Valley of the Vapors

Call it Rebirth

2010-06-30T14:24:00.001-07:00

After several months of transition, I've found myself in a brand new position in life. Again. Not only am I in a new city, I find myself single again. Unattached. Solo.

So, here's to new growth and new possibilities. A Rebirth.

Six Months

2010-03-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

IS a very long time to not write for one's blog and still not consider it a 'dead blog'. It is very much alive. Much like a tulip bulb, which only shows a short time above ground, the life that continually flows underneath the surface.

Much is happening and has happened since I left off with a misleading post about blog resurrection. The consideration I had wanted to give this blog was halted by the actions of another. Legal actions. It is for that reason that I cannot and will not air any clear picture of what is happening otherwise in my life. Only after some resolution to that matter do I dare give glimpse into my world.

There's not much more I can say, except that I'm doing very well, I miss my children dreadfully, and have learned that lies spoken to intend harm to one often hurt many more.

Time for Blog Resurrection

2009-08-15T08:19:00.001-07:00

Change has happened, and it has been a wonderful experience so far. Due to reasons concerning my current employment at the time, I did not fully disclose all the information pertaining to the new journey upon which I was about to embark. What transpired after the interview I mentioned in the previous post was like a dream coming true.

Fast forward to now... I've been in Cleveland a full week! Considering the amount of fuss involved in a transition of this sort, I haven't had the will nor the time to keep bloggers posted. My obvious lack of blog-time did not go unnoticed, as pointed-out a couple of weeks ago by blogger-pal and Facebook friend, William.

And so it begins again. Now, more than ever, I will be utilizing Blogger to keep family, friends and onlookers up to date on my whereabouts and activities. Below are videos I took during my interview visit, and soon to follow are photos from my weekend activities last weekend. As I complete this post, I will be out the door with the Canon, and off to explore NE Ohio, Lake Erie and beyond...

Cheers!

Change

2009-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for change. Today, change came and there is plenty more on the way. Not only did I visit with a legal professional about personal matters, but also the job interview that has been in question for over a week is now going to be a reality. I leave next Tuesday afternoon for a two-day working interview in Cleveland. Thursday I return home with hopes of having a job offer!

Cleveland? Yes, Cleveland.

2009-07-03T00:24:00.000-07:00

My favorite ending to any television series has to be for Six Feet Under. That show cut through new emotional grounds for many, including me. Life... it is inexplicably challenging. How we live it is more often by choice and less by circumstance. One moment we will all face, no matter how underachieved nor accomplished our lives, is death. Embrace that fact first, and only then will you begin to live.

As I've been living this life of mine, I know that I have been guilty of living it according to the will and hopes of others more than what made sense for my own sake. Having grown in many ways these recent years has enabled me to more finely hewn my own self-perspectives. My need for approval is more centered within now, and is much less an external force. It is rather handy a trait to have now, as I will likely be making decisions as to the direction of my and Joe's life that will not garner a heap of support. There's been a job opportunity fall into my lap, and it would require a major relocation. There is always the chance that I will refuse the offer. Should it be the right thing for me, my only answer can be "yes". I know I will have full support of the most important person in my life, but to the rest of my family the result will be shortly lived in pandemonium. However long, I've no idea.

Then, there's the friends.... Some are supportive, some are indifferent, some fail to see the point completely. At this point in my life, I don't really give a flying flip about any of the negative responses. I've got too many other things to occupy my time.

It's Hard to Believe

2009-07-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted since April 27. I believe I have reached the age where time is beginning to get away from me. But, I should tell that life here at The 602 has been humming right along w/o stopping. I will go into the major points in another post, as it is now a dreadful 11:48 pm on a Wednesday evening, and I just haven't the energy nor the will.

Let's just say that some is good... some is not so good... and some is too boring to even consider posting.

Until then..... Shalom.

I Don't Know Why

2009-04-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

I can't explain why I am so emotional lately. The smallest of things either get under my skin or they touch me so deeply I easily come to tears. I heard this OMD song on the radio just a while ago, and for one short moment, I was carried away. It had been ages since I've heard it, even still, the connection was instantaneous. Struck a chord with me, I guess you could say.

I suppose one reason I've been so touchy is because I'm about to turn 40. But, it's not really that simple... but rather everything that comes along with changing that first number...

Am I where I should be in life at this point?

Am I really doing what I want to do with my life?

Am I ever going to get that surprise Corvette for my birthday?

I just told Joe the other day that my life is as good as it has ever been, and it's true. I've lived through some awful messes and would rather stick pencils in my eyes than to have to relive them... but for some reason, right now, nothing seems good enough.

Is this normal? Is it okay to feel this way?

Just Keep Swimming....

2009-03-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

It’s a motto I have taken to heart. Yes, a silly line from a movie many of us have grown to love, but it has become so much more to me. Dory, the forgetfull one, knew that no matter what you are up against, you just have to keep on swimming….

Lately, I’ve felt a bit like Dory, i.e., lacking real direction in my fitness goals and plans for the future. As you can see from my previous posts, I whole-heartedly dove into working P90X as a way to whip myself back into shape. Unfortunately, I over-exherted myself and was in no way prepared to tackle such a large goal. I became sick from not having sufficient fitness that is necessary to perform those exercises, and ultimately, lost my will to complete the program.

Through some deep inner desire, I have once again begun the process of reaching for my fitness goals. However, this time I am being more realistic in what I can achieve. Once I am able to afford the effort involved, I will take P90X on again, but not until then. When will that be able to take place? I have no idea… and therein lies the wisdom I have gained: Only take upon yourself, that which you can sufficiently perform. Neglecting this simple principle will leave you sick, injured, and even worse, lost of your fitness inspirations.

What I am doing is quite simple, and I am going to continue keeping it simple b/c I wish for it to become a habit I keep for life. One hour each day, I only walk. The other 23 hours of my day are spent watching what I eat and getting the rest my body needs. Doing this simple regiment will enable me to take on more activity as my body slims and tones. Several years of inactivity cannot be reversed in 90 days. It is unrealistic.

When I have lost the weight I deem necessary, I will see where I stand physically then make the necessary steps to increase my activity level. One day, I will own a P90X body. It is a promise I have made to myself, and I will not stop my progress towards that.

A Lazy Friday

2009-03-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

I'm at work alone today. My only co-worker is off, and I am here by my lonesome. It's quiet, 'cept for the XM radio in the back room. I have case-work to do for a dentist in Arkadelphia, but I have no will to get 'on it' today.

I've become slower to blog lately, too. I guess I should just give a few updates about what is going on in my life and around The 602:

*Charles moved in with us a couple of months ago... a result of his breakup with his bi-polar girlfriend. He ended up having to bring along his 500 year old beagle... "Betty".

*Betty smells like a beagle.

*Betty bit my foot yesterday.

*The 602 now has 6 residents: 3 men, 2 Scotties, and 1 Betty.

*I've been walking diligently since giving up on P90X... I will start that program again, but only after I've lost more weight. All the jumping around killed my knees, hips and ankles. Lately, I've been walking The Promenade behind Bathhouse Row every day after work, making the mile-long circle 3 times.

*One of my Great-Aunts keeled over last night. She's one of the last I still have. I bet my Mom and all her sisters will go to her funeral. She lived in Palm Springs.

*I would love to go to Palm Springs... but I don't want it to be for a funeral.

*Joe is looking for another job, while I have decided to keep the one I've got.

*Joe and I have finally worked out a financial plan for the next few years, which puts my mind more at ease than it has been in a very, very long time. (We are working to be totally debt-free in the next couple of years!)

*My convertible Cadillac Eldorado, Esmerelda, will soon be getting a complete makeover and rebuild. ...look out, streets of Hot Springs!

Another Friday Flashback

2009-02-20T08:54:00.000-08:00

Peter Schilling's Major Tom

Flashback Friday

2009-02-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

A Flock of Hairdoos... I mean, Seagulls.

Job Hunting Season is Now Open

2009-01-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

The dental field has lost it's magic with me. I'm sick of self-centered dentists and their selfish, backstabbing staff members. There is only one solution:

Look for another job.

Yes, that time has come. After being involved in this field for a number of years (I was first introduced into it in 1990), I am ready to move on... do something different.

I've already begun a few online job applications, in hopes of catching a real sweet new job. I realize, too, that times are tough out there for many, so competition may be stiff. Regardless, all I can do is put my best face on and show it to as many potential employers as I can. Surely, something will come along....

Describes Me in Many Ways

2009-01-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

I have good days. I have bad days. I can't let it stop me.

Goodnight, Mr. Rourke

2009-01-21T08:26:00.001-08:00

I have spent the last hour, or so, sitting in front of the tube, watching a biography on Ricardo Montalban. (I'm at home, sick....) And at the close of that episode, the image of him appears and soon to follow are the years of birth... and death! I didn't know, but he died Jan. 16, 2009 at the age of 88.

