Imaculately polished, with the spirit of a hustler and the swagger of a college kid

Current mood:satisfied

OK, lets try this again.

I wish I could reconstruct what I wrote last night, but I really can't remember everything that went into it. But here goes:

It's been a couple weeks since I wrote and alot has happened. The world has gotten the answer to the all time great question "Seriously, who throws a shoe?". Apparently protesting Iraqi reporters. This is supposedly some huge insult over there. Well, we know I'm not the biggest fan of GW, but I gotta give him credit for quick reaction time. I'm less impressed by the Secret Service for not shooting the guy on site. I'm all for freedom of expression, but hurling loafers is above and beyond first amendment rights... plus its incredibly rude.

OK, so I spent last weekend at Susans. As always, I enjoyed the time with her. One of the highpoints was learning that after she lost battery power to her phone, she called into the GOC to ask my supervisor for my phone number. Apparently it's highly unlikely I have a girlfriend, but they gave it out anyway. I also had the opportunity to visit Tuscaloosa, and more importantly have lunch with Ms Linda (soon to be Mrs Linda) and her beaux. It was good to see here and talk and chat. We've not been able to have our annual "date" in Atlanta since I moved away.

I also started the Christmas shopping while in Birmingham. If only Susan had known one of her gifts was in my backpack most the time I was there, she would have been rummaging through it while I slept. I also picked up and started the Christmas card process. I managed to get an early start, which only means I forgot some folks. If you don't get a card from me, please do not take it personally. I may not have your address (everyone seems to have moved in the last year) or I may have just ran out of cards. It's not necessarily that I hate you or I don't like you.

I'm looking forward to the holidays and the time off, and the beach trip. I'm going to try to see alot of people when I'm in town. I feel a little down when I come into Atlanta and just run out of social time. It's not going to be easy with the family and holiday committments, but I do my best. I'm also hoping to make some NYE plans soon, and want to include everybody (and by everybody I mean people I like, not all the people in the city... I don't like all of them... some smell).

Work is going well, though apparently there's lots more activity this time of year. I don't necessarily mean a lot more boxes and flights (there are significantly inceased amounts of both), but a lot of people running around the GOC and in our office. We don't know who they are, don't know what they are doing, and they just seem to flutter about. Of the 4 different sections in the room, I'm always amused that the dispatch side is always darkened out. We don't have nearly the amount of desk lamps on as the other 3 departments. Maybe we're being more 'green' and saving energy, or maybe we've been kept in the dark so long we prefer it. The rest of the room is lit up like Vegas. I also find its a lot of noise and activity, and really doesn't seem to be that mush more going on to warrant it. Oh well, another week and it's over.

It was announced that Delta will start service to Sydney next summer. And that may be a potential vacation destination. I've already demanded buddy passes. If not SYD, then I would like to take a nice long holiday somewhere. Ryan suggested Athens and some surrounding Isles. I told him I have no inclination to visit UGA and Lake Lanier. Just kidding. That sounds very lovely. Something to think about.

Speaking of Ryan, there's a plus to him being on the opposite side of the world. He amuses me late at night with tales of foreign locales, and the idiocracy of the cookie pushers that ruin those locales. He's waiting now to head over to Gaddistan. Which is ironic since he was doing the same thing when I originally tried to write this last night. Whiskey Oscar Alpha runs only slightly delayed... so far 2 days.

That about covers it. I am almost done with Krimma shopping, including gift that will surely annoy my brother for a while. Be careful what you tell me your young daughter asked for, she might get it :-). Should I ever have kids, I'm sure they will seek revenge for my years of oud and harrassing gifts.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas or Happy Hannakuh or Cheerful Kwanzaa. As I will be embarking on a journey this holiday season, and surely there will be lots of others with me, I hope people remember that shit happens. Don't get irate, don't get ugly. Just roll with it. in the end you'll get where you need to be. And most of all, don't blame Grace. It's not her fault! But feel free to tap her on the butt to get her attention, she loves it! And it is the preferred way to signal your need for a Cran-Apple refill.

Coming soon, the obligatory end of year reflection and new year resolution blog. I'll plan to keep making the same resolution as always. Live, love, eat, drnk, and be merry. And of course lose weight, learn another language, and learn to play guitar. I figure one year I may actually do it if I keep resolving myself.

