Paul Stanley...

Paul Stanley had an accelerated heart rate during soundcheck today. Missed a gig. More info at paulstanley.com.

Yard Sale Days

Ok. I admit it. My ass is kicked.

90 degrees. High humidity. Moving around for a change.

I'll put more up later.

Maybe

Marijuana makes you Psychotic

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/07/27/marijuana.psychosis.ap/index.html

So what else is new. :)

Today is the big yard sale. We dug around all day yesterday. We supposedly open in 15 minutes. There's enough stuff out there to interest people.

Ill try to take a few pictures and post them.

The band is making great strides. This is like meeting that sexy 18 year old girl and falling madly for her. I think this is going to be a very special group. So I get to yard sale today and tomorrow and practice my ass off all next week.

Chrissy and Mike and Mel and Toby and Ava are coming out tonight. Chrissy has some stuff she wants to sell. She's gonna stay overnight. Mike has to work in the am, so he's gonna go back down and come back up tomorrow.

I'll post later

cya

I would LOVE to see this....

I don't even wanna say anything about, except the girls are pretty hot. :)

http://stage6.divx.com/Refuse-Life/blog/8825/

Had lunch today with Linda Case, a friend from high school. It's not fair that people can walk back into your life after 32 years and look exactly the same. (with slightly "less full" hair, but that's not a negative)

We met at the new Panera Bread on the Pike and had a wonderful, albeit short chat. Looks like it may be a regular thing.

I need to blog more. We have practice this weekend with a new drummer and his girlfriend. They have a band called The Patchwork Quilt Fallacy. I want to check out a band called Queen V on myspace as well. Very hot looking.

later folks

Overheard......

.....at a party across the street, I swear to god.

"Sooooo, if I need anything tonight, like bail?...I'm gonna need your number."

Yard Sale the last Friday and Saturday of July.

Come one come all. Tell em you saw it here and get my eternal thanks, absolutely FREE! (limit one per customer, offer void where not heard)

Paris.....Free At Last

Paris Hilton went to jail late Sunday night after the MTV awards. She was released today. The Sheriff is citing medical problems.

The judge in the case is NOT pleased.

It seems that the Sheriff made the decision to release her on his own. I guess that's not so bad, but the judge found out she was released through news reports.

The judge wants to see Paris tomorrow at 9 am to discuss matters.

I'm really torn on this one. I like her. Probably because it isn't easy to. It's very easy to hate her. I saw a man on the street interview on CNN the other day that was very creepy. People who had contact with inmates were saying that they want to "get" her.

The problem is, if she were to be "gotten", the lawsuit would boggle the mind.

She screwed up and admits it. She turned herself in and was apparently willing to do her time. I think you have to give her a little credit for that.

It'll be interesting to see what happens tomorrow. I'll try to remember where I hid my keyboard and type something about it.

I'm 50

My Cousin's Kid Makes the News

Bowdoin man busted on marijuana charges

Seth_Koenig@TimesRecord.Com

03/07/2007

BOWDOIN — Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Department detectives arrested Christopher Evans, 30, Tuesday, on charges of cultivation of and trafficking in marijuana. According to Chief Deputy Jay Manhardt, the detectives searched Evans' 625 Litchfield Road home and allegedly found 24 two-foot-high marijuana plants, 1.5 pounds of processed marijuana, paraphernalia, digital scales and weapons. "We estimate the street value of (the drugs) to be in excess of $4,000," said Manhardt. Evans posted $5,000 unsecured bail and was released Tuesday, according to Manhardt. Manhardt attributed the arrest to the department's increased collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and a stepped-up focus on drug abuse prevention. "This bust was a joint effort, as so many of them are, between (the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency), the Kennebec County Sheriff's Department and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Department," said Manhardt. "It's part of the sheriff's department's ongoing aggressive effort to combat drugs in Sagadahoc County, and it's been very successful for us. ... If you're a drug dealer in Sagadahoc County, we probably know who you are, and it's just a matter of time before we come for you." The chief deputy said that while Tuesday's Bowdoin arrest was publicized, many more drug arrests are not, "because they lead to better information and often other cases."

Ramblings....

Ok. 30 some dead at Virginia Tech. President Numbnuts has to run and save his sinking poll numbers. Then he says that "We're all Hokies". Now, I know it's a solemn moment. I know you need to say something to reassure the nation. (Biggest gun murder in the U.S. Thanks NRA) But this is that whole "Dallas is America's Team" type of bullshit that I absolutely abhor. Yes, we're incredibly saddened by the events. No, we're not Hokies. Sorry.

A lot of talk after Columbine centered on how we could stop events like this from happening. "Pay attention.", "Tell someone in authority if someone is suspicious." You know the drill. "Dime out yer buddy.", "Be the Thought Police." I don't agree with these things because they smack of the Nazi state.

However, in this case, a teacher/professor who possessed fiction writings from this student went to University authorities AND the police. I guess they'll look into it now. I looked at one of the plays he wrote. Besides being....bad.....you can tell that there was some serious shit going on with the kid. I read another blurb online where two students were talking and didn't know who did it yet, but said "I thought it was Cho right away." There's always that guy running around.

I believe that things like this will happen. It's incredibly sad, but inevitable. Especially given our large planetary population.

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

George wants the flags at half mast. Shame that he doesn't respond like this and actually attend a funeral for any of the troops he's had killed.

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

Don Imus was fired this past week. He used the phrase "nappy-headed hoes". I tracked this when it happened and I was pretty sure how it would go down. First there was a big stink raised by the members of the offended community who usually raise the stink. (Rev. Al, Jesse) This was a no brainer, it always happens. Imus went on the Sharpton show and seemed genuinely contrite.

Then the Rutgers players had a press conference. I did not see it, but everyone who did said that they carried themselves very well. Another nail in his coffin, but still not a huge problem.

Then the sponsors started to go. P&G, Amex.....THAT's when I knew it was over. You can do damn near anything in this country, say "I'm sowwy", and get away with it....UNTIL the money starts to leave.

Personally, I listened to Imus a few times when I was in my Stern phase. Howard hated him and I could see why. Bigotry aside, the man mumbles and is basically uninteresting. But that's radio, stay there long enough and they have to pry you out.

I'd like to see some of the Clear Channel gang head for the door next.

In an unintentionally humorous side note. The Governor of NJ was on his way to mediate the meeting between Imus and the Rutgers team and was in a traffic accident. He was pretty banged up. Not wearing a seatbelt. So, the guy that does the PSA's saying "Wear Your Seatbelts, Kiddies", wasn't. The two troopers with him were, and they were relatively unscathed.

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

Band is in hiatus until June. I'm giving them till Halloween to play out, then I'm off for greener pastures.

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

That will give me lots of time to work on the basement project. This will be a big weekend. Hope to be 95% dejunked and ready to start ripping stuff out. AND......we may get to babysit the Granddaughter on Friday. We went over Sunday night. Had some pizza and enjoyed their company.

Billy is starting to work as an apprentice for a stone mason. Anybody need stonework or concrete countertops???

Big things happening for Mike. I'll let ya know soon.

later

Just a Little Bit of Help.....

......can go a loooooong way.

On Saturday, Toby, Melanie and Ava came out. Toby agreed to help me move some stuff into the trailer. They were only here about 2 hours. And of course, there had to be some granddaughter quality time. So he really only helped me move a few pieces. A couple of computer racks, a home entertainment center and the seats for the old van. But those few large pieces opened the floodgates.

By the end of Saturday we had 2/3ds of the garage area cleaned out. We could have moved it all but we're having company over the weekend and some of that stuff has to come upstairs. We also got the area cleaned out where the theatre will be.

Sunday we did even more. Pulling up (moldy) old carpet. Moving tools and hardware, etc.

I worked Monday, but took today off. We continued pulling up carpet and moving stuff out to the trailer. A small miracle occurred when I was able to start the tractor on the first turn without jumping it. I also got the snowblower running and took that down to the barn. It was 77 degrees here this afternoon so, of course, they're calling for snow showers tomorrow nigbt. :)

I'll try to keep you posted

aloha

Snow Day

I'll cut to the chase.

I think we need a holiday called snow day. The 1st time in February that it snows would be snow day. If it doesn't snow by a certain date, you pick a date for a deadline.

You have to go get that bread and milk anyway. Pick up a snow day gift.

I don't mean just taking off for a day, which is ok in itself. I mean a bone fide holiday.

It used to be that adults that live in the same household would see each other. This really is a holiday borne from our hectic lifestyles. You just take that day and everybody agrees to stay in and celebrate something. Don't make it religious or political.

Somebody come up with a few more ideas.

Invasion!!!

Switzerland has invaded Lichtenstein.

About 170 Swiss soldiers (complete with knives) accidentally wandered into the micro nation Lichtenstein last week. The soldier were carrying rifles, but had no ammunition.

How embarraskin' :)

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

The band is officially on hold as we look for new members. I've made a vow to myself that we will be seen in public by the end of the year, so stay tuned.

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

We went to Philly on Saturday to see my ol' roommate Buzz. We got there around 10am. Met him at his hotel (Marriott, 13th and Market) and hit all of the old haunts and a few new ones. Had an excellent cheesesteak, bought a few CD's and visited.

