Unfortunately, I do have a hammer...and now I have a purple thumb to go with it because I suck at using said hammer, and I, repeatedly, hit my thumb instead of the nail.
Roofing sucks.
What else is sore besides my thumb? My back, my shoulders, my legs, my arms...my knees are the size of Texas, with a pain to match...
I shouldn't complain. This long weekend, we decided to re-roof the shed. The roof on the shed consists of a flat carport awning, and a peaked roof for the actual shed. My friend Shannon did the peak opposite of the carport (where if he fell, there is only ground to catch him) and I worked on the flat part and some of the peak on the carport side.
But giving credit where credit is due, the person who did almost all of the peak on the carport side, and half of the flat part, was Becky.
Yes, I made Becky roof the shed with me. Actually, she volunteered, and I, being very afraid of heights, didn't stop her. Boy, you should have seen her shimmy up that peak...actually, I couldn't watch her do it...like I said, I was scared!!
The flat part took about 6 hours, Shannon's peak took about 3, and we finished the other peak in 2 or so. Not too bad, I guess. (I won't count the 3 TRIPS to LOWES!! Why can't I get what I need in one trip?)
What a way to spend a long weekend. Ain't homeownership fun?
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Tickle Monster
The other day, while sitting on the couch with Becky, I decided to break into the impromptu "Tickle Monster."
Me: "Here comes the Tickle MONSTER!!" (Yes, I am that sappy.)
Becky: No Reaction
Me: "Ah, Tickle Monster, Tickle Monster."
Becky: No Reaction.
I finally gave up, and sat up with a look of dispair in my eyes.
Becky: "What do you call tickling, when it doesn't tickle?"
Tony: "Besides a mood killer?"
Becky: "No, I'm serious."
Tony: "I guess it's just called, running my fingers across your body."
Becky: Yawn..."Whatever."
Me: "Here comes the Tickle MONSTER!!" (Yes, I am that sappy.)
Becky: No Reaction
Me: "Ah, Tickle Monster, Tickle Monster."
Becky: No Reaction.
I finally gave up, and sat up with a look of dispair in my eyes.
Becky: "What do you call tickling, when it doesn't tickle?"
Tony: "Besides a mood killer?"
Becky: "No, I'm serious."
Tony: "I guess it's just called, running my fingers across your body."
Becky: Yawn..."Whatever."
Monday, May 23, 2005
The Mother Lode
For those of you who know me, you know that I love records. You know...vinyl. 33 1/3...45 rpm ... records. I am constantly searching for new stuff to add to my ever increasing collection.
Well, last week, I hit the mother lode.
While combing the hundreds-of-thousands of records on EBay, I came across the listing of a guy selling his "entire collection." Usually, this means 50 records or so, scuffed and tore all to hell. Curiousity got the better of me, so I clicked on. The pictures showed a pretty goodly amount of 45 rpm records, some sleeves, etc. I glanced at the description:
Selling my collection of 45 rpm records. Between 10 and 13,000 records.
Did I read that right? 13,000? Yikes!! The opening bid was $1,000...that's darn cheap for 13,000 records. So, I monitored the auction. Days went by.
On the last day, I opened my watch page, and the listing had changed.
100 45 rpm Record Lot
Damn. Too good to be true, I guess. After the bidding produced no buyers, I emailed the guy and asked if he still wanted to sell the lot of 13,000. To my surprise, he did. The catch...his price went up to $1,700.
I was game...Becky was not.
I had to negotiate now with two hostile people. Becky came up with a solution.
"You can buy the records, if I can get a motorcycle." Since Becky is all of 5 foot tall, I was sure she was kidding, so I went about my negotiating tactics with the Record Guy. The only way I would get these records, would be to get him to agree to a low ball offer.
I had to weigh my options carefully. Throw a real low-ball offer at him and potentially piss him off to the point of no return, or semi-low-ball him and potentially piss Becky off to the point of no return...
After carefully weighing the options for 2 seconds, I decided to low-ball him, and potentially kill the deal. $300. I know, it's laughable. I laughed. That's 2 cents per record. What a shame.
I sulked back home and told Becky I low-balled the guy, and the deal was probably dead.
"I guess I can't get that motorcycle then, huh?"
I laughed and said nope...but instead of laughing, she looked sad. Did she really want the bike?
"You weren't serious about the bike were you?"
"Well, yeah!!" Well crap. I just low-balled this guy and now you tell me you really meant it? Damn, I'm really bad at reading women!!
The next day the return e-mail came back. He said no to the $300...go figure. The worse news was he decided to not sell them after all. He didn't want to negotiate.
Deperate times called for desperate measures. I called him. For those of you not in the know, I HATE picking up the telephone to call someone else (getting calls are great, making them suck) but I felt it was my only option.
We talked for awhile, hashed out some terms, and finally decided on a price that was right for both of us. I am not at liberty to discuss the final terms with you, unfortunately, due to the legal implementations (actually, I just don't want to tell you!)
With money in hand, we borrowed Dad's van and travelled down South to Tennessee. Loaded the van down with 83 boxes of 45's, and returned home. After 30 minutes of un-loading boxes, the basement was filled. I had 5 very realistic goals for the lot of records:
1. At least one Chuck Berry 45 on Chess records (I ended up pulling about 7).
2. At least one full box of picture sleeves (I ended up with 9 boxes!!)
3. At least one Buddy Holly on Coral records (several re-issued Buddy Holly...none on Coral)
4. Beatles...Atco...Sweet Georgia Brown (NOPE)
5. I can't remember #5, but it must not have been very important...and I do know it didn't happen.
2 out of 5 may seem bad to you, but I got so much more that I didn't expect. So many mint condition records...not just new records, or junk records...but a lot of older stuff, and actual good stuff, even several boxes of mint promo records! It took 28 hours to look through the lot ONCE!! It was taken a full week of looking just to begin the organizational process, and I have a feeling I will be at this for a very, very long time!! Now, I have to find Becky a motorcycle...
PS...If you have a Sweet Georgia Brown on Atco by the Beatles, please let me know...I will buy it from you!!
Well, last week, I hit the mother lode.
While combing the hundreds-of-thousands of records on EBay, I came across the listing of a guy selling his "entire collection." Usually, this means 50 records or so, scuffed and tore all to hell. Curiousity got the better of me, so I clicked on. The pictures showed a pretty goodly amount of 45 rpm records, some sleeves, etc. I glanced at the description:
Selling my collection of 45 rpm records. Between 10 and 13,000 records.
Did I read that right? 13,000? Yikes!! The opening bid was $1,000...that's darn cheap for 13,000 records. So, I monitored the auction. Days went by.
On the last day, I opened my watch page, and the listing had changed.
100 45 rpm Record Lot
Damn. Too good to be true, I guess. After the bidding produced no buyers, I emailed the guy and asked if he still wanted to sell the lot of 13,000. To my surprise, he did. The catch...his price went up to $1,700.
I was game...Becky was not.
I had to negotiate now with two hostile people. Becky came up with a solution.
"You can buy the records, if I can get a motorcycle." Since Becky is all of 5 foot tall, I was sure she was kidding, so I went about my negotiating tactics with the Record Guy. The only way I would get these records, would be to get him to agree to a low ball offer.
I had to weigh my options carefully. Throw a real low-ball offer at him and potentially piss him off to the point of no return, or semi-low-ball him and potentially piss Becky off to the point of no return...
After carefully weighing the options for 2 seconds, I decided to low-ball him, and potentially kill the deal. $300. I know, it's laughable. I laughed. That's 2 cents per record. What a shame.
I sulked back home and told Becky I low-balled the guy, and the deal was probably dead.
"I guess I can't get that motorcycle then, huh?"
I laughed and said nope...but instead of laughing, she looked sad. Did she really want the bike?
"You weren't serious about the bike were you?"
"Well, yeah!!" Well crap. I just low-balled this guy and now you tell me you really meant it? Damn, I'm really bad at reading women!!
The next day the return e-mail came back. He said no to the $300...go figure. The worse news was he decided to not sell them after all. He didn't want to negotiate.
Deperate times called for desperate measures. I called him. For those of you not in the know, I HATE picking up the telephone to call someone else (getting calls are great, making them suck) but I felt it was my only option.
We talked for awhile, hashed out some terms, and finally decided on a price that was right for both of us. I am not at liberty to discuss the final terms with you, unfortunately, due to the legal implementations (actually, I just don't want to tell you!)
