TK8103 and KG
123 Fake St
Abington, MA
Re: Trees located on the property at 123 Fake Street Abington, MA
Dear TK and KG,
As you are aware, the trees bordering the property at the HD playground are in need either of removal or cutting back. We realize you have been cooperative with our Sexton, BC, in the past and we will gladly help in any way we can to remedy this situation.
Our first concern, of course, is that this is the play area for the nursery school and soon the children will want to come out to play and we can not safely allow this due to the current amount of limbs, both small and large, that have been dropping. Please call one of us at your earliest convenience to talk over the situation.
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
The Trustees of the
United Followers of Some Bearded Guy in Abington
Umm, go right ahead and remove the offending limbs, my friends.
To be fair, I went out and took a look at the trees in question as soon as I read the letter. There are 4 rather large trees bordering the property. One is dead, and looks to have dropped some sizable limbs. Another one is half dead, and in need of removal. I had actually been thinking about taking all 4 down at some point, as they are old and gnarly, and ripping the shit out of my little stone wall.
The folks at the church next door have been nice enough, and I appreciate their concern. Hell, I share it. If my precious snowflakes went to their daycare, I wouldn't want tree limbs falling on them either. I don't really anticipate a problem here, except for one thing. The trees are friggin huge. Half the cutting will need to be done on their side. It's either going to be a joint effort (which I'm all for), or we're going to have to split the cost of a tree removal service.
I noted to KG tonight that tree limbs only really fall in bad weather, when kids would not be outside playing anyway.
Whatever. We'll see how this develops.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Sweet dreams are made of this
Partial list of ingredients for Reese's Peanut butter Eggs: Nonfat milk, milk fat.
Wait, what?
Wait, what?
Friday, March 07, 2008
TGIF
I'd be happier if today's lovely weather was going to last. But, tomorrow we're getting a deluge.
I'm still waiting on my car, though the mechanic called and it should end up being under $300. Not bad. There's a major oil leak, but all I care about is getting it sticker worthy. I'll be upgrading in the near future.
Did some yard work, which was nice. I'd still be at it except for the fact I now have several huge piles of leaves and no where to put them. So, time to take it indoors, have a bite to eat and do some laundry.
I made a few changes to the blog, mostly updating the template and adding the "Call Me" button to the right. If you want to call and leave a voicemail, just click away. I haven't played with it yet, but apparently I can post voicemails on the blog. Cool.
Congrats to EG. Her and Vic secretly tied the know this week while on vacation. Looks like all the G girls now have new surnames.
I'm still waiting on my car, though the mechanic called and it should end up being under $300. Not bad. There's a major oil leak, but all I care about is getting it sticker worthy. I'll be upgrading in the near future.
Did some yard work, which was nice. I'd still be at it except for the fact I now have several huge piles of leaves and no where to put them. So, time to take it indoors, have a bite to eat and do some laundry.
I made a few changes to the blog, mostly updating the template and adding the "Call Me" button to the right. If you want to call and leave a voicemail, just click away. I haven't played with it yet, but apparently I can post voicemails on the blog. Cool.
Congrats to EG. Her and Vic secretly tied the know this week while on vacation. Looks like all the G girls now have new surnames.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Hurm, indeed
364 days until Watchmen hits the theaters. To mark the occasion, the official Watchmen site released some character pics today. Sweet Jesus.
From what I've seen and heard so far, the only way Snyder can fuck this up is if he throws in the Max Rebo band and his intergalactic jizz blower. Since that's in the unlikely category, I'm fairly confident that this adaptation is going to be awesome.
Color me excited.
From what I've seen and heard so far, the only way Snyder can fuck this up is if he throws in the Max Rebo band and his intergalactic jizz blower. Since that's in the unlikely category, I'm fairly confident that this adaptation is going to be awesome.
Color me excited.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Blue light special
It's no secret my poor car has suffered neglect. The roof leaks, oil leaks, the brakes are squealing, the shocks are shot.
It runs, but not well.
We'll be retiring my trusted Saturn in the near future.
At any rate, my current inspection sticker expired at the end of the month. I took the car in Saturday, and much to my dismay (but not surprise), it failed. The "Check Engine" ( or in my case, "Service Engine Soon") light has been on for some time. The place I used to take it never noted it.
Apparently, it has something to do with the O2 sensor being slow to respond. So, the mechanic slapped a rejection sticker on it and suggested I make an appointment with them to look at it. I have 60 days to resolve the issue.
I made an appointment for Friday, requiring a day off from work.
Well, this morning, I pull out on to RT 18 and passed a cruiser. I silently counted 3 mississippis in my head, and sure enough there were the blue strobes in my rear view mirror.
I pulled over, got out my license and registration, and waited for Ms Cop to finish running my plate and come talk to me.
I wasn't surprised to get pulled over. Yes, I have 60 days, but the fuzz doesn't know that until they stop me. What did surprise me was the following exchange after the copper looked at my registration. (Note: the car is registered in KG's name.)
Cop: Is this your daughter's car?
Me: ?!?!?!
Yes, officer. The car is registered to my 2 year old daughter. Christ on a cracker, I know I have some gray hair, and this morning I was looking a little grizzled. But for fuck's sake, she had my license in her hand that clearly shows my birth year as 1973!
I must have given her a look, because she quickly said "Your wife's car?"
Damn, man. Color me pissed.
So, as soon as I got to work, I called the autoshop. Friday is as soon as I can take a day off. Here's hoping I can make it through the next two days without getting pulled over again.
It runs, but not well.
We'll be retiring my trusted Saturn in the near future.
At any rate, my current inspection sticker expired at the end of the month. I took the car in Saturday, and much to my dismay (but not surprise), it failed. The "Check Engine" ( or in my case, "Service Engine Soon") light has been on for some time. The place I used to take it never noted it.
Apparently, it has something to do with the O2 sensor being slow to respond. So, the mechanic slapped a rejection sticker on it and suggested I make an appointment with them to look at it. I have 60 days to resolve the issue.
I made an appointment for Friday, requiring a day off from work.
Well, this morning, I pull out on to RT 18 and passed a cruiser. I silently counted 3 mississippis in my head, and sure enough there were the blue strobes in my rear view mirror.
I pulled over, got out my license and registration, and waited for Ms Cop to finish running my plate and come talk to me.
I wasn't surprised to get pulled over. Yes, I have 60 days, but the fuzz doesn't know that until they stop me. What did surprise me was the following exchange after the copper looked at my registration. (Note: the car is registered in KG's name.)
Cop: Is this your daughter's car?
Me: ?!?!?!
Yes, officer. The car is registered to my 2 year old daughter. Christ on a cracker, I know I have some gray hair, and this morning I was looking a little grizzled. But for fuck's sake, she had my license in her hand that clearly shows my birth year as 1973!
I must have given her a look, because she quickly said "Your wife's car?"
Damn, man. Color me pissed.
So, as soon as I got to work, I called the autoshop. Friday is as soon as I can take a day off. Here's hoping I can make it through the next two days without getting pulled over again.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Carny
And as the company passed from the valley
Into a higher ground
The rain beat on the ridge and on the meadow
And on the mound
Until nothing was left, nothing at all
Except the body of sorrow
That rose in time
To float upon the surface of the eaten soil
And a murder of crows did circle round
First one, then the others flapping blackly down
And the carny's van still sat upon the edge
Tilting slowly as the firm ground turned to sludge
And the rain it hammered down
And no-one saw the carny go
I say it's funny how things go
Into a higher ground
The rain beat on the ridge and on the meadow
And on the mound
Until nothing was left, nothing at all
Except the body of sorrow
That rose in time
To float upon the surface of the eaten soil
And a murder of crows did circle round
First one, then the others flapping blackly down
And the carny's van still sat upon the edge
Tilting slowly as the firm ground turned to sludge
And the rain it hammered down
And no-one saw the carny go
I say it's funny how things go
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Toy of the week
18" of Alien terror from the good folks at Kenner. I still haven't figured out why, exactly, they'd make a toy out of something from an R rated horror movie. Whatever, the thing is freakin awesome. The head glows in the dark, and the secondary jaw extends when you push a button on the back of the head.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Watchmen bits
I failed to mention earlier this random little fun thing:
Over on Watchmencomicmovie they had a Q & A session with Zach Snyder. I kind of, sort of, indirectly got to chat up Zach! Check the 4th question. You should recognize the handle.
10-4, masked vigilantes!
Over on Watchmencomicmovie they had a Q & A session with Zach Snyder. I kind of, sort of, indirectly got to chat up Zach! Check the 4th question. You should recognize the handle.
10-4, masked vigilantes!
It remains a post 12/13 world. For me.
What a shit ass day, weather wise. Around 11 I asked my boss if I could leave work early, and got a negative response. Shortly after that, she left for our Braintree office. So, at 2 I left. Screw that, I will never again sit in my car for 8 1/2 hours to travel 30 miles if I can at all avoid it.
When I left, traffic was moving, and road conditions seemed alright. I actually made it to Quincy in about 10 minutes. Time enough to get coffee before picking up Izzy.
From there, things got worse.
When I pulled up to Izzy's daycare, the car went into a skid and I smashed into the curb hard enough to dent my rim. I just missed a telephone poll by inches. The rest of the ride home was treacherous at best. I usually don't have too much trouble in the snow, between having front wheel drive and a standard. Today I was sliding all over the place. Not good.
Made it home around 3:30. Not bad, not bad at all. KG left work shortly after that and was home a little after 5.
Now the kids are tucked into bed, I'm getting sleepy, and the sound of freezing rain is playing in the background.
When I left, traffic was moving, and road conditions seemed alright. I actually made it to Quincy in about 10 minutes. Time enough to get coffee before picking up Izzy.
From there, things got worse.
When I pulled up to Izzy's daycare, the car went into a skid and I smashed into the curb hard enough to dent my rim. I just missed a telephone poll by inches. The rest of the ride home was treacherous at best. I usually don't have too much trouble in the snow, between having front wheel drive and a standard. Today I was sliding all over the place. Not good.
Made it home around 3:30. Not bad, not bad at all. KG left work shortly after that and was home a little after 5.
Now the kids are tucked into bed, I'm getting sleepy, and the sound of freezing rain is playing in the background.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
They're coming to get you, Barbara
Most people who know me know about my deep seated fear of wild turkeys. I spent a number of years being stalked by a disgruntled herd of them in Marshfield, and I fear them almost as much as I do raccoons.
KG was delighted to inform me the other day that there were six of the bastards outside. Right next to the house. Perching on top of the church like gargoyles.
I haven't slept well since.
KG was delighted to inform me the other day that there were six of the bastards outside. Right next to the house. Perching on top of the church like gargoyles.
I haven't slept well since.
As a matter of fact, the whole thing is dark
So, tonight our little moon passes through our planet's shadow, momentarily obscured. I'm a lazy stargazer, truth be told. In fact, I was only aware of tonight's eclipse because it was on fark.
At any rate, I wandered outside a few minutes ago to take a gander. And there is the moon, bright in the sky and blood red. A menses moon.
Neat.
At any rate, I wandered outside a few minutes ago to take a gander. And there is the moon, bright in the sky and blood red. A menses moon.
Neat.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Toy of the week
ET, featuring an extending neck and a Speak and Spell.
