Jim's Stuff

The Gods

2012-01-28T07:22:00.003-06:00

The other day when I was talking to my overzealous christian coworker he remarked on my statement that I believe in many Gods. He asked what their names were and why I believed in them. This got me thinking.

Every people in different parts of the world had their Gods with their own names; the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Gauls, the Asian, the Nordic and the Celts.

Since I am of Nordic and Celtic heritage their Gods should be known to me. So I've done a little research.

The Norse Gods are well known:
ODIN: The Chief God.
THOR: The God of Thunder and war.
FREYJA: The Goddess of love, beauty, and attraction.
FRIGG: The Goddess of marriage and motherhood.
LOKI: The God of mischief.

The Celtic Gods are less known:
ANGUS: God of youth.
BADB: A Goddess of war and life, enlightenment, wisdom and inspiration.
BRIGHID: Goddess of healing and craftsmanship, of learning and poetry. (The Celts so loved Brighid that they could not abandon her even when they became Christians, and so made Brighid a Christian saint). Her feast day is Imbolc.
CERNUNNOS: Horned God of virility, fertility, life, animals, forests and the underworld. Associated with the Pagan Sabbaths of Beltane and Samhain.
DAGDA: Earth and father God who rules the seasons.
DANU: Mother Goddess who protects crops and cattle.
DRUANITA: Goddess and Mother who symbolizes protection, knowledge, creativity, passion, sex, fertility, growth, trees and forests. Her feast day is Beltane.
EOSTRE: Goddess of Spring. Her feast day is Ostara.
LUGH: A sun God and a hero God, master of all arts, skills and crafts. The most popular and widely worshipped of the Celtic Gods. The Pagan Sabbath Lughnasadh is named for him.
NUADHU: God of healing and water; his name suggests "wealth-bringer" and "cloud-maker."
OGMIOS: A God of eloquence, language and genius.

This makes me think that the early christians who invaded Brittan were successful in destroying the ancient Druid and Celtic writings and destroying the old beliefs. But not completely...! Thank the Gods!

Bad early christians!

Closet Space

2012-01-26T21:49:00.004-06:00

I was recently talking with a coworker and we discovered we had some common friends. My coworker lowered her voice and said; "let's not talk about this here". That caught me off guard!

"Why?" was my response! "Well.... I don't want other people to know... um, you know... these common friends... I don't want to mention the "A" word around coworkers... you know..!"

It suddenly dawned on me. She was in the closet about being an atheist! Or at least she didn't want other coworkers to know that she knew some... (ssshhhh...) atheists! Oh my god! (Or should I say: Oh my Goodness! OOPS!)lol

This got me thinking. Why would someone be afraid of being called an atheist? Or being called gay? Or a swinger? Or... whatever it is? Why do we feel we have to hide?

I'm a very open person. Maybe it's because I write this blog and ~~purge~~ write about a lot of things, but I don't feel I have many secrets. I'm not in the closet about anything! I'm a pretty open book. I really don't believe that one should live with a big lie or a big secret hanging over their head. I can't imagine living like that.

Sure, I know discretion is important. I don't tell everyone I meet that I'm gay, only people on a "need to know" basis. I don't share that I get depressed a lot with the person I just met at the bar or that depression runs in my family. I don't secretly go get tattoos and then worry that someone may see them. I really am a very open person. I think it's better to live life with no extra burdens, life can be difficult as it is... why add extra pressure on yourself to keep a big, deep, dark secret!

Maybe that's why the PostSecret blog is so popular; it's finally a way for people to let their secret out. I had a boyfriend once that had this big secret and when he finally told me I was, like... "Really? That wasn't so bad... let me tell you about the time I did this..." (Well, maybe that's over-sharing a little bit).lol

So I was thinking... why not just come out of your closet? Share something with us here that you want to get off your chest. Leave a comment... not that many people in the world read my blog. Or leave an anonymous comment. Come out of the _________ closet. Just say it: "I am a closet _________."

I was thinking, I really don't have anything that bad to tell. OK, I grew up listening to The Carpenters and still listen to them sometimes. I have a weakness for sherberts and gelato. I have a huge sweet tooth and love licorice and gummi worms.

Oh here's something: I guess I'm a closet blogger. I don't share my blog on Facebook. Well, I have maybe once or twice. But it's not something I tell everyone I know.