It was Deb's first time in the Farmers Market. We're talking about maybe taking the kids down and doing a Fri/Sat overnite. Shop and Drop.

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

I will be updating the Two Sister's website this evening. In the next week or so I will be updating my web software to Dreamweaver 8. Look for a cooler fitzlandia.com (I got some good ideas today)

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

Congrats to Ursala and her new beau, Chrysler. 1000's of jokes to follow. :)

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

that is all

later

Big storm a'comin'

They're saying 6 to 12 inches. I'll be surprised if it's 3.

The tricky part could be the ice. I have to work noon to 8:30 tomorrow. We'll take a look in the morning and see what's what.

I do have to check the ol' snowblower tho.

Lovely Anna.....

I don't get shocked too often, but that was a shock. 39 and frozen in time.

I don't know if you've seen a recent pic of her. With the media coverage the way it is, you'll probably be able to see EVERY photo of her. I thought she looked better recently than she did at her zenith. Especially in the face.

It's turning into a long, stupid media circus, but I guess we shouldn't expect any less. I like the late addition of Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband, that really stretched it over the top. He was having an affair with her and wanted to ADOPT her. So Bizzare.

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

If you get a chance, look for a vid clip or still of Ivanka Trump on Leno. Not the fiasco with Andy Dick on Kimmel. Ivanka bought new boobies and the dress she wore was extreme even for late night standards. I loved it. :)

Thank god she inherited mom's genes in the looks department.

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

Basement work goes extremely slowly. I hope to hit it a little tomorrow. But honestly, it's been sub freezing for over a week. Maybe I can rearrange the deck chairs down there and get one section ready to go.

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

Tonight is GAME NIGHT. Toby and Mel are coming over. I guess we're gonna give Toby all of our money playing poker. I'll let you know what unfolds.

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

The band has a drummer to audition. I think we're gonna get together next Saturday and take a run at him. Learning some new songs, the Bad Religion tune in particular sounds like a crowd pleaser.

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

Toby and Mel, Karen and Fred and us spent Super Bowl day together. Everybody left before the game. Karen bought Guitar Hero and brought it up. We had a little duel and I kicked her ass. But that's just the loving uncle I am.

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

I will get some pics on the picblog this weekend. I've been getting grief from all sides. I went to see the Luv Gods a few weeks ago and took some pics of them. Some of them may be on their site.

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More news as I collect my thoughts.

ciao bella

Day number.......oh Forget it!

It's a noble idea. But I don't post everyday so I can't do it. I did get a little bit done down there this week. My schedule will settle a bit next week, so i can do some stuff and I HAVE to practice this week. Guitar is coming out very soon.

I've been reading an online comic called "Crap I Drew on My Lunch Break".

She does nice work, send her money.

I have to post some baby pics from xmas. I'll do that later. Everything is backing up. But at least the house is clean.

It's 21 degrees here. I've got a friend out in Wichita, KS that I haven't heard from. I think that they're buried in ice.

It's a little later in the evening. There was an article in our local paper this week on drinking chocolate. I made some tonight. I used Ghirardelli baking chocolate. I'm not really thrilled with the chocolate, but the process is cool and I can definitely see trying some of my favorite chocolate this way. It really opens up the flavor. I could taste orange in this cup.

I will try to stay up to speed on the blog.

Later

Days 8, 9 and 10 (WD 4,5 and 6)

I'm a very impatient person.

I like to get stuff done.

This is driving me crazy. :)

I thought that I'd just be able to move stuff and get it in the trailer and that would be it. Well, it's not working out that way. Some stuff is just too heavy for me to move by myself. Some stuff (I think) needs to be trashed and my second opinion isn't coming down stairs. I also have to clean as I go. As well as the occasional minor repair to make things operational.

I've got a heating element that Deb used for her greenhouse placed in the trailer. We were down to 16 degrees last night. I don't want it balmy in the trailer, but I do want to try to keep it above freezing. If I can do that I'll be a little less paranoid about putting some things in there.

I need to get some stuff moved out of the middle room upstairs so I can move some of the more delicate stuff from the basement up in there. I'd hate to lose comix and stuff like that just because there was no room to keep them without moisture.

I think we will put the xmas stuff away on Sunday and store it in the truck, then I will continue on stuff Sunday and Monday. I'm into a couple of the big pieces now. Moving them out will make a huge difference in the view and my sanity.

Day 7....Guess What??

Man.....I felt like Death yesterday. I was really groggy at work. Went home and napped till the OSU/Florida National Championship started. Watched half of it and went to bed. No workee for me.

I don't feel 100% today, but I do feel a lot better. So I'll be cramming more stuff into the trailer.

I didn't see you with your belt brace yesterday?!?!?!

Day 4 , 5 and 6

The days that you see in the titles will be consecutive days since the trailer was dropped. You'll see another number (WD3) that will make it a day that something was done. This gives us 2 actual counds .

So.....day 4 was a trip up to MT. Carmel. We got our new speakers and tested them. It turns out we need another pair, so they are on order. We spoke about monitoring and are moving in that directions and we are selecting the "down the stretch songs so we can start playing out. The band weblog should happen in a few weeks.

Day 5 was practice and returning the speakers to the dealer. I went and met Deb met in Selinsgrove, We picked up some gifts and headed home to clean. Long freakin' day.

Today was another xmas dinner with Karen and her brood. Darlene wasn't able to make it, I don't knowwhen we will do those gifts.

So.....tommorrow starts WD 4/Day 7......come on over with your belt brace. :)

cya

Day 1, 2 and 3

The blog is now going to function as a journal of my remodeling. I'll be posting the occasional pic on the picblog as well.

Day 1 (Jan 1, 2007) Cleared out some trash and burned it. Put together new toolbox.

Day 2 Trailer arrived today. More trash burning. Put down a piece of plywood to access trailer. They were unable to get it in as far as I wanted, so it's a little inconvenient to load, but probably better in the long run. When the ground drys up, we may have a jockey come out from the plant to move it forward about 10 feet. Found a lock for it.

Day 3 More trash burning. Started moving equipment out. Actual progress!!! Teresa came out with the forms to sign and to get the check. We talked about radon tests and the like. 2 hours a day doesn't seem like much. I'm sure it will be much better next week. Should have most of the stuff out of the basement by then. This is a practice weekend, so no work Friday and Xmas gifts to get Saturday. Darlene and Karen come up Sunday but will leave early. I'll start hitting it after they leave.

More to come. BTW...Chrissy, I will get some Ava pics up soon.

Later

This is (a) gross, but.....

....only 144 days till my birthday. :)

Pics of the cute one will be coming soon.

I got a 50 foot semi in my backyard. We start loading it up this week so I can start the basement remodel.

More....

Later

2007.....Here we go!!!

Haven't posted for awhile because things have been nuts.

My wife's Grandmother had a stroke the day after we celebrated Xmas with her family. The 18th. She decided not to be fed, so we were on a death watch thru the holidays. She finally passed away on the 28th.

There is a lot of family infighting going on. I wonder how bad it would be if there was some money to fight over. One of the aunts has gone insane.

Anyway, she was interred yesterday. So that nightmare is over. But of course, the weekend was completely fucked because of funeral stuff.

My nieces come down for Xmas this coming Sunday.

Last year sucked pretty royally, this year is looking up.

I have a 50 foot semi coming in tomorrow. We're loading all of our shit on it and starting the remodeling downstairs. It won't be leaving until the remodeling is done and the yard sale has been had.

So I will be posting pics from time to time of the construction. I took some today of how crapped up the downstairs is, I'll save those til the end to do the compare. :)

Have a happy 2007. :)

Later

I think Google just won.

I can't really say.....anything.

Go to Google and check it out.

Two protons...

...expelled at the coupling site creates the mode of force.
The embryo becomes a fish that we don't enter until the A plate.
We're here to experience, evolve the little toe.
Atrophy.
Don't ask me how.
I'll be dead in a thousand light years.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Genesis turns to its source.
Reduction occurs step-wise, though the essence is all one.

End of line.

Just because you buy a DVD to watch at home doesn't give you the right to invite friends over to watch it too.

I honestly cannot believe this. I hope I find out it's a hoax.

http://www.bbspot.com/News/2006/11/home-theater-regulations.html

Luck and Lack Therof

My niece goes down to AC to play the slots. It's her birthday. She plays a game and a light goes off. The thinks she might have busted the machine. Turns out she put in a quarter and won $1800.00 dollars. If she would have splurged for 2 more quarters, it would have been $50,000.00. She did good, took her money she brought down and put it with the winnings.

My luck was not so good. I got to see a late model pick up truck soar through the air. It rolled at least 4 (i think 6) times. A piece of it hit my car. Took out my front grill and bumper and busted a transmission line. So my day was peppered with hunting around for all of this shit i need. Hopefully they will give me a rental.

The kids were here. I took some pics that will be up at some point. Please leave nice comments. And start buying me expensive xmas presents.

that is all...

It had to happen.....

I love this site......this guy analyzes the comics and is usually pretty funny and dead on.

Check it out.

http://www.joshreads.com/

FULL CONTROL

"Macaca" Allen concedes to Webb in Virginia. The Dems now have a working majority in both houses.

