Becoming Visible

Heya :-)

2012-01-24T19:35:00.002-05:00

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so I guess Blogging isn't quite dead yet, despite Facebook.
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a pic of me in Salt Lake this past November...
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Things are going pretty well for me.. despite being single
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but then again that is definitely my fault...
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ya have to actually meet people and not isolate to date
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my bad
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more tomorrow...

GAH!! I'm still alive :-)

2011-03-31T09:11:00.000-04:00

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I can't believe 2010 went without a single post.. time flies by doesn't it?
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Shit a lot has happened this past year..
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This place definitely needs a makeover..
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Today is 66 Days since I've had a drink..
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The first 33 days of that I spent in Miami, possibly more on that later.
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It's been a long while...

2009-11-04T02:16:00.001-05:00

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I can't believe how long it's been since I've last posted. I toyed with the thought of deleting this place.. but I always decide against it. I've been mega busy lately too... huge lawn project, joined a gym and go three times a week, still settling into my new house. It's been a year already since I bought it. Being a first time home owner things are starting to happen which sort of serve as an indicator of what's to come. Things break, calls have to be made, newish kinda bills have to be paid etc. I'm learning...
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Like I said I joined a gym (two months ago)
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Not only did I join a gym I hired a trainer three times a week..
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If u ever feel like u wont be motivated with a workout routine.. Hire a Trainer! Wow.. it's amazing. You just have to show up and he tells you what to do, tracks your progress, increases intensity.. It makes a huge difference to me. Last Gym I joined, I was always sort of pulled toward the Tread Mills/Eliptical Trainers. Those bizarre looking weight machines were kind of intimidating, especially when you try to teach yourself how to use one in front of about 20 other people standing around. I have a real "I look like an idiot" complex in those situations so yea.. it's great to have someone who knows what they are doing actually show (and tell) you how to use them. Now I even go on my off days and get on them like a pro.
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And wow is my Trainer Cutt... and friendly!! He loves to give me pointers and his own unique methods of building up for outside the gym.
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What else.. oh yea ... I bought a Shed yesterday!! It has a "hip roof" just like my house and the siding will match as well. Now I have a place to store my Deere.. and my 2 car garage can actually fit two cars again
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hmm... what else..
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still single.. i've been on a couple dates these past few months, when I can fit one in. Nothing earth shattering, I actually made a couple new friends. Dating can get kinda exhausting, especially with a hectic life like mine. I used to enjoy it a lot more lol
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well back to work, I am on third tonight. The normal guy has the flu, which seems to be running rampant around here.
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Adios for now

2009-06-05T16:12:00.001-04:00

been a while ...

2009-05-04T23:50:00.005-04:00

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A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: "That's the ugliest baby that I've ever seen." The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, face red, FUMING! She says to a man next to her, "That driver just insulted me!"
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The man says, "You go right up there and tell him off! Go ahead, I'll hold your monkey for you."

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anyway... funny shite :)

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I have not posted in a while, but like a bad rash, I always show back up eventually :)

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Life has been mad hectic... PLUS I have had a couple distractions ..

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I started falling for this guy who was just wrong for me. You know when you first meet someone that you click with, and pretty much all your free time is spent together. Yea well that's what happened. It was all bad, I knew it from the start and well ... I came to my senses. But it was fun.

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My blog, among other things suffered.

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A pic from a few days ago of me, my puppy (Kurt the cat terrorizer) and my best friend Nick

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I.look.demonic

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Other things in Jim's life.... oh yea my condo finally officially closed today.

I get my shweeeeeeeeeet check tomorrow :)

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the market is so crazy, so what if I had to come down like 4K and suffer 4 traumatic closing delays. I am just happy it's all over now. I miss the ability to take car loads of stuff to the condo dumpster over there but still ... I am really really happy right now, like Triple X Beer with shots of Rumpleminze happy. hehe

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I deserve it, or something

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I'll be back, eventually :)

insane woman....

2009-04-13T07:57:00.005-04:00

BERLIN, Germany (CNN) -- A polar bear attacked a woman at Berlin Zoo Friday afternoon after she climbed a fence and jumped into its habitat during feeding time, police said Saturday.One adult polar bit her several times after she plunged into the moat, police said. Zoo workers tossed rescue rings toward the woman to hoist her out and distract polar bears swimming nearby, said Goerg Gebhard, a Berlin police officer.At one point the woman fell back into the water and was grabbed by a bear before she was eventually hoisted to safety."They saved her life," Gebhard told CNN.The woman was severely injured and was being treated at a hospital, police said. t's unclear why the woman entered the bear habitat.

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I'll tell you why she entered the bear habitat, shes.fucking.nuts
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I have never told anyone this before but I have nightmares
involving being mauled by a bear (usually it's a grizzly tho)
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moving right along...
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hopefully any of you who celebrate the joyous event
we christians call Easter had a good one!
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Actually mine was AMAZING
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it was just my sons and I, our first holiday together in my new house.
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I made ham, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, eggplant (we're Italian) yams..
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cherry cheesecake and chocolate cream pie for dessert, and also ginger cookies
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we had a great time, they said it was the best easter they ever had
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aww.. that made me feel so amazing, because for me it WAS the best Easter ever
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2009-04-02T08:10:00.005-04:00

so the buyer for my condo is still trying to get financing after the original fell through. I am really getting irritated, it's not his fault but sheesh. He has an amazing credit score, is putting 10% down and has a great job. My realtor said if they won't loan to him then who WILL they loan too?

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times.is.tough
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we're now shooting for a closing on April 15th.
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My older son is leaving for Europe Saturday, and I get to drive him down to JFK. Yikes, the whole idea is frightening, not a big fan of driving in New York. I've driven to Kennedy before, but only to long term park and jump on my own flight. This time I have to short term park, walk him to a certain terminal, wait for the Youth Group reps to show up, see him off, find my car again, and hopefully make it out of the city and home. I have the worst habit of getting miserably lost, even with a GPS system. Ok don't laugh it's true.
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As long as I get him there on time I'm happy. Making it home in one piece without a detour through The Bronx or some other tourist friendly crime ridden part of New York, is no big deal. If I get break down, get mugged and stabbed to death so what, at least he made it to his flight.
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just kidding (hehe well sorta)
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Anybody out there in bloggerland ever short term park at JFK? What is the experience like?
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This guy I went on a couple dates with irks me. Not only is he way too loud and "colorful", but has this weird sort of ADD or something. It's like he doesn't listen to what you say. You start a sentince and half way through he's like "Oh yea, riiight". He also has the really irritating habit of replying to everything you say with "Right?" bleh....
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Did I mention there is NO chemistry on my part. Not even a twinge. Watching a movie together the other night he put his hand on my knee and I was not comfortable. just.not.into.him is an understatement. I don't even know if I can make a go at a friendship with this mary.
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I have tried to find something we have in common, but really can't. Nothing, zilch, nada...
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Maybe he has some interesting friends. He knows a lot of homos in the area, maybe he can introduce me to someone I actually have something in common with.
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Here's hoping...
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Anybody still participate in HNT?
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I am thinking about it for next week.

my date....

2009-03-26T07:53:00.002-04:00

I went on a date last night, the guy I was talking about in my last post. We met at a local Tavern, he ate, we talked. It was pretty cool. He's a lot more "gay-worldly" than I am. What I mean to say is that he belongs to a bunch of social groups in the area. I've never joined or attended a Gay social group. Might be interesting. I probably know half the people from when I used to go out years ago.

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I only have one long standing gay friend in my life these days. I kinda always wanted to make more, but could never figure out how. The bar scene is not exactly the place to go to meet friends. Forget online, like I said yesterday, apart from maybe Match.com they are all meat markets populated by sex maniacs and people who aren't quite who they say they are and usually a tad (*cough*) older and less attractive than their photos would lead you to believe.

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So at the very least I've made a new friend. And I suspect I will have dozens more by the time he's done with me. As far as chemistry with this guy I am on the fence. He's goodlooking enough, my age, very well educated ... I am just not sure if I am attracted to him yet. Maybe that will come later, and eh... if it doesn't like I said, he could become a good friend.

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Maybe I am being kinda picky I dunno. I don't think so tho. I really liked the last guy I dated, it's just that he lives in Boston and is really busy. I think we both got tired of the long distance thing. But damn... there was chemistry, almost more than I've experienced in the past.

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crazy week...

2009-03-25T08:13:00.003-04:00

This has been a hellish week...
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I had a date (sorta) Monday night ...
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I should have known better I guess. Mhunt is not known for producing grounded interesting people who want to get to know you. It's all about getting you into bed. Sad. I was completely disappointed with the experience. Much like I have been disappointed with Match.com and Gay.com of late.

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Supposed to have another "date" this weekend. Eh.. I'm not feeling it from our phone conversation. Then there was that "please unlock" text I got last night out of the blue from the guy. Must have been thinking about me.. lol Not a good sign.

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Oh and the MOST exiting part of my week. The buyer for my Condo (which was set to close this coming Friday) has lost his financing!!! So much for Pre-Approval. The Credit Union backed out after the appraisal. Now he is scurrying around to find a local bank to write him a new loan. He thinks he found one (I won't hold my breath). They are shooting to close a week from Friday now. I haven't slept much the last few nights thinking about this mess.

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My realtor is a nightmare, so that isn't helping either. To get her on the phone is a major production. Yesterday she called me around 3:30 to tell me the buyer's financing fell through. I was at work and very busy, not able to answer my cell. I called her back 10 minutes later, she didn't answer her phone. I tried ALL NIGHT LONG, she didn't answer. All I got was a text from her once that she was in a meeting. I text her back to call me no matter how late. I never heard from her. This happens every time. She communicates through text. NOT acceptable. Like I said, nightmare.

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I need a valium, no wait, a big strong drink.

Friends forever....

2009-03-21T17:14:00.004-04:00

My cat and dog have lived together nearly a year now.

They "play" all the time like this. You would think they are killing each other.

She (Suede the cat) waits under the table for him (Kurt the dog) to walk by and pounces.

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I filmed a couple videos of their craziness...

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ready to strangle someone

2009-03-18T09:38:00.003-04:00

This guy from Ebay I was talking about in yesterday's post received the coin I sent him (I have his signature receipt). I get an email soon after which says....

"I think the coin is MS (which means uncirculated) , leave me positive feedback and then I will refund your money"
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I.dont.think.so

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I emailed him back that I have done my part (returning the coin within three days) and that I will not leave feedback UNTIL this is resolved and my refund is issued. He has already mentioned a "restocking fee" of 10% (that is 10% of $799.), which I will not pay, it's not in any part of the listing, especially not in the area he talks about refunds.

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So I initiated a dispute in Paypal... I give him 24 hours and it's going to be escalated.
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*punches the wall twice*

last night... a post to vent

2009-03-17T19:28:00.005-04:00

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Last night I had to run to the post office to overnight a coin I bought off ebay to this idiot who tried to scam me and who only allowed refunds if returned within three days. I was not going to let him get away with selling me a coin for hundreds more than it was worth because I am sort of a newbie and didn't realize what I was bidding on. So anyway, I was determined to get it out last night (the coin arrived yesterday afternoon). The only post office open in the evening was about a 45 minute drive away in CT. I was really fuming, and I guess I thought getting it in the mail right away would make me feel better. It did kinda.

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On the way home I decided to pull over and grab something to eat at Ruby Tuesdays.

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I wish I hadn't.

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I was up at the salad bar with my friend and I heard a familiar voice call my name behind me.

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It was my first boyfriend, who I have not seen in almost 10 years. He was the first (of two) live in relationships I have had. We talked for a minute, it was awkward as hell, he reached out to hug me and I guess sensed I didn't want to (which wasn't completely the case) and extended his hand. We shook. It was really weird. We talked for a second, I was uncomfortable. I am not sure why, but I was sort of taken back. So we exchanged useless information about each other for a couple minutes and he said his goodbyes and went back to work. I guess he's been a bartender there a while. My friend and I sat down, waited for our food. I was not hungry anymore, all I could do was reminisce for some reason, and it wasn't a pleasant experience.