I used to have a prosthetic ET finger with a light up tip. It looked like a big gray, shining cock. That appears to have long since disappeared.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Dysentery
You gotta have the stomach for it.
This week has been one long bout of one person or another in our house forcefully expelling liquids from one orifice or another. Whatever malevolent little bug has entered our abode ain't going away easy.
Izzy was home on Wednesday throwing up a storm. TKJr was sent home from school the next day with the same, plus the runs. He was home today as well, but seems to be on the mend.
I picked Izzy up, and she's sick again. Threw up once today and hasn't been eating. Unlike her brother, who is full of maniacal, pent up energy, she was listless and quite not herself this evening. I find it a bit unnerving. She'll be going to the MD tomorrow if it continues.
Now, it seems KG has the loose bowels as well. I already went through it last week, so here's hoping I don't get it again.
This week has been one long bout of one person or another in our house forcefully expelling liquids from one orifice or another. Whatever malevolent little bug has entered our abode ain't going away easy.
Izzy was home on Wednesday throwing up a storm. TKJr was sent home from school the next day with the same, plus the runs. He was home today as well, but seems to be on the mend.
I picked Izzy up, and she's sick again. Threw up once today and hasn't been eating. Unlike her brother, who is full of maniacal, pent up energy, she was listless and quite not herself this evening. I find it a bit unnerving. She'll be going to the MD tomorrow if it continues.
Now, it seems KG has the loose bowels as well. I already went through it last week, so here's hoping I don't get it again.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Toy of the week
Colonial Viper from the original BSG. The front and rear sections separate, and you can add pieces of other ships to "customize" it. At one point there were little orange projectiles that fired from the cannons, but I fear they are long lost to the ages.
Post party report
I forgot I was planning on taking pics last night until the wee hours. So, here's a couple of snapshots from the tail end of the festivities:
And finally, when the kids came home today they posed for this little heart warmer:
And finally, when the kids came home today they posed for this little heart warmer:
Happy Birthday to me
First off, let me say that turning 35 is really no big deal.
there's more than a passing chance that I've actually hit middle age. I figure at the rate I'm going, 70 is a long shot. A pleasant possibility. Should I make it, I'll be pleased. If I don't,
At any rate, a varied group of individuals took a break from their usual Saturday night routine to come down and help me mark the occasion. I feared all week I'd be hiding in my nicotine enshrouded den while fellow wish me wells gathered upstairs. Not the case.
Quite a few people took a tumor for me tonight. Both me and Phillip Morris appreciate your dedication to the Schultz Corporation and it's various subsidiaries. We appreciate your continued support. Your presence at the annual meeting was, and is, appreciated.
Thank you, Taco, for this loving tribute to Falco.
there's more than a passing chance that I've actually hit middle age. I figure at the rate I'm going, 70 is a long shot. A pleasant possibility. Should I make it, I'll be pleased. If I don't,
At any rate, a varied group of individuals took a break from their usual Saturday night routine to come down and help me mark the occasion. I feared all week I'd be hiding in my nicotine enshrouded den while fellow wish me wells gathered upstairs. Not the case.
Quite a few people took a tumor for me tonight. Both me and Phillip Morris appreciate your dedication to the Schultz Corporation and it's various subsidiaries. We appreciate your continued support. Your presence at the annual meeting was, and is, appreciated.
Thank you, Taco, for this loving tribute to Falco.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Toy of the week
Remote Control Jawa Sancrawler! The original commercial for this bad boy boasts about it's mult-directioness: Forward, reverse, and forward again!
Short week ahead
I found myself in work this morning before the sun had even come up. That's just wrong.
I'm leaving early today to pick the boy up from preschool. I'm looking forward to actually being able to drive the speed limit on 93.
Even better, I have Thursday and Friday off. We get to celebrate Chinese new year because the baby's daycare will be closed.
I love short work weeks.
I'm leaving early today to pick the boy up from preschool. I'm looking forward to actually being able to drive the speed limit on 93.
Even better, I have Thursday and Friday off. We get to celebrate Chinese new year because the baby's daycare will be closed.
I love short work weeks.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Can I go back to work? Please?
Ugh.
So, KG got a call late Friday morning that TKJr had a fever and needed to come home from school. He was a bit sick over the weekend, but more or less his usual self. Sunday he came out of the bathroom and reported that he was making stinky water (ie diarrhea). Still no fever, but he had the runs.
Izzy was fine all weekend. Sunday morning I noted she felt warm, but seemed OK. Around 5 she was running around naked as usual.
KG gave the kids a bath, and the baby started shivering. We bundled her up and sat down to watch AFV. Shortly after, she started puking and was hot to the touch. Fever of 103.7. We called the doctor, tried to cool her down, and pumped her full of drugs. At 10:30 she still had a temp, but it was lower.
I slept through the night, but she didn't. When I got up for work, KG asked me to stay home with her, as the baby's fever was back up over 103, and Nick, although seeming fine, was still having the runs. So I missed work. Again.
Izzy went to the doctor, they couldn't find anything wrong. Probably an intestinal bug that she caught from TKJr. She and KG napped most of the day away, while I attempted to entertain a cranky boy. I've never wanted to be at work more.
So, tonight the kids seem more or less normal. Izzy's fever was scary, but she seems to be bouncing back. I'd be happy and all, except I've noticed two things this evening. First, my bones ache and I'm really, really tired. Second, there is one hell of an ill wind blowing out of my ass.
I can work sick. I actually prefer to save my sick days for mental health use. That said, I will under no circumstances report for duty when liquid is coming out of my ass or mouth. No way, no how. Wish me luck, because I have a touch of cabin fever.
So, KG got a call late Friday morning that TKJr had a fever and needed to come home from school. He was a bit sick over the weekend, but more or less his usual self. Sunday he came out of the bathroom and reported that he was making stinky water (ie diarrhea). Still no fever, but he had the runs.
Izzy was fine all weekend. Sunday morning I noted she felt warm, but seemed OK. Around 5 she was running around naked as usual.
KG gave the kids a bath, and the baby started shivering. We bundled her up and sat down to watch AFV. Shortly after, she started puking and was hot to the touch. Fever of 103.7. We called the doctor, tried to cool her down, and pumped her full of drugs. At 10:30 she still had a temp, but it was lower.
I slept through the night, but she didn't. When I got up for work, KG asked me to stay home with her, as the baby's fever was back up over 103, and Nick, although seeming fine, was still having the runs. So I missed work. Again.
Izzy went to the doctor, they couldn't find anything wrong. Probably an intestinal bug that she caught from TKJr. She and KG napped most of the day away, while I attempted to entertain a cranky boy. I've never wanted to be at work more.
So, tonight the kids seem more or less normal. Izzy's fever was scary, but she seems to be bouncing back. I'd be happy and all, except I've noticed two things this evening. First, my bones ache and I'm really, really tired. Second, there is one hell of an ill wind blowing out of my ass.
I can work sick. I actually prefer to save my sick days for mental health use. That said, I will under no circumstances report for duty when liquid is coming out of my ass or mouth. No way, no how. Wish me luck, because I have a touch of cabin fever.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Toy of the week
Avoid the Noid! I have no idea how I managed to end up with this little guy in my possession, but I did. There he is.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Cleaning Update
Well, all in all KG and I got a good amount of work done today. We can actually walk around our bedroom! We have a lot of clothes between the two of us, and the 3 bureaus current in the bedroom just aren't cutting it.
I did 4 loads of laundry, we packed up 2 garbage bags worth of clothes for Goodwill, and I threw out all my torn socks and pants. We've made some progress. There's more to do, but I'm pleased.
On the agenda is a trip to IKEA to see about replacing all of our bedroom furniture. We have a miss matched set right now, and I think we're over due for something a little more grown up.
Also have to hit the Depot for some foundation sealer and storage racks. Need to hit Target for a record player and an ironing board. I have to straighten up the attic so i can continue to move stuff up from the basement. Need to re-do the office.
Sigh.
On a lighter note, I discussed with KG the importance of spending our tax rebate (not our return, but the economic bail out that should be coming out around May or so) on something that will help stimulate the economy. We wouldn't be doing our part for America if we saved or invested the money. No, we need to purchase something expensive and frivolous. I suggest an HDTV. I don't think I'm pulling one over on her, but she did like the idea.
I did 4 loads of laundry, we packed up 2 garbage bags worth of clothes for Goodwill, and I threw out all my torn socks and pants. We've made some progress. There's more to do, but I'm pleased.
On the agenda is a trip to IKEA to see about replacing all of our bedroom furniture. We have a miss matched set right now, and I think we're over due for something a little more grown up.
Also have to hit the Depot for some foundation sealer and storage racks. Need to hit Target for a record player and an ironing board. I have to straighten up the attic so i can continue to move stuff up from the basement. Need to re-do the office.
Sigh.
On a lighter note, I discussed with KG the importance of spending our tax rebate (not our return, but the economic bail out that should be coming out around May or so) on something that will help stimulate the economy. We wouldn't be doing our part for America if we saved or invested the money. No, we need to purchase something expensive and frivolous. I suggest an HDTV. I don't think I'm pulling one over on her, but she did like the idea.
Friday, January 25, 2008
I don't wanna
Well, KG and I are moving forward with her plan to throw a little bash here for my birthday. It'll be nice to have some people over and show off our homestead.
That said, I've got some serious cleaning and organizing to do before then. Not my favorite thing in the world.
We've got way too much shit, yo. Way too much. I've had some fun over the last week or so going through boxes and discovering all the junk I've held on to for 34 years. But seriously, what's the point? I do enough navel gazing as it is. I really need to just get rid of it.
If only it was that easy.
That said, I've got some serious cleaning and organizing to do before then. Not my favorite thing in the world.
We've got way too much shit, yo. Way too much. I've had some fun over the last week or so going through boxes and discovering all the junk I've held on to for 34 years. But seriously, what's the point? I do enough navel gazing as it is. I really need to just get rid of it.
If only it was that easy.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Toy of the week
Tron with Light Cycle. I think I still have the ripcord floating around somewhere.
(edit) Actually, that's Flynn, not Tron. Tron does not sport a toga.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
So ya think '08's gonna be a good one?
A somewhat belated happy New year to all you out there. Whether it be the ties of friendship or the late night search for fucking stuffed animals that brings you here, may 2008 bring you nothing but good fortune, enduring friendship and peace of mind.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Debut post: Toy of the week
Now that I have plenty of megapixels at my disposal, I thought I'ld start a toy of the week post. What better to start with than the Guy Fawkes loving anarchist, V for Vendetta.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Life on the cube farm
In celebration of my new Canon PowerShot, I thought I'd share some snapshots of my cube.
I'm one of the only people in the office who doesn't have a LCD monitor. I don't mind so much, since I get to do this.
An accidental shot of my work surface. Note the red Swingline.
A Christmas present from one of the clinicians. Wind it up, and it jitters like an over caffeinated bug.
Last but not least, TKjr's portrait of Sheldon Plankton that he drew for me.
I'm one of the only people in the office who doesn't have a LCD monitor. I don't mind so much, since I get to do this.
An accidental shot of my work surface. Note the red Swingline.
A Christmas present from one of the clinicians. Wind it up, and it jitters like an over caffeinated bug.
Last but not least, TKjr's portrait of Sheldon Plankton that he drew for me.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Remember, remember the eleventh of September...