I'm sure that gold is gonna fall out of the sky now.

It looks like the fights will start next week. Bush wants Bolton approved for the UN and there are several Dems and at least one Rep that are gonna fight him on it.

In other news. Tom Bradley will coach PSU this weekend. He's the one that's so much fun to watch. Paterno will not be in the stadium. Dr's orders. It's the 3rd game that he's missed in his career.

New pics in the picblog

Say What You Will...

Brittany Spears is a genius.

Any other time of the year and she's front page in 3 news cycles. Say you're getting divorced on Election Day and it gets lost in the shuffle.

Next moves? Stop music career. Get back to fightin' weight. Start porn career.

cya

A New Day......

Frankly? I expected it to start raining money today.

I predicted that Santorum would lose by 7 percent and Swann by 12 percent. The final numbers??

Rendell 60 Swann 40

Casey 59 Santorum 41

That right there was enough to make my night. Rendell's win was a given, but getting rid of that stain on the Senate was worth the price of admission. The scary part was listening to the GOP pundits on CNN say that there will be a "Draft Santorum" movement for President. God help us all.

So, our little corner of the world was taken care of....now what??

NO incumbent Democrat lost.

Let that sink in for a second.

Before I went to bed last night I knew that we got the house. Everyone on the panel said that the Senate wasn't going to happen.

Then, right as I was nodding off, James Carvelle let out a whoop. Turns out that some numbers were coming in that were turning positive for the Dems.

I get up.

We've got the house with a 34 seat margin. And we are 2 seats away from controlling the Senate.

Then, around noon, we gain one more seat. And finally, around 9pm, Virginia goes to the Dems.

Some of these races are close. But all have been called and should hold up. The Dems take the Senate AND the House. Wahoo!!!!

I gotta hold my pockets open and stand outside.....cya!!!

THIS JUST IN........MAJOR

Brittany Spears has filed for divorce from Kevin Federline.

World asks, what took you so long?

Election Night 6:15

First good ray of hope. Rep. pundit Ed Rollins says that large numbers should mean a large Independent turn out. If it does, the Rep's are fucked. Ind's are running against them 2 to 1.

I voted at 6:00 at my rinky dink lil voting area. It was packed and 850 people had already voted.

Election night rocks. I hope to know 95% of what's going on by 11:30

Has anyone been to England? Has anyone seen these slides?

This might actually be words to a song I haven't written yet, but it's a reference to this.

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/carstenholler/photos.shtm.

and an accompanying movie....

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/carstenholler/photos.shtm.

I just read a letter about one man's experience.

BTW....Cat says that they are talking about getting rid of the football program at Mansfield University. No football program, probably no fall homecoming, she says. I think they will still continue a fall homecoming, but it will be far different. People like colleges in the fall, I guess. I know I do. :)

10:50pm 10/25/2006

Ladies and Gentlemen. I have sighted the first "holiday" commercial of the upcoming Christmas season.

Lowe's is the guilty party. It's a fairly funny commercial, I'm sure it won't be by about mid December tho.

Let's go kill them. Seriously, pass a law that says you can't air a holiday commercial until Nov 1. I'd vote for that guy.

Into Fantasy? Like your Fantasy Football and Baseball leagues? Try this puppy out.

Later

Sad Day

Sandy West died today.

Most people don't know who she is, but if I say drummer for The Runaways, something may click.

She had lung cancer. She was 47.

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Computer people. Firefox 2.0 is out. So far so good.

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I'm finally back to work. It's BME Customer Appreciation Week. I'm allowed to take my camera, so I'll have a few pics from work this week.

Later dudes....

100%

Tuesday I'm sitting at my desk at work. I've been on light duty all month and pretty much sedentary since the middle of September when I had the knee surgery.

I get up to go to the bathroom at 5 and chat with Ethyl at her desk. I start getting chest pains and a little bit of pain in the jaw and left arm. I keep moving for the bathroom, getting more and more uncomfortable.

I route my trip back to my desk past my coat so I can get my car keys with my nitro. Go back to the desk and sit down. It's about 5 after.

Five more minutes and I can't take it, I pop the 1st nitro. 5 more minutes, no relief, 2nd nitro. Don't make it another 5 and take the 3rd. Sweating like a pig and starting to get "tunnel vision" I use the cell to call 911.

I let the people in the room know what's going on and things start getting nuts. 911 operator wants a landline so they call. The "emergency response" team for the P.O. shows up. Starting to feel a bit better, but still pretty bad.

Ambulance shows up and we start the whole deal. Stretcher, asprin, oxygen.....and we're off to Harrisburg Hospital. BTW, if you're in the Harrisburg area and having a heart attack I strongly reccommend the Harrisburg Hospital.

I start to calm down when we get there. They do my blood draw in the ambulance (lots of fun finding a vein over the bumps) so that is ready when we get there. They get me in a slot and hook me up.

A few folks come by, the 1st doc orders a CT scan. This is right around 6 o'clock. About 30 minutes later I go up.....wait in the hall for about a half hour, then go in. I've had these before, they shoot you up with dye. Usually I'm pretty good, but this time it feels like it's coming up. Nurses scattering is really fun. They were out of bedpans, so they kick a trash can over in a panic. Fortunately, it was a false alarm.

I go back downstairs. Deb, Chrissy and Mike showed up right before I went up and were waiting when I got back. It took forEVER to get the results back. I didn't get into a room until midnight.

They tell me that it was not a heart attack. There are markers in the blood that indicate that that weren't present. They thought it might be a pulmonary embolism (clot in the lung), hence the CT. It wasn't. So, the only way they can make sure is to do a cardiac catheter.

Up in the room they get me settleed and the gang leaves. Deb stayed at Mike and Chrissy's so they could get my car the next day.

The guy next to me sounds like he's talking in his sleep. Turns out he fell in the shower and twisted his back. It's 1 o'clock. He has to be showered at 4 for open heart. The nurse trys to pawn off some crappy sleeping pill on me and I insist it HAS to be Ambien. It took a while, but I got it. It's 2 o'clock. I do get some sleep, but it would have been zero without the Ambien. They wake me up at 4 and again at 8.

I get breakfast and nod off. The crappy doc from my cardio group comes in. He says that I will have my cath early afternoon. Then he sees my tray. "Is this yours?". Yes, I say. "Then it will be late afternoon". Great

I call Deb and tell her. Then I nod off. Nurse comes in at noon and says "You're going for your cath". Great. So, long story short, it's done in the afternoon, the nurses are cool (and hot) and I'm back in the recovery room. The cath Doc comes out and says I have a 50 percent blockage, 30 percent blockage and 20 percent blockage. Hence the title of this post. But they're gonna cut me loose.

I get to the room and they do the sandbag on the leg. I talk to the nurse about going home and she says...."Oh no, you're not scheduled to". So I get another night of their hospitality. I watch TV and take it easy. The gang comes in and bring the inlaws as well. We hang until about 8. They leave, I stay. I get a good night sleep and they cut me loose the next day.

Everybody at work was very cool. I guess because I scared the hell outta them. :)

They day before all of this I went to Hershey Med to start working on micro doses of Statin (anti cholesterol) drugs. So the plan is to do that, get back on my diet (which won't be hard since I've been pretty close to it). Then, as soon as the Ortho doc clears me, start walking and working up exercise.

And since you were so nice to read this, you can check out the new pics.

So what's new with you??

later

G.O.P.(P.P.P.)

The Grand Old Party (Protector of Pedophiles and Perverts)

Foley was kinky with a 16 year old. That's the end of the story.

Brit Hume tried to compare him to Clinton. (You knew that was coming)

Dennis Hastert says that it's all poliitical and they're "going on the offensive". What is offensive is that Hastert thinks he's gonna have a job in 5 weeks.

And yesterday Foley checked into rehab because he has an alcohol problem. Today, he says a priest abused him. I wonder what it will be tomorrow.

I think there are very few Republicans anymore. I think there *are* a lot of people who are conservative who've been conned tho.

cya

My Space is Pretty Cool.....

I found a friend from college that I've been searching for on the net for quite some time.

It's difficult enough that, in our society, we hide the women by changing their last name when they marry. No, she had to go and change her first name too. :)

I went to the Ortho doc today. Down to one crutch is the good news. He is saying that there may be an artificial knee in my future though. The optimal word is may.

I must be off to make phone calls and the like. I'll be back to work on monday.

cya

Stuff and Such and Things and That....

Waiting for Deb to pick me up to go to the cardio Dr. It's a follow up from my stress test. I'm still on crutches, at least till Thursday. Knee feels good. I've put full weight on it once or twice and it feels solid.

Hoping to go over to Chris and Mike's tonite to see the new cats and hang out a bit. I don't know if we'll be able to connect tho.

I posted a bunch of pics on the picblog. I've got a flickr account and hope to get that up and running this week. There will be a lot more pic postings. Everything is running now. I'll do a few more on the blog maybe and a bunch on flickr.

I'll admit to being down in the dumps this past week. Hopefully a little fresh air will change my attitude.

cya

Just Call Me......

.....Hopalong.

Hey strangers. I had knee surgery last Friday.

Hopefully, I won't be as groggy in the next few days and I'll start posting a LOT of pictures.