Clean out your closet. Come on out. Make some more room in there for stuff.

306

2012-01-24T22:05:00.003-06:00

You may have seen this on other websites.
If not, watch it and let me know what you think:

"306" Short Film from Elliot London on Vimeo.

I love that there is not a single word spoken!

I'll give my opinion in the comment section as I don't want to influence anyone's thoughts about it.

Leave a comment.
Let me know what you think.

A New Kind of Random Question

2012-01-23T21:47:00.006-06:00

Welcome to ‘The Question’.

That’s Stephen’s from ‘The State of the nation UK’ new project after the end of the ‘5 on the fifth’. Stephen poses a question to all bloggers each month.

The first one for January ‘12 is:

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

There are a lot of things that went through my mind when I read this question and thought of answering it. There are a lot of things I wish I could do better. There are things that I wish would have gone differently. But what would I attempt and not fail at? Because some of the answers I know will be followed up with: "well, just go to it!"

I read this question and project yesterday... I know I'm a day late (and a dollar short, as my dad would say). But I finally thought of something I would do... and why I just don't go do it now.

My answer: I would go back to school and get a degree.

Probably in the medical field. Then I wouldn't be limited in options of employment.

So... why not do it now?

It has been 30 years since I was last in study mode and I don't have the financial means. But... if I knew I couldn't fail I wouldn't worry about stuff like that.

This was a very interesting question. I look forward to next month's question.

Stuff

2012-01-22T09:05:00.006-06:00

What are our possessions? Just stuff.

I've been thinking about all the stuff that we acquire through our lives. Some stuff we need: food, clothing and shelter. But do we really need an excess of all of this stuff?

I have a nice home, it suites my needs. I have a guest room if someone is in town and needs a place to stay and an extra bathroom for them too. It's enough for me. I don't understand people who buy big homes with a formal dining room, a formal living room or a theater room when they really don't need it. Years ago at a holiday party I was given a tour of the host's home and there were about 3 "living" areas with a sofa and TV in each of them. Why? Would they really get bored in one area and want or need 2 more choices in their own home?

And clothing... do we really need to have the latest fashions? Do we really need more and more clothes? I can see replacing a pair of jeans or a shirt when they are worn out or get torn, but do we really need a walk in closet just as big as the bedroom in a home? I know... this is my area of weakness with all my shoes. I can only wear one pair at a time and do I really need a different pair for each day in a month? No!

Food is necessary. But we all seem to have this weird connection to food. People stress eat or eat too fast in their vehicles. Is it really necessary to gulp down some poorly made food just because you're hungry? And what about cooking? If something takes longer than 1 minute in the microwave some seem to get impatient. Why don't we enjoy cooking and savor the scents, the tastes and textures of a meal?

And then we have our electronic gadgets. I hate that whatever company with their 4G phone and the tagline: "that was sooo 38 seconds ago" commercial. It is so annoying! Do we really need to be "in the know" on stuff that fast? Do we really have to be condescending about knowing something a few seconds before someone else?

When is what we have enough?

I'm just wondering....

I'm here

2012-01-19T21:13:00.002-06:00

I'm finally getting out of my mood from last weekend.

Work has been super busy.

I've only been to the gym one night this week.

Just lots of stuff going on.

Sorry... don't feel up to blogging much yet though.

36 miles

2012-01-16T19:55:00.005-06:00

The weather was beautiful this weekend in Dallas. I got a chance to get out on the bike. Total miles ridden... 36.2.

I used the iPrecious app called Strava to track my rides.

This trail in Arlington is a combination of paved trails and off road. I went the wrong way, away from the dirt trails so by the time I got back there I was kinda tired.

This trail is the one closest to where I live and a fun one. There are 6 loops and I usually ride them in order. This time I rode 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and then 3. I was still feeling my oats so I rode loop 1 again.

The trail today up in north Dallas was muddy! I tried to go through an area that the map says is by a swamp... and it was horrid muddy! I had to wash the bike off when I got home.

I feel better when I'm outside. When it's just me and nature.

I draw energy from quiet and from peace.

Occasionally I'd hear some traffic or other people out hiking or biking. But I didn't have to talk to them.

I was not in a mood to talk.

It worked!

2012-01-15T08:46:00.004-06:00

Y'all know that I hate talking about sports. But I couldn't help to watch for the score of a game last night.

A certain Denver football player has been in the news a lot for touting his religious beliefs and thanking god for his wins.

