One Man Ranting Into A Void

It's been awhile...

2006-08-09T17:21:00.000-05:00

Wow. Has it been since April that I did anything here? Wow. I said wow again.
Well, I guess I better start updating this shit again.
I promise to start blogging again...tomorrow.

My morning so far...

2006-04-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I love school vacation days here at the mall! It's like fucking Romper Room in here. Kids paw at everything and find the most annoying shit to fuck with. I.e. the talking Cubs mush balls that we have here. Oh, what a joy it is to hear that 4000 times a motherfucking day!
I was talking to my brother the other day about children and how we both agreed that we aren't charmed or even interested in anyone's children unless they are related to us or perhaps a close friend's baby. I don't find children's constant hyperactivity and yammering to be cute. I find it terribly annoying. Put a leash on your children, please. Not...interested.
Now, are you gonna buy something? If not then get the fuck out!
As you can tell, I am in a fowl mood today.

Fuck the IRS

2006-04-13T12:27:00.000-05:00

According to the govt. I lived so high on the hog last year (being unemployed for 4 months) that I have to send them 800 bucks! Yeah. This is the only time of year I become Republican. Beer will be drunk tonight by me. What the fuck?! Scrap this fucking tax code please! That is criminal that I ( a guy who barely made 20,000 last year--remember, unemployed for 4 months) have to fork over 800 clams. What a disgrace!

No updates for a month. Wow. I'm too tired when I get home. Happy Easter. Whatever.

Ahem...

2006-03-23T15:15:00.000-06:00

yeah, that's one hell of a religion they got there.

These Things I Believe...

2006-03-15T10:32:00.000-06:00

The Democratic Party has a huge opportunity to take back the federal government from the Republicans in 2006 and 2008 but have done nothing to show me that they know this.

I have a hard time dealing with micromanagement.

Brokeback Mountain was a good film but hardly amazing. "Crash" beating it was more of a "whatever" moment than anything. The bitching and moaning afterwards is unseemly and stupid.

I can never FULLY respect someone who doesn't find the game of baseball beautiful.

The best Beatles album is "Abbey Road" but my favorite is "the White Album"

I work in a store in a mall. I can't believe I just typed that.

Engagement rings (i.e the entire wedding industry) is OUT OF CONTROL!!

I don't find myself watching reality tv anymore. Thank fucking God.

Techno music still sucks balls.

The most entertained I've ever been watching a play was still "Loser's Bracket", which I wrote. It's true. Can't lie.

I haven't been to a play other than LB in 2 years. So take it with a grain of salt.

I hate U of Illinois basketball fans. God, so fucking much.

Umm...more to come.

Suffering Fools...

2006-03-08T21:41:00.000-06:00

I had my first asshole customer at work yesterday. I won't go into the details except to say the guy was just a complete douche. One of those guys that enjoys getting into it with stores and restaurants. Cos they know there will always be some ass kissing manager that will eventually give in to his demands. This was one of those guys. I think i handled it pretty well. I got a little short with him after awhile. But I kept it together.
The bigger problem is that I am next in line to be manager at this place. Maybe pretty soon. I don't know if I have the type of personality to do that. I can't be nice to jackasses. When they put together the blue print for Nate Sander they forgot to put in the part that lets me deal with jagoffs. I don't think I can do it. I will eventually blow up at a customer. A matter of time.
I also am not a very corporate minded person and I really don't pledge allegiances to corporations or companies. So, I doubt they'd want me as manager.

The Oscars..

2006-03-05T21:57:00.000-06:00

Wow. I got bored with this shit about 10 minutes in. John Stewart was funny but after that---I tuned out. I really stopped caring about this a few years ago when Bill Murray lost. Anyway...I'm glad that's over for another year.

Much needed update

2006-03-04T18:25:00.000-06:00

Wow, I just realized that it's been over a week since my last blog entry. I've been working alot and my body ain't used to it. So, I've been beat alot. But it beats being unemployed any day of the week. First paycheck is Thursday! Finally! Christ.
Going on a diet starting Monday. Nothing crazy but I gotta lose about 10 pounds or so.
Mary bought a car. Well, financed a car. Big diff. She needed one. Now, I just gotta get my piece of shit back here to Chicago. Looking for last week of March to do it. It'll be weird to have my car back. Been awhile.
Anyway, that's it for now. Gonna eat Chinese tonight and watch a movie. Excitement.

Well, here I am

2006-02-20T16:21:00.000-06:00

A working stiff again. The job is new so I'm still in that learning stage but I think I've got the jist of it. It's a fairly easy job but the only sticking point for me could be the pay. It's ok but not great considering I'm working 45 hours a week (I'm management folks!) and I rarely will get full weekends off. Which I hate. We'll see what happens. I'm positive and think I will be happy there but I'm pragmatic and I don't deal in absolutes. For instance, I have today off but then I work 6 straight days, then one off ,then two more. A schedule like that could take a toll (it did the guy I'm replacing for instance). But, hey, life's an adventure.

I am officially sick of Winter. Yes, it's been mild but this is usually the time of year where it just starts to drag ass. Last year it didn't really get warm until May! I am a warm weather fan and it's cold as shit today and I want to go for a walk. But I also don't want to have a ruby red nose and snot running out. Nice image, eh?

Other Things I've had enough of:

1. Fucking clueless assholes walking around oblivious to the world because they are listening to a fucking IPOD! Jesus I am tired of these people! PAY ATTENTION!!!

2. Dick Vitale--that guy hasn't been the least bit funny or entertaining for 8 years.

3. Speaking of unfunny--Saturday Night Live. Wow. Just wow. Not funny at all.

4. People, stop naming your children Dakota! It is no longer hip. It's dorky.

5. People who talk to me at Border's when I'm looking at something. I get this all the time. It's a bookstore, not a community mixer.

6. The tv show "Fear Factor". Stop watching this!

Ok, now I'm tired.

New Attitude

2006-02-17T12:19:00.000-06:00

It's amazing how much different I feel today then I did this time last week. My stress level is diminished greatly, I laugh more, I sleep better. All this from just getting a job. It was like I could feel all the bullshit leaving my body. I'm still broke until that first paycheck comes but I've gone this long--what's another week or two?

