A Very Random Dozen
Day 2251
Our Linda has had a hectic week, so this weeks questions have been provided by Linda’s pinch hitter, Linda. That Linda can normally be found here. Many thanks to both Linda’s for providing such an interesting meme on a weekly basis.
Here we go:
1. Do you prefer to read the book or see the movie?
There are very few stories where I’ve both read the book & seen the movie, but I generally prefer the book. It IS interesting to see the directors’ interpretation, but film is often too limiting.
Also – did you know that in the book Jaws, Hooper and the sherrifs wife had a one nighter? THAT wasn’t in the movie.
2. What is your favorite holiday and why?
I can safely declare that Christmas is definitely NOT my favorite. It’s gotten way too commercial and the reason for the season is getting lost in the corporate bottom line. I would then lean towards Memorial Day or the 4th of July because it means big family gatherings, cooking outdoors and catching up with the extended clan.
3. Which do you like better – the mountains or the beach?
Heh – A lakeside beach tucked away in the mountains. Several places in the Adirondacks come to mind . . . (After black fly season has passed, please!)
4. If money were no consideration, what vehicle would you drive?
Can I have two? For day to day commuting I’d like a VW Golf TDI (50+ mpg) or the latest all electric dealie. But for weekends & trips to my favorite home improvement stores, something in a Ford F-250 crew cab would be sweet.
5. What is your favorite cold-weather beverage?
Rohrbach Brewery’s Vanilla Porter.
6. How do you communicate most often with your friends: phone, email, text, face-to-face, or Facebook?
I most thoroughly communicate face-to-face, although I do use all of the other media as well.
7. How do you receive your mail? Mailbox on the porch, at the end of the driveway, down the street, or post office box?
End of the driveway. This can be a challenge in the winter when the snow piles threaten to bury the mail box and the newspaper tube. Ugh. Winter is coming.
8. Of the four basic personality types – sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric – which is your strongest? Which is your least evident? (See definitions below.)
Most – A cross of phlegmatic & melancholic
Least – choleric
9. What do you miss the most about being 20?
My pickle green clothes & Army boots. NOT! Actually, in spite of my smoking at the time, I really miss the boundless energy I had. Ironically, I do not have 2.5+ times the energy now that I am 2.5+ times older. So unfair!
10. How long from the time you get up, does it take you to get ready to walk out the door in the morning?
This morning, 45 minutes, but I shaved & showered at home. If I’m hitting the gym or biking in to work, I’m out the door in less than 15 – including making a pot of coffee for the missus. Mostly because I get everything I’ll need packed up the night before.
11. Who handles the car maintenance and pays the bills in your family?
Lucky me. I do most of the maintenance work and a fair amount of the repairs on our vehicles. Somehow I also seemed to have assumed the bill paying role too – right from day 1 of our marriage all those many years ago. (29 years, 2 months and 6 days, but who’s counting?)
12. For those in the US, how many states have you visited? For those outside the US, how many provinces/other countries have you visited?
I’m going to count ‘visited’ as having at least stayed overnight. That’d be 23.
Also only driven through: Another 6.
I gotta get out more.
Personality type definitions courtesy Wikipedia:
Sanguine
The Sanguine temperament personality is fairly extroverted. People of a sanguine temperament tend to enjoy social gatherings, making new friends and tend to be quite loud. They are usually quite creative and often daydream. However, some alone time is crucial for those of this temperament. Sanguine can also mean very sensitive, compassionate and thoughtful. Sanguine personalities generally struggle with following tasks all the way through, are chronically late, and tend to be forgetful and sometimes a little sarcastic. Often, when pursuing a new hobby, interest is lost quickly when it ceases to be engaging or fun. They are very much people persons. They are talkative and not shy. For some people, these are the ones you want to be friends with and usually they become life long friends.
Choleric
A person who is choleric is a doer. They have a lot of ambition, energy, and passion, and try to instill it in others. They can dominate people of other temperaments, especially phlegmatic types. Many great charismatic military and political figures were cholerics. They like to be leaders and in charge of everything.
Melancholic
A person who is a thoughtful ponderer has a melancholic disposition. Often very considerate and get rather worried when they could not be on time for events, melancholics can be highly creative in activities such as poetry and art – and can become occupied with the tragedy and cruelty in the world. A melancholic is also often a perfectionist. They are often self-reliant and independent; one negative part of being a melancholic is sometimes they can get so involved in what they are doing they forget to think of others.
Phlegmatic
Phlegmatics tend to be self-content and kind. They can be very accepting and affectionate. They may be very receptive and shy and often prefer stability to uncertainty and change. They are very consistent, relaxed, rational, curious, and observant, making them good administrators and diplomats.
I guess yesterdays entry wasn’t such a quickie, was it? All in the name of progress I guess.
Bowling tonight. I so excite!! I have a very good mental image of how I should be lined up and what my body positions & movements should be right up through release of the ball. Even better, I have a good idea of just what “swing thought” I need to have to keep all the various variables in line. Bet you never thought heaving a 16 pound ball at a bunch of sitting ducks could get so complicated.
Of course, that could all change the second I set foot in the bowling alley.
Random Dozen #3,891
Day 2236
Reader submitted questions this week!!
From Linda:
Asking you guys to submit questions is like THE smartest thing I’ve ever done in my 4X–no, wait—4X + 1 years.
I wish I could link each question to its creator, but I realized as people copied and pasted the links would not copy anyway, so if you would like to visit the person who created the interesting question you’re answering, please see the comments section of yesterday’s post. Clear as mud?
Anyway, thank you all. Happily, I received more than enough questions for this week, so I’ll have leftovers for next week! Whee! If you are not included this week, please look for your question next week.
1. From “Men Are Dumb ….”: If you had a theme song that played whenever you walked into a room full of people, what would it be?
Last year, at Zach & Jills wedding reception, I was requesting songs all evening long. At the end of the evening, the DJ called for any last requests. I ran over and whispered my request in his ear. What I later found out was that in honoring my request, the DJ had skipped playing the song Jill had wanted the reception to end with (Journey – “Don’t Stop Believing” or “Faithfully”, I forget which) and instead played what I whispered in his ear – “Enter Sandman” from Metallica. (It’s a lullaby, really!!) Jill was rather upset, but was won over by the reckless abandon with which her cousins, my two boys (Zach included) and me all thoroughly enjoyed that last song. There may be pictures.
2. From Pam of “Alert And Oriented x 4″: Which of your shoes are your absolute favorite, and which are of the object of your most painful shoe-buyer’s remorse?
Faves are my butterscotch colored Square Toed Oxfords. They’re like slippers. My most painful shoe buyers remorse was caused by a pair of Avia cross trainers. I thought I could get a pair of “D” widths to stretch to my “EE” feet. Eh – not so much.