With money in hand, we borrowed Dad's van and travelled down South to Tennessee. Loaded the van down with 83 boxes of 45's, and returned home. After 30 minutes of un-loading boxes, the basement was filled. I had 5 very realistic goals for the lot of records:
1. At least one Chuck Berry 45 on Chess records (I ended up pulling about 7).
2. At least one full box of picture sleeves (I ended up with 9 boxes!!)
3. At least one Buddy Holly on Coral records (several re-issued Buddy Holly...none on Coral)
4. Beatles...Atco...Sweet Georgia Brown (NOPE)
5. I can't remember #5, but it must not have been very important...and I do know it didn't happen.
2 out of 5 may seem bad to you, but I got so much more that I didn't expect. So many mint condition records...not just new records, or junk records...but a lot of older stuff, and actual good stuff, even several boxes of mint promo records! It took 28 hours to look through the lot ONCE!! It was taken a full week of looking just to begin the organizational process, and I have a feeling I will be at this for a very, very long time!! Now, I have to find Becky a motorcycle...
PS...If you have a Sweet Georgia Brown on Atco by the Beatles, please let me know...I will buy it from you!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
The 10 Most Depressing Songs Of All Time
Sometimes, a song is so sad, it make you feel like crying. Sometimes, it's so in your face, it makes you feel uneasy when you hear it. Some songs are so unnerving, they crawl under your skin and die...
Without further ado, I give you:
The 10 Most Depressing Songs of All Time
10. Too Cool For This World - Josh Clayton Felt
--And every time you turn away
All the colors of the day
Reach the sky
Wonder why
You don't see them at all,
When it's only you're reflection
You're passing by...
9. In The Ghetto - Elvis Presley
--As her young man dies,
On a cold and grey Chicago morn',
Another little baby child is born
In the ghetto
And his mama cries
8. Gravedigger - Dave Matthews
--Gravedigger
When you dig my grave
Could you make it shallow
So that I can feel the rain
Gravedigger
7. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
--Well, I 've been afraid of changing '
Cause I 've built my life around you
But time makes you get bolder
Even children get older
And I 'm getting older, too
6. Raining In Baltimore - Counting Crows
--And I get no answers
And I don 't get no change
It's raining in Baltimore, baby
But everything else is the same
There 's things I remember and things I forget
I miss you I guess that I should
Three thousand five hundred miles away
But what would you change if you could?
5. Girl of the North Country - Bob Dylan
--I 'm a-wonderin ' if she remembers me at all.
Many times I 've often prayed
In the darkness of my night,
In the brightness of my day.
So if you 're travelin ' in the north country fair,
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline,
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.
4. 100 Years - Five For Fighting
--Half time goes by
Suddenly you 're wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We 're moving on...
I 'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
15 there 's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there 's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
3. Space Oddity - David Bowie
--Though I 'm past one hundred thousand miles
I 'm feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell my wife I love her very much she knows
"Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you...."Here am I floating round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do."
2. Mad World - Gary Jules (originally by Tears for Fears)
--All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places
Worn out faces
Bright and early for the daily races
Going no where
Going no where
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression
No expression
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow
No tomorrow
No tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles its a very very
Mad world
Mad world
1. Dust In The Wind - Kansas
--I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone
All my dreams, pass before my eyes, a curiosity
Dust in the wind,
all they are is dust in the wind.
Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see
Dust in the wind,
all we are is dust in the wind
[Now] Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy.
Dust in the wind,
all we are is dust in the wind
Dust in the wind,
everything is dust in the wind.
...........................................................
There you have it. The 10 Most Depressing Songs of All Time. Disagree? It's cool. Maybe some Honorable Mentions will help:
Honorable Mentions
Spirit in the Sky - Norman Greenbaum (because it's creepy!!)
Angel - Sarah McLachlan
Streets of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen
Masters of War - Bob Dylan
Hear You Me - Jimmy Eat World
Hurt - Johnny Cash (and Nine Inch Nails)
Without further ado, I give you:
The 10 Most Depressing Songs of All Time
10. Too Cool For This World - Josh Clayton Felt
--And every time you turn away
All the colors of the day
Reach the sky
Wonder why
You don't see them at all,
When it's only you're reflection
You're passing by...
9. In The Ghetto - Elvis Presley
--As her young man dies,
On a cold and grey Chicago morn',
Another little baby child is born
In the ghetto
And his mama cries
8. Gravedigger - Dave Matthews
--Gravedigger
When you dig my grave
Could you make it shallow
So that I can feel the rain
Gravedigger
7. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
--Well, I 've been afraid of changing '
Cause I 've built my life around you
But time makes you get bolder
Even children get older
And I 'm getting older, too
6. Raining In Baltimore - Counting Crows
--And I get no answers
And I don 't get no change
It's raining in Baltimore, baby
But everything else is the same
There 's things I remember and things I forget
I miss you I guess that I should
Three thousand five hundred miles away
But what would you change if you could?
5. Girl of the North Country - Bob Dylan
--I 'm a-wonderin ' if she remembers me at all.
Many times I 've often prayed
In the darkness of my night,
In the brightness of my day.
So if you 're travelin ' in the north country fair,
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline,
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.
4. 100 Years - Five For Fighting
--Half time goes by
Suddenly you 're wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We 're moving on...
I 'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
15 there 's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there 's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
3. Space Oddity - David Bowie
--Though I 'm past one hundred thousand miles
I 'm feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell my wife I love her very much she knows
"Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you...."Here am I floating round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do."
2. Mad World - Gary Jules (originally by Tears for Fears)
--All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places
Worn out faces
Bright and early for the daily races
Going no where
Going no where
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression
No expression
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow
No tomorrow
No tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles its a very very
Mad world
Mad world
1. Dust In The Wind - Kansas
--I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone
All my dreams, pass before my eyes, a curiosity
Dust in the wind,
all they are is dust in the wind.
Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see
Dust in the wind,
all we are is dust in the wind
[Now] Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy.
Dust in the wind,
all we are is dust in the wind
Dust in the wind,
everything is dust in the wind.
...........................................................
There you have it. The 10 Most Depressing Songs of All Time. Disagree? It's cool. Maybe some Honorable Mentions will help:
Honorable Mentions
Spirit in the Sky - Norman Greenbaum (because it's creepy!!)
Angel - Sarah McLachlan
Streets of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen
Masters of War - Bob Dylan
Hear You Me - Jimmy Eat World
Hurt - Johnny Cash (and Nine Inch Nails)
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Dual Disc = Big Mistake
I recently purchased the new Bruce Springsteen CD entitled "Devils and Dust." I am a Springsteen fan, so this isn't a big surprise. I won't bore you with a track by track review, but I do want to mention a big problem with the disc...
IT WON'T WORK IN MY CAR...ON MY WORK COMPUTER...OR IN MY CD PLAYER.
Oh yeah, you read that right. This CD has the new DualDisc technology, which, for those of you who aren't in the know, means one side of the disc has the CD, and the other side is a DVD which has videos and bonus stuff. It's a good idea...in theory.
Well, the good idea ends there, because I couldn't get the disc to play on anything except my home computer and our laptop. So, I had to burn the CD onto the hard-drive and make a CD from the hard drive, just so I can enjoy the CD at work and in the car.
What a pain in the behind!!
I understand that CD sales are down, and the CD companies feel they need to give you more so you will buy...but honestly, this makes me want to NOT buy Dual Discs and instead make a copy off the internet which is WRONG. I have always perfered the real deal, because I like the artwork, and the satisfaction in having a real copy. But if the real thing doesn't work...
Then what?
People are going to stop buying altogether. I don't think that's what the industry wants. Wake up and fix these crap CD's...before it's too late!!
IT WON'T WORK IN MY CAR...ON MY WORK COMPUTER...OR IN MY CD PLAYER.
Oh yeah, you read that right. This CD has the new DualDisc technology, which, for those of you who aren't in the know, means one side of the disc has the CD, and the other side is a DVD which has videos and bonus stuff. It's a good idea...in theory.
Well, the good idea ends there, because I couldn't get the disc to play on anything except my home computer and our laptop. So, I had to burn the CD onto the hard-drive and make a CD from the hard drive, just so I can enjoy the CD at work and in the car.
What a pain in the behind!!
I understand that CD sales are down, and the CD companies feel they need to give you more so you will buy...but honestly, this makes me want to NOT buy Dual Discs and instead make a copy off the internet which is WRONG. I have always perfered the real deal, because I like the artwork, and the satisfaction in having a real copy. But if the real thing doesn't work...
Then what?