I think in this case karma won out. I really don't think any of the gods care one way or another over another about a football game! There are way more important things going on in this world to be concerned over.

In my opinion, who would even care about a bunch of overpaid people? And why should get this much attention at all is beyond me.

But here is a story that got my attention. It made me laugh: The Witches of Salem cast a spell to help the Patriots win. To try to bring attention to the media making a big deal about one guy's belief. Read about it here and here.
Patriots Vs. Broncos Final Score: 45-10

OK... so I'm bored and have been in a bad mood since Friday about all the stuff at work. This post just proves it.

Sorry, hopefully I'll be back to normal soon.

Hope y'all are having a great weekend.

Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T19:18:00.004-06:00

I'm not superstitious.

Friday the 13th has usually been a lucky day for me.

Today started off good enough... I took the day off and with Monday a bank holiday this gives me a four day weekend! Woohoo!

Up until I get that call from the office.

UGH!

Well... on Tuesday I'm going to add an hour to my time sheet, if I was working I at least should get paid for it!

What is superstition anyway? Old wives tales, folklore, bizarre beliefs,
taboos, omens, lucky & unlucky things. And why the number 13? The building I work in doesn't have a 13th floor. Why is this a weird thing? I googled it and nothing made sense. Stuff from various religions and world cultures.

I guess it's just one of those things that can't be explained... just like a lot of things in life can't be explained. Or why co-workers suddenly have issues when I try to take a day off.

Who knows...??

The story behind the photo

2012-01-11T21:02:00.012-06:00

Thanks for all your awesome captions! At the end of this post I'll name my favorite.

Now... on to the story behind the photo:

This photo was taken at the Sherwood Forest Faire near Austin. The fairgrounds have a main gathering area with large stones in a circle. It's called "The Seven Sister's Stone Circle". (embiggen the picture and you'll see it better)

Last year on the Spring Equinox the owners opened the fairgrounds after hours to let the people who camp (patrons) in for a bonfire. There was a drum circle and people (including me) were dancing around the bonfire. During the day a woodland faerie (or elf) is sitting atop one of the stones. That's him in the photo.

My friend Liz and I were talking to said woodland faerie. He was bragging that he is the only one 'allowed' on the stones; they're 'his'. Liz and I looked at each other with the same thought... that sounded like a challenge!

Oh my god! There I was...
at 2AM; very drunk and on climbing up onto the top of the stone.

Take that woodland faerie!

And the caption that made me LOL:

Theaterdog:
Oh my god there I was about to disrobe for a great shot, and someone came up the sidewalk.

Cuz I almost did... heehee! Liz wanted me to and I almost did, but I was too drunk and didn't want to fall in the process. If I had disrobed first I would have scratched things on the way up.

So there you go... and now you know!

Caption this

2012-01-09T19:26:00.004-06:00

Here's a twist though... your caption must have this phrase in it:

"oh my god, there I was...."

I'll tell the story behind the picture later, but I want to see what y'all think was happening.

Weekend Stuff

2012-01-08T20:44:00.006-06:00

Wow! The weekend seemed to fly by.

It started out slow. I opted for a nap on Saturday and just did laundry and laid low. You need days like that...

I finally got into the shower and out to eat, then headed to a party. It was a great party! There were a few friends there and a lot of people I had never met, so I made some new friends. Most of the people at the party belong to a group I may join. They're mostly atheists and free thinkers. I like people who have different thoughts and ways of looking at things that are different than mine. I had some great conversations.

This morning while drinking coffee and looking at PostSecret I thought I'd better get off my butt and do something (since I had a very lazy Saturday). But taking another nap sure seemed like a nice option too....

I decided I better get back out on the bike for a ride since the weather is nice. We haven't had rain in a while so the trails are not all muddy. I rode for 8 and half miles and loved it. Once I got home I decided to treat myself to another visit to the spa. It was sooooo relaxing! I feel great. And my skin is baby soft too!

Hope y'all had a great weekend.

Smelly stuff

2012-01-06T21:24:00.005-06:00

Thank the Gods that this week is over!

I'm pretty sure the antibiotics I got are working... I'm getting my sense of smell back!

For as long as I can remember I have had allergies. My sinuses were always blocked and this affected my sense of smell.