Haven't been watching too much of the Olympics but I have to tell you I am intrigued by the loge. What an amazing activity. It's just mezmorizing.(I have no idea how to spell that word and spell check gives me nothing) Especially when they crash. Oh, shit what a giveaway!
One thing I could do without though: Women's hockey! I'm sorry if this offends some of our PC friends but..when women play the same sports as men--it is slower and duller. Sorry but I can't get excited about a bastardization version of hockey. No checking, the skating is slower through the zones and the rink is just too big for the speed of the players. Sorry. Same goes for the WNBA.... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
And it's not a societal thing. Mother Nature made men bigger, stronger, faster and higher jumpers. It makes for more exciting sports. Now, when can I expect that award from NOW?

Gonna drink beer tonight I think. Even though I can't really handle too much anymore. I've gotten to be a big pussy when it comes to drinking. Age? I don't think that can be an excuse cos I know guys 10 years older than me that can still pack it away. I guess it's just because I'm not drinking 7 days a week anymore. Maybe that's it.

Joblessness Now Over

2006-02-15T12:18:00.000-06:00

Finally. Finally. Finally. A job offer. Jesus H. Mary Motherfucking Christ on a Cracker! That was about as much fun as having a boil lanced off my taint.....However....I interviewed for another job yesterday. And it sounds as if I am going to be offered it as well. There are pros and cons to both of them but the second one has better hours and a little bit more independence, which I like. Hmmm...nice problem to have i guess. But at least I have a job again. Man...

Valentine's Day--I have never been a big fan of this holiday. I ,like many, think it is a sham and made up to make men miserable. BUT I had a very nice one with Mary last night. We both gave each other gifts (I got a really cool Sox cap) and had pizza (Mary caved--she's on a diet) and watched "American Idol". But it was nice. Now, "Sweetest Day" can kiss my white ass!

Here are 10 movies I have never seen: 1. Gone With the Wind 2. Ben-Hur 3. Bambi 4. the Matrix 5. Midnight Cowboy
6. Pretty In Pink 7. Easy Rider 8. the Omen 9. All the President's Men 10. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Not sure why i felt compelled to tell that but there ya go

Still No Word..

2006-02-13T15:16:00.000-06:00

From Potential Employer #6787. I've been sitting around Mary's apt. all day waiting for the call from them, which I was told was gonna come Friday or today. Well, it's 3:00. Still no call. I am getting a really bad feeling about this. I think I deserve a phone call one way or another. Just make a fucking decision already!!! Christ.

One bit of good news--my shower has been fixed. It no longer clogs and the water went from frigid to tepid! Yeah for me!

I don't care about Puff Daddy or P. Diddy. Why does anybody? Why is he on tv all the time? I think he may be the celebrity I am most apathetic about. Him and Billy Corgan.

I Can Only Do So Much...

2006-02-09T21:53:00.000-06:00

I had my second interview with this company today. Talked again with the same guy I did last time, then the guy I would be replacing, then a phone interview (I hate those) with the operations manager. I have done everything I can possibly do to make this company want to hire me. I even had Mary redo my resume all fancy and put a cover letter and all that shit. It;s between me and another guy. I've been on the other end of the "we went with the other guy" too many times, just once I'd like to be the "guy they went with".

I Need A Vacation

2006-02-08T12:15:00.000-06:00

I know. I know. I don't have a job. But in a weird way looking for work has stressed me out more than any job I've ever had. When I have a job (which is usually) I get tired and cranky because of the routine ,the boss and whatnot. But at least I know the bills and rent are getting paid. It's a stress but nothing like being unemployed.With that comes a mixture of stress, depression, anger, frustration and a big drop in self confidence. It permeates everything you do or think. And that takes a tremendous toll on your body and mind. Therefore, I could really use a week in Barbados.

I am going to the Iowa-Northwestern game tonight. My uncle got me a free ticket. It will be fun and the Hawks are having a great year so far. It's happened before,though, so we'll see.

I was a Political Science major in college and this guy Larry Sabato was a guru for us political geeks. He has a website that I like and here's a bit that I like--it basically sums up why Hillary Clinton would be a disaster for the Dems (as I feel) and Mark Warner would be the best choice (as I feel as well):

http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/article.php?id=LJS2006011801

Not sure why this won't directly link but...whatever. Just copy and paste it. I'm too tired to fix it.

It begins...

2006-02-07T13:28:00.000-06:00

This whole thing in Denmark about the cartoon of Mohammed would be comical if it wasn't so fucking pathetic.
That said, I've read a number of opinion pieces on this from one point of view to another. Pretty predictable--Lefties talking about how we "shouldn't judge all Muslims by this" and "we need to understand where their rage is coming from"..Fine. I do find it a little hypocritical on their part because I seem to have a hard time remembering too many times the same standards (i.e not judging all in a group by the actions of a few) being preached about Christians when it comes to abortion clinic bombings and homophobia or Jews views on Palestine...hmmm. And on the other side, the Conservative whackos talking about "bombing the Middle East into oblivion" and "all Muslims are whacko". Typical shit. I think both sides need to be bitch slapped into reality.
First, I don't have the time or energy every goddamn time a Muslim group gets mad to delve into their motherfucking psyches, ok?! I understand that this is a small group of Muslims and most of them are just looking for an excuse to blow shit up. I get it. But how many times are we gonna have to backtrack with these assholes? Why is Denmark apologizing? Why? For having a freedom to express themselves? That free speech includes tolerating the points of view that you despise as well as profess? QUIT BACKING DOWN TO THESE JAGOFFS!!!
Second, this type of shit was going on LONG before the Bush administration was in office. I'm not saying that the war in Iraq hasn't fanned the flames of hatred in the Middle East. No argument. It's been a poorly run and badly thought out exercise, to say the least. But I don't think that region was exactly "sunshine and lollipops" before W took office. I seem to remember a death sentence being put on a certain author's head for WRITING A BOOK! I don't seem to remember too many Christian or Jewish or Buddhist or Hindu or Atheist or Scientologists putting out hits on writers or burning down embassies over cartoons.
Third, it just goes to show you that organized religion (in any form--not just Christianity) is a dangerous mix with politics. Leave them separate.
Now I'm sure I'll get this opinion banned from blogger.com so read it quickly before the Thought Police get to me.

Done.