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So he's been on my mind ever since. I don't understand why, I am no longer in love with him, that ended years ago when I broke it off. Well in actuality I left him for my second live in relationship, they sort of overlapped (yea I'm a rotten person). In my defense I went from my marriage to this guy within three months and was living with him almost instantly. I spent our entire three years wanting to get out, chasing something, even cheating on him (obviously).

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I wasn't ready to settle down so quickly, and our relationship suffered.

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It's really odd, part of me wanted to give him my number so we could talk, hang out, whatever. I then reminded myself how much he drove me crazy. He had this personality I can only liken to a used car salesman. We were never really compatable, he molded himself into what he thought I wanted him to be, and naturally it didn't work.

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Why is it even now, years later I get so upset just seeing him? Why was my gut impulse to try and give him my number so that we could catch up? sigh.....

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I've been told that I have issues letting go. Issues with being rejected even if it is a result of my own behavior/actions. Maybe that's it. Maybe in my own selfish way I want him to love me as much as he did back in the day despite what I have done to him.

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It's no wonder I am still alone. I guess it's a self destructive thing.

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Anyway, I hope he is finally happy. He seemed to be.

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There, I got that off my chest. I kinda feel better somehow.

Kurt...

2009-03-15T00:02:00.010-04:00

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He's so freaking cute .... here is a video my friend took tonight.

It is me trying to get Kurt to jump ... I manage to a couple times.

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My basement

2009-03-14T21:39:00.014-04:00

One of the great things about having had 10.5 ' ceilings in my basement was the prospect of finishing it with ceilings still higher than upstairs or a typical ceiling. I had fundage for a project this past January and it was the first thing I jumped on. I wanted it to include an entertainment room / Bar on one side, a hallway and additional bedroom on the other. Here are the pictures I took before I even moved in...

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And here is the final result.

I tried my best to get every angle.

I think it came out well.

(Click on any of them to see a huge full size image)

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This is what you see when you hit the bottom of the stairs....

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then if you turn left you enter the entertainment room....
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I didn't take any of the other side but soon I will

my exiting Friday night...

2009-03-13T22:38:00.004-04:00

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I feel so out of touch. I just joined today.

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Yea ok I'm a loser.

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aaaanyway...

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Tonight my friend and I moved the last schtuff I had in my condo here to my new(ish) house. As I posted a couple days ago I finally (after 6 months) got an offer. In this market I feel really lucky, not too much is selling around here. It's so weird, I started this blog just a couple months before I bought that place in '05. It seems so much longer. Of course in the past 3 1/2 years my life has been pretty eventful, some good, some not so good, but at the end of the day I must admit that I've grown as a person from all of the experiences. Getting older may seem like a scary concept (especially in the gay world) but there are benefits to life and living those who are still very young can't appreciate.

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I am noticing lately all sorts of changes in myself. Maturity hits you straight on, even if you are one of those people who tries very hard (at 35) to stay as carefree and reckless as you were at 20 or 25. The truth is you never really are (inside) that carefree and reckless anymore, because you have lived, and experienced, and seen (and learned) so many of the things a 20 year old has yet to experience. His behavior is inadvertently shaped by his inexperience. There really is no way to recapture that naievete, and without it, carefree and reckless don't work without effort. And effort (in this situation) kinda brings the word poser to mind.

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ok that was a little off the cuff. sorry

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SO I started a new hobby a couple weeks ago. My grandfather was in the vending business, he had dozens of vending machines all over the area I live in. Around 1964 when The US removed most of the silver from it's dime, half dollar and dollar coins, my grandfather began hoarding the coins he would come across which predated '64. When he passed away in '97 we had 4 huge bags of these coins to go through. Most of it we sold, but many I kept. I had collected coins as a kid and had some of my old books still. I checked those older coins for low mintage etc and found he had a few rarities. So that brings me to my new hobby. I found (as you would expect since I've just moved) a few things I didn't remember I had. One of these finds was a box of these coins. I had quite a few Morgan Dollars. I decided to try and get one coin of each year and mint. They were made from 1878 to 1905 and then one minting in 1921. It seems like I've been on Ebay way too much of late (and spent perhaps a bit more than I should have). Right now I'm missing three coins to complete 1878-1890. I guess I am becoming sort of a nerd these days. But I'm having some fun so who cares. I need something fun in my dreary lonely life.

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*sigh*

ugh....

2009-03-12T22:09:00.003-04:00

I can't get this stupid fish out of my head...

2009-03-12T09:32:00.005-04:00

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Poor Mr. Madoff, why won't those greedy mean people just leave him alone?
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Chasing a 10-15% annual return (consistently) is unrealistic.
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The risk would (in a typical portfolio) be quite high. and.it.was
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Of course I am not a risk taker when it comes to my investments. I stick to the sluggish good old fashioned Bank CD. It may only return 4.5% annually (which I am lucky enough to have locked in a couple years ago), but at least my money is moving in a positive direction. I have also never contributed to my company's 401K program. The company didn't match from the very beginning. So I stayed away, depositing a fixed amount weekly into a money market account. I did have a portfolio with Wachovia for a few years and I took some losses after 911. When the market turned up a while after, I cashed out, investing in Govt Issued IBonds and Bank CDs. Boy am I glad I did. Not being particularly savy in terms of how the market works and long term investments, the fallout after 911 scared me sensible.

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Sensible is good, sensible is safe. Slow and steady.
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I can't fathom writing a check to an organization such as Madoff created.
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Entrusting their entire life savings to him when past retirement age?
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Talk about risk, I don't care who this guy was.
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There.was.risk
(No matter how many words of praise Goldie Shapiro spouted)
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AND they took that risk, small as it may have seemed to them at the time.
They sure didn't expect the angle it hit them from but that is (in my opinion) irrelevant.
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If you are not an FDIC insured bank or The US Treasury, I would not take that risk.
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So I may not make millions overnight, but at the end of the day
I've still got my money, and then some....
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The people I feel sorry for are those affected by Madoff unwillingly. The people who will (in the future) lose, such as those affected by the irresponsible investment strategies of some of these foundations who are now bankrupt. I think there should be a curve in retribution toward these foundations when the day is done and madoff's assets are on the table.

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But that's just me. Slow and steady.

i dunno what it is about this guy....

2009-03-10T01:31:00.000-04:00

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I fought it as long as I could, but he's got me pretty bad. He reminds me of the latest guy I dated (mentioned in previous post). His face, his voice, his mannerisms ... everything. The show (Burn Notice) isn't so bad either.

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and isn't it funny ... he has the same mother as ...

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Mista Halbert Sparks...

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well not really ... but kinda
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speaking of Hal Sparks... anybody had a listen to his band?
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ZERO1 <---Click here

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Woah Hal is pretty cool these days no?

His band not so much.

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eh...

2009-03-09T08:09:00.002-04:00

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YAY Day two!! I'm almost a real blogger again....
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I overslept and got here late. I don't know why I can't sleep at night, ever since I stopped drinking. It's like my body can't fall asleep unless it's a shut down. The result is that I wake up late and exhausted. Maybe I need sleeping pills or something....
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The coffee here at work tastes like sewage. It's not helping.

Has it really been 4 months?

2009-03-08T23:35:00.002-04:00

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Proof I am still alive .. (and that I haven't taken the time to figure out my camera timer)
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Yea well I guess it has been that long. Ya know, life in the condo was so much simpler... (not that I am complaining). I've been in the new house now 6 months, and the challenges never stop coming. I finished the basement a couple of months ago (pictures to come) and have been keeping myself very busy between this place, my growing sons and well, a lot more responsibility.
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I think it's time I got rid of this ancient template. That may be a challenge as I forgot how to code, something that came second nature a couple years ago. I'll put it on the to do list ...
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I went on a date recently, my first in like a year (maybe more). A successfull architect and professor from Boston (about an hour and a half commute). He has a working farm in Warren, which is about 40 minutes away. He's in Africa right now working on some sort of architectural project. Brilliant, very attractive, successful and we mesh well. The only thing I have an issue with (so far) is his tendency not to call for days at a time. He is teaching currently at two different Universities, and has his own design firm. Maybe I am being paranoid....
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So I gave up alcohol for the new year, haven't had anything since December 20th.
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I also bought these two things...

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The stepper for some reason shorts out every other day (oddly enough). The Treadmill is still in a box in my garage, I haven't figured out where I am going to put it yet. I guess I should have thought of that first right? I swear, I am already outgrowing this house!!
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I accepted an offer two weeks ago on my condo. I am pretty exited to be rid of that place, the condo fees and real estate taxes were getting really inconvenient. Not to mention the leaky toilet I didn't realize was slowly staining the ceiling of the unit below me. Things always seem to go wrong when places are vacant ... you would think just the opposite.
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that's a quick catch up on my life, I would tell you now that I'll be back to posting every day but I have done that already (more than once) in the past and sort of didn't follow up.
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later then .... hope everyone is well (if anybody still checks in anyway) I am going to check out some blogs (and friends) I miss now.

Kurt.... (my New Puppy)

2008-11-02T20:00:00.000-05:00

My (Hectic) yet amazing month...

2008-11-01T20:01:00.010-04:00

ok so it's been a long while.... not without good reason.
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When you buy a new house (and adopt a puppy) things get insane...
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My condo is still for sale, yet somewhat empty now (I've moved pretty much)
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I've been in the new house two weeks now (give or take)
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Everything is here except two dressers, one night stand and some framed pictures
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I adopted a Rat Terrier
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His name is Kurt (wonder who he was named for?)
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He is 4 months old and an incredible handful...
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He just LOVES his new back yard.....

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SO yesterday I made a video of the house ... now that it's furnished.
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Youtube is really cracking down on background music..
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I had originally chosen Only in dreams by Weezer but that didn't fly and it was banned
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I had to pick from their list of acceptable artists (yikes ...)
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I also had to match the length of the video (8 Mins plus..)
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the only song I can live with is by Portugal the man ..
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anyway ... you get the idea.
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time to walk Kurt (yet again!!)
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:)

Closed on the new house today...

2008-09-19T17:14:00.008-04:00

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Took these right after I opened the door with my NEW keys!

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I worked third shift last night, got out at 7 this morning
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closing was at 10AM, I did not have a chance to even nap
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right after I had to head up to the house to await the delivery of....

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My new Deere, which arrived from the dealership around 2:30
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I haven't slept in (let me think) oh yea 30 hours!!
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I don't mind so much, the exitement of everything has nixed my exhaustion
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Tomorrow I have to get up there by 8:30 to await the arrival of much new furniture
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(my living space has tripled)
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let's not even go into the fact that I have to leave this condo furnished for now
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There is a new showing Sunday at 3:30
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time to eat and get some sleep...

The Big E

2008-09-14T18:48:00.005-04:00

aka The Eastern States Exposition... (click on the image above to enlarge)
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The largest New England Fair
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held annually on the 2nd to 3rd weeks in September (17 days)
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My grandfather began selling cigarettes there in 1957 with 30 Cigarette Machines scattered across the entire park.

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In 1967 he decided to open a Cigarette Booth. My mom (a recent newlywed) and her mother-in-law (my recently passed Grammy) worked the booth. I was not born yet (my parents adopted me much later) But I found a picture from the first year it was opened. The two women are my mom and my gram. I don't know who the elderly gentleman is or the guy with the pipe are, I will have to ask my dad's sister about that.

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In other news...
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Today (September 14th) is my birthmother's birthday
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I tried to call her and wish her a Happy Birthday
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Both her cell and home phone are shut off
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I'm really sad that I couldn't leave her a message wishing her a happy bday
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I also wanted to tell her I am moving (right now she lives across the street)
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The day I met her for the first time..
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oh well..............

