You can tell much about a person by what they hate. Hate is a strong word, and I try not to hate things. However, there are things in this world that bother me. Following is a small list of things I hate:
* I hate driving in traffic.
* Crappy reality TV shows like Kardashians, Real World etc. Pretty much all of them.
Snakes and wasps.
* My cats rubbing their teeth on me.
* Mowing the yard.
* When our electric bill arrives in the summer.
* When I wake up 8 minutes before my alarm is about to go off.
* When my dog eats cat throw up and then tries to lick my face.
* When I eat too much at a meal, even though there is no way to stop myself.
* A really bad headache.
* The parental argument "Because I said so." Though if my kids are as annoying as I was I can easily imagine me using this go to argument.
* Having to use a public restroom for #2.
* When I sweep the living room or vacuum any rug and 5 minutes later the floor is full of cat fur and/or stuffed animal guts.
* When I go to the wrong conference room for a meeting and sit there by myself for few minutes before realizing I am in the wrong place. And then showing up at the correct place late.
* When working professionals do not have a signature in their email so it is difficult to find their phone number.
* When people I care about are unhappy and there is nothing I can do about it.
* Cats. Even though much of my life I have loved cats. Living with them for 10 years has a way of changing perspective.
* When I buy a new shirt and realize someone at my office has the same shirt. This also applies to parties while in college, especially if that other person is an extremely dorking looking girl.
I am sure there are more that belong in this list. If you can think of anything else, feel free to share it in the comments.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
#77 My Life In Song
The following is a list of songs that comprise the story of my life. This is My Life In Song:
Best of my Love: When I was in elementary school I found a bag of tapes stuffed in a cabinet in our living room. The first one I grabbed was The Eagles. First album I listened to start to finish.
Come Sail Away: Craig introduced me to Styx on a bus to camp in junior high. He brought a walkman and we took turns listening to three songs each. On this trip I listened to Yaz, Styx and The Judies. Obviously I gravitated toward Styx. Come Sail Away was a favorite for many years. Unfortunately it makes me laugh now. But I still love it.
YYZ: Craig introduced me to RUSH, and when I heard the trio jam on YYZ I learned that a song didn't even need lyrics to rock. RUSH was my first concert ever, and I have seen them now each time they have come to Texas. And you can bet I will be there again next time they come.
Amanda: The first song I learned on guitar. For the most part I still know how to play it. And I remember Wally teaching me how to play a bar chord and me being completely amazed by Tom Shultz for writing a song with such a difficult bar chord in it.
Survival: I discovered Yes sometime during high school, and can honestly say this is the strangest band I have connected with. Their music is high brow, overly complicated and dramatically theatrical. However, for a year or more of my life I fell asleep to Survival playing on my stereo. Not a huge Yes fan these days, but I truly love this song.
Immortality: Immortality is the gateway to love of Pearl Jam. I remember one night driving home from a party riding in Dugat's bouncy Jeep. He had a discman velcroed to his dash with Vitalogy in it. I was drunk and tired. I lay in the backseat repeatedly asking Dugat to play Immortality again. Trust me, it is good enough to hear over and over, even if you aren't a high school student on the verge of passing out.
Closer: Freshman year of college consisted of three albums: Oasis (What's The Story Morning Glory), Pearl Jam (Vs) and NIN (Downward Spiral). I am sure all the kids lucky enough to be on our hall know the songs on these three albums. Closer was the song I looked forward to the most of all of the songs. Champagne Supernova was second.
In My Tree: I lived in Houston my sophomore year of college. Probably the worst year of my life. I enjoyed much of Houston's traffic while commuting to U of H. I listened exclusively to Pearl Jam's No Code. In My Tree still brings me back to that year and remembering sitting in my car in our dirt driveway in the heights finishing that song before going inside.
All Mixed Up: I moved back to Waco and lived with Chris and Dugat. Chris introduced me to 311. We threw so many darts and drank so much scotch to 311 it gives me a hangover to think about it. Dugat used to say: All mixed up, don't know what to do. Next thing you turn around and find a booger in your shoe. In fact, he probably still says that if you bring up 311.
Indifference: At some point during college we started singing terrible versions of this song at 3 in the morning. I remember laying behind the back tires of a car singing this until the neighbors threatened to call the cops.
Open: In my final year of school I was introduced to The Cure. I hesitated giving the band a chance. Then I discovered this song. True it has a 3 minute intro, but I used to listen to this song every morning driving to campus from my apartment. The Cure is L.'s favorite band and I cannot hear Robert Smith's voice without thinking of her.
Do It Again: I do not like Steely Dan, but while living in Tyler Guitar Hero came into my life. I played the crap out of this game. As I explored the difficult setting I came across Do It Again. One night I must have played through this song at least 100 times trying to pass it. Poor L. She had to listen to this song over and over, and she had to see me at my most determined. Plus, I ended up drinking lots of whiskey and coke. Sometime in the middle of the night I passed the song and then passed out.
Driven To Tears: We moved back to Dallas and I decided to buy the entire catalog produced by The Police. Not sure what motivated me to do this, but I did it. And it turned out to be a great decision. I discovered that I truly like their music. I also discovered that there is a drummer out there whose style is so strange and mesmerizing that I was inspired to buy a drum set.
New Day Yesterday: For the past 8 months or so I have been in this huge Jethro Tull funk. Not sure why, but I have been listening to their pre-Aqualung albums and have really connected with Benefit and Stand Up.
This list is getting long, so I will stop now.
Best of my Love: When I was in elementary school I found a bag of tapes stuffed in a cabinet in our living room. The first one I grabbed was The Eagles. First album I listened to start to finish.
Come Sail Away: Craig introduced me to Styx on a bus to camp in junior high. He brought a walkman and we took turns listening to three songs each. On this trip I listened to Yaz, Styx and The Judies. Obviously I gravitated toward Styx. Come Sail Away was a favorite for many years. Unfortunately it makes me laugh now. But I still love it.
YYZ: Craig introduced me to RUSH, and when I heard the trio jam on YYZ I learned that a song didn't even need lyrics to rock. RUSH was my first concert ever, and I have seen them now each time they have come to Texas. And you can bet I will be there again next time they come.
Amanda: The first song I learned on guitar. For the most part I still know how to play it. And I remember Wally teaching me how to play a bar chord and me being completely amazed by Tom Shultz for writing a song with such a difficult bar chord in it.
Survival: I discovered Yes sometime during high school, and can honestly say this is the strangest band I have connected with. Their music is high brow, overly complicated and dramatically theatrical. However, for a year or more of my life I fell asleep to Survival playing on my stereo. Not a huge Yes fan these days, but I truly love this song.
Immortality: Immortality is the gateway to love of Pearl Jam. I remember one night driving home from a party riding in Dugat's bouncy Jeep. He had a discman velcroed to his dash with Vitalogy in it. I was drunk and tired. I lay in the backseat repeatedly asking Dugat to play Immortality again. Trust me, it is good enough to hear over and over, even if you aren't a high school student on the verge of passing out.
Closer: Freshman year of college consisted of three albums: Oasis (What's The Story Morning Glory), Pearl Jam (Vs) and NIN (Downward Spiral). I am sure all the kids lucky enough to be on our hall know the songs on these three albums. Closer was the song I looked forward to the most of all of the songs. Champagne Supernova was second.
In My Tree: I lived in Houston my sophomore year of college. Probably the worst year of my life. I enjoyed much of Houston's traffic while commuting to U of H. I listened exclusively to Pearl Jam's No Code. In My Tree still brings me back to that year and remembering sitting in my car in our dirt driveway in the heights finishing that song before going inside.
All Mixed Up: I moved back to Waco and lived with Chris and Dugat. Chris introduced me to 311. We threw so many darts and drank so much scotch to 311 it gives me a hangover to think about it. Dugat used to say: All mixed up, don't know what to do. Next thing you turn around and find a booger in your shoe. In fact, he probably still says that if you bring up 311.
Indifference: At some point during college we started singing terrible versions of this song at 3 in the morning. I remember laying behind the back tires of a car singing this until the neighbors threatened to call the cops.
Open: In my final year of school I was introduced to The Cure. I hesitated giving the band a chance. Then I discovered this song. True it has a 3 minute intro, but I used to listen to this song every morning driving to campus from my apartment. The Cure is L.'s favorite band and I cannot hear Robert Smith's voice without thinking of her.
Do It Again: I do not like Steely Dan, but while living in Tyler Guitar Hero came into my life. I played the crap out of this game. As I explored the difficult setting I came across Do It Again. One night I must have played through this song at least 100 times trying to pass it. Poor L. She had to listen to this song over and over, and she had to see me at my most determined. Plus, I ended up drinking lots of whiskey and coke. Sometime in the middle of the night I passed the song and then passed out.
Driven To Tears: We moved back to Dallas and I decided to buy the entire catalog produced by The Police. Not sure what motivated me to do this, but I did it. And it turned out to be a great decision. I discovered that I truly like their music. I also discovered that there is a drummer out there whose style is so strange and mesmerizing that I was inspired to buy a drum set.
