoy going to work. I'll always want to be around them but will also need those few hours of something different to keep things from becoming too static. I say this now. Watch - I'll have kids and it'll be a whole new tune, but that's not something I have to worry about for some time.

Speaking of worrying - do you know what I'm tired of? Cancer.
Fucking hate cancer. It's driving me nuts. Not me, personally, but those around me.
First, Kim's mom. Then, my grandpa. Come a couple weeks ago, I find out it's now affecting my dad. What gives? With Kim's mom it seems as though the chemo is doing what it was intended to do. She's doing seemingly better and should beat this thing, at least that's what my money is on. My grandpa, well, he's had some of the best surgeons in the country work on him. For a man who is 75, smokes nonstop, drinks PBR from 9am until 9pm at night, I'd say he's doing fairly well. He's accepted what he has left in life and is going to enjoy it the best way he knows how. In a way, I admire that.

But with any of those people, I would hate to see any of them go. Though I rarely see my grandpa, seeing him die to cancer would be a devesator. Yikes. I feel like we have an unspoken connection. We always get along and we always enjoy spending time together. North Dakota to Illinois isn't what I'd call next door neighbors, but still. The idea of losing anyone is heartbreaking. Which brings me to my dad.

Those of you who know me understand that I haven't always been so close to my dad. Luckily, in the past few years things have turned for the better. He and my mom still have their differences but that's a place I do my best to stay out of most of the time. I don't need to be placed in the middle of any of that noise. That's what I spent most of my teenage years doing. But no matter how close or far apart you are from a parent, finding out they have cancer is shocking. I remember finding out when two of my close friends' dads had cancer. I couldn't imagine what it must have felt like. For one, he sadly lost his father to cancer and the other - he seems to be recovering fine, which is great news. I hope for the latter with my dad. I can't even wrap my brain around how scary it has to be. When a doctor tells you that it's aggressive and they aren't sure if it's moved anywhere else and that surgery is the best options. Aaaah. But what choice do you have? You have to be hedonistic. You have to take the short term pain for the long term pleasure.

It's f*d to think about. When I was in HS or college, I would hear of people's grandparents or parents getting cancer and it didn't mean anything to me because I have never experienced it. It wasn't something to joke about but it wasn't something I could fathom either. Then in the course of 2 years, I lose one brother to accidental death and 3 family members become diagnosed with cancer. Top top off this barrage of delightful news, I come to learn that my uncle probably doesn't have long to live. Again, same situation as my grandpa. I didn't see him much growing up but you never want to see a family member, no matter how close, pass away at a younger age.

There's always the adage that someone is "going to a better place," and I'd prefer to be selfish. I want everyone I care about to live forever, ya know?

When it all comes down to it, the only thing to do is to remain optimistic. Worrying is like a rocking chair - it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere.

I think a lot of the negative news encourages me to try to get out and do more or do activities that I enjoy or consider relaxing, whether that's playing too many hours of video games, taking an unplanned trip, trying something new or just trying to hang out with friends. When people around you face life-threatening situations it always puts a focus on the things you so easily take for granted.

What am I getting at? Anything? Not really. I'm just rambling because I can. It's one of the glories of a blog only 10 people know about. 10 of you might end up reading through this and think, "damn, this thing isn't ending..." Sometimes it's a great place to post the things that crack me up (like friends in elf costumes) and other times it's a good place to just write it all out in a discombobulated form to tucker me out before bed.

Talking about more serious things isn't something I really enjoy doing. I prefer to have a good time and not bring people into the things that are considered sad. The world is filled with sadness day in and day out. I prefer to focus on the fun of it. It's one of the many reasons I prefer to avoid movies that are too serious or depressing. I see enough of it in the news or in day to day life. Why spend 2+ hours having to think more about it. Movies are meant to be an escape. It's why musicals became so popular during the great depression. It was a way for people to escape the unfortunate realities for only a short period of time. There's no need for me to do that with a movie about war, death or sadness. I'd much rather have 2 hours of The Rock dressed as the tooth fairy or something where the good guys win.

It's why I always invite anyone and everyone out when we have a party or go out for the night. Hell, some of those people should be left off the invite list because they're so often shady and unreliable, but against my better judgment I always do. It's true what people my parent's age tell me - my generation is, more often than not, incredibly selfish. We're a very "me, me, me" generation. We wait for the best thing to come along, we do whatever pleases us the most, we opt for the lazy option and we expect most things to be given to us - not because we deserve it but because we think we deserve so. It's not all our fault, it's partly how we were raised - where everyone gets a ribbon and everyone passes. It translates to everything else, which is unfortunate. So, people don't return calls or emails or show up to things because "it's ok, they won't care, I'll get invited next time." I do it too. Sometimes I know I should buck up and drive the extra however many miles to see whomever but I opt out and sit on my ass. Sort of like working out. I know I should but I don't. I make the excuse and think of anything else to do. Like write this blog.

Someone who does a good example of part of what I rambled on is Scotty T. That guy lives further away from all of us, yet never complains about coming out to hang out. He often offers his place up to spend time or cause trouble but we don't take the effort to go out there as he does for us because we make up some excuse. The only validity to any of the excuses is sometime I want to sleep in my own bed, despite Scott's hospitableness, but that gets tough when you go out and drink. Plus, some of us get sleep before others and things get tougher. So, even there, I'm making excuses. Catch 22 it seems.

Anyway, I'm just a rambling man. A lot to say and never enough quality explanation to get through it all in a concise way.

Overall - life for Kim and I is as good as it can be. We're both healthy and happy (at least I am...kidding, I think Kim is too!) We can't control a lot of the situations around us but we make do and take each situation as it comes to us. I'm confident Kim will be back up and employed sooner than we both think and it'll eventually become a forgotten bump in the road. As for my family - I can only hope they continue to fight and become or stay healthy again.

Cancer is a real bitch. Up until my dad, I didn't have any blood-lined relations to cancer in my family and I was feeling pretty safe. I know I was or am still at risk but the odds seemed more in my favor before. Now, I'm suspect to it when I get further down the age road. Yay? I don't think so. Like I said before, all I can really do and all will do is keep the optimism alive.

Don't expect me to talk about much of this. Even sharing the basic details with Kim's parents was hard on me. I'm an incredibly open person on most topics, but when it gets to the personal stuff is when I shut it down. I'm sure there's some deep-seeded emotional reason for why but I'm not about to think about that right now! :) All I know is, I'm happy to give an update if anyone's interested but it's not something I plan to go on and on and on about in a 1-on-1 conversation. Blog is sort of different. It's like an open diary. You can choose to read it or you can choose not to. There are no secrets in here so take what you read as you want it. If there's something you wish you could do - well - keep my family in your thoughts - and prayers too, if you pray or even if you don't.

People ask if they can do something or send flowers, in the case of my dad having surgery in a couple of weeks, and I'll say "appreciated but no thanks." Instead of getting all flowery - I say, take that money and put it towards a better cause. Donate that money towards Kim's walk, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer: http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Chicago?px=5245338&pg=personal&fr_id=1930

It's a good cause and the money goes to fight the thing I'm learning to hate more and more each day. Plus, the more money Kim receives the happier she gets and that is always the most important thing. That and hearing her funny walking stories about her butt hurting after walking 3 miles! :)

Alright, 45 minutes later and a novella later...I think it's time to call it a night and get some sleep. I am impressed though - so many topics and no agenda to cover any of them. Just me rambling my face off until I was drowsy. Goal complete.

Holiday Elves

2009-12-22T11:23:00.000-06:00

Hilarity

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Favorite Pictures I took in 09

2009-12-21T11:16:00.025-06:00

It's sort of me, me, me, but whatever, it's my blog.
There were a lot of awesome pictures from 2009 but I was rambling about how excited I've been about the fancy pants camera and I might as well show some of the good ones that have been taken lately. They don't tend to get posted in FB albums or sent to people. "Hey, check out this HOT picture of a tree I took..." Yeah, no.

In no particular order...

Cake from Aaron's rehearsal dinner.

The view from our hotel room @ Aaron's wedding

This one is pretty obvious - pumpkins

The pretty, punished pony

Caramel apples are always a tasty fall snack

She's cute

Vino

It looks sweeter up close.

Reflecting on a tree

Another Round

I think winter is here

It's better in a cup

Twig 'n Berries?

Chirp Chirp

Dandelions

A good view to fall asleep to

...and drink

A good view from the ground

Vroom

Hard to believe he was in a cage

Floral in nature
------

I'm learning that taking photos is like golf. You can get frustrated with shot after shot that isn't capturing exactly what you're hoping to see and then boom, you get that 1 shot, or the string of shots that remind you of why you like to do it.

The best of 2010

2009-12-21T10:32:00.008-06:00

It's almost Christmas and then the snowball effect in to NYE comes around and POOF it's 2010. Yikes. That means I'll be turning 29 next year and inching closer to the dreaded 30. What's nuts is - when my mom was 30, she already had 3 kids and I was 12, what the whaaaaa? Most of my pals don't have kids yet but we're getting to that age where people think about it a lot more. Not yet but someday, I'm sure. Which reminds me...

A weekend or so ago, we're at my ring bearer's 2nd birthday party and my mom comes up to Kim, puts her arm around her and says, "Kim, I know what I want for Christmas next year (2010)." Kim replies with, "what's that?" because she just assumed it would be a handbag, something for a camera but not, "I want a grandbaby." YIKES!

On to the post...

It's the end of the year and I think it's only fair to have a random slue of Top this and thats for 2009. Let's see what I can come up with.

Best Album of 2009: Jay-Z; The Blueprint 3.
It's tough to argue this because there are tracks that still give me goosebumps when I hear the beat. The Paramore album is right up there along with The Sounds . The Glee soundtrack is really one of the best things I can keep listening to but none of it is original, only the arrangements. 2009 wasn't the best year musically but there were some good showings.

Best Song of the Year: I can't decide. There've been too many hot songs that were getting radio and play on my stereo from 30h3, Taylor Swift, Kanye, Jay, Jason Mraz and Miley Cyrus. 2009 was a great year for the single but lacked on the album side.

Best Time of the Year: This is easy - 9-19-09. getting married. that whole weekend was a blast. All of the food, the people, the fun, the dancing and the crazy pictures made for a really awesome night.
Best Time Runner Up: Easy again - the bachelor party. Having that many guys, 1 school bus and so many ridiculously fun things go on is right up there as well.