Wow what a boring Super Bowl

2006-02-06T13:44:00.000-06:00

I tend not to care about the Super Bowl because my team never plays in it. If the KC Chiefs aren't involved I couldn't care less who wins. All I ask for is a good, interesting, well played game. Guess what? Didn't get it yesterday. Boring game and sloppily played. And the biggest dissapointment was no Burger King NFL commercial. I thought for sure they'd blw their wad with the King involved in the Immacualte Reception or some other huge NFL play. Nothing. Just some cameo in an ad with hot chicks dressed like vegetables. Huh?
I've got one of those colds that is annoying as opposed to devestating. It's just sort of "there".
Waiting for a call back from what looks like a job. I've been burned three times in the last 6 months on possible jobs so I'm being realistically cynical.
Still fuming about that censorship on here. What a joke.

Communism reigns on blogger.com

2006-02-04T15:51:00.000-06:00

I was censored by blogger.com. A post I wrote about Islam and the overreaction in Denmark about that cartoon got removed from my blog. Wow. Fucking Pussies.
So much for free speech. It was nice while it lasted.

some more observations...

2006-01-31T21:23:00.000-06:00

I met a guy named Terry Edwards today. I wrote a play with a character with that name. It was weird. Not that Terry or Edwards are odd names but it was still kinda strange.

Bush's state of the union speech was dull. I couldn't watch it. They could knock off 20 minutes just stopping the standing "o"'s.

Saw "Brokeback Mountain". Does it make me a homophobe to say i thought it was overrated? It was too long. It was above average I guess. But certainly not great.

I got my mail at 6 PM tonight. WTF?

I'm tired of Cindy Sheehan. I just am. Sorry.I know she lost her son and I agree that the war needs to end but I don't really respect people who meet with Chavez in Venezuela. She obviously has a selective memory on who or what she feels is "violations of human rights". Chavez? Have you heard about this fucker? This is why people don't listen to the far left. Stupid shit like this. And they get all proud of themselves when they shut down a road or get arrested. Big deal. They have no idea how to speak to the average American voter except to call them stupid. It's about winning elections and all they can do is just keep doing the '60s tactics that got people sick of them in the first place. NEED A NEW STRATEGY, FOLKS!!

Sam Alito's confirmation makes me nervous.

My neighbors above me play their music too loud and i'm about to go up there.

Dick Cheney looks more and more like a Bond villain every time I see him

My back hurts

No Such Thing as a Cheap Lunch

2006-01-30T19:26:00.000-06:00

First things first: I am a cheap asshole. I hate spending money. It pains me to waste money. This type of thing helps me in certain situations. For instance, the one I am in now. I have no money coming in so, consequently, it's not really a choice. I HAVE to be cheap. Or frugal as I like to call it.
Today I about had a meltdown at the mall when I stopped to eat after a job interview. At A&W ( a place we don't have in the city and I always loved as a kid) I got my order of fries and cheeseburger with a root beer. It came to 6 dollars and 89 cents!!! Are you fucking joking?! I was so disgusted I said forget it and left. Not something I would normally do, but I'm taking a stand. Almost 7 bucks for a cheeseburger and fries?! This is getting out of control and I for one have had it. A little cave out in the woods is looking REAL fucking good about right now. I'd come into town for the football games.

It's 7:20 at night and I'm already looking forward to going to bed. God, I'm getting old.

Time For A Change

2006-01-29T14:56:00.000-06:00

Well, this whole trying to get a job in my industry has run it's course. I've had it. I'm gonna just take a job somewhere out of it and learn something new. And I got very little from sites like Monster and Hotjobs. I have never been out of work this long in my life. It's been tough. Very tough.

Super Bowl pick-- Pittsburgh 27 Seattle 20---probably means Seattle in a blow out.

Random Rants

2006-01-26T20:22:00.000-06:00

Here's some random thoughts that have been cooped up inside my noggin and are itching to get out:

My gas bill was only 95 bucks this month. Not bad. Of course, i kept it at 63 degrees and slept with a hooded sweatshirt at night.

I have recently been rediscovering my love of the Kinks

I do not miss being involved in a theater production. It's been over a year since I have. You'd think I would but I don't. Not one bit.

"My Name Is Earl" is a very funny, well written show that has rekindled my enthusiasm for tv comedy.

"American Idol" is the most addictive show ever. At least until they get to Hollywood....then i tune out.

Mary has a Mac. I hate Macs. There, I said it. Fuck off, Apple boy!

I have no interest in the Winter Olympics. None.

My favorite show from childhood, "the Electric Company" is coming out on DVD February 6th!! Let the flashbacks begin!!!!

In two days I have lost a cousin to cancer and my best friend's mom was diagnosed with it--God, we can come up with new, ingenious ways to bomb the fuck out of a country all right but we still can't cure this goddamn disease.

I dislike Bill Frist intensely.

Hillary Clinton better not be the nominee for the Democrats in 2008. They will lose if she is.

Coldstone is the best damn ice cream ever created. But 4 dollars for a bowl of ice cream?! Come on! And you don't have to sing. Please don't sing...

My vote for President in 2008 is for Mark Warner of Virginia. He's a Democrat, folks. Contrary to popular belief, i am not a Republican. Never have been. Not trusting the Democrats doesn't make you a Conservative.

I want a dog.

I still laugh at farts. And if you think that makes me low brow then i guess i am!

I don't really get what's so great about "Entourage". Am I missing something?

That is all for now.

Better Blog Sometime This Week...

2006-01-18T10:18:00.000-06:00

It's been a week since I blogged. Wow.
My old company seems to want to hire me but won't get off the pot. So, i continue the job hunt. I'm sick of talking about it and writing about it. It sucks, end of story. Anybody who has been there knows that.

Spent the last three days out at Mary's. I like her place. It's warm, the shower is hot and there's a Border's right down the street. I'm sick of my place and I've decided not to renew my lease in April when it runs out. Being in it depresses me. Bad karma. I need a change of scenery. Of course, if I don't find a decent paying job soon I'll be living under a bridge.....

Clay and I are beginning pre-production on a sketch show we wrote about 3 years ago with a friend of ours, Dave Bonde. We've decided to do something creative while waiting for this never ending negotiation for "Losers Bracket" to continue. It's a very funny script and if done correctly we'll be successful. On video. Not stage. I am not interested in doing a sketch show in a theater.
It will reunite the people who wrote a show called "Leopold!", which was the first show I ever did here in Chicago. Even though I didn't get credit for writing it--I did have a hand in coming up with about 25% of it, including the Abe Lincoln bit. It was a fun show but I never thought it was as good as it could have been. Something was missing from it. But thats just me, I've met people who think it's the funniest goddamn thing they've ever seen...I prefer this one we wrote and are doing. More my speed. More my style.