Keep in touch.

Lance Bass Admits He's Gay

Earth remains on it's axis.

:)

Dealing with it....

We're got a full blown heat wave going. We had 97 degrees here today. I've stayed inside and it's been yummie all day.. I did do a few quick projects outsite. But we're on track for our new siding.

Kids are doin well.....chris and mike close on their place the end of the month. We get to help them for a week and then we go to vacations...

It's a very busy summer. I have to go get a pressure washer for the house.

We need other shit from sam's including a pressure washer.....hope to be in decent shape come september.

later.

Big, Big, BIIIIGGGG News

It's a girl.....

Toby and Melanie (well, mostly Melanie) had their baby on Sunday, June 11th at 1:07pm. Ava Elizabeth was 5 lb., 13.5 oz and 18.5 inches tall.

She is a real cutie. Of course, all babies are wrinkles and poop at this point. But I've seen her twice and she is the quietest kid I've ever had the privilege of being around. Very slender, like Mommy, with the tiniest fingernails.

Anyway, I've put the word out, these grandkids are pretty cool so.....I NEED MORE!!!!

You can check out pics of the new arrival on the photoblog.

I spent the weekend in Mansfield, PA. A lot of us who worked at the radio station got together. It was a lot of fun and I recorded my whole airshift. When I get some breathing room, I hope to post it.

If you want "in depth" of the weekend, go to the forums.

My knee is not any better from the fall at work. The Dr. has me going for an MRI next week. I'll keep you posted.

We have a band practice this week too.

Oh, and I forgot, we did the dance recital this weekend as well. (I told you it was a big weekend.) I set up my gear and trained folks Wednesday and Thursday and left Thursday night for Mansfield.

Anyway.....tons of stuff. I'll try to keep posting more now that things are actually happening.

cya

Happy Birthday to Meeeee......

Another day older and deeper in debt.....

Gonna go eat cake now.....

cya

Leave the KFBF Alone!!!

Stop bothering the KFBF. It's undeserving and unfair.

The KFBF (Kevin Federline Baby Factory), aka. Brittany Spears has been thru enough.

Yes, she did enter Michael Jacksonesque status by driving her baby around on her lap, but now there's a debate about her putting her kid in a car seat.

She was photographed recently with her baby in a car seat facing forward. It appears that California law says under a certain age, the baby should face backward. But it's a grey area. One cop could cite her for it and the next one could let her go.

With every waking second being photographed, I do think it's kinda unfair that they nitpick over things like this. I mean, hell, she got the kid off her lap, right??

So baby, leave the idiot and come move in with me. Nobody knows where I am.

cya

Sleepover

Went up to Joe's Friday night to set up my PA and monitoring. It took a few hours and everything was a little wonky, but had it up and running nicely. Extremely loud and no feedback or noise when there was no signal applied.

Joe has a device that we're gonna try to use to record tracks with. It could work out very nicely......

Hopefully we will have a name and a website up soon.

We're doing a Mother's day thing here today. Chrissy and Mike and the inlaws are here.

enjoying.

Sleepover

Went up to Joe's Friday night. We set up the pa and got front sound and monitors working. It's a light year improvement over what we had. I have a few bad channels in the board and a couple of things were wonky, but over all we got it working well. Very loud with 0 noise when there was no input.

We're going to start recording drum tracks live, i think that will be a huge help too.

All in all, it's looking very good.

Chrissy and Mike are here today, as well as the inlaws. Looks like we're having some Mother's Day activities.

We learned a few more songs. I hope to have a name and a website up soon.

We'll keep you posted.

I Saw An......

interesting t-shirt today.

It said "You say tomato, and I say fuck you."

We had a 40 minute conference call with the college radio station GM and chief engineer. Looks like we're in good shape to go up and tear it up.

It will be the weekend of June 10th. You can go to WNTE.com or .org and listen to the live stream. Go to the forums at Fitzlandia to see the DJ schedules. It's in the locked "INFO ONLY" area. I hope to get something in the local paper too.

Of course, everything I play will be 1000 times better that this rap bullshit that's on right now.

The dance recital is that weekend. I got together with Margaret yesterday to start talking about the pictures for the posters. We're gonna shoot on Sunday. I will post a finished copy of the poster on the pic site.

I went flat on my face at work yesterday. They have these 3 inch high metal plates on the floor to keep pallets out of work areas. There was something I needed in a work area and headed for it and didn't see the plate. I tripped over it with my right foot and I think my left foot caught as I was going down, so I couldn't get it under me fast enough. A little gash on my right calf, a pull in the back of my left knee and something weird with my right shoulder. The embarrassing thing is that I was FLAT on my face. Nothing like feeling stupid with some injuries, I tell ya.

I was sore as hell today when I got up, but doesn't feel like anything is seriously wrong.

OK. Enough already!!

Just some things

Here's a cool link...Check it out

Billy and his friend Jonathan put a sidewalk and driveway in for us this week. Check the pic page for some pics in a few.

Toby moves tomorrow. Ill be heading up to help him as well.

Cya

Here Comes the.....

.....Band.

So far so good.

I went up to Joe's to practice again today. We did 5 songs. We're gonna try for 5 more in a few weeks.

A lot of driving, but it's worth it.

When we got off our ass and did stuff. It was pretty complete. Good vocals too, all the way around.

As I get more, I'll give you more.

cya

Promoland

Cat came down for a visit last night.

We did a slew of promo's for the upcoming alumni weekend at WNTE. Got up today and did some more.

Then we went into the opening of the brand new Weis grocery store. We are now officially very spoiled. But there is still some stuff that we have to go to Giant to get.

Free buckets and sponges with a gas fillup? :)

Are they implying something?

cya

Billy's Back....

I had to take a sick day today.

I had a problem Saturday and the same thing occurred today. I feel dizzy when I wake up.

The doctor gave me a fancy word for it. But basically, I need to drink water or eat a pretzel or something before I get up. My blood pressure is down for some reason. Hopefully the water will take care of it.

Anyway. Billy came out tonite and we started working on our reconstruction plans for the house. He's gonna come out tomorrow and do some measuring for cost estimates.

So if you need some concrete work done....

cya

Hey Hoopy Froods!!!!

I never have a point-of-view gun when I need one.

I watched Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy last night. Very good. I think you need the books to really get the movie. I was impressed with Mos Def as Ford Prefect. Most rap guys are trying to be "hip", but this guy showed promise as an actor.

....and a Hoopy Frood.

I posted a bunch of promo's on the forum. They're under the reunion updates segment. Go check em out.

Tonite, the Aristocrats.

cya

Lousy name, Decent Band.

Panic at the Disco! ( I think the exclamation point is mandatory)

Heard them on VH2. Very good song, great hook. Very nicely presented. I hope to hear more by them, but so far it's the New Cars and Panic at the Disco! tm on my shopping list.

lemme know if you hear something about either.

and go to the forum

cya

Jessica Simpson

I was really impressed.

Jessica was in DC to promote her pet charity. I believe it's called Operation Smile. They provide plastic surgery for disfigured children. (It sorta figures it has something to do with plastic surgery, huh?)

Anyway. President Loser got wind she was in town and was invited to a Republican fund raiser. They told her she'd be at the head table and guaranteed face time with the Liar himself.

She turned them down.

For a day, she gained about 50 brownie points with me. Then the story came across that she LOVES George, but she hates fund raisers.

Back down to zero.

Check the forum here.

cya

Busyness

A lot of my time has been tied up with the forum (see the link). Up until last week.

My father inlaw had to go to the hospital. Initially we thought it was a mini-stroke. Now it seems that it was complications from kidney stones. He's at home and doing fine.

I start my regular slot at work this week. Noon to 8:30 M thru F at Fry Communications. I'll be interested to see how it works out.

If you want to see what I've been up to, follow the forum link, sign on and POST.

cya

Interesting Headline........

Sometimes, there's one that just grabs your attention.

On CNN.com there's a headline that says..."Tiger Poo, the new Black Gold".

:)

Dead Eye Dick

Dick Cheney accidentally shot a guy during a hunting trip.

I always thought of this administration as the gang who couldn't shoot straight.

These guys keep getting funnier and funnier. :)

BTW

I've started a forum.

Come on over and join. Kick yer shoes off and chat awhile.

http://www.fitzlandia.com/forums/index.php

cya

One for the Thumb

The Steelers win the XL Superbowl. 21-10

Very interesting game, very well matched too. I hate to see blowouts, this one went back and forth for a long time.

We did our part by eating wings and bread with dip. yum

I thought the Stones did a good job at the halftime show. At least they played live. The stage was very cool too. I used to get the theatre magazines that would show you a breakdown of how they would construct and move stuff.

As far as the pregame goes. Joss Stone was the blackest person on that stage. :)

I think I will make a celebratory smore with my new smore maker.

I wonder how many people will show up for work tomorrow. I think it's a state holiday.

cya

Gooooooo.......

....Steelers.

But I bet you've heard that before.

I've been busy. Busy being tired. I actually feel pretty good tonite, that's why I'm posting.

Type some comments and let me know you're still here......both of you. :)

cya

Legalize Clownsnack.....

......just because.

We put Xmas stuff away today. I know it's late (or, for some, early) but with the wedding and everything this is the first chance we've had.

