Closet Extremist

Can You Imagine?

Recently there has been a story in the news about a pregnancy occurrung through illicit means. This is a story that even left Tammi speechless, which means that it is truly shocking indeed. I've been mulling this subject over in my head the last few day's, and it's been quite a disturbing ride. Let's assume (for the sake of argument) that what the man in this report stated is correct, and go from there.

So he gave her his seed, and she used it to inseminate herself thereby causing a pregnancy. As far as I can tell, the state doesn't care about the intentions of the "father", but merely the fact of his paternity. (I assume that a DNA test was conducted, and it was confirmed that it is his child.) He can sue her civilly for the "Emotional Distress", but he still has to pay child support to her. Hmmn. Interesting.

Coming from the man's point of view (I can't help it, I'm a guy) this position would positively "suck like an electrolux". You trust someone enough to have an act of intercourse with them, but by the oral nature of things, you can reasonably assume that pregnancy would not be a possibility. Then you are slapped with the fact of your paternity. Two years later. I can picture the shock of this, the shame, the anger, and the feeling of incredulity. "This has got to be a lie" I can hear him say to himself. Then the DNA test proves that it's his. I can imagine him feeling betrayed, and then completely apalled that the state will require him to pay his hard-earned cash to the lady in question. He then looks into his options on how to keep his money, and realizes that he has none. In the eyes iof the law, he's the father, and that's that.

There's also a question of responsibility, and how much of it is his. Although, he didn't put his sperm in a place that would allow her to get pregnant by the normal means, he still gave it to her. Do his intention's at the time come into play at all? From his point of view, I can assume that it would be the sole argument for him not paying child support. She took it and did something that I did not intend, and never gave her permission to do. But, but....He gave it to her, therefore he has to be at least partially responsible for the outcome. Or is he? She did it without his knowledge or consent. I can imagine him thinking more along the lines of "She stole a child from me" rather than "I guess I should have been more careful". This is definately not a scenario where an "Oops. My bad." will suffice from either party. Now there's a life involved. If you consider how embroiled the abortion argument is, it's no stretch to realize how big a deal it is.

This guy is a doctor, so I think that you can assume that he's not stupid. Can you imagine how it would feel to be so gullible as to let something like this happen? "I thought that it would be safe." I can hear him say to himself, but then to learn that no, apparrently it's never safe. "How could I have been so stupid?" is another question that comes to mind. Then there's the next time he decides that he likes/loves someone enough to engage in his natural urges to have sex with them. Imagine the doubts that would go through his mind when he next "steps up to the plate". "Can I trust her? I'm not sure. But, I think I love her. I know, but can I trust her?" Sounds like a real "downer" to me. I think that this alone covers him for his "emotional distress" suit.

Another thing to consider for his civil suit is the fact of child support itself. I can imagine him trying to forget about this situation, just put it out of his mind and try to go on with his life, but every time he has to write a check, or look at his paystub, he'll be reminded of it. I think that it would have a big effect on his confidence, as a man, and as a doctor. "If I can screw up something like this, then how can I make life-or-death decisions in my profession?" That kind of self-doubt can really tear a person down, but no biggie, he's only got to put up with it for 18 years.

"Do you think he's lying?" I hear you ask. No. I don't. What possible good could it do him? By putting this issue out there, he is risking his practice (see the above paragraph for why that's be an issue. His reputation is on the line.). That's a big deal to someone who's spent six to eight years (and no telling how much money) getting himself through medical school.

Any way that this shakes down, I feel for this guy. This problem won't ever go away, and he's got to live with it. I can't say that I know what it's like exactly, but I can imagine.

Reliving My Childhood

After work today, I had to stop by the Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. Just the usual stuff: Laundry detergent, batteries, fishing lures, key rings, and so on. While on my trek through the store, I happenned through the toy department, and went down the "game aisle" just to see if anything there caught my fancy. Upon looking at the shelves, my reaction was pretty much, neh, so I moved on through the department determined to get my shopping over with. That's when I saw it.