3. From Susanne of “Living to Tell the Story”: Tell about your favorite birthday celebration that you’ve personally experienced.
I really don’t have one. My birthday is only a week before Christmas and usually gets caught up in all the holiday hoopla. Cindy’s birthday is only 2 days after mine (but she’s a whole year younger, at least!) and we generally just go out for dinner on the night in between.
4. From Lori of “Just me and My Life”: If you were a flavor of ice cream, which would you be?
French Vanilla, drizzled with honey and dusted with a light sprinkling of cinnamon.
5. Cindy Swanson of “Notes in the Key of Life” asks: Have you ever had a crush on a movie star? Who was it, and are you still crushing?
Movie star? Not really. Actors in commercials? You bet. That girl in the York Peppermint Pattie spot? I can’t explain it. (Plus she’s waaaaaayyyyy too young for a dinosaur like me)
6. Jill from “Jill Boyd’s Place” inquires: Glasses or braces–if you had to wear one, which would it be?
Braces. I have glasses, but I could use braces.
7. Nel from “Fasteneau Facts” asks: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’d like to head back out to the Pacific Northwest.
8. Thena from “Patiently Waiting” wants to know: If money were no obstacle, what would be the perfect birthday gift to receive?
A 401k that generates enough income to let me retire to a golf course community in Washington, starting tomorrow.
9. From “Life Through Bifocals,” LynnMarie asks: What is your favorite birthday meal?
Sine we usually go out for our birthday dinner, it’s what ever tempts me on the menu. I do love to order a swordfish steak when we’re out at a steak house though. Something about searing a swordfish in all those leftover beef juices on the grill . . .
10. Debby at “Just Breathe” checks in with: Do you still send hand-written thank you notes?
When I need to, yes. I suppose I could invent a need to do it more . . .
11. Linda from “Mocha with Linda” poses this question: What is something you’ve done that you never thought you’d do?
Sadly – had an affair.
12. Jewel, my homegirl from Indiana who writes at “Musings from the World of Jewel,” is very insistent that we answer this: Mount Rushmore honors four US Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. If you could add any person to Mount Rushmore, who would you add and why?
This is going to sound odd, coming from a white anglo-saxon protestant like me, but I’m thinking Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King. Rosa’s defiance and MLK’s vision did a lot to shape the country back in the mid 20th century.
Door is in, water heater is in. Both are working as designed. I do have to say – I suffered a bit of sticker shock when it came to the water heater. Out last one we had installed because I had never messed with a natural gas appliance before. Last nights tab for just the heater was more than the heater and installation cost 10 years ago. Glad I learned how to work with gas appliances!
Heading off to Charleston, SC for a long weekend. No specific plans yet, but I’m sure we’ll tour a lot of historic sites, take in the local cuisine and just unwind for a few days. The hardest thing we’ll have to do is figure out the local mass transit system.
If anyone has favorite restaurants or tour suggestions, drop me a line. Trying to develop a list of “must see” and “try to see” places.
Not too sure I’ll be convinced that grits are good food, but I will try. The rest of it (crabs, greens, BBQ) I’m pretty sure I’m going to like juuuusssst fine.
Random Dozen # 1,000,002
Day 2229
Go see Linda for the details!
1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blondes do indeed have more fun? That they are “dumber” than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!
NO, No, no. What is inside the head holding that hair is much more important in determining fun & intelligence levels. Besides, I’m a brunette and I have a blast every day.
2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?
In about 2 weeks, the whitetail deer. If we’re not talking hunting, chimpanzees might be fun to watch.
3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official “Alien Ambassador,” should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO?
Not that I’m aware of. I do believe life exists somewhere out in the universe, but given the distances and odds that recognizable life has taken hold on another planet, it’s unlikely we’ll ever meet in my lifetime. This isn’t an episode of Star Trek ya know.
4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.
Ummmm – Sadly I don’t recall ever sitting down to watch one beginning to end. I’ve seen bits & pieces of several. If I had to pick, I would say “Through the Rear Window”. I have a weakness for Jimmy Stewart.
5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?
I’m conflicted. I like spending quiet time at home. I like the library and I don’t get there near often enough. But I guess I’d RATHER be home than the library, because the innerwebz can provide nearly as much entertainment as the library.
6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)
Pumbaa – the warthog from “The Lion King”. Gotta show a little love for the hogs.
7. What kind of art is your favorite?
Tough question, but I think, due to my mother-in-laws hobby, I am drawn to impressionist & realist oil paintings.
8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?
Like this? (It’s G rating grade)
http://player.vimeo.com/video/13362364
Pixels from Patrick JEAN on Vimeo.</p
I generally don’t spend much time at all watching this stuff. Sometimes someone sends me an interesting one (like the one above) and I’ll pass it along.
9. Where do you buy your jeans?
Last jeans I bought were the WalMart Levi’s.
10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.
I was 22. Driving my wife of 1 month’s 1975 Ford Pinto from college to a Heathkit (think Radio Shack) store to buy some parts for a school project. I was waiting in the left turn lane of a very busy 4 lane road when I got rear ended by Dodge Monaco that was rear ended by a big honkin delivery truck.
That particular Pinto had had the gas tank fixed, so we didn’t burst into flames. The rear end got pretty well krinkled. I put on a temporary tail light so we could drive it. Ended up trading it in on a new Pontiac. Got $1050 trade in value and $950 from the insurance company for the damages. Only paid $750 for the car to start with.
11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?
Many times. It’s a lesson I learned very well early in life. As a teen in gym class, I got caught. We were playing volleyball. Third game of the class – the tie breaker. It was nearing the end of the class and the coach declared the current point to be the final, winner takes all point. I was playing back left corner when someone from the opposing team spiked one just in front of me to my left. I dove but couldn’t dig the ball up. Coach, pretending to have not seen the play, (at least clearly – he did have a habit of spiking his coffee . . .) asked me if the ball landed in or out. An older student, whom I didn’t really get along with and who had a well deserved reputation as a thug, came up behind me and whispered into my ear. I told the coach that the ball landed out even though I knew it was in by at least a foot.
That lie kept me from getting into a fight with the thug, but I lost a little respect for myself that day.
12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain?
I would try to show the range of diversity of all the life forms, not just focus on humans. The most difficult thing to explain would be how some people have accumulated massive amounts of wealth while the majority of the humans on the planet live in abject poverty. As “humanitarians” how can we allow this to happen?
After Monday nites soaking on the ride home, my bike shoes were barely dry enough to wear this (Wednesday) morning. So I did. Much nicer ride this morning in that it was 100% drier than Monday evening. Only bad part was the northerly wind. Hope the wind direction stays out of the north for this afternoon’s ride. I need to get home quickly tonight. Ordered a new front door unit (door + 2 side lites) and it came in yesterday. I need to head up to the big box home improvement store and pick that puppy up. Installing that is the #1 priority for this weekend. There shall be pictures!