I LOVED Ricardo. Even as a child, I thought he was one of the most distinguished actors of our time. With that dark hair, sometimes even combed into a wave-do, which was popular for men in the 1960's and before, that rich voice of his (the accent... eh, not so much), and that body he kept toned all throughout his adult life, I thought he was ultra-male. Especially taking into consideration how handsome the guy was up into his sixties in his Fantasy Island days.

I remember a movie in particular, of which the name escapes me - thank you, Robitussin, that shows a dame in Ricardo's arms, and the frame is filled with him and the back of the lady's head. Before he locks his lips on her, the observers can't help but notice the man had a chest-full of hair, as it brimmed out and over his shirt. His arms were just as... if not more hairy. I tried to look for (steal) a representative photo on the net, but all I've been able to find are shots of him in full-sleeves..... or SHAVED!!! I suppose some of those Hollywood big-shots said, "Ricky... keep that beastly hair under control". (They were obviously straight, as most of the gay producers would've included such in as many shots as possible.)

Here's another great shot of Ricardo (shaven, mind you):

So today, my heart is kind of heavy. One of the very men that helped me to shape my formative concepts of manhood is gone. And I'm sure he's left a huge empty spot in the hearts of many others.

Good Night, Mr. Rourke. I hope you are resting easily now.

I almost forgot... I wanted to leave a link to a great website. Brian'sDrive-InTheatre is a treat for any movie buff. I've parroused the site for a few years, and thought I'd share it for anyone who's never been there before. There's loads of info on actors and actresses that many of us have long forgotten. Take a look!

P90X - Day 2 (having a little fun)

2009-01-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

My First Day of P90X

2009-01-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

Where Can I Find?

2008-12-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's an English staple, but I'd love to know if anyone knows where I could find HP. It's very similar to A1, but with a tarter bite, and not as thick. It's wonderful on eggs, and with getting ready for my new fitness minded lifestyle, I will be eating plenty of egg-white omlettes. Please give a shout-out if you know!

I've Made a New Committment

2008-12-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of P90X? It's a series of fitness dvd's sold on late night informercial-vision. A new friend and I are going to be whipping ourselves into shape each day at my new gym, 3rdDegreeFitness. It claims to be able to transform your body in 90 days... although I think I may need to do it twice... I've never been so out of shape in my life, and I am ready for the changes to come!!!!

My new workout buddy is a trainer at this gym, and I have been following his fitness and weight loss battles on youtube for some time. At first, I didn't realize that he lived in Hot Springs, but it is such a small world sometimes, isn't it?? Anyhow, I've been doing my own battle with the bulge, as many of you who know me already know. My biggest mistake this year though, was taking on too many other obligations, and the gym somehow slid into bottom priority. By slacking off my gym time, I was able to re-gain nearly 20 lbs. that I had lost... and I did it in only the length of 16 weeks, or i.e., one Fall Semester. I'm not dissapointed, I just now realize that the committment I make to fitness and overall health must be a daily consideration, just like eating or sleeping, or I will die a very premature death. I don't want to die young. I refuse.

Luck would have it that my new friend and I would finally meet face to face yesterday, and upon discovering that we're to turn 40 years old within a month of each other, we have made a pact to celebrate our 40th Birthdays in the best shape of our lives. I am so, so, SO very excited about this! You know how when something is so exciting to you that you cannot sleep? THAT is how excited I was about this. (Which today, makes Alan a sloppy, dragging, tired fool.)

I am making certain preparations for the journey today, even though I feel like crap-o-la. I am getting the kitchen and pantry ready for a make-over as well. I know I will need to free up space in the pantry and fridge and freezer, for the new bounty of healthy foods I will now be keeping on hand. I am also rearranging the cupboards as best I can, and any other way possible to help me help myself in the kitchen.

And as tired as I still am from a severe deprivation of sleep.... I am still SO very excited. Tomorrow will be the day it begins.

Number 3

2008-12-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

John Costelloe, also known as Johnny Cakes... the closeted gay love interest of Vito on The Soprano's, also has died.

Actually, Christmas Day brought us three deaths with one big wham. Besides Costelloe and Eartha Kitt, Nobel-winning and otherwise famous playwright Harold Pinter, all died on the same day.

In threes, ya know.....

Johnny Cakes and Vito share
a special moment.

Classic Eartha

2008-12-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

You can even hear a Cat Purrrrrr!

RIP, Eartha Kitt

2008-12-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

Eartha_Kitt, made famous for her role as Catwoman on the 1960's television series, Batman, as well as for her vixen-voiced rendition of "Santa_Baby", has died. Ms. Kitt comes in as my #2, in reference to my earlier post this month, "It_Happens_In_Threes,_You_Know...?

Isn't this ironic? Santa Baby is one of my favorite Christmas songs, and today, December 25th, was THE DAY Ms. Kitt would take her last breath. She recorded the song in 1953.

Coming a long way from her South Carolina roots - the daughter of a poor cotton farming family, her father was white - she proclaimed herself as a sex-kitten, Orson Wells called her "the most exciting woman in the world", and through her 6 decade career, earned herself three Emmy nominations... two of which she won, and also numerous Grammy and Tony nominations. Stage and screen icons like Eartha are a disappearing type of hybrid performer. Even entering her 80's, she had a large fan base that was less than half her age. I happen to be one of them! As of the past few years, Eartha had taken part in several children's animated series, doing voice characterizations. I will follow this post with a video or two (hopefully there's a clip on youtube).

Good Night, sweet and sexy Eartha. You were loved by many.

Donate

2008-12-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

My friends at Wikipedia are a fascinating bunch. I just took the time to make a donation to show my appreciation for their hard work.

Where else in the world wide web can one search for information without the pesky ads and pop-ups? I can spend hours (and have) looking at anything and/or nothing specific, just to expand my knowledge. Of course, I was one child that read the dictionary and encyclopedia... for fun. Does that label me as a nerd?

Here's a link to donate. Do it!!!

Open House Photos

2008-12-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas Open House

I was able to take photos at the very beginning and at the very end. Sorry for the gap, but we had such a good time, that toting a camera was not on my mind. The photos in the kitchen were at the end of the evening, and things were getting messy:) My friend Sharon is actually wearing a shirt of mine, b/c she was 'burning up' in her Christmas sweater.

All be told, I think we had around 50 people show up.

A Sprint through Christmas

2008-12-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

Joe and I both took today off from work to prepare for our Christmas festivities. For those of you who have been in our home, you well know the amount of 'stuff', and the difficulties the 'stuff' have presented in allowing for a living flow throughout the house. Should any of you be able to visit within the next few weeks, you will notice the drastic changes we have made!

The front parlor has been totally cleaned, including each and every individual piece of antiquity, and the black baby grand has been tuned.
The library has been cleared and rearranged... and cleaned.
The dining room has been cleared of all the Brown_County_Art, cleaned, and selectively had its antiquities rearranged.
The back parlor has had all of its bookcases cleared of chachkies and replaced with, well... books... and cleaned.
The kitchen... cleared and cleaned.
The laundry room/powder room has had a nice treatment of Kenneth_Reeve hanging art added to its walls... and cleaned.

And I hope that if you are not able to drop-in on The 602 this Christmas season, that all of the work that has gone into it recently will remain as is. (I can only hope.)

The reasons for all the 'to-do' are two fold... On Saturday, we will be having our first ever Open House. It is for our friends and neighbors, Ron and Leigh Linton, who will be having a jewelry show. They are fine artisans in precious metals and stones, and we have thought of hosting a show for them for quite some time. It is also a way for us to be motivated to get our house 'guest-ready'.

Then on the following weekend, my family will be gathering here to celebrate our Christmas. It will be the first time I have hosted my family Christmas in several years. The last time, Rachel and I were still married, and Luke had just been born less than a month prior. Needless to say, my circumstances have changed drastically since then, and I am very excited to be able to welcome my own flesh and blood into a home full of warmth and love.

I've got a lot more to do, so I'd better get crackin'!!!! I'll post pictures as I can.

Finished

2008-12-12T06:40:00.000-08:00

By taking the Comprehensive Final in Accounting last evening, I am done with school for one whole month. I am proud of myself enough to post my grade chart! I hope it's large enough to see... The Green columns are my grades, the Blue represent the class average.

Click to embiggen:

Prior to my exam, I did the necessary calculations to know how well I would need to perform in order to maintain my A grade, and it turned out that by working so hard throughout the semester, I needed only make a 63% on my final. Had I totally bombed or skipped-out, my class grade would have suffered a drop to an 85%... or mid-B. So, I was in no way stressed about my test performance. After handing in my exam last night, my instructor graciously graded it, and I discovered I exceeded my expectations. 98%! When I arrived at home, I called my parents to congratulate them, in that their son is - for the first time ever - a straight A college student.

My Goodness!

2008-12-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

I had not realized it has been over one month since my last post. Blame it on schoolwork. My last final will be Thursday (tomorrow). And after doing the necessary calculations with my grade, I've established that if I totally bomb that comprehensive final, I will still squeak-by with a strong "B"...! That was very comforting to discover, I might add. And in order to maintain my "A" average in Accounting, I need only score a 63%.