My new toy...

2008-09-13T17:28:00.009-04:00

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I ran down to CT today with the kids and "bought me a Deere"!
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X300 Tractor, 42-Inch Edge Xtra Deck
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17-hp V-twin, air-cooled John Deere iTorque™ Power System (which provides more lugging ability, full pressure lubrication, even cooling, and durability) provides excellent power and performance, easy starts and smooth operation.
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Mows up to 3.5 acres! (I have only 1 Acre, but it's all open).
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Since this is my first house, this is also my first mower/tractor. I felt like an idiot as the salesman rambled on about what to do every season, yikes! There is just as much maintenance on these babies as a car. (The only thing that is different is that (with my car) I can pass it all off to Jiffy Lube ) I guess I have a lot to learn.

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After The Deere dealership, we went furniture shopping (Ethan Allen) to buy the kids a new bedroom set. I figuered I would let them pick out what they wanted. Not exactly what I had in mind, but they loved this one set. Reminds me of a bachelor pad bed. It's all one piece and very dark. I guess you pay through the nose for decent solid wood furniture. I had been to this horrible trashy place called Raymour and Flanigan previously, all of their sets were veneer over pressboard (or something). They try to pass this junk off as quality but it's far from it. I guess it's easy to con a yokel. Make it big and shiny and "fancy lookin" and it's a sale. Thank god my father was an Interior designer and I was raised to know the difference.

---
Well the big day is Friday (the closing)...

I uploaded some pictures to my domain here: My New House

---

Life has been quite hectic these past couple weeks. A couple showings of my condo, no offers yet! I am not going to remove anything from here until it sells, a furnished condo (so I am told) will show better. Besides, I am having way too much fun buying new stuff. They are delivering my new bedroom set and the tractor the day after the closing, which is this coming Saturday. Ethan Allen told me they couldn't deliver the kids set until Mid-October. My next project is rugs. I have a huge open room which extends from the front entry to the back sliding glass door. I have to get the dimensions to figure out how large of an oriental to buy. Then there is the new table to go in front of my couch, and the rug to go under my dining room table. I will be broke soon enough!

---
In other news, a friend from work was brutally murdered last week. He was a driver for my company, and a good friend. He was older (64) and also Gay, we hung out many times at The Pub in Springfield. His name was George Roy, and I am going to miss him so much. His contageous laugh, his sense of humor, his kind, caring nature. One of the sweetest men I have ever known. I do not know his roomate who killed him (Peter Bruneau) but I hope that bastard gets what is coming to him. George was sitting in a chair watching TV and that man hit him over the head with a "roofing hammer" and then proceeded to stab him to death. He put his body in a bag, drove north into Vermont and dumped my friend just off Route 91 near Wethersfield.
---

Here is the monster that took my friend's life....

He is wearing a tshirt with our (George and I's) company logo on it.
This man never worked for JPolep, this was most likely a gift from George.
How disturbing is that????
---
The article and video is here: Murder in chicopee
---
ok I'm 0ut for now

update

2008-09-04T21:58:00.008-04:00

Well... a lot has happened...
---
I signed a purchase and sale agreement tonight...
---
gave my deposit...
---
there is now a SOLD sign on the front of the property
---
It's brand new, built 9 months ago, never occupied
---
1700 square ft. 3 br 2 1/2 baths, 2 car garage, 1 acre of open treeless land
---
they insisted on closing September 19th (two weeks from tomorrow)
---
in case anyone wanted to see...
---
(click on the words below)
---
The new house
---
That is my aunt inspecting the interior, she loves it as much as I do!!
---
One acre of land completely clear and 75% behind the house ready for a pool or whatever
---
It's in the country, and right down the street from my cousin Ricky.
---
There are two houses right next door listed at 314 and 328, by the same builder
---
I just can't believe it... life.is.good
---
:)

update

2008-08-25T21:17:00.004-04:00

well....

I backed out of the house. I had 10 days from the inspection to get out of the P&S agreement, and well, the house was really old (built 1950) and needed way more repairs than I was wanted to spend on.

---
I am kinda sad but at the same time relieved (It really would have been a money pit)
---
I'm starting over now (looking) and hoping to buy a lot and build new
---
There isn't much available as far as buiding lots available (with the cost of building a house) in my price range...
---
My price range will double after the 1st of the year
---
I am thinking of waiting until then...
---
nah.. I am definitely waiting until then..
---
I got a new call today from my realtor, another request to show the condo
---
This is a good thing
---

If my condo sells, Mom said I can move into her house (she lives in Florida Dec-Apr) and put my stuff in storage.

---
The Sale of this place would add 110K (and that is figuring on a LOT less than I am asking) to my "budget" for a new place
---
So buying a new place is on the back burner for a while
---
now I just have to wait (and hope my condo sells) I only moved here 3 years ago, ironically the date that I started this blog. I am prepared to take it down a lot, despite the fact that I've spent heaps on improvements (newly sprayed ceilings, new paint in all rooms, refinished hard wood floors, BRAND new kitchen just 2 months old).
---
:)

The inspection....

2008-08-21T19:22:00.005-04:00

Well today went sorta well. My Condo went on the market, and already there is someone who wants a showing before the Open House Sunday.

---
anyway...
---
The inspection went sorta kinda well... no structural problems
---
The house does need work (I knew that)
---

It needs new windows (lead paint, old style) and Electrical work and Basement Sealing (mildew) and Insulation and an old Oil Tank removed....

---
I emailed my realtor and told them $170K (my original bid $185K) take it or leave it.
---

They are behind in their mortgage evidently. If I back out, they have to start the whole process again and could not possibly close until the earliest November 1st with a new buyer, maybe later...

---

The closing date was always an issue with them. They want a fast sale. I am ready to hand them a check for $170K on September 15th.

---
Let's see what happens...
---
:)

Tomorrow is The New House inspection...

2008-08-20T19:58:00.003-04:00

*crosses fingers*
---

According to my recent Purchase and Sale agreement (signed with 5% deposit) I can back out of everything if I am not pleased with what The Inspector finds.

---
I reeeeeeeeely love this property
---
The only issue I forsee is that the basement might have some mold
---
My mother has a list two pages long, but then again, she is not buying the house
---
HUUUUUUGE fight tonight with her over it
---
I keep trying
---

Finally I told her that it is MY money, MY decision and IF I buy this house she better not act any different toward me or my new home. She has no right to. (I still think she will)

---
sidetracked...
---
Wish me luck with the inspection...
---
My condo is officially listed tomorrow morning... signed the papers tonight.
---

Every cent from the sale of my condo (minus Realtor commissions) I can pour into the new house for betterments etc. My Gram and Aunt bought me this place 3 years ago, when they were selling the house I lived in (a rental property they owned).

---
I'm thinking garage with apt above and inground pool...
---
I need to get cleaning.
---
:) Laters

An amazing day :)

2008-08-16T21:37:00.016-04:00

---
We hit the 2:00 Matinee of Gypsy at The St. James Theatre in NYC
---
Patti Lupone was amazing... I really enjoyed the show.
---
Before and after we wandered around NYC.. I took some random pics
---

---

My son (who should know, he is so much more well versed on The Theatre than I) insists Ethel Merman did it better back in the day. That may very well be, but damn was Patti awesome! I absolutely loved it (and her). I am so glad he asked me to take him.

---
and..........
----

I scored floor tickets this morning to the FIRST show on Weezer's new tour. September 23rd in Lowell (where I went to college for my freshman and sophmore years).

---
Friday night I signed the purchase and sale agreement on the house I am buying.
---
What a weekend! (so far)

Anybody been following?

2008-08-14T22:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry...

2008-08-13T17:51:00.002-04:00

If I offended anyone with my last post containing Hillary's picture (and a comment). It was meant to be funny, sort of.... (Sorry Ryan)

---

So today was supposed to be the purchase and sale agreement signing. It didn't happen, my lawyer is really slow in getting back to me with his revisions to the agreement drawn up by the seller's agent. (I guess this is typical)

---
We are shooting for Friday now..
---
(Not all that comfortable with a check that size (The 5% down payment/deposit) in my house, so I hid it really well)
---

I had to call Mom today about something family oriented... yikes!!! After I asked her what I had to she started again. "That realtor didn't impress me" (My realtor who did a reshowing of the house so my parents could see it).

---

My mother has not been happy about me buying the house since the moment I told her I placed an offer on it (and didn't consult her first). She hadn't even seen it yet and was already picking it apart. Well it's 50 years old, and um.. fair game if your looking to find fault. The cellar needs work, it's damp, the cabinets are "dated" and the rooms (for the most part) are smallish. It is not a big house (need I remind her I am single and doing this completely on my own???).

---

The fact is I aboslutely love it, and am willing to update things (provided they are not too serious .. the inspection is a week from tomorrow). And when they accepted my offer I was beside myself with exitement. She's really raining on my parade. My kids are even angry with her for that, they were there when she stormed in, immediately criticizing everything in sight.

---
at one point the realtor put her arm around me, closed her eyes and shook her head
---

I tried to explain to my mother the 1.25 acre plot alone fetches nearly what I am paying (in the town it is in). Her reply? "Why are you so bent on buying in Agawam?"

---
I give up...
---
in.other.news
---
Saturday my older son and I are heading south to NYC to see a musical on broadway.
---

He loves Ethel Merman, and from what I understand, this was one of her most famous performances. Patti Lupone is the lead in "Gypsy" and I bought us 3rd row seats.

---

---

My Dad loved Ethel too, it's so sad he passed away when I was 14 and didn't get to know his grandkids. They would have LOVED him...

---

---
So I guess this is my Way Back Wednesday pic... (I sucked my thumb lol)
---
:)

ugh...

2008-08-11T20:33:00.002-04:00

Showed my mother the house today...She hated every inch of it.. Christina had it easy. Let's just leave it at that.

Yikes!

2008-08-10T17:10:00.006-04:00

It's been ages! I haven't left (even though I have lost almost all of my readers).....
---
Yea Michael Phelps amazingness...
---
I bought a quaint little cottege two days ago.. the closing is September 15th.
---

I can finally get out of this condo, It's been insane living here. All I can say is Thin walls, police at your door. (I do so like VERY loud music)....

---
Trent Cancelled the show on Friday in Worcester. It's now postponed till Nov 9.
---
I feel bad, but still... what a dissapointment.
---
aaanyway...
---
I GOTS A REAL HOUSE!!!!!!!
---
1.25 acres of open land!!!
---
---

The house listed on Thursday, I got a showing on Friday (the open house was supposed to be today) I made an offer on Friday, and despite 5 other offers they accepted MINE!!!

---

The closing is in 35 days (that's why I got it before the others even though there were two bids at the asking price).

---

oh yea... once again Mr. Michael Phelps
---

Way Back Wednesday....

2008-06-11T10:34:00.003-04:00

---
Diego Bianco
(1897-1934)
---

My great-grandfather had a very short life, arriving in 1906 with his parents from Bianco, Provincia Reggio Calabria Italy. He was a very successful businessman by the time he married in 1917 to my great-grandmother. They had three sons, the eldest was my grandfather. He died after a prolonged illness in 1934, leaving a young family. His widow, having inherited a considerable sum of money at his death (during the great-depression) began to buy and sell real estate and turned it into a flourishing business which eventually made her a Millionaire and Icon in the Italian community here. I was fortunate enough to have known her, she passed away when I was 18.

---

The reason I chose Diego for today's WBW is that I have just this past week started ordering the records from Massachusetts, Maine and Pennsylvania which I will eventually submit to the Italian Consulate here in Boston to apply for my heriditary Italian Dual- Citizenship. Diego never became a citizen of The United States. His children, as native born Americans had no need to ever apply. What this means is that no member of my family has renounced Italy because it was not necessary. This allows me and my sons to "re-claim" our Italian Citizenship rights.