Later!

Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand

Current mood:moody

I just finished an OT shift and drove home in the lovely rain, which apparently will turn to snow in the morning. The third snow event this winter, already. This doesn't bode well.

SO, here I am, just pulled up and parked in front of the house, and was sitting in my car talking to Susan on the phone, engine still running. And while I'm saying good bye before dashing thru the rain, i see a girl run out from across the street. Well... so she likes to play in the rain. Apparently the chosen dress for such activity is bra, panties, and cowboy boots. So, i mention to Susan the goings on, say bye, hang up, and shut down the car. As i open the door, I heard yelled from the girls gathered watching the street ballerina that "Oh my god, there's a guy in the car". I know, I was being inconspicuous and stealthy, apparently the engine sounds were drowned out by the rain.

Said ballerina ran back into the group of girls on the porch, and another was waiting in the door to do her dance routine. But in there all so quiet way, the girls were discussing whether I was still watching or gone. Apparently they missed me walking to the apartment. I was unlocking the door, came inside, and that's all I heard.

I find i amusing for a Wednesday night on Duker Ave. I was contemplating swinging by a local pub for some beers or bourbon or other libation. But I'm not so into solo barhopping (truth be told, I feel kind of old and pathetic) so home I came. I'm thinking about cleaning.

Is this maturing??? I need to stop it. I had the urge to go out pound some shots and be really obnoxious. It's been a while, and lately it's been a lot of early to bed nights. Last night I met a co-worker and some of her friends out to watch basketball. Very sedate, compared to the group of girls at the next table drinking large beers and tossing back shots...

I was asked by one of the people where to go for good outings in Atlanta, I had to admit I don't know. All the old haunts have been closed down. Again, maybe I' just getting old. Can't say that I like the idea. So maybe its time to rediscover some youthful stupidity. I don't want to go bck to the old drink till you puke every weekend, but some pleasent buzzing would be nice... and some social outings to go with.

Something to think about coming into the New Year. Who wants to join me?

Walking like an Egyptian

Current mood:loved

Back to the real world. I'm not so excited to be back in Louisville. it's cold, grey, and rainy at the moment. Well, its sort of drizzly at the moment, but apparently it was snow not too long ago. Judging from the 1/2 inch of the stuff on my car. A far cry from Thursday's sunny and mid 60's weather I enjoyed. And I enjoyed it at Susan's family Thanxgiving extravaganza.

Yes, I ventured into that dark territory with only my faith and charm to protect me. So essentially, I was unarmed and unafraid. I have to say the initial nerves were soothed on arrival with the pleasantness of her family and the knowledge that I could always make JoHnathon out to be a real jerk to make me look better. Luckily I didn't have to use that particular weapon. I suppose the talk with Jack Daniels also had a relaxing effect.

Let us go back to the beginning. I flew in Wednesday morning on a half empty (or half full) jet from SDF. I hung out at the airport to have a Chic-fil-a lunch and some grand people watching. I was really surprised how not busy it was. That did work in my favor I suppose. I waited for Jersey to arrive, and she handed over the keys to her car as she ran off to her family home in Jersey. An all to short visit, but I think we'll be rectifying that at Christmas. From there it was to the mom's and a nap. I'd been up all night with work and all, so crash i did.

I woke up to darkness. I forgot how dark and cave like my old bedroom could be. I really miss that. I went over to visit with the Chicago side of the family who was in town and treated to a lovely dairy queen dinner. After a quick trip with uncle Don to pick up his daughters at the airport (and showing him the convenience of the downstairs pickup option) I was off to see Grace and JoHnathon. Another quick visit, and home I went... and passed out again.

The next day (Thanksgiving), I spent the morning conversing with mom over fresh homemade fried apple pies. I had a half dozen or so sitting there, then bagged up a few more for the trip to Susan's. To me and my siblings, these things are similar to crack. You can't get enough and its so so yummy.

Grace, JoHnathon and I were off to the Gump. A lovely scenic drive, we took in the beauiful road construction, architectural marvel of the new KIA plant, and the majestic Chattahooche flowing to the sea. Very surreal.