Zat is all.

GULP!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-01-11T21:55:00.000-06:00

I asked for my old job back today. I can't tell you how fucking humiliating it is. But I've gotta do what I gotta do. My bank account has been at 92 cents for about a month now and I have 10 bucks in my wallet. But going back to that place--ugh. I actually didn't mind the job but I hated the owner. What a turd. Can't stand him but this is my best shot at consistent, full time, non free lance work. I don't have to do it forever. Or do I?

Anybody see that Burger King commercial where the King dumps Gatorade on Don Shula? It may be the hardest I've laughed at a commercial ever. Those ads are fucking genius.

Sad News

2006-01-09T14:27:00.000-06:00

Last night a friend of ours died.(I'll withhold the name) It was a stunner and I found out about it on the news. I personally didn't know him all that well but my brother was a good friend of his and i got to know him during a run of "Losers Bracket"in what seems like ten million years ago. He came into my life as a partner in a project that we are doing with that script and we were all very excited about it. He was a very nice man and a talented writer, actor and improvisor. We were all thrilled that our play that we care so much about was going to be seen through his eyes. We weren't just gonna give this thing to anybody! "Losers Bracket" would've been great in his hands. Life can suck sometimes, but when something like this happens, it just shows that even though a lot of bull shit can be stressful, enjoy life while you can. Cos it can be gone in a second.

Back Home

2006-01-04T16:56:00.000-06:00

Haven't been home much over the last week or so. Spending most of my time at Mary's. Nothing new to report on the job front. All you can do is send you resume out and make phone calls. I don't think I'm too crazy about temp agencies. They are a bit of a waste of time for me seeing as I'm not really very skilled in "office" stuff. They seem to be looking for secretaries.

Gonna watch the Rose Bowl tonight and take it easy. I had a rough day yesterday and today (not something I really want to blog about) and it has exhausted me mentally and physically. I've been on the phone all day with human resource people (God--if I get another "Can you e-mail me your resume? I'm kinda swamped here...blah blah) and trying to whore myself to potential employers. Not a great way to spend a day. Looking for a job is more taxing than actually having one.

Gonna change banks tomorrow. I've had it with mine and their "convenience fees".

This is getting ri-goddamn-diculous

2005-12-29T10:57:00.000-06:00

Just got a call from a guy who a week ago offered me a job. Now he says that his company e-mailed him and said that they don't want to fill the position. This may or may not be bullshit (I'm leaning towards yes) but that doesn't matter. What matters is that I am back to the old drawing board and I am now officially scared. This sucks beyond belief. My "industry" is simply not hiring at all. And I don't really have any experience in anything else. So, it's tough to convince someone to take a chance. I am almost to the point where I'm gonna have to telemarket or something....God. I can't even get in for an interview for mailroom shit. Boy, this economy is just peachy. Thanks, W!
Mary is considering job offers from NYC. We have discussed moving there. I am not against it. If you would've asked me three months ago if I was willing to move i would've said "No way!" but now...not dead set against it. Still would prefer not to but this last year and a half has pretty much sucked ass here in Chi-town and I'm thinking a change of scenery might help. Who knows?!

Christmas Is Not Worth the Trouble

2005-12-21T12:21:00.000-06:00

Man. Sometimes I wonder if Christmas was just made up so older family members can guilt trip younger family members. A big time miscommunication has caused my Christmas plans to be severely fucked in the ass and now I'm hearing it from my family (certain members). And I've just about gone to the end of my rope. The plan all along was to spend Christmas Eve with Mary's parents and then go back to Iowa for my family's (both sides) festivities. Well, i was told that all this was happening on Christmas Day, now, it turns out, that my family's stuff was planned for Christmas fucking Eve!! So, now it's all fucked up. Christ, I hate Christmas sometimes.

Things I will do over Christmas:

Eat cookies til I can't anymore
Drink Egg Nog for some reason (oooh-egg nog shakes at McDonald's--good shit)
Have to shovel snow somewhere for someone
Watch "Christmas Vacation"
Go see "King Kong" or "the Producers"
Try to see my buddies from high school
Watch football bowl games
Try to explain movie/film rights/ negotiations to my family for the 400th time

Things I will not do over Christmas:

Listen to "Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer"
Eat those cucumber mini sandwich things that everybody seems to love except me
Go see that gay cowboy movie (not because of the gay theme--because I hate Ang Lee's movies)
Make a fruitcake joke (sooo played out)

That is all

My malaise...

2005-12-14T14:26:00.000-06:00

I have not felt like writing anything for about 7 months now. It just wasn't in me at all. I wasn't feeling creative in any way. The mix of getting laid off and struggling financially along with some personal turmoil just made me uninterested in doing anything like that.
But now I'm starting too again. I feel a bit of a creative rejuvination and ideas are pouring out of me. it's weird like that. I'm not one of those writers that spews shit out all the time. I tend to have sporadic fits of inspiration.
Anybody who knows me knows that movies is what i've always wanted to do. No offense to the theater friends I have but theater just ain't in my bones. I enjoyed it and I respect the hell out of it..but it doesn't spur my imagination the way film does. And that's what I (and my brother) are concentrating on right now. That's wherer are future as writers is gonna be. But I don't think I'll ever be inspired to write for the stage again. It's just too limiting to me as a writer. To each their own. I have very rarely left a theatrical production and felt "inspired" to do something. I can't tell you how many times I've left a movie thinking that. So, that's where I'm at with that.

Jobs...

2005-12-13T14:03:00.000-06:00

Job interview yesterday with a law firm downtown. Went well I thought. But you can never tell. I've left interviews thinking I nailed it and then never getting a call back. I've also left thinking I dumped a huge turd and got hired. You can't tell. Have another one tomorrow. Still freelancing but this is a SLOOOOOOOOW ass time of year for that.
Supposed to snow huge tomorrow--again. Good God. I'm moving to Hawaii.

well....