---

It is a lengthy process, and quite expensive (I ordered 14 Records from Massachusetts at $28 each plus $10 each for Official Certification from The Secretary of State of Massachusetts). But it is a project I am so exited about, as are my two sons. When it is complete, they register my birth and the births of my children in the town where Diego was born. It is the same as if we had been born there.

---

The only pre-requisite for the type of Citizenship (Juris Sanguinis) is that you do not have an ancestor that became a citizen of The US via Naturalization, unless it was after the birth of their American born children, or if their children were Italian-Born, after they reached the age of 18. I have a great-grandfather on my father's side as well who died in his 30's and never obtained citizenship. I was eligible through both my parents, but I chose to go through Diego.

---

If you grew up in the 80's....

2008-06-10T13:34:00.004-04:00

This song will probably bring back memories... It is a tribute to the songs Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) grew up on, and which he calls his "heart songs". It's funny how I don't really look back and get sentimental about the music from my childhood. My tastes have always had a rather modern edge, although there are some exceptions, but mainly from my teens and early 20's.
---
This song really gets to me .. Rivers and I are the exact same age so I experienced all of this and at the same time. It is really really ironic that one of his biggest inspirations was Nirvana's Nevermind.

"Back in 1991
I wasn't havin' any fun
'Till my roommate said
"Come on and put
a brand new record on"
Had a baby on it
He was naked on it
Then I heard the chords
That broke the chains
I had upon me
Got together with my bros
In some rehearsal studios
Then we played
Our first rock show
And watched the fan base
Start to grow "
---
Nirvana was and is my favorite band of all time, and Weezer is a close second. The Irony...
---
here is the full track...

Heart Songs

He's back....

2008-06-03T04:31:00.004-04:00

Gavin's new solo Album "Wanderlust" comes out today. I was a huge Bush fan back in the day, since I first saw the Video for "Swallowed" on MTV's 120 Minutes back in '96. I got to see them play twice in Boston and Hampton Beach, NH. (I even spotted him outside our hotel window walking the beach on his cell and got it on film). He is an understated and under-appreciated talent with an amazing voice. They had a hard time making it after Razorblade Suitcase in 97. It was a tough album to beat, I hope he takes off this time. Good luck Gavin!! Check out his first video from the new album ...

Love Remains the same

---

last night was fun...

2008-05-29T07:58:00.003-04:00

(not my kitchen, but similar to what I bought)

So I am selling my condo soon, hopefully by the fall and unfortunately there are a few things I have to do to get it ready. The first and most important is the kitchen, it's a disaster. The cabinets are falling apart and need to be replaced. So last night my parents and I went to Home Depot to design the "new kitchen" and order everything. I am staying mid-range in price, I just need them to look decent, not necessarily to be top of the line. You would be surprised how easy they make that for you these days. My step-dad is helping me put them up, this is a first for me. Should be fun and a learning experience.

---
Anyway, I think I did well, walking out of HD and having everything paid for and on order. The total cost was something like $2500 and includes new countertops, sink, garbage disposal and I dunno some extra stuff they said I needed.
---
So in less than a month the kitchen will be amazing (well, much more amazing than it is now)
---
Then I have to attack my bathrooms, which are icky 1970's tile. I mean they remind me of the tiles in my middle school as a kid. Industrialesque. And a really nasty blue.
---
One project at a time I guess...
---

Like I said a few days ago, things are changing in my life really quickly, and for the better. I feel like I am overwhelmed at times, yet really really happy that I have so much less to worry about.

---
more tomorrow....

Way Back Wednesday....

2008-05-28T12:24:00.004-04:00

---
This is my great-grandmother Catherine, holding my mom.
---
Mom was not (obviously) very fond of her grandmother
---
Catherine killed her husband Frank with a hatchet.
---
Look at that grip on mom!! Yikes!

hey there kids :)

2008-05-27T20:21:00.004-04:00

Much of my world has been turned upside down since my gram passed in January. We are still trying to sort out her estate (It's just my Aunt and I) and there is still so much to do. I was her only grandchild, and my spinster Aunt her only surviving child. Everything has fallen on us (and let me tell you it's been really hectic).
---
I mean MEGA hectic...
---
she had so many things, so much clothing/jewelry/furniture (especially lamps, I think it was a fetish) we are trying to get everything cleared out of her condo so we can sell it. Her clothes alone took 40+ bags to consolidate. We are talking Industrial style Leaf bags, and we're not done yet.
---
I miss reading blogs
---
I miss my blogger friends
---
that last post about Weezer's new vid was intended to relay how upset I am they have sold out. I have been a mad fan since '95. I was not impressed with Make Believe (the last) and based upon "Pork and Beans" I probably won't be so much with the new release.
---
" The Pork And Beans video was a Memorial Weekend blowout, getting 3 million views in just 3 days! And counting! According to People.com it was (still is?) the most viewed video on the internet."
---
Yikes, I rest my case..
---
no wait listen to this...
---

---
Rivers is turning 39 this year..
---
I kinda like this track
---
be back soon

meant to post this last week...

2008-05-25T21:56:00.008-04:00

Anyway... this video/song is cheezy (don't be surprised if your grandmother is humming it a month from now) but still... Rivers Cuomo has kept true to form in his efforts to capture mainstream America's attention. How can we forget Beverly Hills? Brilliant Rivers, just fracking Brilliant!!!

I'm doing really well by the way.

:)

Hey :)

2008-04-28T20:56:00.002-04:00

I have soooo neglected my blog of late...

This weekend my son asked me to go see this newish musical on Broadway...

tonight I got us tickets for the June 21st Show... 2nd row isle!

Way Back Wednesday...

2008-02-13T08:21:00.004-05:00

---
My cousins and I one Halloween
(thats all of them, we are a small family, and these are all 2nd cousins)
---
Can you guess which one I am?
---
moving right along .....
---

How Y'all been? I am still here, even tho I kind of didn't post like I said I would Friday. Things come up, life gets hectic. Somehow you just don't feel like making a post when there is nothing really important to share or talk about. Plus I have been working like a madman on my genealogy websites. I've been revamping the code, changingtemplates.. fun fun! I have 166 members on my 2 forums now, and have been skyping waaay too much.

---
yea.. time has been short.
---

Really great things have been happening in my life lately (no, I am still very single). I may be moving into a new and better condo within the next year, and I am officially debt free. I got a really sweet IRS Refund and then inherited some silver coin from my Gram (my grandfather owned a Vending company) which brought my Aunt and I a nice little chunk of change. Who knew Silver is selling very high at the moment? So now that I have a clean slate I have to start being a tad more responsible with my money so that things don't get out of hand again. I have outlined a budget that I will stick too in the future. Let's see how that works....

---
in other news... look what arrived yesterday!!
---
Weezer is set to release a new album in April, this will have to pacify me until then.
---
So Happy Humpday everyone!

I'm back....

2008-02-06T19:19:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time, things have been crazy. I know I lost a lot of my readers (most probably all) but I am still here for who ever is left...

---
So my friend Simona had a birthday two days ago and I sent her this video..

---
Wow I just found out Maz Jobrani (The guy in the video) is also Persian!
---
moving right along :)
---
be back tomorrow... (and I mean it this time!)

ok so...

2008-01-20T17:57:00.000-05:00

I've been away for a bit, after Gram passed I have been kind of in a funk, and it started really sinking in, she's gone forever. It seem like one thing after another.

---
I am pretty much ok
---
My sons actually keep me feeling alive and focused
---

I know that sounds corny but they always have. Just spending time with them makes me forget anything that is bothering me.. Anything. I helped give them life, they help keep me sane, what a trade off.

---
moving right along...
---
we saw Cloverfield today
---

about a year ago I saw the preview in the theatre, at that point the film had not been officially named. I knew then it was something I just had to see... and oh SHIT was I spot on!!

---
Incredible!!
---

If you can get past the shaky camera (the whole movie is filmed with an ever-moving hand held digital camera) you will leave the theatre stunned. It really was even better than I expected it to be (and trust me I expected it to be amazing)

---
---
so my younger son always notices this picture on my fridge..
---

---
Yea I admit it I really like Zachary Quinto (Sylar from Heroes)
---

---
I also kinda like this video someone made on Youtube...
---
My kids HATE Justin, but I don't so much...
---
:)

Gram..

2008-01-06T21:04:00.000-05:00

Her last birthday with us....
---
she so loved Chocolate
---

today...

2008-01-06T17:51:00.000-05:00

My Aunt and I met at the funeral home to make the arrangements. It was a long very tedious process selecting everything from the prayer cards to the casket. I then picked up my sons and we headed out to buy suits. Luckily we found a place where they can be (alterations) ready for tomorrow, as the wake is Tuesday night. This will be the first funeral of a loved one for my younger son, while his older brother has already been to a few.
---
The impact of Gram's death upon my kids is minimal, as would be expected since they never really knew the Gram of my youth and early adulthood. The woman who I bonded with ever so much as a 15 year old losing his dad, who was her only son. As I said we are a very small family. Gram was a very private person, who did not wear her emotions on her sleeve. When she hit her mid Seventies she began to decline as a result of slowly progressive dementia. They knew her during this time.
---
She adored them, and even to the very end had no trouble recognizing their faces (which says heaps) and would to spout out a story about their earliest days. There were few she remembered toward the end, and to me this is a clear indication as to just how important her two great-grandsons were to her.
---
I need sleep....

rough night...

2008-01-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

Gram passed away tonight... I held her hand for 6 hours right until the end.
---
She isn't suffering anymore
---
I like to remember her like this... from just a few months ago
---
things are crazy right now

update...

2008-01-03T18:45:00.000-05:00

I really meant to keep going daily here, but things have been popping up and I am still feeling miserably deafish.

---

I went to The Doctor on Wednesday, two hours later they removed a wax ball (gross I know, sorry) the size of a dime. The Nurse gasped, exclaimed "Ohhhh my GOD!" plucked it out and made me look (ew), and then said she had never seen anything like it (and given her advanced age that meant heaps). Sadly I still can't hear out of that ear, they said I have more wax to remove. I've got to continue using the drops until Monday when they are going to try all over again.

---
ugh...
---
Work has been insane... Month, Quarter and Year End, yuk.
---

Tonight I learned my Gram is getting worse, possibly even had a stroke tonight (we will find out after test results are in tomorrow). We are a very small family (essentially Gram, me, my two sons and my Spinster Aunt, my father (her son) passed away when I was 15). I am going to go up and see her tomorrow after work. Her mind has been steadily failing for the past few years, but her body has always been in fantastic shape. She's in her early 80's and could run circles around most 55-60 year olds. It comes from a lifetime of pampering and healthy living.

---

I'm really worried..
---
Anyway... things have been hectic, and continue to get even more hectic.
---
I have to catch up on all my friend's blogs but it's like one thing after another lately...

What I was listening to ....

2007-12-31T21:18:00.001-05:00

When I was 12....
---
any of you remember Adam?
---

---

---

Funny most people my age barely remember him.. and what they remember is that cheesy mainstreem crap "Goody Twoshoes"
---

completely miserable...

2007-12-30T09:49:00.001-05:00

I have small ear canals, had constant Ear infections as a kid, they tried everything even tubes. They removed my tonsils and adenoids when I was like 8, but that didn't help much.

---

Every few years, as long as I have been an adult, I have this problem which happens when wax builds up. Usually in the summer when I swim a lot. Essentially I wake up one day and can't hear out of one or both ears.