New Day Yesterday: For the past 8 months or so I have been in this huge Jethro Tull funk. Not sure why, but I have been listening to their pre-Aqualung albums and have really connected with Benefit and Stand Up.
This list is getting long, so I will stop now.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
#76 When The Bird Has Flown
Through the years many individuals are responsible for making me the person I am today. And these same individuals have helped me get through the tough times I have encountered. I know this memorial does not do them justice. But it is a start.
Mom: What can I say about my mom? She was there for me throughout all points in my life. Not matter what the issue, she was there to listen and offer her advice. In fact, she often offered her advice without me asking her. She is a strong-willed individual who helped me into this world, and has helped me ever since.
Dad: Through genetics and parenthood my father passed down to me my natural inclination toward music, my sense of value (some call it cheapness) and my overall competitive nature. When I was very young 4 states separated our homes. Each summer we drove 16 hours so I could visit him for a month. He realized how little he was able to be in my life with this set up and he uprooted his family in order to move closer to me. He doesn't realize how much I have thought about that sacrifice over the years and how appreciative I am that he made the effort to be in my life. He doesn't realize this, but he taught me to be independent and strong. He taught how to take care of myself. And I will never forget that. On a different note, doesn't my dad look straight out of a spaghetti western from the 60's? Sort of like pre-Deathwish Bronson?
Joe: Joe married my mother when I was 3 or 4 year old and has been in my life ever sense. He taught me the value of education and encouraged the many interests I had growing up. He took it upon himself to raise me as one of his own, and I am happy to have him as an active part in my life today.
L.: I cannot say enough about L. at this point. One of her true strengths is her ability to help someone when they are in trouble. She makes other's problems a personal responsibility and will stop at nothing to make sure those she cares about are taken care of. She is also responsible for my growth from college into adulthood. And now she struggles pushing me from adulthood into responsible adulthood. It is an ongoing process and one she is committed to undergo. And I love her for that.
Stephen: Stephen helps me with spontaneity. I am a planner, almost to a detriment. Stephen is spontaneous. Because of him I often find myself out of my comfort zone. For instance, on multiple occasions he has called me while on his way to Dallas to let me know that he is picking me up and taking me to a sporting event or concert. Together we have seen The Red Hot Chili Peppers, A Perfect Circle, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, and the pinnacle of all spontaneous events Game 6 of last years ALCS. Yes, that is the game the Rangers defeated the Yankees to go to the World Series. This turned out to be the most impressive sporting event I have ever witnessed live, and a moment I will never forget.
Chris: Chris and I have known each other since elementary school. He has been one of my closest friends through adolescence, and is personally responsible for undoing all he could of what my father has instilled in me as it pertains to value (cheapness). He has also taught me how to drink scotch and has helped me develop my love for wine. He worked tirelessly to ween me off of classic rock in favor of alternative rock, and together we explored many ventures that include: writing, painting, music, hockey, bad movies, cats, acting, dealing with naive baylor students, the A-Hole Olympics, just to name a handful. He has been instrumental in tempering the craziness that occurs when I get bored, and that is no easy task.
Craig: Craig has been a close friend of mine since 6th grade and is responsible for my education as it pertains to girls. So now L. can understand why I was so unpolished when she met me in college. The first time I asked a girl to be my girlfriend, Craig and Chris were there to comfort me when she said no. Of course, I am pretty sure it was their encouragement that led me to that phone call to begin with. Craig also introduced me into the world of working, where I got my first job at Discovery Zone. I later repaid the favor by getting him a job working with Johnson and Ned at TxDoT. Craig started me on Classic Rock and was with me when I went to see Rush for my first concert ever. Later, he and I tried to see Kansas and Styx, but that did not work out so well. Over the years Craig and I played roles into our introduction into real life, marriage and eventually he will play a large role into my first experience with children. I know he is looking forward to that because he is going to get a lot of phone calls from me asking how he has been able to do it.
Dugat: Dugat is another friend of mine dating back to 6th grade. His first contributions into my development as a young person came in the form of getting in trouble. His antics allowed me to learn on a weekly basis how to deal with after school detention. And he taught me early on how to be prepared, forcing me to bring several pens to class so that I would have something to write with after he stole the ink from my pens. Later in our scholastic career our friendship led me into writing and music. Before I knew Michael I thought Dennis Deyoung was a quality lyric writer! Later in our friendship Dugat helped me to understand and appreciate sports. His insight into basketball and football has made my experience of these sports the last decade much more meaningful and enjoyable. And as life has happened to me, I have found Michael a consistent and reliable source of quality support, whether it be about my career or my personal life. I am just glad no jobs give after work detentions, otherwise I might think differently.
Britt: I met Britt working at Casa Ole in Waco. He taught me accountability. And toughness. And how to drink. Like Liz, Britt is at his best when helping others with their problems. These problems range from car issues to relationship issues. He is a great listener who will take what you have to say, combine it with his superior common sense and give you a strategic course of action that will likely lead you to the outcome you desire. He is good at giving bad news and is one of the easiest people to talk to. Over the years we have butted heads on many issues, and I would not trade that for anything. He has challenged me to become better in all facets of life and for that I am appreciative. Not only is he good at helping others get out of the trouble they get into, but he is also good at getting himself into trouble. The many strange situations he has somehow gotten himself into have made my life infinitely more rewarding.
Mom: What can I say about my mom? She was there for me throughout all points in my life. Not matter what the issue, she was there to listen and offer her advice. In fact, she often offered her advice without me asking her. She is a strong-willed individual who helped me into this world, and has helped me ever since.
Dad: Through genetics and parenthood my father passed down to me my natural inclination toward music, my sense of value (some call it cheapness) and my overall competitive nature. When I was very young 4 states separated our homes. Each summer we drove 16 hours so I could visit him for a month. He realized how little he was able to be in my life with this set up and he uprooted his family in order to move closer to me. He doesn't realize how much I have thought about that sacrifice over the years and how appreciative I am that he made the effort to be in my life. He doesn't realize this, but he taught me to be independent and strong. He taught how to take care of myself. And I will never forget that. On a different note, doesn't my dad look straight out of a spaghetti western from the 60's? Sort of like pre-Deathwish Bronson?
Joe: Joe married my mother when I was 3 or 4 year old and has been in my life ever sense. He taught me the value of education and encouraged the many interests I had growing up. He took it upon himself to raise me as one of his own, and I am happy to have him as an active part in my life today.
L.: I cannot say enough about L. at this point. One of her true strengths is her ability to help someone when they are in trouble. She makes other's problems a personal responsibility and will stop at nothing to make sure those she cares about are taken care of. She is also responsible for my growth from college into adulthood. And now she struggles pushing me from adulthood into responsible adulthood. It is an ongoing process and one she is committed to undergo. And I love her for that.
Stephen: Stephen helps me with spontaneity. I am a planner, almost to a detriment. Stephen is spontaneous. Because of him I often find myself out of my comfort zone. For instance, on multiple occasions he has called me while on his way to Dallas to let me know that he is picking me up and taking me to a sporting event or concert. Together we have seen The Red Hot Chili Peppers, A Perfect Circle, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, and the pinnacle of all spontaneous events Game 6 of last years ALCS. Yes, that is the game the Rangers defeated the Yankees to go to the World Series. This turned out to be the most impressive sporting event I have ever witnessed live, and a moment I will never forget.
Chris: Chris and I have known each other since elementary school. He has been one of my closest friends through adolescence, and is personally responsible for undoing all he could of what my father has instilled in me as it pertains to value (cheapness). He has also taught me how to drink scotch and has helped me develop my love for wine. He worked tirelessly to ween me off of classic rock in favor of alternative rock, and together we explored many ventures that include: writing, painting, music, hockey, bad movies, cats, acting, dealing with naive baylor students, the A-Hole Olympics, just to name a handful. He has been instrumental in tempering the craziness that occurs when I get bored, and that is no easy task.
Craig: Craig has been a close friend of mine since 6th grade and is responsible for my education as it pertains to girls. So now L. can understand why I was so unpolished when she met me in college. The first time I asked a girl to be my girlfriend, Craig and Chris were there to comfort me when she said no. Of course, I am pretty sure it was their encouragement that led me to that phone call to begin with. Craig also introduced me into the world of working, where I got my first job at Discovery Zone. I later repaid the favor by getting him a job working with Johnson and Ned at TxDoT. Craig started me on Classic Rock and was with me when I went to see Rush for my first concert ever. Later, he and I tried to see Kansas and Styx, but that did not work out so well. Over the years Craig and I played roles into our introduction into real life, marriage and eventually he will play a large role into my first experience with children. I know he is looking forward to that because he is going to get a lot of phone calls from me asking how he has been able to do it.