Random Dozen – Amped
Day 2222 Random Dozen – Amped
Go see Linda for the details!
1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything?
Certainly not an Oscar or Emmy award. Zach won the “I’m Third” award at summer camp one year (God first, everybody else second, I’m third). Eric won (earned?) Salutatorian in his Police Academy class.
2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?
Besides me? My dad, several uncles, a brother, a cousin. Since I’m more or less guaranteed to share half my DNA with m dad, I think he wins the closest award. (Now I have to change my answer to #1)
3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you.
Thinking about all those family members that have been willing to lay it all on the line for our country.
4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your “placement” made a difference in your personality?
I am the eldest of 4 – all boys. Birth order definitely has an effect on personality. As the eldest, I was often left “in charge”, was always reminded to set a good example, was generally urged to grow up a little sooner than the rest. Not that it was through conscious effort on my parents part either – just circumstances.
5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.
Intelligence. Neither of my parents are college educated. Heck, my dad didn’t even get his GED till I was in the Army. But don’t let that be confused with lack of smarts. Had my parents circumstances been different, each would have flourished in college. But back in the ‘50’s, farmers didn’t need college.
6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo?
Polo. Even when in the lower end of my weight range, my neck size is disproportionately large compared to my chest & shoulders making it difficult to find a shirt that fits my neck without hanging on me like a mumu.
7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?
Too many. I know I see the clock 3 or more times. I usually just roll over and try to find a spot under the covers that’s a comfy temp. I also think abut something I WANT to do, versus something I HAVE to do.
8. Share a favorite movie quote.
“AaAaAarrrrmy training SIR!” From “Stripes”
9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?
Anything with Vanilla is my overall favorite, but in the fall blends, Pumpkin Spice is nice.
10. What is one Fall activity you’re looking forward to?
Hunting. I don’t even care if I get anything, I just enjoy getting out in the fields. I can hang out in a tree stand all day or work with a bunch of other hunters trying to figure out how to flush the deer out of hiding.
11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.
It was work related. Got a problem solution from an unexpected source.
12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?
Oh man, I was sooooo young. 17 or 18 I think. Cindy’s dad was much taller then, easily had two inches on me and played the part of protective father really well. I got grilled for all the details of the evening. He softened up when he figured out I wasn’t an axe murder and was actually in the NHS. Cindy’s mom & I have always been good buddies, even back then.
I was catching up a bit over at Roxies place and came across this post that kicked off a mini firestorm of thinking. That’s a dangerous thing.
What relationships am I in that are healthy, which are not, are any toxic, who is the toxic person? I haven’t finished processing all of that stuff yet, but when I do, I’ll likely capture it here so I can look back one day and reflect on how nuts I was. I know of 4 relationships in particular that need some careful consideration – Cindy, both kids and my mom.
Today did not go as planned. I dropped my truck off for it’s annual state safety inspection. Figured I’d ride in to work, then head back out to the garage at the end of the day and pick it up. Things were going very smoothly until this morning. Had my back pack packed & ready to go and was just gathering the last couple things I needed. I knew it was supposed to rain later in the day so I wanted a shell to wear to keep me a little dry. As I opened the closet door to grab my jacket, there was a bright flash of light followed by a long drawn out rumble of thunder. Harrumph! The rain was a tad early! No way I was riding to work in the rain, so it was time to scramble.
Cindy was already off to work. I checked the local weather radar and saw the rain ought to stop in a couple hours. I then called the garage and asked them if they could pretty please have my truck ready by 10. (I didn’t say pretty please, but I WAS as polite as I could muster up at 7:15) Garage guy said no problem. Called work, let them know about the snafu, then settled down to get this done.
Tonight will be a mad rush. Have to get to calling hours for my SIL’s grandma (made it to 96), then hope to get to spin class. After that, I’m on the hook for dinner too. Anyone up for chicken parmesan? Chicken is thawing, pasta maker is ready to go and I think we’ll be having a putanesca sauce this time around. Let me know so I can adjust quantities, ok? Serving @ 8:30pm EDT.
Time to go get a truck!
Random Dozen 1,000,000 (Linda Says So!)
Day 2214
- Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.
We just recovered from having our own garage sale. In general I don’t do garage sales, but if there’s something interesting visible, I might take a peek. Best thing I’ve bought? A Taylor Burner Bubble Driver for $10.
2. Name the last thing you fixed.
The external front lights that flank the driveway. They mysteriously stopped working after we had our electrical panel replaced/upgraded. I finally dove in to see what the matter was. Found two problems – a failed switch (it was 45 years old – it happens) that was strangely wired. According to my (electrical engineer) understanding of wiring, every time the switch was turned on, hot was shorted to neutral. That’s NOT how it should be. It could NOT have operated that way for 45 years. It makes me wonder if the outfit that did the panel tried to set something up to get a return visit to repair it.
3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool
Guess I’ll tackle the tool question. It’s a tough one too. My favorite tool would have to be a 20 oz. claw hammer. There’s something very therapeutic about using it. It’s versatile too. You can put in nails, take out nails, pry things apart, even ‘fine tune’ delicate objects. If all else fails, you can also beat the tar out of anything that frustrates you.
4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?
That spare bedroom I’m trying to call an office. It’s scary.
5. Which room could use re-decorating?
That spare space downstairs I’m trying to call a basement.
6. Share something unique about your town.
We could be called “Little Italy”. Sometimes I think the only reason we were allowed to buy a house here is because our last name ends in a vowel – but we’re not Italian. Unless we count as “Italian by ingestion”.
7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?
This above all else, to thine own self be true.
8. Do you Facebook?
Kinda sorta. But I use me real life name and I don’t let that cross over into blogdom.
9. Describe your favorite shoes.
Nunn Bush, caramel colored leather, square toed oxford, cushioned sole. Sooooo comfy they’re like slippers, only better. Being a guy I was going to bail on this question, but those shoes are really comfy. It’s too bad the color is difficult to work with. At least in my wardrobe.
10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?
Music radio. Classic Rock. Seems to me that talk radio is chock full of right wing nuts. I very quickly tire of the vitriolic blather that seems to fall out of their mouths.
11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?
I went to New Orleans to get a bowl or four of gumbo.
12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging?
Calculating the power budget for a circuit board and redesigning the battery charger/power delivery system to allow for back up mode operation while the main battery is being swapped out. Yeah, it’s complicated and I needed a brain break. Time to get back to it . . .
Ok. Work day over. Counseling session Tuesday night suuuuucked with a capital suck. There’s some deep denial happening. When we were asked how things are going, Cindy was all “fine, quiet week between us, busy at work”. She completely ignored the conversation we had Sunday night where I basically told her I wasn’t going to sit around and watch her drink just so we could “be together”.