On arrival, we were welcomed as a returning conquering army... well close to that. I did impress myself through the day by not spilling food on my shirt, and no one screamed at me claiming I was the devil and ruining Susan's life. So all in all I call it a success. Though at times there was an urge to throw food, but I suppose that's just natural.

It's snowing again.

Back to Stockbridge that night, I again crashed in my old room. Though not as regally decorated as when I lived in it , it was still cozy. I don't understand why mom didn't feel my pile of "stuff" and clothes shouldn't be a permanent addition, but I guess our stylistic opinions are different. At any rate, I woke up Friday morning (always a good start) and put the wheels in motion. I met up with Brian G for a few minutes while he and a co worker were enjoying a lunch break. I insulted his profession and was generally rude, but he likes that sort of abuse. I'm waiting for him to pull me over for speeding one day, then I'll really lay into his piggy ass.

After that, I was off to Downtown, got the accommodations for the weekend in order, met Grace and JoHnathon at Fellini's in Buckhead for pizza. Long ago, in my misspent youth, the fedex gang used to frequent this particular pizza place. Sunny Summer Sunday afternoons would find us out on the patio, with a few pies and more than a few pitchers of beer. There was conversation, people watching, girl gawking, and general fun had by all. Normally arriving in the 4 pm area and staying until 9 or 10. Why?? Well we had nothing better to do really. Following the afternoon at Fellini's, we often went to take in some culture at the Pink Pony Museum and Performing Arts Theatre.

We skipped that part on Friday, electing instead to go shopping. We tried out some mattresses and then off to IKEA. I'm not normally anti-Swedish, but IKEA does make me lean that way. Nevermind the ridiculous crowds, which the Swedes have no control over, it's the store that pisses me off. It's like a bad carnival funhouse. A maze to navigate through and you can't go back if you go in. It's really annoying.

After a comparison of every light to be had, we decided on a floor lamp and desk lamp for JoHnathon's place. Items that matched his personality, budget, and we could find bulbs for. Ironically the bulb part seemed to be the most difficult endeavor of the day.

Back to JoHnathon's high rise bachelor pad (think Shagadelic), he put his little woman to work assembling the lights while the men watched and sipped Cognac. Then, some home improvement work as we ripped down a cabinet thingy in he kitchen, only to reveal the unexpected surprise of massive holes. But it did realy open up the room and increased the feng shui-ness. Though I'm not sure the apartment people will approve, but JoHnathon has a year to come up with a reason for the missing cabinet.

Finally, the time I had been waiting for all day arrived, and her name was Susan. She sauntered into town after her circuitous drive. We had a lovely dinner at Gordon Beirsch and a relaxing evening.

Saturday, we decided to improve ourselves and broaden our minds. Part of the weekend plan was a package deal I found, including tickets to the King Tut exhibit at the civic center and the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit at the High. Both were extremely fascinating, and anyone one with a minor interest in history and ancient cultures should go take it in. It' s really quit amazing how detailed and artistic people could be when honoring their dead leaders. That and an unending supply of slave labor really allowed for some great accomplishments. I do find it amusing that the first 30 years of my life living in the Atlanta area I never visited the High Museum, but in the last year since I've moved away I've been to 2 exhibits there.

I think the Egypt exhibit was slightly more organized and well laid out, and there were lots of crafty gold trinkets, including earrings that had to was 15 pounds... ouch. And in both cases, I was feeling a sense of awe that I was looking at things crafted over 3000 years ago. And more impressively, was hidden for most of that time. It makes me wonder if in 5108 AD some one will dig up my trinkets and try to reconstruct my life (As I certainly rank in cultural importance as a Pharoah or first Chinese Emperor). Then I think, what do I have that would possibly last that long if buried??? My entire life will be constructed around an extensive collection of pint glasses and Hard Rock cafe pins.

The only downside was the other people there. I really liked reading the descriptions of items only to have some one walk right in front of me, stop, and beginning reading themselves. It was doubly annoying if they had on headphones that was piping the same information into their ears. Otherwise a fine day.