Best Non-Reality Show: Glee. Done & done. It's the best guilty pleasure show I've had in years. It's a closet love show of a lot of people. As Joseph said, "it's the gayest thing I do" and I couldn't agree more. It's dark, funny and...filled with music that tries to give me fun memories of show choir (I only did it 1 year, I swear).

Best Reality Show(s): I can't choose 1. There are ties galore here. Top Chef, SYTYCD, Project Runway (though it was a bit weak this season), Biggest Loser and, most recently, Jersey Shore has to go up there. I had such low expectations for JS and they were met with flying colors.

Best Video Game(s): I'll be fair and give one to each system. Best PS3 game had to be MLB The Show. Crazy realistic but NHL10 could give it a run for its money but it's been spoken and now it must be. As for the 360, I would go with COD:Mw2. It's scary real and has some heavily disturbing moments in it but, despite how frustrated it can make me, I can't get enough of it. I've said the PS3 has the best sports games and it's still holding true. It's cleaner, smoother and looks better than what the 360 has been able to produce. Halo: ODST had it's fun but I feel like it was more of a placeholder for something to do until MW2 came out.

Top Sad News: Finding out my grandpa has cancer. That one stings. He did just celebrate his 75th birthday, which he finds to be quite the accomplishment but I would agree. He's smoked and drank PBR like it's water for the longest time. His cancer prohibited him from being able to travel to this great state for my wedding which was really too bad. The good news is he's still doing well, he's making a case for PBR to be the next cure for cancer at the rate he takes it down. The cancer hasn't come back yet and he's still in great spirits.

Best Purchase of the year: The Nikon D3000. What a difference a camera can make. It has its ups and downs. The ups - really cool/good pictures. The downside is it's size and the effect it has on the people who see it. haha, when people see a DSLR they pose or spazz out. If it was just a point and shoot then it's cool but you bust out a mongo camera and then it's "woah, woah, what'cha doin with that camera, boy?" Oh well, once I fall into possession of the 35mm lens maybe it'll come off as smaller and still pull off great pictures. That reminds me, I think I'll post some of my favorite pictures taken this year.

Best Non-Wedding Event I Went To: Judah Friedlander. He's hilarious. What was great was how open he was to photo ops and talking after his show. You don't get that vibe with a lot of people but he really seemed like the kind of guy who'd want to chill after a show.

I think that's enough top things for now. 2010 will have plenty more new besties and fun times, no doubt.

New Years Resolutions?

2009-12-21T10:30:00.001-06:00

I don't really have any.

The Holiday Spirit

2009-12-14T22:16:00.002-06:00

I don't care what school you went to or where your pride lies - this IU a cappella group, Straight No Chaser is great. My buddy Meghan Crowson turned me on to them years ago and they're getting big with their Christmas CD. It's worth checking out, either one of them - it's all good and easy to listen to. Here's one of the funnier ones

i need to blog

2009-12-11T00:23:00.002-06:00

so much fun stuff is going on and not enough time to write about it. I blame work. too much work. they look down on me spending corporate dollars and time blogging at my work computer. hmm. Not to mention, there've been plenty of stupid people encounters lately that I want to share freely.

i need a website, other than facebook, that people will check pictures out on. i have one where i can share and you can download the pics at full resolution. might use it for such upcoming events as the Chili Cook Off or the Ugly Sweater Party.

UFC = yes
Chili Cook Off = yes
The holidays almost being here = yes again

NYE, 2010, Vegas, USP2.5 and whatever else comes my way = double yes

I'll blog, I really will...but for now I'm going to get my sleeps on.

Look, it's Richie on the Piano

2009-11-20T12:27:00.001-06:00

Filipino Queen

2009-11-06T17:47:00.001-06:00

I love Queen. I also love dancing Filipino prisoners. Combine them...magix

I love Walken

2009-11-02T17:27:00.000-06:00

hilarious

The Jack Chop

2009-10-15T17:53:00.000-05:00

The beginning of this is hilarious

I'm like a 35w bulb in a 60w socket

2009-10-15T08:37:00.002-05:00

One of these days I'll remember that I'm not in college anymore. I just figure that my body will adjust, seemingly overnight (aaaah no pun intended), to 6 hours or so of sleep. Nope.

I wonder if all of the dreary clouds play a role in it too because, when it's rainy and dark out, I just want to sleep.

Then again, if it were sunny out I'd want to sleep as well.

I think corporate America should institute nap time. As a kindergartner we would fight it but now I would love it. Just 2 short, beautiful hours. :)

Ok, blogging at work gets people in trouble here so I'm done.

Up, Up and Awaaay

2009-10-15T00:25:00.003-05:00

I'm refusing to sleep, which I'll regret in the morning.
See - if I go to bed then I stop doing stuff. Sleep is great but I'm far too active of a brain to sloooow dooown, fully knowing that I should. Sleep isn't for the weak, it's for the sleepy.
I also figure, the sooner I go to bed the sooner I have to wake my ass up and convince myself that it's a good idea to get ready and go to work.
I don't mind working but same days I mind the work that I do.
Pros and cons to thangs right now. One pro is a wine rack that will give us more space (despite that the fact that it takes up space) and allow my secret type A-ness to be subsided when the wine has a home to go to. It looks nice and it'll be a piece that will have use for years to come.
Another Pro are the upcoming parties Kim and I are wanting to plan. Whether it's the next Ugly Sweater Party or the 3rd annual chili cook-off (maybe more like semi annual, I can't remember) - there's always something I want to be doing.
After thinking about it - I still want to explore the idea of the pot luck party. Each person chooses one of the courses/sides to bring/make and a drink to go with it (whether it be beer, wine or other). That way the party is well fed and boozed at the equal cost amongst everything.
I'm past the point where I can openly fund for everyone's weekend drinking habits. It's not because I can't afford to do so but because I know anyone who hangs out can afford to do so. Plus, I like it when friends bring over beverages because you have the opportunity to try what they like and become more exposed and taint your liver even further.
Speaking of friends - I wonder if the common trend that happens to so many post-married couples will happen to Kim and I. On more than one occasion, I've heard how people's friends slowly dissipate once they get married. I hear it's worse after you have kids. But even looking at my wedding party - I can already foresee some of them falling off the face of the earth. Having them in my wedding was the only real hope of maintaining any real contact for the past year and a half. Now that the festivities are dormant - they may become dormant as well. Makes you wonder if it's something to be sad over or just consider it life? The good pals will stick around or new ones will appear.
Some people just become so self indulged in their own happenings that they slip away all on their own. I'm all for hanging out with whoever whenever, but if you become self centered in how you treat others, well, then you can be on the B list for everything. :) I don't have time for dramatics as I near the ripe old age of 30. I've still got 2 years until that dreadful bell rings.
Mmm, yup. I have to say too - that dancing bear still cracks me up. That fucker just dances and dances - nonstop.
It's week 6 in the NFL season and I've yet to just sit around and have a NFL Sunday with friends. That bites it hard. I miss the occasional Saturday night blow out of rowdiness and debauchery followed with a slow rise to the 11am sun, the last-minute checks on fantasy teams and 6 straight hours of trash talking, football watching fun time. 2-3 hours into it we decide to order too much pizza and begin coating our livers again...until the night game - where 2/3 of the people bail out and the rest vegetate through the night game before calling it quits. That stopping, I feel, is a matter of priorities and not age. People start to date people or have other shit going on so they don't have a full day to dedicate to laziness and football. But - every so often it would be fun. You might have other things to do but that mild hangover keeps you from actually getting up, moving or becoming a productive member of society. Maybe just once this NFL season that type of shindig can conspire. :)

I think that's all I have for this ramblicious post.

I ramble a lot, there's no hiding that

2009-10-05T23:39:00.002-05:00

Alright, so I can't sleep, so I'll ramble my face off with some blogging action.
I didn't get to choose the below text. You have to thank Snapfish for that...thanks?
If you're wanting to explore some honeymoon photos, feel free to click below.

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

What else, what else.
Going back to corporate America today, after nearly 3 weeks off, was painful. Things are so dry and blown out of importance proportion.

I think Portland was so relaxing because it really did feel like a college town. Aside from the sense of no responsibility for so much, it was a great place to be. It felt like a town of no consequence. I could open my own business and be doing alright for myself - as long as I got the community behind me. We met some wine makers who lived in Dallas, became sick of the corporate life - went and sold everything and bought a winery and haven't looked back. I don't have balls that big, but it's cool to see people do that.

If I had nuts that big and was willing to risk things that heavy - I'd attempt to keep my job or quit it and get some part time crap work and go back to school and get a masters in teaching and go teach. But for as crappy as corporate America truly is - it offers some perks that are hard to compete with. Benefits, insurance are boring but so useful. Plus, the comfort of M-F, 9-5ish is reassuring. That and the overabundance of days off that I'm given. I work in a place that rewards mediocrity (which blows my mind) but it could be worse.

If I went and taught, I might end up hating it or loving it. But - I'd gain a summer and yet lose 1/2 my salary. Mmm...nope. I enjoy my weekend nights out, new beer, eating out and about, going to concerts and buying stuff I want. Pros and cons to it all.

Let me see...what else.
New Music?

MIKA - The Boy Who Knew Too Much
Well, it's good if you like Mika. It's a lot like his first album. Ultra poppy, with a lot of high notes and catchy hooks. It'll grow on me. 1/2 of it is good and I want to listen to it some more. I'm happy to burn it for whoever. I give it a B.

Paramore - Brand New Eyes
Their last CD was really good and their new album picks up where the last left off. It's worth the $10 on iTunes. She can sing and they can rock. Another CD I'm happy to burn but it's worth the money if you liked their last album. It's easy to listen to over and over again. It gets a big, bright, shiny A

More wedding talk?...
Mine is over. It was fantastic. Kim looked amazing. The reception was legendary. Everyone made it a night to remember. The dance floor was always full and so was everyone's stomach. I'm not sure how it could have gone any better. I am still waiting to see if a certain bridesmaid and groomsmen hooked it up but that may be left better as a mystery.

The honeymoon was awesome (see above pictures).
It all coasted by so fast. Portland is a place I'd love to go back to with friends who love beer and food.
They love their micro brews. Everything was very laid back and enjoyable. The homeless people were all hippies (for the most part). Portland also HAS to have the most people in power wheelchairs per capita than anywhere else in the country. That and pregnant people. So many preggers poppin around town. A sign in itself. I was able to drive a Prius the whole trip. Drove 450 miles and only spent $35 on gas. That was beautiful. The car is surprisingly fun to drive and made me want to hug some trees. So I did in the mountains.