We got a little deeper into THAT discussion during our counseling session. I left the counseling session feeling a little unsure of how things were going to work out. Until she can get over her denial – really accept Step 1 – things are going to be tough. For the record, I offered to give up my own couple of beers during the week and the 2 – 3 beers a weekend that I have if it would make things easier for Cindy.
Off to finish up that power budgeting . . .
Random Dozen Time
Day 2208
To play along or to check out who else is playing, hop on over & see Linda over at 2nd-cup-of-coffee.
1. Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you.
Lets go with one I had for lunch Monday. On the menu, it was called the “Mediterranean Panini”. What it consisted of was a lightly grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella and some sort of saucy condiment (I’d call it an aioli, but this was a family diner, not a 3 or 4 star restaurant). All grilled in a Panini press. Delicious!
My go to comfy food sammich is a simple chunky peanut butter & honey on rye with a glass of cold skim milk.
2. Which inspires you more: a good conversation, a song, a book or movie?
A good conversation is more real than any song, book or movie.
3. What is your favorite board game?
If I have to pick one, I have to go with Monopoly. Over all, I really don’t care for the rigidness of a board game.
<b>4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children? </b>
I can be as patient as Job with the children, its adults doing a poor job of parenting that I have trouble accepting.
5. Name one item you never let yourself run out of.
So far? Oxygen.
6. Do you agree with Tennyson’s assertion, “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?”
Absolutely. Even if you have lost love, knowing what it feels like to be so deeply connected with another person is something you can never forget.
7. Name one national treasure or monument that you have visited.
Saw the North Church in Boston. Couldn’t go in as it was being renovated at the time. Also saw a tiny portion of Acadia National Park this summer.
8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?
It hurts more when you can’t live up to your own standards.
9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?
Cindy & I designed it. We gutted the old one, put in the electrical, plumbing, windows & doors, drywall, paint, flooring, cabinets and backsplash. The only thing we didn’t do was install the countertops. Being granite, they had to be cut & installed by a pro.
10. Are you a crafty person?
I have never made a macramé potted pant hanger, but I can do kitchens.
11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food?
Please note that I consider there to be a difference between barbequing (cooking low & slow for hours & hours) (please note the propane fired smoker pictured about halfway through the article!!) and grilling.
For barbeque, I really like baby back ribs. A close second is that pot of baked beans that was finished in the smoker, UNDER the ribs, catching a healthy dose of all that lovely pork fat & smoke flavor as it was sloooooly & lovingly rendered from the ribs.
For just plain grilling? A nice NY Strip and a couple ears of roasted sweet corn is hard to beat.
12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend.
Am I missing something? It was LABOR DAY weekend right? I thought I was supposed to work all weekend!
Great writing prompts there, eh? So what DID I do this weekend?
Saturday I fixed a suspicious electrical problem that has been haunting us since we had the panel replaced, then I went out and played in the pond for a bit. Playing in the pond means ‘cleaned filters, scooped out leaves & seeds, tested chemicals. After that? Hot tub.
Sunday I trimmed all the shrubs, weeded, edged & mowed. Took all day. After that? Hot tub.
Monday we boxed up what was left from the garage sale, loaded it into the truck and hauled it off to the Salvation Army. On the way back I had that lovely Panini. Then I finished cleaning up the garage so that Cindy can actually park her car in her side. Somehow, in cleaning up the garage I made one too many trips to the shed. On one of those trips I emerged with my tree trimming gear. I ended up lopping off some low hanging branches from the maples out back and also did some neatening up of the Crab Apple out front. Now I can at least mow the back yard without having to dodge low hanging maple branches. After some unwind time, we grilled up those NY Strips for dinner and just vegetated for the rest of the evening.
Biggest news this week is Eric & Kelly finding a reception hall (with rooms!) and setting a date for their big day. Just advance warning, the weekend of 7/23/2011 I will be unavailable. Please plan accordingly.
Bowling starts Thursday. Have I mentioned this? Have I communicated how excited I am about this? I have? Oh. Sorry.
My one on one therapist is right. It’s time to get ready for ‘fight night’. Best part is that our couples therapist is now saying the same thing. Worst part? I get to do all the preliminary bouts AND the main event. Janine will come in after and mop up. Annette will be in my corner, as always. Thing is, I don’t want Cindy to lose any sense that she can use Janine as a safe haven. Because of that, I get to play the role of antagonist (bad cop, pot stirrer, speaker of truth . . .)
It’s got to happen before next Tuesday . . .
Bakers Dozen
Day 2201
I added a 13th question. See if you can figure out what it is. (And if you know the answer, speak up!!)
1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.
I am blaming a spider for the hockey puck sized debridement that took place on my right shin in 1999. I’m not afraid of spiders (or insects in general) but I do have a healthy respect for the damage they can do.
2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?
I ride my bike to work as much as is practical. Could do more.
3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.
I dream that I’m a huge greyhound kind of dog and I’m racing across a desert – and liking it. When I finally stop, I’m at a place that looks like an empty used car lot – lots of those strings of banners & bare light bulbs, but no cars or people. I also very clearly remember the texture of the sand too . . .
4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?
I have never been late to the airport. Flying is too exciting, I’d have to be dead to be late.
5. What do you consider your best feature?
Physical – legs. Including the spider bite scar. Quite the conversation piece.
Personal – my wry, sardonic wit.
6. What was the last concert you went to?
Aug. 22, 2010 – REO Speedwagon & Pat Benatar.
7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.
No doubt – cranky child, had to get up & leave in the middle of the sermon because he was raising such a ruckus.
8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?
Singer. Rarely do I sing the melody though. I like to do the ba-da-da-dum-dee-da’s to the bass line of the tune.
9. George Washington Carver said, “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?
Be present NOW, be active NOW.
10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?
Yet another dog & pony show for work. Got to pitch another version of another project & make a case to get funding.
11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)
Give me Liberty before you give me Montezuma’s Revenge!
12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?
Tried that once. Failed miserably and almost tore my marriage apart. I think it’s possible, but each persons spouses need to be aware. Secrecy is not conducive to a solid relationship, says he who has learned first hand.
Counseling session Tuesday night. How is it that the therapist seems to be afraid of facing Cindy’s denial too? She says her attack method is to address some of the other issues at hand and see if that leads to a decrease in alcohol use. Every time we have one on one sessions I go in and tattle some more on where Cindy’s drinking level is. I basically offer evidence that the frequency and intensity are slowly increasing, in spite of our addressing other issues.
But then later last night, I had this thought. Why am I tying my definition of happiness, serenity or satisfaction to whether or not Cindy is drinking? Someplace in there the definition of compassionate detachment is screaming for recognition. I just gotta figure out how to get there.
