You've been hit by a smooth criminal

About five years ago, while i was peacefully slumbering some crackhead decided that they needed the radio out of my car more than I needed it in my car. And all my change from the cup holder and nice Oakley's. And I know its judgemental of me to insinuate this person was a crackhead. But, he did screw up the handle on the drivers side of my car while trying to break in to the unlocked car. And this, in my opnion, justifies the title of crakhead.

At any rate, I wasn;t sad to see the radio gone, It wasn't a particularly nice one and I was about 2 months from replacing it anyways. I was however pissed about the loss of the Dave Matthews CD and the inability to open the drivers door from the outside. Within in 2 weeks though I had replaced the radio and the CD. But I've been living with the annoyance of opening the drivers door from the back seat... until now.

Yes, finally, after 5 years, I had the door repaired! This makes me happy. I also don't have that metallic grinding sound coming from my brakes any longer. Excitement abounds.

Otherwise, today I retreived Ryan from the airport, and possibly throught he contact within have caught a rare and exotic African ailment. God knows what this boy is a carroer of, and seeing how he barely escaped intact from the Dubai duty free shop (gifts in hand i might add) and was spared an agonizing death from a ferocious prehistoric bug in Chad.. he's lucky to be back.

I think I should elaborate on this Chadian bug. The mere picture of it made me want to run shreiking like a little girl. The damn thing could seriously carry off a small child. And according to Ryan, cannot be killed.

Otherwise, I got a call today to confirm I as officially offered a position at UPS. I have fooled yet a ntoher company and come way with a clean background and drug test (obviously they didn't test for alocohol that day). So, apparently I'm not criminal. Seems to be coming together nicely.

I also have to say Grace has me jealous, I wanted to sit on a beach yesterday in EYW but no such luck. Even with the... views, she seemed to be enduring, I would have preferred it to work.

Thats about all for now, I'm still enjoying the memories of the weekend and the new DCI DVDs I picked up. I hope everyone mad eit home safely and I'llsee all y'all again soon!

Where do we go now?

What a day! it was a good time. Nay, a great time. First of all I've had the pleaure of good company over the last few days. Heather Leather from MCO made an unscheduled appearance and we celebrated in the standard fashion, beer. It did give me the tie to drool over Fallon and her feminine ways. And remember, nothing good comes from the Tavern.

Then friday, I went to work. That wa ssort fo a downer. But on the upside, after skidding out 2 hours early (with management permission) I had a tasty dinner with the family and The Old Spaghetti Factory downtown. Now, the selection of dining establishments was quite a surprise, as family dinners are normally of late held at Logans Roadhouse in McDonough. So venturing up to such a classy establishment quite a change. And things worke dout well, as we had a special guest. The always lovely and ever gracious Ms Linda joine dus. And while she not only served as a very pleasent date, she deflected most of the marriage and kids questions that normally accompany family gatherings.

After dinner, we headed up Peachtree to Cafe Intermezzo. It's sort of becoming "place" for Linda and I. I do enjoy the atmosphere, sitting outside in the city, enjoying cocktails and cheesecake, accompanied with great comversation. And a suggestion, don't order the bourbon, appricot brandy and fruit martini. not so good. Yes, I found a drink i do not care for. But the cappucino with butterscothc schnapps was tasty.

But the best part was spending time with Linda, and she did manage to find some intersting colorguard props out back. Then we headed down to PTC for sleep.

THen Saturday... the best. Drum corps, great friends around, and voerpriced food. Next time I'll find some better dining options I promise, but this was a bit short notice. I'm thinking next year we'll just secure about 10 tables in the courtyard and have fast food fun. At any rate, I had the company of Linda and Brian gor the day, along with Jenn, Jeff, and Shelley who all trekked up from Orlando. But wait theres more... CHad put in an appearance (and fine performance I'm told) plus Jeremy and wife, Austin and Girlfriend, Scott and "mama" Beth Johnson, Phillip, and some new friends.

I love drum corps becaus eof this, the people who I've met and connected with and enjoy being around (even you Charles). Unfortunately our lives have taken us many directions since we all departed from that last busride home, but these times we get together are all very valued. And its always great to see everyone. It goes with out saying it doesn't happen enough.