2005-12-09T13:36:00.000-06:00

Corporate America continues to be evil. Mary got laid off this afternoon. Five years. Done. As my grandpa used to say, "they'll look you in the eye and kick you in the shin." I feel so bad for her. I know what she's going through. I'll make a wager and say her CEO didn't take a pay cut. Just a hunch. Anyway, I'm so pissed right now about the whole corporate, Republcian greed shit--here's some more Dylan and Stones that sum it up for me:

Let's drink to the hard working people
Let's drink to the lowly of birth
Raise your glass to the good not the evil
Let's drink to the salt of the earth
Say a prayer for the common foot soldier
Spare a thought for his back breaking work
Say a prayer for his wife and his children
Who burn the fires and who still till the earth
And when I search a faceless crowd
A swirling mass of gray and black and white
They don't look real to me
In fact, they look so strange
Raise your glass to the hard working people
Let's drink to the uncounted heads
Let's think of the wavering millions
Who need leaders but get gamblers instead
Spare a thought for the stay-at-home voter
His empty eyes gaze at strange beauty shows
And a parade of the gray suited grafters
A choice of cancer or polio
And when I look in the faceless crowd
A swirling mass of grays and black and white
They don't look real to me
Or don't they look so strange
Let's drink to the hard working people
Let's think of the lowly of birth
Spare a thought for the rag taggy people
Let's drink to the salt of the earth
Let's drink to the hard working people
Let's drink to the salt of the earth
Let's drink to the two thousand million
Let's think of the humble of birth
Lets raise our drink
To the salt of the earth
Lets raise our drink
To the salt of the earth.......

and this....
I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
No, I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
Well, I wake in the morning,
Fold my hands and pray for rain.
I got a head full of ideas
That are drivin' me insane.
It's a shame the way she makes me scrub the floor.
I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more.
No, I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more.
Well, he hands you a nickel,
He hands you a dime,
He asks you with a grin
If you're havin' a good time,
Then he fines you every time you slam the door.
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more.
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more.
No, I ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more.
Well, he puts his cigar Out in your face just for kicks.
His bedroom window
It is made out of bricks.
The National Guard stands around his door.
Ah, I ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more.
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more.
No, I ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more.
Well, she talks to all the servants
About man and God and law
Everybody says She's the brains behind pa.
She's sixty-eight, but she says she's twenty-four.
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more.
I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
No, I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
Well, I try my best
To be just like I am,
But everybody wants you
To be just like them.
They sing while you slave and I just get bored.
I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.

This is why I hate freelancing

2005-12-09T10:50:00.000-06:00

Got this show I was scheduled to do canceled late last night due to snow. This thing was gonna pay me 500 bucks. Now--nothing. 500 beans I was banking on for next month is not gonna be there now. Ugh. I need to just bite the bullet and go work like a normal Joe Schmo i guess. Fuck me.
Today, since I have nothing to do now, will consist of phone calls and playing PlayStation.

Went to a party on Wednesday with Mary for her co-workers at the Gene Siskel Film Center. It was one of those wine and hors d'ouvre things. Nice people. But that type of thing just ain't me. I'm still a hillbilly in a lot of cases. I still consider brunch an all you can eat affair with scrambled eggs in a silver steam tray, I put ketchup on my hot dogs, I like Busch Light, I wear a baseball cap all the time, and I don't hang out with people who use the word "fabulous". And that 's what a lot of these people were. Thank God we had an open bar and I got a few in me. I am pretty shy at parties I don't know anybody at. I feel insecure. Plus, i can't hear a goddamn thing anymore. Especially when two jazz guitarists are playing constantly behind your ears!
But it was for Mary and I'd do anything for her. But she owes me.

Draw Your Own Conclusion

2005-12-08T18:05:00.000-06:00

We here in Chicago have just passed a non smoking ordinance for all public places. Bars and restaurants have 2 and a half years to get up to code. Whatever...I really don't go to bars anymore and I've always been for it at restaurants and public places like that. I always thought that if these people were so worried about our health than why do they not try to stop alcohol? Answer---cos alcohol don't smell. That's what it's about. People don't like the smell. And I for one see that as a perfectly good reason. Just say that's what it is. Don't insult us by saying you care about our "health". More people are killed by drunks leaving a bar every night and driving than second hand smoke.
Anyway, I thought this was interesting. To me, this is ridiculous. If someone was a drug addict they couldn;t get away with this. How bout coffee drinkers? They next?

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/01/26/no.smoking/

It was bound to happen

2005-12-08T10:34:00.000-06:00

I'm surprised that the incident in Miami yesterday didn't happen sooner. There seems to be some nut on a plane that forces it to land about every 3 months. It's amazing that since 9/11 this is the first time an air marshall has shot and killed someone. It's understandable I guess. I'm certainly not gonna blame the air marshalls. The guy sounded like he wasn't really listening to what they were saying. It's sad. He obviously had some sort of disorder but I think it's just one of those situations where you go "that sucks."
God it's fucking cold. I hate winter more and more every year. My fucking throat is dry and sore every morning. I can't kick this cold. My hands hurt. My skin is dryer than a camel's cootch. It hurts just to get the mail.
Just thought I'd tell everybody that.

time to give in

2005-12-05T12:41:00.000-06:00

I need a full blown, full time job. I currently am "freelancing". Which basically means you go 3 weeks of constant work and then go 3 weeks staring at the wall. I fucking hate it. When it comes to my finances I need consistancy. I like a nice paycheck every 2 weeks. I hate not knowing my schedule until the Friday before. It's aggravating. I thought I could continue to freelance for a bit until this "thing that's happening" comes to fruition but I don't think I can. I'll just let that "thing" happen when it happens. So, today I called about 4 places and set up interviews. Most of the companies in my field are not hiring at all. Which sucks big time.
Just went down to the store---it's fucking frigid. Lil' Nate shriveled up like a stack-o-dimes!

Random Entry

2005-12-05T09:42:00.000-06:00

Got Mary moved into her new place. It's really nice and spacious. I like her area as well, LaGrange. I said in a previous post how I was getting a bit tired of the city and this looks like a place i could go. It's not that far from the city and it's got everything i would need right there. Without all the bullshit the city gives you.
ANyway, the move was far from fun but I've been on worse. Mary has so much little shit like boxes and stuff. That's what took forever. I stayed the whole weekend and helped her get organized and whatnot. Fortunatley, the cable feed was on so i could watch the Chiefs yesterday (31-27 over Denver thank you).
My mind slipped and I neglected to send my rent in to my landlord for December. I was planning on doing it this weekend but i just got sidetracked. It's actually not late until after today but the problem is i need to get it to him in Skokie. I have no way to get up there except the CTA. That's about as appealing as getting a hot stick in your eye.
Still fighting the cold. It lingers rather stubbornly. Mornings are worst.