You see, I used to play with Lego's all the time. Sure, there were Lincoln Logs and Erector Sets, but Lego's was my favorite. If I didn't have a toy gun, well I'd just make one out of building blocks. I would also create airplanes, cars, houses, bridges, and whatever the hell else took my fancy to attempt. Even when I was beginning to outgrow them (I thought) my brother's and I would use them as projectiles to throw at one another while running around the unfinished basement. Needless to say, I had a whole lot of fun with those things.

What did my eye fall upon when going through the store? Well it was this. It wasn't a complete impulse-buy, as I actually walked away from it and did the rest of my shopping. Nonetheless, I am weak and couldn't resist buying it. I cannot tell you how much fun I had building it. Reminded me of all the fun times I had as a kid. It's a little too dark in here for me to take a picture of it, but as soon as I get a chance, I'll post one. It's just that cool. I think I'm going to take it apart really soon though. There's a "Builder's Challenge" section where they just show you a few pictures of a chopper that someone designed. I don't think I'll be able to resist not-building that.

If you ever have an extra hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket, and want to keep me entertained, just get me this. Yes I really am a construction worker. Why does everyone think I'm a computer geek all of a sudden?

What have we wrought?

I just got back from a long day's relaxation, and checked out the old blog-pappy's site. What did I discover? I have a new blog sister (I think).

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome "Bee-Dubya" (the artist formerly known as "BW" (the wife formerly known as "Beloved Wife" over at Bad Example.)) of Smiling Dynamite.

She's absolutely a peach of a gal, and whenever Harvey has his "accident", rest assured that I'll be "in there, like swimwear!"

I remember asking her "So, when are you starting your blog?" during the reunion. If this is 'cuz of me, well I apologize, and you're welcome.

BTW, if you really want to see a wonderful picture of your humble host at his very best, go here and scroll down to Saturday Feb 19 (apparently permalinks aren't available yet). You can see how I chase her, then lick her liqour. :^)

Ripples

While at the BEFR, during one of the various and sundry conversations that were constantly going on, _Jon started bitching at me about how much I smoke. As he was extolling the virtues of not getting lung cancer he made a statement that really hit home for me. Incredibly, it was a thought that I'd had before but in a different context.

I'm sure that most everyone out there has gone through some bad times, times that try your very soul, and have contemplated ending it all. I have been there, and came to a realization. I'm just not that selfish. No matter how shitty things are, or how low you think you've sunk, there is still a couple of good reasons to keep on plugging away at life. One is, according to my theology (Athiest, if you're new here), that this is the only life you've got. Ending it prematurely is just wasting the most precious thing you've got. The other (and more important) is the impact on the people who care about you.

"But noone cares about me Johnny." I only have a one-word answer to that: BullShit. If you will quit wallowing in your self-pity long enough, you should be able to pick out at least five people that you interact with that mean something to you. Family, friends, coworkers, or even the girl who pours your coffee at the drive-thru every morning. You may not recognize it, but you have an effect on these people's lives. If these people mean something to you, the odds are pretty good that you actually mean something to them as well. Your absence will have a negative effect on their lives. Remember, that these are only the people that you know about right now. What about the "perfect match" who you haven't met yet? What about the best friend that you'll wind up meeting due to a conversation in a diner? What about when a family member gets in a car wreck, and they need you to help them out? All of these things (and a multitude more) are potentially just around the corner.

While I was contemplating suicide, I discovered that there is no way that I could ever be so selfish as to discount the impact that all of these people have had on my life, or to throw away any positive things I had added to theirs. I saw in my mind's eye the grief of my loved ones, and that was enough to stop my train of thought right there. Sure, it was bad. Sure, life sucked. But I could never intentially bring that much pain into the lives of the ones I cared about.