People are going to stop buying altogether. I don't think that's what the industry wants. Wake up and fix these crap CD's...before it's too late!!
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Why Do You Suck, Detroit Fans? (No, Not All Of Them)
Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you have heard about the Mallice at the Palace...the brawl between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons at the Piston's basketball arena, the Palace at Auburn Hills. If not, read all about it here:
Mallice at the Palace
Well, the story doesn't end there. The first meeting between the two teams after this incedent took place at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game went without a hitch, and everyone finally thought this ugly tale was behind us.
Wrong.
On March 25th, the Pacers returned for the first time to the Palace since the Brawl. They were met with not 1...not 2...not 3...but 4 BOMB THREATS!! The game was postponed for well over an hour to take care of all necessary precautions.
What the hell Detroit fans? Are you kidding me?
The latest episode with the fans happened in the second game of the NBA playoffs between Detroit and the Philadelphia 76ers. Detroit easily defeated Philly in game one, and were well on their way in game two when Detroits fans struck again. This time on Philly's team Captain, Allen Iverson.
With 2 minutes left in the game, a fan hit Iverson with a quarter thrown from the stands. Before you say, it's just a quarter, put one of those bad boys close to your eye and think about the damage a quarter could do if it were to happen to hit you in said eye from a distance. It would mess you up. Of course, it didn't hit Iverson in the eye, but it could have.
The big question here is, Why do Detroit fans suck so bad? Not all of them, but a portion of them. Let's forget about the stupidity of Ron Artest for a second, and let's forget about the arrogance that Iverson displays sometimes...and let's focus on the truth...
Objects are being thrown from the stands.
This is more stupid than Artest going into the stands...it's more arrogant than Iverson on his most arrogant day...
You might say these men are professionals and get paid a lot of money to endure the fans. Nobody makes enough money to be pelted with beer or quarters.
How about the guy in Boston who took a swipe at Gary Sheffield in center field of the Yankees/Red Sox game the other day? The guy took a swipe and hit Sheffield in the mouth...Sheff didn't go into the crowd, but he could have. He could have grabbed that guy and pulled him onto the field and beat the piss out of him, and I think he would have been justified. Does Sheffield make enough money that he should endure being hit in the mouth while doing his job?
No.
I'm tired of hearing the media report these incidents with the emphasis on the player's reactions.
"Sheffield Will Not Be Punished For Reaction."
"Artest To Be Suspended For Season."
"Iverson Reacts How Artest Should Have."
BS. I've played a lot of sports and have had spectators in the stands. Heckling? Fine. Throwing objects? Not fine. Can you imagine basketball or baseball or football with no fans? Or with plexiglass seperating the players and fans like a hockey match? The way things are heading, it will be a reality soon. I can't imagine going to see a basketball game from behind glass. It just isn't right that some fans are ruining it for all the rest of us.
Detroit fans, I'm talking to you.
And the Yankee fans...and the New York Giants fans who pelted San Diego equipment manager Sid Brooks with an ice laced snowball, knocking him unconscious...and the countless other times objects and fans made their way onto the field.
The fans need to grow up...the stadiums need to not worry so much about profits on alcohol sales and more about the players and fans well-being...and the players, well, they need to not worry about being attacked.
Now, tell me how the players can be at fault, when they have to fear for their safety?
Mallice at the Palace
Well, the story doesn't end there. The first meeting between the two teams after this incedent took place at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game went without a hitch, and everyone finally thought this ugly tale was behind us.
Wrong.
On March 25th, the Pacers returned for the first time to the Palace since the Brawl. They were met with not 1...not 2...not 3...but 4 BOMB THREATS!! The game was postponed for well over an hour to take care of all necessary precautions.
What the hell Detroit fans? Are you kidding me?
The latest episode with the fans happened in the second game of the NBA playoffs between Detroit and the Philadelphia 76ers. Detroit easily defeated Philly in game one, and were well on their way in game two when Detroits fans struck again. This time on Philly's team Captain, Allen Iverson.
With 2 minutes left in the game, a fan hit Iverson with a quarter thrown from the stands. Before you say, it's just a quarter, put one of those bad boys close to your eye and think about the damage a quarter could do if it were to happen to hit you in said eye from a distance. It would mess you up. Of course, it didn't hit Iverson in the eye, but it could have.
The big question here is, Why do Detroit fans suck so bad? Not all of them, but a portion of them. Let's forget about the stupidity of Ron Artest for a second, and let's forget about the arrogance that Iverson displays sometimes...and let's focus on the truth...
Objects are being thrown from the stands.
This is more stupid than Artest going into the stands...it's more arrogant than Iverson on his most arrogant day...
You might say these men are professionals and get paid a lot of money to endure the fans. Nobody makes enough money to be pelted with beer or quarters.
How about the guy in Boston who took a swipe at Gary Sheffield in center field of the Yankees/Red Sox game the other day? The guy took a swipe and hit Sheffield in the mouth...Sheff didn't go into the crowd, but he could have. He could have grabbed that guy and pulled him onto the field and beat the piss out of him, and I think he would have been justified. Does Sheffield make enough money that he should endure being hit in the mouth while doing his job?
No.
I'm tired of hearing the media report these incidents with the emphasis on the player's reactions.
"Sheffield Will Not Be Punished For Reaction."
"Artest To Be Suspended For Season."
"Iverson Reacts How Artest Should Have."
BS. I've played a lot of sports and have had spectators in the stands. Heckling? Fine. Throwing objects? Not fine. Can you imagine basketball or baseball or football with no fans? Or with plexiglass seperating the players and fans like a hockey match? The way things are heading, it will be a reality soon. I can't imagine going to see a basketball game from behind glass. It just isn't right that some fans are ruining it for all the rest of us.
Detroit fans, I'm talking to you.
And the Yankee fans...and the New York Giants fans who pelted San Diego equipment manager Sid Brooks with an ice laced snowball, knocking him unconscious...and the countless other times objects and fans made their way onto the field.
The fans need to grow up...the stadiums need to not worry so much about profits on alcohol sales and more about the players and fans well-being...and the players, well, they need to not worry about being attacked.
Now, tell me how the players can be at fault, when they have to fear for their safety?
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
It's All The Rage!!
I'm a big supporter of the Lance Armstrong, LiveStrong bracelets that are out there to support Cancer research. I proudly wear one on each wrist, one for my Uncle who beat cancer, and one in rememberence of my grandfather, who passed away with the diesease.
It's unfortunate that this fad has gone as far as it has. I love seeing others with the yellow band on. Becky has a pink one for Breast Cancer...all proceeds go to Breast Cancer research (from Target). But, now you see red, blue, black, rainbow, purple, etc, etc etc...they all mean something, but they can be picked up at gas stations. Do you think they forward the money to AIDS research, to Tsunami victims, or to the other causes? Probably, sadly, no.
There was one I saw today that I think crosses the line...
Beat Bullying
"BEAT" Bullying?!? Beat it? Wow, I think that's the wrong message to get across.
"Mommy, I'm being bullied at school!"
"Here, Timmy, don't beat the bully with your fists, beat them with this bracelet!"
"Thanks mom!! I'll put a big rock in it and crush that mo'fo's head!!"
Wow, wrong message!! At least the bracelet isn't pink!
It's unfortunate that this fad has gone as far as it has. I love seeing others with the yellow band on. Becky has a pink one for Breast Cancer...all proceeds go to Breast Cancer research (from Target). But, now you see red, blue, black, rainbow, purple, etc, etc etc...they all mean something, but they can be picked up at gas stations. Do you think they forward the money to AIDS research, to Tsunami victims, or to the other causes? Probably, sadly, no.
There was one I saw today that I think crosses the line...
Beat Bullying"BEAT" Bullying?!? Beat it? Wow, I think that's the wrong message to get across.
"Mommy, I'm being bullied at school!"
"Here, Timmy, don't beat the bully with your fists, beat them with this bracelet!"
"Thanks mom!! I'll put a big rock in it and crush that mo'fo's head!!"
Wow, wrong message!! At least the bracelet isn't pink!
Friday, April 22, 2005
Super Hero
I am starting to believe, in my advancing age, that I am slowly morphing into a Super Hero. No Super Hero in particular, but more like a mixture of many. Let's examine the facts:
1. Like Spiderman, I have Super Hero senses. I can always tell when it's about to rain because of the aching in my knees. I can always sense when I need to go to the bathroom...usually at least once in the middle of the night.