- The airplanes, terror and plot,
- I know of no reason
- Why nine eleven
- Should ever be forgot.
Jesus H Tap Dancing Christ. Seriously?
Shut. The. Fuck. Up.
It's a movie, for cry eye. Too soon? When did this once proud nation become a land of professional victims? Get over it, get over yourself.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Off to a good start
The first day of the new year... woke up hung over and irritable.
Didn't do much, but the kids were more or less good.
Watched the Simpsons movie, had a good laugh.
Had a blow out with the misses, and we're still not speaking.
Think I'll call it a night.
Didn't do much, but the kids were more or less good.
Watched the Simpsons movie, had a good laugh.
Had a blow out with the misses, and we're still not speaking.
Think I'll call it a night.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
So long '07
Another year draws itself to a close.
I've got no complaints. 2007 saw us buy our own house. Good friends moved back home. The kids grew, our families survived.
I've got no great expectations or resolutions for 2008, other than to take it as it comes. One day at a time.
Picked up the Land of the Dead game for the XBox. It's tough. I've been getting served by a bunch of zombies. I'll need to dedicate a night or two to some serious game play if I hope to make any progress.
I also got both From Hell and V for Vendetta for Christmas. Read them both already. I've grown to be a huge fan of Alan Moore now. Thinking about doing a V costume for Halloween. The challenge there being doing an authentic comic version versus the film.
Currently, the search is on for an affordable wood burning stove for the office. It remains to be seen if that will come to pass.
I've got no complaints. 2007 saw us buy our own house. Good friends moved back home. The kids grew, our families survived.
I've got no great expectations or resolutions for 2008, other than to take it as it comes. One day at a time.
Picked up the Land of the Dead game for the XBox. It's tough. I've been getting served by a bunch of zombies. I'll need to dedicate a night or two to some serious game play if I hope to make any progress.
I also got both From Hell and V for Vendetta for Christmas. Read them both already. I've grown to be a huge fan of Alan Moore now. Thinking about doing a V costume for Halloween. The challenge there being doing an authentic comic version versus the film.
Currently, the search is on for an affordable wood burning stove for the office. It remains to be seen if that will come to pass.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Merry Meme
Mycalls posted this, so I'll share the yule cheer.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper for the kids, bags for everyone else.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real tree and wreath this year.
3. When do you put up the tree? The second weekend of December, usually.
4. When do you take the tree down? In the past, when it was good and dead. This year I suspect it'll be sooner.
5. Do you like egg nog? Hood's new gingerbread flavored is really good.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Anything Star Wars, most of which I still have. And the aforementioned Green Machine.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have an incomplete one somewhere. I was thinking of filling in the missing players with action figures.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My parents. They really don't need any more shit.
9. Easiest person to buy for? The kids. They're more than willing to express their desires.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail this year. usually I just forget all together.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? My grandmother gave me a horrid sweater one year. Damn near scarred me for life.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? It's a toss up between A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In earnest around mid November.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Indeed.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Italian cookies. Eggnog, pumpkin pie.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? We usually have clear, but the kids voted for colored this year.
17. Favorite Christmas song? "Merry Fucking Christmas" from the South Park Mr. Hankey album. "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" still gets me, mostly because it's always relevant.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We do a bit of traveling.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Did I mention I have kids? That'd be a yes.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Last year we had a Darth Vader head. This year, a star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People being rude because they are so frazzled... it seems to get worse every year.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I've got a boatload of Star Wars ornaments. Enough said.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Homemade pizza and chocolate soy milk. That'll do just fine.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A wood burning stove would keep me happy
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper for the kids, bags for everyone else.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real tree and wreath this year.
3. When do you put up the tree? The second weekend of December, usually.
4. When do you take the tree down? In the past, when it was good and dead. This year I suspect it'll be sooner.
5. Do you like egg nog? Hood's new gingerbread flavored is really good.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Anything Star Wars, most of which I still have. And the aforementioned Green Machine.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have an incomplete one somewhere. I was thinking of filling in the missing players with action figures.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My parents. They really don't need any more shit.
9. Easiest person to buy for? The kids. They're more than willing to express their desires.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail this year. usually I just forget all together.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? My grandmother gave me a horrid sweater one year. Damn near scarred me for life.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? It's a toss up between A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In earnest around mid November.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Indeed.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Italian cookies. Eggnog, pumpkin pie.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? We usually have clear, but the kids voted for colored this year.
17. Favorite Christmas song? "Merry Fucking Christmas" from the South Park Mr. Hankey album. "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" still gets me, mostly because it's always relevant.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We do a bit of traveling.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Did I mention I have kids? That'd be a yes.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Last year we had a Darth Vader head. This year, a star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People being rude because they are so frazzled... it seems to get worse every year.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I've got a boatload of Star Wars ornaments. Enough said.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Homemade pizza and chocolate soy milk. That'll do just fine.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A wood burning stove would keep me happy
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
All I want for Christmas Part 2
Is to be small enough to take one of these for a spin again. I had many a great adventure on my Green Machine.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
Always Look On the Bright Side
Sure, it's only the first week of December and we've had a solid week of sub-freezing temps and varying amounts of that silly white stuff kids seem to love. It's been unpleasant and a bit of an adjustment, true. But on the plus side, it's perfect zombie weather. If this was post outbreak, most of the zombies would be frozen now. The ones that were still mobile would be very slow. Sure, it wouldn't be totally safe, but you could move around pretty freely and be able to off a good number of them.
Not a bad thing. Not a bad thing at all.
I'll up the positive ante by mentioning I am also the proud owner of a pretty good sledding hill. It's not giant, but a plastic saucer would get you flying pretty good. In addition, there'll be enough snow to create an army or two of three foot snowmen.
Pretty, pretty good.
Not a bad thing. Not a bad thing at all.
I'll up the positive ante by mentioning I am also the proud owner of a pretty good sledding hill. It's not giant, but a plastic saucer would get you flying pretty good. In addition, there'll be enough snow to create an army or two of three foot snowmen.
Pretty, pretty good.
My Little Girl
Kids are funny.
Last night I stopped by Newbury Comics with Isabel. I had a few presents to pick up for co-workers, and I figured she wouldn't mind tagging along. As we were walking down one of the toy aisles, she spotted a plush doll and demanded to get down so she could see it. She grabbed it off the shelf, clutched it tight and started repeating "Baby doll! baby doll!" I couldn't get her to let go of it. She was in love. With this:
Nicholas, three years older than her, is scared of it. Isabel loves it so much, she slept with it all night, holding it in her arms.
You never can tell.
Last night I stopped by Newbury Comics with Isabel. I had a few presents to pick up for co-workers, and I figured she wouldn't mind tagging along. As we were walking down one of the toy aisles, she spotted a plush doll and demanded to get down so she could see it. She grabbed it off the shelf, clutched it tight and started repeating "Baby doll! baby doll!" I couldn't get her to let go of it. She was in love. With this:
Nicholas, three years older than her, is scared of it. Isabel loves it so much, she slept with it all night, holding it in her arms.
You never can tell.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Stupid Couch
The behemoth has returned. When KG and I had our first apartment together, and she was preggers, we bought this huge as couch from Jordan's. It's big. It's been sitting in my parent's garage for years because we couldn't fit it through the door at our last apartment.
I haven't missed it.
Now, after finally getting our office/rec room in order, the bastard has been returned to me.
I'm not happy, yo.
I haven't missed it.
Now, after finally getting our office/rec room in order, the bastard has been returned to me.
I'm not happy, yo.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
All wrapped up
KG and I managed to take care of 90% of our Santa shopping in one fell swoop. Hopefully everything is lead free.
Tonight I'm wrapping presents and finally cleaning up all my music files. Stupid iTunes went all shitty on me. The plus side is it finally got me to organize everything and clean up some excess files. A chore I'd been putting off for some time.
I'm tired. Really fucking tired. I should go to bed. But I won't.
Tonight I'm wrapping presents and finally cleaning up all my music files. Stupid iTunes went all shitty on me. The plus side is it finally got me to organize everything and clean up some excess files. A chore I'd been putting off for some time.
I'm tired. Really fucking tired. I should go to bed. But I won't.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Tis the season
I'm not sure what exactly is behind it, but I seem to have a bit of the Christmas spirit this year.
I'm no Grinch to begin with, but it's rare for me to feel festive.
Perhaps it'll pass.
I'm no Grinch to begin with, but it's rare for me to feel festive.
Perhaps it'll pass.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
I wish turkey only cost a nickle
Happy turkey day, y'all. Hope everyone has a pleasant holiday.
And remember to thankful, dammit.
And remember to thankful, dammit.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Where my fingernails live
Kids say and do weird things, without a doubt.
TKJr. came walking into the living room after having gone to bed tonight. He wanted me to come in his room so he could show me something. The following conversation occurred:
"What did you want to show me, honey?"
"I want to show you where my fingernails live."
"Umm, OK. Where do they live?"
"You tell me."
"I don't know, I thought you wanted to tell me."
"You tell me."
"On your fingers?"
"No, the ones I peel off."
"I don't know. Where do they live?"
"Under my pillow!"
He then proceeded to show me a little collection of 4 or 5 fingernail ends he had peeled off and stashed under his pillow.
Weird kid.
TKJr. came walking into the living room after having gone to bed tonight. He wanted me to come in his room so he could show me something. The following conversation occurred:
"What did you want to show me, honey?"
"I want to show you where my fingernails live."
"Umm, OK. Where do they live?"
"You tell me."
"I don't know, I thought you wanted to tell me."
"You tell me."
"On your fingers?"
"No, the ones I peel off."
"I don't know. Where do they live?"
"Under my pillow!"
He then proceeded to show me a little collection of 4 or 5 fingernail ends he had peeled off and stashed under his pillow.
Weird kid.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
What is wrong with these kids?
Yesterday I was pulled out of work by a call from TKJr's preschool. Seems he puked, so I had to bring him home.
Of course, once we got home, he was all about playing and not resting.
In the wee hours of this morning, he was coughing in his sleep, and Izzy (in bed with us) woke up shivering, puking and crying. She had a fever of almost 103. So, both KG and I stayed home so we could take these two to the doctor.
Junior gets diagnosed with a sinus infection, Izzy probably the same thing. We get them home, and after a mini nap, they spend the rest of the night running around, being general pains in the ass.
I'm exhausted, stressed, my back is killing me, and I doubt I'll get a good night's sleep. Little girl is already in bed with KG while I sit down here tugging on a beer. To boot, my nose is starting to drip.
I actually would have preferred to be at work today.
Of course, once we got home, he was all about playing and not resting.
In the wee hours of this morning, he was coughing in his sleep, and Izzy (in bed with us) woke up shivering, puking and crying. She had a fever of almost 103. So, both KG and I stayed home so we could take these two to the doctor.
Junior gets diagnosed with a sinus infection, Izzy probably the same thing. We get them home, and after a mini nap, they spend the rest of the night running around, being general pains in the ass.
I'm exhausted, stressed, my back is killing me, and I doubt I'll get a good night's sleep. Little girl is already in bed with KG while I sit down here tugging on a beer. To boot, my nose is starting to drip.
I actually would have preferred to be at work today.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
RIP Paul Tibbets
Brigadier General Paul Tibbets (USAF, Ret) died today at the age of 92. Godspeed to you, good sir.