Dugat: Dugat is another friend of mine dating back to 6th grade. His first contributions into my development as a young person came in the form of getting in trouble. His antics allowed me to learn on a weekly basis how to deal with after school detention. And he taught me early on how to be prepared, forcing me to bring several pens to class so that I would have something to write with after he stole the ink from my pens. Later in our scholastic career our friendship led me into writing and music. Before I knew Michael I thought Dennis Deyoung was a quality lyric writer! Later in our friendship Dugat helped me to understand and appreciate sports. His insight into basketball and football has made my experience of these sports the last decade much more meaningful and enjoyable. And as life has happened to me, I have found Michael a consistent and reliable source of quality support, whether it be about my career or my personal life. I am just glad no jobs give after work detentions, otherwise I might think differently.
Britt: I met Britt working at Casa Ole in Waco. He taught me accountability. And toughness. And how to drink. Like Liz, Britt is at his best when helping others with their problems. These problems range from car issues to relationship issues. He is a great listener who will take what you have to say, combine it with his superior common sense and give you a strategic course of action that will likely lead you to the outcome you desire. He is good at giving bad news and is one of the easiest people to talk to. Over the years we have butted heads on many issues, and I would not trade that for anything. He has challenged me to become better in all facets of life and for that I am appreciative. Not only is he good at helping others get out of the trouble they get into, but he is also good at getting himself into trouble. The many strange situations he has somehow gotten himself into have made my life infinitely more rewarding.
Friday, June 24, 2011
#75 Coddling Kidd
I became a Mavs fan while living in Waco and going to Baylor. I moved into an apartment complex 10 miles away from campus because it was new and much nicer than anything you could get near campus. Included in the niceness was the workout room. At least four nights a week I carried a handheld CD player into the workout room to lift weights, listen to music and run on the elliptical machine. During football season I discovered I could turn the TV on any game and I would get a better workout. For whatever reason sports inspired me and made the workout something I looked forward to instead of something I forced myself to do.
I soon realized that football only guaranteed me two solid workout days (back then games were only on Sundays and Monday Nights). Instead of listening to music I flipped through the stations looking for something else to watch. Fate brought me to NBA basketball. I grew up in Houston watching the Rockets. I was in high school when they won back to back championships. In Waco, however, they tune in to Mavericks basketball.
The year was 2000 and it was Dirk's first year as a consistent starter and contributor to the team. He was partnered with a young and energetic Steve Nash and the stud of the team Michael Findley. Thus the Mavs entered my life. Over the next couple of seasons I found myself working out almost everyday hoping to see the Mavs play again and again.
L. and I moved to Dallas in 2003 and for our first year of life together we decided to get Maverick's Season tickets. This was the year the big 3 were joined by Antawn Jamison and Antoine Walker. Our seats were high up in the arena, but we loved them. And for the next 8 years I watched every single Mav game I could.
Needless to say, I was broken hearted in 2006 when the Heat (and the refs) tore out our hearts in the NBA finals. But the 2011 Championship run for the Dallas Mavericks has been amazing and rewarding. Before they could win the championship the Mavericks swept the hated Lakers. And then they met Kevin Durant in the Western Conference Finals. After staging one of the most impressive comebacks in NBA playoff history, the Mavs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in 5 games. I watched as the celebration commenced at the end of the game and was forced to pause the TV when I noticed Durant embracing Jason Kidd. Durant's hands are so big it appears as though Durant is coddling a baby.
Each time I see this image it makes me laugh, and it makes me excited to know the Mavs won their championship!
I soon realized that football only guaranteed me two solid workout days (back then games were only on Sundays and Monday Nights). Instead of listening to music I flipped through the stations looking for something else to watch. Fate brought me to NBA basketball. I grew up in Houston watching the Rockets. I was in high school when they won back to back championships. In Waco, however, they tune in to Mavericks basketball.
The year was 2000 and it was Dirk's first year as a consistent starter and contributor to the team. He was partnered with a young and energetic Steve Nash and the stud of the team Michael Findley. Thus the Mavs entered my life. Over the next couple of seasons I found myself working out almost everyday hoping to see the Mavs play again and again.
L. and I moved to Dallas in 2003 and for our first year of life together we decided to get Maverick's Season tickets. This was the year the big 3 were joined by Antawn Jamison and Antoine Walker. Our seats were high up in the arena, but we loved them. And for the next 8 years I watched every single Mav game I could.
Needless to say, I was broken hearted in 2006 when the Heat (and the refs) tore out our hearts in the NBA finals. But the 2011 Championship run for the Dallas Mavericks has been amazing and rewarding. Before they could win the championship the Mavericks swept the hated Lakers. And then they met Kevin Durant in the Western Conference Finals. After staging one of the most impressive comebacks in NBA playoff history, the Mavs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in 5 games. I watched as the celebration commenced at the end of the game and was forced to pause the TV when I noticed Durant embracing Jason Kidd. Durant's hands are so big it appears as though Durant is coddling a baby.
Each time I see this image it makes me laugh, and it makes me excited to know the Mavs won their championship!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
#74 Little Black Book
Been married now for 8 years. It is amazing to think that much time has passed since I first met my wife and started building the relationship we have today. I am not sure I can pinpoint the moment I knew we would be married (probably the moment she said yes) but I remember when I discovered she was the girl for me.
In college I wanted to be a professional writer. I wrote short stories and at some point decided I needed to write my first novel. I had not been through this process before and so did not know best practices for writing a novel. My writing teacher explained to us that chapters need to represent a story within the story and that they should be written with a clear beginning, middle and end. So this is how I decided to organize my first novel. I saved each chapter as its own file on my computer and worked on them individually, not necessarily concerned early on how they flowed together. I got 120 pages into the project, far and away more pages than I had ever written on one project before, when my computer crashed. And by crashed, I mean completely stopped working.
I was devastated. I still remember the anger and frustration I felt in our crappy apartment off of MLK blvd. When L. saw the devastation she immediately took my computer to a friend of hers who worked for the Baylor computer lab. He could not save the computer, but he was able to extract all the files and print all the pages for me. L. then took me to Best Buy where she used her money to help me purchase a laptop. I had not made a big purchase like this on my own yet, and I come from a long line of thrifty (cheap) Japanese tradition and spending this much money on one item made me extremely nervous. She answered my anxiety by saying, "You want to be a writer, right? Well, you need something to write on."
It seemed so simple when she said it like that, however it was not such a simple thing. The issue was courage. I did not have courage or confidence to spend money based on the simple idea I wanted to be a writer. L. not only had the courage to step up, but she had enough confidence in me to purchase the laptop.
My birthday approached a couple of weeks later and L. bought me a leather bound notebook. The inscription explained that this notebook is to be used to jot down all ideas I have for current and future writing projects. I still use the notebook to this day. Can you imagine how many wonderful ideas are amassed within it's leather binding? Let me just tell you there are many. Obviously the present was thoughtful. But it was much more than that. It demonstrated qualities like confidence, support and love. These are qualities worth building a future around.
I now have my little black book sitting next to my bed waiting for me to fill it with ideas. And each time I see it I think to myself how lucky I am for finding someone willing to take this journey with me, even if it means she has to read a bunch of crappy stories I write.
Monday, June 20, 2011
#73 Trading Places
Question: If you could trade places with someone for one day, who would it be?
Answer: After careful consideration I would trade places with one of the Astronauts currently assigned to the International Space Station. There are several modules used to research our planet and other celestial objects, but the one that stands out to me is the Cupola. The Cupola is a dome-shaped window structure that gives astronauts and cosmonauts a valuable work area with great visibility of our planet, solar system and galaxy. The day I would trade would not include the launching out of or the re-entering into the Earth's atmosphere. These two parts of the process frighten me above all others, and I can do without those experiences. The rest would be invaluable.
Or perhaps I would trade one day with Eddie Vedder so that I could spend one night crooning my favorite songs to a screaming crowd of slightly aging fans.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
#72 Tear Down The Wall!
A favorite recent memory I have (that I have a picture for) would have to be seeing Roger Waters perform The Wall at the AAC. Pink Floyd is one of those bands that made me sad I did not grow up in the 70's. I truly love their music. I am happy to say L. loves Pink Floyd as much as I do and over the years we listen to select albums during long drives to Houston.
Roger Waters and David Gilmour make up the heart and soul of Pink Floyd. Both are key song writers and singers throughout most of Pink Floyd's catalog. I have always been partial to Gilmour. L. has been partial to Roger Waters.
Last year we learned Roger Waters was performing The Wall at the AAC (without Gilmour) and there was no denying us. I was certainly happy to see 1/2 of the band that I love, though part of me wished Gilmour would have shown up. However, when the show started I was completely blown away. As Roger sang through the first part of the album their crew set up giant white bricks on the front of the stage. As they did this images were projected on the bricks communicating the various themes and motifs of the show.
Roger Waters was completely amazing. The show was incredible. And at the end they played L.'s favorite part known as the Trial. It is melodramatic, overly English and completely awesome. The show climaxed into a complete destruction of the Wall. Tear Down The Wall!
Monday, June 13, 2011
#71 Night Games
A perfect evening for me would involve playing games with my friends. Looks strange written out like this, but it is true. I like to play games. Over the years, the games I like to play have changed. Following is an exploration of the games that have filled the various times in my life.