The most poignant comment of the day came from Philip, who when i was around was an staff member and thus a "responsible adult". While looking at Brian and I, he commented how how he only remembers us and boys and how odd it is to see us as gorwn men. And while we're all gotten older and taken on more responsibilities with life, I'm always impressed at how well we seem to have done for ourselves. WHo would have thought that motley bunch of teenagers would ended up still hanging out on occasion 15 years later? man i'm old.

In a similar note, I learned that some one I often think about and wonder where she is seems to have a myspace account. I hoping to get a message from her soon.

Well, the day is done and I'm back at work. I'm abot to nod off any moment now. And I have hours left to go.

When it Rains...

I was rudely awaken by a crack of lightening outside my window this afternoon. And judging from the volume of the thunder, it was RIGHT outside my window. Not the way I enjoy waking up. And then the process repeated.. this time being slightly more coherent I almost lept through the wall. But apparently that is the sort of earshattering sound I need to wake up, since my alarm clock failed me and I recieved a co workers phone call at 0330. Keep in mind I should have been at work 30 minutes before that.

Otherwise, I'll apologize to those I haven't call back today. I am just getting caught up. My normal slack work day was not and I was quite unable to do the normal sluffing off and personal stuff. But today should be back to normal.

On the sort of exciting news, I jsut did a phone interview for another job. And yes I know, I'm just starting a new on in less than 2 weeks. But I couldn't resist this one, at least the possibility of being flown to the inteview. Basically I got a call from an international number yesterday morning. I was unable to answer, thinking it was some trivial phone call from Ryan (who is perilously exploring, without any regards to his personal safety, the duty free stores at the Dubai airport). At anyrate, i went home slept, woke up, and re examined the numbers of the people who called yesterday and realized it weren't NoTAC. Then in a stroke of pure genius, i checked the house answering machine (with the flashin new message light) and the mystery was solved.

Enough dramatic buildup. So, I did the phone interview this morning with Etihad Airways of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Now, as much emotion as my impending relocation to Lousiville has caused, imagine a move to the Middle East.

But I couldn't resist the chance to at least go for an interview, or as I think of it a free weekend in the desert.

Exciting weeks ahead maybe. Then again if the money si right, I could buy a new camel and ride to work every morning.

Otherwise, i'm working on ideas for the Drum Corps show, and looking forward to that this weekend. It will be good to see some of the old gang, the ones I grew up with (as much as I've grown up anyway). And best of all, today is friday, even though I'm working some extra days this week its about time.

We'll see where I end up.

The liver is evil and must be punished!

And you can call me the punisher. The last few days have been a bit over the top with the partying. With the holiday and accompanying parties, the days by the pool, the nights out and about, and the meeting new friends and seeing old ones, its been a great week. Then there's the celebratory events that accompanied the new job announcement. And of course keeping a good friend happy and well lubricated for a couple days.

So, other than that, It was great to see my friend Nolan. First ime in 6 years. And for all the crap some of the guys u to give me for keeping contact with a young lady like herself... all I can say is HAHAHAHAHA cause she's hot now! And well, still too young for me, and still very much a little sister type person. But she's now interning in Atlanta for the summer and I'm hoping we can get together before I have to start making the journeys to Lousiville. Its nice to her all grown up and very determined young lady. She's gonna go a long way.

Also met a new and interesting person. Grace's cousin, Susan, came up and graced us with her presence. What is so funny, is she is good friends with my good friends Brooke and CHrissie (AKA Bopsy and Flopsy) of Southwind fame. It can be a very small world. Add to that Nolan and Susan knw many of the same people also.

At any rate Susan was a lot of fun and I hope to see more of her in the future.

I'm thinking the initial housing dilemma for the Louisville job is solved. FOrmer Co-worker from world has a 2 bedroom apartment I can crash at until I figure out what I want to do about the living/moving situation. Thats a releif for the moment. I do need to look for a second car maybe to base in SDF.

At any rate, this will be probably be the alst of the big partying for me for a while, as I need to conserve money and budget.

And I know i've been kinda slack about getting back to some people about making plans to hange out. I do apologize and as soon as I get a schedule I'll make sure theres some hanging out time. But until my life comes out of the flux its in, please be patient.