---
I can only take this so long, a trip to CVS for one of those Peroxide kits has never done the trick so I end up at the Doctors. Each time they go on and on about how they can't get it out, it takes hours and usually they manage to remove the block.
---
Christmas I started to feel I was losing hearing in one ear and knew what that meant.
---
I couldn't take it anymore, and yesterday (Saturday) I went to the Emergency Room.
---

Typical 4 1/2 hour wait before I was even seen, and then this (rather incompetent in my opinion) Nurse decides to stick one of those ear light proby things in my ear, which served to push the wax in deeper. She did the same to my other ear, and as a result I cannot hear out of that one now either, brilliant!!
---
So I get there at 1:30, and they see me around 5:30. They have me lay on my side and pour this solution in my ear and leave me there 30 mins. She comes back, "irrigates" my ear and can't get anything to come out. Next she tries Peroxide (not diluted either, the straight stuff which really burns I found out after 30 mins), still she can't get ANYTHING out.
---
They tell me then (It's about 7pm at this point) that I need to see an Ear Nose Throat Specialist, and that they have never seen such a wax blockage. Great, 6 hours of hell and not only is my ear still blocked, it's worse and now thanks to the idiot nurse my other ear is blocked as well.
---
Ya know we are raised in this country that when we are really in need of medical attention (I now have a fever and am beginning to get dizzy, not to mention I can't hear anything) that the emergency room is the place to go when our doctor's are not open. Can you imagine knowing that they can't even help you? I am totally frustrated, and yea, miserable.
---
ugh....

This is really exiting!!!

2007-12-28T14:42:00.001-05:00

Are YOU or do you know an adoptee born in Massachusetts before 1975??
---

December 5th, our Deval Patrick (our Governor) signed into state law an amendment allowing full access to your original birth certificate. I happened upon this via a genealogy website I follow. I am an adoptee, and was born in Massachusetts. While I found my natural parents on my own when I was 20 (you can read the story here:

---> Where did I come from?<---

---

Never the less I will be writing for a copy of my original birth record as soon as I get home from work tonight. I never thought I would see the day this would happen, so... spread the word.

---
Here is an official link to Chapter 109 of The Acts of 2007
---
Here is a link to the page you will need to read/download to obtain the records:
Obtaining your original Massachusetts Birth Certificate (un-certified)
(under the word Documents, center of the Page)

Interesting...

2007-12-28T09:10:00.000-05:00

Paris Hilton loses inheritance

July 30, 2007 02:16pm

Article from:

PARTY princess Paris Hilton is $60 million out of pocket after her billionaire grandfather - appalled by her jail term for drink-driving offences - axed her inheritance.

Family patriarch Barron Hilton was already embarrassed by his granddaughter's wild behaviour - notably when her home sex video was leaked on the internet.

But the 79-year-old considered her 23-day sentence last month the last straw.

"He was, and is, extremely embarrassed by how the Hilton name has been sullied by Paris," says Jerry Oppenheimer, who wrote a biography of the clan called House Of Hilton.

"He now doesn't want to leave unearned wealth to his family."

Hilton senior, the only member of the family left with a sizeable stake in the huge hotel chain, has let it be known that he intends to donate to charity the $2.4B he will gain from this month's sale of the company to private equity firm Blackstone.

The money will go to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the charity set up in the name of the founder of the family business.

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I know most of hate the Paris Hilton headlines... this one tho, I didn't mind reading so much.
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Kudos to her grandfather, not wanting to leave "unearned" money to his heirs.
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There is nothing (in my opinion) which makes us value money more than if we have earned it ourselves. In her case, she will be fine of course, her celebrity and all it entitles (despite protests from people who despise her") will ensure the woman never starves, and lives better than many of us can even imagine for the rest of her life.

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But still... things won't come as easy perhaps for her in the future and will begin to grow up. Funny by the time I was her age (26) I had already been married 4 years and had two sons.
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Happy Friday!

2007-12-27T07:58:00.000-05:00

*ring*

me: Hello

Asian Collections Agent: "Hello, is this Mr. ******?"

Me: "Sure, I can be anyone you want me to be baby. You sound hot, are you Asian?"

*click*

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I mean what do they expect when they call someone at 11:00 PM after *cough* a few....
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I was all ready to get all Frank Rizzo on her if she persisted. I sorta feel jipped.
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so glad the week is almost over (even though I have to work Saturday)

2007-12-26T09:49:00.000-05:00

Had a pretty decent holiday... hope you guys did also.
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Got lots of toys & $$$, which is very cool...
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going to use some of that $$$ to buy

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I've beaten every Zelda thus far (had this really cool promo-disc for Gamecube which had every game except Windwaker (I had that already anyway). Maybe I'll go get it tonight.
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Christmas Eve I spent wrapping, cleaning and cooking
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Christmas was spent with my kids at Mom's... too much food, but fun times. We watched old VHS videos I made in the 1980's when I was like 13/14 with our Camcorder. My kids got to see what a goober I was and also were able to see my grandparents (both gone), family pets, the birth of one of our horses, and how young we all were... once.
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Ya know back when I was a kid I had that Camcorder thing attached to my hip, I filmed everyone and everything despite having to run away from relatives and friends yelling at me to "turn that damn thing off" or "I don't want to be on film". Ha... now they are all so happy I didn't listen. Moments of time captured for an eternity, let's not even mention those who are no longer with us, brought back to life in full animation, a dimension photographs just can't quite relay.
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We are going to transfer most of the 20something Tapes to MPG format, and I will be posting some here (I am sure everyone is thrilled about that!!)
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"Tiger Maules three, kills one Christmas Day in San Francisco"

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I am sure you all read about this. It was interesting to read the comments posted on this story.

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You have your group who feels no compassion for the man mauled to death, nor for the other two young men nearly killed. They make the point that the animal was taken out of the wild, caged up, and merely acting on it's own primal natural instinct.

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Then of course there are the people who belittle the lost life of The Tiger. Some even cite Bible Verses (which I find amusing) proclaiming Man's superiority over Beast.

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My initial reaction (being human and all) was to feel horrified and disturbed, somewhat relieved they shot and killed Tatiana the Rare Endangered Siberian Tiger. But ya know, the more I think about it, and read ... the more I feel for her.

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I'm torn.
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How about you...?

Something old, yet relevant to think about...

2007-12-23T22:34:00.001-05:00

Many of you will start watching this and shut it down after a minute or so...
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Some of you will grasp the implications of The Late Shah's message
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Some of you who watch more than a minute will dismiss him as a paranoid nutjob..
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If your inclination is to dismiss his interview, then I ask you to evaluate just why you feel the way you do. I am very interested in your opinions, please post a comment.
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Thanks, here is the video.
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:)

Classic....

2007-12-21T21:47:00.000-05:00

I'm addicted to

2007-12-20T09:25:00.000-05:00

In case any of you guys are not familiar, this program takes an mp3 and creates a ringtone for your cell. The cool part is that you import the mp3, then pick the 35 seconds you want to serve as your ringer. You know how when you buy a ringtone (for $2.99) from let's say Sprint and it's never the part of the song you want? That problem is over. I've already filled my available space a few times, it's so much fun to use. The program sends the finished file right to your phone via satellite. Everytime I get a text message now Borat announces he's "King of the Castle".

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In other news...
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I am soooo broke right now, and haven't even started Christmas shopping! I have to do that Friday night (payday). Fun Times. I always wait until the last minute (not just Christmas shopping, it's my MO, since I was a kid). Something about the weekend before Christmas tho, when you walk into a store or mall, it just feels so much more like Christmas then let's say November. Plus my budget is so tight that spending money on gifts during the year would probably make me fall behind in my condo fees, electric bill or cell.

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I have $4.72 in my checking account at the moment and a quarter tank of gas.
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but I did bring lunch today so at least I can eat.
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*sigh*

(well at least I am current with all my bills at the moment, most likely the reason I am broke)

Interesting...

2007-12-19T17:27:00.000-05:00

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well, all I can say is that it sure looks better on her than Joan Rivers. :)
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Question: (reply in the comments)
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What do you think is worse (in Hollywood), being criticized because you look old, or being criticized because you have gone under the knife a few times....
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I'm curious what you guys think.

A meme....

2007-12-19T14:22:00.000-05:00

I stole this from The Best GLBT Canadian Blog (for those of you who don't know who Tornwordo from Sticky Crows is... check him out)

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The 10 Things Meme
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1. When you were born, how much did you weigh?
8 Pounds 6 ounces

2. What's your sugar poison?
Are you kidding?

3. If you had to choose between meat and cheese for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Then be specific.
Hm... while I love Cheese, I don't think I could survive without meats like Chicken, Turkey and Pork. I haven't eaten Red Meat now since 2001.

4. What, in your opinion, is the worst song ever?
Yikes there are so many... the first that comes to mind is that horrible song by Smash Mouth that starts with "Hey now you're a rock star..." *ehk*

5. Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why?
My 6th Grade History Teacher Mrs. Casal. She was 80 years old and had a green tint to her hair. She was also brilliant and probably was one of the first teachers who sparked my interest in History and Genealogy.

6. What personal activity, when performed in public, bothers you the most?
Spitting on the ground. Something about it makes me wanna gag.

7. Ok, there's a $50 bill lying on the ground. You pick it up. Dumbfounded by your incredible luck, what do you selfishly purchase?
I would run to Bestbuy and pick up Legend of Zelda, Twilight Princess for the Wii. I wouldn't think twice, it's been on my mind.

8. Do you have a recurring nightmare?
YES... two in fact. The first is falling into (or near) water and being attacked by a giant shark. I have had this nightmare regularly since I was a kid. Sometimes months go by but it always comes back. The second nightmare which I often have involves falling off a building or into an endless hole.

9. Name one place on Earth you've never been, but vow to visit at least once.
Australia.

10. You notice that question #9 wasn't really a question. You feel smart for catching such a small detail. What else can you do really well that reminds you how smart you are?

I suppose my research skills, specifically my experience as a genealogist.

saw this last night....

2007-12-19T08:44:00.000-05:00

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The theatre was completely packed (odd for a Tuesday night..)
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I really enjoyed the film. Will Smith was amazing as usual, and the plot/storyline fascinating. I haven't yet seen "Omega Man" (the book/film this is said to have been loosely based upon) but now I am going to make a point to rent it.

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New York City, 2012. A Viral cure for Cancer gone haywire.
Apparently one uninfected human left..
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That's all I'll say... Go see it!
I was doing the whole "hand over eyes" thing throughout the film.
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Way Back Wednesday ....
(Pictures from my childhood)
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This goat didn't look too pleased with my advances.
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eh.....

2007-12-18T08:21:00.000-05:00

I've been seriously slacking (yet again) here...
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anyway....
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My New PC arrived... so I've been busy playing games(3G Ram, Quad Core, 750G HD)
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I am seriously thinking of removing Monopoly Here and Now from my PC. It keeps drawing me in for hours... not good.
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Today we are having a huge smorg here at work, I brought my "famous" Cherry Swirl Cheesecake. My co-workers don't give me a choice. I guess this year I have competetion....

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Mothball Maryanne has decided to take me on...

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I say bring it ...

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more later

My son's new video

2007-12-10T18:05:00.000-05:00

He's just 13... pretty amazing
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I took him to see Weezer (his first show ever) when he was just 11 ....
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couple new developments....

2007-12-08T19:06:00.001-05:00

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My Dell XPS 420 will be here in 3-5 days
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750G Hard Drive 4G Ram, sweet ass sound and video card...
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I am completely stoked...
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oh and my bumper is fixed (earlier post)
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and as a bonus had the front bumper fixed and the car detailed
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seriously it's like new...
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I guess that isn't such a big deal since the car is only 2 years old but still..
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I was feeling really down lately since my car got damaged and both my tower (I am on the laptop right now) and my external drive failed within a month of each other...

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let's not even go into the still being dateless and single now for like 2 years..
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Here I am just now next to my xmass tree... (yea I look really stupid)
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I'm wearing the amazing cap Vuboq made for me
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my sons helped my decorate the tree ...
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How Kool is THAT???
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I swear everytime I walk in and see it I think of them and this big ass grin comes over my face. Makes it so incredibly special, especially in this incredibly lonely world I live in. Yea okay enough of the wallowing...