So my living room is somewhat back to normal.

Anybody want a piano?

Welcome Alumni.....

.....you perverts.

The folks that worked at my college radio station have been burning up the internets lately.

So, we set up a blog.

http://wnte.blogspot.com

That's where us old folks go. :)

Dearly Beloved......

Toby and Melanie got married yesterday.

Friday night was rehearsal. I zoomed home from work and we headed up to McClure. This towns claim to fame is that Davy Jones from the Monkees has a farm there. My niece ran into him in a bar up that way one time.

Anyway, I digress.

We all got together and rehearsed, then went to one of the anterooms and had lasgana, quite tasty.

We headed to the EMS building in Mifflintown to set up for the reception and I fell in love. With the lighting. They have a professional control system and 8 leko's that we're made in this century. Very easy to set up. I had no idea I was running into this so it was kinda like xmas for me. They had a mirror ball, so we put a few lamps on that and set up a few lights for a spotlight dance. There were colored strips on the stage that we're hard wired. It would be nice to break them out over the dance floor, but we take what we get.

I would KILL to have that setup at the high school. Bump and chase capability. Just fantastic. Margaret has talked about doing her show up there, but has a few problems with the physical plant. Maybe I can talk her into it.

Anyway, I digress......again.

They did an outdoor type thing. There was an archway at the entry, a lovely "piece" over the dance floor and behind the head table. I'll put some pics up after I finish this.

We worked into the evening. Talking to the kids later, we realized that their alcohol setup was limited, so we offered to go pick some up for them.

We went home after everything was up.....around 11 or so. Had a lot of fun putting stuff up too.

We got up and headed into the liquor store before noon. Billy met us in there and we made our selections. We then headed to the distributor and got the kegs and set up. Dropped stuff at the building, headed home to change.

Then went over to get the inlaws and went back up to McClure. I got roped into doing video, so I got to set in front of the crowd, but I did get some great shots. It was a 4:30 wedding and it was very nice.

The most interesting thing was, at the end, the bride and groom dismissed the rows. So instead of a receiving line, you got to greet them an go.

We wrapped everything up and headed back to the inlaws to change, then into the EMS building. The dj's were good, but it was WAY too much country music for my taste. I worked with them a little bit to get the lights the way they wanted.

Then we partied.

I got to meet Toby's friends, who are very cool. In fact, I got invited to a party on St. Patty's day and I'm going. :)

Everyone had a splendid time. We tore down the alcohol and headed home. I'm thinking about opening a bar. :)

Check out the picblog for some wedding pics.

cya

Word G

Shoo the kids outta the room.

Here's the link.

My Tree......

....blew away.

Seriously.

We took the xmas stuff down last week. It's been too windy or raining to burn the tree, so it's been sitting just off of our porch. Actually, it's been wedged between the porch and the bush.

Anyway, we have severe wind warnings tonite. The winds are supposed to be 25/35 mph with gusts to 50.

I heard a noise on the porch and went out to check. Our trashcans fell over, but I noticed the tree isn't there.

I came in and asked Deb if she did anything with it, she said no.

You have to understand. I've looked all around my house. Used a flashlight and looked up and down the road.

I can't find my tree.

I'll take a look tomorrow.

If you see my tree, say hi for me.

(yeah, I know it rhymes)

cya

If you're really nice to me....

I'll give you syphillis.

Here's another cool link.

Karma Can Suck

We are flying into a new year.

Had dinner with both newly engaged couples on Saturday. A local nouveau cuisine restaurant that was very good.

Billy stopped by last night and we exchanged gifts. I can finally stop worrying when I hear the reports from Iraq.

Speaking of Karma. Without getting into specific names. A family that treated me very badly is finally getting their comeuppance. The youngest son is up on an aggravated indecent assualt charge. This stems from involvement with an 11 year old.

That'll screw up your political career. :)

It really couldn't happen to a more deserving family.

You know what they do to those guys in prison, right?

:)

cya

We are...

....11 and 1.

At 1 am, it's finally PSU 26, FSU 23. The battle of the crappy field goal kickers. :)

Really a good game, if you're not a fan of either team.

Sorry I haven't been posting, but it's the holidays and all the associated crap that goes with them.

I'm back at the Harrisburg PO from 9 to 5:30 until further notice.

And on that note, I have to go to beddybye.

Cya

Santa Doesn't Need You......

(Santa Doesn't need Anybody!!!)

Yesterday I went shopping. Not like you mere mortals go shopping. My compatriots and I set out yesterday and Kicked.....Shopping's......ASS!!!!

I left home dull and early at 6 am. Went to Newport and picked up my niece, Karen, and headed to Enola to get Chrissy. We were on our way to the King of Prussia Mall about 7:30.

Our first stop was just down the street from Chrissy's to get coffee at Dunkin' Donuts. This is where I promply spilled half of my coffee in the console of my car. A mess to clean up, but now the car smells GREAT. Until this summer...

We headed down the turnpike and were at the mall by 8:45. We actually had to wait a few minutes for Crate and Barrel to open. Laying waste to that store, we headed across the street to the mall proper.

We used Sears as our anchor and pillaged the Plaza section of the Mall. After that we moved to the Court section of the mall. This is the first time I've ever made it to the court section, so that was kinda cool. Everything is pretty much a blur, so I'll give you the highlights.


The first few hours there was not a lot of buying done.

Be very careful of mall sushi.

The most difficult thing is finding a table in the food court.

Candles are crack for women.

Chrissy and I fought over buying two country cd's for my wife's aunt...neither of us wanted to.

Certain food court vendors REALLY like my niece.

Cartier is intimidating.

Illuminations is dark.

Babies function better in carriages when they can see mom and know everything is ok.

Karen likes to rock out with her chicken.

Call The Cheesecake Factory a year in advance for a reservation.

It costs 5 bucks to walk by Bang and Olufsen.

Urban Outfitters is my new favorite store.

....and much, much more.


I saw a perfect ass. An ass that should have had a choir singing when it was viewed. I told my niece..."Hey Karen, look at that girls ass!" She goes, "Oh Geez..." and looks. Then turns around and says, "She DOES have a pretty nice ass." The funny thing was, it was all lighting and the position she was standing in. She took a few steps away and I looked. It was still nice, but it wasn't nearly as perfect.

Finally, at 10:45.....yes friends, that's right.....almost a full FOURTEEN HOURS after we started, we headed for home. Take THAT, Shopping!!!

It was funny stopping on the turnpike. We were all walking like 80 year old women. I bought more coffee and didn't spill it.

So....the winner of the funniest xmas card was at Urban Outfitters. It was a picture with CHRISTMAS spelled out in ornaments across the top. Empty vodka bottles and glasses strewn about with a Santa laying face down drunk in the snow. Open the card and on the inside is the first two lines of this post.

Happy Hollandaise

cya

Curse you.....Burl Ives!!!

"Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas....."

Over, and Over, and OVER......

oh well......"Ding dong merrily on high....."

see how it works???

On the job front. I've been in training at Fry Communications for 2 weeks. They say it's been the slowest they can remember in a long time. Then, earlier in the week, one of the guys in Harrisburg has a heart attack. So I have to fill in for him until he comes back or someone bids on his job.

It'll be 9 to 5:30. I'm not complaining.

I like the work over in Mechanicsburg, and the area is cool. It's a little longer trip but it has it's reward. The one thing I couldn't get a handle on was starting at 7 am. If I would have done it longer I would have adapted, but I've just been really tired all the time.

The second day I started going over there I got hit on Rt. 81. Totally the other guys fault. So I've got that process to go through.

Chrissy and Karen and I are going to King of Prussia tomorrow to hit the big mall. We're gonna figure out lists and bills and stuff tonite. That's always fun.

cya

....I'll be on my knees.

So Black Friday comes....

I hit the road at 6 am. Had to get tires on the car. And it was 17 degrees when I left the house. Nice.

Got the car dropped off and went to the Dunkin' Donuts next door. I did learn one thing. Anyone who says the word "Gubment" doesn't know what the fuck they are talking about.

I got a call from my niece and she wanted to hook up later. Got the car around 9, headed over and got it washed and headed out to meet her at Costco. Saw a lot of cool stuff and got some ideas, then headed to work.

It seemed that the longer I worked on Friday, the stupider I got. I had to do 2 reports 3 times. The I messed up 3 intakes. But they do say the way to learn the stuff is to make mistakes and correct em. If that's the case, I should know everything very soon.

Got home and crashed quickly cause we went shopping today.

Went down and got Chrissy and headed over to Sam's. Got a lot more ideas. (Robopet's are VERY cool) We then headed to the Harrisburg East Mall. There is a Bass Pro Shop in there, that's a very huge, very expensive store.

We saw the boat that we want. Unfortunately they're two different boats. The one I like is very sleek looking. The one Deb and Chrissy and Mike like is more conducive to fishing. Oh well, outvoted again.

We did a little more shopping, went back to Chrissy and Mike's and ate and then headed home. I just finshed watching Stanford come THIS CLOSE to upsetting Notre Dame, and then I wrote this.