Back to _Jon's point: "You know that it's like ripples in a pond, the effect you have on other people." Yes Bro it is. Sage advice. I haven't quit smoking yet, but he sure gave me one hell of a good reason to. Self-destructive behaviour doesn't just impact you, but everyone you love, or ever will.

Bondage Bear

Harvey posted the picture of Bondage Bear, and there was some speculation about photoshopping the image into the Bad Example Family Crest. I'm not the world's best photoshopper, but here's my attempt.

(Click to Enlarge)

Let me know if you think of any other modifications that need to be made.

***UPDATE***

Ask and you'll receive. Harvey wanted a white or no-color background, so that's what he got.

Anything else?

Take a Stand

I am generally a very agreeable person. Almost to a fault. There's very little out there thyat I let get under my skin, especially when it comes to the little things. Small decisions, are just not something I am good at. It is very rare that I make a demand on anyone. Friends, family, coworkers, etc. all seem to agree that this is very irritating. Here's a scenario:

Before I went down to the Reunoin, Tammi had asked me (over the phone) what kind of beer I drank. I was very non-committal. You see, the type of beer I drink really doesn't matter. I am a self-described "beer whore". I like beer. I've aquired a taste for it. I can actually distinguish Bud Light from Miller Lite by taste alone. But does it really matter? No. So far, I've never met a beer I didn't like.

So, when I said that "I don't care" what beer she got, to Tammi, I meant it. It's not important, so I payed it little heed. I happen to drink Miller Lite on a daily basis, but it doesn't matter what exact brand it is. I like them all. From the stoutest of Ales to the lightest of Pilsner's, it doesn't matter. The only little thing that I request is that you don't add any fruit to my beer. Corona is a good example of this, as it is very common to have a slice of Lime added to it. Whenever I get a Red Stripe at my favorite bar, they try to do the same, but I browbeat the waitress until she remembers to leave out the lime.

I'm just not a very picky person. Until it's something important, then I'm the pickiest person alive. This makes it tough on the people around me, because I come off as indecisive. It's just that those important situations just don't crop up much whenever I'm just hanging out with folks. I'd rather see them make the decision to go, do, eat, drink, or whatever than take the chance that what I thought of would make them miserable. I can generally have a good time just about anywhere, and even if I'm not having the best of times, I can put up with it as long as I'm not in any physical pain.

So, if I'm ever around, and you hear me say things like "I don't care" or "I don't mind" just rest assured that I really don't, and try not to let it get to you. If the situation warrants it, never doubt that I'll take a stand.

I gotta post something

No really. I've absolutely GOT to post something. I've only got about 12 bajillion things going on in my head, but none of them seem to want to come out. Well, not that really, it's just that they are all jumbling about and crashing into one another. It's kinda like each idea is one of the numbered balls in a lottery machine. Skittering about, and bouncing off of one another, but I just can't seem to get the little hatch open that let's one land so I can focus on it.

I get this way from time to time, and I normally just don't post anything, but I've decided that instead of avoiding posts that ramble on with no direction, I'll at least write something...anything...even if it's wrong. I hope to land on something soon. Until then, I guess I'll just post this dreck.

A Fast Post

Just stopped in for a few minutes, to briefly update you all on why tonight's post will be postponed until later. I'm finally back in town on a Wednesday night, so I feel that I am morally obligated to make a meeting of The Eagle Glen Social Club. I fear that my membership will be revoked, and that would just be unacceptible. I'm headed out the door right now, and I'll update everyone as soon as I can.

I'm so hot!

As you know, I've been whining incessantly about being single recently, so I figured that since I'm from Tennessee, what better place is there to meet chicks than a Family Reunion? The Charm (tm) was in full-effect throughout the stay, and while I'm not completely irresistible, the impact was indeed palpable. I ain't sure what I've got, but it's definately something. I think the following (bad) examples will tell the tale quite well:

The first girl on me was kind of a surprise, as she wasn't even there. I guess I had the pheremones set all the way up on "Puree" that day, as she was talking about how she had a "Crush" on me, and how she "missed" me, and even brought up the "fur handcuffs". Easy now, Susie-love. There's plenty of The Johnny to go around.