Afterwards, the World of Coke awaited. I will admit that I'm not the biggest fan of the World of Coke, having seen it at the old location several times. It is interesting to see the bottling process, and to sample the drinks from around the world (try the Beverly from Italy, it boggles the mind how people who created such good food and wine drink such crap soda). We did also get a wonderful picture (which i was initially against mainly as I wasn't feeling photogenic or Christmasy) with a large polar bear. But after I as told it was the cutest thing ever, I resolved myself that maybe no one would notice my lack of beauty when overshadowed by a lovely Susan and a large bear.

The pictures did turn out fun and I think should be made into Christmas cards for everyone.

And a side note, GO JACKETS!!!!!!

It's stopped snowing.

After the world of coke, a quick trip to return Jersey's car and back to the ATL for dinner. Susan and I like to explore the culinary offerings of our surrounds, so we try to find places neither of us have experienced for dining. This time it was Houston's on Peachtree. And it was yummy. The staff was nice and it had this old school late 1960's appeal to it. It's the kind of place I would expect to see suits with thin lapels and thin ties or a mobster in the corner booth. I dig it.

Sunday came, and we roused ourselves at the crack of 11 AM, and enjoyed the fogginess out the window. We were off to meet Charles and David for brunch at what's become one of our favorite places to eat in the city, Tap. I had decided that morning to forgo the usually jumpseating madness in ATL and just buy a ticket home. it cost me about $100 but I flew out fo Birmingham instead. And more importantly I could wear jeans and drink (though I didn't have a single cocktail... missed oportunities). Best of all, I was able to spend more time with Susan on the car ride to the Ham. So after brunch... road trip!

I made it back to my house here around 10 PM, and the weekend ended. Even though it lasted for about 5 days, it was too short. I apologize to everyone I didn't get to meet up with, it's a hectic time for all. Maybe during Christmas break we'll have more time to make the rounds.

That's the rundown of the last few days, I learned alot, met many people, and enjoyed the hell out of my time. Now it's the 3 week Marathon to Christmas, we in the shipping business call it "peak". I've already started picking up OT. Hopefully it will be profitable for me, and not too stressful. I'm very much looking forward to the holidays!

I hope everyone had safe travels and a wonderful Thanxgiving. See y'all soon.

On my way home I remember all the best days.

Current mood:relaxed

Today should be my Friday, but alas I'm working tonight again. Why? Well in order to get Sunday night i did a shift trade and took tonight. It works out well actually, and I'm contemplating trying for next Monday off and just taking something close to a couple weeks without work.

However, should I do that I'll have this urge to take off to Europe or something, and while some good could come from that, mostly debt would follow. I really do want to focus on alleviating some of my debt. Especially since the government seems intent on bailing out all the people I owe money to. Darn them!! DARN THEM TO HECK!!!!

I'm looking forward to being down south. While I enjoy Grace's musings, it does make me kinda sad that I'm not there to be part of all the fun and games. Add to that the separation from Susan, it kind blows. But I'm managing in he hopes it's all worth it in the end. Damn being a responsible adult.

I had a lot of interesting things to say earlier, but they seem to have slipped my mind. Maybe I'm getting old, or just killed a few too many brain cells in my misspent youth. ut I had a good time, and I'm really quite sure I'm done misspending my youth.

Christmas i around the corner, and I know this because everyone at work has sort of kicked up the level of panic and confusion. Well, not so much in dispatch, but most everywhere else in the room. And it's apparently only going to get worse from now till Santa comes. But along with the excitement comes the problem of Christmas shopping. Unlike the last couple years, the budget for me isn't the biggest worry, but figuring out what people need or want. I'm normally a fan of gift certificates for the ambiguous typs who I really have no idea what to get them, and that works pretty well for older neices, nephews, and moms and dads (yes I have 8 sets of parents). But I like to come up with fun and useful surprises for other people.

And I think I did really well last year with that, but this season i'm drawing a big blank. I'm even perusing the UPS company store for ideas. Don't be surprised if you get something brown. But along these same lines, I don't like presumptuousness when it comes to gifts. For instance, I received an email Christmas list for one of my nieces. While I was going to ask for suggestions, I'm kind of put off that the list was sent with out my asking.

Maybe I'm just weird like that.