Edited to add:
Here’s some news!
This hand and the ring it is showing off belong to my newest daughter-in-law to be.
Yep. Eric & Kelly are now officially engaged as of about 11 this morning. I’m so excited I could squeal!
Random Dozen #5,916 (or so)
Day 2194
I’m jumping the gun a bit, but my schedule demands it . . .
1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?
I used to get the Carne Asada at a local joint. At home, I like this veal/pork meatball dish that’s simmered in a home made salsa verde.
2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?
Until I was in 8th or 9th grade or so I never brought homework home. I always got it done in school. When I did finally have to bring it home, I learned just how well I could procrastinate. I am a master procrastinator.
3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?
Furniture – Raymour & Flanigans. We’ve bought stuff at Ashley and Value City and were always disappointed in the long run. Don’t scrimp on furniture.
Accessories – Pier One, local arts & craft shows, antique shops, Aunt Marjorie’s barn.
4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?
I loved the rice that was so sticky it maintained the shape of the ice cream scooper they used to serve it. The vegetables were consistently overcooked, and they always served mystery meat.
5. Is religion a crutch?
Having been baptised Catholic, kinda sorta converting to Presbyterian, never really embracing the faith, professing to be an atheist, then finally accepting that maybe I’m an agnostic that might be able to concede that there is some sort of higher power – I still have this idea in my head that many people use religion to explain away what they don’t understand. They turn to it for comfort & reassurance; use it as a socialization network and as a method of defining their ethos. I guess I’m still struggling with the whole idea.
Lets not even get into the extremists, televangelists, faaaarrrrr right wing conservative bigoted Baptists or pedophilic catholic priests. I prefer to view them as the exception, way far from the norm.
6. In your region, what is the “big” (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?
We seem to be nuts for soccer around here. Ever hear of Abby Wambach? Local gal.
7. Do you consider yourself rich?
Monetarily, no. Comfortable, yes. But I am rich in family. Rich in opportunity and rich in potential.
8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:
A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire
I’ve done all three.
C) Piece of cake.
B) I did to my own son when he was a wee lad. He was choking on an ice cube. I didn’t even think about it, I just grabbed him and gave him a quick little squeeze. The ice cube popped out and we were all relieved before we knew what was really happening.
A) I performed on a friends’ grandfather when I was an ambulance driver. I was trained & certified for CPR & much more. As I was doing the chest compressions, I could hear the cartilage around his sternum cracking. The EMT on call assured me that this was normal. As it turns out, it didn’t matter. We found out the patient had already been down for over 30 minutes and was past the point where we might have saved him anyhow. I still feel bad about busting his ribs, but I am sure he never felt a thing.
9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:
A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing
Swing baby. It really looks like a blast. Our local Y has classes but I can’t persuade Cindy to go. Salsa would be a close second. The music is pretty hot.
10. What’s the worst news you’ve ever delivered to someone?
I’ve informed way too many people about the deaths of my own or their own loved ones. There’s no easy way to say it, so I prefer the direct approach.
11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.
No matter the time of day, when walking from the parking lot to class or vice versa, in the winter time the wind was ALWAYS in your face.
Also? My physics lab partner was a flirt that liked to flash her boobs at me. It’s a wonder I still got an A in physics with that kind of distraction. Nice boobs too!
12. New variation on an old question: If there’s a song in your head that just won’t get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?
You know, I’ve had an ear worm working in my head all day. As soon as I saw this question it completely disappeared. Surprisingly, the ear worm was NOT a result of the REO Speedwagon concert the other night. (Actually, I think it was a Spin Doctors tune . . . Little miss, little miss, little miss, little miss can’t be wrong . . .)
Speaking of spin (what a segue!)– I finally got back to class again Monday night. Been skipping way too many classes lately, especially considering my outdoor bike riding has been suffering too. This week, it looks like I’ll be able to get in at least three classes AND ride to work at least two days.
Monday night I pushed hard on the way to class, rode hard in class (didn’t quite soak my shirt to the bottom hem, but it was close), then REALLY cooled off on the ride home. Picture this – I’m in a soaking wet shirt, riding my bike at 18ish mph and it’s 66 degrees out. Talk about your evaporative cooling! It does give you a little motivation to keep working though – just to keep from getting too chilled.
I’m also getting very close to a goal I set earlier in the year. I wanted to ile up at east 1,000 miles biking this season. So far, I’ve got 706 on my road bike, plus another 25 or so that we accumulated in Maine on my off road bike. If I assume I can safely ride till the end of October, that gives me about 9 weeks to accumulate 270+ miles. That’s only 30 miles a week, which ought to be covered with two 16.4 mile round trips to work. If I toss in a couple three trips to the gym as well, that only pads the total. Have to consider a week of vacation in October too. Better aim for 40 a week. I could throw in some longer rides on weekends too. It would be nice to be able to knock ff a couple 50 – 60 milers before the season winds down. Gotta live up to that bikinfool name, right?
Maybe I’ll join my friend Perry and try to ride at least twice a week in the winter too. It’ll be on the re-fitted Raleigh, and I’ll need a new route, but it could work. See if I can accumulate another 1000 miles from November through March. THAT would make me a bikinfool. Remember, you heard it here first.
Random Dozen & Bachelorhood
Day 2187
I’m going to cheat a bit and post a few (7) hours early.
1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?
Honestly don’t know. The prices are so outrageous, I usually don’t bother eating much at these things. If I have to declare something, it would be one of Rochester’s white hot dogs.
2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Why, yes I am. Letting go requires equal amounts of trust & faith. I am a little short in both categories.
3. What is your favorite gift to receive?
Time. It’s so versatile. I can share it, keep it for myself, even give it away to another.
4. When was the last time you tried something new?
Sunday I tried a Greek Patty Melt. Kind of out there for me. Ground lamb? A sort of hummus/pesto made with roasted red peppers & walnuts? A bit of a stretch, but totally worth it. I linked to the recipe in the previous post.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?
Memoir, Mystery, Political Intrigue, Romance, Humor, Historical Fiction, Historical nonfiction, Chick Lit, Self-Help, Other
Fave – Science Fiction
Least – I’d say bodice rippers, but I’ve never read one. So I’ll have to go with text books.
Oh. There was a list? From the list then:
Most fave – Mystery
Least Fave – Chick Lit (I even think the name is a little derogatory)
6. Silver or Gold?
Gold. Warmer color. Won’t tarnish.
7. What makes you sigh?
Mild exasperation or wishful thinking (on my part)
8. If you didn’t know how old you are, how old would you claim you are?
Based on my sense of humor? I’m a 9 year old male. Based on activity level, athletic ability and everyone around me, early 40’s. Honestly, people have given me funny looks when I tell them how old I am. I think that’s a good thing. (I can’t look like I’m 60, right?)