Alright, it seems to be movie night at the Casa de Tres Hombres... so i'm off to watch it and allow my body to dry out. I had my pre-employment pee in a cup test this moring. I'm kind of wondeirng what proof it will come out as. Hope everyone is well, and I'll be seeing everyone as much as can in the near future.

Later

The gig is up, the news is out, they finally found me!

The gig is up, the news is out, they finally found me!
Current mood: excited
DO you think Brown is my color?

Yesterday afternoon, I as offered a position with UPS (conditional on passing a background screening and drug test)! And while the prospects are exciting and I'm very thankful I wasoffered the job, I have a lot of nervousness. Mostly the living situation and getting to work thing, but I'm sure it will work all these things out.

I'm planning right now to try and, in true airline employee fashion, be a commuter. Meaning i live in beautiful metropolitan PTC and on the days I work I'll be crashing up in Louisville. And we'll see how that goes. At any rate, I'm going to be physically around a lot less, but I'll still be one text message away.

So, its back to the bottom of the list and being the new guy again. And while thats a little bit stressful, I'm looking forward to new challenges and new people. And then I get to show them I'm better than them. OK, thats a little bit egotistical. But you get the point. So, the stagnation in my career seems to be clearing up.

However, I have this left over FeEx wear that prolly won't get much use anymore. But I'm not getting rid of it! I appreciate all the support from everyone more than you know. So on that note, let the party start.

And we'll see what Brown can do for me! (Yeah thats cheesy but deal with).

IN other news, Transformers comes out today, and I'm thinking I'm heading out to the first showing this mornin. Since I'm awake and all. I have been eagerly awaiting the return of my childhood heroes. And I'm almost tempted to run to moms house and retreive all my bots from the attic. Yes, I still have all my transformers (or most of them). They're in boxes next to my GI Joes, Hot wheels, and He-man stuff. We could really turn the apartment here into a child of the 80's dream romper room.

I don;t often discuss politics, but I just read the news that GW commuted the sentence of "Scooter", sitine that eh thought the punishment was too harsh. Now, its was 30 months (not years) in jail. And he only obstrusted justice and due process in a criminal investigation. Oh and compromised a CIA operative,who very well could have been killed. Yeah, 30 months is way to much. I despise corruption, and I do beleive this is just another reaosn GW should be looked at for impeachment. Whats another abuse of executive powers now though??

THen again, I have no faith in democrats either.

So, thats it. My political rant for the week. Later kids!

Just a little patience...

So, I now own a piece of the B-52's legend. I took a picture off the wall. A lovely sunset shot of an SR-71 being mid-air refueled from a KC-10. To translate that to normal person talk, thats cool shit. And seeing how I spent so much quality time there, its only right that I get a piece of the place tot ake home.

Tanya and I met up at the old haunt to indulge in half priced whiskey and trivia. And after some inital introductions to some sales staff from Martinair cargo (who apparently they thought we were with... but not enough to give us a free drink coupon), we in dulge din some Patron and went on to win trivia. Go TEAM!! And in the meantime, we had a lot of good conversation and a fair amount of drink. I really must say, the comapny was excellent. Though I do think Tanya is a little jealous of her fiancee's obvious infatuation with me. But we're getting through that.

Today it was work, and since my boss is heading out on vacation this week, I thought I woul just ruin it by telling him theres a chance I'll have a new job when he gets back. He took it all in sride, in the way Ed does. And is probably the most encouraging manager I've ever had for me to move on to a career with another company. Even telling me that he's heard that Delta is hiring again soon.

And on that note, while i was psse dout dead to the world this afternoon, UPS airlines called. Unfortunately I didn't hear the phone (it being on vibrate) and i was exhausted due to lack of sleep the night before. The voice mail just asked em to call them back, and I did... and no one was home. So now, looks like I'm waiting till Monday to hear the outcome of my breif but thorough interview.

I was cruising around the web looking at apartments in Louisville, and I realize how much I hate shopping for a palce to live. Atleast in all ny past moves,I had a clue about the city and where to live. I don't have the faintest idea what part of Louisville would best suit me... walking distance form the bar. I did however discover there is a Hard Rock Cafe downtown, and that pretty much crushed my opinion that you only find those in well known internationl destinations. I suppose I'll have to get a guitar pin from there eventually.