Tomorrow? House rearranging for Xmas tree placement. Thrilling.

cya

Tires

Ordered some today. It turns out that Mike was able to help me get a decent value on a new set. I'll be getting them put on on Black Friday. Hope to hit the mall's while I'm waiting.

I put up a new blog today. Here it is I hope to get a few more pics for it in a few days.

Work is cruising right along. The house is pretty well caught up. so I've had some time to catch up on this stuff. And I got to post two days in a row.

And yes Cat, I must inform the world of my exciting life.

cya

Ongoing

The new job is very cool.

We're getting stuff together for the holidays, seems to be going pretty well.

I'll post when I can. Or if I ever have something to say. :)

Mazel Tov

Shabbat Shalom....and other Hebrew words that I don't completely understand.

I went to a Bar Mitzvah yesterday for Justin Dekelbaum. Deb deals a lot with Justin's father Larry and Grandpa Max. All lovely people by the way.

The event was in Potomac Md. So we had to get up early and drive. We got there with a few minutes to spare and went in to the temple service. It was 9 am. Not many people there, so I didn't think it would be too bad of a gig.

Time passed...

A LOT of time passed.

3 hours and 15 minutes later it was all over and young Justin was now a man. The service was actually more interesting than boring. With the small exception that I don't understand a word of Hebrew. But I'll stop kvetching.

I could never be a Jew. It's really a lot of work. The Torah's that were provided had an english translation. They say a few lines of prayer, have to bow left right then center, say a few more lines, bow, take 2 steps back. It's a lot of work.

Then there's all the acoutrements. They have a bag with a robe they have to wear. There's the standard Yarumulke (Jew Beanie).

Imagine how many people would show up at the local 1st Lutheran if you told them they needed special clothes and had to learn a language, as well as have a ton of money. :)

The service is interesting tho. They save money on an organist by doing the whole gig acapella. A lot of milling around and chit chat. Since I didn't know what I was doing I didn't really understand. My Jew guide (Deb) was separated from me upon entering the chapel.

So we went and had a nice catered, stand up lunch in the lobby. We talked to Larry and got some directions and headed to the mall.

We managed to kill a major chunk of time. Hit the Apple store (think Video IPod for me folks) and Sharper Image (Roboraptor!) to mention a few. Then headed out to the parking lot and caught a quick nap.

We went back to the temple around 7 and found the bar. Deb found a wine she REALLY liked and I was having Grey Goose and OJ. I see what all the fuss is about. This guy filled a glass up half with GG and it tasted like straight OJ, I shit you not. They had a sushi bar set up, a mashed potato bar, a mini cup of soup bar and a band in the lobby.

The kids had a room where they could make their own pixy stik art. They had 2 big projection screens that they could play video games on. I should mention that Justin and his family like to deep sea fish, so the theme of the evening's festivities was fish and the ocean. Both vid games were Sega Deep Sea Fishing 2003 or something like that. The kids also had a french fry and onion ring bar set up.

They then hustled us into the main event room (still in the temple, folks). I guess around 300 people in all. A large balloon archway covered the dance floor. The band had now moved inside. A 4 piece that covered jewish standards and cranked them up a bit, not bad, actually. Facing the bandstand at the other end of the dance floor was Justin's name in balloons and a Disc Jockey.

We sat with folks that work for Larry. The man has 3 businesses, Food Distribution, Restaurant and Catering. So naturally he catered his own event. The guy is a ball of energy, moving all over the place.

They started dancing crazy right away. (An open bar helps, folks) The tables were done with a tackle box full of gummy worms and candy fish. Each place had a fish shaped caribiner as a gift, and Deb wrangled a fish shaped pen. Now that I think of it, we could have gotten 2 more.

Anyway, the 1st course comes out. It looked like a fish, meat and chicken kabob. But when you started, you find out it's all fish. And very tasty.

They brought a red and white wine around to the tables. I preferred to refer to both as battery acid.

They had some kid games so the adults could get more lit. Then we heard "The Stations are open" Turns out there were about 10 courses total if you wanted. Chicken or Meat of some type in peppers and onions (very tasty), Chinese, Chicken breast, Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, etc. It was quite the spread.

We got desert, which was the coolest. They had a boat made out of chocolate with a chocolate sail. There was mousse inside the boat and it set on a "sea" of blue tasty stuff. In the sea were a few small candy fish and a gummy fish. Very neat.

I would be amiss to my regular readers if I didn't describe 2 VERY attractive women that were there. One, seated to my right, was the spitting image of Claudia Black. One to my left was a cross between Eva Longoria and Pat Benatar. Very nice.

We drove home and made it in exactly 2.5 hours. That's interesting, because I've always gone a different way to DC and it takes about an hour more. It's nice to know we can get down there, cause the mall we went to has shops on a par with King of Prussia.

Ok, enough from me. Sorry I've been so late posting, hope this makes up for it.

Cya

And.......

We're Back!

Two weeks. Lotsa memories. Lotsa good people.

I'll be setting up a website that folks from the class will contribute to. You'll be able to see a bunch of pics there. I'll have it up late in the week.

I love flying. But I hate the seats. From OKC to Chicago the guy in the seat was bigger than I was. Chicago to Harrisburg was a little better, but the seats still suck.

We went to the PSU game today with Darlene and Karen. 3rd largest crowd ever. Looking forward to next week. It should determine the Big 10 champion.

More stuff later.

Ooooooooooooooook..........

......lahoma.

Here we be. In sunny (and hot) Norman, Oklahoma.

I flew out of Harriburg (MDT) at 8 am on Sunday. I was told to be at the terminal 2 hours early, so I was. We got there at 6. At 6:15 I had checked my bags, gone thru security and was seated waiting for the flight.

Flew out on an Airbus. I was a little uncomfortable. No room for my arms. But I listened to the IRiver and it was fine.

Got to Ohare and found my gate and had an hour to spare. Hung out for a bit, Cat called and I picked her up a t-shirt. Then it was 11:55. I about shit cause it came up fast. Nobody moved. I kept looking at the board, It said everything was on time.

I waited....12:15.....12:30......12:50...... FINALLY they called us to board. After I got here and talked to Deb I realized that I had changed time zones. I am an idiot. :)

So I figure I'm heading down a jetway again. This time it's a Canadair jet. Well...I walk down steps to the tarmac. It's a 50 seater with the steps that fold down. COOL. Then I found my seat....NOT COOL. All the way in the back by the head, against the window. I like the window, but it was setup at a 5 year old's height. The seats are TINY.

The guy beside me was cool. He gets his laptop out before we take off. Fires it up in flight and I see the postal logo come up. So we have a chat about that. Turns out he was in Iraq and has the same views (roughly) as Billy does.

We landed and caught the NCED shuttle. The first thing you really notice coming out of the airport is that there are working oil wells right there. Then a little further you see that gas is about $2,25 a gallon. Nice.

I got in and unpacked. I've been going for 12 hours now. Got everything but the pooter set up. Then I realized that I had a bowl of cereal and a candy bar all day. And water, of course. Had to wait till 5 for food, but their food court here is excellent.

Chowed down and came back to the room. Set up the computer and called Deb to let her know I was here and to remind her to buy the winning lottery ticket for Wednesday ($340 mil?) Nice.

Then I called Chrissy and set up World of Warcraft and Ventrilo on the machine. Her and Mike got me situated and then we went out and killed stuff. Nice.

Watched some football and went to sleep. Yes, I know Penn State lost and I'm still pissed about officiating. Go to the 2nd quarter, the play that ends with 5:27 on the clock. Watch the guy go down and make your own spot on the ball, then play it and watch where the ref comes out. I hate to cry about it, because it was a great game, but they really did fuck us.

Day 1 started at 5:30 am. Got up and headed to class. Everything is one story down from me. We are lucky that our classrooms are in this building. A lot are in the building across the courtyard and others are off site. You have to look at the link in my previous post to check this place out. It is really nice.

We have 2 instructors. One is a semi-hyper female chatterbox. The other is a monotoned Notre Dame fan. (Yeah, redundant, I know) Plenty of breaks. Plenty of caffeine.

This was mostly introduction today, tomorrow we start doing stuff.

I went and worked out today. Only 10 minutes of aerobic workout, but 55 minutes of activity. Arms went a little numb once, but everything seemed fine. We'll see tomorrow.

I ate, came up to the room and got a shower, then went down for a 30 minute full body massage. My back has not felt this good in a LONG while. This is the first day I've made it thru without pain pills for a long time too.

Came back up and mailed Cat her T-shirt, then met a few classmates in the lounge for a nightcap.

Now I'm blogging to you......

Nice.

I'm Leavin....

....on a jet plane.

I head out to Oklahoma City tomorrow, then a short shuttle ride to the training facility.

Looking forward to it.

I'll get to blog a bit too.

cya

But you can call me.....

....Grandpa.

Looks like Toby and Melanie's wedding will be pushed up JUST A BIT. I called home tonight and Deb told me the good news.

On the work front? I got my plane tickets and advance today. My abstract came in from Penndot today. I got a phone call at 9:15 am (a.k.a. The Middle of the Night) telling me that all is well with my driving record. Take that, Cat!! :)

New laptop should be in this week. I have to find out if the training facility has broadband.

cya

P.S. Penn State is 5-0, Ohio State this week. If they win this week and stay healthy, there's no reason why they can't run the table.