9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one?
Depends. Maybe. If it’s for DUI or DWI? No. But if it’s for something where they’ve done no wrong, I’m there for them.
10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?
Early arithmetic skills to grammar school kids. The math skills I’ve seen in some kids is pathetic.
11. You’re having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?
Been there. I offered a defense based on what I knew and encouraged the other people to look a little deeper.
12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation
I actually know what this is! I’ve even read the book, or most of it. I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that my two primary love languages are Physical Touch and Acts of Service.
Cindy left for Delaware Tuesday afternoon so she could attend the funeral service for her aunt. Work demands make it impossible for me to miss two days of work, especially after a lengthy vacation. I’m a bachelor for one whole night and most of tomorrow. Whoopee! Once again, the hot tub is open (sorry, suits required, I have neighbors ya know) and I’m doing the cooking. I’m still craving a nice batch of jambalaya and you’re all invited.
Random Dozen is Back!!
Day 2180
Have fun!!!
1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
I know I’ve done it more recently than this, but this is the best one I remember – We were driving home from a family reunion in Kent Furnace, Ct. one summer. The kids, then about 13 & 14, were in the back of the wagon all absorbed in their Discmans or gameboys, listening to what ever was coming out of their ear buds. Out of nowhere, Eric lets rip with one very loud, very long, very clear fart. I started busting up on the spot. Poor Eric, sitting behind me, noticed my seat bouncing around from my laughing and yells (over his Gameboy ear buds), “WAS THAT LOUD?”
Damn near killed the whole family we were all laughing so hard. To this day, almost 12 years later, “Was that loud?” is an instant inside joke between the 4 of us.
2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it?
Splurge for lunch. You coming along?
3. Do you volunteer anywhere?
Used to do the fire department thing. Then we moved and we have paid firefighters now.
4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it?
Sweet corn, roasted on the grill
5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large?
I have a small social circle. I really prefer having just a few really good friends rather than trying to remember what everyone and their brother is up to.
6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? How did that go?
July 30 – Aug 1 2010. As always with this clan, we had a blast.
7. When you’re feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up?
Depends on the source of the blueness. Making the source go away is best. Reminding me that I can only control my own thoughts & actions an help some too.
8. Have you taken a vacation this summer?
After the family reunion mentioned above. I Acadia NP.
9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time?
The AARP card in my wallet
10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far?
I saw Alice in Wonderland last. Was that a summer flick?
11. Describe a perfect summer day.
Wake just after sun up, grab coffee & breakfast. Load up bikes & gear, head to Acadia and grab a parking spot by a carriage road access point. Bike off into the park, ride & enjoy the peace & tranquility. Eventually find the perfect spot, park the bikes and have a picnic lunch on the shore of an unspoiled lake with no sign of human greed in sight. Bike home in the afternoon; relax in the hot tub for a bit, shower and head out for dinner.
Oh, wait. That was last Friday.
12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far!
Hitting the surf in Wells Beach, Maine
This was a couple of random kids out on Wells Beach, Maine learning to surf on boogie boards. The boys were brothers, their dad was out in the water with them, the mom was sitting behind us on the beach. I LOVE the facial expression on the younger brother (on the right) watching his sibling get the timing down for a really good ride.
Honest Thievery
Day 2068
I saw this on The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau (Who saw it on Star Child’s blog) the other day and couldn’t pass up an opportunity to steal stuff.
1 – Ever take a shit in the woods?
Yep. Both Army style (in a self dug pit using C-ration TP) and “OMG I gotta go!” hunting style, where the nearest fallen log will do to provide both seat and shield. And yes, I keep TP in my pack, just in case. You never know when you’ll get to be the bear.
2 – If you won $1,000, what’s the first thing you would do with it besides give me a cut?
Put half towards bills, use the other half on a getaway weekend.
3 – What’s your favorite phrase?
What a Clusterfuck! It explains or describes SO many things.
4 – Fill in the blank – the world would be a better place if ______ left the planet.
Serious answer – hate. Flippant answer WWE (or what ever that fake wrestling is going by these days)
5 – How do you take your coffee or tea?
1 Splenda per 8 oz and enough hazelnut creamer that you can see it bounce back up off the bottom of the cup.
Ran into this: Save 90% on your laundry detergent by making your own. The article does mention that you can still save significantly by only adding half as much commercial detergent, which is still MORE than enough to clean a load.
Now for this weeks installment of
(Yes, I’m late.)
1. Ever had any run-ins with the “library police?”
Nope. Don’t go to the library enough. Every time I go I have to renew my card. Sad.
2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?
Christmas wrapping supplies are stowed in the basement. Paper for other occasions we may have in a hutch drawer but odds are we’ll just buy it as we need it.
3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?
I was here when Hurricane Agnes came through and flooded every body of water on the east coast. Not horrible for us, but some areas got it bad (Ever hear of the Corning Glass Works?)
I was also stationed at Ft. Lewis, Wa. when Mt. St. Helens blew. Again, not bad for me, but a real tragedy for thousands of folks.
4. What’s your favorite Barry Manilow song?
What’s his shortest song? Obviously a question geared for the gals, eh?
5. What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn?
Any time I wore a tuxedo. Made me look like a gentleman, until the bourbon was opened.
6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Thesaurus actually.
7. What’s your favorite breakfast food?
There’s a Cranberry Vanilla Trail Mix Crunch that I really like. Not really such a fan of the big greasy diner breakfast. I can taste it all day long, and that isn’t always pleasant. Also? Fiber One cereal should come with a warning – “Will fill you with gas. Use of Beano recommended.” Just sayin . . .
8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?
Never.
9. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes. At least twice I’ve had to break into my house via the downstairs powder room window. Now, that window has been replaced with a newer, energy efficient, much more secure window.
10. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Love? No. Lust? Certainly.
11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?
3 blue pant length, 1 black. But only 2 of the blue are good enough for public consumption. Might have a few pair of denim shorts, but denim is awfully hot for shorts.
12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on “Ace of Cakes.”)
Bowling lane, complete with a ball and pins. Not to scale. Got that Duff?
Looks like flights out of Europe are returning to near normal. If they can get the backlog cleared out in a few more days, Cindy might get back on time. I took a peek at seat availability on her flight and saw that there WERE seats available still. I’ll take that as a good sign.
Oh! Talked with (therapist) Annette today. It’s funny the things I think of as I’m relating events of the past few weeks with her. I shared a remark that Cindy made that went something like “Your obsession with whether or not I drink is impeding our progress in couples therapy”.