Elementary School: I played Parcheesi and Connect 4 with my parents. Sometimes we played Chinese Checkers, but that game really frustrated me.
Junior High: Played Life and Monopoly. We use to extend Monopoly out by allowing credit outside the mortgages on the backs of the property cards. We just tallied up bills. At the lake house we played Scattegories and Pictionary, my two favorite games for a long time.
High School: Risk became a key game during this part of my life. Games would last all night, and oftentimes into the next day. Risk had a way of ending with a board clearing sweep by a losing player. If I remember correctly, Craig had the most board clearing endings. I remember we would find Risk pieces on his living room floor for days. We also played a lot of BS and a poker game called Challenge.
Freshman Year of College: We played Chess almost every night at Common Grounds. I remember I did not have any money and would have to accept a free Dr. Pepper or coffee from Chris, who felt bad seeing me out there for hours without something to drink. Other than that, there were not a lot of games played in the dorms.
Rest of College: Played a ridiculous amount of drinking games including P&A, Categories, Up the River, Pyramid, Circle of Death, High/Low, Egyptian Rat Screw, Quarters, Chasers and Beer Pong. L., Jill and I went through a serious Dr. Mario phase during college that was odd.
Just After College: We held onto a lot of the drinking games for several years, staying mainly with P&A. We also played a game called Settlers of Catan. We started playing Texas Hold Em as well. It was during this period that Scene It had a brief appearance in our evenings until people got frustrated with how much movie knowledge me and Katrina seemed to have. Every Christmas Eve we played Uno.
Tyler: In Tyler we played Texas Hold Em a few times, but mainly we played Pictionary and Guitar Hero. Man, we played some serious Guitar Hero. I was addicted and could play the same three songs over and over. And with Pictionary, L. gets so competitive. Her teammate is guaranteed to get yelled at, which can be intimidating to new members. However, her team always wins. She is very good.
Back in Dallas: Since being back in Dallas we mostly play Apples to Apples. The last game evening we had there were two games we played that were fun, but I cannot remember what they were. I cannot seem to find anyone to play Risk with me.
Friday, June 10, 2011
#70 Japan: Adventures In Food
On our trip to Japan it was important for me to be openminded about the food I ate. I wanted to try everything at least once and I wanted to learn what Japanese people ate on a regular basis. If forced to choose a favorite Japanese meal I would have to choose between Okonomyaki or Yakituri. Okonomyaki are weird meat pancakes that you cook on a griddle in front of you. The ingredients include batter, an assortment of meat, vegetables and a raw egg. You mix the batter and cook like a pancake. In the middle of the process you crack the egg and place on top of the pancake. Once the thing is done you drizzle your pancake with a Japanese BBQ sauce. It was interesting and tasted better than the more traditional Japanese meals we ate.
Yakituri consists of skewered meat basted with different spices and sauces, then grilled. I enjoyed our Yakituri meal immensely. It likely would have won my favorite Japanese meal award, except that I like the Okonomyaki photo better.
L. and I are huge sushi fans and one would think sushi might have been considered for this coveted award since it originated in Japan. Our one sushi experience at the Skiji fish market, while interesting and fun, proved to be disappointing as far as the food was concerned. First of all, our chef was sick and he constantly coughed and sneezed on our fish. We like sashimi best, but at the restaurant we chose on the outskirts of the market the sick chef cut such large pieces I felt like I was eating a raw fish corndog. Did not feel the same as the delicate sashimi we get here in the states.
We also enjoyed a traditional Japanese meal with a group of friends we met. The meal consisted of several courses that included shrimp that still had the heads and tails attached. The worst thing I ate in Japan was from this meal. It was a squid fresh out of the water. I am not even positive it was dead. The thing was squishy, clammy and much too big to be eaten as one bite. I put the squid in my mouth and when I started chewing it felt like I bit into slimy entrails. Not a good experience.
When visiting with my aunt, we ate Oden. My family insisted on us trying it and I must say it was not good. If forced to describe it I would say it was similar to muchy beef sticks with a strange flavor. Tasted overly processed but with a displeasing consistency. I ate everything in this picture, and had to force myself to smile when my relatives asked me if I liked it.
On a side note, we saw the two young women in the below picture at the Okonomyaki restaurant. We noticed many of the Japanese youth to be dressed like dolls or characters out of the Nutcracker. We asked friends and family members about these young people and they informed us this fashion is in style at the moment. I thought to myself, "Man, these kids today are weird." And then I realized I sounded like my dad when he saw me wearing Jams and a t-shirt.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
#69 Longtime Friend
Question: Who is the person you have been friends with the longest and still keep in touch with?
Answer: Chris White
Here are some fun facts about me and Chris. Hope his dad does not read this.
* We met in 2nd grade. I was in Miss Leverman's class. He was in Miss Brannock's (or something like that).
* Chris had a slumber party at his house one year and we thought it would be a good idea to have a boxing tournament. I got hit in the face and started crying. I threatened to go home because they weren't boxing fairly. I got as far as getting my shoes on before Chris convinced me to stay. He promised me no one else would punch me in the face.
* I broke my arm in his front yard attempting to do a bicycle kick we saw in the Sylvester Stallone movie Victory. Uncle Eric had to pick me up and take me home.
* While playing laser tag at the mall Chris accidentally punched a girl with his laser gun. She bled all over the mall. After that all guns became attached to the vest they make you wear.
* While playing football together for the SBJH B-Team Chris had a game where he caused a fumble, recovered a fumble, sacked the QB and had a handful of tackles. On the morning announcements I was recognized as a standout player, though I am not sure I even did anything in that game.
* The first girl Chris asked out was named Robin. He called her and asked her out on my kitchen rotary phone.
* In high school Chris put on an Ewok mask and dove down his stairs. Later that night he cleaned up at least three different places in his house where I had violently thrown up.
* Throughout high school Chris was the voice of reason. He fought with me endlessly on how far we would take the activities we participated in. I kept trying to stretch his comfort zone to include morally questionable, potentially illegal behavior while he tried to keep me reeled in to reality. It was this push/pull relationship that most likely kept me out of serious trouble.
* For the longest time Chris's dad thought we were gay. Not sure if he still does.
* We took guitar lessons together with a guy named Wally. I farted once at our lesson and Wally scolded me saying, "Man, don't do that. I like to sniff that chair after my 6 o'clock lesson". I don't think he was kidding.
* Chris and I bought and built hockey goals using PVC pipe. We played after school everyday and managed to get some of our school's most attractive girls to play hockey with us. When Chris was ready to sit he would let his feet roll out from under him and he would land harshly on his butt. He looked funny doing that.
* Chris is talented at doing the twist. Once Craig played Lorelei (from Styx) and danced in Chris's face. Chris broke out a hard core twist that sent Craig unexpectedly backward.
* Chris can open jars better than anyone I know.
* One summer we started a lawn mowing business. We made and distributed flyers and managed to get 1 steady client. We tried to undercut the competition with our $18 package deal.
* Growing up Chris had an unnatural affinity toward Ted Nugent. I had an unnatural affinity toward the Swedish Chef.
Monday, June 6, 2011
#68 Ten Facts
Been challenged to reengage my blog with 30 posts in 60 days. Wish me luck. Here are 10 facts about me:
1) I have the ability to stay up as late as the last person in any given evening. However, once I climb into bed I fall asleep within seconds.
2) I have slightly webbed toes and cannot move them individually. And this has not made me a faster swimmer.
3) I do not wear deodorant and I do not have BO problems.
4) I cringe each time my work phone rings.
5) I use the same voice to impersonate everything: people, animals and inanimate objects. Strangely, my impersonation fits my mother spot on.
6) On a Saturday afternoon if forced to choose between writing on a novel, playing music with a band, or playing a sport, I would most likely choose playing a sport. Almost doesn't matter the sport.
7) I can watch long, boring movies better than most people. I can also watch crappy 80's movies better than most people. However, I have a difficult time with modern day crappy movies.
8) Things I love more than any dude should: disney movies, jasmine vanilla aromatherapy hand lotion, wine, my puppy, playing pictionary, movies about gladiators, chocolate chip cookies, painting weiner dogs, TruBlood, cooking with our home grown peppers, shopping online
9) Things I love as much as any dude should: Dirk, pizza, whiskey, playing ping pong, the original Star Wars Trilogy, being at the lake house, movies about Scottish revolutionaries from the 1200's, The Most Interesting Man in the World commercials
10) Of all things, I am most proud of my 8-year marriage. I certainly did a superb job choosing and wooing a beautiful and intelligent girl. But also, we have done a great job of growing together and moving our lives in a forward direction. Our relationship has kept me emotionally and intellectually engaged, and has enabled me to keep a positive attitude in all other aspects of my life. And our relationship has kept me entertained (you should see her argue with the dog...it is very entertaining).