Phase 1....Complete!

Doris gets her oats.

I passed my pretest. It was interesting, to say the least. I now have to wait for my driving info to come back from the state. They told me today that the two that they really hold you back for are DUI and Reckless Driving. I think I'm ok on that.

I've been scheduled into a one day classroom for a govt. license. Then the following week I'll have a 1 hour test. Then, if I get through all of that stuff, I get to go to Oklahoma for 2 weeks.

Right now I'm booked for the 31st of October, but they are trying to get me scheduled for the 15th.

I'll keep you posted.

cya

I....Had.....FUN!!!!

Big class reunion Saturday night.

After Penn State's comeback in the last 1:30 of the game, I was fired up for some fun.

Everyone had fun and was well behaved. The teacher didn't have to say anything to us at all!!!

I'll be putting up some photo's on the class blog later in the week.

I have my "pre" test tomorrow. So I'm hitting it early.

cya

Good things happen.....

....to bad people. I'm living proof!! :)

Have to go back to yesterday.

When there are problems at work, it's almost always during machine changeover.

We were setting up to run first class mail and equipment was kinda scarce. We set up our side and went over to the main side to finish up. The one end of the machine needed containers and the other end of the machine had an extra. So the guy I was working with took it.

The Extremly Gay Co-Worker (EGCW) decided that taking "his" spare container was offensive. Yelled at the guy I was working with and came to our end of the machine (the non-gay end). He took a container that was already labeled and drug it back to his side (gay) of the machine.

You don't do that.

Once a container is labeled in the P.O. it almost becomes kinda sacred. I've been in other areas of the building with no people around and not taken containers that were labeled. You just don't do it.

At this point, I lost it.

I was screaming at the top of my lungs, "You DON'T do that". EGCW was pretending he didn't hear me. The guy I was working with was yelling at him too. I went and got the container, drug it back and slammed it into another container about 3 feet away from this guy. Didn't phase him.

Then my hero, Brian, got involved.

He saw all of this shit unfold from the other side of the machine. Now, you have to understand that he is just a quiet, unassuming guy. He comes over, gets within 1 foot of EGCW's face...and just glares at him. Doesn't say a fucking word.

EGCW is like.....What?....What???....What did I do.

The beauty part is that it was a real release for me. This guy has to be experienced to be believed. He is always rude and demeaning. To have THREE people stand up to his shit was just a beautiful thing to behold.

Anyway....

Later on, one of the training people came up to me and said "I understand you got the Bulk Mail job."

I'm dumbfounded.

I wanted to bid on the job that was up this month, but the computer was down and I wasn't able to. So I tell the guy, after some discussion, that I'd love to have it but I wasn't aware of it.

I figure it's just a mistake and go home.

Then my friend in training sends me an email and tells me I have the bulk mail job. So I figure I better look into it.

It turns out that it's a job that was posted LAST month. 2 people have failed the test/turned it down. So now it's my turn.

A lot of hoops to jump thru. First, a pretest, just to prove I can do the training. Then a Govt. Drivers License test. Then 2 weeks in scenic Norman, Ok. for the actual training. THEN I actually get the job.

Minuses....it's relief pool. Which means I fill in for people's vacations and sick days and the like.

Pluses....it's zero lifting. And, when I'm not filling in for someone, it's......wait for it.......Monday thru Friday, Daylight.

Glory Hallelujah!! :)

I should consume alcohol....but I have shit to do tomorrow. So...

cya

Blippity Bloppity....

Just home from work.

I think I posted the other day that a co-worker told me there were 500 people who applied for the OIC position. A friend of mine told me tonight that that number is more like 8. At least I have a range to work with.

I actually did take a few pics with the palm at the game on Saturday. Nothing to brag about tho.

I have clients to see all week and my class reunion Saturday, so posts will be a little spotty. I'll try to get one or two in.

cya

I'm gonna hit you.....

....till candy comes out.

Got up and actually did some stuff around the house. Rolling along really well, then I thought, "Man, I know we're moving into fall but it's really getting dark early." This was around 4:30. Then it started raining, and I mean nasty ass HARD rain.

Then, of course, the power went out.

I shut everything off and went outside. Just sheets of rain coming in. Hung out for awhile and Deb came home. We went into town to eat. Passed a PP&L truck on the way in, so we figured the lights would be on when we got home.

They weren't.

So we figured we'd run a cable up and fire up the generator. I got it runnin' and the tv was firing up and then the generator just shut off. I guess I should have let it run for 5 minutes or so before putting a load on it. The pain in the ass part about this is that it takes the satellite so long to boot up.

Anyway, I went down, fired it up again and hooked up the tv. It took forever to boot. We watched for about 5 minutes....and then the power came on. So I had to shut off the generator and wait another "forever" for it to boot back up again.

So it did and we were finally able to shut off our brains and be sold foreign cars and mayonaisse.

PSU tomorrow. I should put a bunch of pics up soon.

Do you want it? Do you?

cya

Another day....

....off.

I hope this clears up soon. I hate using my sick days when I'm actually sick. :)

Working on the class blog. Replying to some email. Just getting my shit together and destressing a little.

So what are you up to?

cya

Under orders....

I'm being held at gunpoint to post. So I do so in the name of the Blog Posting Liberation Front. Fight the power.

Anyway. Home sick today. Ass problems that you really don't wanna know about. I've been immersed in getting ready for the class reunion and checking out some football.

Also. Been really, really tired again. So I slack off the pain pills, which helps. But then, despite the ambien, I'm waking up in the middle of the night in pain.

So. We continue.

bye

Apologies....

I thought mandatory evacuation meant. "You have to go, now, get on the bus" Evidentally, mandatory evacuation means. "You have to go, now, good luck!"

So the people left are primarily poor and...well...no other way to say it...black.

One thing we know for certain is that there will be more hurricane events like this. So here's what I say.

When the governor calls for mandatory evac, that's what it means. They will have the power to go to as many states as necessary and commandeer their buses. Police will go house to house and tell people it's time, can you drive? If yes, they get in their car and go. Their doors must be left unlocked so emergency teams know a house is vacant. If they can't drive, they can get on the bus that the police are providing.

If they resist officers can use any force necessary, and I mean any. Taser, 9mm, whatever it takes.

Police are being pulled out of search and rescue now to find and control looters. So, as far as I'm concerned, the looters are accessories to murder. If you stay behind in a situation like this your one of 3 things.

1) Stupid. The govt. will think for you in this instance. You can bitch about it, but at least you'll be alive to bitch.

2) Protecting Your Property. You won't have to. There won't be anyone there other than emergency crews.

3) Looting. Bad people. Should be shot anyway.

Now, I know people are looting now for survival. But I heard a report today that a woman was coming out of Walmart with a Dyson vacumn cleaner. That's not an essential, last time I heard.

On to other stuff

Go to Weezy and the Swish, Download Podcast 12 and go in 55 minutes. You can listen to the whole thing, but this is really funny.

Listened to The Rock and Roll Geek Show. Great interview with Jim Vallance. You don't know the name. But you've heard TONS of his songs.

Go to Adam Curry's Daily Source Code and download episode 231. Go into 22:55 and have some hair stand up on your neck. On me!!

Then check out this GREAT video for the band Ok,Go!

More than enough for tonite.

Cya

Katrina....

Category 5 storm expected to mess up New Orleans big time. They say the city will never be the same. We'll be hearing about this for months to come.

I hope it doesn't cut into the Jessica Simpson coverage too much.

I took my test today. I think I did good...that's not a good sign. Everytime I think I do good I fuck up. We'll see. Results in 4 to 6 weeks. I'm glad the P.O. doesn't do pregnancy tests.

cya

Since somebody....(finally).....asked.

I shall post.

It's been a screwed up month. I have tons to say but some of it I could get into legal trouble for.

So let's look forward, shall we?

I take a test tomorrow to get into the supervisor program at work. Wish me luck and I'll let you know how it goes.

Cya

Alrighty then.....

.....flog me with that proverbial wet noodle.

I've been much amiss in posting lately. To be honest, I've had tons to do and have had an overwhelming feeling of tired the past few weeks. I feel like I'm starting to come out of it and I had to tell you first. Because you know I love you best of all.

Taking the car up today to get serviced. Cat is hooking up with me. I'm selling her some phones and we're gonna go out and do some stuff.

Other than that, I will try to do a piece on the funeral from hell and some of the other stuff you have missed.

BTW. My cousin Steve's wife died this week. She was in her 40's and had suffered from cancer for several years. A real nice lady and a real fighter. She will be missed on this planet.

cya

Shake your Lean White Meat

This is one of the best bands I've heard in a while. I LOVE the name and they have a very cool visual too.

It's a shame it's a Burger King commercial.

Ladies and Gentlemen....

Solving NASA's Problems

So. The entire shuttle fleet is grounded. Seems like there's still shit falling off of it. So I've decided to fix it for them.

Why does the main fuel tank have insulation. I mean, when is it needed. Is it needed while it's on the ground to keep fuel cool for a long period of time. Or is it needed during the flight for some reason?

If it's only needed while waiting for launch, they could do a styrofoam cooler type thing that could be pulled off just before launch.