2. Like Batman, I have a Super Hero ability to sleep for long periods of time. Bats hybernate, don't they?
3. Like Plastic Man, I have Super stretchy skin...in the waist area...allowing maximum weight gain.
4. Like Kojak, I have little hair. What? That could be a super power!! Wait, Kojak isn't a Super Hero? Oh...scratch that.
5. Like Superman, I have the ability to ... well...I could probably change clothes in a phone booth.
Here are some other Super Hero abilities...
---THE ABILITY TO BRUISE LIKE A PEACH.
---THE ABILITY TO LOSE HIS TEMPER ON THE VOLLEYBALL COURT, BY A SINGLE MISSED CALL.
---THE ABILITY TO LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS (I DO HAVE TO LIFT MYSELF OFF THE COUCH, YOU KNOW!!)
AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY...
---THE ABILITY TO DASH CHILDREN'S HOPES AND DREAMS BY TELLING THEM I AM, IN FACT, TOO SORE TO BE THE HORSEY.
Maybe they don't add up to much of a Super Hero, but hey...it's better than The Waffler!! "Gold and crispy, bad guys are histr'y...WAFFLERRRRRRRR!! (Oh you, go rent Mystery Men!!)
1. Like Spiderman, I have Super Hero senses. I can always tell when it's about to rain because of the aching in my knees. I can always sense when I need to go to the bathroom...usually at least once in the middle of the night.
2. Like Batman, I have a Super Hero ability to sleep for long periods of time. Bats hybernate, don't they?
3. Like Plastic Man, I have Super stretchy skin...in the waist area...allowing maximum weight gain.
4. Like Kojak, I have little hair. What? That could be a super power!! Wait, Kojak isn't a Super Hero? Oh...scratch that.
5. Like Superman, I have the ability to ... well...I could probably change clothes in a phone booth.
Here are some other Super Hero abilities...
---THE ABILITY TO BRUISE LIKE A PEACH.
---THE ABILITY TO LOSE HIS TEMPER ON THE VOLLEYBALL COURT, BY A SINGLE MISSED CALL.
---THE ABILITY TO LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS (I DO HAVE TO LIFT MYSELF OFF THE COUCH, YOU KNOW!!)
AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY...
---THE ABILITY TO DASH CHILDREN'S HOPES AND DREAMS BY TELLING THEM I AM, IN FACT, TOO SORE TO BE THE HORSEY.
Maybe they don't add up to much of a Super Hero, but hey...it's better than The Waffler!! "Gold and crispy, bad guys are histr'y...WAFFLERRRRRRRR!! (Oh you, go rent Mystery Men!!)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
I Walk The Line
Last night walked a very fine line between being funny and being down right pathetic. It seems that Becky and I have a "schedule" that is very much set in stone, and must be strictly adhered to...and it revolves around television.
Last night, we went to Franklin to pick up some cookie dough I had bought from my cousin's daughter (I guess that would make her my 2nd cousin or something? anyway...). It was a beautiful day to drop the convertible top and enjoy the ride. But, despite the relaxation that came from the trip, I also knew we had to leave Franklin at 7:00 or before, to make it home in time to get dinner and make it home by 8:00.
We picked up the dough, chatted a bit, and wrapped things up at 6:58...still on schedule. As I was driving into town, trying to pry a dinner idea from Becky, the timeline I had so carefully planned took a hit.
"We need to go to Target."
UGH!! I forgot about Target. She DID tell me that before, but my mind is only a steel trap for useless information, and not for important stuff. So, I rearranged the timeline, pushed down the gas, and pulled into Target at 7:30.
"I'm going in, I only need 7 minutes, I'll be back at 7:37." I told Becky...if I took 7 minutes here, 15 minutes to get food, and 7 minutes to get home...I would make it before 8.
I "hurried" into Target (I don't run, and I'm too fat and sore to jog.) My mission was clear. Toaster Pastries, Laundry Detergent, Dryer sheets, out.
I grabbed the items and picked up speed going to the register, dodging shopping carts and leapfrogging little kids (no, I didn't really leapfrog any little kids...are you laughing? I could do it, you know!!)
I got to the registers and quickly surveyed the cashiers...line's too long...cashier looks slow...cashier is a guy...this one looks good. I made a step towards register 3, but my gut told me to change over to 4.
Good thing I did. As I came to a stop in 4, 3 switched her light on for a price check. I wiped the sweat from my brow and thought to myself...that was a close one.
Lane 4 ended up being the fastest lane in the store, and I got to the car at 7:36, one minute ahead of schedule. We tore over to Wendy's, got our food at 7:45 (7 minutes ahead of schedule) and made it home with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and enjoy American Idol and Amazing Race.
(Editors Note: Did you SEE Amazing Race last night? The one couple took the Fast Forward (skip all taks) and in order to skip all tasks, the chick had to shave her head...and SHE DID IT!! I think she looked pretty good with no hair, actually.)
The pathetic thing is (yeah, like that about isn't pathetic enough) we do this on Monday (shows are on 8-11)...Tuesday (8-11)...Wednesday (American Idol results show, duh!!)...Thursday (8-11)...and Sunday (8-11)...it's sad, but with the summer coming, all the shows will be re-runs, and we can enjoy the summer...until Big Brother comes on!!
Last night, we went to Franklin to pick up some cookie dough I had bought from my cousin's daughter (I guess that would make her my 2nd cousin or something? anyway...). It was a beautiful day to drop the convertible top and enjoy the ride. But, despite the relaxation that came from the trip, I also knew we had to leave Franklin at 7:00 or before, to make it home in time to get dinner and make it home by 8:00.
We picked up the dough, chatted a bit, and wrapped things up at 6:58...still on schedule. As I was driving into town, trying to pry a dinner idea from Becky, the timeline I had so carefully planned took a hit.
"We need to go to Target."
UGH!! I forgot about Target. She DID tell me that before, but my mind is only a steel trap for useless information, and not for important stuff. So, I rearranged the timeline, pushed down the gas, and pulled into Target at 7:30.
"I'm going in, I only need 7 minutes, I'll be back at 7:37." I told Becky...if I took 7 minutes here, 15 minutes to get food, and 7 minutes to get home...I would make it before 8.
I "hurried" into Target (I don't run, and I'm too fat and sore to jog.) My mission was clear. Toaster Pastries, Laundry Detergent, Dryer sheets, out.
I grabbed the items and picked up speed going to the register, dodging shopping carts and leapfrogging little kids (no, I didn't really leapfrog any little kids...are you laughing? I could do it, you know!!)
I got to the registers and quickly surveyed the cashiers...line's too long...cashier looks slow...cashier is a guy...this one looks good. I made a step towards register 3, but my gut told me to change over to 4.
Good thing I did. As I came to a stop in 4, 3 switched her light on for a price check. I wiped the sweat from my brow and thought to myself...that was a close one.
Lane 4 ended up being the fastest lane in the store, and I got to the car at 7:36, one minute ahead of schedule. We tore over to Wendy's, got our food at 7:45 (7 minutes ahead of schedule) and made it home with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and enjoy American Idol and Amazing Race.
(Editors Note: Did you SEE Amazing Race last night? The one couple took the Fast Forward (skip all taks) and in order to skip all tasks, the chick had to shave her head...and SHE DID IT!! I think she looked pretty good with no hair, actually.)
The pathetic thing is (yeah, like that about isn't pathetic enough) we do this on Monday (shows are on 8-11)...Tuesday (8-11)...Wednesday (American Idol results show, duh!!)...Thursday (8-11)...and Sunday (8-11)...it's sad, but with the summer coming, all the shows will be re-runs, and we can enjoy the summer...until Big Brother comes on!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
A Birthday Trip
I did it!! I survived the year that I was dreading...I am now, officially 28 years old. For those of you not in the know, I have a HUGMONGO problem with the number that sandwiches between 26 and 28. I don't like seeing that number, hearing that number, saying that number...ok, you get the idea. Well, I thought for sure I would have big problems that year, but somehow, I made it out unscathed.
To celebrate, Becky and I decided to take a road trip this past weekend, to celebrate my birthday, her birthday coming up, her new job, etc, etc etc...
So we packed up the Convertible and headed towards the bustling town of Galesburg, Illinois. Never heard of it? Neither did we, until a quick Google search for antiques in Illinois brought us to the town. We drove for 5 hours, got lost once while I was behind the wheel (duh, I always get lost!!) and finally arrived in Galesburg...at about midnight-thirty.