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Anyway....
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thought I would share a video of one of my favorite artists...
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got the chance to see him back about 4 years ago in Northampton
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Bright Eyes (Conor Oberst)
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Have a cool weekend

Today...

2007-12-01T19:47:00.000-05:00

The kids and I saw AWAKE....
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It wasn't so bad...
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I mean if you can get past the open chest inerds exposed stuff...
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(I covered my eyes more than a few times)
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but still....
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Hayden Christensen

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on another note ... my buddy Rey Rey got me hooked on this new band...
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seriously, check out Madina Lake

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That's about it...
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:)

ugh.....

2007-11-28T08:42:00.001-05:00

backing into a parking spot here at work this morning my bumper caught on this protruding piece of metal and and it ripped the whole thing nearly off, leaving a very upsetting tear through the entire piece. This is the third car damaged by this piece of metal, which (from what I understand) was to have been removed right after the cement block set, but wasn't.

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I called my insurance company and they said I have a $500. deductable and also it would be a surcharge against my driving record. Essentially I have to pay for it myself.
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You would think since this is the third time a car has been damaged by this piece of metal (which is not supposed to still be sticking out of the cement) My company would help me out. They refused to help the other two people, so I am not even going to try.

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any...
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Have a Humpty Dumpty Hump Day!
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That is my father's long term partner Bob holding my hand, soon after this picture was taken my mother discovered I was spending time with him and took Dad to court. His visitation was then reduced to one day a week, and never overnight. Times have changed...

Poor Alejandro...

2007-11-27T09:11:00.000-05:00

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Sylar still doesn't have his powers back and yet managed to take him out...
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So I have been having a standing Heroes night with some friends since the very end of last season. Ok we are geeks, but still.. It is getting really good winding up to next week's season finale. It's the only television I watch (apart from the occasional on-demand movie). Last night we played Monopoly before hand and consumed Molson XXX (nasty stuff, but with a real kick).

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Oh and I have become addicted to this game on my PC I downloaded :

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Jesus it's addicting.
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That and Chicken Invaders 2, what the hell is the matter with me?
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I.cant.stop
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They are both such cool ass games... (I have the purchased install file if anyone wants it)
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Still kinda freaked out about Casey (see yesterday's post).
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ehk.. it's only Tuesday and I am feeling sleepy..

You will be missed....

2007-11-26T23:07:00.001-05:00

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Casey Calvert passed away Saturday

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a couple pics I took of him two weeks ago at the Providence show..
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blurry, my cell sucks.. but still...

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so fucking tragic, and incredibly sad.... such a loss
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HH will NEVER be the same...
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I got to meet him this summer, an amazing privledge.
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He even signed my sticker
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do any of u ....

2007-11-16T18:31:00.000-05:00

remember THIS? I feel ancient...

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yikes...
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3rd shift etc Feeling so sleeepy.......

incredible show last night....

2007-11-11T10:28:00.001-05:00

We left at around 3 and got home at midnight yesterday. We ended up in the Pit, which was amazing and it was a rowdy crowd right from the start. The show opened with New Years Day,
who weren't so bad really. The lead vocalist (a girl) was kinda fun actually, I won't be picking up their CD, but I've seen much worse. They definitely have talent, just not really for me.

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second up was Amber Pacific. The crowd started to liven up during their set, but once again, I wasn't feeling them so much. Maybe in time they might morph into something (like The Starting Line have) better.. just right now I'm not so much into the lyrics/sound.
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third up was Hawthorne Heights ... I so love these guys, incredible lyrics, sound, just about everything except stage presence (but who cares right?) My favorite member hands down is Casey Calvert, who is one of the backup vocalists/rhythm guitar. He seriously rocks, was incredible to meet him a few months ago.
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Red Jumpsuit Apparatus ... didn't dissapoint in the least. Had the pleasure of seeing them a few months ago and loved them then, this show was even better! Lead vocalist Ronnie Winter is amazing, hell the whole band is incredible. more than half the pit was moshing, I got knocked around quite a few times during their set, but that's part of the fun right? A couple heavy set girls attempting to surf the crowd got dropped. Yikes .... They didn't give up tho and kept at it. I got to hear Justify & Atrophy, which just finished off what I consider one of the best shows I've ever seen (and that means heaps).
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here are some pics from my stupid Sprint Fusic phone which has a blurring issue...

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Amber Pacific

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Hawthorne Heights

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The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

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:)

Last night...

2007-11-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

I took my older son to The Shubert Theatre in Boston for his birthday to see La Boheme. He has an amazing appreciation for the arts, especially Opera, Musicals and Theatre. I am actually learning heaps from him, which is amazing. This was the third we have seen together (Carmen and La Nozze di Figaro were the other two). Had had initially asked me to take him to see Tosca, but it was playing the exact nights of his HS's production of The Diary of Anne Frank so we couldn't go. Last night was my favorite of the three (and his as well), very moving ending, so many people in tears. I didn't get home till 1AM and am really tired. (It's a two hour drive each way to Boston, and the show didn't get out till 10:30 and then a 40 minute T ride to our car, followed by an 1 1/2 hour drive).

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Tonight my younger son will be heading down to Providence, RI (another 2 hour drive) to catch the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus/Hawthorne Heights show at Lupo's. Little peved we only scored Mezzanine Seats and not floor, but that's all I could get via the website. Two of my favorite (and his) bands at the moment, this will be our second time seeing them both at the same venue. Should be an amazing show. My favorite RJA song at the moment, fuzzy vid but still...

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Sunday night I am working Third Shift (yet again).
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What a weekend....
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:)

One day late..

2007-11-08T18:58:00.000-05:00

Way back Wednesday.... My ex-wife and I at a wedding.

my kids....

2007-11-06T20:04:00.001-05:00

This video makes me so proud :)

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older son on vocals, younger son on Guitar
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aren't they both amazing?
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:)

my pc crashed today...

2007-11-02T23:56:00.000-04:00

I am on the laptop right now... not so happy about that but eh..
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I have a serious fundage problem at the moment and fixing my PC is not at the top of the list.
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Went to see my older son's play tonight "The Diary of Anne Frank"
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The kid was AMAZING, best performance in the production (and not just cause I'm his Dad)
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My younger son is going to tape some of it tomorrow so I''ll definitely have clips up by Sunday
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I finished Season 3 of Lost today, HOLY SHIT! Incredible, I can't wait till February.
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Last but not least, my younger son decided to dress as Borat for Halloween (my bad)
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Very Niiiiiiiiiice....
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This is for you Mike :)
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Wait it's Thursday....Happy HNT

2007-11-01T21:09:00.000-04:00

Click here

Things are morphing out of control...

2007-10-30T20:49:00.000-04:00

Yes it is sad from the Artist/Studio perspective but nevertheless... gone soon will be the profits obtained from CD sales and Theatre Tickets (which have obviously diminished considerably already). When I read (online of course) a story about a woman jailed for "sharing" 24 mp3's via a peer to peer site or better yet this... I am saddened and disgusted. Yes you deserve to be compensated for your hard work and expenses, Yes you deserve to be in charge of how your material is distributed. No, you do not have the right to selectively choose an example in your attempts to scare off the tens of millions who enjoy your hard work without dishing out hard cash. Everyone is doing it, the "problem" is not going to go away, you certainly are going to spend more in legal fees than you can obtain by suing the average joe downloader.

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That being said...
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Isn't it about time The Entertainment Industry woke up and morphed into 2007?

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moving right along..

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Fracking Serj has released a new solo album (this past Tuesday)
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here is my favorite track.. ("stolen" of course)
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Sky is over
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*hugs*

2007-10-29T12:43:00.000-04:00

(Hawthorne Heights)

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yikes has it really been a month? Lots of things have been going on in my life not to mention working (rather suddenly) the third shift. The kids are getting bigger and their interests/hobbies more involved. In the next two weeks we will be attending 4 Guitar/Vocal Lessons, my older son's Play spread over three evenings (The Diary of Anne Frank) an Opera in Boston for my older son's birthday (La Boheme) and a Concert in Providence, RI (Hawthorne Heights/Red Jumpsuit Apparatus). Life is pretty full at the moment, but in a very good way.

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One really strange thing about working third shift, at least so far as my body acclimates itself to the strange sleeping routine is that I have started watching TV to try and fall asleep. I never watch TV usually but have fallen victim to a few shows of late. I am now addicted to Heroes, Lost, Dexter, Jericho and Pushing Daisies. I just finished the second season of Lost, and am on episode 7 via the ABC Website. Damn it's an amazing show. I'm working to catch up with Jericho also, but that is on the backburner at the moment.

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My favorite Lost cast member, Josh Holloway - Sawyer
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In any case it's been a really rough month.
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I hope my friends haven't abandoned me because I have not posted or been able to read
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:)

I miss her...

2007-09-29T14:39:00.000-04:00

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She would have been 65 today...

in other news....

2007-09-28T20:25:00.000-04:00

I got a friend request today on myspace ... pretty fascinating and talented guy.

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We Persians are a beautiful breed no? :)

I found this interesting....

2007-09-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

This Yahoo Personals profile was sent to me this morning as a potential match...

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The profile headline is:

" Looking for a masculine guy. I’m more attractive to straight acting guys"
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Do you think he views himself as masculine? Or is it that he is looking for an opposite..
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And such perky breasts :)

yikes this is late...

2007-09-27T20:49:00.000-04:00

I had a long excruciating day... I overslept and woke up 10 minutes before I was supposed to leave for work and then when I got there (somehow on time) I remembered it is Physical Inventory tomorrow, the prep is uber tedious the day before. Tomorrow will be a nightmare for sure. I suppose the plus side is that the day sails by in an instant.

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After work I headed up to Grams to take her to dinner. It is "Corned Beef & Cabbage night" at this place around the corner from her she loves. She was pretty alert for the most part. I had to remind her what Ice Cream was tho (one of her favoirite desserts is a Fudge Sundae). She was insisting she doesn't like it and will not eat "that stuff". The waitress had to remind her repeatedly she always orders it for dessert. Finally we convinced her she does like it. 10 minutes later, and an empty sundae dish in front of her, she had no memory of the arguement.

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After I dropped her off I changed and set off for my nightly 4 mile run.
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When I got home I remembered today is Thursday sooo...
I took off my shirt, sat down in my great grandmother's old chair and snapped this shot...
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Happy HNT :)

------->CLICK HERE<--------

Way Back Wednesday...

2007-09-26T12:29:00.000-04:00

My Gram, father and aunt
circa 1953

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Gram was always closest to my father,
they had a special bond and many common interests.
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My father passed away when I was 15.
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Gram and I turned to each other for strength and became very close.
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Pics of Gram and I...

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My Aunt never married or had children. I am her only grandchild.
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Gram is slipping away gradually, although in perfect physical health for 82.
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Things are going to get much worse I suppose in the coming years.
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In a way I feel like I am losing one of my best friends.
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anyway.... work is hectic today, have to run.

Last night...

2007-09-25T08:01:00.000-04:00

I got to gram's last night and she answered the door in her bathrobe, having completely forgotten about our plans. I really need to make sure and call her in the morning or early afternoon on the day I am to go see her. I just thought since we spoke in detail the evening before she'd remember (and it was written on her desk blotter when I looked also). So I ran out and picked us up some Boston Market (she loves that) and we chatted away. She was actually pretty sharp, which was surprising (in a very good way). I'm going back thursday night to take her to her favorite "Corned-Beef and Cabbage" night at a local place (yuk I don't so much like it, but it's for her, I get the fish).