I grew up in the shadow of nuclear annihilation. During the late 70's and through the 80's, the threat of global thermonuclear war seemed very real and very frightening. Being a morbid child by nature, I was slightly obsessed with nuclear war.
Until recently, I was revolted by the fact that America had dropped atomic bombs on the citizens of Japan. The thought that 100,000 people could die in an instant is a horror nearly impossible to comprehend. Innocent civilians, children, vaporized. Hundreds of thousands more suffering and dying for generations after.
Then I learned about the Japanese and their quest to conquer the world. I learned about their mindset, their culture. The lengths they went to in fighting their war. The lengths they were prepared to go to to avoid surrender.
Suddenly the Little Boy and Fat Man made a lot of sense.
All Things Considered did a piece on him this afternoon. When countering the charge that the dropping of the atomic bomb was immoral, Tibbets made a remark that really moved me. He said somrthing to the effect that "first you have to consider that there is no morality in war. War itself is immoral."
That it is.
When all is said in done, no nuclear device has ever been used in conflict since the surrender of Japan. For that, we should all be thankful.
Paul Tibbets lived with the burden of ushering in the nuclear age. He appeared to accept it.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Hurm
Rorschach's Journal October 31, 2007
Woke up early. Arrived at work and prepared for the day's events.
Found myself surrounded by flying monkeys. Hallucination? Must investigate further.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
It Approaches
Halloween is almost here. KG and I are still trying to decide who is staying home to pass out candy. If she stays, I'm donning the TK and making the rounds with the kids. If I stay home, it'll probably be the zombie costume and loud spooky music to scare the trick or treaters. Of course, I'm hoping for the latter.
My costume is almost complete. Gave it a test fit, and it looks good. Mask is done. Coat is weathered. Hat and gloves fit. Just need to clean up the pin and apply the blood, and find some pants.
The whole project ended up being more trouble than anticipated, but it looks good. That's all that counts.
My costume is almost complete. Gave it a test fit, and it looks good. Mask is done. Coat is weathered. Hat and gloves fit. Just need to clean up the pin and apply the blood, and find some pants.
The whole project ended up being more trouble than anticipated, but it looks good. That's all that counts.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Ketchup
So, let's see. Since the last time I blogged...
We've had weather consistently in the high 70's. So much for fall. Every tree on the South Shore is turning, except the 42 in my yard. I still haven't taken the blower out of the trunk.
I spent Saturday moving all of my shit out of my parent's garage. One trailer full, and now it's all up in my attic. Not too bad. Mice got into a number of boxes. So far, the worst of the damage was to an old pith helmet. That had to be tossed. They ate a promotional "Devil Woman" chocolate bar that I got when Crumb was released on VHS. Yes, VHS. Remember 1994?
I found my original Coleco game system. That was covered in mouse shit and piss, but doesn't seemed to be damaged. After I clean it up, I'll give either Donkey Kong or Dig Dug a test run.
I rediscovered several boxes full of potential money. Old comics and action figures, etc. I made a point of putting every thing in the attic, although I was sorely tempted to dump in all in the office so I could dig through it.
The one thing I did do, just tonight, was to set up my dart board. I'm a bit rusty, but after a week or so I should be back up to snuff.
Good times, y'all. Good times.
We've had weather consistently in the high 70's. So much for fall. Every tree on the South Shore is turning, except the 42 in my yard. I still haven't taken the blower out of the trunk.
I spent Saturday moving all of my shit out of my parent's garage. One trailer full, and now it's all up in my attic. Not too bad. Mice got into a number of boxes. So far, the worst of the damage was to an old pith helmet. That had to be tossed. They ate a promotional "Devil Woman" chocolate bar that I got when Crumb was released on VHS. Yes, VHS. Remember 1994?
I found my original Coleco game system. That was covered in mouse shit and piss, but doesn't seemed to be damaged. After I clean it up, I'll give either Donkey Kong or Dig Dug a test run.
I rediscovered several boxes full of potential money. Old comics and action figures, etc. I made a point of putting every thing in the attic, although I was sorely tempted to dump in all in the office so I could dig through it.
The one thing I did do, just tonight, was to set up my dart board. I'm a bit rusty, but after a week or so I should be back up to snuff.
Good times, y'all. Good times.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Yeah, it's fall alright
All in all we had a pretty nice weekend over here. Had Friday off for my sister-in-law's wedding. It was at a chapel in Sudsbury. Very pretty. It rained the whole drive up, but the sun came out just in time for the ceremony, so that was cool.
The reception was fun. J & C gave me a Holiday Vader figure. He's red! TKJr was a big hit. He was a dancing fool.
Saturday was fairly uneventful. I hammered some nails and cut some wood.
Today, we bundled up and headed out to a local farm to do some pumpkin picking. Both kids got nice, large pumpkins. On the way home, I grabbed some firewood and we had our first fire in the fireplace.
Oh, and I bought a leaf blower. So, yeah, fall is here alright. I'm sipping a Post Road Pumpkin Ale and freezing my ass off out in the office.
The reception was fun. J & C gave me a Holiday Vader figure. He's red! TKJr was a big hit. He was a dancing fool.
Saturday was fairly uneventful. I hammered some nails and cut some wood.
Today, we bundled up and headed out to a local farm to do some pumpkin picking. Both kids got nice, large pumpkins. On the way home, I grabbed some firewood and we had our first fire in the fireplace.
Oh, and I bought a leaf blower. So, yeah, fall is here alright. I'm sipping a Post Road Pumpkin Ale and freezing my ass off out in the office.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I made the local paper!
Much to my bemusement, the Patriot Ledger published an article about Weymouth After Dark today, with a nice big picture of me. You can see it here.
When I got home today, I got a call from FP informing me that not only was the article in today's paper, but the picture was on the front page. So, I hopped in the car and headed for the Qwiki Mart. They were sold out. I went to 2 other sundry stores, and they were out as well. On my way to a fourth store, I passed a Ledger paper box on the corner. Sure enough, prominently displayed in the window of the machine was yours truly.
Zany.
When I got home today, I got a call from FP informing me that not only was the article in today's paper, but the picture was on the front page. So, I hopped in the car and headed for the Qwiki Mart. They were sold out. I went to 2 other sundry stores, and they were out as well. On my way to a fourth store, I passed a Ledger paper box on the corner. Sure enough, prominently displayed in the window of the machine was yours truly.
Zany.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
A little late in the season
During my fruitless search for a freaking Spongebob costume yesterday, I was informed by one not so helpful employee of Halloween Express that it was a little late in the season.
Excuse me? Season? Late? As of yesterday, there were 23 days left until All Hallow's Eve.
Hurm.
At any rate, I ordered the costume from their website, and received an email today informing me that it had shipped.
In other seasonal news, my costume is slowly coming together. I got my face mask in the mail today. I'd be happy, except they sent me the wrong model. I ordered a closed face mask, and that's not what I got. We'll see how that works out.
What am I going as, you ask?
Excuse me? Season? Late? As of yesterday, there were 23 days left until All Hallow's Eve.
Hurm.
At any rate, I ordered the costume from their website, and received an email today informing me that it had shipped.
In other seasonal news, my costume is slowly coming together. I got my face mask in the mail today. I'd be happy, except they sent me the wrong model. I ordered a closed face mask, and that's not what I got. We'll see how that works out.
What am I going as, you ask?
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Now With 30% Less Snark!
So, I got a talking to from my boss today.
It would appear that my reputation at work is at stake due to my tendency to run my mouth. I have caused offense by making blunt, off the cuff remarks about coworkers. I have thrown people under the bus in an attempt to force senior management in to dealing with some of our biggest problems. I have been honest.
I have developed a bit of an attitude.
Duly noted.
My eval is due in a couple of months. I'm counting on that almighty 5% raise. So, if a kinder, gentler me is what they want, a kinder, gentler me they will get.
You want a team player? I'll be the "I" in team. You want me to play nice and play by the rules? OK. No prob, Bob.
Since the end result will be more money in my pocket and less acid in my stomach, I'm game. I'm going to let go of the stress, and just do what I'm paid to do. Shit, I'll be the hap-hap-happiest asshole that ever worked there. It might actually be fun.
It would appear that my reputation at work is at stake due to my tendency to run my mouth. I have caused offense by making blunt, off the cuff remarks about coworkers. I have thrown people under the bus in an attempt to force senior management in to dealing with some of our biggest problems. I have been honest.
I have developed a bit of an attitude.
Duly noted.
My eval is due in a couple of months. I'm counting on that almighty 5% raise. So, if a kinder, gentler me is what they want, a kinder, gentler me they will get.
You want a team player? I'll be the "I" in team. You want me to play nice and play by the rules? OK. No prob, Bob.
Since the end result will be more money in my pocket and less acid in my stomach, I'm game. I'm going to let go of the stress, and just do what I'm paid to do. Shit, I'll be the hap-hap-happiest asshole that ever worked there. It might actually be fun.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Unexplained bacon
So, I checked in mycall's blog and discovered a meme. It's been a while since I posted one, so here it be.
Does someone love you?
Yes, indeed. That's the grease that keeps my wheels turning.
Do you know anyone named Dave?
I do.
Ever kissed anyone with the name starting with a J?
I did. A few times.
Has anyone ever mistaken you for a family member?
My father many, many times.
What colour are the walls of your parent's bedroom?
Huh? Off white, I think.
Do you think that hair extensions look skanky?
There's one girl at work that looks dynamite in them. Not my thing really, but some people can pull it off
Are you named after a grandparent?
Nope, for a saint who is no longer a saint.
Say you were given a drug test right now. Would you pass or fail?
I keep talking about quitting my job to work at Home Depot. They wouldn't hire me.
Are you taller than 5'6"?
By 3 inches..
Do you know anyone in jail/prison?
Not that I'm aware of. But that's just because they haven't been caught.
Ever see a dead body?
Hundreds of them.
Do you like the colour green?
I do.
What is your best friend's Dad's name?
Bill.
How old are you?
34.
Who was the last person to send you a text message?
KG when we were playing with our new phones.
Ever drove into the ghetto to buy drugs?
I used to work in Bridgeport, CT. So yes.
Last restaurant you went to?
China Pearl, which used to be International Buffet. I usually wouldn't suggest International Buffet, but this one was attached to a Chinese supermarket and had really good food.
What is the weather like today?
Foggy morning breaking up into midday sun. In the high sixties.
Last voice mail you received?
A clinician with a problem which I ignored.
What did you do yesterday?
Woke up, went to work, got in trouble, picked up Belly from daycare, went home, had dinner, watched the last installment of The War, cruised Fark, went to bed.
What's the first thing you would do with five million dollars?
I really don't know. I'd probably buy something foolish. Because I could.
What nationalities are you?
Heinz 57.
How many hours did you sleep for last night?
5
Any upcoming concerts you want to attend?
I'd love to see the Zepp reunion.
Who's the last person that you felt was stalking you?
My ex wife.
What jewellery are you wearing?
My wedding ring. That's it.
If all of your friends were going on a road trip, would you?
Depends on where they were going.
How much money do you have?
Not nearly enough
Do you swear at your parents?
If they ask for it.
Is your phone right beside you?
yes, I'm on call tonight.
Have you cried today?