This weekend is Aaron's bachelor party. That boy gets hitched in just a few short weeks. And in a week he'll get to experience those unexplained stessors and questions about "is this done and is this finished and who is on this?" I'm here to help him and I'm sure the wedding will go off w/o any problems. His party shall be a relaxed evening of booze and men. It'll be an interesting group of men (from who I know is attending). Scotch can make men feisty so that should add to the interestingness of the group dynamic. But, if all goes well, Mr. G will be sound asleep in Scotch by 12:05 central standard time. Haha, just kidding aaron, you can make it until 1215!

And lastly, saw Richie's pad tonight. It's still being unpacked but it's good to see he and Kate back out and about on their own. It's a spot in a good area of town. There's much for them and pals to do, yet close enough to still come out and play with the rest of the group when he's not bar hopping. I think with the location of Gilger being 2min away - that lad will be out with the group a lot more than we've seen in the past. We're always cool to add as many new people to the posse as possible. As long as you like to hang out, drink it up, play games, maybe bowl, watch bad movies and have a good time - you'll get along fine. But his place (Richie and Kate's) will turn out to look good once Richie polishes up that man cave of his ;). I know he's happy to be out and in a more centralized location. they're social creatures and being able to get out easily will keep the smiles coming.

I'm sure there's more I could rattle on about. I feel bad if anyone's read through all of this. Congrats, I've helped you kill 20 minutes and get a little less smart. Oops.
Speaking of things that don't make you smarter...TV - I love GLEE! Maybe I shouldn't, but it's dark, there's music, it bring me back to some HS moments and there's good music. I don't tend to watch actual TV shows (that's not a reality show) but this one shows promise.

Yeah, Monday is done and it's time to pretend to go to bed.
Go Vikes.
And let's go weekend - there's some fun to have after the 6 hour drive to mighty MN.
Let's see how adjusting to work goes this week and how long it takes before I say something snappy to someone takes work too seriously.

Rambling complete for tonight, yet still so much shit to babble about...

Even more music

2009-09-16T01:26:00.003-05:00

I'll keep these short and sweet. It's late and these 2 albums speak for themselves.

Artist: Jay-Z
Album: The Blueprint 3
This awesome is nuts. Death of Autotune, Empire State of Mind, On to the Next One...I - yeah, this album is sick. Sick. Sick. Best track so far -- Off That. J made an album that can land in the club but keeps it heavy and his beats are well paid for. If you even kind of like Jay-Z get this album.
A

Artist: Kid Cudi
Album: Man on the Moon: The End of the Day
Get this one too. Cudi is already big but he's going to get bigger. The beats are simple but strong. I don't even care what he's rapping about. It's catchy bob-your-head rap. Like the song, this album is "Simple As...that." This is another album worth the purchase.
A

New Music

2009-08-27T23:39:00.004-05:00

I'm awake, I might as well ramble on about something.
Things have felt so busy lately that I haven't sat down and downloaded loads of unnecessary music or enjoyed the tunes that others have shared (thanks, Dustin).

I love new music. So, how about some new music album reviews...but the abridged and ramblicious versions? Nothing too deep or in depth. You're already reading so why stop now?

**Note** Some of the albums are terrible and I download them just because I can :). Also note - I may give it a rating but, knowing me, it could change at any given time depending on how I soak it up and change my mind...
We'll start at the top...

Artist: All Time Low
Album: Nothing Personal
Here's the thing, I've never been as in to punk like music until towards the end of college and dating Kim and most of the time I still don't like it, but this album changes my mind about the genre. It could be because punk has gone pop. It's filled with catchy hooks and has a bubble gum feel to it, which isn't bad...it's just what it is. All Time Low, for what I know of them, keep getting better to my ear. This whole album is fantastic. I'm trying to pick 1 song that stands out but they all are easy to listen to. "Lost in the Stereo" sticks out the most. Again, it's because I can hear it on the radio or would want to play it while rocking it out at the bowling alley. On any note, this is an album shared by D and I'm glad he did, it's really good. So, if you're into the punk pop sound, check this out. A-

Artist: Brooke Hogan
Album: The Redemption
I can only assume someone gave her another album because it was a. in her contract or b. because of the 6-month-ago tabloid coverage of her family and the nasty divorce the Hulk is going through. I understand B more than A. I would have canceled her contract and taken the heat her lawyers would have brought. This album is terrible. Are there songs that will be heard in a club? Yes. Are there songs that some Disney movie may use during some cheesy thought provoking scene? I hope not. But even with the celebrity visits from Flo Rida or the unheard of Urban Mystic, the album still can't get above water. Cracked out, tramped Britney makes better things in her post-hangover toilet. I'd rather have a new album by Dream. Everything is pretty sex driven. Maybe Brooke is your kind of girl but not for me. With all of her sex-loaded lyrics...if she's trying to get with me she should really have a song called "I'm pretty in the dark." As I coast from song to song I hear way too much auto-tune. I wrote too much already. Wait for a single or two before checking out this album, but please don't buy it. D-

Artist: Cobra Starship
Album: Hot Mess
Their second song title says it best: Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We're Famous. Even if it's true, the album is still fun. They were first getting bigger when they landed on the Snakes on a Plane soundtrack and though the radio is currently flooded with "Good Girls Go Bad" this album still has some fun to it. Though it's fun, most of the album sounds like it's hoping it'll be the next radio song, just like Good Girls has become. If it's true then good for them. Make your money while you can. Um...I don't find myself trying to them off. It's fun, poppy, easy to listen to and there are a lot of fun lyrics and good riffs. Why not? C+

Artist: Dirty Heads
Album: Any Port in a Storm
Well, who said white guys can't rap to some reggae? Not me. This record is perfect for summer. When I listen to it I want a beer in hand, games going on and friends around me. It's a good album for the car with the windows down. They don't sing about anything earth shattering, but who cares, right? I prefer Matisyahu but that doesn't mean this can't be fun and you shouldn't listen to it. It's definitely worth the time. If you like white guys who rap, get their reggae on and listen to tunes about guys having a good time then check it out. B-

Artist: Hit the Lights
Album: Coast to Coast
If you like HTL then you'd like, what I can only assume this is, their new EP. It's got fast, medium and slow. I don't know what they're trying to go for, all 6 songs worth, but I think they're still relatively young/new and they'll get even better in time. B-

Artist: Ingrid Michaelson
Album: Everybody
I'm a big fan of Ingrid and I was happy to see that she didn't go all off the wall for her next album. I'll admit, it's pretty "mom rock," but it's catchy. This album easily has 3 or 4 songs that can make it on to the radio and make Ingris a lot of money. Does that mean there's a "sell out" sound to her? Not at all. She has a soothing voice and she just sings about guys/life/experience/love...typical girl schtuff. Maybe is a good song but the best song, with a poppy, makes-you-chew-bubble-gum feel would be "Everybody." It's the kind of song you'd hear in an Apple commercial or during the next Kate Hudson/Jennifer Anniston love chick flick movie. I'm a sucker for the mom rock because at times, like I enjoy my movies, I like something simple and happy. Plus, she's not too overplayed yet which is key. If you like music that's happy and will probably make you happy...and you're a fan of the mom rock - I'd get this or at least download Everybody. B+

Artist: Jet
Album: Shake Rock
Jet is awesome. Done and done.
This album has slowed down in comparison to their previous album but it doesn't stop it from being a good album. It's a simple rock sound. It's easy to turn up. Now, I haven't found anything as catchy as "Cold hearted bitch" or "are you gonna be my girl," but "La Di Da" and "Times Like This" are catchy. I like it. I dig on the guys voice and the sound they make. Do I recommend buying it? Mmm...if you're a jet fan then yes. If you're not, I wouldn't but I'll make you a copy. B-

Artist: Kings of Leon
Album: Only by the Light
I don't get what the hype is over these guys. It's an old sound but it's nothing new. I tried getting into "Use Somebody" but I can't. The more I listen to the album the more I find the lead singer to be a 1 trick pony. Seriously, listen to a song or 3 and he does the same note progression in each song. Low, Low, High. If someone gets why they're becoming as big as they are please let me know. I downloaded this with hopes that the album would get better than "Use Somebody," but...eh. I'm not impressed, at least not yet. D

Artist: Lights
Album: Lights - EP
Mellow, easy to listen to and she has a good voice. It's a pity this album only has 6 songs. A mild techno backbeat, some basic drums and just her singing. It's not overly complicated and that's appreciated. I like this EP a lot. It's relaxing. I don't have much to add...it's just a good album. Go get it. B+

Artist: Millionaires
Albums(s): Bling, Bling, Bling!-EP & Just got Paid, Let's Get Laid - EP
Christ, I don't even know how to start with these girls. It's so obnoxious yet so genius. "Girls talk shit, we don't care, we'll take off our underwear...come get fucked...gimme my alcohol...a-l-c-o-h-o-l..."
I wanted to hate them. They're irritating but god damn I can't shake them out of my brain. 3 girls who sing about fucking, drinking, bitches, getting naked and did I mention getting drunk? With songs like "I like alcohol," In my bed," and "talk shit," you know you're in for a treat. If you think it sounds like 3 sex-driven booze bitches are just trying to sing into their mac with drum/dance beats...then I'd agree, but dammit, you won't be able to shake their lyrics out of your head. It'll make a party rock and make your friends wonder wtf is wrong with you. I want to hear a full album before I can regretably give them an A, but for now...B

Artist: Passion Pit
Album: Manners
Another album compliments of Dustin. He gets a lot of tunes but says he doesn't have the time to listen to them all, which is too bad because this one, for whatever reason, has me hooked. I know nothing about this group but the lead singer, a guy, loves to sing really high. Like...higher than Mika in "Grace Kelly" high (speaking of which, he has a new album out soon). "Little Secrets" has to be the best song on this album. The album is full of techno beats, a man with a voice that's far too high, but catchy beats and lyrics. It's not my kind of album (or is it) but, like I said, I can't get enough of it. Give it a listen. It's really awesome and different. Should you buy it? Why not? Support someone new. I didn't but you should. :) It'll add some variety to the iPod and there's never anything wrong with that. A-

Artist: The Sounds
Album: Crossing the Rubicon
Another band I tried to hate, but I can't. This album made me switch my feelings about them. I'm going to have to give their older stuff another listen. (thanks, D) Drum, guitar and a catchy bass line is all the Sounds need. The lead singers voice is tough to describe in terms of a comparison. It's a futuristic retro sound to my ear. They add techno backbeats at the right time. Again, not much to say. It's worth a listen. Best songs are...pretty much the whole album, but I do really like "Lost in Love" and "Beatbox." If the sound is up your alley then I'd bet it's worth the buy. I can't seem to find much wrong with this album which kills me. Keep this sound coming and I'll keep getting more and more into The Sounds. A

******
I had more new albums than I had thought. Whatev, I like it. I didn't need sleep that much anyway. Hope my ramblings helped make you go buy and avoid some of the new tunes that are out there. There's always so much crap being pushed out nowadays but it's good to hear when some good albums are actually made (ie The Sounds and All Time Low). Alright time to sleep.