The next day, we hit the Galesburg Antique Mall, a nice three story Mall in which Becky found several Little Golden Books (her vice of choice) and I found a handful of the vinyl records (my vice.) Next, we walked up and down the streets, and found a few closed antique places (BOO) before heading towards a building down a side street that read Collectible - Flea Market. We got halfway there before we realized it said Collectible FIREARMS, not Flea Market. I don't know how we made the mistake either.
We packed up and drove towards our next destination, Kankakee, but Becky stopped at one more place. A real dive looking place called Ziggy's Antique Corporation. I wanted to keep going, but Becky was persistant. I am sooooo glad she was.
Inside, Ziggy's was a virtual record store with some other antiques thrown in. And, no, it wasn't just boxes of junk Musical records...it was the real deal. Among the finds...
George Harrison - All Things Must Pass (3 album set)
Joan Baez - 1st Album, on Vanguard!
2 Beach Boys 45's with Picture Sleeves
A handful of Gene Pitney LP's for $1 each
An even bigger handful of 45's for .25 each
A few Beatles 45's
Ok, I'll stop, I know you probably are saying Gene PitWHO? What does Vanguard mean?
Anyhoo, I dropped a good $70 in there, and came out smelling like roses. If you are in the Galesburg area, I highly recommend Ziggy's on Main Street.
With the top laid back and the high shine shinin', we headed towards Kankakee via 17. It was a really nice 3 hour drive through the small towns and the farming communities. I can tell you, there is more than corn in Indiana, but after this trip to Illinois, I'm not so sure there's much more than that there.
We made it to the 50,000 square foot Kankakee Antique Mall at about 4:40 pm, and they closed at 5. So, we started to bust through the Mall, but found it was too big, so we decided to leave and come back the next day. Becky spent my last $2 cash on a Book, and we left. We drove to Bourbonnais, and grabbed a bite to eat at Ruby Tuesday's. Since the restaurant was in the mall, we decided to walk around when we were finished.
In the back of the mall was a store called Krazy Kollectibles. This place was the bomb!! It had old magazines, music memorabilia, and RECORDS...IN THE MALL!! I couldn't believe it. Of course, the prices were a bit steep. I bought a Lovin' Spoonful 45 with Picture sleeve for $5...I think that was a good deal, but the other stuff...not so much.
We stopped at the Ice Cream shop in the mall, and, since I had no cash, and they didn't take Debit card (who doesn't take Debit card? Even White Castle takes Debit card!!) We asked them if they took an out of State check.
"Um, I don't know..." was the response from the teeny bopper behind the counter. Then silence. Hello, McFly? Are you going to try to find out? Nope. We left. After driving all around the town, we found another ice cream place (unfortunately, it was the same company) but Becky had a 5 in her purse (which she didn't have with her in the mall) and we were able to eat.
We went back to the Antique Mall in Kankakee the next day, and it was a complete bust. 50,000 square feet and I only found 1 record for $2. I took it to the front, slapped it on the counter, and proceeded to pull the Debit card from my wallet...at this point I had no cash.
"Sorry to have to do this to you," I said slidding the card her way. A look of disapointment covered her face.
"Take the album, I'm not running a Master Card for $2!!" Ok, if you say so. I tucked the album and we started to walk out.
"Who doesn't carry cash? What if you wanted to buy a hamburger?" she asked.
I wanted to say:
"Hello, it is 2005 Wilma Flintstone, get out of the cave and join the human race!!"
What I did say was:
"Actually, Debit card is accepted at fast food places now, too."
I smiled, turned and left with my free record in tow. We put the top down, and drove the 4 hours home with the sun on our skin, and the wind in my hairs. Overall, a great trip.
To celebrate, Becky and I decided to take a road trip this past weekend, to celebrate my birthday, her birthday coming up, her new job, etc, etc etc...
So we packed up the Convertible and headed towards the bustling town of Galesburg, Illinois. Never heard of it? Neither did we, until a quick Google search for antiques in Illinois brought us to the town. We drove for 5 hours, got lost once while I was behind the wheel (duh, I always get lost!!) and finally arrived in Galesburg...at about midnight-thirty.
The next day, we hit the Galesburg Antique Mall, a nice three story Mall in which Becky found several Little Golden Books (her vice of choice) and I found a handful of the vinyl records (my vice.) Next, we walked up and down the streets, and found a few closed antique places (BOO) before heading towards a building down a side street that read Collectible - Flea Market. We got halfway there before we realized it said Collectible FIREARMS, not Flea Market. I don't know how we made the mistake either.
We packed up and drove towards our next destination, Kankakee, but Becky stopped at one more place. A real dive looking place called Ziggy's Antique Corporation. I wanted to keep going, but Becky was persistant. I am sooooo glad she was.
Inside, Ziggy's was a virtual record store with some other antiques thrown in. And, no, it wasn't just boxes of junk Musical records...it was the real deal. Among the finds...
George Harrison - All Things Must Pass (3 album set)
Joan Baez - 1st Album, on Vanguard!
2 Beach Boys 45's with Picture Sleeves
A handful of Gene Pitney LP's for $1 each
An even bigger handful of 45's for .25 each
A few Beatles 45's
Ok, I'll stop, I know you probably are saying Gene PitWHO? What does Vanguard mean?
Anyhoo, I dropped a good $70 in there, and came out smelling like roses. If you are in the Galesburg area, I highly recommend Ziggy's on Main Street.
With the top laid back and the high shine shinin', we headed towards Kankakee via 17. It was a really nice 3 hour drive through the small towns and the farming communities. I can tell you, there is more than corn in Indiana, but after this trip to Illinois, I'm not so sure there's much more than that there.
We made it to the 50,000 square foot Kankakee Antique Mall at about 4:40 pm, and they closed at 5. So, we started to bust through the Mall, but found it was too big, so we decided to leave and come back the next day. Becky spent my last $2 cash on a Book, and we left. We drove to Bourbonnais, and grabbed a bite to eat at Ruby Tuesday's. Since the restaurant was in the mall, we decided to walk around when we were finished.
In the back of the mall was a store called Krazy Kollectibles. This place was the bomb!! It had old magazines, music memorabilia, and RECORDS...IN THE MALL!! I couldn't believe it. Of course, the prices were a bit steep. I bought a Lovin' Spoonful 45 with Picture sleeve for $5...I think that was a good deal, but the other stuff...not so much.
We stopped at the Ice Cream shop in the mall, and, since I had no cash, and they didn't take Debit card (who doesn't take Debit card? Even White Castle takes Debit card!!) We asked them if they took an out of State check.
"Um, I don't know..." was the response from the teeny bopper behind the counter. Then silence. Hello, McFly? Are you going to try to find out? Nope. We left. After driving all around the town, we found another ice cream place (unfortunately, it was the same company) but Becky had a 5 in her purse (which she didn't have with her in the mall) and we were able to eat.
We went back to the Antique Mall in Kankakee the next day, and it was a complete bust. 50,000 square feet and I only found 1 record for $2. I took it to the front, slapped it on the counter, and proceeded to pull the Debit card from my wallet...at this point I had no cash.
"Sorry to have to do this to you," I said slidding the card her way. A look of disapointment covered her face.
"Take the album, I'm not running a Master Card for $2!!" Ok, if you say so. I tucked the album and we started to walk out.
"Who doesn't carry cash? What if you wanted to buy a hamburger?" she asked.
I wanted to say:
"Hello, it is 2005 Wilma Flintstone, get out of the cave and join the human race!!"
What I did say was:
"Actually, Debit card is accepted at fast food places now, too."
I smiled, turned and left with my free record in tow. We put the top down, and drove the 4 hours home with the sun on our skin, and the wind in my hairs. Overall, a great trip.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Pinch It Off
I think every workplace has one. The employee who is such a poor fit for the position, you just have to shrug and fix their mistakes, because that's all you really can do. I use to work with a woman like that...her name was Lana. I won't get into all the easy tasks she couldn't perform, but I would like to share with you a particularly embassassing moment.
One day, I was at work when the urge to visit the "little boys room" hit me. So, I grabbed a magazine and headed down to snuggle up for a spell. Back in the office, the phone rang.
Lana answered it. Of course, since she was incapable of doing even the mundane tasks, she needed to seek help for the call. Even though there were others in the room, she felt I needed to answer the question.
"Where's Tony?" she asked? The other workers finally concluded that I was in the restroom, you know, resting. Another worker said, in a joking manner,
"You should just go to the restroom and yell in for him."
And off she went...heading for the restroom. I was finished "resting" and I was at the sink preparing to wash my hands when I heard a voice from the outside.