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Alejandro, new Heroes Character

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My Heroes party last night was fun-ish
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We had lots of food, cookies & spirits beforehand. Three of my friends were really as into (and exited about) the show as I was. Then my other friend arrived. He started to get under my skin right off, and as he drank it got worse. He started making extremely rude comments to one friend and started flirting in an uncomfortable way with another. Trust me there is no interest on the part of my friend he was flirting with, and it was quite embarassing. It was obvious he was more into the social aspect of the get-together than the show, pretty much paying more attention to his phone and being obnoxious than what was on the TV, and wanting desperately to get drunk. As his intoxication slowly progressed (Wine and Beer are slow) he got more and more obnoxious. He is my oldest gay friend, we've known each other 10 years now. In the beginning we were inseparable.

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Basically it was fun, until the show ended and he started getting worse.
Thank god I only had to endure him for an hour afterward.
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I'm having another one this coming Monday sans obnoxious person
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Anyone want to come?

2007-09-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

So I'm feeling heaps better.
I just had a very hectic few days and haven't had the time to post.
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Friday I called out sick ... drank lots of OJ and ibuprofen.
It really helped, by the end of the day
I was able to catch up on laundry and clean up my condo.
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Friday I went on a date.
We went for a beer and then hung out.
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It's been a while...
He's someone I met off the big blue M site
we've been chatting on Aim for some time.
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It was just ok.
I don't think I want to persue it, he's kinda sketchy.
I.hate.sketchy.
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We did have fun but still... I'm not feeling it.
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Saturday was my older son's first voice lesson (he's getting ready to audition soon for his school musical). He seemed a little discouraged at first by how it went, but I am sure that will improve as he moves forward with more lessons (at least I hope so..)

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Saturday was also my younger sons big day in the studio. His band cut their first demo.
Pretty exiting stuff, he's only 13 and the other kids range 17-23.
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Yesterday we went to see..

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was really great, I love Mila. She kicks some serious zombie ass.
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Last night friends came over for a card game ...
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Tonight I am taking my gram to dinner, should be interesting. She is 82 and has been getting really senile. A cousin happened to be behind her at the supermarket last week while she checked out with a heaping full cart. She explained to the cashier someone had broken into her home and stolen her food (which is certainly not true). The cousin followed her out to the car and spoke with her. When the conversation was over she began to head back into the store explaining she needed more groceries. After a briefly heated arguement (Gram gets really really rude) cousin convinced her to head home, and even followed her. There were a couple near accidents on the way and swerving. That night we went up and secretly disabled her car, for now until we can consider our options.

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after I drop gram off and my nightly run I will be hosting ...
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my first Heroes party, for the season premiere. 5 of my friends are heading over for 7:30.

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This is the only show I watch, and only because a friend got my hooked.
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I can't wait to see how they bring Sylar and Nathan back to life.
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ahhh Zackary Quinto (Sylar)....
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cough ... weeeeze...

2007-09-20T08:20:00.001-04:00

Im.sick
My throat is on fire...
I couldn't call out because my co-worker has a doctors apt. at 12 and there is no cover

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I can't concentrate on anything this morning
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they warned me to be careful, this whole office is sick, but as usual I didn't think I'd get it.
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I mean how can you be careful when the air circulation is horrible in this old dustrap?

Waaaay Back Wednesday....

2007-09-19T07:50:00.000-04:00

meet my 13th Great-Grandfather
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Francois Hotman
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Early French Protestant Lawyer & Author
Born Paris 23 August 1524
son of Pierre Hotman, Counsellor Parliament and his noble wife Paulette de Marle
---
He came from a very influential family on both sides,
his mother was a direct descendant of (French) Kings.
---
Francois' parents were zealous Catholics
---
He had other ideas, it was an explosive bloody period of History
---

He became one of the foremost advocates of the Protestant Reformation and was a close friend of John Calvin. He was also an advisor at times to Queen Elizabeth I of England and Catherine de Medici.

---
Alienated by his parents and native country, his life often threatened,
he fled and spent his last days in Basel, Switzerland.
---
The Plague of 1582 took his wife, mother to his 7 children
---
He died at Basel, Switzerland February 12th, 1590
---
He is today one of the most revered and respected Authors of the Reformation, having published numerous works of great fame, notably The Franco Gallia.

---
and now for pictures slightly more recent...
---
The Moppy Headed Persian Boy.... (and two of my "girlfriends" from Swim Camp)
---

---
laters...

so my "date"...

2007-09-18T08:09:00.000-04:00

called an hour late....

he said he completely forget and it was a hell day...

---

tis all good, I really wanted to re-watch the last episode of Heroes last night with my friend Joe anyway. I am glad the guy never showed, to be honest I wasn't looking forward to it. We don't really mesh all that well. He's a tad older and not just in years... Plus his ego is suffocating.
---
so my friend came over around 9 and we ran to the store for a bit and finally settled down at 10 to catch last years season finale.
---
I don't watch TV ever, I couldn't name one single popular show other than those which make the news (ie--IDOL etc). More than likely you will find me at night either in front of my PC or out doing something to help me forget my singledom. Anyway...
---
Last year this friend Joe introduced me to Heroes. I got hooked right off. The storyline is really interesting, I always was into that "special powers" thing as a kid and well I like a good continual -series thing if it's done well. I think this show is pretty amazing. Oh and then there is Mohinder (Sendhil Ramamurthy) ....
---

---

my friend keeps telling me that I remind him physically of Zachary Quinto (Sylar) but I don't see it. I mean yea I'm flattered because I WISH I looked that good but still..

---

---
so it was a fun night after all...
---
shtil not smokin' :)
---
today is my son's guitar lesson after work
---
his new band has their first club gig did I tell u?
---
Friday October 5th. Pretty exiting shtuff, I can't wait.
---
laters :)

my weekend...

2007-09-17T11:16:00.000-04:00

still sober and smokeless ... I've decided to forgo the counting thing.
---
Worked at my booth Sat & Sun Morning at The BIG E

---
Saturday friends came over and we played poker.
They drank heaps of Beer and I had an iced coffee.
---
drunk people are funny
---

Sunday I hung out with my kids, made them a shepherd's pie and later in the evening took grammy to chinese with my friend Nick..

---
Tonight I have a date kinda sorta...
---
Well there was this guy I saw last year ... and decided he was not for me (but why??)
---

It's been a while, he's started calling again. Maybe I don't remember well enough why it didn't work last time, I will probably be kicking myself tomorrow. I swear we should keep date logs so we don't forget.

---
saw The Brave One last night

It fracking sucked, I fell asleep no less than twice (possibly thrice). Long ass boring sensless movie. Don't waste your time checking this one out, wait till it is released to DVD if you must.

---
the movie got out at 1235 I got home at 1AM and couldn't fall asleep till 2:30.
---
I overslept and was late to work...
---
and now for some of nature's greatest works of art... beautiful Persians :)
---

(make sure to click the image to see it larger)

Way Back Wednesday....

2007-09-12T10:57:00.001-04:00

3rd Great-Aunt Ermine "Minnie" Mercier Taft
(1879-1939)
The youngest child of 16, she was born when her mother was 45 years old
at 18 she began her study to become a Nurse out East in Boston
She met and married a Physician and removed to New Hampshire
They had no children
on the eve of her 60th Birthday she threw herself from her hospital window
Apart from the immediate cause of death (the fall)
she was said to have been suffering from "Chronic Melancholia"
---
She is buried in Keene, NH
her tombstone reads:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
- John 3:16-
---
very sad

Remembering...

2007-09-11T14:32:00.001-04:00

If you have a second, look at CNN's Memorial website linked below
and read about those lost through individual biographies, often with photographs.

Day Numero Uno...

2007-09-11T10:46:00.001-04:00

that was my last smoke, which I had before walking into the dentists to have my final veneers (it's about time) placed yesterday. They look pretty amazing btw. I now have the smile of an 18 year old again... (yea right...) Anyway I am really edgy today.

---
Strangely I also feel out of sorts and hungrier than I can ever remember...
---
and what's up with people who make comments like

"Oh your quitting again? hahahahahaha"

or

"Good Luck ... hahahahaha"

or my favorite (from my own mother no less)

"He will never be able to quit"

(which she said to my son, if she had perhaps said it to me I might take some comfort
in that she was attempting to challenge me. Now I know she believes it.)

---
Does it really take so much to be supportive?
What is gained from making us feel like shit for trying yet again?
---
seriously... I can't think of one.
---
I am (as I said) super edgy today.

laters :)

2007-09-10T08:23:00.001-04:00

---
Chipping away at our civil liberties ... bit by bit
---
I found this article today...
---

"Baggy pants are out"

says CT city mulling fines for wearing them

(AXcess News) New York - Stratford, Connecticut may not be on the fashion map of top designers, but if they were at the latest city council meeting they would have gotten an ear full after the City Council considered imposing fines on anyone caught wearing baggy pants in town.

Councilman Alvin O'Neal is proposing a $250 fine for people caught wearing baggy pants that fall down low enough to expose their underwear.

"Seniors are complaining," said O'Neal, who tonight will hear what the good citizens of Stratford think at an open Town Hall meeting on whether to ban baggy pants or not. But the Coucil says it's got a plan.

"The target of the new law is very specific - young people who wear trousers as low as possible without them falling down completely," says O'Neal.

A similar proposal is causing controversy in Atlanta, where a councilman wants an amendment to the city's indecency law that would ban people from wearing baggy pants that show boxer shorts or thongs.

"Sagging pants are an epidemic that is becoming a major concern around the country," said Atlanta Councilman C.T. Martin. But Martin may be in for a fight as civil liberties groups are considering opposing the City if it tries to ban baggy pants. Apparently, pants have rights, though Martin says they haven't a leg to stand on, citing similar indecency laws in Louisiana where you can be fined $500 if you're caught wearing baggy pants that reveal your under garments.

---
There are variations of this "movement" surfacing in many states across the nation.
---

Public nudity aside, many of these laws would fine (and make provisions to imprison) individuals who allow their "undergarments" to be even partially visible. The whole thing is ridiculous when you really look at it. In my opinion, if it is acceptable to be worn on a public beach then it is absolutely ridiculous to suggest that adding a layer and then pulling it down a tad (or more, what's the freaking difference) has now made the same outfit "offensive".

---

Bottom line ... You have government reaching in and trying to forcibly dictate our dress code, and it makes no sense (their argument). They are obviously facing a lot of resistance from Civil Liberties groups, but in quite a few cities headway is being made. Makes me quite sad.

---

Saw Shoot 'Em Up last night

---

Clive Owen kicked some serious ass (I luuurve Mr. Owen). The film was amazing and intense, you barely had time to breathe. Complete fantasy (nobody hits every target and can take out 75 men in 20 minutes) but still, a fantastic experience. The Audience clapped wildly at the end. I liked that :)

---

that's it..

a borrowed meme... (from Lemuel)

2007-09-07T09:59:00.000-04:00

"BEAR!....BEAR!"

---

1. What is your best friend’s Dad’s name?
Dominick ... just like his son (my friend)

2. What body part do you hate the most?
My chest, it's flat and boney. Hereditary unfortunately.

3. Who was the hottest teacher you ever had?
It's funny, any time I initially thought a teacher was hot, it dissipated after the 2nd or third class. As a result, I can't remember one.

4. Have you ever made out in a basement?
Not that I remember...

5. What body part do you wash first in the shower?
My head ...

6. Do you have any piercings?
Yeap 2

7. Do you have any tattoos?
No.

8. Is your driveway steep?
I live in a condo, it's full of freaking speed bumps that scratch my car's underside.

9. What’s your favorite flavored Pringle
I don't remember the last time I had one, so I am not up on flavors.

10. Have you ever been tied up?
no comment

11. What was the worst thing you ever got grounded for?
I was a perfect kid, never got in trouble (my parents were strict).