Anyways, I'm just burning some time while the laundry runs. Has anyone ever noticed how bad TV is at 6 AM?

So, ATL peeps, hit me up over the next couple days and maybe I can fit you into my busy schedule of Tomb Robbing and gorging myself on turkey. Now I'm off to check loads on Delta to Europe and see if I wanna take a trip. I plan great vacations, I just wish I could go on more... and not solo.

Everyone should wish Ryan a happy Birthday. He's suffering in Germany these days and sure he could use the good wishes so people think we like him.

I’ve already used all the snow lyrics I know for subjects

Current mood:cold

I have returned from the Ham! And for those of you who think its all graniose that I went to Germany for the weekend, you'd be incorrect. I had a lovely week (end) with Susan and her new cats. After some induced cat fights and watching the furballs chase the unobtainable red laser dot, I had to leave. We had a nice weekend together, although it was much too short. But on the upside we do have plans to see each other next weekend. And we'll be taking in some 3,000 year old dead guys. Am I a romantic or what??

Actually, we both get kind of excited about such things. ANd that just makes her that much more awesome. But first I have to get through a weekend of work and then figure out how I'm going to work the Thanxgiving weekend. There's some logistical details to be worked out, but it's coming right along.

In other news, old man JoHnathon... I mean Winter (i get old people confused) slapped me in the face this week. First there was the excitement of scraping frost of the windsheild in Birmingham. ANd then I returned home to snow. Yes, that's right... snow! It's snowing outside as i type this and sipping hot cocoa. And for the first time, I'm drinking from a well traveled cup from Shanghai. I think its funny that while this cup has felt a lot of lips on it (not unlike myself), one of them were mine.

Anyways, i seem to be more prepared for winters cold this year than in the past. I have a car with a new battery and new tires for better traction in the ice and snow. Plus I live near an emegency snow route so I get to have a clean street. Mind you, as of right now there's all of a light dusting of snow on the ground, but you never know when a blizzard may strike. And I have hot cocoa! Unfortunately it doesn't taste like the nice Godiva type from Starbuck's, but it's early.

ALso in the good news column, Tech kicked some U of Miami ass tonight, and that's always good. next is UGA, and while it will be tough, I think the Jackets can pull it out... so.. TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!!

Well, I've nthing else much to say. There's not a lot of wild excitement going on. I mean I could go on and on about visiting Susan, and I will upon personal requests. But I'll spare the masses the details.

Now it's time to start working on my Christmas list Not things for me, but what to look at getting the freinds and family. I'm also contemplating actually putting on Christmas decor this year. I hope to see some of you fine people next weekend, I'll be in the ATL and, at times, available. SO call my people and we'll set up an appointment.

Later

Old friend of mine we will never lose the time that we shared all these years

Current mood:productive

This is my second, or third... or mybe fourth attempt to write this out. I find that my blogs aren't nearly as well written or interesting unless there's some element of angst or moroseness. Unfortunately for my writing skills and readers, I'm pretty damn happy at the moment. I can't really think of anything to rant on about, I mean besides the normal things. And really, hasn't that horse been beaten enough?

SO, whats been going on?? I spent the last weekend (and in this case it was an actualy weekend, not my normal "airline weekend") in the Atlanta Metro. As a celebration of my 32 year on earth, we had a gathering very graciously hosted by the TanJoe's and their menagerie of wayward animals.

But first things first, I made it in town Thursday night on a jet plane. I also learned that apparently the Bank of America building in downtown was designed to look like its burning, and if you look down into there's an effect of looking at embers. There's even possibly a sculpture up on the top. I was more concerned why the captain of the flight was so enthralled with the lighting of the skyscrapers and not the approach into ATL we were currently flying. Sometimes this riding a jumpseat thing can be a bit more disconcerting than It should be.

At any rate, I arrived safe and sound, and waited to leave the aiplane (with the other 70 passengers) for about 20 minutes until they "turned the jetway lights on". I offered to do this, feeling I'm more than qualified to flip a switch. Nope, we had to wait on the ground people, who seemed to not be interested in getting me off the plane. I offered a solution to the flight attendant playing door guard, but she felt that letting the passengers run amok on the ramp, while drawing attention and getting the ground workers to come over to our gate, would possibly aso result in her losing a job. She seemed attached to being an employee at Argyle Sillystring Argyle.