If it's needed during flight.....here it is.....are you ready....

Shrinkwrap.

I know it adds weight, but they can either calculate a slightly bigger tank to compensate or just add more fuel.

These are the two ways to fix it. Mark my words, they'll use one of 'em.

BTW. Viewing for mother is tomorrow. Funeral is Saturday. I'll let you know if I kill anybody.

cya

Triumph...

..and not an insult comic dog...

I had to sign my life away and get new phones for everybody else, but I got the Treo 650 on saturday.

A lot of exploring going on right now, but it is definitely cool.

How cool? I'm doing this blog entry on it at work!

cya

Tragedy

It was quick, mindnumbing and effect. In one moment life, the way we knew it, changed. It's a devastation like nothing that has been visited upon us before.

Of course, I'm talking about stepping on my Palm Tungsten E.

I set it on a step at work (inadequate security measures?) while I was traning someone. I absentmindedly stepped down and heard a light crunch. It didn't even register. Since there was barely a footprint on the wallet I didn't think anything of it. Until I went to use it at lunch.

So, we're off today to look at a replacement. I'm angling for a Handspring Treo 650. We'll see how bad the damage is and how much of my soul I have to sell.

I went to the Lycoming County Fair with Cat and her family yesterday. We had a nice little walk around.

I'm waiting for Deb to get out of the shower now so we can split. Shopping for the device, out to dinner with the kids and then.....Fantastic 4. Yippee.

cya

Blah de Blah

I have 991's to do tonite. I hate the fucking things, but all that's left now is to print them. A big waste of paper.

Lots of stuff happening. I'll drop as much as I can now.

One of the blades came off the lawnmower. So the yard is only 2/3 done. I was doing it this afternoon, got the mower stuck and pushed it out. I was so overheated I came in and couldn't cool down for about 2 hours.

We went to a little dinner at the church tonite. About 30 people there. I cut out before the "entertainment" and came back to finish the yard. That's when the little blade fiasco happened.

I started the trim in the back bedroom on Friday. I think it's lookin pretty good. About 1/4 of the way done. We went to Sam's Club with the kids Friday night. Found some cool stuff. I wanted to catch the Fantastic Four movie, but it was a little too late to go.

We have our start times at work changed starting Monday. I'll be getting home around midnite now. It's 2:30 to 11 instead or 4 to 12:30. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

The kids got Evercrack 2. I know some other people who are getting it too, so I think I will be joining the masses. Chatting and death, gotta love it. I need a good character name people, help me out here.

Heard a great band name. All-girl band called "Snatches of Pink". I stole a line from Dawn and Drew for a band name too, what do you think of "Running From Zombies".

Ok...that's enough. I have to kill a few trees for the USPS now.

cya

This is the game...

that moves as you play it...

I spent the whole week relaxing in my nice clean house with no wife. It was very nice. Don't tell her that though, or she'll get pissed. :)

Seriously. They went fishing in New York state and I stayed home. I did manage to get some things done around the house.

Friday I went to Knoebel's Grove with Cat and her husband and daughter. Went on a lot of rides and took a lot of pictures. Check here. I have to thank Cat for all of the "Babe Alerts". You guy viewers should too.

Started working on the trim in the back bedroom. That seems like it will come together soon.

I've been forced out to work on Saturday, but they didn't schedule us for Monday. So I guess I actually get to spend a Holiday with my family this summer. Go fig.

Cat said she would come down Friday. I spoke with my niece and she said that Shea Quinn and The Love Dogs are going to be in Hummelstown on Friday. Looks like we may head down there for a night of Rock and Roll. Anything to be different.

Enjoy.

They Paved Paradise.....

....put up a fucking house.

Right across my road. Looks like we'll get all of the traffic in and out because the end of the place is right at the living room. Ahh well. Fitzlandia may have to seal it's borders. We're hoping that no military action is necessary, but all options are on the table.

The Mrs and the kids leave for 1000 islands Saturday. I get to do my best Macaulay Kulkin impression.

cya

.....well.....

Sorry it's been so long.

I had a vacation. We got some things done, then my brother went back into the hospital and it was one of those "get everybody here" moments. His kidneys shut down. They've had him one different types of dialysis. It's been about 2 weeks. He's on a longer dialysis now. 12 to 14 hours a day. They hope that this will remove the toxins, but leave enough fluid in his body that his kidneys will start working on their own. They believe they shut down due to a blood clot.

Moral of the story, think very carefully before you have your stomach stapled.

I've been out of work for 3 days. I've been having some problems with pain in my legs. Normally I wouldn't worry about it, but the Dr. said that that may be a precursor to recurring heart problems. I find out more Monday.

I just got a curio cabinet from Paulette (thanks!!!) and finally got to meet her husband Tom and her dog, Nutsy. Her dog was very well behaved, so I shouldn't say that. Anyway, it's humid as hell out, but I have the central air set at 76 and it's almost cold in here. I love it.

We are going down to Harrisburg tomorrow, I'll see how much shopping I can do before I drop, which probably won't be much. We have to go to Sam's and probably Home Depot. I also need to return something to Best Buy.

I'll try to keep this up more. I'll be working on my class blog so I'll be in the area.

later

...All I Ever Wanted (pt's 2 thru 49)

So...The next day we got up and got ready to head out. We got showers and did our idiot check and started out to Foxwoods. It's really a beautiful place. We got some change and Deb played some slots. I quickly lost 10 bucks. Slots are not for me. We took a walk around the place (it's huge) and stopped and got some ice cream. She told me to go ahead and find the poker room and she would hang out and she would find me later. So off I went.

The poker room is HUUUGGE!!!

I walk all the way thru and have no idea what's going on, so I figure first thing is to get some chips. I pick up 60 bucks worth and ask where to find a table. They direct me to a kiosk that has a computer terminal. A woman is taking initials and typing them in and they show up on the wall on a projection screen. I had to wait less than 10 minutes and they opened up a table. Funny part was, I said "I'd like to get a low limit game"...she says, you want a NO limit game?" Ahhhhhhh

I sit down and start playing.....

Intrigued? More coming soon

...All I Ever Wanted.

So...away we go to sunny Beantown.

We headed out yesterday morning around 11:30. The drive up was pretty uneventful. We come up thru Scranton and over. Hit a little rough patch in Hartford and then it was smooth sailing right into Newton. Then I decided to miss the exit.

We didn't really have to be anywhere on time so we headed down the road and felt our way in the back way. It was kinda cool, we saw a lot of beautiful homes. Another thing that is interesting up here is that they have these little parks and walking areas scattered around.

We pulled into the hotel and checked in. As we were pulling our luggage in, Deb's boss pulled in in the airport shuttle. When you own the company, you get to fly in.

We got settled in and went to the hotel bar. Steve, a food broker, was there and we had a drink with him and a light dinner. Then off to bed.

Today I got up and went to breakfast with Deb, Rob (her boss)and Steve. They've got a great buffet with an omelet chef and I pigged out royally. Deb headed out and I took a walk along the Charles River.

I spent the better part of the morning watching tv, working on this laptop for a client and RELAXING. Some would say that it's boring, but I had a really nice day just not HAVING to do anything to a deadline.

Deb came back and we headed out. We were gonna go to a mall we were at the last time, but she said we were headed in the wrong direction, so I turned around. Then she got the map out and realized I was right. (Boy, If I had a nickel for...) We got off the road and just started heading around the back roads. More great houses. I said that these places are the dictionary definition of quaint.

Rob had told her about a restaurant called the Wayside Inn. We finally stumbled onto it passed it and went to turn around. There was a beautiful reproduction of a grist mill and we got out and walked around it a bit. I have some pics and will post later. Then we headed to the restaurant.

It turns out that it's the inn referred to in Longfellow's "Tales from a Wayside Inn". We ate in a period accurate dining room. Right down to the computerized cash register. :) Great meal, which I didn't think would happen since they were heavy on the history part.

They have a collection of letters on display and the one was to the owner of the in from the leader of the town banning certain residents from the bar. Accusing them of being, well, slackers. My, how time doesn't change. The cool part was that it was written on my birthday exactly 200 years ago. I know there's a joke in there somewhere, but I'm too tired to find it.

We headed back without incident and I took a nappy. And now I'm listening to Leno and writing to you.

Cya

Mommy!!!!

Today went pretty well. We mowed the back yard and I seemed to have enough gas in me to do that and throw a few things on the burn pile. I'm gonna give work a shot tomorrow and see what happens.

We got cleaned up and took the inlaws down to Chrissy and Mike's. She made her first "big" holiday meal all by herself. Did pretty good too. I spent a bit of time figuring out how to program her vcr remote to run the tv. The tv remote is MIA.

After eating we headed over to the local Giant to do some grocery shopping. Very big place. Then we took the kids back and headed up the road.

Happy Mommies day everybody.

cya

This is starting to suck....

I had to come home from work early Sunday. Haven't been in the last two days. Lifting those extremely heavy sacks did me in again. I go to the Dr. tomorrow to figure out what we're gonna do. I'll keep you posted.

Two more pieces of software to install and I can start the podcast.....should be ready by 2008.

The A/C guys were here tonight and finished up. Now we have central air. Yippee.

Talk to ya