Still sick

2005-12-01T10:12:00.000-06:00

I've digressed a bit somehow. I feel worse today than I did yesterday. How the hell does that happen? I barely left the apt. yesterday. Anyway....
Well, there;s nothing like waking up on a cold Winter day with some fresh snow on the ground and taking a lukewarm shower. My hot water is pathetic...AGAIN. My next apt. is going to be something that wasn't built prior to the Depression.
Mary is stressing about her move into her new apt. on saturday. I know moving is a pain in the ass but it'll be better for her to be in her own place. I know I prefer living alone.
I'm too tired to blog right now so talk later....

Clarification

2005-11-30T20:13:00.000-06:00

It has been pointed out to me that a previous blog about my ex-girlfriend came across the wrong way. I did not mean it to sound as if I was blameless in the relationship breaking down. Believe me, I wasn't. When something like that happens, of course, there were things I could;ve done or said that would've helped. No doubt. I made a ton of mistakes. But so did she. Nobody is 100% blameless in something like that. So, I just wanted to make clear that I knew that. Now shut up!

Nothing to Report

2005-11-30T11:44:00.000-06:00

I am still sick today, but better. I have a sore throat and a general blah feeling. No energy. So I am home again today. I doped up on Nyquil last night and had a great night sleep. Double that with my caffeine/sugar intake being cut 99% (I caved and got a 7Up last night--for my throat) and I slept great. I needed it. When I cut back on sleep is when my body starts to shut down and let illnesses get me. I don't get sick often but when I do, it's usually after a long time period of activity with little rest. Hence, the last 3 weeks or so.
Mary came over and we put up plastic covering over my patio door and window in my living room. Last Winter was a joke. The door had about 4 openings in the frame and cold air would just blow in. My gas bill was ridiculous and I am nipping it in the bud this year. It has made a difference already. Not nearly as drafty in the living room.
So, I have another day of lounging ahead of me and getting well. Not really expecting to do too much.

I Can Dig It

2005-11-29T11:52:00.000-06:00

Well, the cat's gone. That's something at least.
I am home today sick. I haven't felt well for about 2 weeks and today I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to stay home. Got some Chicken Noodle Soup and gonna stay in and get well. It was if my body was saying, "STOP!". Even though I rested Sunday, I still ran errands and got out, I just need to stay in and let my body recover from 2 weeks of non stop movement.

I am currently "celebrating" a dubious anniversary of sorts this week. It was around this time a year ago that my live in girlfriend decided to move out. A complete blindside. It took me a good 5 months or so to get over it. I still bear the scars actually. It made me even more cynical about the whole thing.
I had never really had my heart broken. I had been "in love" a few times before but they all fizzled out and basically were mutual decisions to stop seeing each other. This one was all her. And I got hurt badly.
When we decided to move in together, it was, in my eyes, one step below engagement. In her eyes, I guess, it was a "test run". Bad combo.
I made the mistake of trying to remain friends after she moved out. It just made it harder. The old feelings still brewed up inside and I actually asked her to see if we could get back together in April. She said she didn;t want to (she had a new boyfriend--which shocked me a bit when she told me they had been going out since January--SHE MOVED OUT IN DECEMBER!!!) .Now, I have no ill feelings towards her at all. It's all in the past now. I haven't spoken to her in about 3 months and personally I'm glad I haven't. I think we can be friends again but she did hurt me. I guess everybody has to go through that at some point. Anyway, I have Mary now. And she's head and shoulders a better fit for me than the last one. And I do wish her the best. When it was going on, it was great. I dont regret being with her at all and i hope she thinks the same. Not sure if she;s still with the same guy or not. Don't really care one way or another but I do want her to be happy. Because I sure am with Mary. Neither of us had a great history in long term relationships so, maybe it took two people who weren't very good at it to be together ,to make it happen for us later. If that makes sense. Who knows?
But a year ago I was going through the first heartbreak I had ever been dealt. And it sucked. But I had to go through that to get to this I guess, and Thank God I did.

Cutting out the Soda

2005-11-28T13:37:00.000-06:00

I've decided to cut out pop from my diet. I drink too damn much of it. I'm not one of these guys who can gradually quit something. I either have to stop completely or just keep doing it. I can't do it in stages. So, I haven't had one today at all. Cold turkey. Pop has tons of sugar in it and it bloats my face. I look fatter than i actually am because that's where i gain weight first--my face. And I can't stand diet pop. Ugh. So, I'm quitting it. My teeth and kidneys will thank me.

There is a dead cat outside my building. There is something about my neighborhood and cats. On two occasions I have found a box of kittens in my back alley. A total of 6 alive. And there's always a dead one lying around somewhere. Lots of strays. Not sure why my neighborhood has so many but it's pretty distrubing. I called the city to come pick it up but its still there. Poor cat. But it's also a health issue. I bet if a car was parked illegally a tow truck from the city would be here in 2 minutes. It looks like the poor thing was just left there. No marks on it from a car. God, people who abuse animals should be shot.

Not a Bad Way To Start the Week

2005-11-28T10:57:00.000-06:00

Got a call at 5 am to tell me not to come into work. Something about a gas leak or something in the building. Wasn't gonna argue. So, I'm home. An extra day off. Not bad.
I finally got around to watching the film, "The Village" last night. God, what a boring, plodding piece of crap! And the payoff is, uh,....unsatisfying. Cool twist but by the time they got to it, I was watching the clock. Boo on you M. Night Shalaman! Boo on you!
Also watched the Will Ferrell movie "Kicking and Screaming". Mildly amusing in parts but not really worth your time. Mike Ditka is surprisingly funny however. As you can tell, I did very little yesterday.
At night, I went over to Grant's house. His brother is in town and we had a few. But I was pretty tired and went home around 9. Grant's (the guy passed out in the pic below) Pug (Jackson) has a growth on his leg and we're all a little worried about it. It's probably nothing but they have to do a "biopsy" or whatever they call it for dogs.
Starting to write again. I took some time off. Just wasn't feeling it. But starting to again.