Friday, January 28, 2011
#67 Obsessive Courtesy Flushers
We have a couple of people here at my office who are obsessive courtesy flushers. That is to say, as they are going #2 they flush every 3-5 seconds, or each time something drips/falls/plops/splashes into the toilet...whichever happens more frequently. Part of me is annoyed by the Obsessive Courtesy Flusher because I feel like they are wasting a lot of water. I am also slightly annoyed because I sit within earshot of the bathroom, so I can hear each time an Obsessive Courtesy Flusher is dropping a load, and I do not like my day interrupted at all by the thought of someone else dropping a load. However, part of me feels like maybe I am the A-Hole that is pissing everyone off by only courtesy flushing when I deem necessary.
Maybe this is the problem. We need to, as a society, develop a universal definition as to the appropriate and necessary times to utilize the courtesy flush. Should we flush each time something exits the bunghole, or should we stop being so sensitive and wait until the entire process is done before considering to flush? And should there be other factors that need to be considered? For instance, if someone is hungover should they flush more. Or if someone ate Taco Bell for their last meal, should they be forced to flush more than someone who last ate Cafe Express? And what are adequate punishments for not adhering to the Universal Courtesy Flush Mandate? As a society we have a lot to consider.
Or perhaps I have spent entirely too much time on this subject already. Nothing like a little bathroom discussion on a Friday afternoon.
Maybe this is the problem. We need to, as a society, develop a universal definition as to the appropriate and necessary times to utilize the courtesy flush. Should we flush each time something exits the bunghole, or should we stop being so sensitive and wait until the entire process is done before considering to flush? And should there be other factors that need to be considered? For instance, if someone is hungover should they flush more. Or if someone ate Taco Bell for their last meal, should they be forced to flush more than someone who last ate Cafe Express? And what are adequate punishments for not adhering to the Universal Courtesy Flush Mandate? As a society we have a lot to consider.
Or perhaps I have spent entirely too much time on this subject already. Nothing like a little bathroom discussion on a Friday afternoon.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
#66 2011 Resolutions
The year cannot properly start without resolutions. Generally when setting goals, I like to review my last goal and see how well I may or may not have achieved that goal. I do not want to do that here. Resolutions are designed to allow us to move forward, and that is fully what I intend to do. So, no examining how shitty I was at my 2010 resolutions.
1) My most important resolution centers around my career. I am forever working toward something (no matter what realm of life we are talking about). For the longest time I was not certain exactly what I wanted my career to be (big picture). Now I have a good 5-year goal, which will hopefully set up the rest of my career. I work for an ad agency and have been working the past year and a half on a new client, building them from the ground up. The process has been tough, but rewarding. My resolution for 2011 centers around strengthening my position within the agency as it relates to the growth of this client. I wish to be an integral part of developing the relationship between the agency and the client, while at the same time developing the processes by which the agency executes this clients business. My goal: to be someone within the agency that pitches new business opportunities and moves from client to client in 5 year windows setting up the team within the agency, making it viable and self-serving before moving to a new business opportunity. For 2011 specifically, I want to move myself into the position of running our media team. It is going to be hard, and it is going to take many things happening at the same time. And it is going to take some luck. But I think I am up for it.
2) I started a small writing project a year and a half ago (before I started my job) and I would like to finish it. I have not written in a couple of years, but feel like I have a project I am interested in completing. I am 20-30 pages in and am liking the style in which I am writing. This style is much different than any of my previous projects. I would like to finish this novel/novella in 2011.
3) For my birthday I got an electronic drum set. I have been playing on average 4-5 days a week, 20-40 minutes per session. I have definitely improved, but I wish to be good enough to play in a band within the next 3 years. I need to improve drastically to make this happen.
4) I would like to learn how to make Scotch. For Christmas I got a home Scotch making kit. I have mixed the ingredients and have my first attempt resting in a tiny oak barrel. I am pretty sure it is going to taste like complete shit, but I am interested in learning this year how to not make it taste like complete shit. In fact, I would like to make it taste decent, maybe even good. Just so you know, I am not taking the barley and rye and distilling my own alcohol using the standard 3 year and 1 day required by Scottish law to make Scotch. However, I am taking the pre-distilled liquor, mixing it with pre-provided mash, adding a few of my own ingredients and then letting it mature in a tiny oak barrel in my house. This is not a professional endeavor, purely a recreational one. I feel strongly that any endeavor that yields alcohol is a good one, unless that alcohol tastes like complete shit. Which leads me back to my 4th resolution.
5) I would like to eat more blueberries and spinach. These are power foods that are extremely healthy. Blueberries are known to increase brain health. This is important to me, as my family is predisposed to Alzheimer's. Included with this is my need to address my cholesterol. I was recently tested for insurance purposes and my levels are higher than optimal. I am not in the danger area yet. I do not need to be on medication. However, I do need to seriously consider addressing my behavior so that I do not ever reach dangerous levels of cholesterol. Basically, I want to ensure that my body lives long enough to see my mind go crazy...
1) My most important resolution centers around my career. I am forever working toward something (no matter what realm of life we are talking about). For the longest time I was not certain exactly what I wanted my career to be (big picture). Now I have a good 5-year goal, which will hopefully set up the rest of my career. I work for an ad agency and have been working the past year and a half on a new client, building them from the ground up. The process has been tough, but rewarding. My resolution for 2011 centers around strengthening my position within the agency as it relates to the growth of this client. I wish to be an integral part of developing the relationship between the agency and the client, while at the same time developing the processes by which the agency executes this clients business. My goal: to be someone within the agency that pitches new business opportunities and moves from client to client in 5 year windows setting up the team within the agency, making it viable and self-serving before moving to a new business opportunity. For 2011 specifically, I want to move myself into the position of running our media team. It is going to be hard, and it is going to take many things happening at the same time. And it is going to take some luck. But I think I am up for it.
2) I started a small writing project a year and a half ago (before I started my job) and I would like to finish it. I have not written in a couple of years, but feel like I have a project I am interested in completing. I am 20-30 pages in and am liking the style in which I am writing. This style is much different than any of my previous projects. I would like to finish this novel/novella in 2011.
3) For my birthday I got an electronic drum set. I have been playing on average 4-5 days a week, 20-40 minutes per session. I have definitely improved, but I wish to be good enough to play in a band within the next 3 years. I need to improve drastically to make this happen.
4) I would like to learn how to make Scotch. For Christmas I got a home Scotch making kit. I have mixed the ingredients and have my first attempt resting in a tiny oak barrel. I am pretty sure it is going to taste like complete shit, but I am interested in learning this year how to not make it taste like complete shit. In fact, I would like to make it taste decent, maybe even good. Just so you know, I am not taking the barley and rye and distilling my own alcohol using the standard 3 year and 1 day required by Scottish law to make Scotch. However, I am taking the pre-distilled liquor, mixing it with pre-provided mash, adding a few of my own ingredients and then letting it mature in a tiny oak barrel in my house. This is not a professional endeavor, purely a recreational one. I feel strongly that any endeavor that yields alcohol is a good one, unless that alcohol tastes like complete shit. Which leads me back to my 4th resolution.
5) I would like to eat more blueberries and spinach. These are power foods that are extremely healthy. Blueberries are known to increase brain health. This is important to me, as my family is predisposed to Alzheimer's. Included with this is my need to address my cholesterol. I was recently tested for insurance purposes and my levels are higher than optimal. I am not in the danger area yet. I do not need to be on medication. However, I do need to seriously consider addressing my behavior so that I do not ever reach dangerous levels of cholesterol. Basically, I want to ensure that my body lives long enough to see my mind go crazy...
Monday, January 3, 2011
#65 2010 Year in Review
Spent some time last week thinking about New Year's Resolutions. My mind kept returning to 2010 and how great it was for me. The following is an impromptu list of things I experienced in 2010, and how I would like to work toward making 2011 be just as great.
* Vacations: New York City and Mexico. I've never been good at going on vacations as I am too cheap to spend money and not particular fond of flying. We went to New York early in the year. I went to Yankee Stadium and Ground Zero. We ate at a couple of New York's finest restaurants, as well as eating from the infamous street vendors. We went to the Museum of Modern Art and McSorley's, one of the oldest and most interesting pubs I have ever visited. The Mexican vacation was an all inclusive that involved a lot of lounging on the beach, eating at the different restaurants and drinking lots of whiskey. A truly fancy resort.
* Sporting Events: I love sporting events and I cannot imagine a better year than my 2010. I saw several Mavericks games from a suite and 2 courtside (hard to watch a game any other way after sitting courtside). The last couple of games I got to walk to the long media table where I know one of the best local sports writers covering the mavs. Felt good telling the high class suite that I was leaving to discuss latest Mavs news with an insider during the game. I saw a Cowboy game in the new Cowboy stadium, also in a suite on the Star level. Not kidding, our parking space was 15 yards from one of the entrances. We were so close they searched our car for bombs using a special bomb canine. I already mentioned Yankee Stadium, which was impressive. My most impressive experience occurred when my brother surprised me with Game 6 tickets to see the Rangers defeat the Yankees to go to the World Series.