I have completed all my course work for Business Law this week, too. Our instructor, who just happens to be one of our esteemed Circuit_Judges, dismissed us after Monday evening's session, and not without letting us peek at our course grade. When he began class that evening, he immediately scaled-out the entire body of scores in bell curve fasion on the blackboard, from highest to lowest, and then drew dividing lines, so as to separate the scores into groups. Of course, this was to show the different grading divisions. Five students recieved A's, around 12 B's, then fewer C's, etc... I knew that I did not have the highest score in the class. I was really just hoping for the #4 or #5 spot! But to my surprise, I clearly saw that I was #3!!!!

Thanks Judge!

It Happens In Threes, You Know...?

2008-12-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows the face. Having appeared in around 40 films, 200 plays and many television shows, Robert Prosky had a face you would not easily forget. Knowing and remembering his name was not so easy.

His son, Stephen Prosky, was quoted in today's Associated Press, "Everybody knows him as a fairly famous actor. My brothers and I know him as a marvelous father."

It always seems that it is at this time of year that deaths of famous persons somehow are quick to gel in our memories. Here it is, just two weeks from Christmas, and we have our first for 2008. Who might we mourn next? It never seems predictable, but I am sure to count on at least two more noteworthy deaths before the stroke of Midnight, 12/31/2008. Any predictions out there?

And a good-night to you Mr. Prosky. You now join an ever growing list of those who have become immortal by means of cellulose. Now, whenever I watch Mrs. Doubtfire, or reruns of Hill Street Blues... I will know your name.

Green Tomato Pickles

2008-11-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

With a cool snap in our air, tis likely that any tomatos still on the vine will not fully ripen this year. About a month ago, I decided to pickle a few, and today I tasted the results of my experiment.

The result? FAAAAbulous!

In a Summer edition of Martha Stewart Living magazine, a mo' simpler version of this techinque was revealed. I took the same advise, but embellished and the results are quite delicious. Joe and I are big pickle fans, so I simply saved the leftover jars (w/ the brine). Once I had gathered, washed and cut the tomatoes, I removed the empty jars from the fridge, and rather than the simple technique that Martha suggested (simply add the tomatoes to the brine and put back in the fridge), made the pickling a bit more permanent....

The pickle brine was poured into a small sauce pan and was gently heated to a simmer. While the brine heated, I removed the jar labeling and diligently washed them in very hot water. The lids were placed in another saucepan of water and brought to a simmer, as well. Before packing the tomatoes into the jars, I added a heaping tablespoon of minced garlic. Once the tomatoes were packed into place, the simmering brine was poured back into the packed jars of tomatoes, and the lids removed from the simmering water with a pair of tongs, and tightened into place. Within seconds, the lids had sealed, forming a vacuum and thereby preserving the green tomatoes indefinitely.

One month has passed since this experiment, allowing the flavors to infuse, and the results are quite amazing. Very crunchy... not in the least bitter, either. I even added a few tomatoes that were a bit pink, for color, and though they are indeed softer than their green siblings, they are by no means mushy, as I had feared. Now my plan will be to gather ALL of the green tomatoes still left on the vine, and concoct as close a version to Claussen pickle brine as I can. I'll also need a few more jars, lids and rings. And with a little luck, I'll be known the world over for my green tomato pickles......

the other blog

2008-11-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give notice of another blog I started. No prose, just pictures of art. We've been in the process of cataloging much of the art that we eventually plan to sell. (Originally, we had hoped to have sold it before the downturn in the market.)

All of the pieces are from the Brown County Art Colony, Brown County, Indiana. Most pieces are also from the earlier years of the colony, from the 1910's to the middle twentieth century. Joe and Kris were avid collectors, and we would have better use of the capital it could possibly generate than to have it all gracing our walls.

Click on my Blogger profile, and you will see it listed as another blog I own. Enjoy! (and if you are interested in any of the pieces, use my gmail address and let me know.

To make viewing even easier, here's the link: http://browncountyartcolony.blogspot.com/

Halloween was a Hoot, now back to bidness...

2008-11-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

To have the priveledge of living in a house like The 602, I am more than happy to embellish the facade for Halloween. I spent a good three hours decorating the front porch and yard on Friday afternoon, and the crowd never seemed to cease. Probably around 300 children graced our front steps, and the nearly $90 worth of candy I purchased was whittled down to just a few handfuls that are now tempting me each time I walk past the bowl. We had Bethanie and Charles help us hand out treats (and douse the children with the hidden fog machine at the top of the steps), and then later on, Steve and Lynne brought their kids, their kids' friends, and one of the kids' friend's Mother... at about the time we wrapped up our treating. One thing about it being on a Friday night this year, I was uncharacteristically partaking of the spirits. I paid for it this morning, too. I'm a lightweight, so when one considers the two beers (actually, Irish Red ale), and the entire bottle of vino that I consumed, I was toast by the end of the eve.

Today, I have spent the majority of the day in the attic. Not your typical attic, I should add. The 602 boasts an attic the size of the average American home. Some 2000 square feet, with ceilings that reach around 14 feet (give or take), at it's highest point. My plan is to have the attic become a landing spot for much of the boxed goods that are scattered about the house. Some things will land there permanently, such as luggage and wrapping paper, and empty boxes, and Holiday themed stuff... but some things just need to have a place to land for a little while.

Since we repainted all of the upstairs last summer, things have never gotten to a state of normalcy, simply because of the sheer volume of 'stuff'. If I can get most everything up there that is now in our way, I plan to have the main house completely staged for normal living by Christmas*. Perhaps my library will not be painted by then, but to have The 602 livable in each room will do my psyche a heaping bit of good.

Last week was mid-term grade reports, and I am very pleased to say that in Accounting, I have a very solid "A", and in Business Law, I have a "B". Since getting back into the swing of school while working full time, I cannot imagine the folks who take a full load and still work. I realize that my two classes may be more time consuming than they are difficult, but these 6 credit hours are whipping my be-hind! Of course, my job is somewhat demanding of my time too... so I suppose it's a combination of both that are doing their number on me.

I guess that's it..... Check out the picture of the chandelier I installed in the front hall last weekend! Very blingy.

I installed a dimmer switch on it just before trick or treaters arrived last night, so that made the mood of The 602 even more dark and mysterious!!!

Flashback Friday

2008-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week, I offer something more upbeat and happy. I don't know why I was in the doldrums last week, but I'm all better now! It's also nice to get emails from people that I don't know who have read the blog. I got three in the last week!

Anyways, meet Echo and the Bunnymen. They are another of the essential 1980's bands, when one wishes to sample that decade of music. Jangle-Pop was their genre, and even though it was a short lived genre, it was awesome. The only other mainstream band to have made it in that genre was "The Mighty Lemon Drops". (Another band I adored).

Let your hair down, turn it up, and be happy it's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Echo:

More recent Echo (2005):

More U2 to share

2008-10-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

I am going through a sentimental phase. Bear with me and it will play out.

You may recognize the actors in this video. The female is Samantha_Morton, whom you would most likely remember as "Agatha", one of the clairvoyants in the film Minority Report. The male is played by the drummer of U2, Larry_Mullen, Jr.

Also, a video about the making of the video......

Flashback Friday

2008-10-17T19:40:00.001-07:00

Giant-Mega-Band, U2 was a cutting new sound first in Ireland and the UK, then... the world. I was hooked with the first few songs that my cousin Philip had bought on the black market in Saudi Arabia. We were 12, it was 1981, and Pride/In the Name Of Love, the first American realease, had not even been recorded.

I'll always equate that time in my life with the pains of coming of age, my cousin Philip, and that hauntingly hollow beat we know as U2.

Even now I can see a chilling resemblance of Philip in the lead singer, Bono. Maybe it is that I will always hear Phil's voice singing along with Bono that helps bring it to mind, but to see them, one would think they were most certainly related.

Philip was shot in the face on Martin Luther King Drive in Little Rock in 1992. He lived on life support for three days, and then he died.

We were 23.

The Spire

2008-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Architecturally inspired by a plume of smoke taking rise from the campfire of Native_Americans who would have resided along the banks of Lake_Michigan, the Chicago_Spire will soon begin its upward thrust to reign supreme over an already impressive and historic American city skyline.

The all-residential condominium tower at 400_N._Lake_Shore_Drive will sit just to the west of DuSable_Park, between Navy_Pier and Wacker_Drive. Topping out at 2000 feet in height, it will be the world's second_tallest all-residential tower, with a total of 1194 residences on 150 floors. The homes will range in size from a modest studio to a much larger 4 bedroom unit. Plans also include penthouses of undisclosed size.

At such a stunning height, subjects gazing out of the windows of the top-floor community room will be able to look downward at the famed Sears_Tower, once the world's tallest building, which will fall short to the Spire by 550'. Not only will one be able to look down on every tower in downtown Chicago, but will also be able to gaze across the waters of Lake Michigan and see the shorelines of Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

In order to achieve a design from his original inspiration, architect Santiago_Calatrava gently tapers the exterior walls inward, and each floor is offset from the one below by 2.44 degrees, for a total 360 degree rotation from ground to tip.

A spiraling plume of smoke that reaches 2000'? Must be one mother of a fire!