The proof.

Next there was Bou. She's a very-happily married mother of three, so I fugured that she would be safe to be around, but apparrently not. First thing I know she wanted to know "How old are you?" (Which we all know is code for "are you legal?") and then she just kept repeating "Man" and "Boy" over and over again, and wanted to "snatch me(sic) up". I'm just so happy that she kept herself under control, because I don't want to be a home-wrecker.

The proof.

Now Teresa was a real class act though. She is another happily married woman, but I could tell that it was working on her as well. She said things like "get in here and turn on the heater" and talked about the "very little sleep" she got, so I knew what was up. But she conveniently had a "headache" so as to ensure nothing happened. Right. I've heard that one before.

The proof.

Here's where things began to get a little more "out there", so people began to leave these things out of their blogs altogether. In the interest of fair reporting, I've taken it upon myself to bring these sordid details to light. Upon my honor, every statement that I'm about to make is true.

LeeAnn was all over this guy called "Dogger" all evening, so she completely missed how sexy-fied I was, but she did bring along a friend. This bitch was crazy I'm here to tell you! She was the ultimate social butterfly. Running around, in and out of every group, and she was alway's a topic of discussion. Her flowing raven-black hair, lithe body, and soul-stealing eyes just couldn't be ignored, but I think that her best feature was her Purple-Tongue. The one she gave me a big, sloppy kiss with. She never even told me her name, but I think her "pet-name" is Boo 'cuz that's what I heard some other folks there call her. What a heart breaker.

Sarah K was there, and I'm here to tell you that there was a reverse effect going on there. She took every mean thought I had, and turned into into something wholesome and nice. What a sweetie! I liked her so much I even proposed to her, but it was no use. Damn you Frank J!

Harvey's "Beloved Wife" (hereafter to be known as "Bee-Dubya") was definately feeling the heat. During one afternoon she began to plot how she could get to me, but I mentioned that she was married. She didn't miss a beat, and started talking about the large life insurance policy she has on the BlogFather, and how she could just bump him off. Once he's met with the "horrible accident" I'm first in the running to be her boy-toy. Remember folks. It was just an accident.

The one that is the most shocking was our hostess Tammi. One evening, I had imbibed a drink or two, and was getting sleepy. I was perfectly content to nod off in a chair, but she wasn't about to let that happen. I was already asleep, and she just got me up and forced me into her bed! Luckily she was gentle with me, so I slept in her bed the rest of the nights I stayed there. She even cooked me breakfast. I appreciated her kind ministrations so much, I left some money on her pillow.

If you don't belief that all these sordid tales are the gospel truth, then just ask blog-bro _Jon. He was so upset that he couldn't get any action that he threatened to kill me.

I'm starting to think that I'd be good in the MSM. I can twist the facts with the best of 'em.

More stories to come soon.

Triumphant Return.

I just got home from the BEFR, and I'm a little worn out. 650 miles in nine hours. That comes out to an average speed of about 72.222222222(ad infinitum) miles per hour. That includes stops. Jeez I drive fast.

The good news is that I'm actually home. I thought that I wsa going to be in Chattanooga again this week, but I talked to my Sister at the office, and she told me that they wanted me back in Knoxville this week. Whoo Hoo! That means that I'll be able to get my blog back into some semblance of order, and be able to tell all of the wonderful stories I've got saved up from the reunion. I would do it now, but it's been a long day, but just rest assured that you'll be hearing a lot more from me real soon.

Playing the Wallflower

Frank J and Sarah K just arrived, and they are fitting in with this group very well. Everyone is sitting in the kitchen, and I'm hanging out in the living room. The conversation is going on about blogging in general, traffic, and so on. Boy do I feel like a small fish in a big pond. I'm thinking that I need to find a way to drive my numbers up, but nah. I'm just not that vain.