Nerf Wars

2009-08-23T01:26:00.002-05:00

I forgot to mention something I am also looking forward to in these upcoming chilly months. It means more indoor fun. We're always looking for variety and I may have found some. ...since we've moved I have said "I want to put a chest in the upstairs closer...fill it with nerf guns and have a nerf gun fight in the house." Kim kept telling me it'll happen and I think I'm finally believing her.

So, this fall...this winter...prepare yourself for an in-house slaughtering with NERF WAAAAARS!!! (coming soon to my house near you). Who's in?!

oh it's been a long time

2009-08-23T00:47:00.003-05:00

since i've made myself sit down and write my incessant babble on this magic box on the interwebs.

a lot has been going on and a lot is coming up, so i haven't had the time I'd like to blog. work is hellish and busy. life is coasting along. the wedding is under 30 days away and there's always some appointment or some place i need to be as of late. i really miss those days when i could ignore work for extended periods of time so i could wistfully waste away the minutes rambling on and on and on. tonight i made time because i was tired of playing baseball, playing farkle and there's nothing good on tv.

the closer the wedding gets the more stressful things become. we're still waiting on 50% of the RSVPs to come back with a week to go. A friend of mine just had her RSVP date pass and had 80 RSVPs not sent in. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with people and why are they so damn lazy? I don't think it's a maturity thing since it's across all ages; people are as lazy as can be. And I know weddings are a bigger deal to the couple/family getting married than the people who are attending, but anyone who's been married can attest - there's a lot of money and planning on the line. 10 people can be the difference of an easy $1,000.

And pettiness. Damn. Once you do get married you'll have your moment where it's all about "me." In my case, it's all about the bride (Kim). But there are a lot of people around her who keep trying to fuck up her day. It's sad. From friends to family. People put themselves first and not too often anyone else. It's most upsetting if family gets over the top. They worry more of themselves and their needs before the needs of the person whose day this is all about. I hate to say it, but I'll be happy once the big day has rolled around and gone by.

There are some major truisms about weddings and all that go into them. In the early stages of planning people told me a few things...
1. You'll find out who your true friends are
2. You'll be surprised by how much certain people care who you thought wouldn't and how much people don't care when you thought they would
I heard the same thing about gifts (the people you think'll give the most won't and those you thought wouldn't come through big). But - I don't care so much about gifts. I'm appreciative of anything we receive. We're mostly happy for those who can make it and want to make it. We're certainly excited to see so many people who are taking the time out to hang out with us, eat with us, drink with us and, of course, dance their faces off with us.

Sigh. It's just a stressful bit of time.
I'm not saying I'm the most considerate person all the time, but it's no secret that I'd put a friend first. Anything I can do to help someone, I'll do it, but most people I know tend to be "me, me, me" first and it's a bummer. Bah, neither here nor there.

I'm excited to be on a plane come late September and enjoy a couple of carefree weeks in OR, a surprising destination that's bound to have a whole lot of fun waiting for us. I'm not excited for my layovers in LA and CO but it could be worse. We're getting to fly first class, which is unreal and we're really appreciative for that hook up, and we'll visit a place we've never been.

I think, all in all, I'm just excited to get married to someone as awesome and beautiful as Kim is. She's fantastic. Sometimes she's a little hot tempered, but I'll handle that with ease because her non-tempered self it a whole lotta awesome :) After that, I'm excited to see a lot of my friends in one place having a night of fun with us. Family ties into there as well. I'll see a lot of old faces which is always refreshing. I never grew up around a lot of family - so this whole process of planning and inviting has helped me reestablish some connections with some old relatives, which is great. Finally, the food. I can't say what it is, but there'll be a lot of it and it's all really good. We've taken the simple things we like to eat for comfort and spun them to be a bit fancier for the wedding.

Our photographers are fantastic and they'll be sure to capture all sorts of memories and dancing magic from the night. The photo booth will rock some socks and shall make for loads of interesting photos as the drinks begin to flow.

In other non-wedding-related news. I think I turn older soon. That sucks. 28. Not quite 30 and proud of it. I think I hit the age where I no longer want to ask for things. I just want to hang out and have a good time with friends and drink some good beverages. We're going to go bowl. I'm curious to see who is actually available and who has better things to do with their night. Either way, if anyone or no one shows, it'll still be a good time. I like the wedding planning because it keeps my mind of the pending birthday. 28. Bleh. Now I'm the old guy again amongst my friends, sans Rich. Ha.

Anything else, anything else...nope.
Work is busy and not getting any slower (which is sound as a pound for now).
Fantasy football begins in a couple of weeks. It sort of sucks that we couldn't get a couple more people together for the keeper league. A mere $25 would let it all happen but people then realize they're not "that interested" in a league when it costs money. Oh well.

Speaking of which, summer has been lame. It's been cold and mildly uneventful. I hope fall gets here fast and the football sundays can begin again. Those were some awesome times. Go out on a Saturday night - wake up to a house full of smelly drunk friends - shower up into something lazy - then sit and watch football...ALL DAY...and eat pizza, drink beer and check fantasy football scores every 3 minutes. Let's bring that noise back. We don't have to do the Sat drink-Sun part but it was still fun sometimes.

I remember going to Fright Fest a few years ago and I don't know why we can't again. October is always fun and I hope there's time for some haunted houses and Oktoberfest. Maybe go to a bar again for the first time in ages. How else will we see Woogie?

Richie moves soon and moves closer to civilization and friends. I like that. Do I see either of us ever walking/running to the other person's house? God no. Do I see us being able to hang out more often? Yes, sir. It'll put both he and Kate at ease since they'll have friends nearby, work will be closer to Rich and they'll be free from the parentals and have their own space again, which I know they've been craving. Good times for them and probably everyone else.

I'm nearly done rambling, I am.
I'll end with the slew of video games I'm ecstatic to play/buy this fall
1. Halo: ODST
2. EA Hockey 09 *PS3
3. Assassin's Creed 2
4. Rock Band: Beatles
5. COD- Modern Warfare 2!

300 well spent, once it's spent...I think

crazy bat trick

2009-06-17T10:31:00.000-05:00

kung fu dad

2009-05-22T00:41:00.001-05:00

this shouldn't have made me laugh, but it did.

Slap Chop Remix

2009-05-05T16:04:00.000-05:00

Funny stuff

ice cream eat off

2009-05-02T23:37:00.001-05:00

Ice cream eating contests are great. They're better when you know a participant. I did today. It was Dustin. What made it better was that he won. What made it better on top of that was that the dancing Moose did the robot.
The rules were simple - who could eat 1 pint of ice cream the fastest. 12 competitors, 1 winner.

It was a sight to see.

Rawberry Hand Vaginas

2009-04-27T00:28:00.001-05:00

they're both old but they both make me laugh.

POWERTHIRST!

Hand Vagina

Dance 'n Shoot

2009-04-15T10:21:00.002-05:00

I've been asked a few times if Kim and I plan to have a surprise, secret dance for the first dance at the wedding. My response: no.
I watched a string of crazy first dance songs this morning and it got me thinking, "maybe I was brash. Maybe I jumped to a conclusion too quickly." Then I watched some of them again and no, I wasn't brash or too jumpy...I was right. I've been known to make an ass out of myself but I don't know. A daddy/daughter dancing to Soulja Boy is pretty awesome though.

http://www.uncoached.com/2009/04/15/10-of-the-ballsiest-surprise-wedding-dances/

And on a random note...awesome basketball shots:

Fast Update

2009-04-07T10:10:00.004-05:00

Because I'm busily bored right now and I feel like I have short bursts of free time between meetings, which isn't enough time to start anything enough to feel like I've made progress. Super fast update time.

Wrestlemania 25 -- A good card, can't believe Kim won one of the bets ($11 woo), a lot of fun and awesome people came over and we took care of a LOT of PBR and orange soda. No Stone Cold but Taker was awesome.

New House -- we close May 15th. I'm excited yet sad to see so much money go out the door so fast. Everything costs money. Lots of it. Rich asked what costs we've incurred thus far, before closing, and I didn't think it was a lot. It was. It is. No worries. It'll be worth it. Everything is going smoothly.

Moving into New House -- That will probably happen Memorial Day weekend. That's right, we may be asking our fun pals if they'd like to help with the move or paint. We'll probably move the little things throughout the week and move the big things on a Saturday morning to get it out of the way. Then celebrate with food and drinks. Maybe the race track and some BBQ, it is Memorial day weekend afterall. Any early takers?

Wedding -- not much to tell here. Everything is going as planned. Now it's all about the little stuff. Food, decorations, favors, presents and so forth. 5 months and some change and counting.

Family -- my grandpa is out of the hospital and doing much better. I think he finally had his first post-op PBR. Oh gramps. He starts chemo soon. As does Kim's mom. Kim's mom is also doing well and her surgery went as well as it could have. So, for being bad news, it's going as well as we can all hope.

Things to look forward to -- moving, the summer, hanging out with people more often, Cubs games, Flyers games, the race track, the wedding, going to Oregon, the upcoming UFC game, seeing lots of family later this year, sitting outside in a beer garden and just enjoying the weather and drinking delicious anythings. Mmm...anythings

Give me that fish

2009-04-07T10:10:00.001-05:00

I'm on a boat!

2009-03-30T11:51:00.003-05:00

I <3 Alec Baldwin

2009-03-30T11:40:00.002-05:00

Clearly the best of the Baldwin brothers and is a comic genius on 30 rock, but more recently he has become a wii master...
it's so dirty yet so clean at the same time...