During an evening spent on Navy Pier last summer, I saw the construction site taking shape and the billboard posted with the coming development. Work was to have begun in the days that followed. The residents of 1194 condos must have a place to park, so construction first began on the building's seven story sub-terranian parking garage. With that in mind, I knew it would be quite some time before we would see any progress against- and into- the sky above.

2010 had been the original target date for completion, but the market turbulence has slowed progress and a tentative year of 2012 has been estimated for its completion.

Want a piece of Chicago sky in this particular vertical neighborhood? The sales office is open and would be more than accomodating in finding you the unit that is just right for you. But hold on to yer_breeches, studio units are priced at $750K and the prices spiral upward from there. The largest of the penthouses lists for $40Million. Anyone wanna go 'halfsies'??? Better hurry though, reports are that the tower is already 30%_sold.

Otherwise, I would be bored to tears

2008-09-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Today marks one full week with our house guests. It might be difficult to determine if they have enjoyed their stay as much as I have enjoyed them being here. As luck would have it, I have been off work all week due to a medical problem and their presence has given me great diversion to my little problem. Had I been at home alone all week, I think I would have likely focused on the pain I'm experiencing more, and the time would have slowly crept by. Tomorrow though, I will return to work, and my schedule will be back to a more normal state. On one hand, I'll be glad to get back, but on the other I fear that I may be walking back into a mess. Hopefully, the replacement my home office has sent down will be able to keep work flowing properly. I hope, anyway.

"Things are getting really bad here"

2008-09-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

were Thomas' exact words when I spoke with them this morning. As Hurrican Ike was approaching, they had decided they would stay nearer their home in Houston, so that a trip back home would not be so complicated and exhaustive. Those were the best of intentions, yet none of us had any idea the area would be so devastated. I have been reading that the mayor of Galveston has now barricaded the bridge leading into town (I-45), has said that anyone still there needs to leave and that residents that fled cannot return. The situation is becoming more dangerous with each passing day.

Upon our urging and reassuring, Thomas and Marieke are on there way up here today. From here, they can better manage their personal affairs and eventually begin the process of getting their life back into order.

It may take weeks for issues in Galveston to be resolved and the city reopened. From articles I've read, all of the infrastructure is gone, and now health and disease issues are plaguing those that stayed behind. Reports range from that of cemeteries that have had their tombs disinterred by the flood waters with the mangled mess of old coffins and dead bodies and other debris washed against fences and buildings, to accounts of rescuers finding people with hundreds of mosquito bites, dead pets and sea-life littering the whole town, and cattle and horses now aimlessly wandering about that had escaped the flooded western end of the island that has no sea wall.

The Houston-Galveston media is apparently shielding this information from residents so as to prevent panic, and I can understand why. However, I do think they should at least be willing to reveal to Galveston residents that it will be quite some time before they let them go back home, and even longer before life can return to normal.

Yes Thomas, things are really bad down there. You have no idea how bad.

So, perhaps we may have house guests for quite some time. Joe and I look forward to being able to help these two special people get their life back in order... however long it may take.

Refugees?

2008-09-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

I spoke with Thomas and Marieke last night to see how they were dealing with Ike headed straight for Galveston, and they were of the opinion that they would just 'ride it out'. Well, after seeing this morning how bad this storm is getting, I (along with Joe's urging, too) have tried to make contact with them.

I've sent them a text message, just to let them know they are more than welcome at The 602. There is no need to even call... just get out before it's too bad to leave.

So, tonight we may have guests. And as bad as this storm is looking... they might be here a while.

Meet Me in the Library

2008-08-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

More work around The 602 has begun. The next room to succumb? The library.

The previous owners could not let one single room escape their obsession with wildly patterned wallpaper. Although not covered in the 'floral vomit' pattern throughout the downstairs, it is still quite dark and un-library like. Soon though, the paper's grasp will be released from the walls of this stately room, and it will take on an air more accustomed to our liking.

The built-in bookshelves anchor one wall in entirety. And rather than the shelves being open to the room, all are enclosed behind doors. Along the bottom, the doors are of wood panel, and the tall doors above are all stained-glass. On the opposite side of the room and tucked into one corner is a lovely fireplace, surrounded in green tile and topped by a wood mantel.

It's the kind of room that one would expect to find a moose-head hanging over the fireplace, a tufted leather couch... maybe even a bear skin rug. (I'm working on the other half to make all that a reality, but I don't know if he can see it just yet...)

When it's done, I do know that it will likely be my favorite room in the house. I'll be sure to make before and after photos to post here.

School Days Are Here Again

2008-08-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

My re-education has been jumpstarted. Last Thursday evening was my first back in school in several years.

Q: How does it feel to be the oldest student in the classroom?

A: It feels great!

At least the instructor has a good 10+ years on me. And, lucky for everyone in that class, our instructor is energetic, funny and engaging... and this is Accounting? Okay, one class can be checked-off as enjoyable. The true test will be whether or not my Business Law class will be just as pleasant. I have no fear that I will be interested in the subject matter, it is the instructor that I have my doubts about. He's a judge. A judge that I have stood before years ago. About 6 years ago, and in fact just happens to be the judge that ruled in both my separation and divorce hearings.

Ahh, life in a small town... Do not worry, I will in no way intentionally remind him of how we last met. I wonder if in his absence, my ex-father-in-law will substitute for him? They are very good friends, and, well... oh, just forget it.

My pursuit of a college degree has been a multiple launch effort. My last attempt, ten years ago, while hoping to someday be admitted to dental or medical school. Just days after beginning that term, I (we) discovered that a third child was on the way. (Somehow I still think that was intended as sabotage on her part... but I think that is a possibility with all three pregnancies.) And so, even though I finished that semester with a 4.00, I never attempted to reach for my goals again. Until now, that is.

In no uncertain terms, my life partner has been nothing but encouraging about this new pursuit. I had toyed with the idea of going to culinary school in Little Rock, and even though I know I would enjoy the subject matter immensely, I realize that the job security in that field is not as solid as I would like.

Upon being visited by our friend Jerry from El Dorado, Arkansas, I discovered that a degree program in his occupation, and one which I had been interest in as a much younger person was now being offered at the University of Arkansas campus in Hope. Prior to that program, one would have had to attend a school out of state with the closest being in Dallas.

The degree program is in Mortuary Science.

Sunday Mornings are good for reading...

2008-08-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

I have not been my blogging self lately, nor have I been my usual blog-reading self. Today though, I've been milling through my blog-roll, and happened upon a story I had read some time back. The author, Joe of Joe My God, recounts his experience of losing an acquaintence/friend back in the days of the gay scourge... the gay plague. Anyway, Joe has reposted the piece on his blog, as the original date of the posting has high significance.

I urge you to follow the link and experience it:

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2008/08/ricky-loved-madonna.html

Also, I cannot believe that Madonna just turned 50.

Sick

2008-07-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

First, it was Joe. He called on Monday afternoon asking if I knew where he might could find a copy of his proof of insurance for his car. He had been rear-ended on Central Avenue, and could not find a copy in his car. Since he was on-duty, and to make sure any injuries were to be covered by workman's comp, he would have to go to the doctor for blood work and exam. While there, the Doctor diagnosed him with bronchitis.

By the time he got home, he could not speak and was delirious with sickness. On top of it all, he was sore from the auto incident, too. The bag of prescriptions that I fetched for him raised pharmacy staff eyebrows significantly, as it not only included narcotic cough medicine, but also vicodin and muscle relaxers for his muscles.

Needless to say, within an hour of arriving back at home with his meds... he was toasted.

Luckily for Joe, he was able to call-in sick for two days and was able to rest and heal. I, on the other hand, became ill the next day, and could not take off work at all. Apparently, the person that stands in for me when I am ill or on vacation was already filling-in for staff in our North Little Rock lab. In other words... I was shit out of luck.

"Just go home as soon as you get all your work done" says my boss. Seemed simple enough, but after having already gone to the doctor yesterday morning prior to work, my meds had kicked-in too... and I was doing good to complete my work at all without grinding off my fingertips with the dental drill.

So, yesterday I got to leave a whopping 5 minutes earlier than usual. Today was a bit better though. I got to leave much earlier. Much, much earlier! 2:00!!!!

Gee whiz, maybe I'm just pissy b/c I'm sick... or maybe I just want a new job.

I'm thinking it's both.

?1915?

2008-07-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors, Ron and Leigh Linton, brought over this photocopied photo of The 602. I am thinking that it is probably around 1915.

The Black Friday fire of 1913 that destroyed much of downtown, the courthouse and the east side of the Quapaw-Prospect neighborhood also damaged The 602. When new(1887-1892), she was a grand Queen Anne Victorian covered in gingerbread trim, a tall hip roof, and I'm certain that the rondelle had a pointed turret, too.