* Concerts: I also love music and got to see some great shows in 2010. I saw Rush for the 4th time with Craig and Mark. Always a great time seeing three of the most talented musicians tear it up on stage, even if Craig is off dancing with a wooden fence at the back of the venue. We saw Roger Waters perform The Wall in all its musical and theatrical glory. We saw Better Than Ezra for the 5th time, or was it 6th? Always a good show, and always fun being 10 feet from the stage. And how can I forget JookaBox, the band that describes itself as: Messy, Zombie Punk that will take Metal back to hell!
* Weddings: Stephen and Meghan had a beautiful wedding in Houston that brought the family together for a fun and important weekend.
* Job: Made huge strides developing our client and building them from a start up brand to one we hope to be a household name within 5 years. As I look to 2011 I would like to devote time and energy into strengthening our client, developing our team within the agency and making our agency more successful than 2010. This will be hard, but rewarding when we are successful.
* Music: I got a drum set and am in the process of learning how to play. I did a good job in 2010 practicing each week and I have definitely made progress. My goal is to be good enough within 3 years to play in a band as a drummer. I have 2 1/2 years left to fulfill this goal.
* Kids: We have done a good job in 2010 fending off family and friends from pressuring us into having kids. I am confident we will be just as successful in 2011, though I fully anticipate a more vigorous effort from them.
* My Relationship With L.: I work hard to show L. how much I appreciate and need her. For the most part, I feel I do a good job. 2010 was a great year for us, and I look forward to spending 2011 with her.
* Vacations: New York City and Mexico. I've never been good at going on vacations as I am too cheap to spend money and not particular fond of flying. We went to New York early in the year. I went to Yankee Stadium and Ground Zero. We ate at a couple of New York's finest restaurants, as well as eating from the infamous street vendors. We went to the Museum of Modern Art and McSorley's, one of the oldest and most interesting pubs I have ever visited. The Mexican vacation was an all inclusive that involved a lot of lounging on the beach, eating at the different restaurants and drinking lots of whiskey. A truly fancy resort.
* Sporting Events: I love sporting events and I cannot imagine a better year than my 2010. I saw several Mavericks games from a suite and 2 courtside (hard to watch a game any other way after sitting courtside). The last couple of games I got to walk to the long media table where I know one of the best local sports writers covering the mavs. Felt good telling the high class suite that I was leaving to discuss latest Mavs news with an insider during the game. I saw a Cowboy game in the new Cowboy stadium, also in a suite on the Star level. Not kidding, our parking space was 15 yards from one of the entrances. We were so close they searched our car for bombs using a special bomb canine. I already mentioned Yankee Stadium, which was impressive. My most impressive experience occurred when my brother surprised me with Game 6 tickets to see the Rangers defeat the Yankees to go to the World Series.
* Concerts: I also love music and got to see some great shows in 2010. I saw Rush for the 4th time with Craig and Mark. Always a great time seeing three of the most talented musicians tear it up on stage, even if Craig is off dancing with a wooden fence at the back of the venue. We saw Roger Waters perform The Wall in all its musical and theatrical glory. We saw Better Than Ezra for the 5th time, or was it 6th? Always a good show, and always fun being 10 feet from the stage. And how can I forget JookaBox, the band that describes itself as: Messy, Zombie Punk that will take Metal back to hell!
* Weddings: Stephen and Meghan had a beautiful wedding in Houston that brought the family together for a fun and important weekend.
* Job: Made huge strides developing our client and building them from a start up brand to one we hope to be a household name within 5 years. As I look to 2011 I would like to devote time and energy into strengthening our client, developing our team within the agency and making our agency more successful than 2010. This will be hard, but rewarding when we are successful.
* Music: I got a drum set and am in the process of learning how to play. I did a good job in 2010 practicing each week and I have definitely made progress. My goal is to be good enough within 3 years to play in a band as a drummer. I have 2 1/2 years left to fulfill this goal.
* Kids: We have done a good job in 2010 fending off family and friends from pressuring us into having kids. I am confident we will be just as successful in 2011, though I fully anticipate a more vigorous effort from them.
* My Relationship With L.: I work hard to show L. how much I appreciate and need her. For the most part, I feel I do a good job. 2010 was a great year for us, and I look forward to spending 2011 with her.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
#64 Thrown Under The Wuss
I recently joined a coed soccer league and play games on Monday nights. Last Monday one of my female teammates, who I do not know, watched as I prepared myself to defend our opponent who dribbled the ball in my general direction. She said, "Don't be a pussy and go get him." Her words struck an awkward chord with me. Firstly, you do not hear girls say that word often. Secondly, she does not know me. Thirdly, I feel I am not a pussy, especially as it relates to athletics where I do not back down from much.
However, a couple of days have passed and I thought about the possibility of her having a special sense for these kinds of things. I cannot think of any guys who would consider themselves to be a wuss, but there are plenty of wusses out there. Perhaps she sees something in me that I subconsciously block from myself. I have thought about it and have produced the following: A list of how I am a giant wuss.
* I cannot open a jar of pickles to save my life
* I shriek and run away when I see a spider. Especially a big one.
* Could not stand the pain the few times I had any back hairs pulled out.
* When I walk around the attic I am creeped out and overly cautious with every step I take. Part of this is because I am afraid of stepping through the ceiling. Part of this is I am afraid of accidentally waking up a nest of sleeping possums.
* I shriek and run away when I see a snake. Especially a big one.
* I cannot stand for anyone to mess with my cuticles. Just the thought makes me cringe and extremely uncomfortable.
* Seeing a movie with an animal dying makes me cry: Artex, Marley, Hooch, Old Yeller
* Our conference rooms here at the office are so cold that I literally shiver during many of our meetings. I have not resorted to bringing in a special conference room sweater, which should allow me to retain my manhood. However, when I am shivering in there and everyone else is comfortable, I feel like a wuss.
* I shriek and run away when I see a wasp or hornet. Especially a big one.
* I kick and squirm when people touch my feet.
* I cannot handle having my fingers pulled back more than 15 degrees from my palm.
* Messing with a car battery makes me very nervous, as I think no matter how I touch it I will receive an electrical shock.
* My shoulder hurts to an almost unbearable extent 5 minutes after I begin using the weed-eater or blower.
* I cannot walk outside without shoes, and I cannot wear non-flipflops without socks.
* I have to mutilate a package of batteries using multiple sharp tools to get a freaking battery out. I just cannot seem to get the package open using my hands.
* Cannot drink coffee without almost equal proportions of cream and sugar.
* I must avert my eyes during certain types of gory scenes. Specifically when appendages are being slowly cut off, the worst being in the indy horror film Splinter. Also, I must avert my eyes during slow motion replays within NFL games that show gruesome knee injuries.
* I cannot "just deal with it" when my food has been handled by someone I know did not wash his/her hands.
However, a couple of days have passed and I thought about the possibility of her having a special sense for these kinds of things. I cannot think of any guys who would consider themselves to be a wuss, but there are plenty of wusses out there. Perhaps she sees something in me that I subconsciously block from myself. I have thought about it and have produced the following: A list of how I am a giant wuss.
* I cannot open a jar of pickles to save my life
* I shriek and run away when I see a spider. Especially a big one.
* Could not stand the pain the few times I had any back hairs pulled out.
* When I walk around the attic I am creeped out and overly cautious with every step I take. Part of this is because I am afraid of stepping through the ceiling. Part of this is I am afraid of accidentally waking up a nest of sleeping possums.
* I shriek and run away when I see a snake. Especially a big one.
* I cannot stand for anyone to mess with my cuticles. Just the thought makes me cringe and extremely uncomfortable.
* Seeing a movie with an animal dying makes me cry: Artex, Marley, Hooch, Old Yeller
* Our conference rooms here at the office are so cold that I literally shiver during many of our meetings. I have not resorted to bringing in a special conference room sweater, which should allow me to retain my manhood. However, when I am shivering in there and everyone else is comfortable, I feel like a wuss.
* I shriek and run away when I see a wasp or hornet. Especially a big one.
* I kick and squirm when people touch my feet.
* I cannot handle having my fingers pulled back more than 15 degrees from my palm.
* Messing with a car battery makes me very nervous, as I think no matter how I touch it I will receive an electrical shock.
* My shoulder hurts to an almost unbearable extent 5 minutes after I begin using the weed-eater or blower.
* I cannot walk outside without shoes, and I cannot wear non-flipflops without socks.
* I have to mutilate a package of batteries using multiple sharp tools to get a freaking battery out. I just cannot seem to get the package open using my hands.
* Cannot drink coffee without almost equal proportions of cream and sugar.
* I must avert my eyes during certain types of gory scenes. Specifically when appendages are being slowly cut off, the worst being in the indy horror film Splinter. Also, I must avert my eyes during slow motion replays within NFL games that show gruesome knee injuries.
* I cannot "just deal with it" when my food has been handled by someone I know did not wash his/her hands.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
#63 College Memories (Freshman Year)
* Arriving at Penland and immediately seeing Bobby who helped me unload my car to my dorm room.
* Living for a year in my dorm room with the boxes I moved in the same spot where Bobby and I unloaded them.