12. Have you ever had two dates in one night?
yea a couple times, but never if the first one went well.

13. How many times have you been cursed at?
Yea sure, I was married for 6 years.

14. Which shoe do you put on first?
The right

15. How old are you?
In my thirties (that's all the info you get)

16. Have you ever been to a gay bar?
yea you could say that

17. Have you ever had any Friends with Benefits?
Yes and they were rewarding experiences :)

18. Is there one thing all of the times you have been in love have had in common?
Yea that I selfishly ended all three. I loved them each deeply.

19. Did you French kiss before you were 16?
oh yea.. first time I was 14 on a hill behind a school with a girl named Carol.

20. Have you ever been cow-tipping or snipe-hunting?
no, what the heck is snipe hunting??

21. Who is the last person you usually think about before you fall asleep?
usually? hm... it totally depends on the day

22. Have you ever had a song written about you?
Not that I am aware of...

23. If you had to choose to not ever wash your bed sheets or your towel ever again, which would you choose?
That's easy, the towel. If you take a shower and dry off with a clean towel, it definitely stayes a lot cleaner longer than a dirty bedsheet.

24. Have you ever found anything in your parents’ bedroom that was questionable?
Questionable? Yea sure as a kid I found pornos/porn mags and even the occasional dildo.

25. What was your childhood nickname?
"Jimmy"

26. When is the last time you played the air guitar?
Last weekend methinks.

27. Have you ever peeked in the opposite sex’s locker room?
nope

28. What’s the weirdest thing you have done while driving?
Just about everything you can do in a parked car over the years. I am always on the go and at some point I've pretty much done it, including sex.

29. Have you ever bitten your toenails?
I am pretty flexable, yes.

30. How do you normally eat your Oreo cookies?
I don't like Oreos.

31. Name something you do when your same sex friends aren’t around?
The same thing I do when I'm alone (which is a lot lately) Drink myself silly. (not so much recently but still....)

32. How many drinks does it take before you get drunk?
As in Alcohol? (Beer/Wine would be different) depends on whether I make them or not. My drinks = 3 A bar maybe 6

33. Why are you doing this survey?
Saw it on Lemuel's blog and enjoyed reading his answers.

34. What was the best year of your life?
I would have to say 1991.

35. Any strange phobias?
Yea a few.. Spiders top the list followed by Sharks and Bears

36. Have you ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?
Yea a sharpie as a joke, even took a picture of it (I was drinking)

37. whens the last time you threw up?
I don't remember, rarely.

38. Have you ever called your love interest by another girl/guys name?
yea once lol

39. Have you ever gotten caught sleeping while on a date?
yea I went on a movie date once and it sucked. The date's personality was on par with the boring movie, a bad mix.

40. Have you ever played naked Twister?
No, never played twister.

41. Have you ever been drunk at work/school?
never

42. How many Ellie’s do you know?
Only one, she's the head of Accounts Receivable here at work.

* * *

Hope everyone has a decent weekend :)

Protein Powder, Veneers and HNT....

2007-09-06T13:19:00.000-04:00

anybody use this (type) of stuff? What I am talking about is Protein powder. For the last 2 months I have been running and working out religiously and also maintaining a very healthy lean diet full of protein (meats/eggs/fish etc). Everything seems to be going pretty well, I am seeing really quick results, but not everywhere. My chest of course is the most frustrating area of all. A fellow blogger friend saw the first shot of my weekly workout progress blog and suggested I get some Whey-Protein powder to build up muscle. Currently I am not eating enough to sustain my workout and have been losing weight instead of gaining muscle. At 6' 145 I could really afford to bulk up a bit. I am trying to figure out the best Protein Powder to buy. Anyone have any suggestions??
---

I started another blog (we'll see how long this lasts) which serves to document my progress through weekly photographs (as did my blogger buddy).

---
In other news my temporary veneers (the permanents are being applied Monday) fell off twice in the past two days... grrr I am soo sick of eating mush, oatmeal, puddings and jello to avoid shifting them. I guess they intentionally apply them weakly so they can be easily removed later.
---
Yikes this post makes me really sound vain.. (which I am not I assure you, it's just everything is happening all at once)
---
oh yea and ... Happy HNT :)
---

----->Click Here to view<-----

---

2007-09-05T13:59:00.001-04:00

One of my best friends recently went on a date with a famous artist from Amherst (MA). They met on one of those sites, the popular one which begins with an M. A day later I was talking with another friend who is sort of an Art historian and showed him (without going into details) one of the works of this artist. Small world, he also had dated (some other activities were involved as well) this artist. This morning I was chatting with another friend who was very exited about someone he had met. Can you guess who it was? None other than the artist!

---
I guess the guy gets around!
---
Why is it I never meet anyone quite as interesting ...
---
Here is an image of one of his latest works, a 911 tribute mural. I think it's amazing
---

(click the image to enlarge)
---
What do you guys think?

Way Back Wednesday...

2007-09-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

This is my Great-Grandfather
He lived from 1897-1934
He often visited prostitutes
He died of Syphilis at age 36

saw three flics this weekend...

2007-09-04T09:12:00.001-04:00

Shortbus

I've been meaning to see this for a long time, never had the chance until Sunday night when some friends brought it over. Very bizarre film, but there definitely were interesting points involving Jay Brannan pictured above. He is quite an accomplished musician, check out the link. I didn't like Hedvig so much, it sort of bored me. Somehow this film, taken as a whole was far more meaningful. Sorry to you diehard Hedvig fans... :(

I really loved this remake. Definitely worth seeing should you be a fan of the original.

Last night I went to see Death Sentence starring Kevin Bacon. An action packed heart racing film loaded with some pretty intense scenes. My friend and I both loved it, and Kevin (as usual) didn't disappoint.

---
Went out Saturday night (still not drinking) with my friend Chris
& his beautiful friend Rick.

Rick looks just like Adrien Grenier . I like Rick :)
---

I think there is more to the "friendship" between them, which is irritating because I know how my friend Chris passes thru dates one after the other. Later I saw said Rick on Mhunt and was shocked to read the profile. That's all I'll say, but the kid is into some weird stuff... and with people double his age (that would explain Chris who is in his mid 40's).

---
Still... Adrien Grenier....
---
in other news...
---

My younger son auditioned for an up and coming local band. He is now their lead vocalist. I would link their site here, but would not want to embarass him. Pretty exiting stuff, I mean he's only 13. This is only the beginning methinks ... he will go far.

---
both my kids started school today, I can't believe we are in September already...
---
that's it for now

2007-08-31T08:05:00.000-04:00

another Friday has arrived, it amazes me how fast time flies the older we get. I try and make this less depressing by working towards a goal which requires time to achieve results, in this way the time passing is sort of a positive thing. Does that make any sense? It does to me (maybe I am losing my mind...)

---

So it's been better than two months since I began (yet again) to run and lift. It's a very positive boost to self esteem and the ego when you begin to see results. Of course (like time passing) it is a bit more of a struggle as we travel thru our thirties heading toward the big 4-ohhhhh (a very scary number indeed).

---

Of course working out at home has it's advantages (I dislike cruisy gyms, and also to work out in public) and disadvantages (needless to say the lack of equipment, I have only freeweights and a tread mill)

---

The main issue I have is that it is hereditary in my family (my birthfather has the same issue) that we have a very flat upper chest (boney in fact, check out this picture from yesterday's HNT to see what I mean) We just don't have even a semblance of pec-age. I am just looking to build up something in this area..

---
this would be nice :)
---

---

but unrealistic methinks...
---

I was wondering if anyone knows of a way to build up your chest using an excercize ball, free weights or anything you could do at home to work on this area...

---
any advice would be most appreciated..
---
I mean my abs are starting to stick out farther than my chest! lol
---
anyway... have to run work calls, thank god for a long ass weekend
:)

a little MEME and a little HNT

2007-08-30T14:44:00.000-04:00

Four things Meme
(I am a lazy slacker today...)

Four jobs I’ve had

Genealogist
Managed Old Tyme Photo at an Amusement Park
Lifeguard
IT

Four movies I can watch over and over

Four places I’ve lived (yea this one is pretty sad, three of these are in the same county)

Springfield, MA.
Feeding Hills, MA.
Southwick, MA.
Lowell, MA.

Four TV shows I love(d)

3. Family Guy

4. South Park

Four places I’ve vacationed (my favorites I guess, I've traveled a bit)

Monte Carlo, Monaco
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Palermo, Sicily
Copenhagen, Denmark

Four of my favorite dishes

Paella Marisco
Eggplant Rolatini
Authentic Mexican anything
Grilled Swordfish

Four sites I visit daily

Four places I would rather be right now

1. Swimming off some exotic beach

2. Hiking in the wilderness

3. cruising on the Mediterranean in a yacht

4. anywhere but here (work)

Four of my favorite bands/Artists:

Nirvana
Three Days Grace

Sum 41
Hawthorne Heights

I am supposed to tag someone, but I hate to put that pressure on my friends :)
--

haven't done this in a while for personal reasons ... but I guess once in a while is ok :)
I've been working out and running the past two months, starting to see results ( a little).

---->Click Here<---- ---
later....

What a fracking bitch...

2007-08-29T08:02:00.001-04:00

---
Leona Helmsley's dog inherits $12 Million Trust
---

ok so this witch died leaving over $4 Billion in assets. She had only 5 surviving relations, a brother and 4 grandchildren (her son Jay predeceased her). So who gets the largest bequest of all? Apart from her charitable trust, it is her freaking dog!! The little mutt inherits a $12 Million trust administered by Leona's brother. Said brother is left several million to act in that capacity (and for no other reason). What about her four grandchildren, the offspring of her deceased only child? Two are disinherited outright, and the remaining two are left trusts of $5 Million each PROVIDED (and this one gets me) they visit their father's grave at least once a calendar year or (and these are her exact words) "They will not receive a penny of the $5 Million I have left to each of them". I wonder how one would prove that they have visited the grave, is there a finger print recognition system and a log book?

---

apparently two of her grandchildren were disinherited because they chose to marry catholics (Leona was Jewish). Fry in hell you miserable hag!! there I feel soooo much better :)

---
moving right along ....
---

so its officially been 2 months today sans hooch and also since I have started running/working out (yea I know yet again...). I feel pretty great with my progress, I can already see the definition coming back in my arms and legs and stomach. Maybe there is an HNT Shot in the near future (sheesh it's been so long since I posted one).

---
laters...

Becoming Visible

Heya :-)

GAH!! I'm still alive :-)

It's been a long while...

been a while ...

insane woman....

my date....

crazy week...

Friends forever....

*ready to strangle someone*

last night... a post to vent

Kurt...

My basement

my exiting Friday night...

ugh....

i dunno what it is about this guy....

eh...

Has it really been 4 months?

Kurt.... (my New Puppy)

My (Hectic) yet amazing month...

Closed on the new house today...

The Big E

My new toy...

*update*

*update*

The inspection....

Tomorrow is The New House inspection...

An amazing day :)

Anybody been following?

Sorry...

ugh...

Yikes!

Way Back Wednesday....

If you grew up in the 80's....

He's back....

last night was fun...

Way Back Wednesday....

hey there kids :)

meant to post this last week...

Hey :)

Way Back Wednesday...

I'm back....

ok so...

Gram..

today...

rough night...

update...

What I was listening to ....

completely miserable...

This is really exiting!!!

Interesting...

Paris Hilton loses inheritance

Something old, yet relevant to think about...

Classic....

I'm addicted to

Interesting...

A meme....

saw this last night....

eh.....

My son's new video

couple new developments....

Today...

Hayden Christensen

ugh.....

Poor Alejandro...

You will be missed....

do any of u ....

incredible show last night....

Last night...

One day late..

my kids....

my pc crashed today...

Wait it's Thursday....Happy HNT

Things are morphing out of control...

I miss her...

in other news....

I found this interesting....

yikes this is late...

Way Back Wednesday...

Last night...

ready to strangle someone

update

update

cough ... weeeeze...