I have a few minutes

2009-03-27T15:14:00.003-05:00

And no one really reads this anyway. I have piles of work to accomplish but a lack of desire and drive to accomplish the tasks at hand. I'm ready to be out the door, in the car and heading home.

Everything is in a bit of a lull right now.

Optimistically, my grandpa survived his surgery to remove the cancer found in his colon. they removed part of the colon as well as his liver. The best part...my family members decided to pitch in and buy cases of PBR instead of flowers -- that's my grandpa for you. MMM PBR. He's feeling better and should be heading home in a day or two. Starts chemo in 6 weeks but still plans to come to the wedding, which is optimistic in its own right.

But everything else is lull-like. There are few plans being generated. Everyone is busy. The weather is pretty lousy. The house stuff is in a weird state. We did lock our rate. 4.5% on a 30 yr-fixed mortgage. I'm proud of that. I'm not sure they'll get much lower than that again. I'll TAKE it! I also heard that the housing market is starting to turn around, which is a plus for the economy.

The house stuff will come out of nowhere. Paint and carpet. New fixtures and hardware. Seal the garage and update something new each paycheck. Hopefully it becomes a hot new pad people want to check out...that way we can save money from going out! BUT...at the same time, we're in a new town, new things to see and check out. Summer is near and we'll be able to hang out in dtown A. Heights or go to the track (it is only 4 blocks away). That'll be fun.

Saturdays have become the day to do something social. People have too much to do on Sundays to prepare for the week and everyone is so tired from working that Fridays become obsolete. We try (we = friends) to do Friday night things. Yet, like clockwork, we're all exhausted and barely buzzed by 11pm. My liver is the only one who truly appreciates this.

Wedding things are coming along nicely. The food is being developed and I'm excited for it. It's not your typical beef/chicken/pasta meal. It'll be fun but I won't give away details. You'll like it, you'll see.

I want some more warmth to head this way. I want to get my golf on. I'd like to wear flip flops. I want to BBQ and play outside. All of this rain/snow/moisture is getting in the way of all of that fun. I also want to teach Kim how to run. Sounds weird, right? According to her she just never learned how to run; so I'm going to teach her how!

Things I'm looking forward to in April and May:

1. Opening Day (GO CUBS!)

2. The new UFC game for 360 or PS3

3. The next UFC fight

4. Moving

5. Getting to golf

6. Wrestlemania!

Let's see...anything else.

Nope.

People falling

2009-03-22T10:51:00.001-05:00

They fall. You laugh. the end.

I love mashed up movie trailers.

2009-03-22T10:50:00.000-05:00

"You know how I like it...straight hood."

an actual update

2009-03-20T00:11:00.002-05:00

I don't write much in the blog space anymore. I do post videos and lots of them. I thought I'd have more time to write random thoughts, things that happen or whatever else pops in my brain. Between life, work and shiny objects that distract me - I haven't had much time. So, since I put off going to bed at any sort of reasonable time, I'll ramble a bit now.

Life's been busy.
Work has now taken to firing people. Most with some sense of reason but on Monday they let a handful of people go for reasons none of us know. They weren't necessarily tied to other struggling areas but let go just the same. They were in the Outlook system at 9 am and gone by 10. Weird. Just goes to show, the economy isn't getting better and no one's job is safe. I thought getting a promotion (which happened a few weeks back, surprisingly) would signify job security when it could mean I'm more in the headlights of scrutiny. Ick. But - firings aside - work has been busy. I'm there earlier, leaving later but time is going by faster. I'm finally involved in somewhat meaningful projects, so it makes it more enjoyable.

Life.
Life's been a joy and a pain all at the same time.
It seems that for every piece of good information or something of fun come along there is something far worse that is served.

For example: I'm excited. Month by month, week by week and day by day the wedding gets closer and closer. We've done the flowers. Food is in a few months. Most of my wedding party gifts are purchased (which I'm really happy about). We're done registering and we def registered for some awesome things from household things to stuff we'd like to do on our registry. I like it and here's hoping everyone else does too, haha! And today I was Tuxified. So the big things are getting knocked out. Each item scratched from the list makes the reality of the wedding more real. A good real. It'll be exciting. It'll be fun. I'm most excited to have a lot of great friends (whether they live here or far away) come and spend the night with Kim and I and dance/drink/eat his or her face off.

But then there's a negative (not wedding related).
My buddy Richie loses his job. Then he leaves his apartment and moves into his gf's parent's house in STC. That stinks. Now a buddy who was a few short minutes away will become ghostly due to distance. I really hope he finds a job and doesn't get sucked into the ease of unemployment. Plus, jobs are tough to find and I hope he finds the right one ASAP. I read that a janitorial job in Michigan received over 700 job applications. Even Al (who recently was laid off due to company cuts) applied for a job and when he called to follow up they told him they had received over 600 resumes in under a day for the position. That's nuts. If you have a job - appreciate it, even if it sucks because being unemployed has to be a scary place. It's an odd place to be because I want to help someone in need whenever possible, but I get rendered useless when it comes to finding something in nothing.

What else.
Ah - one of the more exciting and financially draining (haha) events of recent news is that Kim and I found, offered up and are now going to own a house (townhouse to be exact). It's in a great location. Much easier for people to find. Easier access to much of where we live. Gets Kim to work faster and doesn't do too much to my commute. A good time to buy, a good tax credit and won't have to deal with kids running above us for 3 hours a day. We lose a backyard but gain a 2.5 car garage. We lose a workout facility but we gain 1 br and 1.5 more bathrooms. Kim gets stairs. There's hardwood. It'll be really nice. I'm excite to move in (in May), paint, furnish and have people over all the time. Now there's a bathroom for them to use, a bedroom to actually sleep in and more space for everything.

But right as this news rolls out and we wallow in the joy of it all we get more bad news. We recently found out that Kim's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Talk about a blow. I mean, it runs in her family but I don't care. It's something you never want to have happen to anyone. Everyone is working to remain in good spirits. It's a common form of BC and she's being treated immediately, which is great news. Also, there's been so much research on BC that she's in really good shape. On any note - it's a terrible thing to come up. We're trying to remain cheery with the positives going on around us but learning about cancer...is just that a cancer. It drains you. Kim is trying to be a rock but I know it's hard, real hard on her and I don't blame her. If my mom was diagnosed, I'd be a mess. But I keep happy thoughts and know things will turn up soon.

More cancer?
So, what else could go wrong? Well, earlier this week I found out that my grandfather was also diagnosed with cancer. Colon cancer. Damn.
He has surgery next week. He's optimistic, which means I should be so too. I am. But damn. I mean, let me take this opportunity to address cancer. Hey. Cancer. Go harass some other family. I'm sick of your antics and intentions. No thanks. I vote no. It's tough, he's up in North Dakota and it's not like ND is a vacation destination, so seeing them isn't something that's been feasible for anyone in recent years. Only due to Eric dying did it get all of us up there and able to see them, otherwise who knows when. Wedding maybe? Seeing them often or not, it's still a terrible thing to happen to a family.

Bah. See what I mean? You look for all of the positives but when you get served pies of bad news it begins to drain on you. But the upside is - I believe they'll all be ok. The house will move forward as it should. Kim and I will love it and life will continue to be great. The wedding will happen without a hitch (or not too many, at least). Her mom will be there. My grandpa better be there. I'll go on my first major vacation in...ever and things will be dandy as candy.

But aside from wedding, jobs, house, and dirty-unwanted cancer life is going smoothly yet quickly.

St. Patty's day was an uncharacteristic evening but 76 kinds of fun. We spent the evening at a party hosted by Josh and Melissa. As always, Josh took fabulous photos. I pretended I knew how to manage a DSLR and I failed fabulously. It was a night of their friends, Kim, Dustin and I. Typically you'd find me @ CBN with green beers and hand and forgetful memories and 100s of off-the-cuff photos...each one progressively more intoxicated than the last. Typically the former power crew (of Dustin, Kim, Richie, Kate, KK, KKs gf @ the time (cori now, woo) Scotty T, and Missy/Bis) would be around but not this year. Change is a good thing though. Keeps things fresh. The photos turned out fantastic. Click here to see the awesome St. P pics.

I thought about recommending some tunes but my likes have been all over the place. So, as usual, if you want some tunes just let me know and I'll set you right. I hope everyone has a great weekend. If you're doing the March Madness noise, I hope you rock the socks off of your brackets, but if I'm in a league against you...well, I hope you do well but not as well as me :)

I think this is my favorite sober, not-too-propped photo from St. P...cracks me up: here ya go. And this would be my fav one after I had a few --- irish me

Alright, it's still March but time's moving fast. I hope it gets warmer soon. I hope friends come out of the woodwork soon. For whatever reason, I've concluded that the warmer the weather the more people want to do things. baseball season is coming up which means Go Cubs, more Flyers games and...well, just more to do outside. The new house is near the race track...so there may be a new hangout and some new gambling addictions formed soon. And as an early aside - if you like to paint or tile or move things...feel free to let me know because there's going to be a lot of it coming up! :)

Anyway. That's enough for one sit down and write session.
Hopefully you don't get caught up reading this at work. You'll keep reading wondering when it will end or if it'll be funny or if you'll actually learn anything and...no on all 3 counts.

So - here's to hoping life gets cheerier, interest rates fall next week and that I can sleep in this weekend!

Done and done.

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Listening to: Lisa Hannigan - Splishy Splashy
via FoxyTunes

Gus Johnson IS March Madness

2009-03-18T00:08:00.001-05:00

And I love when he announces football games too

Office Space recut

2009-03-11T17:08:00.002-05:00

I don't know what's with this trend, lately, to recut movie trailers from older movies and make them HILARIOUS, but I love it.

I like minesweeper

2009-03-11T16:05:00.001-05:00

Made me laugh.

2009-03-03T09:53:00.001-06:00

This guy is redonkulous

2009-02-20T00:58:00.000-06:00

best ad from the super bowl

2009-02-02T00:35:00.003-06:00

the game was good for the 4th quarter.
it seemed that the refs had their favorites picked. it seemed a bit one-sided for the penalties until the awesome 4th quarter. game aside, the best part of the super bowl are the commercials. what i think about the game is irrelevant but what i think about funny commercials...equally irrelevant.

enjoy

i should blog more in the near future. work has been too busy and there's talk of a potential promotion so i've been working on that too. that plus life plus wedding planning plus...forgetting i have a blog make up for me not writing. i'll work on it. someday.