Eventually I made it off the plane, out to the car where Jersey patiently waited (ok, i got out before she got there, but she patiently drove) and we headed down to New-Nan for ome conversation, and beer list additions.

Friday was spent meandering about PTC and surrounds, and lunch with Charles at my favorite former chinese place (former since I moved away, favorite because they delivered the food the 500 yards to my apartments). While waiting for Charles to get off work, I expanded te beer list some more. That evening, my always lovely and fantastic niece picked me up and drove me to the Mom's house, where dinner was served. Aunt DOvey made some homemade vegetable-beef soup. Now, I don' mean the normal "Just Like Homemade" Campbell's fare, but actually homemade as the veggies were picked from her garden. I forgot tha tyou can grow those things. It was yummy. And then Susan showed up. Like the best birthday present ever!

AFter dinner cake (mmmhm, Orange Velvet cake with green cream cheese icing), Susan and I adjourned to the TanJoe Manor.

Saturday was spent dashing about Atlanta. First, Susan and I woke up amazingly early for us, and was out and about before 11 AM and headed to Radial for breakfast. Pretty tasty place, even if they left the tomatoes in my scramble. And then some window shopping and back to TanJoes for the impending gathering.

It was nice to see and hang out with everyone, the recently coupled (officially) JoHnathon and Grace.. who I suppose we need to come up with some pithy monicker. Even surprise visits by Charity and Mat and Molly, it was a good time. You should have been there (you know who you are).

Of course, Sunday came too soon and it was back to Louisville with me.

And after that, it's kind of been the same ole same ole. Work, sleeping, not work. I managed today to get my hairs cut. I've also discovered the iTunes store. This has the potential to be very bad. Why?? Well there was a time when I used to buy any and every CD i could find and had quite an eclectic range of music. Over the years, many of these CD's have been lost to moves, thieves, and my own stupidity. While many of them I can just do with out, there's some that I really liked. Of course these are ones not carried by any music store anywhere, in the US at least. Now, there on iTunes!!! Giggity!

So I must learn restraint.

Well, that's all I know, Im planning my dinner menu in my mind, and nothing is sounding good. I'm looking forward to the Holidays, and the chances it brings to spend some quality time with Susan. We know Christmas is coming, Starbucks is rolling out the holiday drinks and everyone is selling gift certificates. Oh, and there is snow forecast for Sunday. Must be winter.

Oh and I'd like to mention Ryan.

This land is your land, this land i my land

Current mood:hopeful

I really don't like it when people post blogs and mark them private so I can't read them. It just makes me want to read it even more.

Warning, political discussion to follow... skip down if you want to miss it

So, we the people of the United States of America elected a new president. Several things are impressive about this. One, its possibly the largest voluntary and organized transfer of power in the world. Unlike other countries, no one had to draw a weapon to accomplish it. Whether or not you agree with the politics of Obama, you have to agree the process has become quite impressive and I like the peacefulness of the transition. Also, a non-WASP male has been elected to president. While I thought I would see a black man, or a woman, in the big chair someday, I really didn't expect it this soon in my life. So, that being said, I think it shows alot about race relations in this country and that yes, anyone can grow up to be president. Theres still, in my opinion, a ways to go but its a step.

And so the Democrats take control of the Presidency and Congress. And while I'm a registered democrat (which really kind of pisses me off I have to declare a party in this state) I'm not so happy to have both the legislative and executive branches controlled by the same party. Yes, I voted for Obama for my own reasons. But I also voted republican for Congress. I don't like the idea of one ideology running the place, makes it too easy to pass unnecessary laws.

Susan will tell you that I have left leaning ideas, but I also have a lot in common with the right. I think McCain would have made a fine president, and he has given a lifetime to this country. But he, and other republicans, have fought an uphill battle all the way. The country is seemingly fed up with Bush and the republican control of the last decade or so. And unfairly, the nation seems to have recoiled in the wake of the financial disaster and blamed the republican Congress (before 2006) and administration. I personally feel there's more blame to go around than there are political parties. McCain was almost the sacrifical lamb of the republican party. A co-worker made a statement the other night, that if Bush had wanted McCain to win, there would have been a terror declaration to focus the issue away from the economy to defense.