I did find alovely refurbished warheouse that has loft apartmens, and includes the gas bill in the rent. However, the website goes on to tell you the heat, air,and stove are all electric. SO what the hell is the gas bill for?

Other than that,t hings have been sedate here. Had dinner with the lovely Jersey,since she is only in town for a short time. After her all expense paid excursion to Vegas, being put up at the Venetian... which apparently has awesoem showers in the suites, she takes off again this weekend to Alaska.

SO as of right now, I'm off the 4th. Any ideas on how to amuse myself? I should possibly blow some fireworks up. If anyone needs me, I'll be around... at least for a couple weeks.

I hate waiting for news....

The further we slip into this rabbit hole the harder we look for a new place to go

So,the last couple days.... lots learned. Namely, don'tplan a road trip and rent a car without cruise control.

First off, the timing for my little jaunt to Louisville worked out pretty well. I was able to swing through Lexington and catch a DCI show there. And more importantly I was able to see Scott Carter (brass staff with Spirit) and even Dammit Daniel (staff with Cadets). It was also good to see the corps. Its somewhat comforting to know alot of the activity hasn't changed in the last 15 years. Still a bunch of kids who don't know what they were getting into when they started, and won't know how to get out of it when they finish.

Of course, they are kids. And the reheasal and general on tour attire has gotten skimier on the girls. I felt dirty... but only for a few minutes. Then I remember my fetish for super tan girls with wierd tan lines. But here's my mini review (All the non-Drum Corps types can skip to the next paragraph): Spirit, needs some oomph and lots of cleaning and endurance, but there's potential. Boston kinda liked the show... dont know what they played (really didn;t know who played what) but it was kinda catchy. Crown As much as I hate to admit I like a Crown show, I liked this one. Good horn sound and visuals stuff... really sold the horse theme. Phantom: I want to like this show with the flying theme, but the horn sound isn;t what I exected from past Phantom and I just didnt get into it. Cadets... uhhhhhh. It probably was a kewl show musically and visually, but the voice overs kind made me laugh and I kept looking for who was talking. Take out the excessive talking. And finally Southwind I'm a little biased but I liked the show... grabbed me more than Spirit, but needs an ending. It just kinda stopped.

After the show I wa sof to Louisville, and a abulous room at the Marriott, with a 70% discount thanks to MB. Also, for future reference, no 24 hour room service there, so dinner was a couple Heinekins and a bowl of pretzels and beer nuts. I did a little studying and then to bed.

The next day was the interview. This is probably the shortest job interview in history. I got there about 0945 for a 10 am interview. Started about that time and I was out in my car 23 minutes later. Now, apparently theres a standard set of questions they go though covering weather, regulations, and ATC stuff. Flew through them. It was like a trivia game to me really. Then the HR questions came out, and I went through those. None of the real tough ones you normally get. After we got out of the little interview room, I was told to wait in the lobby. Next thing I know I'm on my way for fingerprinting. So I guess thats good.

On a side note there was a model of a 747-400 in the lobby that, no shit, was the size of my car. I love it!!! SO now, I'm suppose to hear something back by Monday.

The drive home was annoying, I mannaged to hit traffic in Chattanooga and Atlanta. And outside Nashville there was a incredible accident (almost 2, i'll come back to that). Looks like some one lost control, went across the median and into oncoming traffic. It looked pretty bad. So, everyone out there driving, be careful.

The second accident almost happened in front of me, the stunt driver didn't notice from the immobile cars and brake lights that traffic had stopped. So he swerved right slammed on the brakes across the other lane (barley missed the back of a tractor trailer. The hard left left and comletely swings the car around. Way to go!

OK, so now I'm home. And I learned tonight the B-52's is closing. The last night is the 30th. THe staff is moving to a new location (a block away) and re-opening a bar under the name Irish Bred. But its like an old friend is going away. Theres beena lot of good times in that old bar. Dancing, Karaoke, Trivia, more red-hedded sluts than I can count. For anyone interested, they are emtying the bar stock this weekend. Half price booze until its gone. And see anything on the wall you want (most the good stuff is gone), Ruthie will sell it cheap. You can have your own piece of B-52's.

Next we'll have to break in the Irish Bred place.

OK, thats enough for tonight. I'm off to sleep and wait for the call to come in.