I had to pretend to cry to entertain TKJr..
Do you think that someone is thinking about you right now?
Probably not. That's not a bad thing.
Do you untie your shoes every time you take them off?
Never!
What is the colour of your bedsheets?
Beige.
Have you ever crawled through a window?
Many times.
Are you photogenic?
I guess.
What's your star sign?
Aquarius.
Where do you spend most of your money?
Home repairs.
What was the last thing you did?
Scratched my balls.
Do you have a tattoo?
Three. You want details? A tribal dragon on my right shoulder, Kokopelli on my left arm, and a bluebird on my right arm with Belly's name.
Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings?
I have kids.
Is there a secret you've never told any of your friends?
Possibly.
Have you ever told someone you loved them but didn't mean it?
Nope.
Have you ever changed your clothes while in a vehicle?
On occasion.
What are you doing in 2008?
Sleeping, hopefully.
What is your ring tone?
The Imperial March
What were you doing at 2am last night?
Drooling into my pillow.
Are your parents married/divorced/separated?
Divorced, remarried, divorced again, remarried.
What are you doing tonight?
Catching up on Curb Your Enthusiasm, smoking butts and typing out a meme.
What are you doing tomorrow?
Same shit.
Who did you last message on Myspace?
An old friend from high school.
What's your opinion on sex without emotional commitment?
Why the hell not?
Does it annoy you when someone says they'll call but never do?
Not really.
What did you dress up as for your first Halloween?
The Lone Ranger.
Favourite Disney movie?
Cars
What is the wallpaper on your cellphone?
"Cyberspace"
Does someone love you?
Yes, indeed. That's the grease that keeps my wheels turning.
Do you know anyone named Dave?
I do.
Ever kissed anyone with the name starting with a J?
I did. A few times.
Has anyone ever mistaken you for a family member?
My father many, many times.
What colour are the walls of your parent's bedroom?
Huh? Off white, I think.
Do you think that hair extensions look skanky?
There's one girl at work that looks dynamite in them. Not my thing really, but some people can pull it off
Are you named after a grandparent?
Nope, for a saint who is no longer a saint.
Say you were given a drug test right now. Would you pass or fail?
I keep talking about quitting my job to work at Home Depot. They wouldn't hire me.
Are you taller than 5'6"?
By 3 inches..
Do you know anyone in jail/prison?
Not that I'm aware of. But that's just because they haven't been caught.
Ever see a dead body?
Hundreds of them.
Do you like the colour green?
I do.
What is your best friend's Dad's name?
Bill.
How old are you?
34.
Who was the last person to send you a text message?
KG when we were playing with our new phones.
Ever drove into the ghetto to buy drugs?
I used to work in Bridgeport, CT. So yes.
Last restaurant you went to?
China Pearl, which used to be International Buffet. I usually wouldn't suggest International Buffet, but this one was attached to a Chinese supermarket and had really good food.
What is the weather like today?
Foggy morning breaking up into midday sun. In the high sixties.
Last voice mail you received?
A clinician with a problem which I ignored.
What did you do yesterday?
Woke up, went to work, got in trouble, picked up Belly from daycare, went home, had dinner, watched the last installment of The War, cruised Fark, went to bed.
What's the first thing you would do with five million dollars?
I really don't know. I'd probably buy something foolish. Because I could.
What nationalities are you?
Heinz 57.
How many hours did you sleep for last night?
5
Any upcoming concerts you want to attend?
I'd love to see the Zepp reunion.
Who's the last person that you felt was stalking you?
My ex wife.
What jewellery are you wearing?
My wedding ring. That's it.
If all of your friends were going on a road trip, would you?
Depends on where they were going.
How much money do you have?
Not nearly enough
Do you swear at your parents?
If they ask for it.
Is your phone right beside you?
yes, I'm on call tonight.
Have you cried today?
I had to pretend to cry to entertain TKJr..
Do you think that someone is thinking about you right now?
Probably not. That's not a bad thing.
Do you untie your shoes every time you take them off?
Never!
What is the colour of your bedsheets?
Beige.
Have you ever crawled through a window?
Many times.
Are you photogenic?
I guess.
What's your star sign?
Aquarius.
Where do you spend most of your money?
Home repairs.
What was the last thing you did?
Scratched my balls.
Do you have a tattoo?
Three. You want details? A tribal dragon on my right shoulder, Kokopelli on my left arm, and a bluebird on my right arm with Belly's name.
Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings?
I have kids.
Is there a secret you've never told any of your friends?
Possibly.
Have you ever told someone you loved them but didn't mean it?
Nope.
Have you ever changed your clothes while in a vehicle?
On occasion.
What are you doing in 2008?
Sleeping, hopefully.
What is your ring tone?
The Imperial March
What were you doing at 2am last night?
Drooling into my pillow.
Are your parents married/divorced/separated?
Divorced, remarried, divorced again, remarried.
What are you doing tonight?
Catching up on Curb Your Enthusiasm, smoking butts and typing out a meme.
What are you doing tomorrow?
Same shit.
Who did you last message on Myspace?
An old friend from high school.
What's your opinion on sex without emotional commitment?
Why the hell not?
Does it annoy you when someone says they'll call but never do?
Not really.
What did you dress up as for your first Halloween?
The Lone Ranger.
Favourite Disney movie?
Cars
What is the wallpaper on your cellphone?
"Cyberspace"
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Who the fuck are you?
KG dropped off two rolls of pictures at CVS. When I popped the CDs in to upload the pictures, one was not my children.
Looks like someone had a good time in Vegas.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Fireside Thoughts
My week long sabbatical has come to an end. I'm not usually one to take a vacation purely for shits and giggles, but this one was needed.
Work has been tiresome and grating for far too long. I've been in a rut and squeezed too tight. I needed a week off to clear my head. It seems to have done some good.
I bought some new clothes and tended to some of the many chores here that needed doing. There are still too many left to name, but I feel like I've made some progress.
TKJr survived his first week of preschool, and actually seems to be enjoying it. We took him to Edaville yesterday for the Day Out With Thomas. Both kids enjoyed it.
I fucked up my back pretty good on Friday digging out the front yard. It's on the mend now.
Although not entirely rested, I feel refreshed. My head is screwed on more or less straight, and I'm ready to dive back into this thing called life.
Work has been tiresome and grating for far too long. I've been in a rut and squeezed too tight. I needed a week off to clear my head. It seems to have done some good.
I bought some new clothes and tended to some of the many chores here that needed doing. There are still too many left to name, but I feel like I've made some progress.
TKJr survived his first week of preschool, and actually seems to be enjoying it. We took him to Edaville yesterday for the Day Out With Thomas. Both kids enjoyed it.
I fucked up my back pretty good on Friday digging out the front yard. It's on the mend now.
Although not entirely rested, I feel refreshed. My head is screwed on more or less straight, and I'm ready to dive back into this thing called life.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The difference between cats and dogs
It's quite simple really, so please forgive the gross generalization.
Men do dumb shit as much as they can get away with.
Women do what's necessary, and then have some fun.
So guys, be mindful of your priorities, and don't begrudge a woman her down time.
Ladies, keep and eye on those boys, and don't begrudge yourself your down time.
Men do dumb shit as much as they can get away with.
Women do what's necessary, and then have some fun.
So guys, be mindful of your priorities, and don't begrudge a woman her down time.
Ladies, keep and eye on those boys, and don't begrudge yourself your down time.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Not Enough Undead
I'm a little disappointed in myself. i just searched through my post tags for zombie entries, and found only three.
Considering I have more than a passing interest in the subject, this was a bit of a surprise.
Oddly enough, what spurred this was the fact that if you do a google search for "warm-blooded animals," my blog comes up with a post about defending the apartment we lived in in Weymouth. Strange.
We've since moved. Although I am proud to be a home owner, I am sorry to report that our current domicile would have to be abandoned in the event of an outbreak. There is no reasonable way to defend this house. It's one story, with three front doors. The basement level has a glass slider and a large front window. I've got lots of wood, but it's too risky. Flight is the only option.
So I'm reworking my plan.
On an interesting side note, I was revisiting the Bridgewater Triangle last night. If you follow the link and check out the map, you'll note that the top of the triangle is in Abington. Further examination shows that the exact point of the triangle falls on the intersections of Route 18 and Route 123.
That's pretty much where we live.
Considering I have more than a passing interest in the subject, this was a bit of a surprise.
Oddly enough, what spurred this was the fact that if you do a google search for "warm-blooded animals," my blog comes up with a post about defending the apartment we lived in in Weymouth. Strange.
We've since moved. Although I am proud to be a home owner, I am sorry to report that our current domicile would have to be abandoned in the event of an outbreak. There is no reasonable way to defend this house. It's one story, with three front doors. The basement level has a glass slider and a large front window. I've got lots of wood, but it's too risky. Flight is the only option.
So I'm reworking my plan.
On an interesting side note, I was revisiting the Bridgewater Triangle last night. If you follow the link and check out the map, you'll note that the top of the triangle is in Abington. Further examination shows that the exact point of the triangle falls on the intersections of Route 18 and Route 123.
That's pretty much where we live.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Best Fan Film. Ever.
My cousin Mat is back from boot camp . He's a private 2nd Class, United States Army, now. He's a good kid, and still a kid at heart even at 21. My aunt and uncle had a cookout, and Mat assured there was a huge inflatable bouncing house (shaped like a purple dragon).
TKJr spent the entire day in there, jumping to his content. Let me tell you, his content is HUGE. He requested that I join him several times. I reluctantly agreed. At one point, I had 4 little kids shooting me and blasting me with Force powers to knock me over so they could pig pile me.
It turns out Star Wars is popular with the youngins. I didn't bring it up, nor was I wearing a SW T shirt today. I was pleasantly surprised, and delighted to join in and try to convince them that the Jedi are the bad guys.
Had I know, I would have brought my armor.
At any rate, TKJr had a blast, and wore himself out jumping all day. Isabel entertained herself with my cousins' 2 cats and dog. She loves puppies.
Last night I watched Rob Zombie's Halloween. I was a tad closed minded going in, I must admit. Some movies can stand a remake. Some, however, are damn near perfect the first time around and don't need to be retold. Halloween was perfect. It stands the test of time. It's unsettling and frightening in it's simplicity. The Shape: Heartless, remorseless, relentless. A blank face with no eyes that just did not stop.
His origin was disturbing because of it's simplicity. Just the notion that some generic middle class suburban family could produce a sociopath of such monstrous proportion out of thin air was scary. That one night he unleashed his demon, and then quietly brooded for fifteen years before unleashing it again.
Zombie went in a different direction. He lowered the tax bracket of the Myers family, and spent the first third of the movie humanizing Michael. You get to know the boy. You begin to feel for him a bit, though you're shown pretty damn quick what a monster he already is.
Rob then quickly blows through the rest of the movie, dispensing with most of, if not all, the character development of the original. Sadly, he also dispenses with everything that made the original scary. There's no fear to be had here, just the thrill of watching a madman go to work.
Not that that is without it's charms. I'm just saying.
What am I saying? I didn't dislike it. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. It was engaging, well executed, and I liked it. Most importantly, it didn't shit on the original. Zombie took his favorite movie and put his own stamp on it. I'm cool with that.