I can't believe it's been a month

2008-12-22T00:09:00.002-06:00

Things get hellishly busy at work in December. I didn't realize this until recently. I remembered, in the back of my mind, that I had a blog but never the time to write in it. Thankfully, the holidays are a few short days away and the hard work of buying presents will pay off soon.

Then...comes the weekend. The amazing weekend. But before the weekend there will be Friday. Not just any Friday. It'll be a Van Damme Friday.

After that, UFC Saturday (here, we're hosting) and then patiently wait for NYE to see LBC. This year I won't get kicked out of the bar and we'll take plenty of pictures. I hope everyone is able to come.

But for now, before the week starts, to get you pumped up for Van Damme Friday...I give you...Van Damme

Too much free time for others means more funny for me

2008-11-22T15:31:00.001-06:00

As routine as brushing your teeth

2008-11-16T01:05:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure how or why this works...but it left me confused and speechless

Not the funniest thing but entertaining

2008-11-04T00:41:00.000-06:00

I love Helen Keller

2008-10-31T13:09:00.002-05:00

People either laugh or get frustrated with me when I make any Helen Keller references or jokes.
Sometimes, it's just funny. For example, in this video...I don't even have to say anything. It just goes to show, Helen was a tough blind, deaf and dumb person who really knew how to get around (walking) unlike this girl.

Kevin Smith and Porn

2008-10-30T09:05:00.003-05:00

It's almost Friday and it's almost time to see Zack and Miri Make a Porno.

Will it be awesome? Yes

Will it be worth the over-priced ticket? Yes

If I'm interested in a movie, I like to see where an actor or director is coming from, especially in a movie such as this.

Come on out tomorrow night to come see it with us. Or, if you'd rather see what Kevin Smith had to say about it you can just read about it here.

You can vote 4 whoever you like...yeaaah

2008-10-30T00:30:00.002-05:00

There are a few things I really love.
The rapper T.I. (Now, it's true I couldn't stand his alter ego album, but paper trails is a really, really good CD.)
The next is little dancing and singing black children (because they crack me up in a genuine way.)
A third thing is when people change the words to a popular song to be topical
And I really love out-of-place dancing, pudgy white kids.

If you mix all of that together you get pure gold.
Dustin had this video on his away message and at first I thought, "wtf?," but it sank in. The words were topical, the little black kids were dancing their little legs off. The song was by T.I. off of his newest, awesome, album. And to top the sundae with cherry...well, there was a pudgy white kid dancing out of place in the corner.

This is magical, topical, black, white, hilariously out of place video should make your day/night like it did mine.
Enjoy

More Bingo!

2008-10-27T13:27:00.000-05:00

Woo hoo. I love Bingo!

Wal-Mart Bingo

2008-10-27T13:01:00.006-05:00

If you're ever subjected to going to Wal-Mart and you need something to do, aside from get out of there as fast as humanly possible, then I present to you...Wal-Mart Bingo.

Here's what I want

2008-10-27T12:55:00.000-05:00

Words aren't even necessary.
Enjoy

I smell syrup

2008-10-24T14:54:00.008-05:00

I really do. It's as if Mrs. Butterworth let a fat one rip down my aisle. Buttery, syrupy goodness fills the air. If it was 8 or 9 in the morning I could understand, but it's 3 in the afternoon. Anyway...

UFC 90. Tomorrow night @ the Allstate Arena.

I truly hope it lives up to the hype (that's all built up in my mind. I'll get to see my favorite UFC fighter, Tyson Griffin. The beautiful thing about the UFC (and all other co-brands is that I tend to not have a predetermined favorite. I watch their promo, see what they look like, size them up and pick who I want to win from there. Eventually, I end up yelling at the TV no matter who's winning.

"Punch his f*n head off!"
"Kick him in the teeth!"
"Elbow his throat!"

It's almost a stress reliever to be able to just wish pain among other people.

"YEA, YEA, drop his ass. Knee him in the EYE!"

It's a minimum of 2 hours of nonstop fun.
The difference is, this Saturday, I'll actually get to BE THERE yelling with thousands upon thousands of other fight-happy people. Not only that, I'll be stranded in the middle of a row with 8 other awesome people. Most people would expect it to be 9 guys. Nope. 3 girls, 6 guys. A good, diverse mix. And you don't go to a UFC fight unless you actually enjoy (or don't mind) seeing grown men beat the living bajeezus out of people. That or they're simply there for the nachos.

I hope it's a fantastic fight. The event is sold out and everyone, I know, going is really excited to see some violence, maybe a bit of blood and some hurt feelings. Oh, and to eat some nachos.

Happy Friday

So I Don't Think I Can Dance

2008-10-20T21:56:00.002-05:00

But I did go and watch a lot of people who can.

On Friday, I took Kim to see the So You Think You Can Dance tour (or SYTYCD for short). Due to our lack of planning, we decided to drive from the grove to the United Center...@ 530...on a Friday night...on the highway. That is one thing. Dumb.

It took us over 2 hours to get down there. Show began at 730 and we rolled in around 8. How far is it from here to there you might ask? 30 miles. Yeah...30 miles in 2.5 hours. Want that broken down? Sure thing. Let's see here...150 minutes to travel 30 miles. So...that means we were traveling at a speed (on average) of 12 mph. It was a fun drive. I think the mph average is what we paid for parking too. Swell.

On any note, we finally got there and found out seats. They were pretty hot for the price. I swear, I was the oldest straight non-dad in the building. I didn't care, I was enamored by it all.

Everything moved a lot slower in person. There weren't 40 camera angles fighting for air time and the dancers weren't playing to the camera, which was nice.

There were only 2 downsides.
1. Bad, bad acting by the dancers. They dance, they shouldn't act
2. You could tell they weren't busing their butts as much as when they were on TV. It's understandable, they're touring the country and doing this most nights out of the week, I'd be 3/4 assing it too. It didn't matter, the crowd was still into it and we all went nuts for, surprisingly, the same songs.

Kim and I have our favorite dancers and they're not the same (aside from Twitch).

Why am I rambling on about this? Well, it was an awesome time. Kim wanted me to scream like a girl and I wouldn't (or maybe I did). The coolest thing about seeing it live was gaining a better appreciation for how hard it is to dance like they do. It also helped add or solidify some of my favorites from the season.

There are 4 that really stand out. Do you get to see them? Heck yes you do.

We'll start with the contemporary piece I really like. Kim didn't think Kherington was a good dancer, I did and Kim would say, "you just think she's hot." Hot or not, she can still dance to me, but what do I know -- I can't dance. I never understood contemporary dancing but it's pretty to watch. Good story

Hmm, what next...
This song got the biggest noise of the night. It was their last couple routine and a really cool dance. Thing to look for - when she pulls the guy up by his foot, it's ridiculous.

It's weird with this show. It'll take a song I don't normally like and then I'll learn to love it. Like...Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love." I didn't really like it til I saw this dance routine. I'm tempted to go into backstory on these people, but I'll refrain. I will say that the girl in this one doesn't show it here, but is a ballroom dancer with hips that were put into a paint shaker. Fact.

This is one of the prettiest dances I saw all season. Mark is awkward, but they made a boring old waltz look possible and interesting.

Alright, so I said only 4 but I lied, so what? My blog, right? I can ramble if I want to. I'll post the dance that actually got me interested in this show. I used to casually watch with Kim and mock a little bit, but then this funky ass song came on with an even funkier dance and I was hooked for the show (sad but true).

And there you have it. Awesome dances.
Does it make me gay? Nope. Close, maybe, but not all the way :)
Anyway, enjoy the vids and when the new season rolls around early in 09 you should check it out because it'll be awesome. Don't believe me? Ask Kim, she'll vouch.

McCain knows how to smile with his eyes

2008-10-17T17:03:00.003-05:00

I want to thank the four four for this awesome video. It's potentially sad that I've watched & enjoyed ANTM (America's Next Top Model), so it makes this video even better, but if you're even moderately familiar with Tyra Banks then you should enjoy it.

I really can't get enough of the political humor. Let's go 11/4! GO VOTE!

A must-buy for Kim this holiday season

2008-10-16T11:26:00.002-05:00

What's scary is that I might consider it. If you know Kim, you know she's usually always cold. 85 degrees in the apt, "I'm cold..." The only time she isn't is when I go to bed and she's roasting.

Anyway - I digress.
Get ready, Kim, to see this under the tree this year! :)

Another article, this time about losing weight w/o major dieting (thank god)

2008-10-16T10:33:00.004-05:00

It's too bad this list isn't "10 ways to lose weight w/o dieting"
After talking to Richie the other day about his switch from over consumption to Lean Cuisines...this article was necessary to post. Mostly because I know he'll read it this way. But for anyone who is trying to lose weight - going cold turkey on what you're used to isn't the right thing to do. It's all about portion control. Sure, if you're eating McD's all the time, it'll still get to you, but that's because it isn't real. It's all processed and manufactured...(but so good for a hangover).

It's about limiting how much you're eating, not always what you eat (though that plays a big role too) More fiber, more fiber (cleans ya out) and eat slower. That's been my biggest challenge. I love to eat fast (my dad used to race us as kids because he grew up speed eating when working on a farm). But if you slow down how fast you eat and listen to your stomach, you'll fill up and not eat as much. Last bit, before I drop this article down - if you're hungry, before snacking your life away, try drinking a glass of water. Sometimes your stomach confuses hunger for thirst and a glass of water can hold you over until it's time to eat.

We all say we don't have time to work out (we're just lazy and making excuses because anything else can be more fun), but even if you don't, curbing your eating habits can help shed many unwanted pounds. Fact, fact, fact.

Anyway - Yahoo comes through again with an interesting article about weight loss. So - these are not my words anymore but Yahoo's. Enjoy the article.

3 ways to lose weight without dieting

Great news! You can ditch your diet for good and still hit your happy weight. Science has finally proven what you've probably suspected for years--that following a restrictive food plan can make you more likely to overeat. Researchers at the University of Toronto tempted a group of women who were cutting their calorie intake with a plate of cookies and then put the same treats in front of women who weren't trying to lose. Not only did the dieters dig in, but they ate 66 percent more goodies than their nondieting peers. "Women end up feeling so deprived on weight loss plans that they break down and binge," says Tracy Tylka, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Ohio State University at Marion. We at SELF have a better way to slim down: nine simple lifestyle switches that will help you shrink your waist effortlessly!