Well, as evidenced by signs of fire in the attic, I'm thinking that the roof either burned off ... or was damaged to the point of being replaced. And the house underwent a total renovation, not only to repair the burn damage, but to also add indoor plumbing and electricity. It was at that time that (according to the version of the story we've been told) that Dr. Collings decided to make the house as fire-proof as possible. Hence... the stone facade & the Craftsman/Prairie inspired lines that she carries through to this day. Notice how prominently the large Frank Lloyd Wright inspired porch planter stands out on the corner of the front porch.

The lines of the Queen Anne aren't completely lost, though are toned down significantly. I can imagine lots of lattice work for the house's underpinning... lightning rods on the tips of the turret and hips... and lots of scroll cut trim work... all cut to perfection and painted 10 different colors. Can you see it??? Nevertheless, she's still a grand old home. A hybrid of sorts...

Perhaps a Craftsman Queen??????

Makes My Blood Boil

2008-07-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

I know many of you have seen this already, but I thought it worthy of a post.

Think Cool Thoughts

2008-07-12T15:06:00.001-07:00

It's July in Hot Springs, and it is indeed hot. Joe and I tag-teamed yard duty this morning, and even though we started just before 8:00 and finished just after 10:00, it wiped us out. Even the Scots are bushed after walking back with me from the groomers. As soon as we walked in the door, Wills laid himself out on the slate floor in the kitchen, where he still remains some 40 minutes later. He occasionally lets out a groan for us to hear. I totally understand what he means and how he feels.

The photos above were taken the day of our last snow this year. I made sure to capture it, as I knew it would not be around long. Snow in Hot Springs is not nearly as common as one might think. I've seen winter here pass without seeing a single flake. However 2008 gave us snow on two occasions. What made it even more uncommon was that both snowfalls occurred during the same week. March 3rd and March 7th. The first two photos are of home 'the 602'; then, looking up West Mountain; next, the tan Victorian on the next corner on Hawthorne St. (we don't know them very well, b/c they are assholes); and finally, our dear friends Danny and Janine-owners of Prospect_Place_Bed&Breakfast just around the corner from us.

Doesn't it look wonderful? I feel cooler already.

Neighborhood Elements

2008-07-11T04:20:00.000-07:00

It Rained on Tuesday...

2008-07-11T04:13:00.001-07:00

Proper timing is absolutely crucial when photographing nature...

Shirtless Yard Man

2008-07-09T03:43:00.000-07:00

Sitting in my office, looking out my little window to the world...

I spot this across the street.

Two thoughts crossed my mind:

1. How much would he charge to mow our yard, and

2. Would Joe approve?

Uh, YEAH! And only if he works without his shirt all the time.

(I must have some kind of awesome camera, as this guy was not only across the street, but was down the block, too. I did not realize how tight I could close-in on subject matter:-)

Not Until Autumn

2008-06-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

I'm finished. Through. The outside projects around the house will have to wait until the next solstice draws near, as it is far too hot, and I too easily succumb to the effects of heat and humidity to make it all worthwhile.

The effort I put into the project over the past weekend has rendered me into an achy, moany, grouchy old poot. So, the decision for me is to only tackle regular outside duties: mowing, trimming and watering as needed. Period.

I am sure the decision will please the mate to no end, as we've finally begun the ominous job of staging and decorating the old Victorian that we call home.

Ivy Be Gone!

2008-06-29T15:05:00.001-07:00

I have had a love/hate relationship with the English Ivy growing about the fence that separates the front lawn from the pool area. Granted, it gives the needed privacy from the street, and it graciously covers the hideous chain-link fence with the white metal privacy sleevy inserts woven into it, but tends to have an invasive nature. Over time, the small strip of ground between the fence and the pool deck has become thickly woven with the gnarly shit, and frankly, I just got tired of trimming it back to the edge of the concrete.

So... I ripped it all out. Yesterday.

I had done a small area weeks prior, just to give a glimpse of how that might look. I liked it. It pleased me. But I didn't have the gumption nor the energy reserves to tackle the entire 50' stretch, especially since the area is in direct sun by 9:30 until 6:00. I knew it would be a project that would have to commence early on a weekend day, before the area succumbed to full sun.

Yesterday morning, I arose at 6:00 on the dot, and I began my dreaded task at 6:30, equipped with shears, rakes, shovels and a pot of darkly roasted coffee. My luck would have it that the early morning sun rose... then disappeared behind a heavy bank of clouds around 8:00. I'll take 90% humidity and overcast instead of 90% humidity and sunny, any freakin' day.

All told, the entire project to completion took about 12 hours. I think I burned at least 10,000 calories.... With the ivy gone from the strip of ground, the remaining ivy on the fence was given a 'high and tight'. (I had no idea I would haul so much of it away, and thank goodness the city will pick up at the curb.) I also removed two large holly bushes, and the two that remained, were given a bonsai-type treatment. (Who in the hell plants holly bushes by a pool, anyway? Please, would somebody tell me the logic in that?)With all of it now out of the way, I then proceeded to cover the area in hardwood mulch. Three miniature roses were planted, a large metal sculpture was set, protective reflecting orbs placed around the roses, and the palm trees on the far end of the pool were trimmed of their deadness.

Pictures to enjoy(clicken to embiggen)....

From our bedroom deck above.

The roses with their protective reflecting orbs and, well... rocks.

The palms, all trimmed and fresh. I wintered them in the sun porch, and they lived!

Inviting???

Joe and his late friend Gary bought the sculpture in Sandwich, IL. It was an original fixture in a bank in Dixon, IL. I saw the maker's mark on the bottom when I was moving it... but I've forgotten what it said.

I will eventually look at it again, but it won't be anytime soon. That fucker is heavy! So is the stone block it sits on. They don't really go together, but I married them, and I think they look right smart.

********************************

I remember. It's a Horvath. Gene Horvath (1927-1995). He was a well-known abstract metal sculptor in the upper Midwest, and there are many public works of his in Rockford and Rock Island, IL and Davenport and DesMoines, IA.

From the looks of his other work, I bet this one is very early. Guessing late 1950's.

Not Today, Please.

2008-06-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

To see the positive side of a difficult situation is a quality I've been able to put into practice on most occasions. It is not a difficult task to bear a majority of the time, but I am only human, and today has proven to be a day in which I am not up to carrying the burden. I'm tired, and I reserve the right on this day, to roll around in my own self-pity. I don't allow myself to do such on most occasions, but today, yes. Poor, poor me.

No calls on the phone
No cards in the mail
No glimpses of my kids
No sticky melted ice cream kisses...
No Happy Father's Day wishes.

Just bear with me and I will get over this. I've had to deal with so much more. I just hope they know how much I love them...
And when they're grown, I hope they will want to still know me.

*******************************

Well, I did finally receive that all important call. And even though it came at 9:30pm, it changed my mood tremendously. It was so nice to hear those sweet little voices.

Come Saturday...

2008-05-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Endora should be sitting in our driveway!

New Toy

2008-05-29T09:07:00.001-07:00

I'm a sucker for old classic cars. Recently, we've been serious about tracking one down to actually buy and enjoy. It just so happens that on Memorial Day, I actually had the winning bid on this lead sled. A 1971 Cadillac Eldorado convertible. She needs a little attention, but nothing too drastic (I hope).

I had mentioned naming her "Divine", but that was more fitting of another car we spotted... a 1967 Buick Electra 225, and Joe happened to come up with a more fitting name.

We will name her "Endora".

I will also post different pictures of her. I stole these from the E-bay listing...

Born on this day...

2008-05-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

Clockwise from top left:

David Boreanaz(1969), Liberace (1919), Debra Winger (1955), Gabriella Sabatini (1970), Janet Jackson (1966), Tori Spelling (1973), Henry Fonda (1905), Richard Page (1953), Pierce Brosnan (1953), Mare Winningham (1959), Tracey Gold (1969). Center: Moi (1969) w/Joe.

Aren't we a lovely and talented bunch?

Something Has Clicked

2008-05-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I was a very slim and svelte young man. A young dad, two jobs, college classes at night, and yet I still had enough energy to arise every morning at 4:30 to exercise. When I was my slimmest, I averaged a weekly total of 30 jogged miles, and as many or more walked or hiked. I remember the endorphin rush each and every day, and the high would last me long enough to do everything I set my sights upon.

Me: 1998

Age: 28

Height: 6'2"

Chest/waist: 50/34

Weight: 220

Hair: Yes

Well, life situations changed (life actually became a living hell), and my "hot young daddy" body fell into disrepair. Fast forward a few more years, and I was basically living off of a diet that consisted heavily of vodka & mtn. dew, and lots of other 'junk'. I had experienced a very nasty divorce, which in actuality was not as bad as the 7 year marriage that preceded it. The quality of my life had become over-run with obstacles that I could no longer maneuver. Finances were spiraling out of control, job security waxed and waned with the moon, and in all my good judgement, I had decided that I would now finally come out of the closet. Little did I know that some of the biggest challenges of my life wre yet to come, despite feeling like finally living true to self would set me upon a road to happiness.