"Tony? Tony?" I couldn't ignore it, because there were other guys in the restroom who knew me, and knew the call was for me. You have got to be kidding me? I'm in the restroom here!!
At that point, what do you do? I was mid wash, I couldn't walk out and talk to her, I couldn't ignore her, or God only knows what she would have done...so, I yelled back.
"Yeah?"
"Can you come out here for a minute?"
WHAT?!? She has no idea if I'm washing my hands, finishing a number one, or consoling a number 2...and she has the nerve to ask me if I would come out there?
"Could you wait a minute, I'm kinda busy here." I yelled back as the guys around me shot weird looks in my direction. I slowly finished my hand washing...mainly so I could cool off before going out to face this odd situation.
When I finished, I had hoped that she would be gone...but no, she was standing right by the door. She asked me the question as I gave her the "what-the-hell-are-you-doing-standing-outside-the-men's-room-you-moron" look (what, you don't know that look? It's never happened to you? Will wonders ever cease!!)
The question amounted to something that anyone who was there for even a day could have answered, and at that point she had been there over two years...I was super pissed that she couldn't ask anyone else, or at least wait for me to come back to the office.
I fixed the "problem" and had a talk with the boss about keeping Tweedle Dumb out of the Men's room. From that day forward, I never returned to that restroom, choosing instead for the quiet serenity of the second floor facilities, which were free from distractions.
One day, I was at work when the urge to visit the "little boys room" hit me. So, I grabbed a magazine and headed down to snuggle up for a spell. Back in the office, the phone rang.
Lana answered it. Of course, since she was incapable of doing even the mundane tasks, she needed to seek help for the call. Even though there were others in the room, she felt I needed to answer the question.
"Where's Tony?" she asked? The other workers finally concluded that I was in the restroom, you know, resting. Another worker said, in a joking manner,
"You should just go to the restroom and yell in for him."
And off she went...heading for the restroom. I was finished "resting" and I was at the sink preparing to wash my hands when I heard a voice from the outside.
"Tony? Tony?" I couldn't ignore it, because there were other guys in the restroom who knew me, and knew the call was for me. You have got to be kidding me? I'm in the restroom here!!
At that point, what do you do? I was mid wash, I couldn't walk out and talk to her, I couldn't ignore her, or God only knows what she would have done...so, I yelled back.
"Yeah?"
"Can you come out here for a minute?"
WHAT?!? She has no idea if I'm washing my hands, finishing a number one, or consoling a number 2...and she has the nerve to ask me if I would come out there?
"Could you wait a minute, I'm kinda busy here." I yelled back as the guys around me shot weird looks in my direction. I slowly finished my hand washing...mainly so I could cool off before going out to face this odd situation.
When I finished, I had hoped that she would be gone...but no, she was standing right by the door. She asked me the question as I gave her the "what-the-hell-are-you-doing-standing-outside-the-men's-room-you-moron" look (what, you don't know that look? It's never happened to you? Will wonders ever cease!!)
The question amounted to something that anyone who was there for even a day could have answered, and at that point she had been there over two years...I was super pissed that she couldn't ask anyone else, or at least wait for me to come back to the office.
I fixed the "problem" and had a talk with the boss about keeping Tweedle Dumb out of the Men's room. From that day forward, I never returned to that restroom, choosing instead for the quiet serenity of the second floor facilities, which were free from distractions.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
The Reunion
On Monday, March 28, 2005, my Grandma will turn a very spry 83 years young. It seems this year, however, her birthday present came a bit early.
This past Saturday, March 19th, I got a call from my grandma. She asked me if I wanted to come over and meet somebody. I couldn't imagine who, until she told me the story.
Grandma explained that she had gotten a phone call from a guy whose voice didn't seem familiar. He asked a few simple questions...was your maiden name Braun, was your husband's name Laurence?
Yes.
Yes.
Then the line was silent. After a few seconds of silence, grandma heard crying over the phone. The man on the other end said he couldn't believe he had finally found her.
The man was grandma's 76 year-old younger brother.
They hadn't been in contact in 50 years.
50 YEARS!!
He asked if he could come and see her. Of course, she quickly said yes. She assumed her brother was deceased since they hadn't been in contact. But now she knew he was alive, and he was coming to see her.
.....................
"So," Grandma asked me "do you think you could stop by and see him?" Grandma doesn't ask for much, and she really didn't have to ask me to come and see him, I wanted to. For her, for him, for myself AND for the whole family. She went on to conclude that he was asleep, and she wasn't going to tell him anyone was coming, so he would be surprised.
"I'll be there." I replied.
Sunday at 1 pm, I finally meet Grandma's long lost brother. Before I met him, I wondered if it was really her brother, or just someone who was scamming her, or was mistaken. Those thoughts quickly faded when I saw him. There was no doubt he and grandma were related, as they looked strikingly similar.
Almost the whole family was there. All of grandma's kids (except my Aunt Mary Ann, whom we missed very much...wish you could have made it!!), a lot of the grand kids, and some great-grand kids all made appearances while Grandma's brother just sat, teary eyed, holding his face and repeating "I can't believe I'm sitting here, I can't believe this!"
All I could do was smile.
It's really hard to believe that in a family that is as close as ours, there would come such a reunion. But, in true Gillespie fashion, we made it a great one. I hope he knows how much we love grandma...and how, even though most of us had never met him until Saturday, how much we love him, too. He's a part of this family...and what a fine family it is.
This past Saturday, March 19th, I got a call from my grandma. She asked me if I wanted to come over and meet somebody. I couldn't imagine who, until she told me the story.
Grandma explained that she had gotten a phone call from a guy whose voice didn't seem familiar. He asked a few simple questions...was your maiden name Braun, was your husband's name Laurence?
Yes.
Yes.
Then the line was silent. After a few seconds of silence, grandma heard crying over the phone. The man on the other end said he couldn't believe he had finally found her.
The man was grandma's 76 year-old younger brother.
They hadn't been in contact in 50 years.
50 YEARS!!
He asked if he could come and see her. Of course, she quickly said yes. She assumed her brother was deceased since they hadn't been in contact. But now she knew he was alive, and he was coming to see her.
.....................
"So," Grandma asked me "do you think you could stop by and see him?" Grandma doesn't ask for much, and she really didn't have to ask me to come and see him, I wanted to. For her, for him, for myself AND for the whole family. She went on to conclude that he was asleep, and she wasn't going to tell him anyone was coming, so he would be surprised.
"I'll be there." I replied.
Sunday at 1 pm, I finally meet Grandma's long lost brother. Before I met him, I wondered if it was really her brother, or just someone who was scamming her, or was mistaken. Those thoughts quickly faded when I saw him. There was no doubt he and grandma were related, as they looked strikingly similar.
Almost the whole family was there. All of grandma's kids (except my Aunt Mary Ann, whom we missed very much...wish you could have made it!!), a lot of the grand kids, and some great-grand kids all made appearances while Grandma's brother just sat, teary eyed, holding his face and repeating "I can't believe I'm sitting here, I can't believe this!"
All I could do was smile.
It's really hard to believe that in a family that is as close as ours, there would come such a reunion. But, in true Gillespie fashion, we made it a great one. I hope he knows how much we love grandma...and how, even though most of us had never met him until Saturday, how much we love him, too. He's a part of this family...and what a fine family it is.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
St Patrick's Day
Top of the mornin' to ya! Erin Go Braugh! These Irish Eyes are Smilin'!!
Ok, so it's St Patrick's Day, which is, I confess, my favorite holiday of the year. I know what you are thinking..."It's because you can drink a lot..."
No, I actually have never had a green beer. And I'm not a drinker, so that's not it. The reason is actually two fold.
Fold #1: My ancestors were Irish. Like my great-great or great-great-great grandmother was of Irish decent.
Fold #2: The other holidays are so commerciallized, the meaning is lost.
So, for all you Irish men and women...and all you Irish want-to-bes, tip your green brew, and slam one back. Ireland, this one's for you!!
Monday, March 14, 2005
A Star Is Born
I'm a big music fan. Love The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, etc, etc, etc. however, I'm not a big Country music fan. I really don't know why, because there are some really good country tunes out there, and a lot of the people I like have been linked to some form of Country in the past...like Bob Dylan (Nashville Skyline) or Roy Orbison.
Last Saturday, however, I enjoyed two hours of country music by a wonderfully talented up and comer named Judy Sutton. I bet a lot of you have heard of her...probably because she's my Aunt and a lot of people who read this blog are related to her in some fashion.