1. Eat more good stuff
Instead of obsessing about tasty bites you want to banish, focus on healthy foods you can feast on. Women who do so tend to lose more weight than those who ruminate on restricting calories. Fill up with fiber-rich fruit, vegetables and whole grains. "High-fiber foods expand in your stomach, so you're less likely to overeat," says Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D., director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Weight Management Center. Fiber also inhibits your body's absorption of fat, says Dave Grotto, R.D., author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life (Bantam Books). There are easy ways to sneak in more fiber: Stir 1 tablespoon of flax seed into oatmeal, add 1/2 cup of beans to a green salad or snack on small portions of dried fruit and nuts. (Find more healthy foods: 10 simple foods with superpowers)

2. Go to the dogs
Volunteering at the pound could help you lose pounds. People who signed up to walk shelter dogs for an hour a week lost about a pound in four weeks, early research from the University of Missouri at Columbia showed. That's 12 pounds a year you could shed without skipping a single dessert! In fact, other research by study author Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., revealed that people who walked a dog (either their own or a loaner hound) 20 minutes a day for five days a week lost on average 14 pounds after a year. Best of all, dog walking turns out to be an easy commitment to keep. "We had a 72 percent adherence rate, which is unheard of in most exercise programs," Johnson says. "Some volunteers enjoyed it so much, they stayed longer to walk more animals." Find a shelter near you at PetFinder.com. (Turn your typical walking workout into supercharged steps by adding a few smart strength moves. Walk your way slim!)

3. Sleep it off
Getting enough shut-eye can keep your body from storing fat, scientists at Laval University in Quebec note. Night owls who log fewer than six hours of sleep are 35 percent more likely to gain weight—on average, 11 pounds over six years—than those who get seven to eight. "Sleep deprivation increases cravings for sweets and starches," says James Gangwisch, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. "It also causes your body to produce more of the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to belly fat." To snag more sack time, set a radio alarm to sound 30 minutes before you want to go to bed, suggests Michael Breus, Ph.D., author of Beauty Sleep (Plume). When it goes off, head to your room and relax with stretches or light reading (avoid anything agitating, such as the news). After a half hour, it's time to dream of a slimmer you.

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--------------------------

Hey, it's me again. I like videos better. Enjoy (I'm addicted to the Biggest Loser this year...sigh)

Eat to Lose @ Yahoo! Video

8 Signs You're a Terrible Guest

2008-10-15T15:18:00.002-05:00

I read this on yahoo today. I found it really interesting. Thankfully most people I know don't do these things but we all know people who do. What would be funnier is if someone read one and went, "oh...hmm, I do that..."

Here you go:

At one time you felt you were the belle of the ball with party requests pouring in left and right. But suddenly there's nary an invitation in sight. If your mailbox and inbox are only filling up with bills and junk mail, it's time to take this Foxy test:

DO YOU...

think a plus-1 Is always a plus? Unless the invitation says "you and a guest," chances are you are the only one invited, so don't just show up with someone on your arm, even if you're eager to show off your hot new mate.

have a case of the loners? The whole idea of going to a "get together" is to get together, not sit in the other room watching TV or playing with the cat. If you're just not feeling the party mood or aren't the type of person who can "turn it on," then it might be better to skip gatherings when you're not feeling 'em.

go heavy on the sauce? Nobody likes an out of control, fumbling guest at their party who accidentally knock down half the buffet table or pass out on the sofa during group conversation. So, as the saying goes, "drink responsibly," especially when you're at someone else's home.

inhale everything edible? While any host loves to see guests enjoying the nibblies, it's not a good look to monopolize the appetizers by devouring the entire plate of passed dumplings or spicy tuna rolls. Remember, there are other hungry guests at the party too.

think your bluetooth is part of your ensemble? The point of a gathering is to socialize and mingle with other guests, not blab on your mobile phone or text on your Blackberry. That's just plain rude.

use the word "me" in every sentence? While you may be the cat's meow, letting everyone else know about it all night can be overbearing. The key is to be comfortable talking about yourself when someone asks, but be sure to pepper the conversation with plenty of questions about other guests. Other topics to avoid overdosing on if you want to be invited back include: your health, your therapist, and oh yeah, your sex life.

overhear people asking about a smell? Are you dousing yourself with an overpowering scent that other guests could be allergic to? Remember, one spritz is almost always enough. But it could be worse...you could be dousing guests with dragon breath or B.O. Good hygiene is crucial. Nothing's worse than trying to get through a sit-down dinner while seated next to someone who reeks.

enter empty-handed? It's always a good idea to bring a little something-something for the host of the soireé. Something simple yet budget-friendly like bath salts, chocolates, a box of stationery, or a candle will do the trick. (Target and CostPlus are two favorite places to pick up affordable and stylish goodies). Bringing a gift is the classy way of saying "thanks for having me over" -- a token of appreciation.

She's back and lookin' nearly mentally stable

2008-10-13T21:35:00.004-05:00

Britney is back, bitches.
I know some of you have never liked her, learned to hate her in her downward spiral, but not me. Her last album was magically delicious and her next album, Circus, should be promise to be just as great.

Not to mention, her body is back in pre: baby, hubby, panty-less photos, shaved head, sex couches and DCFS scares. Why am I talking about it...enjoy her new video

King of the White House?

2008-10-13T21:31:00.003-05:00

thanks for this one, Dustin

Guns N' Roses to FINALLY release studio album

2008-10-09T22:18:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'll believe it when I see it.
Then, when I see it, I'll cash in on my free Dr. Pepper. mm MMM.

According to this article from msnbc.com, the new album is scheduled to release November 23rd. Mark your calendar. They've a track coming out with Rock Band 2 and they've been dropped in a movie as of late.

I'll cross my fingers. It should be revolutionary. I only fear that it'll sound overworked, lack grit with rock and suck. Here's hoping.

Why I'm glad I'm getting married indoors

2008-10-09T09:10:00.002-05:00

It's not that I don't like the outside, but I could see Rich doing this. So, here's one reason (of many) why I'm glad to be getting married inside.

It's raining alright

2008-10-06T16:13:00.001-05:00

Rich turned me to hulu.com
It's a great place to watch any tv show you've missed recently with very few, short commercials.
From last weeks'season premier of Family Guy...I give you the best line of the show (it's at the end of the clip)

The Sarah Palin Debate Flow Chart

2008-10-04T11:52:00.003-05:00

I almost forgot

2008-10-01T14:44:00.002-05:00

We're in St. Cloud (or some town around it) eating lunch at Applebees before getting back to Matt's and driving back to Illinois.

The wonderful thing about Applebees was they had 3 items on the 'all you can eat' side of things.

1. Shrimp

2. Rib niblets

3. Chicken fingers

I love chicken fingers.

I also drank heavily with Matt the night before.

Before the gun range there wasn't any breakfast or coffee consumed.

There was nothing that would satisfy my 1/4 hangover and serious malnourishment.

After the range, there was Applebees (despite the 25 minute debate (if you could call it that) on where we should eat lunch).

It was a nice Applebees. The server was really nice and had a bit of sass to her.

Our order was roughly the following:

Matt: AUCE Chicken Fingers

Mark: same

Kim: some sandwich off of the regular menu

After we received our meals we begin to plow into them making great progress and I was allowing the breading to absorb most of the remaining alcohol that sat happily in my stomach.

The waitress comes over and asks Matt and I if we'd like her to put in another order of chicken fingers (yes, please). I ate them at record speeds so my stomach wouldn't know I was full and I could continue my lunchtime gluttony.

Matt says to the woman, "yes, please, but don't worry about the fries. I don't need them. I'm going to focus on the chicken."

Anyway, point of the story...

A few minutes later the manager is doing her walk through and she arrived at our table.

She does the typical manager thing and asks how everything is and tastes then looks over at Kim and her meal. This next part is classic.

Manager: Well, hey there guys, how's everything going? Is the food good?

Us: Yes it is.

Manager: (to Kim) Ma'am, how's your sandwich?

Kim: Good

Mgr: Well, is it your favorite sandwich here at the Applebees?

Kim: Um...(looks at Matt and I), I don't eat here very often, so...yes?

Mgr: Good. Well, you better enjoy it. Because, this is the last week it's going to be offered.

She then smiled and walked away

We bust out laughing. What do you say to that? How do you reply? Kim should've shed a tear, that would've been magical.

It's probably a story that you 'had to be there for,' but to see the stone-serious look on this managers face and she meant it with the greatest care for Kim and her sandwich...she really wanted Kim to enjoy this sandwich and was there to comfort her if Kim were to be sad that this was the sandwich's last few days with the company. That plus 12 chicken fingers, 5 glasses of water and a overly-sincere hillbilly manager at the Crapple definitely sealed our trip up with the right amount of MN perfection

Needless to say, it provided a lot of funny stuff for the rest of our lunch.

"Uh...Server. Did you enjoy serving us today? You did? That's good, because this is the last time we'll be here."

I love Applebees. Fact.

I know, I know, it's Crapplebees and that will never change but it is what it is. It knows it'll never be better than a B- TGI Fridays. A non-bankrupt Baker's Square without as many old people or pie.

you should really go to the Chatterbox Pub.

2008-09-29T22:30:00.009-05:00

Chatterbox Pub.

There happen to be 2. The one I was able to check out was in a burb right outside of St. Paul. I was expecting to see some yuppy habitat with overdone lighting, a big line. I don't know, something fancy pants and overdone. Did I get that? Not at all.

This place was set up as a hole in the wall and it lived up to it. It had a nice contrast inside. 2/3 of the pub had some nice, large booths for big parties as well as a large section of the place filled with vintage 70's couches which all had a small console with a 19in LCD tv and a coffee table. The couches looked like something you'd get for free from Craigslist and they definitely felt used, but I didn't mind. They were squishy in a good way.

Those couches pictured are a pretty fair comparison to what we were all sitting on throughout the night.
I should back up.
We get there. Easy
We park. Somewhat easy

As we walk in we're greeted by 4 or 5 people. They're already cracking jokes, which is always a plus. We get our asses parked in a lounge area with couches that looked like picture #4. We were set up with the original NES.
I tell the server (one of 3 who kept stopping by) that we'd be taking up this space for most of the night. I think we came in around 7 and did not leave until 12 or so. They were cool with it and we took full advantage of it.