* A guy on our hall asking Chris for a cigarette while he was in the shower. The guy shamelessly watched Chris shower, and then followed him to our room afterward.
* Playing chess at Common Grounds every night. I drank water, because I could not afford coffee.
* Playing the crap out of Andre's play station in Tarek and Greg's room.
* 2 guys approaching me and Chris at the fountain and asking us if we were The Leapers.
* Listening to Morning Glory, Downward Spiral and Ten ad nausem.
* Boris The Cat
* The lunchroom guy repeating, "We got hammered!"
* Living on pizza and hamburgers.
* A cop knocking on our door while we drank Jim Beam asking if he could jam with us. He was in Chris's face while Chris awkardly avoided breathing, while playing Led Zeppelin.
* Going to Wal-Mart with Nancy and Brandi, and then at the end of the night unsure of whether or not Brandi had a kid.
* Drinking at a stranger's house who lit candles and then threw up while trying not to set his house on fire.
* Drinking Malt Liquor at a stranger's apartment when a giant snake was brought out to play with.
* Greg singing the "Ellen" song.
* The superwoman dive at SMU. She was running because we were in danger of missing the bus after she waited for me to pee on the side of the road.
* Chris and the pot of gold.
* Lance carrying around a book titled, "Awareness."
* Fred leaving our room because The Shining was just too scary.
* Me and Chris growing our hair out. Looked completely horrible.
* Getting pulled over on Valley Mills. I would have gotten away scott-free, but I did not. The cop let me go, and then called me back when he discovered that I had lied to him.
* Going home for Christmas, a month long break, and forgetting to bring home any underwear, socks, or undershirts.
* Going to the first ever dance held on Baylor's campus (First in 150 years) and leaving after 15 minutes.
* Spending countless hours at the Fountain, which is no longer there.
* Being amazed at the number of birds and crickets in Waco.
* Missing the 1995 Pearl Jam concert in Austin. Still have not gotten over this, by the way.
* Tarek using a Loufa in the public shower.
* Medhi calling me and Chris: Beamer and Butthead.
* Staying up all night before my Calculus final in order to avoid failing the class.
* Going to one football game as a member of the Baylor Line. We ran the field, a Baylor tradition that was cancelled because that day saw a member of the band fall off of a ladder due to the Baylor Line running the field. My jersey said "Jefe". Chris's said, "Monkey".
* My spanish teacher approaching me on the first class after the football game exclaiming, "I saw you in your Baylor Line jersey. It says "Jefe". How great!" She had no idea the reference came from The Three Amigos, not my love for Spanish.
* My second semester Spanish teacher calling me "Harby".
* Spending much of my down time on the smoke deck.
* Coming home at 7 am after a Saturday night out. We decided to get breakfast because we knew there was no chance we would wake up by 1p for lunch. We entered the cafeteria completely tired, beat down and sweaty/dirty to discover the cafeteria full of people dressed in their Sunday best before church.
* Dugat and I sending song lyrics we wrote to each other via snail mail. I think I still have many of these letters in my box of writing materials.
* Playing Twisted Metal at Craig's house in Houston over Christmas break. Mark figured out that he needed to put the disc in and turn his Play Station upside down to get his machine to work. Still amazes me that he troubleshooted and figured this out about his Play Station.
* Mark getting really pissed when I used the motorcycle dude to kill him when he was the front end loader.
* Craig and I watching Toy Story in the theater. One of the best movie experiences of my life.
* Opening Christmas presents at my dad's house shortly after watching Toy Story.
* A carton of cigarettes costing only $16
* Seeing Braveheart for the 5th time in the theater with Chris's parents.
* Watching the Academy Awards alone in the common room. I cheered when Braveheart won best picture. I know that is lame, but I truly love this movie.
* Reading several Stephen King novels, including: The Stand, Insomnia, The first three Dark Tower books, and The Shining
* Eating a steak at Mickey's apartment. She cooked it in a broiler and it did not taste very good. But because she was kinda hot and one of the few girls we associated with, I pretended it was one of the best steaks I had ever eaten.
* Switching my major from Math to English simply because I wanted to take a creative writing course.
* Living for a year in my dorm room with the boxes I moved in the same spot where Bobby and I unloaded them.
* A guy on our hall asking Chris for a cigarette while he was in the shower. The guy shamelessly watched Chris shower, and then followed him to our room afterward.
* Playing chess at Common Grounds every night. I drank water, because I could not afford coffee.
* Playing the crap out of Andre's play station in Tarek and Greg's room.
* 2 guys approaching me and Chris at the fountain and asking us if we were The Leapers.
* Listening to Morning Glory, Downward Spiral and Ten ad nausem.
* Boris The Cat
* The lunchroom guy repeating, "We got hammered!"
* Living on pizza and hamburgers.
* A cop knocking on our door while we drank Jim Beam asking if he could jam with us. He was in Chris's face while Chris awkardly avoided breathing, while playing Led Zeppelin.
* Going to Wal-Mart with Nancy and Brandi, and then at the end of the night unsure of whether or not Brandi had a kid.
* Drinking at a stranger's house who lit candles and then threw up while trying not to set his house on fire.
* Drinking Malt Liquor at a stranger's apartment when a giant snake was brought out to play with.
* Greg singing the "Ellen" song.
* The superwoman dive at SMU. She was running because we were in danger of missing the bus after she waited for me to pee on the side of the road.
* Chris and the pot of gold.
* Lance carrying around a book titled, "Awareness."
* Fred leaving our room because The Shining was just too scary.
* Me and Chris growing our hair out. Looked completely horrible.
* Getting pulled over on Valley Mills. I would have gotten away scott-free, but I did not. The cop let me go, and then called me back when he discovered that I had lied to him.
* Going home for Christmas, a month long break, and forgetting to bring home any underwear, socks, or undershirts.
* Going to the first ever dance held on Baylor's campus (First in 150 years) and leaving after 15 minutes.
* Spending countless hours at the Fountain, which is no longer there.
* Being amazed at the number of birds and crickets in Waco.
* Missing the 1995 Pearl Jam concert in Austin. Still have not gotten over this, by the way.
* Tarek using a Loufa in the public shower.
* Medhi calling me and Chris: Beamer and Butthead.
* Staying up all night before my Calculus final in order to avoid failing the class.
* Going to one football game as a member of the Baylor Line. We ran the field, a Baylor tradition that was cancelled because that day saw a member of the band fall off of a ladder due to the Baylor Line running the field. My jersey said "Jefe". Chris's said, "Monkey".
* My spanish teacher approaching me on the first class after the football game exclaiming, "I saw you in your Baylor Line jersey. It says "Jefe". How great!" She had no idea the reference came from The Three Amigos, not my love for Spanish.
* My second semester Spanish teacher calling me "Harby".
* Spending much of my down time on the smoke deck.
* Coming home at 7 am after a Saturday night out. We decided to get breakfast because we knew there was no chance we would wake up by 1p for lunch. We entered the cafeteria completely tired, beat down and sweaty/dirty to discover the cafeteria full of people dressed in their Sunday best before church.
* Dugat and I sending song lyrics we wrote to each other via snail mail. I think I still have many of these letters in my box of writing materials.
* Playing Twisted Metal at Craig's house in Houston over Christmas break. Mark figured out that he needed to put the disc in and turn his Play Station upside down to get his machine to work. Still amazes me that he troubleshooted and figured this out about his Play Station.
* Mark getting really pissed when I used the motorcycle dude to kill him when he was the front end loader.
* Craig and I watching Toy Story in the theater. One of the best movie experiences of my life.
* Opening Christmas presents at my dad's house shortly after watching Toy Story.
* A carton of cigarettes costing only $16
* Seeing Braveheart for the 5th time in the theater with Chris's parents.
* Watching the Academy Awards alone in the common room. I cheered when Braveheart won best picture. I know that is lame, but I truly love this movie.
* Reading several Stephen King novels, including: The Stand, Insomnia, The first three Dark Tower books, and The Shining
* Eating a steak at Mickey's apartment. She cooked it in a broiler and it did not taste very good. But because she was kinda hot and one of the few girls we associated with, I pretended it was one of the best steaks I had ever eaten.
* Switching my major from Math to English simply because I wanted to take a creative writing course.
Friday, October 8, 2010
#62 December 18, 1987
Another excerpt from the flower journal. I must admit, so far this is not as rivetting as I thought it would be when I found it. I am sure it gets better as we get into Junior High years...
I've played 2 basketball games and scored 6 points. I also lost my bike. Well, it was stolen. I have been doing terrible in school, but I will improve. Right now I am suprisingly watching Its a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. I'm watching it on cable. I am having trouble sleeping but I'll go to sleep soon. I can play a lot of songs on my Casio Keyboard. Memaw got me that. We opened presents early. Awhile ago I wrote a poem for my dad and Jeanne. This year I decorated our tree. This is our tree, not someone elses. Today was good.