Tammi and BW have run out to get the prime rib, and Bou is making Chocolate Mousse cake for later. I think that they're trying to fatten me up. For what? I'm not sure. Wait, I'm not the only one eating this fare, so the women are trying to fatten us all up. I'm hoping that this doesn't turn into a Hansel and Gretel thing. Not that I don't enjoy being eaten, but just not in the "Preheat Oven to 450 degrees" way.

The conversation has changed to felines, as there are many cat-owners here. Animal personalities seem to be nearly as eclectic as people's are. All the guys are proclaiming that they are "Dog People", but I think that we actually like the little kitty's more than we let on. Don't tell anyone I said that though, keep it between you and me.

BW and Tammi just came back from the store, and BW "busted" me for sitting out here by myself, so I'd better go join the conversation. Since Teresa arrived, we now have a third laptop around here, so I'm sure to be posting more soon.

***Update*** LeeAnn and her hubby just arrived with their sweet puppy Boo-hahn. Everyone is sitting around in the kitchen and having conversations that will just flow from subject to subject. Just. Wow.

I must confess that I'm a little freaked out right now. As I've stated before, I'm pretty-much a loner. I'm not used to being around this many people, not to mention that they are (at least) as intelligent as I am. The class of people that I normally am around is more along the lines of the "Me Grog. Grog hit nail." mentality. I hate the fact that I'm being a little standoffish, but it's my defense mechanism in these types of situations. I shut my yap, and stand back. Just one of my various neuroses.

I also feel a little like an ass for getting drunk last night. I essentially passed out in Tammi's favorite chair. I guess I'm the only "real" drunk here. Jesus, just writing that makes me want a beer. It's no big deal to the "Family" though, at least not a readily apparrent one, and I appreciate that fact more than I can say.

I guess I'll quit guilt-tripping myself now, and try to get back into the conversation. More later....

****Update**** It took us breaking up into smaller groups, but I've finally gotten my nerves under control. Or was it the beer? Who knows? Who cares? This has gotten to the point where I'm completely comfortable again, and I must say that I'm having a wonderful time. Everyone is imbibing frosty adult beverages (with a few exceptions), but the conversations are so damned interesting, even the non-alcoholics in our midst seem to be having a good time.

I think that the most fascinating thing about everyone here is that they are exactly what I expected. I never knew that so much could be conveyed about a personality through a blog, but I'm now a strong believer. It's been an outstanding day, and I hope it gets better. I'm not sure how it could, but my Family (and friends) never cease to amaze me. That's enough for now. More later...

Agoo, A goo goo goo.

Sitting here in Tammi's living room. How Cool is that? Harvey's over on the Love Seat (Where else would he be?), Beloved Wife is hanging out over there, and our Hostess with the Mostest is cooking us breakfast. Life is so good right now I can't even begin to tell you.

The number of grains in the bread (that will soon become toast) is shifting. It began as seven-grain bread, but then BW wanted six-grain bread (she's High Maintenance), but come to find out it's actually five-grain bread. I never knew that bread had a half-life, and would lose its grain count over time, but there it is. I'm not sure, but I think the eggs were actually fully-grown chickens at the time of purchase, but now have devolved into their current state. I'm not sure if this phenomena only applies to groceries though, so if this blog winds up only having random gibberish (what's different? Shut Up!) and baby-talk, then you'll know what happened. Only time will tell though. So, in the interest of science, I will stick around a few more days and see what happens.

I'm dedicated that way.

Made It!

Just arrived! Nyurg. Ten hour workday starting at 7:00 am, immediately followed by a an eight hour drive. Tired Johnny! Must drink beer and visit with the Blog-Family. Many stories to follow (If I can ever get my hands on this machine again, Harvey's a PC - Hog).

Better Nate than Lever

Blog-Bro T1G tagged me for this meme awhile ago, but I'm just now getting around to it. So I'm not exactly timely. What of it?