Once again, the sitting party during an economical hard time is kicked out. All in the name of "we're not those guys". it worked for FDR and Reagan. And I find it amusing that the Democrats are considered soft on defense. Wilson led the US into WWI, FDR into WWII, and JFK (and more so his successor LBJ) escalated Vietnam. All were Democrats.

Obama has been called a socialist (though John McCain clearly stated he doesn't believe that). And I read lots of Status's (or Statii?) about people who are moving to Canada to escape the impending high taxes and socialism. That's alot like moving to Seattle to get away from rain. I find a lot of hypocrisy in the statements that voting for Obama is voting against patriotism and America, yet still proclaim the virtues of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Men who sought to change their futures by then "radical" notions of separating for England. I admire the founding fathers for standing up for what they believed and leading others to change the status quo. Or perhaps is the same Southerners who revere Robert E Lee and Jefferson Davis who attempted to secede, very patriotic of them. I again, admire these men for standing up for what they believed to be right, though I don't agree with much of their beliefs.

There's the opinion that the liberal media is responsible, and possibly could be true. But I get my news from 2 sources, 30 minutes a day from the Daily Show (very liberal) and 9 hours a day of Fox News (which we all know is "fair and balanced" in their conservatism). And really, watching 3 hours of Bill O'Reilly every night at work may have driven me liberal..

IN the end, I don't see a lot changing in America, allegedly my taxes will go down $500. I really don't believe it. And the insinuation that $500 a year is an insignificant amount coming from the same people that said $750 in tax refunds would save our economy makes me laugh. I don't think socialism is around the corner, though I can see how the idea or free college (or greatly lowered tuitions) and healthcare access for people who need it is horrible idea. There will be some changes, but i don't think it will be as far reaching as the campaign promises (which are often broken... remember "read my lips, no new taxes"?). When all is said and done, the sun will come up tomorrow, we'll go one about our lives, and we'll still be bitching about the government and taxes.

At any rate, theres lots of problems here that need addressing, many haven't been addressed for a while. What happened to the great illegal immigrant debate, or energy independence, or any number of issues that seemed to have gone by the wayside. I don't think any have been fixed. So, maybe the liberal way of thinking isn't the right way (no pun intended), but the conservatives haven't seemed to do much better. We'll see what happens over the next 4 years. At least we have the Supreme Court to guard the Constitution... well, whats left of it.

And my final political statement.. vote Dees/Jones in 2012. If only because we'll have a kick ass inaugural ball and Susan will make a kick ass First Lady (eventhough we don't always see eye to eye on politics)!! That can be our slogan Dees/Jones 2012.. KICK ASS!

In other news, driving home the other morning I had a tire pop. It's my own fault really, as I've been driving on tired that had the tread showing for a while and without proper alignment. On the other hand, I did get about 50,000 miles out ofr my 45,000 mile rated tires. So, about half a mile from my house at 630 AM, i was changing the tire in a bank parking lot. And off I went to be the first eprson at the tire shop to buy 2 new tires.

Luckily, while they had the wheels of it was determined my left front axle needed replacing. Yay!!! Happy Birthday to me!I have been driving with busted CV boots for a while and dirt and crude had gotten the axle workings. This really ticks me off since the boots had been replaced by the "family" mechanic a couple years back.

SO, now with new driving car, and its lost alot of the vibration it had, I'm zipping around the Ville. Land of $1.99 gas. Amazingly ow happy that makes me.

But not nearly as happy as the prospects for the upcoming weekend. I'll be reunited with Susan for a few days. And we'll be surrounded by our pals. I'm very much looking forward to it. Work is the same, nothing earthshaking to report. I still like the job, if not all the people I work with. The new iPhone works like a dream. I'm always apprehensive when I buy things from eBay, but I've never had any problems.

So, thats it, I'm out of things to type, well not really. But i'm out of inspiration to type. I wish everyone well, and thnk you for reading. Remember Dees/Jones 2010... KICK ASS!