TKJr spent the entire day in there, jumping to his content. Let me tell you, his content is HUGE. He requested that I join him several times. I reluctantly agreed. At one point, I had 4 little kids shooting me and blasting me with Force powers to knock me over so they could pig pile me.
It turns out Star Wars is popular with the youngins. I didn't bring it up, nor was I wearing a SW T shirt today. I was pleasantly surprised, and delighted to join in and try to convince them that the Jedi are the bad guys.
Had I know, I would have brought my armor.
At any rate, TKJr had a blast, and wore himself out jumping all day. Isabel entertained herself with my cousins' 2 cats and dog. She loves puppies.
Last night I watched Rob Zombie's Halloween. I was a tad closed minded going in, I must admit. Some movies can stand a remake. Some, however, are damn near perfect the first time around and don't need to be retold. Halloween was perfect. It stands the test of time. It's unsettling and frightening in it's simplicity. The Shape: Heartless, remorseless, relentless. A blank face with no eyes that just did not stop.
His origin was disturbing because of it's simplicity. Just the notion that some generic middle class suburban family could produce a sociopath of such monstrous proportion out of thin air was scary. That one night he unleashed his demon, and then quietly brooded for fifteen years before unleashing it again.
Zombie went in a different direction. He lowered the tax bracket of the Myers family, and spent the first third of the movie humanizing Michael. You get to know the boy. You begin to feel for him a bit, though you're shown pretty damn quick what a monster he already is.
Rob then quickly blows through the rest of the movie, dispensing with most of, if not all, the character development of the original. Sadly, he also dispenses with everything that made the original scary. There's no fear to be had here, just the thrill of watching a madman go to work.
Not that that is without it's charms. I'm just saying.
What am I saying? I didn't dislike it. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. It was engaging, well executed, and I liked it. Most importantly, it didn't shit on the original. Zombie took his favorite movie and put his own stamp on it. I'm cool with that.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
What the fuck was that?
So, it's just a little before 10 on a Thursday night. KG and I are hanging out in the office with the door open, enjoying a quiet evening. Suddenly there is a screech of tires and a horrific crunching boom right in our driveway.
I'm glad I wasn't carrying a turd. It might have squeezed out.
I rushed out the door in time to see a dark SUV tearing up the street with a blown tire. Pieces of hubcap and rearview mirror were all over our driveway and the street. There's a good chunk missing out of the telephone pole at the end of our driveway.
This asswipe was apparently bombing down our street on the wrong side of the road.
I called the cops, who just showed up. It appears the driver crashed in Whitman and is under arrest for DUI. The officer collected some evidence from my driveway, and went on his way.
Excitement she wrote!
I'm glad I wasn't carrying a turd. It might have squeezed out.
I rushed out the door in time to see a dark SUV tearing up the street with a blown tire. Pieces of hubcap and rearview mirror were all over our driveway and the street. There's a good chunk missing out of the telephone pole at the end of our driveway.
This asswipe was apparently bombing down our street on the wrong side of the road.
I called the cops, who just showed up. It appears the driver crashed in Whitman and is under arrest for DUI. The officer collected some evidence from my driveway, and went on his way.
Excitement she wrote!
A new addition to the family.
No, KG is not pregnant.
However, my father has remarried (third time's a charm?).
Here's a pic of all of us from a couple of weekends ago when they came to visit.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity
Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I believe the slogan was "G.I. Joe, Real American Hero."
Stephen Sommers can nibble the poo pills off my hairy, sweaty ass. Mother fucker.
The only childhood toy that cam close to rivaling my Star Wars obsession was GI Joe. Fact is, Joe pretty much eclipsed my SW craze. The Hasbro line went into high gear between Empire and Jedi. After Jedi came out, I got a few figures, but no playsets or vehicles. On the other hand, I had tons of GI Joes. I even had the damn base. I loved those guys.
The cartoon was the standard 80's shit, but the comic book truly rocked.
When I first heard rumblings of a movie, I didn't hold out much hope for something good. But this shit is just retarded. Seriously.
Why do we always need to update things? A Joe movie based on the comic book would be cool. If you're looking to reignite the franchise, go with the nostalgia. Bring to flesh and blood what we loved as children.
If you have to update, make it relevant, OK. You could pull that off with a little imagination.
But Sommer's vision: Festering shit heaps.
For the love of all that is PVC, someone give me a live action GI Joe TV show. Do the comics, man. You want to update it, fine. Snake Eyes lost his face in Iraq. Cobra is a domestic terrorist organization using the distraction of the War on Terror to destabilize the US. The GI Joe unit is culled from our current military ranks, misfit weapons geniuses and computer hackers, etc, who don't fit in well, but are the best in the military.
IT COULD WORK!
Stephen Sommers can nibble the poo pills off my hairy, sweaty ass. Mother fucker.
The only childhood toy that cam close to rivaling my Star Wars obsession was GI Joe. Fact is, Joe pretty much eclipsed my SW craze. The Hasbro line went into high gear between Empire and Jedi. After Jedi came out, I got a few figures, but no playsets or vehicles. On the other hand, I had tons of GI Joes. I even had the damn base. I loved those guys.
The cartoon was the standard 80's shit, but the comic book truly rocked.
When I first heard rumblings of a movie, I didn't hold out much hope for something good. But this shit is just retarded. Seriously.
Why do we always need to update things? A Joe movie based on the comic book would be cool. If you're looking to reignite the franchise, go with the nostalgia. Bring to flesh and blood what we loved as children.
If you have to update, make it relevant, OK. You could pull that off with a little imagination.
But Sommer's vision: Festering shit heaps.
For the love of all that is PVC, someone give me a live action GI Joe TV show. Do the comics, man. You want to update it, fine. Snake Eyes lost his face in Iraq. Cobra is a domestic terrorist organization using the distraction of the War on Terror to destabilize the US. The GI Joe unit is culled from our current military ranks, misfit weapons geniuses and computer hackers, etc, who don't fit in well, but are the best in the military.
IT COULD WORK!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Home Improvement
I'm almost afraid to say it, but this place is finally starting to shape up. Last weekend I installed storm doors on the front of the house. KG's mother and her boyfriend came up during the week and replaced all the rotting boards on the deck and power washed 10+ years of scum off of it. It looks almost new. Today they replaced the patio slider. Not only does it actually slide now, but it has a screen. No more bugs in the house!
This weekend they're coming up again and we'll start replacing all the windows.
The backyard looks pretty good. We acquired a wooden swing set and a kiddie pool. The fence has been repaired, and we have new wooden steps covering up the busted brick ones.
Once we get the windows done, the only major thing left is the roof. Then we can start with all the updating and cosmetics.
Our little home feels more like a home every day.
This weekend they're coming up again and we'll start replacing all the windows.
The backyard looks pretty good. We acquired a wooden swing set and a kiddie pool. The fence has been repaired, and we have new wooden steps covering up the busted brick ones.
Once we get the windows done, the only major thing left is the roof. Then we can start with all the updating and cosmetics.
Our little home feels more like a home every day.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Zen and the art of slack
Story time, kids. I was recently reminded of all the fun I used to have when I worked at Sears, so I thought I'd share a tale or two.
I was 17 when I worked at the Sears Auto Center. I was a stockroom clerk. I stocked tires, exhaust systems and car batteries. I worked the night shift, the shop manager was a drunk, the mechanics were drunks and loons, and my coworkers were fellow high school slackers.
One of my favorite activities at work was to pour lighter fluid down the exhaust pipes. We had a whole slew of them hanging on huge metal racks. One of my cohorts would climb the rolling ladder, dump the lighter fluid down the pipe and then step back as I held a lighter to the bottom end. The lighter fluid would ignite with a loud "whooping" sound, and shoot out 2 or 3 feet from each end. We stopped doing this one night when one of the other clerks lit the pipe too soon and the guy on the ladder got a tad singed.
Another past time was having dolly races up and down the aisles of tires. I drove smack into the shins of the shop manager one time. He stared at me, walked back into his office, and remained there for the rest of the shift.
We got pretty good at racing pallet jacks down the ramp out back. Rolling people down the same ramp after ringing them in snow tires would good for a laugh as well.
Sometimes we'd use the compression hoses to fire objects around the shop. Soda bottles, tire valves. Those valves hurt like hell when they nailed you.
When we weren't stocking shelves or fucking around, we swept out the bays at the end of the night. When the mechanic using that bay was done for the night, we'd put up the lift and clean.
One night I was leaning on the counter to the stockroom, absently watching my coworker Dana clean the bays. He was a tad slow. A really nice kid and actually quite bright. But his mind moved in low gear, and he was often not quite with us. He was holding down the lever to one of the lifts, staring off in space. He thought he was raising the lift in the bay he was standing in. He wasn't. It was for the lift next to it. Which had a car parked in it. At an angle. Not lined up on the lift.
It took a moment or two for me to register the car beginning to rise on one side. It had a fairly serious list by the time I started screaming Dana's name. By the time he looked up at me, smiled and waved, the car was about 3 feet off the ground on one side and rising fast. I started waving and pointing frantically, and other people in the shop started noticing and piping in. Dana finally turned and looked just as the car toppled over on to it's side, making a horrible crunching sound as the roof crumpled between the lifts.
True story.
There was one mechanic who did an oil change and forgot to refill the oil. The owner of the car realized his mistake about a mile or so from the garage when his engine seized. Sears was kind enough to retain this mechanic, asking only that he pay for and install a new engine for the customer.
They did, however, excuse him from work when he did it again a week later.
Another guy was filling a tire he had just changed. The tire lay flat on this machine while he used a compressor to fill it. He was having a rather animate chat with the guy in the bay next to him, leaning one arm on the tire as he talked. After a while, the tire exploded off of the machine and flew through the air fast enough to leave an imprint on the ceiling. The guy's arm was broken in 4 places.
I dressed a mannequin in one of my work uniforms and placed it in the trash compacter. As one of my coworkers held in the button to compact the trash, I let out a scream, threw some fake blood around and hid. He stopped the compacter, came running in, and screamed like a little girl.
Good times.
The best, though, was when I opted to take a work study my senior year of high school. My shift was 5-9, and they weren't going to pay me to work any more than that. I got out of school at noon, and was supposed to go to work. My manager was cool, and would fill out the time slips and sign the papers. I had to be at work, but I wasn't going to get paid.
It just so happened that the stock room for the garage abutted the stock room for hardware, appliances and sporting goods. I appropriated some cardboard stove and fridge boxes, and created a fort. From the aisle, it appeared to be a stack of appliances. In reality, there was a fairly large open space, as I had cut out the back of several of the boxes. I grabbed a sleeping bag, some cushions and a radio, and made myself a camp. I usually spent the hours between 12 and 5 napping away to some Zeppelin.
I got an A in work study that year.
I was 17 when I worked at the Sears Auto Center. I was a stockroom clerk. I stocked tires, exhaust systems and car batteries. I worked the night shift, the shop manager was a drunk, the mechanics were drunks and loons, and my coworkers were fellow high school slackers.
One of my favorite activities at work was to pour lighter fluid down the exhaust pipes. We had a whole slew of them hanging on huge metal racks. One of my cohorts would climb the rolling ladder, dump the lighter fluid down the pipe and then step back as I held a lighter to the bottom end. The lighter fluid would ignite with a loud "whooping" sound, and shoot out 2 or 3 feet from each end. We stopped doing this one night when one of the other clerks lit the pipe too soon and the guy on the ladder got a tad singed.