She really is an amazing singer in the vein of Patsy Cline, or...ok, coming up with any Country artist was a stretch, but she sang 3 Patsy Cline songs, and totally torn them up, so I will go with that.
Aunt Judy just signed a record contract with True Country Records
www.dmirecords.com
Check out the link so you can read all about her, buy her single "There's Not a Wrong Way (For You to Love Me Right)", sign her message board, and check her progress.
Also, I highly encourage you to hear her song, which has reached #1 on the Country and General Country Independant Charts, at
http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=301369
Any one who likes country music, or ME should go and support my wonderfully talented Aunt!! I hope to have a link to her up on my sight soon, if Becky can figure out how to do that (she's so smart, I figure she will have no problem!!)
Last Saturday, however, I enjoyed two hours of country music by a wonderfully talented up and comer named Judy Sutton. I bet a lot of you have heard of her...probably because she's my Aunt and a lot of people who read this blog are related to her in some fashion.
She really is an amazing singer in the vein of Patsy Cline, or...ok, coming up with any Country artist was a stretch, but she sang 3 Patsy Cline songs, and totally torn them up, so I will go with that.
Aunt Judy just signed a record contract with True Country Records
www.dmirecords.com
Check out the link so you can read all about her, buy her single "There's Not a Wrong Way (For You to Love Me Right)", sign her message board, and check her progress.
Also, I highly encourage you to hear her song, which has reached #1 on the Country and General Country Independant Charts, at
http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=301369
Any one who likes country music, or ME should go and support my wonderfully talented Aunt!! I hope to have a link to her up on my sight soon, if Becky can figure out how to do that (she's so smart, I figure she will have no problem!!)
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Monday, February 28, 2005
Deceived: The Final Chapter
In case any of you out there were curious as to how the Book deception ended up, here's the rest of the story.
Joker Man finally e-mailed me back...actually, his wife did...and said to send the book back and she would return the money. She also said it was their mistake. That's all I wanted people!! Admission of guilt.
I declined her offer for a refund (I never asked for one, and it would cost more to return the book, because of shipping charges), and told her I wasn't trying to be rude or crappy. I just wanted her to learn something.
The moral:
It's better to be honest and not sell something, than it is to be deceitful and have to deal with me.
Besides, if it didn't say First Edition, I would have asked, they would have said, "I don't know", and I could have taught them about Book Clubs and First Editions, thus teaching them something. I hoped they learned their lesson.
Joker Man finally e-mailed me back...actually, his wife did...and said to send the book back and she would return the money. She also said it was their mistake. That's all I wanted people!! Admission of guilt.
I declined her offer for a refund (I never asked for one, and it would cost more to return the book, because of shipping charges), and told her I wasn't trying to be rude or crappy. I just wanted her to learn something.
The moral:
It's better to be honest and not sell something, than it is to be deceitful and have to deal with me.
Besides, if it didn't say First Edition, I would have asked, they would have said, "I don't know", and I could have taught them about Book Clubs and First Editions, thus teaching them something. I hoped they learned their lesson.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Deceived: Part 2
When we spoke last, I was in the midst of an E-Bay deveival...Joker Man decided he was going to tell me the book was a "First Edition", when in fact, it was a Book Club Edition.
Ok, enough recap, read Deceived: Part 1 if you forgot what's happening.
So, I get a return e-mail from Joker Man and he says:
"In my description, I never claimed to be an expert. I don't even know how to tell if a book is a book club addition."
Yes, addition.
So, of course, me being the nice guy I am, sent the following:
"If you were enough of an "expert" to claim the book was a first edition (for those of you not in the know, First Editions don't usually say First Edition on the inside), then you should be "expert" enough to know it's a Book Club Edition."
I went on to school him on where to find the BCE markings, and left him with the hope that he wouldn't deceive others.
He blew me off.
I think I will leave him negative feedback, because of the deception...and the crappy return e-mail. Serves this Joker right!!
Ok, enough recap, read Deceived: Part 1 if you forgot what's happening.
So, I get a return e-mail from Joker Man and he says:
"In my description, I never claimed to be an expert. I don't even know how to tell if a book is a book club addition."
Yes, addition.
So, of course, me being the nice guy I am, sent the following:
"If you were enough of an "expert" to claim the book was a first edition (for those of you not in the know, First Editions don't usually say First Edition on the inside), then you should be "expert" enough to know it's a Book Club Edition."
I went on to school him on where to find the BCE markings, and left him with the hope that he wouldn't deceive others.
He blew me off.
I think I will leave him negative feedback, because of the deception...and the crappy return e-mail. Serves this Joker right!!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Deceived: Part 1
Hello, my name is Tony, and I am an E-Bay Addict.
"Hello, Tony!!" (that's your part, jeez people, help me out here!!)
I love searching for stuff I don't need on E-Bay. It's one of the great joys of coming to work every day (don't tell the boss.) But sometimes, you make a purchase, and the results aren't as good as you had hoped.
Last week I bid on, a 1945 "First Edition" James Hilton Novel, "So Well Remembered." I am a big Hilton fan (if you haven't read Lost Horizon yet, DO IT!!), and I am also a collector of the aforementioned "stuff I don't need", so 1st Edition Hilton novels seemed appropriate.
After the bidding war ceased...ok, I was the only bidder...I had won the auction. today, the book came in. It looked like the photo...but upon closer inspection...
IT WAS A BOOK CLUB EDITION!!
Now, for those of you not in the know, a Book Club Edition is a mass produced edition of the original book that is distributed through the Book Club at prices that are the equivalent to 100 books for 3/4 of a cent. In other words, they aren't collectible, they aren't rare, and they definitely aren't FIRST EDITIONS!!
With my blood boiling, I layed down an e-mail to the seller, telling him of my disapproval. Before I sent the spewing hate, I rechecked the auction. Nope, it doesn't mention Book Club Edition...
So, I set back to the e-mail. Remembering that he has yet to leave feedback for me (E-Bay works off a feedback system...Positive, Neutral, and Negative. The more positives you have, the better your chances are of selling your items.) I decided to back off my original e-mail and give him a chance to respond to my allegations.
My letter basically said: I won this auction for a "First Edition" and the book is a Book Club Edition. I am very disappointed, as I feel deceived.
I never asked for a return in money or anything like that. Why? That's not the point. I don't want a refund...I want an apology, an explanation...AND, most of all, I want him to be nice and admit he deceived me. The book was cheap, so that's unimportant. I want him to say, "I made a mistake. I'm sorry."
But, I bet he won't. I bet he will come back and say something about "E-mailing him to ask questions BEFORE the auction ended."
If the description said "First Edition", would you e-mail and ask if the book was a first edition? Me either.
I actually hope he says something about "No Refunds." If he does, I'm going to bust him with the fact that I didn't ask for one, and then say: "It's funny that I can't assume the book isn't a Book Club, but you can assume I want a refund..."
What is today? The 24th. I will wait for his e-mail and update you all on what his resulting comments are. If he is nice...I'll give him a positive feedback for being nice, shipping fast, and the likes. If he is an ass about things, I'll sacrifice myself and give the negative. I have 219 positive feedbacks with only one neutral (a story for another time involving an LJN Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka doll...). I think it may be time to get that first negative for the cause of honesty in E-Baying!!
"Hello, Tony!!" (that's your part, jeez people, help me out here!!)
I love searching for stuff I don't need on E-Bay. It's one of the great joys of coming to work every day (don't tell the boss.) But sometimes, you make a purchase, and the results aren't as good as you had hoped.
Last week I bid on, a 1945 "First Edition" James Hilton Novel, "So Well Remembered." I am a big Hilton fan (if you haven't read Lost Horizon yet, DO IT!!), and I am also a collector of the aforementioned "stuff I don't need", so 1st Edition Hilton novels seemed appropriate.
After the bidding war ceased...ok, I was the only bidder...I had won the auction. today, the book came in. It looked like the photo...but upon closer inspection...
IT WAS A BOOK CLUB EDITION!!
Now, for those of you not in the know, a Book Club Edition is a mass produced edition of the original book that is distributed through the Book Club at prices that are the equivalent to 100 books for 3/4 of a cent. In other words, they aren't collectible, they aren't rare, and they definitely aren't FIRST EDITIONS!!
With my blood boiling, I layed down an e-mail to the seller, telling him of my disapproval. Before I sent the spewing hate, I rechecked the auction. Nope, it doesn't mention Book Club Edition...
So, I set back to the e-mail. Remembering that he has yet to leave feedback for me (E-Bay works off a feedback system...Positive, Neutral, and Negative. The more positives you have, the better your chances are of selling your items.) I decided to back off my original e-mail and give him a chance to respond to my allegations.