Today, TODAY, it finally occurred to me that we are only IN couples therapy because of her drinking. If I had any confidence that she had her drinking under control (accept, abstain), I wouldn’t be quite so nutzoid about it. Sucking down a half bottle of vodka the night before she left for Europe isn’t doing anything for my confidence. That was a pretty lousy way of handling anxiety.
Now off to bed.
Randomness, Again!
Day 2060
Within 24 hours of release this time even, and I think I fixed the link & reference back to Lynn’s site. I hope.
1. How do you feel about “Gladiator” sandals, also called “Roman” or “Jesus” sandals? A fashion yea or nay?
Huge fashion nay. Maybe nay isn’t a strong enough word. NFW might be more appropriate.
2. What is your favorite pizza?
I like the Cheese, pepperoni, sausage, black olives and jalapeno from Good Guys Pizzeria in Chili Center.
I also like a Ham & pineapple pizza from anywhere.
3. There are plans in the works to sell roughly 1,000 items from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. This means you could buy Picard’s chair for your family room. If not a Star Trek item, what prop, background, set, etc. from what TV or movie would you buy if you could?
[Ex: Hurley's "I Love my Shih tzu" shirt from LOST, the plantation home "Tara" from Gone With the Wind, or Tracy's tambourine from the Partridge Family.]
Any of James Bonds cars. I’m using YOUR money, right?
4. Name a local food or restaurant that your area is famous for.
White Hot Dogs. Very peculiar to this area. Made with more pork, a touch more garlic. They really are white. The best are Zweigle’s Pop open
Here’s a great article on Rochester
5. What is your current favorite snack?
Been snacking on oranges quite a bit lately.
6. Hypothetical: You are required to be a reality show contestant. Which show would you choose based on your probability of success? (You cannot choose “none.”)
A. Dancing with the Stars
B. Biggest Loser
C. Survivor
I think I could actually go pretty far in DWTS, but I am not a regular fan of the show.
I’d love to do Survivor. I’d be the older male of the tribe. They always start with a 50-ish male, right? I think I’d surprise them in the physical challenges. I dislike the middle school cliquey-ness, but maybe it’s edited to be that way? Having to subsist on bananas would be a huge problem too, but I’d still like to give it a go.
7. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being uninhabitable and 10 being cleanliness that meets the standards of OCD, how clean is your vehicle’s interior?
It’s about a 8. Could use a little vacuuming, but it’s actually pretty neat.
8. It doesn’t feel like Spring until the forsythia’s bloom.
Forsythia in bloom. Not one of mine, but not a lot different.
9. Something that made you laugh really hard recently is ____.
I have been seriously lacking in the laugh department.
10. Tell me about a goal you’re working toward.
Getting out of the way of Cindy’s recovery. Whether she makes it, or not.
Keeping my own recovery going, whether she makes it, or not.
11. Share a thought-provoking or inspiring quote this week.
I am my own worst enemy.
12. Name one thing that you do as a parent that you absolutely know will make your kids happy. If you’re not a parent, feel free to substitute “friend” or nomenclature that works for you.
When they were younger (like 20 years ago) reading them a book or four at bedtime was a sure crowd pleaser. Now as adults, I think they just appreciate being heard and being validated.
On to real life stuff. Last night before Cindy’s trip. She was well on her way to tipsy when I got home. I have had very little to say to her all night. Now I just need to get her to the airport in the morning. Then it’s 12 days of actually being free of thinking about it.
The bad news? Finished taxes. Won’t be getting a refund this year. Glad I waited.
Off to bed. Have a delivery to make in the morning.
Random Easter
Day 2046
1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?
Eew. Didn’t like them as a kid, don’t like ‘em now.
2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?
Diversion or immersion, depends on what I’m nervous about.
3. People say, “April showers bring May flowers.” Do you enjoy Spring rains?
Only when they occur at night or other non-bike riding times.
4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker’s face on their bodies. I can’t imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?
One I got over the whole “forced you to receive a portrait tattoo” (because I will NOT be forced), I thought I could tolerate getting my kids faces done someplace. Bicep, calf, back – someplace like that.
(An alternative would be to have George W Bush tattooed in my pubic area, so my, well, you get the idea)
5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?
A tat is easier to conceal, although I have zero desire to do either to my own body.
6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?
Painting Eric’s former bedroom and getting it ready for the invasion next month. Might eat a rabbit. Not a chocolate one.
7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?
Reese’s all the way. Did I ever mention I luuuuuuuuve peanuts and peanut butter?
8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?
My handwriting for that meme thing last week.
9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?
Just started “Teach yourself Java in 21 days”
10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?
Windows used to be a pain, but I’ve replaced most of the old double hung style with storm windows with newer, more energy friendly double glazed, argon filled, easy to clean tilt in units.
Now I’d have to say yard clean up is the nastiest. Have to rake the whole yard, re-rake all the gardens to get the stray leaves out (again) and get the pond cleaned up & fit for the fishies.
11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?
One. I rarely, if ever wear them. Most of what I do outdoors is not flip-flop friendly.
12. Which color makes you happiest?
This time of year? Green. Green grass, green leaves – it’s been so gray & brown & dreary around here since Thanksgiving, a little green would be very welcome.
Had a decent counseling session tonight. The couples’ portion was short but productive. Slowly coming to grips with how my low grade obsession with Cindy’s drinking/not drinking/behavior has handicapped my own progress.
Added to that, I find myself still waiting for some sort of sincere acknowledgement from Cindy of just how difficult she made things and an acceptance of responsibility for her part in our little descent into discord.
I have a feeling I may never live to hear those words. So, next up will be coming to terms with that and getting over any resentment stemming from it. Burying the resentment won’t do. I’m going to have to look at all the different facets of it, find what I’m responsible for and resolve those issues. Provided I live that long.
Bowling Thursday. Can’t wait. Warm weather coming this way in time for the weekend. I can already feel the bike seat under my – seat.
Random Revelation
Day 2040
The Random (Dozen) part:
1. What is your favorite sign of Spring?
The blooming Forsythia bushes. That’s the “no turning back” point.
2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14? If not, how did it impact your day?
I did. Makes little impact either way. Sunday mornings are so non-commital around here, nothing is really required.
3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year?
Habaneros. For drying in the smoker
4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant?
Ginger Gold apples.
5. What is your least favorite insect?
Those little white moths that seemingly flit around everywhere. Still haven’t isolated the source(s) of the damn things. The spider that bit me and was the catalyst for getting a hunk of my leg carved out? An arachnid, hence immune from this particular (dis)honor
6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand?
I drink tap water in a polycarbonate bottle.
7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that?
Camping. Beer is a fine substitute once breakfast is over.
8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day?
No where near enough
9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share.
In person, no. On TV countless times. I am amazed by David Blaine’s “illusions”.
10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)?
Nope.
11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite?
Gansgter Movies – The Untouchables. Westerns – eh, Young Guns or the Unforgiven.