My life was upside down, and my health was taking a very serious turn for the worse. It was Easter of 2003 when I got my real wake-up call, and it was this photo taken of me with my sisters:

In four short years, the person who looked back at me in the mirror was a complete stranger. Seventy pounds can squash just about any person's will. Problem was... my will had already been through so much, that I simply didn't have the energy to do anything about it. All I could think of was the fact that not too long ago, I had been near single digit bodyfat percentage... without worrying a thing about what I ate! But the bigger kicker was how embarrased I was about myself at a time when I was very vulnerable, and still learning the ropes of this new gay world.

Looking back at all of it now, I feel I have come full circle. I joined a gym this spring and have been enjoying it tremendously. I haven't quite been able to completely quit smoking yet, but I do now watch what I eat, and do not really drink that much anymore. As of this week, I finally am beginning to feel like I did many years ago. I again, arise before 5 am, and make my way to the gym. I love every moment of it. In fact, I'm heading there now. All this week, I've gone back for seconds in the afternoons. I am trying as hard as I can, as hard as I am able, to find that "hot daddy" body again. I know I'll find him. In fact this time, he will be even better than he was before.

Damn, this has been one long-as-hell road to get to this point, and I feel as if I've paid my share of dues along the way. But I'm glad I am here again. I don't quite have as much work ahead of me as I did in the fat picture, but I know I can do it again. I had doubted it for so long.

I love my life again.

Taking Jesus to Town

2008-05-15T09:04:00.001-07:00

Amazing footage, but a corny song. It's great they wanted to save such a pretty old building.

Kyle Farnsworth Gets Dressed

2008-05-09T09:25:00.001-07:00

80's Moment - Depeche Mode

2008-05-09T07:13:00.001-07:00

"Shake the Disease" Supposedly about an infactuation, but for many, an all too familiar memory for what was happening around all of us. There was only one real disease then, and it was swallowing up hundreds every day.

Today is my very good friend Bethanie's birthday, which also happens to be lead singer David Gahan's too.

It's fun to look back on culture through music videos. This was 1985. I was in high school, and remember all too well the bleached hair, mascara and lipstick wearing Brit boy musicians of the day...

Look at what I've cooked up now.

2008-05-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have lately called into question the level of satisfaction I enjoy with my current job. It now seems that I yearn for something new and different with increasing intensity each passing day. I must say that I do indeed have an 'easy' job and get compensated well, etc. But I know I need a change. I have worked in the dental field for over 10 years now. I'm sick of whiny patients. I'm sick of the drama that ensues in each and every dentist office I have dealings with. Most of all, I'm sick of dentists. I do enjoy working with a few, but for the most part, they tend to make my stomach turn and my head ache.

While wandering around on the internet one day (at work), I came across a particular specialty school that is new to Arkansas. Years earlier, I had often thought of entering such a program while I lived in Memphis, but it was during a turbulent time in my life and I had neither the funds nor the support of my parents in attempting such an endeavor. I have come into a chapter in my life though, that will enable me to pursue this once lost dream, and do so with enthusiasm and energy. I have Joe's blessing too, and with that, I know that it will be an exciting new change.

The program into which I will enroll at some point in the future, is Culinary Arts, now offered by Pulaski Tech in Little Rock. I will also enroll in classes to better educate me on the finer points of running my own business, as I will plan on working for myself eventually. Perhaps a couple of years of experience in a big commercial kitchen, such as The Arlington or The Embassy Suites hotels will be helpful, but my goal is to work for myself as soon as possible. The idea I've had of a business model does not include a restaurant, per se, but rather a retail shop that will have deli-like offerings for lunch, a cold case, gourmet items, kitchen and party accessories, with the heart of it all centered upon a catering business.

I've even thought of the name I want to use for the store...!

I'm Procrastinating

2008-05-02T04:20:00.002-07:00

Here I sit, in front of my blog, pasting videos from youtube onto it. I should be at the gym, already halfway through my hour long workout. And yes, I've obsessed with video posts today, but I hope they are enjoyed.

I will write, soon. I promise.

This Is The Last Time, Ya Hear...!?

2008-05-02T04:20:00.001-07:00

Keane is a wonderful current group out of England. Love em, and hope they make a lot more music.

80's Moment - The Mighty Lemon Drops

2008-05-02T03:52:00.001-07:00

I have the extended version of this song on my i-pod. First heard them in college and they're among my top faves. Only a very few bands were in the genre that was called "Jangle Pop"...and they are (were) one of them.

Last Night Was a Movie Night

2008-05-02T03:34:00.001-07:00

The Dying Gaul. Excellent! It was first a stage play, premiering at the Vinyard Theatre in NYC (I'm on their mailing list...) and wonderfully adapted to film. Peter Sarsgaard typically plays a deviant, or character with challenges, and he always pulls it off SO WELL! Didn't that last line in the trailer kind-of give you goosebumps? "I feel you!"

Watch it. Soon.

I've Been A Slug This Week

2008-04-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, that about sums it up.

What's that I hear?

2008-03-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

I promised, some weeks back, to make mention of The Valley of the Vapors music festival. Sorry for the delay, Bill! But, it does start today and runs through the week. Sounds fabulous & everyone can read more about it here!

That is one cool Capone alteration, I must say!

Cold Turkey... Day Four

2008-03-12T05:14:00.000-07:00

I've been good. Up till now. I want to eat a cigarette. I tore into that box of nicotine patches this morning as if I was Charlie Bucket, looking for a Golden Ticket inside. And the instructions... the instructions, dammit! Tell me to ask myself "why" I want to quit at the back of the bloody instruction manual. Tell me where to put the bloody patch on my body on the first friggin page, and let me worry about the rest later, dammit!

So it says to place the patch on a non-hairy area of skin on the upper body. Okay, so does that mean I have to put it on my forehead? Because I'm telling you what, there's not much of an area on my upper torso that is not covered with hair of some sort (...okay, TMI & so sorry), but it is the truth.

My solution... my bicep. And now I'm feeling SOOO much better. I love you all. Have a wonderful day!

A Night at the Symphony

2008-03-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

I was able to smuggle-in my camera to the Symphony concert last night. I had remembered that my camera took video, so I originally shot this with the intention of sharing it with my kids. They were in Hot Springs on short notice, and the fact that we already had tickets for the symphony was a bit of a sore topic. Had there been no plans for the evening, the kids would have had the treat of sleeping over... and they haven't had that opportunity in some time.

A couple of months ago, Joe purchased both of us these tuxedos, and Gay Lynn suggested we all dress to the nines and go out and have a good time. We certainly did! It was our first opportunity to meet Gay Lynn's good friend, Candy, and we all looked smashing... if you ask me!

Don't they look fabulous?!?

And.....They're Off

2008-02-29T05:30:00.001-08:00

Our neighbor and friend Terry dropped by yesterday and left us two day passes for Oaklawn Park. Seems she has a co-worker that owns a horse that is racing today. I only work a half-day on Friday, so the 1:00 post time will not interfere. Last time we went, we took Joe's mother and a family friend of theirs. We all won 'something'... except for Joe. (Of course he was betting long shots all day). So, maybe today he will strike!

I'm already craving one of their reuben sandwiches and a beer.

Remembering Daniel

2008-02-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

Underneath the big, burly and alpha exterior was a man as tender and sweet as they come. Dan was a friend, who for many years, awaited a liver transplant. In February of 2007, he finally recieved a liver and the transplant was successful. However, before being discharged, he died from a loose blood clot.

He was a good man and a good friend & I cannot believe a year has now passed since he left us. I'm glad I was able to know him.

We Visited the Old Galveston Bunker

2008-02-28T09:46:00.001-08:00

Tiny Shells

2008-02-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

They were everywhere.

Home

2008-02-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

We're back from Galveston. We blazed a trail through Texas today after dropping our friend Monique off at Houston Hobby Airport this morning. One week of vacation was not nearly long enough, but it certainly was nice to get away, explore new territory and be with our good friends Thomas & Marieke and Monique. I'll be posting photos and videos from our trip soon!

Artful Dilemmas

2008-02-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

The hallways have awaited a response from either of us since being painted and refinished, to display the multitude of artwork that is begging to be hung. The stumbling block for us has been what method to use, and the cute cartoon above clearly demonstrates our angst, but finding the appropriate hardware has been an exhaustive process. We clearly want to use a picture hanging system that blends into the period of the house (1887-1892), but just about all I can find up to now has been more of what one might find in a home fully appointed by Ikea. (I enjoy that look, but only if it can blend... which here, it will not.)

I'll try and remember to take some before and after photos...

I Just Had an Election Revelation

2008-02-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

Though it is far too distant to yet predict which candidates will earn their parties' nominations, I am speculating a "What if" scenario...

"What if" Hillary Clinton does win the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States? With ghosts of elections past occasionally running through my memory, I made myself quiver when the recollective thought of Retired General Wesley Clark surfaced. Because it was at that moment that I was also wondering "who"-if Hillary might win the nomination-would she ask to accompany her as Vice President.

I then began reasoning, "Why Wesley?"

The all-too-obvious. Because he could (or might) convince a reluctant Hillary voter to elect him Vice-President.

I'm Just Saying...

2008-02-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

Did anyone think it was kinda spooky that the states that gave Mike Huckabee a majority vote ALSO got themselves some ginormous tornadoes on Super Tuesday???