Back From Iowa

2005-11-27T11:46:00.000-06:00

Got back from Thanksgiving with the fam. Mary met everybody. Went well, food was great. A typical Thanksgiving. It was nice to get away for a bit and forget about bull shit. But I'm glad I'm back.
Today will consist of lounging and watching football. Mary stayed over last night and we both were under the weather with colds. Both slept like shit. As Kramer would say, "I couldn't get in the zone.".
Bought "Johnny Cash Live at Folsom". I lost it during one of my many moves and finally got it. Seeing "Walk the Line" made me realize how i needed it back in my circulation.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-23T12:52:00.000-06:00

As i take time off from work, life and blogging, I leave you good people with my favorite words by my favorite poet, Robert Zimmerman.

Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.
Half-cracked prejudice leaped forth
"Rip down all hate," I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull, I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.
Girls' faces formed the forward path
From phony jealousy
To memorizing politics Of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists
Unthought of, thought, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.
A self-ordained professor's tongue
Too serious to fool Spouted out that liberty
Is just equality in school
"Equality," I spoke the word
As if a wedding vow
Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.
In a soldier's stance,
I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My existence led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.

I knew some idiot would say something...

2005-11-23T12:48:00.000-06:00

Wow. The Republicans are just asking to be beaten in 2006 and 2008. Take advantage, Democrats. What a dumb ass.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051123/ap_on_go_co/congresswoman_s_comments

Living In the City

2005-11-23T11:19:00.000-06:00

I love Chicago. I really do. But there are things about living in the city that are starting to get to me. I am getting too old and set in my ways to have to deal with certain shit. A list of the following is slowly ruining my resolve and making a cottage in the country seem a little better every day:

1. Cost of Living: It is out of control. there is a condo on sale next door to me going for 354,000 dollars! Are you fucking kidding me?! In MY neighborhood? There's nothing here. Not even a goddamn White Hen! Who would pay this for a fucking condo?! Somebody must because it's sold. Middle class people, let alone poor people, are not going to be able to afford to live here. Fucking Daley.

2. Bums/Panhandlers: I have had it up to here with this shit. Yes, I know there are truly people out there who are down on their luck, etc. but, come on! There's a guy that does his begging in shifts down by me. During the day he's outside a pizza joint and at night he's by the Liquor Store. He's perfectly able bodied and minded.
After I left a convenience store the other day I ignored a begger when I left and he followed me out to my front door! It was scary. Now it's coming to my home! I ignored him and he left but man I was real close to making some Bum eat the pavement. It's ridiculous. And the cops do nothing. Fuckin Daley.
Also, as I was getting on the train to go home the other night (late) a bum lady proceeded to DIAHERREA all over the tracks! Yes, that. Not piss. I was thinking, "This doesn't happen in Naperville."

3. Noise: I am very sensitive to loud noises now. My hearing is bad in my left ear due to years of heavy metal and night clubs. The fire trucks, "L", cop sirens, fireworks at 2 in the morning,, etc. drives me insane. Silence is underrated. I know it's a city. But man....

4. The price of beer at a bar: I've previously blogged about this. But 4 dollars for a MGD draft?! And that's Happy Hour?! Come on!

3.

The satellite guy...

2005-11-22T21:08:00.001-06:00

was quite possibly the most unpleasant human being i have ever encountered. Surly, put out, irritated, etc.. Man, sorry about making you do your job, sir. Christ.
He showed up at 1:30 and instead of "hi" or "how ya doin'? I'm (blank)" it was "You got a way up to the roof?" followed by "you don't got a dog do ya?". So, me still trying to be good natured, say, "Uh..that dog barking is downstairs. I don't have one. And I have no idea if there is a way onto the roof." So, he proceeds to take a deep sigh and go "How do you not know if there's a way to get up on the roof?". I am sort of taken aback by this ass at this point but I'm still trying to be friendly. "Well, I don't get up there too often so I have no idea. Besides, nobody when I ordered this thing said anything about gaining access to the roof VIA a hatch. I assumed you would have a ladder." He looks at me as if I'm a complete idiot. "I only got a 30 foot ladder. I need to get a 40 footer to get up there. I'm gonna have to come back tomorrow." So, I lost it at that point. "What do you mean?" I scream. "Go get your ladder or go look for the hatch or whatever...I ordered this stuff and I sat around for 2 hours waiting and it's getting put in TODAY!". He huffs and snorts and looks in the back hall, as I go to the back of the building and find the hatch. "Here it is!" ,I yell. He comes over and looks at it. "That's too narrow." I am at my limit at this point. "You could get in there. I'll hand the stuff up to you." Somehow, this has become MY job as well now.
Make a long story short, after 2 hours of dealing with this asshole, I have a dish. And it's great. But I did complain to Directv about him. And I am very hesitant to do that. I know what it's like to have a bad day and maybe you come across badly. Believe me, I know. But his attitude was the worst. He reminded me of the Teamsters i deal with a McCormick Place for my job. The attitude being "Hey. I'll get to it when I can and if I can't, too bad for you. It's not like I'm giving you a service or anything."Anyway....rant over

Political rant

2005-11-22T13:36:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's time for my first political rant of the new blog.
I am just as much a Bush hater as the next guy. I have never really thought of him as a great leader or even a moderate one. But I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt in Iraq. I was not as against it as some other "progressives" (whatever the fuck that means) were. I thought Saddam was something that needed to be taken care of and I still am glad he's out of power. But this has been a mega cluster fuck from the beginning. Bush listened to evil geniuses like Wolfowitz and Cheney and Rumsfield instead of level heads like Powell and McCain. Bush has been a moderate failure as President but a MAJOR failure in his handling of the war in Iraq. I think he finally realizes (in private) that he has created a major albatross that the next Prez and probably the next will have to deal with. Sadly.
That said, the Democrats aren't exactly lily white on this issue. Alot of these guys voted FOR going into Iraq. FOR! Let me say that again, "FOR!". This party is such a joke right now. If they nominate Hillary in '08 they deserve to lose. Anybody who has a half a fucking clue about Presidential elections can tell you that: THE ONLY DEMOCRAT THAT CAN WIN IS A MODERATE SOUTERN DEMOCRAT! The Dems have to make inroads in the South. Like Clinton did. States like North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Arkansas can all go for the Democrats this time around, but, not with Hillary. No fucking way. She is an alienating figure. She will not be able to swing moderate voters her way.
The Republicans have no great candidate (except McCain who probably won't run due to age). The Democrats have a real chance of winning in '08. And I hope they do. Just pick a winner this time.