Random Ten Albums :

The Little River Band - Greatest Hits
Scott Miller - Hollow Points for Hollow Heads
The Chrystal Method - Vegas
Kid Rock - Devil Without a Cause
Eric Clapton - Unplugged
Lyle Lovett - Pontiac
Bonnie Raitt - Luck of the Draw
Pink Floyd - Welcome to the Machine
Barenaked Ladies - Stunt
Brian Setzer Orchestra - Guitar Slinger

If that doesn't tell you how eclectic my tastes in music are, then nothing will.

1. What is the total amount of music files on your computer?

Hmmn? Only 1.8 Gig. I figured it was more than that. Ah well.

2. The last CD you bought is:?

Sheryl Crowe - Greatest Hits.

3. What is the song you last listened to before this message?

(Other than what they've played at the Super-Bowl) Jerry Reed - She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft). I swear!

4. Five songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you?

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here. I almost always think of my Granddad (Dad's Dad) when I listen to that one. He was a fine man, and I didn't take enough time to get to know him better.

Johnny Cash - When the Man Comes Around. Although I'm not religious, there's just something about this song that pulls me into it. Maybe it's just Cash, and his delivery.

Richard Cheese - Down With the Sickness. It's from the remake of The Dawn of The Dead. If you've ever heard Disturbed's version of the song, you'll understand why it cracks me up. A Speed Metal song remade into a lounge act. (It pisses me off though, because I've been doing a Lounge version of AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long for years.)

Bee Gee's - This is Just Where I Came In. Most people probably haven't heard this song, as it never got much radio play in the US. There's still a stigma in regards to the Bee Gee's here for some reason, but the damn song is brilliant. excellent guitar line, good lyrics, but still (unmistakably) the Bee Gee's. You can admit to me that you like them, It's okay.

Cake - Short Skirt Long Jacket. Wishful thinking. Pure and simple.

5. Who are you gonna pass this stick to (other persons and why)?

Nobody. The meme is dead. Long live the meme.

Songs of the Superbowl.

Just before the half ended, I heard what is now one of the quintessential "sports songs" being played over the speakers there in Jacksonville. The song is called "Rock and Roll part. 2". Wickipedia describes it thusly:

"Rock and Roll (Part 2)" is a glam rock hit performed by British artist Gary Glitter. It has become a popular song heard at various sporting events. The song itself is mostly an instrumental piece, with a rhythmic drum and bass line. Throughout the song, Glitter is heard to exclaim "Hey!", most notably three times at the song's chorus. At sporting events, the chorus is often played by itself while the fans yell "Hey!". The song is often played after the home team scores a point or goal or wins a contest.

I couldn't have said it any better, but I have a problem. You see, My dad had this particular cut on a 45 RPM record, and I would listen to it occasionally. There's an awful lot of "hey's" in that song, in fact other than one part where there's a lovely (totally rock-style) "Ooooooooow", it's the only lyric. I guess it's a good song though. Nice beat, nice Bassline, and the lyrics are easy enough for even the most drunken sports-goer.

My problem is this: I've heard "Rock and Roll Part 1". It was the "A" side on the 45. It is essentially the same song musically, but it had a feature that "Part 2" just didn't have...actual lyrics. I recall them as being pretty good too. Now, I can't hear a snippet of "Part 2" without inserting the lyrics from "Part 1". It drives me nuts. There I'll be, enjoying a frosty, malted, adult, beverage at a sporting venue, then suddenly I'm singing the lyrics aloud. I've gotten some strange looks, let me tell you. It's my impression that nearly noone else out there has actually heard "Part 1", so when I start jamming along, they can't comprehend that what I'm singing was actually a part of the song.

If you're interested, here are the lyrics that I remember:

Can you still recall, in the jukebox hall, when the music played?
And the world span round to those brand new sounds in those far-off days.
In their blue-suede shoes they would scream and shout.
And they'd sing the Blues. Let it all hang out.