Wrath of the gods? I'm thinking, yes...! But I don't really believe in all that. I'd be on the same level as John Hagee stating that Katrina was 'God's' wrath for Southern Decadence(read Fat Gay Pride) in New Orleans that year.

........but it is delicious to finally have the same ammunition they(read fundamental christianism nuts) always so blatantly fire at us.

So, there. That gets two snaps and a circle, girrrl.

Well, dammit...

2008-02-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

I was looking forward to seeing a lot more of these Romney boys. It just came over the wire that Mitt has suspended his campaign.

Just think. That would've been the WAY handsomest administration ever!

Isn't It Ironic?

2008-02-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

That accidents in the bathroom account for a large percentage of household injury, yet we're told to go there in case of an approaching storm?

I'm almost ashamed to admit I agree with this... Wintch.

2008-02-03T07:16:00.001-08:00

Yes, she's nasty. She always will be. It's her purpose. But now, in this political atmosphere, I have to agree with her on a few of her points.

No, I'm not your typical run of the mill queen. I know for certain that we will have four rotten years ahead of us, no matter who we elect. It's why I voted for an out of mainstream candidate.

Three Important Lessons

2008-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

1. While cooking on our indoor grill (attached to the cooktop), I have learned that the exhaust fan does not remove all of the smoke while cooking,

2. The smoke detector in the kitchen is hard-wired into the security system, and

3. The response time for the Hot Springs Fire Department to our home is just under 3 minutes.

It's Here!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-28T14:10:00.001-08:00

Name That Motel

2008-01-24T05:02:00.000-08:00

Although the facade has been modified, this motel is still in operation in Hot Springs.

Can you name it?

What to do...?

2008-01-24T04:56:00.000-08:00

I'm drawing a complete blank. Tomorrow is our 1st Anniversary, and for the life of me, I cannot think of some special thing to do... This week's been outrageously hectic for Joe, and still very busy for me, too. Chances are, he's already purchased a sweet, sappy card for me to see first thing in the morning. I love 'em.

I'll do the same, but I know I need to have something else in mind.

Let the Madness Begin

2008-01-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

Opening Day at Oaklawn_Jockey_Club. Oh, the fanfare! Or shall we call it OJC & Casino? Seems as if that's not too far off the mark. Legalized gambling of different sorts began months ago, but today will be the first day that it will coincide, on premisis, with live horse racing. Word is out that the Cella family, owners of the jockey club, have purchased several acres of mid-town property, with sights of expanding the enterprise. One piece of that property sits just across the street from my office. It's about 15 acres +/-, and even though the original 1960's era K-Mart that anchored the shopping center is long gone, it is still a thriving piece of real estate with amenities from a pharmacy and a 10 screen cinema, to a chinese restaurant and a huge antique mall. At the moment, it's difficult to envision a gambling multi-plex with a high rise hotel there, but I'm sure it's bound to happen. Eventually.

But for today, I DO envision a town of 60,000 bursting at it's seams and morphing back into the vacation capital of the state for the remainder of the year and for which it is so fondly attributed. Today marks the day in Hot Springs, that we call the 5th Season. Winter is officially over here. This is Racing Season! It is also when I find my 5th Season Alternate Routes Through

Town. Only an out-of-towner would be foolish enough to drive Central Avenue or anywhere around the track during these days.

Happy Birthday, Al

2008-01-17T22:02:00.000-08:00

Notorious Al Capone. Born on this day in 1899. Called Hot Springs a second home. Had a permanent lease on room 449 at the Arlington Hotel, or so the story goes....

Many say that Capone came to Hot Springs often to treat his 'condition', which was syphilis. With the knowledge that my and Joe's home was built by a physician who specialized in treating v.d., then I'm thinking it may highly be likely that Mr. Capone has graced our halls. Anything's possible.

Mr. Capone ultimately died suffering from the progressed disease's complications. He is buried at Mount Carmel Cemetary in Hillside, IL.

R.I.P. Alphonse.

It's not E-Gore, it's Eye-Gore

2008-01-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while, I'll read up on a more obscure football player than the obvious quarterbacks or running backs (bitches think they are the center of the universe, don't they?). One certain play might spark my interest in finding out more about the lesser-known members of an NFL team.

Well, this past Sunday was a good day for watching some great football. While watching the San Diego Chargers, I noticed one player in particular, Igor Olshansky, a defensive tackle. The camera caught him as one play got under way, and though completely unintentional, Igor hit a member of the opposing team, not with his shoulder, but with his arm. Actually, I'm remembering it was maybe just a flick of the wrist, and the contact sent the other player to the ground immediately. I was intrigued.

So, today I did a search for Mr. Igor Olshansky. All 6'6" and 320 lbs. of him.

Did I say 320 jacked lbs?

I'm sure glad these holidays are behind us

2008-01-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

One can take only so much of the food, drink and merriment, eh? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being able to celebrate the holidays in every way. I've seen many come and go when I was not nearly as happy and centered as I am now. I just can't begin to say how relieved I am that those lonely old days are over. Nothing quite says 'Crappy Christmas' like having already celebrated the holiday with family days before, eating leftovers from that day, and sitting alone in a half-assed-furnished condo with no other plans but to sit and play solitaire in your underwear, watch some sickening Christmas movie marathon on A&E, and pray that the hours until going back to work will fly by as quickly as freakin' possible. That's when the Vodka can really come in handy.

But even when times are great, one can only take so much... Besides, I'm ready to take aim at the rest of this new year. Later this month, I'll have the pleasure of celebrating a very special anniversary. Year One has nearly slipped-by since I met Joseph and inherited all these wonderful neighbors and friends. Luckily, I am able to consider most of the neighbors as friends, too! This year has also brought my parents into the 'real world', so to speak, by coming face to face with this new world of mine. They did surprisingly well, I must say.

And me, I'm great. I've never been better, and that's the gosh-honest truth. I've certainly learned that life can take us on a roller-coaster ride at times. But if we make certain that we're strapped in properly, and that we don't reach out for passing objects, we'll likely come over those humps w/o much harm. What is especially nice is when life gives us someone to sit beside us on that coaster. The humps aren't nearly as scary. In fact, they're a little fun.

Enough with that. I do want to share a story within this post, as I heard it several holidays ago, and I've always thought it was such a funny story... AND, it just goes to show why it's always better to be honest with the people in your life:

John and Mark are gay. They've lived together as partners for two years. Both of them have neglected to, however:
1) Tell their family they are gay, and
2) that they do in fact have a significant other in their life.
Each of their respective families only know of Mark and John as roommates to each other... or at least that's what they think.

One Christmas, John's mother comes to visit from out of town. With it being Christmas, John thinks of a wonderful idea to cook a big dinner. Mark agrees, reluctantly, and all goes very well. John's mother goes on and on about how wonderful a cook her son is, and how very glad she is that he has such a wonderful roommate like Mark.

While cleaning-up, Mark noticed that John's mother was incredibly interested in the silver gravy ladle that had been used at the dinner table. She wouldn't stop staring at it, whether at the table or at the kitchen sink while helping wash dishes. Thinking that perhaps she was just interested in the silver pattern, Mark dismissed the odd behaviour, and soon forgot all about it.

Several days had passed since John's mother returned to her home, and Mark noticed that the gravy ladle was now missing. Mark mentioned to John what he had noticed at dinner that evening, and he was suspect of her having taken it from their apartment. Of course, Mark delicately approached the subject with John, and John agrees that he will simply write his mother a note to thank her for her visit, then the note went on to say:

"...now I'm not saying you did take the ladle, and I'm not saying you didn't. But ever since you helped wash the dishes that evening, we have not been able to find that ladle anywhere. If you find it, would you please return it to me? Love you, John"

Several days passed until a reply came in the mailbox from John's mother. The note went on to say how lovely her visit was and how she can't wait to come back again. As for the ladle, all she had to say was this:

"...I'm not saying that you and Mark do sleep together, and I'm not saying you don't. But if Mark was sleeping in his own bed, he would have found the gravy ladle by now. Love, Mother"

Just Saw This Today

2008-01-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

Read it for yourself here. Who woulda thunk it?

I'll Call Her 'Sheeba'

2008-01-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

That's short for Toshiba... Okay. Here I sit in front of my new laptop, ready to bang out volumes of seemingly unimportant prose.

Yes, I did opt for the more portable technology while keeping in mind that I would have my equipment at hand,and that ability trumped my other concerns. As I become more familiar with the computing world, I realize that many of the pros of a monolithic desktop PC are available to a laptop user as well. All available, all within reach, if I so desire to add them. I know for certain I will be looking into a wireless mouse, first. Beyond that, probably a separate hard-drive. My Taurean tendencies have me enthralled with all this new technology, and my organizational neuroses will fit right in to being able to copy and catalogue all of our music, photographs and documents. By the time I'm finished ripping all of our CDs, I'm sure a separate hard drive will not only be wise, but absolutely necessary.

I must stop. I'm giving myself goosebumps.