I first noticed it this morning when I decided to put a bit of cinnamon in my coffee. I could actually smell it before I tasted it. (And I think it enhanced the taste of it too)

I went back to my doctor for the 2nd shot of whatever it is, I couldn't say or spell it for the life of me anyway... This dose was more potent and more of it. My hip ached all day. But I headed to the gym after work where I could tell that my sense of smell was returning. You know... some sweaty men actually smell kinda nice... it was making me randy. LOL

Then this evening I ate at a favorite restaurant. A place that specializes in enchiladas. Now that I'm home I just noticed that my clothes smell like a big enchilada! A big sweaty enchilada (I didn't shower yet after my workout) OOPS.

Well... happy Friday y'all.

Resolutions

2012-01-05T18:57:00.001-06:00

I have really been thinking about the kind act done for me the other day, the guy (and fellow biker) returning my wallet to me. It has firmed up my resolve to "pay it forward".

This makes me think about New Year's Resolutions.

For several years now I have had a theme to live by rather than a list of things to do.

This year the things I'll be working on are: Be more confident and compliment people more.

So far... so good.

This made me LOL!

Sharp left turn

2012-01-04T20:18:00.004-06:00

I woke up this morning at the same times as any other day.

Showered, shaved, dressed for work. Got to work, then remembered that my doctor wanted me to come in to discuss something that I forgot about last week.

On christmas day I started sneezing. I thought it was because of my friend's cat. I'm very allergic to cats. I was still feeling puny on the 26th so I laid low. Went to the doc on the 27th and got some antibiotics for the sinus infection.

I get a lot of sinus infections.

Here's the part I almost forgot. Ms. doctor took a culture (a swab) from inside my nose. The results were back and she wanted me to come back into the office.

At about 9:15 this morning she handed me the results and began explaining to me that sometimes the e coli bacteria gets into the sinuses. I would be getting a shot of a new strong antibiotic and a prescription for another.

Back at the office the boss tells me to leave. Apparently I'm very contagious but the antibiotic should kill the bacteria in about 24 hours.

The weird part is; my sinuses feel fine. I feel fine... I've been feeling better since last Friday.

What just happened?

This came out of nowhere.

I've researched this on the internet and cleaned my house, really well. Now everything smells like clorox and lysol.

You never know when life will take you in a completely different direction.

Book Stuff

2012-01-03T20:06:00.003-06:00

You know back around the middle of December I said I started a new book. I wasn't sure if I liked it...

I just finished reading it.

I guess I did like it.

Kate Morton's The Forgotten Garden

It was really good!

Now I'm at that place where I loved the last book so much that I don't want to get into the next one.

I went to Half Price Books yesterday for several hours and came home with four new ones. The one I'm reading now is small, only 250 pages. I just hope that I can get into it.

Lost and Found

2012-01-02T13:55:00.008-06:00

It felt great to get out on the bike trails yesterday. The first ride of 2012.

However when I got back to my vehicle, tired after the eight mile ride, I was horrified to find the little pack under my seat where I put was wallet was empty! Somewhere out there in the 8 miles of track was my driver's license, credit and debit cards, my insurance cards, extra keys to my vehicle and home... everything. Gone.

I was due to meet friends out for dinner and knew I had to get home to shower and then to drive up to the suburbs. I immediately called to cancel my credit and debit cards, the rest would have to wait.

I made it to the dinner and had a nice evening. My buddy offered to ride the trail early this morning with me to look for it. We hit the trails at 8AM and had no luck. But, that's life... I just have to deal with it. :-(

It made me think of other times I have lost things. Big things. Phones, keys, cash... losing things is a part of life. We can let it beat us down or we can deal with it. I wasn't going to let this little thing affect my year. I was not going to say: "oh great... what a way to start the year!" I just started planning and doing what I needed to do to take care of things.

I installed new locks on my home. I didn't want to come home from work to find an empty house since someone now knew my address and had my house key! I was deciding what to do about my vehicle when I hear my doorbell ring.

A guy and his daughter stood at my door. He told me that he found something of mine yesterday. He handed me back my wallet! He restored my faith in humanity.

I think I'll add a new "New Year's Resolution": Pay it forward.

New Year's Stuff

2012-01-01T11:18:00.003-06:00

I spent New Year's Eve with some great friends!