My letter basically said: I won this auction for a "First Edition" and the book is a Book Club Edition. I am very disappointed, as I feel deceived.
I never asked for a return in money or anything like that. Why? That's not the point. I don't want a refund...I want an apology, an explanation...AND, most of all, I want him to be nice and admit he deceived me. The book was cheap, so that's unimportant. I want him to say, "I made a mistake. I'm sorry."
But, I bet he won't. I bet he will come back and say something about "E-mailing him to ask questions BEFORE the auction ended."
If the description said "First Edition", would you e-mail and ask if the book was a first edition? Me either.
I actually hope he says something about "No Refunds." If he does, I'm going to bust him with the fact that I didn't ask for one, and then say: "It's funny that I can't assume the book isn't a Book Club, but you can assume I want a refund..."
What is today? The 24th. I will wait for his e-mail and update you all on what his resulting comments are. If he is nice...I'll give him a positive feedback for being nice, shipping fast, and the likes. If he is an ass about things, I'll sacrifice myself and give the negative. I have 219 positive feedbacks with only one neutral (a story for another time involving an LJN Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka doll...). I think it may be time to get that first negative for the cause of honesty in E-Baying!!
Thursday, February 17, 2005
'Cause I'm The Trash Man
Of all the thankless jobs out there, I think Trash Man has to rank right up there at the top. I understand that. But I still think we should hold these people accountable when they utterly destroy our trash cans.
I came home last night to find my trash can's handle torn and broken. This is the third time this has happened. Come on, trash men, it's not like I'm throwing blocks of concrete in the bottom of these things!!
"Let me gently pick up this trash can and WHOA!! Feels like a ton of bricks in that bad boy!"
No, I throw away a few bags of trash, and the trash man, in turn does a double handed yank on the handle, followed by a dump of the trash and a triple axle with a full Yurchanko as he slams it to the frozen ground, shattering the can's very being.
Who pays for this? Ultimately, it's the trash can who pays with broken parts and broken dreams. All that can wanted was to hold the trash, and make it's mamma proud. Now, it's just a broken shell of a can. That's just garbage!!
So, I will buy a new one and sit the old tattered can out to be thrown away...it's funny how long it takes the trash man to actually take the old can with him. For the first couple of weeks he will pick it up, see no trash and throw it back to the ground, empty. You actually have to put the old broken can into the new can...like it's trash, or that thing sits there forever.
I should write a note on it...
"Please throw my old trash can away. It was a good trash can, UNTIL YOU BROKE IT!! Please leave $10 to cover the cost of a new can."
Nah, better not...who knows what the Trash Man would do then!!
I came home last night to find my trash can's handle torn and broken. This is the third time this has happened. Come on, trash men, it's not like I'm throwing blocks of concrete in the bottom of these things!!
"Let me gently pick up this trash can and WHOA!! Feels like a ton of bricks in that bad boy!"
No, I throw away a few bags of trash, and the trash man, in turn does a double handed yank on the handle, followed by a dump of the trash and a triple axle with a full Yurchanko as he slams it to the frozen ground, shattering the can's very being.
Who pays for this? Ultimately, it's the trash can who pays with broken parts and broken dreams. All that can wanted was to hold the trash, and make it's mamma proud. Now, it's just a broken shell of a can. That's just garbage!!
So, I will buy a new one and sit the old tattered can out to be thrown away...it's funny how long it takes the trash man to actually take the old can with him. For the first couple of weeks he will pick it up, see no trash and throw it back to the ground, empty. You actually have to put the old broken can into the new can...like it's trash, or that thing sits there forever.
I should write a note on it...
"Please throw my old trash can away. It was a good trash can, UNTIL YOU BROKE IT!! Please leave $10 to cover the cost of a new can."
Nah, better not...who knows what the Trash Man would do then!!
Monday, February 14, 2005
If You Can't Beat 'Em...
Last weekend, Becky and I set out to convert a gaping hole in our computer room into a magnificent CD rack. Sounds simple enough. But when you consider my lack of any "handyman" type skills, and Becky and my inability to get along while doing projects, the task seems a little more monumental.
Last summer, Becky and I remodeled our bathroom. Part of the project included tearing out a closet from the Computer room, and incorporating the space into our tiny bathroom. The result left a hole in the computer room where the closet door use to be. Becky wisely suggested that we convert the space into an inlaid CD rack. (Great Idea by Becky #1)
After many months procrastinating (as I do so well), we finally decided to start the rack.
Ok, Becky told me I had to do it.
I drew up some plans and was mentally ready for the task. I was so confident, in fact, that I told Becky's mom the job would take, max, 5 hours (not including time to get the wood.)
We went and bought the wood and started to build. Things were actually going well. I was measuring the wood and cutting it with the circular saw (something I had only used twice before in my life.) Things were progressing well. Then, our first "discussion".
Becky: "Are you going to put spacers to hold the shelves up?"
Translation: "Don't put spacers to hold the shelves up, it will look stupid."
Me: "Yes."
Becky: "Oh, I think it would be better if..."
Oh, no. Here it comes. Becky tells me for months to build the CD rack, build the CD rack...then, after I rack my brains coming up with this plan...she tells me HOW to build it. UGH! This is why I get mad...usually. This time, I decided to take a different approach.
I admit, at first I fought her ideas. Saying things like, "That will be too hard!" and "I don't want to do it that way...(cause I'm a whiny little baby, I should have added.)" But then, I just said, ok, let's do it your way.
And you know what? It actually came out BETTER than my original idea. It took a little bit of work, but her CD rack idea was great. (Great Idea by Becky #2) The project got done, and we hardly fought at all about those little things.
After we finished building the shelf, puttying, and painting...we made a collage of music pictures on the back wall behind the shelves for added effect that came out cool, and was a fun project to do together (Great Idea by Becky #3). I was really surprised how well we worked together, given our shady past work history. Maybe I'm growing up a little, and becoming a little more patient. Scary thought.
In case you were wondering, the shelf took 8 hours to build, and about 4 hours to collage. Total with painting, getting the lumber, building and collaging...15 hours. But it was fun!!
Total Great Ideas by Becky on the CD Rack project: 3
Total Great Ideas by Tony on the CD Rack Project: 0
I hope you all will stop by and see Becky's great CD rack!!
Last summer, Becky and I remodeled our bathroom. Part of the project included tearing out a closet from the Computer room, and incorporating the space into our tiny bathroom. The result left a hole in the computer room where the closet door use to be. Becky wisely suggested that we convert the space into an inlaid CD rack. (Great Idea by Becky #1)
After many months procrastinating (as I do so well), we finally decided to start the rack.
Ok, Becky told me I had to do it.
I drew up some plans and was mentally ready for the task. I was so confident, in fact, that I told Becky's mom the job would take, max, 5 hours (not including time to get the wood.)
We went and bought the wood and started to build. Things were actually going well. I was measuring the wood and cutting it with the circular saw (something I had only used twice before in my life.) Things were progressing well. Then, our first "discussion".
Becky: "Are you going to put spacers to hold the shelves up?"
Translation: "Don't put spacers to hold the shelves up, it will look stupid."
Me: "Yes."
Becky: "Oh, I think it would be better if..."
Oh, no. Here it comes. Becky tells me for months to build the CD rack, build the CD rack...then, after I rack my brains coming up with this plan...she tells me HOW to build it. UGH! This is why I get mad...usually. This time, I decided to take a different approach.
I admit, at first I fought her ideas. Saying things like, "That will be too hard!" and "I don't want to do it that way...(cause I'm a whiny little baby, I should have added.)" But then, I just said, ok, let's do it your way.
And you know what? It actually came out BETTER than my original idea. It took a little bit of work, but her CD rack idea was great. (Great Idea by Becky #2) The project got done, and we hardly fought at all about those little things.
After we finished building the shelf, puttying, and painting...we made a collage of music pictures on the back wall behind the shelves for added effect that came out cool, and was a fun project to do together (Great Idea by Becky #3). I was really surprised how well we worked together, given our shady past work history. Maybe I'm growing up a little, and becoming a little more patient. Scary thought.
In case you were wondering, the shelf took 8 hours to build, and about 4 hours to collage. Total with painting, getting the lumber, building and collaging...15 hours. But it was fun!!
Total Great Ideas by Becky on the CD Rack project: 3
Total Great Ideas by Tony on the CD Rack Project: 0
I hope you all will stop by and see Becky's great CD rack!!
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