Back Home...

2005-11-22T10:18:00.000-06:00

Got back from Minnesota last night. Long weekend with Mary's brother and his wife and 4 kids. Nice family, good people. Had a nice time. However, I am still torn about having kids. One side of me really wants to have them, the other side of me just sees them as way too much work. This trip made me start to wonder if I have what it takes to be a dad. I was there 2 hours and the 4 year old's constant energy was driving me a little nuts. I suppose since I'm not used to it, it would be harder for me. But I have to say it got a bit annoying. But Mary is so great with kids. She'll make an amazing mother some day.
What else....Oh, saw "Walk the Line". Mary and I got away for a couple of hours by ourselves and watched it. Very good. I am not the biggest Reese Witherspoon fan in the world but she was great. And Juaoquin (sp?) Phoenix was good as well. But WTF with Sun Studios?! That wasn't the same one I went to! It wasn't the real one! Fuck me!
I am getting a satellite dish put in today! I have absolutely had it with Comcast. My digital cable went out for the 11th or 12th time since I moved to this current apartment in May 2004. This was the last straw. Getting the dish. Pretty excited too and I got a helluva deal.
Got the whole week off. Going to Iowa for Thanksgiving and Mary is going too. She's met some of my Fam but not everybody so she will this weekend.
Thanksgiving is my favorite. Fuck Christmas. Thanksgiving, man. I love it. My mouth is salavating just thinking of my grandma's turkey right now. And the 8 pies that will be there. And football to top it off. What a holiday. I really don't care about the whole "history" of it. Yeah, it was too bad. We all know that. We get it. If one more person reminds that Thanksgiving was started by mistreatment of the Native Americans I swear I'll drop kick 'em. GOT IT!!! Quit trying to bring the room down with your White Guilt. I had a good friend in college who was Cherokee and he didn't give a shit. He kept saying how the only people who give a shit about the history of Thanksgiving are upper class, White Liberals. So just eat your fucking stuffing please and let it be.

I Feel Like Shit Today

2005-11-18T11:53:00.000-06:00

and I have to stay at work until 10 or 11 to unload some bull shit Martha Stewart show. I really am coming down with something. It's awful and the last thing I need is to work a damn 12 hour shift! But I need the money for sure. Being out of work for 3 months hit my finances pretty hard. But I could really use some rest.
Mary and I are going to Minnesota tomorrow for the weekend. I hope I feel better.
Anyway, at least I'm bothering to blog today.

Also....

2005-11-11T18:36:00.000-06:00

I got into a discussion at work today about music. I enjoy talking about it and I always feel like my opinion on it is pretty well rounded. I think I have pretty good taste in music. I listen to a lot of different stuff. But there is one form of music that I never enjoyed at all: Punk. I just don't get it. The Clash is the only band of that "ilk" that ever, to me, did anything interesting or noteworty musically. To me, punk just seemed like more of an attitude than a type of music. The Sex Pistols just shouted and couldn't play worth a shit. I know I'm probably in the minority of people in my age group but I never got it. There, I said it.

I Don't Get It

2005-11-11T18:28:00.000-06:00

I have never been a big fan of my generation. The so called "Generation X". I thought we were pretty whiney and annoying back in the '90s and now we've become too nostalgic, too soon.
VH1 has had 4 versions of "I Love the 80s", 2 versions of "I Love the '90s" and countless shows like "Where Are They Now", and I for one, don't really understand why.
I like to reminisce on occasion about certain things, like anybody. I love my Star Wars guys and Transformers. When I get together with friends from my youth, past accomplishments are discussed. But I don't get the fascination with our youth, seeing as we are still relatively young people.
Shit, I'm 32. That's young. I have a lot of life ahead of me. I'd like to think I didn't peak in 1991.
I have no feelings one way or another for stuff like "Rubik's Cube", "He-Man" and "Fraggle Rock". I think it just shows how Generation X was the first generation that was overloaded with stupid shit.

Couple of Thoughts..

2005-11-10T18:01:00.000-06:00

One thing you will never see me doing is wearing a headset for my cell phone. First, I think they look stupid. Secondly, and most importantly, they have grayed the area between normal and crazy.
It used to be that if you saw someone walking down the street talking to themselves, you could be 99% certain they had gone Bat Shit. Now, I see normal looking, professional people walking and talking to noone. And it's all because of these headsets. Do people actually think they look cool while wearing one? Shit, I had a one minute conversation with someone on the bus the other day before realizing they were talking to someone on their phone! At first I felt ridiculous but then i said "I'm not the one who looks like they wandered out of a White Castle drive thru."
While I'm on the subject of cell phones, can I just say that I use my phone for one thing only: TO MAKE PHONE CALLS! I don't need a camera, internet and downloadable songs for ringtones. I can get by quite well with Caller ID thank you. I don't need "Forever My Love" playing when my girlfriend calls. I don't really have a problem with these things in and of themselves but when did they become such an expected component of our lives?

2005-11-09T20:47:00.000-06:00

i'm no doorknob, either

2005-11-09T20:46:00.000-06:00

the greatest photo ever of a drunk

I've avoided this for a long time

2005-11-09T19:34:00.000-06:00

So, I have started a blog. I'm not one of these people that feels the need to do this every day, so, don't expect it. (That's for the 3 of you who may actually care). But when I feel like ranting or boasting or complaining or whatever--this will be my sounding board.
I've laid pretty low for awhile. I haven't done much socially for a good couple of months because I, quite frankly, am sick of spending money on frivelous shit. Like going to a goddamn bar. I am so sick of plopping down any spending money I have on booze. This city is a very expensive town to "get a buzz" in, so, I stopped. That's not to say I don't drink anymore. My friend Grant and I still sit out on his porch and drink beer. It may be boring and repetitive but at least I don't spend 100 beans. And once in a blue moon I'll go out to a bar. But I'm about done with them.

For those that care, I have a girlfriend. Her name is Mary and I've been seeing her for about 6 months. It's going great. I was really not terribly crazy about the idea of dating again when we first met (those of you who know me know why) but it quickly grew into a "hey, this girl is great!" and next thing I know--BAM! I'm knee deep in it--again. It beats the hell out of being alone I can tell you that.

Anyway, that's it for now. I'll try to keep this up but no promises.