12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you’ve never visited would you like to visit someday?
No question – Alaska
The revelation part:
4+ years of Al Anon and I finally realized I am my own worst enemy. Time to let go a little bit (ok – a lot) & work harder on me.
Just saw that part of the new Health are Reform bill is mandating that chain restaurants with over 20 locations include calorie information on all menu items. About time! I think that allowing people to make informed decisions will actually start to force restaurants to change their menus and offer healthier (lower fat content) choices.
3 weeks of bowling left. I’m bummed.
Randomosity
Day 2038
1. On a scale of 1-10, how superstitious are you, honestly?
Since the scale only allows numbers as low as 1, that’s where I’ll rate myself. As an aside, I’ll add that I believe it (superstition) to be a bunch of old-wives tale style bunk.
2. Julius Caesar is quoted as saying, “I came, I saw, I conquered.” Which circumstance or experience of yours does this saying best describe?
The bike ride that sets a new personal best for either speed or distance.
3. If I peeked in on your day like a mischievous little leprechaun, at what time would I most likely find you blogging?
I tend to type most of my drive during lunch. Later in the day, at home, I’ll edit and/or add a bit and post from home. Big Brother has a thing about the WP application.
4. Re springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, is there anything you’ve ever been really early or really late for?
Church once. When we went – before the kids started playing hockey back in the 90’s.
5. What are you most looking forward to concerning Spring?
Running outside. Biking outside. Working outside. Late nite romps on the porch.
6. Shamrocks are the national flower of Ireland and are picked on St. Patrick’s Day and worn on the lapel or shoulder. Do you wear green on St. Patty’s Day?
I wore blue jeans with a red, black & white plaid shirt. That is representative of how much Irish I have in me. And no, the plaid wasn’t a clan colors type of thing. Far as I know, Germans don’t do that.
7. One of Caesar’s assassins, Casca, said, “But, for my own part, it was Greek to me,” which of course means he didn’t understand something. Probably his own lines in the play. Anyway, what is something that is “Greek to you,” something incomprehensible or indecipherable?
I was going to use a lot of words to craft a politically correct response for this:
How a woman’s mind works.
But I had to give up. Being a guy, my mind is very linear. Yes, I can manage several tasks at once, tolerate interruptions and even allow for a creative burst every now & then. But once engaged, my mind travel in a fairly straight line. I don’t get the zigs & zags, the leaps or lapses or logic. Oddly enough, I’m having little difficulty following the “Lost” story line. I think.
8. Is March behaving more like a lion or a lamb where you live?
Lamb today. We’ve had a VERY mild week with temps in the 50’s an 60’s. I’m planning a couple OUTDOOR bike rides this weekend. I hear all hell is going to break loose Sunday night & Monday and we will be slammed from the 60’s into the 20’s in very short order. Gotta love Spring in the northeast.
9. “An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. We borrow an hour one night in April; we pay it back with golden interest five months later.” -Winston Churchill. If you had one extra hour per day every day, what would you do with it?
I’d use that extra hour for exercise or sex. Wait. A whole hour for sex? Who am I kidding? Bet I could use 45 of those minutes for sleeping. (Then there’s that whole who’s the partner going to be issue . . .)
10. Legend says that every Leprechaun has a pot of gold hidden deep in the Irish countryside. Aside from real gold or money, what material item would be in your dream pot of gold?
A letter from my mortgage lender stamped “Paid in Full”. Only 13 years to go.
11. “The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you.” Robert Louis Stevenson. Look around you right now and tell us about something essential or beautiful very near you that you take for granted every day.
In my office at work? It’s gotta be the exit door.
12. Just for a bit o’ fun, click here (www.blogthings.com/irishnamegenerator/) and then report your Irish name.
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Your Irish Name Is: Fursey Sheridan |
 “What butter or whiskey does not cure cannot be cured.” |
Hmmmm – might have a bone to pick with that tidbit of wisdom at the end there.
Bracket news – I lost 3 of the first 4 games that finished this afternoon. Picked an upset that didn’t pan out, lost on another upset (luck o’ the Irish my ass!) and missed one other one I didn’t even pay attention to. Guess my million dollar bracket buster is busted.
Randomness
Day 2025 Randomness
Random Dozen time!
1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?
If I check the downstairs coat closet, I believe I have a pair of 28 year old work boots that have been about worked to death. They’re actually very soft & torn up. The tread knubblies are worn flat. I’ve been keeping them till I get my new boots broke in.
2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?
Only Savannah’s. Or what ever they’re calling the peanut butter filled ones thee days.
3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?
No. This is one of the I’ve offered up as a couples activity. Cindy has balked at it
4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?
My mom started working outside the home after I hit 6th grade. Why? Because she figured I was old enough to hold down the fort till she or Dad got home. Learned how to cook dinners then too
5. How many of this year’s Oscar-nominated movies did you see?
A – I can’t name any more than 3 of the nominees
B – Only went and saw 2 movies at the theater ($9 a ticket Puhleeze!) and I’m sure they weren’t nominated.
6. If you’re going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?
I like to watch period. I watch when I give blood, I watch when I get stitches. If they could have rigged a TV and gotten the anesthesia right, I’d have watched when they carved the shark bite out of my leg too. I think it’s pretty neat stuff.
7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?
Tomorrow.
8. Do you miss anyone right now?
I miss my dad from time to time. I miss my mother in law too. Don’t miss my father in law yet – too soon I think.
9. Do hospitals make you queasy?
See my answers to #6.
10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.
Gander Mountain and/or Full Moon Vista Bike shop.
11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?
I am true to the best bang for the buck. Unless it comes to cars. There I always favor the American makes.
12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?
I have a hard time looking people in the eye period. I try it, often, but it feels like one or both of us are being violated. Kinda depends on what the conversation is too. Seems easier to do if emotions are pushed to one extreme or another.
I figured out something Sunday while in the midst of a lovely passive/aggressive snit.
I need space. Specifically, I need a room, in the house, that is mine. Not a boys only club, but a space I design, build, decorate, organize and can use or abuse as I see fit.
More than that, I (and I really hesitate to use the term here) resent the fact that I can’t have any expectations of privacy. I can’t trust that if I put something down somewhere, it’ll still be there in an hour. It’s not like I have anything to hide, it’s just that I want my stuff to not be messed with. I want to be able to leave a laptop power brick plugged in. I would love to take a weekend and redo our filing system. Until I have that weekend, stuff has got to stay where I leave it so I know where it is. I want a space where stuff that’s NOT mine doesn’t get dumped because someone couldn’t find someplace better for it. In short, I want a place where I am the only person that is responsible for what is or isn’t there. A space where someone else isn’t trying to exert their control over me or my stuff. Is that so wrong?