Another past time was having dolly races up and down the aisles of tires. I drove smack into the shins of the shop manager one time. He stared at me, walked back into his office, and remained there for the rest of the shift.
We got pretty good at racing pallet jacks down the ramp out back. Rolling people down the same ramp after ringing them in snow tires would good for a laugh as well.
Sometimes we'd use the compression hoses to fire objects around the shop. Soda bottles, tire valves. Those valves hurt like hell when they nailed you.
When we weren't stocking shelves or fucking around, we swept out the bays at the end of the night. When the mechanic using that bay was done for the night, we'd put up the lift and clean.
One night I was leaning on the counter to the stockroom, absently watching my coworker Dana clean the bays. He was a tad slow. A really nice kid and actually quite bright. But his mind moved in low gear, and he was often not quite with us. He was holding down the lever to one of the lifts, staring off in space. He thought he was raising the lift in the bay he was standing in. He wasn't. It was for the lift next to it. Which had a car parked in it. At an angle. Not lined up on the lift.
It took a moment or two for me to register the car beginning to rise on one side. It had a fairly serious list by the time I started screaming Dana's name. By the time he looked up at me, smiled and waved, the car was about 3 feet off the ground on one side and rising fast. I started waving and pointing frantically, and other people in the shop started noticing and piping in. Dana finally turned and looked just as the car toppled over on to it's side, making a horrible crunching sound as the roof crumpled between the lifts.
True story.
There was one mechanic who did an oil change and forgot to refill the oil. The owner of the car realized his mistake about a mile or so from the garage when his engine seized. Sears was kind enough to retain this mechanic, asking only that he pay for and install a new engine for the customer.
They did, however, excuse him from work when he did it again a week later.
Another guy was filling a tire he had just changed. The tire lay flat on this machine while he used a compressor to fill it. He was having a rather animate chat with the guy in the bay next to him, leaning one arm on the tire as he talked. After a while, the tire exploded off of the machine and flew through the air fast enough to leave an imprint on the ceiling. The guy's arm was broken in 4 places.
I dressed a mannequin in one of my work uniforms and placed it in the trash compacter. As one of my coworkers held in the button to compact the trash, I let out a scream, threw some fake blood around and hid. He stopped the compacter, came running in, and screamed like a little girl.
Good times.
The best, though, was when I opted to take a work study my senior year of high school. My shift was 5-9, and they weren't going to pay me to work any more than that. I got out of school at noon, and was supposed to go to work. My manager was cool, and would fill out the time slips and sign the papers. I had to be at work, but I wasn't going to get paid.
It just so happened that the stock room for the garage abutted the stock room for hardware, appliances and sporting goods. I appropriated some cardboard stove and fridge boxes, and created a fort. From the aisle, it appeared to be a stack of appliances. In reality, there was a fairly large open space, as I had cut out the back of several of the boxes. I grabbed a sleeping bag, some cushions and a radio, and made myself a camp. I usually spent the hours between 12 and 5 napping away to some Zeppelin.
I got an A in work study that year.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Are you trying to kill my fucking kids?
Yet another massive recall of toys due to lead paint.
What the fuck? Seriously.
What the fuck? Seriously.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Death and .........
My, how things change when you become a home owner. Massachusetts has once again decided to hold it's allegedly economy spurring "Tax Free Weekend." That's right, folks. Anything you purchase ( excepting cars, tobacco products, meals and single items over $2,500) this weekend is tax free. You can keep the 5% sales tax. Buy or die!
In the past, I would have been tempted to drop some change on new CDs or DVDs. Maybe an electronic device or two. New toys for the kids. Or, more likely, I'd refrain from spending any extra money and stick with the usual slew of groceries, etc.
Today, I hit the Depot. Walked out with a 24ft extension ladder (for cleaning gutters and trimming trees), 2 aluminum storm doors, a gallon of exterior wood stain, a square, a level, a center punch, a hacksaw, and 2 reflective driveway markers.
I saved about $40, but the interest rate on the credit card will more than compensate for that.
Did I forget to say "woohoo?"
In the past, I would have been tempted to drop some change on new CDs or DVDs. Maybe an electronic device or two. New toys for the kids. Or, more likely, I'd refrain from spending any extra money and stick with the usual slew of groceries, etc.
Today, I hit the Depot. Walked out with a 24ft extension ladder (for cleaning gutters and trimming trees), 2 aluminum storm doors, a gallon of exterior wood stain, a square, a level, a center punch, a hacksaw, and 2 reflective driveway markers.
I saved about $40, but the interest rate on the credit card will more than compensate for that.
Did I forget to say "woohoo?"
Monday, August 06, 2007
WWJD?
Weymouth had it's first murder of 2007 yesterday. It seems Ryan Bois broke into a relatives house on Randall Street, rape and murdered his 6 year old cousin, and then stole the family's car with her naked, battered body in the back.
After a high speed chase through Quincy, this sick fucker was arrested.
In all seriousness, if you're a cop and you pull over a guy who has the naked, battered body of a six year old girl in the back seat, there's only one thing to do. Put a bullet in his mother fucking head.
End of story.
Not only am I a father of a little girl, we used to live just a couple of streets away. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if someone did this to my little girl, I would not stop until I had wrung every drop of life out of him.
There's no punishment that fits this crime. None.
After a high speed chase through Quincy, this sick fucker was arrested.
In all seriousness, if you're a cop and you pull over a guy who has the naked, battered body of a six year old girl in the back seat, there's only one thing to do. Put a bullet in his mother fucking head.
End of story.
Not only am I a father of a little girl, we used to live just a couple of streets away. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if someone did this to my little girl, I would not stop until I had wrung every drop of life out of him.
There's no punishment that fits this crime. None.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
100K
On Friday my odometer rolled over to 100,000 miles. I was directly in front of Collison Craft on Route 18 in Abington.
I half expected the car to pull a Blues Brothers and simply fall apart at that exact moment.
Alas, it did not.
So far, the weekend has managed to be both pleasurable and miserable. It's hot. Crazy, humid hot.
Friday night KG and I snuck off to my parent's house and went for a swim. That was a treat. Every now and then it's nice to get out of the house for no good reason. Today we had a birthday party for the boy. 4 years old now. He had a good time, and we only ended up with one extra kid running around for a while.
I half expected the car to pull a Blues Brothers and simply fall apart at that exact moment.
Alas, it did not.
So far, the weekend has managed to be both pleasurable and miserable. It's hot. Crazy, humid hot.
Friday night KG and I snuck off to my parent's house and went for a swim. That was a treat. Every now and then it's nice to get out of the house for no good reason. Today we had a birthday party for the boy. 4 years old now. He had a good time, and we only ended up with one extra kid running around for a while.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Cloverfield
I have to admit, I've gotten somewhat caught up in the buzz over 1-18-08.
I managed to find a piece (which I'm too lazy to re-find and link, my apologies to any stray googlers who ended up here.) which described shooting that was being done on Coney Island. The impression is that the movie is going to indeed be about a giant monster attacking New York City, only told from the perspective of a small group of friends with a camcorder. Told, in typical JJ style, in flashbacks. Mostly to the day before the attack.
I'm guessing that the movie will be primarily the flashbacks, broken up by the attack. It will probably end with us getting just the briefest glimpses of the monster, and no explanation as to what it is.
For the record, I think that would be about the coolest fucking thing ever.
I managed to find a piece (which I'm too lazy to re-find and link, my apologies to any stray googlers who ended up here.) which described shooting that was being done on Coney Island. The impression is that the movie is going to indeed be about a giant monster attacking New York City, only told from the perspective of a small group of friends with a camcorder. Told, in typical JJ style, in flashbacks. Mostly to the day before the attack.
I'm guessing that the movie will be primarily the flashbacks, broken up by the attack. It will probably end with us getting just the briefest glimpses of the monster, and no explanation as to what it is.
For the record, I think that would be about the coolest fucking thing ever.
What can you do with 130 minutes?
You could watch Conan the Barbarian.
You can learn that hypercarbia or mild hypothermia are ineffective in ATP recovery after ischemia.
You could watch The Perfect Storm.
You could take this picture.
You could melt a cube of frozen vinegar at room temperature.
Or, you could do what I did today and travel 10.1 miles from work to the kid's daycare.
As much as I miss the gang, that drive sucks my soul.
On the plus side, Pierce Brosnan is going to be narrating Thomas the Tank Engine next year, and the Yardbirds with Page and Beck will be touring.
Oh, and I got to hang out with the gang, and that was worth it.
You can learn that hypercarbia or mild hypothermia are ineffective in ATP recovery after ischemia.
You could watch The Perfect Storm.
You could take this picture.
You could melt a cube of frozen vinegar at room temperature.
Or, you could do what I did today and travel 10.1 miles from work to the kid's daycare.
As much as I miss the gang, that drive sucks my soul.
On the plus side, Pierce Brosnan is going to be narrating Thomas the Tank Engine next year, and the Yardbirds with Page and Beck will be touring.
Oh, and I got to hang out with the gang, and that was worth it.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Saturday Wrap-Up
It appears that the Island of Sodor is a bit, well... fey.
I wasn't expecting much from a stage show for toddlers, but I think it could have been better. At least TKJr enjoyed it.
We spent the better part of the day in downtown Boston. Jr. was well behaved, and it was a real treat. We had lunch with Names and wandered around the financial district. Both KG and I spent a lot of time there during our courtship, and it was interesting to see how much things have changed now that the Big Dig has been finished.
We stopped in at Newbury Comics and bought TKJr a $30 Transformer. I wasn't thrilled about the price tag, but he loves it. It's an old school (kind of) Autobot, Sun Streaker. He calls it Megatron.
It's a start.
It's 10PM, the kids are sleeping, and KG and I are hanging out listening to music. There appears to be something amiss with my iTunes, and it's bugging the shit out of me. Thankfully, I have 4,451 songs loaded, so we remain entertained.
Anyhow, that's all I got.
I wasn't expecting much from a stage show for toddlers, but I think it could have been better. At least TKJr enjoyed it.
We spent the better part of the day in downtown Boston. Jr. was well behaved, and it was a real treat. We had lunch with Names and wandered around the financial district. Both KG and I spent a lot of time there during our courtship, and it was interesting to see how much things have changed now that the Big Dig has been finished.
We stopped in at Newbury Comics and bought TKJr a $30 Transformer. I wasn't thrilled about the price tag, but he loves it. It's an old school (kind of) Autobot, Sun Streaker. He calls it Megatron.
It's a start.
It's 10PM, the kids are sleeping, and KG and I are hanging out listening to music. There appears to be something amiss with my iTunes, and it's bugging the shit out of me. Thankfully, I have 4,451 songs loaded, so we remain entertained.
Anyhow, that's all I got.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Tulips on my organ
What a week.
Today I closed SW, all by myself. They haven't closed for the last few months, and usually when they do close it's a hectic mess that final day.
At 9:05 this morning I cleared the last error.
I did a happy dance, I received applause from the girls who have listened to me ranting for the last week. My bosses... absent.
Oh well. I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow. I think I deserve it. My plan was to spend a day lounging on the couch i my boxers watching movies. However, I need to buy and install a wall mounted safety gate, and my lawn needs attention. I'd gripe, but I pretty much spent he whole day today poking around on the internet.