Chorus: (This is the part that you hear mostly at the sporting events.)
Rock 'n Ro-oh-oh-ohl. Rock 'n Roll. (The "Hey" would go here if you were listening to Part 2.)
Rock 'n Ro-oh-oh-ohl. Rock 'n Roll.
Rock 'n Ro-oh-oh-ohl. Rock 'n Roll.
(Singer drops down an octave for this part)
Rock 'n Roll Rock, Rock 'n Roll.
Rock 'n Roll Rock, Rock 'n Roll.

Little queenie bopped at the high school hop, dancin' to the beat.
With a US Mail and a ponytail yeah she looked so sweet.
(This is the part where my memory fails to give me the rest of the lyrics)

Easy to see where the song title came from huh? So, have any of you actually heard Part 1? If so, do you suffer from the same affliction as I? Maybe we can start a twelve step program or something.

Bad Blogger!

Yeah, I know. I should've posted more last weekend, and now this one, I've been silent until Sunday. I don't comment as much as I should, and all I can talk about is work. Someone roll up a newspaper and pop me on the snout with it. No really. I deserve it.

This whole "blogging thing" was a lot easier when I could just sit down at my desk whenever, and type what was in my head at the time, but being away from home for five out of the seven days in a given week, makes it a lot more difficult to come up with any topics that won't bore you all to tears. It also sucks that I have to try and sqeeze some semblance of a life into just over 48 hours each week.

Then there's the bane of my existence...laundry. Since I'm single, I don't have anyone to help keep the "home fires burning" so to speak, so any and all chores (and all the little things that just crop up) have also got to be shoe-horned into the weekend. If you were to say that I don't have a hell of a lot of time, you'd have a positive penchant for understatement. This weekend has been no exception.

I got into town early on Friday. Last week was a 53 hour marathon, but I had to get back into town with enough time to go get license plates for my van. They still had '03 on them, and I figured taht it would be a good idea to get that updated. When I finally made it to the house, I jumped right on the web to catch up with what everyone else has been up to out there. Called Tammi, and talked on the phone with her for a good hour. Then I went to the bar for awhile with my roommate to catch up on what's been going on with him while I was away. Then crash.

Yesterday consisted of putting a tune-up on the minivan. Plugs, wires, oil change, fluid top-up, the works. Then on to the marina for a Family get together. You see, my Mom's birthday was Thursday, so we moved the wing-ding to the weekend so everyone could be there. My sister really came through for me by reminding me to call her. On Thursday evening, I already had 47 hours in on the week, so the only thing that I was thinking about at the time was getting a bite to eat, and then some sleep. At any rate, the party was a rousing success. Good food, good company, and good weather (!) all at once. Can't go wrong with that combination.

Today, I'm doing the evil laundry, I still have to clean out the van, and I need to pack for next week. I also need to get my butt back down to the marina, as Mom has a set of Yosemite Sam "Back Off" mud flaps that need to be mounted on her pickup. I hope I can find a place open today to get new strings for my guitar, as well. They are getting a little crusty, and don't ring out like they should (not that it matters much. I'm a terrible guitar player. No time to practice.). Then I'll get everything loaded up for the trip to Chattanooga in the morning.

Ever wonder why I'm single? Just check the schedule above, and it becomes really clear. But it's all good. I've now got enough money to take a road trip. As soon as I knock off from work this Thursday, I'll be jumping into the van and heading for Orlando. The Bad Example Family (and Friends) reunion beckons. I can't tell you how excited I am to meet these folks. I fully expect to have a grand time, and I promise not to act a fool unless the situation warrants it.

I'm sure that Tammi will let me borrow her laptop for a few minutes so I can post something next weekend. I'd hate to see my blog go "naked" again, but if it happens this time, I'll have a damn good excuse. If you're looking for something entertaining to read (and often updated, unlike me) check out Esther Wilberforce-Packard over at Topic Drift. It comes highly recommended.