Central Avenue 1907

2008-01-08T07:58:00.001-08:00

My heart has always longed for the Dugan-Stewart Bldg to be converted into loft condominiums. Aside from the street-level retail shops, the remaining floors have been left empty and unused. It is second and what seems to be the third building from the right. Connected with a Ground Floor entry, the two 'towers' reach farther upward, with the top floor displaying brilliant sunburst windows.

Today, the Southern Club still stands. Long gone are the gaming tables and slot machines. They've been replaced with human-size wax replicas of several US Presidents, the twelve apostles, and several 'have-been' Hollywood type personas. Aside from the Arlington Hotel, perhaps Josephine Tussaud's Wax Museum is the longest-surviving business on Central Avenue? Perhaps.

The Arlington Hotel in the photo is actually Arlington #2. When Hot Springs later burned, so did this hotel. The current Arlington (#3), now sits at the feet of this photographer, and the old hotel site is a green space. Known by the locals as 'Arlington Park', this half-block was soon reclaimed by the National Park system.

Crashed, baby!

2008-01-07T05:28:00.001-08:00

I'm posting this from the office computer. On Saturday, my trusty HP finally died. Now the task will be to find an appropriate replacement. I had been thinking about a laptop, as the thought of running about the home whilst online appealed to some deep inner need. However, upon playing with one in the store and trying to type on one of those buggers with these big fingers seemed ridiculous. Then the mouse pad and I were at odds with each other from the get-go. I'm thinking now that being affixed to one spot with a normal size keyboard and mouse will not be a bad thing a'tall. Especially considering I could get some ginourmous screen, too!

Okay... I got a really cool camera for Christmas.

2008-01-04T08:25:00.001-08:00

Within minutes, I had loaded the batteries, discovered it took video, and this is the result! The boys playing their PS3, Joe relaxing, and Lexi looking all cute whilst flipping her hair.

It Was A Stroke

2008-01-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

Okay... there, I said it.

I'm still alive and kicking, but now with an altogether different outlook on my life, my aspirations, my real needs, and the sweet precious time I have to make it really count. To have a stroke at my age can bring it all into perspective. It occured in the occipital lobe- in the right hemisphere. Hence the blind spots I have in both eyes, just left of center.

I had carried the weight of that news quite heavily for some time. Joe was particularly helpful in reassuring me and helping me to see how I would best be able to avoid yet another stroke (which is now much more probable). However, the weight lifted significantly one day in particular. It was the Friday before Christmas, and I was affixed to a certain porcelain fixture during my process of getting ready for the work day. I was thinking about all of the ramnifications this discovery had made on my life, lifestyle and outlook.

It was then that I noticed that the roll of toilet paper was drastically low. "Was there more toilet paper in the closet?" I wondered. At that moment, I realized that the fear of needing to purchase toilet paper on one of the busiest shopping days of the year had replaced the concerns I'd been carrying for weeks. The thought of trudging into ANY retailing outlet to purchase only toilet paper seemed as uninviting as anything I could possibly ponder. My face broke into a smile, then finally I began to slightly laugh. I knew then that all would be okay.

And yes, there was plenty of paper stached back in the closet. After all, I didn't need to have a stroke about it, did I?

Follies - Yvonne DeCarlo - I'm Still Here

2008-01-03T09:45:00.001-08:00

I AM Still Here!

2008-01-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

No, I can't sing it as well as Ms. DeCarlo, but feel it just the same. I AM still here, even though you wouldn't know it by looking at this blog. Truth is... I've been faced with a lot of medical issues that I am just now dealing with in the proper sense, AND the holidays were very busy. I looked so forward to January finally getting here, and well, it has. And it's great!

The medical news I will disclose later, as I want to keep this all positive in nature. What I would like to share, though, is a link to a new blogging friend. Marieke. She and her new husband Thomas shared not only their New Year's Eve with Joe and I and our other company, but it also happened to be their honeymoon!!! Both of them are lovely and sweet, and I think we've made two very good friends. Marieke met Thomas in London, and has moved to Texas to be with her sweet.

Wherever life leads you, Thomas and Marieke, we wish you the most happiness!

The Newlyweds visit with John & Danny.

Oh gee, now I'm all verclempt. Just talk amongst yourselves.... Here's Marieke's blog link.

Potato, Tomato, Red Meat & Wheat

2007-11-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

Try to eliminate those items from your diet & just see how difficult it would be. Yet, that is what my new book, "Eat Right for Your Blood Type" tells me I should avoid. Believe me it is difficult, and there are many, many more it suggests I should avoid, but I thought that if I can avoid these four as much as possible then I'll be doing pretty well.

I'm type "A". The natural vegetarian. I'm not surprised with that at all. I'll do my best to follow the book's suggestions, then perhaps I'll see an upgrade in my general well-being. If that does happen, then I'll be much more diligent about eliminating/introducing different foods into my daily diet.

So much for chili and spaghetti, huh?

I Opened Joe's EOB

2007-11-12T03:59:00.000-08:00

One emergency room visit. One EKG. One IV med for pain. Blood panels, CAT scan, yadda, yadda, so-on and so-forth. 8145 and change is what it would have cost Joe and I for his visit to the ER last month. The kicker? Not getting diagnosed with anything.

However, upon returning to work two days later... two co-workers (one happened to be Joe's regular doctor) made a visual diagnosis. Then was told to go home, and not return to work for 7 days. What was it that caused all the trouble? Shingles. An exacerbation of the same virus that causes chicken pox.

I can't imagine how one would begin to pay medical bills without having insurance. Joe talks about patients in the heart hospital all the time that have no medical coverage. Recently one comes to mind. A thirty-one year old male from Clinton, just released, will likely have a $250K medical bill follow him home. At least that's what Joe estimated his bill to be. After all, he was in the hospital for two weeks.

But, Eighty-one hundred dollars? Just for an ER visit? Un-fucking-real!

Diagnosis Pending

2007-11-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

Today may be the first steps in understanding many of the physical problems I've been forced to deal with over the past several years. I had thought that the stresses my life had been presented in that time was the main contributor to why I always felt terrible. But now, my life is quite different. The major stresses I once experienced in daily life are no longer present. As I told my doctor... "my life has never been better". The professional, relationship, financial, and social components of my life are all in sync and have harmonized so that I live quite an easy, happy, and fulfilling existence. But in contrast to that harmony, I am always in pain. It is much worse at times (such as now), and I'm smart enough to realize the the pattern has been cyclical. In addition to the pain, I also experience a bit of confusion (I've always been a neat-freak, and that bothers me to no end to not be able to organize as well as I once did), numbness in various parts of my arms and legs, episodes of itching that can bring me to tears (without any evidence of rash or redness), and also an annoying blind spot in my field of vision that has been present since August of last year.

I was so frustrated in not being heard by my previous physician that I sought-out a practitioner that would be more in tune with me and the problems I presented. The problem I wanted addressed first was my sleep apnea, and I now have that problem under control. But when I presented all of my symptoms to him yesterday, his response was... "You definately have my attention!" Then he asked "Why didn't you tell me about everything earlier?" It was then that I just started to cry. "Because I feel so bad, I didn't know what I had said and what I had not..."

Today, I will have an MRI. Maybe now I will start getting some answers. Feeling so bad maybe won't be as difficult to deal with if I am able to know what is causing it.

_______________________________

Update:
I am very displeased with my doctor's lack of follow-up. Apparently, the MRI was only indicative of impacted sinuses, which I have no doubts I would have. But I know that cannot be the only cause of everything else I deal with on a daily basis.

I now have an appointment with a Neuro-Opthamologist at UAMS. In fact, he's the director of Neuro-Opthamology at the Jones Eye Institute. Dr. Joseph Chacko. Perhaps he will be able to determine why I have two permanent blind spots in my vision, one in each eye, and also at precisely the same area of visual field. Homonymous Quadrantanopsia. And if he's able to determine what caused that, then perhaps he will see more of what is going on with me. All the symptoms are classic Multiple Sclerosis indicators. I hope not, but at least with a real diagnosis, I could begin treatment and maybe even resume what mimics a normal life. Even if it is MS.

Content

2007-10-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have days where you feel as if your inner-world is perfect? Despite the cold and grey day outside, and despite the terrible back pain I'm having, I am perfectly content with my life. Sure, there are changes I would love to make (my career, proximity to my kids, etc.), but I realize change will only come about when I am ready.

No path we choose to journey is ever perfect, nor does it promise to bring us all we want in life. All along the way are obstacles we must traverse. Whether we make that journey with optimism or with disdain is largely a decision we make each day. Today, I've made my choice.

Disclaimer:
I do give myself permission to not feel this way tomorrow.

Charles. Catherine. You Mind If I Ask You A Personal Question?

2007-10-23T18:09:00.001-07:00

No, what is it?

How Large is Your Footprint?

2007-10-23T15:23:00.001-07:00

I found an interesting online reference today. It is a calculator that estimates your Annual_Carbon_Footprint.

See how you measure up. Bigger is definitely NOT better.

Depeche Mode - Precious

2007-10-22T20:55:00.001-07:00

One of their best yet. I LOVE DM!