So, happy weekend y'all. Here's a little something for your amusement:
Today I closed SW, all by myself. They haven't closed for the last few months, and usually when they do close it's a hectic mess that final day.
At 9:05 this morning I cleared the last error.
I did a happy dance, I received applause from the girls who have listened to me ranting for the last week. My bosses... absent.
Oh well. I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow. I think I deserve it. My plan was to spend a day lounging on the couch i my boxers watching movies. However, I need to buy and install a wall mounted safety gate, and my lawn needs attention. I'd gripe, but I pretty much spent he whole day today poking around on the internet.
So, happy weekend y'all. Here's a little something for your amusement:
Friday, July 06, 2007
Considered for dismissal
One of my favorite tasks at work has nothing to do with my actual job description or position. It's a little duty I inherited from the last man to hold my title, and he dragged it with him for years until he got a well deserved cushy job.
Submitting parking tickets for dismissal.
It's a real treat. I get a charge out of reading the clinician's excuses. I get a totally inappropriate amount of glee (Glee, mind you! Real glee!) out of handing back the appeals that were denied. I make a point to hand deliver those.
Incidentally, I happened to actually read the Official Government Liaison Affidavit I sign and hand in every month with the tickets. It appears, unbeknownst to be until just now, that I hold an official government title. I am my company's "Official Liaison with the Office of the Parking Clerk for the City of Boston."
Cool. I'm recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an Official Liaison. My first step on the path to galactic domination, no doubt.
At any rate, I was kindly enough to take the appeals home with me this weekend so I can mail them out on Monday. The written, or essay, portion of the appeal is a real treat. For your dubious pleasure, in my official capacity, I share:
" I was visiting a patient who lived on Commonwealth Ave. I parked on Newbury St. Prior to leaving my car I double checked signs and the one sign I saw was 'No parking in snow emergency' and 'No parking on Tuesdays between 2&7.' I would appreciate if this parking ticket could be considered for dismissal."
-Cited for parking in a loading zone
"I was visiting a patient and because of complications it took more than 2 hours to visit. It was 10:18am not PM."
-Time of violation 1:10PM
"I went to see patient who needed immediate service. I parked where there was a meter. When I came back I had a ticket. The street cleaning sign was twisted."
-It wasn't twisted when she parked there?
"While during the performance of my duties, I was doing a home visit to do a dressing changed that require being done at the same time each day. Due to the urgent nature of my visit I was forced to park where I did after driving around for 20 minutes looking for a spot so I could deliver nursing care to the patient."
-Read that first sentence three times fast. I dare you.
"I was ordered by MD to see a patient s/p laminectomy w/ increased pain. No other parking available in the area."
-Confuse the clerk with jargon. I'm impressed.
"I had parked to do a mandatory patient visit, deposited $.50 into the meter. Upon my return, I found I had been ticketed. I had prominently displayed my {name withheld} sign in the dashboard."
-The sign was in the glove box?
"I work for the {name withheld} as a physical therapist. It was of utmost importance that on 6/22/07 I visit my patient. There was an emergency situation that could have caused a fall for an elderly patient, and/or potential for injury. Please excuse it was an emergency."
-Cited for blocking a handicap ramp. Note the irony.
"Urgent Occupational Therapy visit per MD order to address safety in patient's home after recent return home from hospital. No visitor parking available."
-Note: She was ticketed at 11:53PM
Submitting parking tickets for dismissal.
It's a real treat. I get a charge out of reading the clinician's excuses. I get a totally inappropriate amount of glee (Glee, mind you! Real glee!) out of handing back the appeals that were denied. I make a point to hand deliver those.
Incidentally, I happened to actually read the Official Government Liaison Affidavit I sign and hand in every month with the tickets. It appears, unbeknownst to be until just now, that I hold an official government title. I am my company's "Official Liaison with the Office of the Parking Clerk for the City of Boston."
Cool. I'm recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an Official Liaison. My first step on the path to galactic domination, no doubt.
At any rate, I was kindly enough to take the appeals home with me this weekend so I can mail them out on Monday. The written, or essay, portion of the appeal is a real treat. For your dubious pleasure, in my official capacity, I share:
" I was visiting a patient who lived on Commonwealth Ave. I parked on Newbury St. Prior to leaving my car I double checked signs and the one sign I saw was 'No parking in snow emergency' and 'No parking on Tuesdays between 2&7.' I would appreciate if this parking ticket could be considered for dismissal."
-Cited for parking in a loading zone
"I was visiting a patient and because of complications it took more than 2 hours to visit. It was 10:18am not PM."
-Time of violation 1:10PM
"I went to see patient who needed immediate service. I parked where there was a meter. When I came back I had a ticket. The street cleaning sign was twisted."
-It wasn't twisted when she parked there?
"While during the performance of my duties, I was doing a home visit to do a dressing changed that require being done at the same time each day. Due to the urgent nature of my visit I was forced to park where I did after driving around for 20 minutes looking for a spot so I could deliver nursing care to the patient."
-Read that first sentence three times fast. I dare you.
"I was ordered by MD to see a patient s/p laminectomy w/ increased pain. No other parking available in the area."
-Confuse the clerk with jargon. I'm impressed.
"I had parked to do a mandatory patient visit, deposited $.50 into the meter. Upon my return, I found I had been ticketed. I had prominently displayed my {name withheld} sign in the dashboard."
-The sign was in the glove box?
"I work for the {name withheld} as a physical therapist. It was of utmost importance that on 6/22/07 I visit my patient. There was an emergency situation that could have caused a fall for an elderly patient, and/or potential for injury. Please excuse it was an emergency."
-Cited for blocking a handicap ramp. Note the irony.
"Urgent Occupational Therapy visit per MD order to address safety in patient's home after recent return home from hospital. No visitor parking available."
-Note: She was ticketed at 11:53PM
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
For all my niggas & bitches
Oh, a few hundred years ago a bunch of drunken blue bloods left the bars, gathered arms and told the King to go fuck himself.
Tonight, I'll pour a forty of Sam Adams on the curb in honor of y'all. If only one of you was around today to see the crazy shit we gave ourselves with your new found freedom.
Tonight, for the first time, KG and I are hanging out in our new place, creating a vibe and relaxing. Music is on, the beer is flowing, the babes sleeping. Life is good.
So, I wish those special few who have wandered into my life a very happy fourth. Let loose, enjoy, be safe. And tell you neighbors it's finally OK to blow their damn fingers off.
Tonight, I'll pour a forty of Sam Adams on the curb in honor of y'all. If only one of you was around today to see the crazy shit we gave ourselves with your new found freedom.
Tonight, for the first time, KG and I are hanging out in our new place, creating a vibe and relaxing. Music is on, the beer is flowing, the babes sleeping. Life is good.
So, I wish those special few who have wandered into my life a very happy fourth. Let loose, enjoy, be safe. And tell you neighbors it's finally OK to blow their damn fingers off.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Artfully Chilling
Now that I have myself a rec room, I figured it was high time to acquire a mini fridge to keep my beer cold and handy. After several weeks of trolling craigslist I finally came across one I liked. 4.3 cubic feet of chilly storage, and it's a functioning piece of art!
-Fridge, Acrylic on refrigerator 2001
Thank you, Andrea. I'll be making good use of this tonight.
-Fridge, Acrylic on refrigerator 2001Thank you, Andrea. I'll be making good use of this tonight.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
TK-8103 on Weymouth After Dark
At long last, excerpts from TK-8103's legendary appearance on Weymouth Community cable.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Speaking of Hulk cock
That line came out in a lunchtime conversation today at work. I could be wrong, but I'm fairly certain that today was the first time in the history of civilization that that particular sentence was uttered.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Evaluate me!
It was five months late this year, but I finally got my annual eval at work. MC uses some sort of software program for her professional ecvals, and it always cracks me up to read it.
So, for both your reading pleasure and for the simple fact that I love to blow my own horn, here are some excerpts:
Verbal Communication: Outstanding
Chris is very articulate and persuasive, choosing the best style to suit his audience. He has presented at meetings, both clinical and clerical. When listening, he comprehends quickly, pays close attention and probes for clarification and additional information if needed. He is poised before groups, a skilled facilitator, and contributes significantly to the effectiveness of meetings. Chris also uses humor to deliver his message and provides some education along the way!
Written Communication: Exceeds
Chris continues to send written materials that communicate what is needed or "heads up" info. His communication is usually good and effective. Again, he specifically lists all actions that need to be taken to resolve an issue. Chris expertly edits his work for a clean product. Based on feedback from the receivers of Chris' messages, he needs to adjust his writing style to fit the audience he is addressing. Chris needs to balance the delivery of his written communications and how it will be received for total effectiveness.
There's three more pages of that bullshit, but I've grown bored with typing it out. The bit about adjusting my writing style really cracks me up. Some shithead took offense because I suggested something needed to be done as soon as possible. God forbid.
At any rate, I'm great.
So, for both your reading pleasure and for the simple fact that I love to blow my own horn, here are some excerpts:
Verbal Communication: Outstanding
Chris is very articulate and persuasive, choosing the best style to suit his audience. He has presented at meetings, both clinical and clerical. When listening, he comprehends quickly, pays close attention and probes for clarification and additional information if needed. He is poised before groups, a skilled facilitator, and contributes significantly to the effectiveness of meetings. Chris also uses humor to deliver his message and provides some education along the way!
Written Communication: Exceeds
Chris continues to send written materials that communicate what is needed or "heads up" info. His communication is usually good and effective. Again, he specifically lists all actions that need to be taken to resolve an issue. Chris expertly edits his work for a clean product. Based on feedback from the receivers of Chris' messages, he needs to adjust his writing style to fit the audience he is addressing. Chris needs to balance the delivery of his written communications and how it will be received for total effectiveness.
There's three more pages of that bullshit, but I've grown bored with typing it out. The bit about adjusting my writing style really cracks me up. Some shithead took offense because I suggested something needed to be done as soon as possible. God forbid.
At any rate, I'm great.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Royale with Cheese
I'm a sucker for packaging. I'll admit it.
The other day KG and I were picking up a few odds and ends at Wal*Mart when I noticed an odd looking bag of Doritos. It was black, and labeled simply X13D. A mystery flavor. So, of course I bought it.
Well, let me tell you. The good folks at Frito Lay better keep this one on the market. Damn things taste just like a McDonald's cheeseburger. Cheese, beef, ketchup and mustard. It was good.
Every now and then I get me a hankering for a cheeseburger from McD's, and I always regret it later when I get the McHangover. Not any more. These chips scratch that itch.
I won't allow myself hope just yet, lest they go the way of Pitch Black.
The other day KG and I were picking up a few odds and ends at Wal*Mart when I noticed an odd looking bag of Doritos. It was black, and labeled simply X13D. A mystery flavor. So, of course I bought it.
Well, let me tell you. The good folks at Frito Lay better keep this one on the market. Damn things taste just like a McDonald's cheeseburger. Cheese, beef, ketchup and mustard. It was good.
Every now and then I get me a hankering for a cheeseburger from McD's, and I always regret it later when I get the McHangover. Not any more. These chips scratch that itch.
I won't allow myself hope just yet, lest they go the way of Pitch Black.
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