I've played 2 basketball games and scored 6 points. I also lost my bike. Well, it was stolen. I have been doing terrible in school, but I will improve. Right now I am suprisingly watching Its a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. I'm watching it on cable. I am having trouble sleeping but I'll go to sleep soon. I can play a lot of songs on my Casio Keyboard. Memaw got me that. We opened presents early. Awhile ago I wrote a poem for my dad and Jeanne. This year I decorated our tree. This is our tree, not someone elses. Today was good.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
#61 March 26, 1986
Do you know what you did on March 24, 1986? I am certain most people do not know what they did on this particular day. But I do, because while I sifted through a giant rubbermaid container filled with old writing a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon an important treasure. I found my first journal. Jeanne took me shopping and suggested that I start my own diary. She took me to K-Mart and led me down the school supply aisle. I have no idea how come I chose the most grandma-looking of all the diaries available. Isn't this the strangest thing for a 9 year old boy to pick out?
Here is the first excerpt. As I read through this thing I may post other entries. Maybe not, depending on how "personal" they are. As you probably know, a young boy's heart is a deep ocean of secrets. Did I just steal that line from Titanic? Anyway, hopefully there will be plenty to enjoy as I read through my very first journal.
March 24, 1986
Today I ate yucky beans. I threw up one of them. I saw It’s a Wonderful Life for the hundredth time. Today I got a haircut and new sunglasses. I played Mr. Ed with my dad and I just found out what etc. means. I had to read a stupid manners book. I got in trouble just because I said, “Gosh!” Tonight I had to read because I was scared. But I had a good dream.
Today I met a kid called Mike. He babysitted me. He’s real nice. We play with his video set. Dad and I played catch and played cards. I had two popcycles. I had real fun today.
Here is the first excerpt. As I read through this thing I may post other entries. Maybe not, depending on how "personal" they are. As you probably know, a young boy's heart is a deep ocean of secrets. Did I just steal that line from Titanic? Anyway, hopefully there will be plenty to enjoy as I read through my very first journal.
March 24, 1986
Today I ate yucky beans. I threw up one of them. I saw It’s a Wonderful Life for the hundredth time. Today I got a haircut and new sunglasses. I played Mr. Ed with my dad and I just found out what etc. means. I had to read a stupid manners book. I got in trouble just because I said, “Gosh!” Tonight I had to read because I was scared. But I had a good dream.
Today I met a kid called Mike. He babysitted me. He’s real nice. We play with his video set. Dad and I played catch and played cards. I had two popcycles. I had real fun today.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
#60 Is Mopering A Word?
While waiting for the elevator this morning I noticed the security guard eyeing two girls as they entered the building. His eyes drifted from their faces to their bodies. His head turned with them as they passed and his eyes drifted low as he watched them walk toward the elevators. Now, I like to check out hot chicks as much as the next dude, but this entire ordeal was shameless and awesome.
I can't help but wonder how come this sort of behavior is so heavily one-sided. How come girls do not stand around in public environments shaking their heads at the mere thought of what they could do to the guys who walked by? Think of how different the world would be. And each time I caught a girl staring at me and thinking dirty thoughts (which would happen frequently) I would stop and say, "Damn right!"
Oh wait. I think I just answered my own question. Girls shamelessly checking out guys only encourages guys, and this is something most girls do not need more of in their lives. Ok, I get it.
Writing this post reminds me of watching Revenge of the Nerds on HBO when I was in 4th grade. I watched it with my dad in Fort Hood, TX. There is a scene in the middle of the movie where Booger talks with a cop about a man arrested for mopering. Booger asks, "What is mopering?" The officer explaining it to Booger says, "Mopering is when you expose yourself to a blind person."
After this scene aired I asked my dad what exposing yourself means. He explained it, and to hammer home his point he said, "How would you like it if a girl came up to you and showed you her naked body?" Even at the tender age of 9 I did not shy away from seeing a naked girl.
So, the moral of the story is: Guys are shameless and girls unfortunately must deal with it.
I can't help but wonder how come this sort of behavior is so heavily one-sided. How come girls do not stand around in public environments shaking their heads at the mere thought of what they could do to the guys who walked by? Think of how different the world would be. And each time I caught a girl staring at me and thinking dirty thoughts (which would happen frequently) I would stop and say, "Damn right!"
Oh wait. I think I just answered my own question. Girls shamelessly checking out guys only encourages guys, and this is something most girls do not need more of in their lives. Ok, I get it.
Writing this post reminds me of watching Revenge of the Nerds on HBO when I was in 4th grade. I watched it with my dad in Fort Hood, TX. There is a scene in the middle of the movie where Booger talks with a cop about a man arrested for mopering. Booger asks, "What is mopering?" The officer explaining it to Booger says, "Mopering is when you expose yourself to a blind person."
After this scene aired I asked my dad what exposing yourself means. He explained it, and to hammer home his point he said, "How would you like it if a girl came up to you and showed you her naked body?" Even at the tender age of 9 I did not shy away from seeing a naked girl.
So, the moral of the story is: Guys are shameless and girls unfortunately must deal with it.
Friday, April 16, 2010
#58 Alice In Slippers
Fate sometimes intervenes in life. When it does, I feel strongly it is our duty to allow fate to exercise its will on our destiny. Wednesday night, while I lay in bed, I perused my phone to see if Alice in Wonderland was still available in movie theaters, hoping L. and I might go out on Saturday night. I discovered that Thursday night was the last night the film could be seen in the nice theater closest to our home. Generally I do not like seeing movies in the theater because they are too expensive, and I do not like seeing movies during the week because I like to relax at home. However, L. and I wanted to see this movie in the theater and Thursday night was our last chance to do so.
On Thursday a coworker approached my desk and asked me if I planned to attend the vendor meeting he'd planned for us. The vendor: NCM (National Cine Media). NCM sells commercial space in many theaters across the country in the space right before the film starts. Her presentation included a montage of big budget movies now in theaters. Alice In Wonderland owned a good 20 seconds of the montage.
At the end of her presentation, the NCM rep handed each of us gold passes to any AMC theater. The theater closest to our house happens to be an AMC theater. I sent L. an email asking if she would be interested in a spontaneous trip to the movies, that fate intervened in our lives and we had a responsibility to embrace this opportunity.
L. and I work hard, and often late. AMC scheduled the final showing for Alice In Wonderland at 7:55p. L. generally gets home (on good days) between 7:30p and 8p. She felt she could take off early from work (6:30p) so we could eat something quick and make it to the movie in time. The plan seemed to work smoothly. L. arrived about 6:45. We ate dinner and left for the movie promptly at 7:40 in order to make it to the theater and into our seats by 7:55p. We did not, however, account for Mall parking lot traffic. We pulled into the Park entrance hoping to get a spot near Dilliards. The road at the entrance forks, forcing L. and I to choose between the right and the left parking lots. I chose the right, thinking that the lot outside of Dilliards is always clear and easily accessible. My thinking was right. I pulled to the right and discovered the lot to have empty spaces from which I could choose.
It was at this point that L. looked down at her feet and discovered she wore her pink, fluffy house shoes. She said, "Oh no! I'm wearing my house slippers!" She got home from work, changed into a nice dress and decided to wait until the last minute to put on her shoes. The last minute turned out to be after we already arrived at the movie theater.
The big question arose: Do we go home and get sensible shoes but perhaps miss the first part of the movie? Or do I make L. see Alice in slippers?
What would you have done?
On Thursday a coworker approached my desk and asked me if I planned to attend the vendor meeting he'd planned for us. The vendor: NCM (National Cine Media). NCM sells commercial space in many theaters across the country in the space right before the film starts. Her presentation included a montage of big budget movies now in theaters. Alice In Wonderland owned a good 20 seconds of the montage.
At the end of her presentation, the NCM rep handed each of us gold passes to any AMC theater. The theater closest to our house happens to be an AMC theater. I sent L. an email asking if she would be interested in a spontaneous trip to the movies, that fate intervened in our lives and we had a responsibility to embrace this opportunity.
L. and I work hard, and often late. AMC scheduled the final showing for Alice In Wonderland at 7:55p. L. generally gets home (on good days) between 7:30p and 8p. She felt she could take off early from work (6:30p) so we could eat something quick and make it to the movie in time. The plan seemed to work smoothly. L. arrived about 6:45. We ate dinner and left for the movie promptly at 7:40 in order to make it to the theater and into our seats by 7:55p. We did not, however, account for Mall parking lot traffic. We pulled into the Park entrance hoping to get a spot near Dilliards. The road at the entrance forks, forcing L. and I to choose between the right and the left parking lots. I chose the right, thinking that the lot outside of Dilliards is always clear and easily accessible. My thinking was right. I pulled to the right and discovered the lot to have empty spaces from which I could choose.
It was at this point that L. looked down at her feet and discovered she wore her pink, fluffy house shoes. She said, "Oh no! I'm wearing my house slippers!" She got home from work, changed into a nice dress and decided to wait until the last minute to put on her shoes. The last minute turned out to be after we already arrived at the movie theater.
The big question arose: Do we go home and get sensible shoes but perhaps miss the first part of the movie? Or do I make L. see Alice in slippers?
What would you have done?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)