After a bit of waiting everyone came. Susan, Carrie, Sadie, Kim's pal from middle school and Jonathan. I'd never met Jonathan before that night (Carrie's BF) and I've got to say, he was one cool guy. A lot of fun. A bastard when it comes to Jenga, but that aside, a quality guy (good work Carrie).

Why dwell on details...let's see...

The food sounded familiar but everything had a twist to it that no one expected. Everything was spiced up or made a bit healthier than planned. Everything was delicious, we were all unprepared for what we ate, that's all. I'd have to say the food had a strong bohemian flare, added health, a lot of thought and on-purpose twists that made them a pub joint with food that was levels higher than your typical bar food.

There were servers constantly swinging by to see how we were doing, if they could get us more drinks which is always welcome. Who doesn't love great customer service?

Oh yes, their beers.
For all the great things that CBP had to offer, they sure were tricky beer bastards. That or our group was that oblivious to their pricing. No one asked us "what size," we kept getting fed their $6, not $3.5, brews. That adds we learned. Boy did it. We were swindled and bamboozled with delicious overpriced beers. I knew it was too good to be true and out rolled our tab and reality slapped me like a wet noodle. I was given the Arabian Goggles and then the Roman Soldier for good measure...

Expensive beer aside, being able to sit on comfortable, previously used/abused couches while being able to play nonstop vintage video games with copious amounts of board games will never get old.

I think they have an awesome business model, to get technical. I seriously thought, if I were to open a restaurant their concept makes perfect sense. It appeals to my generation and those older and younger than me. Just provide people with great drinks, better food and some ongoing entertainment and you've got a winner.

What am I forgetting...
Hmm...
Ah the menu of games.
on the back of their menu was a list of their playable games. You had 3 system choices: 1. NES 2. ATARI 3. Sega Genesis
ATARI aside, I could have that set up myself. It cost $2 to have access to any of the games and you could switch them out as you saw fit. Also on the menu were 15-20 choices of board games. Connect 4, Monopoly (it always starts a fight), apples to apples and even Jenga (our evening choice).

The variety kept us occupied. The games are/were a great conversation starter and kept the evening going.

That's basically it.
I don't have anything profound to add about the Chatterbox Pub.
It was an awesome experience.
So, if you're looking for good food, a lot of gaming options, great service, some pretty decent micro brews (at a cost) and vintage couches your parents probably did it on that you can sink right into then the Chatterbox is your ticket if you're in St.P or MPS.

And for the grand finale...more fun photos of the evening.

MN. the recap.

2008-09-29T21:33:00.010-05:00

So, I'm a week late, but it's ok. I'm sure no one pined or cried while waiting for me to write something w/o a video as a feature.

I love Minnesota.
Where else, in 3 days time, could I shop one of the largest malls in the country, get my white man dance on at a wedding, see more fat people than an obesity-is-us reunion buffet dinner, learn that a Prius can ride well when being floored to 75mph, play vintage video games in a bohemian-like retro-game pub, AND shoot 2 handguns, 1 assault rifle and a 12-gauge shotty? No where.

...well, I guess anywhere, but not that weekend.

I know 6 hours is a haul, but once you ride it out, it's not a bad drive at all to see some long-time, long-since-seen friends. Our Friday night started with a trip to the Chatterbox Pub. This place was fascinating. It could garner a blog all its own. Yeah, it will. The long and short of this place was it was one sweet atmosphere with funky fare, games, brews and crazy comfy couches. Everyone invited wasn't able to make it out, but I didn't care. The people who came were awesome. Kim was able to meet a large handful of future-wedding-invitees. It was a great way to kill 5/6 hours.

The only major downside of Fri night and Saturday was the hotel. A nice Hilton Garden Inn on the far East side of St. Paul but it was far too expensivo for not getting free breakfast. It was a fine price to pay to get to see Kyle/Steph for their wedding, but F, $140 a night (before taxes and nonstop dirty movies) as the wedding block rate...ridiculous. No. Redonkulous. I realize free wi-fi is nice, but it's not worth jacking the price up to what is normally a $180/night room. Yeah, choke on whatever you're eating, it's that outrageous. Would I recommend staying there? Nope.

Wedding was cute and fun. It was also another opportunity for Kim to meet more people (Brenda, Kyle, Steph, Jenny, Joe...)
Stephanie was a really cute bride. I've never seen a bride hurry her ass so fast down the aisle. If there was a runner, she wouldn't of cared, she was booking too fast down the aisle. When she got to the end of the alter, there were still 2-3 minutes left in the song the man was singing.
That man, I think he was family, was a treat. Flowy 70's Dirk Diggler hair, poofy mustache, late 70's wedding garb and when he got into his singing...man oh man did he get a case of the Elvis leg shake.

I'm not kidding either. He didn't look or sing as well as Elvis, mostly because he took his own artistic liberties on everything...which cracked me up. He looked sort of like the guy in that photo over there. Man...that's eerie. So combine that guy with the Elvis shake and you've got a great rendition of Switchfoot's 'Only Hope.'

That aside, it was a quick and cute service. They had a really cool sand art idea for when the guests left. Each guest dropped in a bag of sand to show their support for the couple. I only fear the day Kyle accidentally bumps into it and it spills all over the carpet...ugh.

Ok, Friday and Saturday covered.
Sunday. MOA. Kim's first time since she was 13. What a difference 12 years and a full-time job make. She tore that mall apart. I've never seen such a successful shopper. We spent a LONG time there. As Kim mentioned in her blog, the best store we found was the store created to sell only Minnesota paraphernalia. Amazing place. It's also where Kim saw that everyone- man, woman, child, fat, skinny, ugly or transgender - wore a Vikings jersey on football Sunday. The state is packed with sports support. It was also the home of a plethora of bustin-over-the-belt guts that Kim LOVED. She was a half click away from running up to a suspender-wearing man and shake his belly of jelly.

Saturday night
Gannon and Jen took us to the closest place to home: Old Chicago.
As Gannon put it, "just because it says Old Chicago doesn't mean the food tastes anything like it does in Chicago. Don't let the name fool you." It was a cool bar where you can take their World Beer tour, which consists of 110 beers. If you do it 10 times. Yeah, 10. You get a big fat mug they leave there for you and 1/2 off a liver transplant. The one catch is, you can only be marked off for 4 beers a visit. That means you need to visit a minimum of 28 times to go through one round. 280 times of 4 beers per visit to get through the tour 10 times. Amazing.

That night was filled with copious amounts of fancy pants beers, touches of Halo, some COD4 then a foray into Castle Crashers and intoxicated (for me at least) Mario Party.

Monday
Are you bored yet? You should be.
We shot guns. Many guns. Many bullets. We avoided the crazy man who lives next door to the range. I nominated and voted myself the Range Master. It's always a cool experience. Kim shot her first firearm and when she returned to work someone said to her (after seeing her in a picture shooting a gun), "Kim, I didn't know you were a republican." That's how you know it was a good time. Let's see what I can show of the day...

Hmm, yeah. A M4, a couple of hand guns and a 12-gauge later, we had ourselves the fun-filled Monday morning we had hoped for. Thanks for the fun, Gannon!

After that it was all-you-can-eat chicken fingers (oh man, so good) and then we were back on the road for 7 hours to get back home. That's right. St. Cloud - B. Grove in 7 hours. We made great time.

That was pretty quick considering the speed that we moved at all weekend long.
I need to go back and I was just there. There are a lot of awesome people and a WHOLE lot of fun things to do, whether it's shooting a firearm, eating nonstop, playing video games, checking out mall-roaming fatties or catching up with old pals. A lot, lot of fun!

And this blog...done

soon, soon

2008-09-25T23:48:00.002-05:00

Work's been slowly busy.
I saw this catch and had to agree that it's one of the best I've ever seen.

Alright, until I get off my lazy rumpus to write, enjoy it and thank goodness the weekend is here!

It's coming, just you wait...

2008-09-23T00:04:00.002-05:00

I'm terrible at being a consistent blogger. And that's ok. I'll pass on video after video until I have the time to babble. Soon though, very soon.

Susan asked if I'd write a review of the Chatterbox pub. I'd love to.
But after driving 7 some hours from St. Cloud to B. Grove today, I need a recharge before I tackle that wonderful obstacle.

I need to figure a way to word it perfectly. I've been perusing random blogs. Most of them are terrible. Written terribly. There's usually a sense of pretentiousness in the way most people write. It's humorous, but irritable. So, I need to craft a quality, yet fun blog that doesn't read like so many others - which is crappy.

There were oh so many shenanigans that occurred this weekend that I've no real way to snapshot them into a quick blog. For now, I'll sleep on it. Soon you'll hear about M4's, zubas, patronizing managers of chain restaurants, fun weddings, overpriced hotels, a pub review and maybe even talk about Matt's puppy and his love for weed and peanut butter.

Until I figure all that noise out - way to go Cubs (YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS) and FINALLY for the Vikings. I'll see you soon!

Welcome back Tina Fey!

2008-09-15T00:16:00.001-05:00

Is there a possibility the SNL could get funny again? No, but this skit cracked me up.

My favorite commercial so far this year

2008-09-12T14:02:00.002-05:00

I love any commercial with Peyton Manning. Add Eli - good. Add some trash talking with the 2 she beasts of tennis? Money. Pure gold.

Barack Rolled

2008-09-10T17:45:00.003-05:00

Almost as good as getting Rick Rolled
There are some perks to election season.

Ya missed...again...and again

2008-09-03T10:38:00.001-05:00

Yo Yo Fat Kid

2008-09-01T16:48:00.000-05:00

Misheard Douche

2008-08-28T13:03:00.001-05:00

Enjoy

Saved By the Soulja

2008-08-26T16:16:00.001-05:00

Love it and I love si.com for providing me with this.

Groin Injury

2008-08-03T10:34:00.001-05:00

It's a classic.

Flyin High

2008-07-31T12:45:00.001-05:00

Lately I haven't had much to say and that's no different today. Life is busy. There's a lot coming up or that could be going on that I'm sure will be worthy to write about. I apologize now for when I write about wedding anything (it's more stressful than I would have originally imagined) So, you get a very short, very amusing quick video.

http://view.break.com/545919 - Watch more free videos

Jonah Hill in a new way

2008-07-27T02:51:00.001-05:00

It's uncomfortable but it's fantastic