First at a Korean spa and sauna with some dear friends. It was great! I had a body scrub that kinda hurt.... but it was followed by a massage. Then I soaked in the jacuzzi and visited each of the 9 unique healing sauna rooms. Each had a different theme and several had crystals that I also believe have a special healing power. Here is their website. I first thought it would be a 'bathhouse' type place, but it s traditional Korean family place with in a restaurant that was great! I loved a section where they had heated floors. What a relaxing day!

The evening and New Year with brought in with many friends at the little wine bar that friends of mine own. It was nice to spend time with friends that I've had for many years! We all talked about how we need to get together more often through this new year.

And finally... my tarot card for January
The Three of Wands

The 3 of Wands is an auspicious card; one which tells me that the choices I have made previously will come to fruition. But I must wait patiently for my "ship to come in". Plans have been set in motion but cannot be rushed. It will be a month where I can pursue artistic ideas that represent an intrinsic part of me.

Happy New Year y'all!

The last business day of 2011

2011-12-30T19:13:00.004-06:00

I thought I'd do a 'year in review' type blog entry.

This last year has been an interesting one to say the least.

I woke up on January 1st last year and immediately went into a depression. This thought stayed forefront in my mind: "This is the year I turn 50!" And I let it really bother me. I thought it really showed at times in my attitude and confidence. But I also grew in my confidence too. I learn a lot about myself. By the time Jimmas (my birthday) rolled around in late August I had come to accept myself more and more. And finally in October I got this "fuck it" attitude about growing older. It's better to just accept myself and go on with life.

Work was work. It's not something I love, but I don't hate it either. I like most of my coworkers and try as best as I can to ignore the ones I don't.

This year has had it's ups and downs with friends too. Some friendships grew in unimaginable ways and others withered away. I think I really learned the value of people and who I called a friend. A real friend isn't someone that is on a social networking site with 10 friends in common. A friend is someone who loves you as you are and knows when to look the other way too. I can honestly say that I love my friends and they tell me the same often too.

It was nice seeing some of my family in Utah this last summer... but I doubt I'll ever go back. It feels like a world away from where I am in my life now.

This last year makes me think of this old song:
Who knows what tomorrow brings
In a world where few hearts survive
All I know is the way I feel
When it's real
I keep it alive
The road is long
There are mountains in the way
But we climb a step every day...

Good bye 2011.

Happy 4th day of Kwanzaa

2011-12-28T18:20:00.003-06:00

Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days representing seven principles of tradition and reason. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles:

Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves stand up.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Happy Kwanzaa to all my friends and readers who celebrate this holiday.

Tat stuff

2011-12-27T12:10:00.000-06:00

The tat is healing nicely.

Here is the background story on it: It is a pentagram, one of the symbols of Pagans. It represents the elements of fire, water, air, earth and spirit. I knew I wanted this as a tat and finally found a picture I liked.

Then finally decided where on me to put it. My second choice was on my left calf, but then I thought it would scare the christians when I wore shorts during the 9 months of the year in Texas. Well, it might not scare them as much as they'd make snap judgements that I was satanic or something.

So I decided on my shoulder although it's not a place convenient to take good pictures of. I felt like a contortionist getting this picture.

Happy Boxing Day

2011-12-26T09:29:00.003-06:00

Ever since I lived in a British Commonwealth country I have celebrated Boxing Day. I find it an interesting holiday. I believe it was meant as a day of charity by the upper classes of society to box up their old stuff or give gifts to their staff for all their work during the holidays.

Some may think it was the day that women boxed us the gifts they received to trek back to the stores for returns, exchanges and sales, while the men watched boxing matches.

Whatever the true origins of the holiday are I think it's kinda weird that it hasn't caught on in the United States. I think it would be a good day for charity work or to give donations to charities.

This would be far better than what seems to be the American tradition. It seems to me like the day after christmas is the day one brags to your friends about what you got! Wouldn't it be more fitting to talk about that you gave? And then show true compassion and charity by giving to others who are in need.

[Major bank] is giving us today off! YAY!
But I feel like I'm coming down with a cold. EW!

Well... Happy Boxing Day y'all!

Thoughts about Christmas

2011-12-25T08:54:00.004-06:00

To all my christian friends and readers
and those that celebrate today in a secular way:

Merry Christmas!

As a coworker and I were leaving work on Friday we were talking about this holiday. He is a devout Christian who knows that I am a devout Pagan.

Here's how the conversation went:
Coworker (CW): Jim... I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Me: CW... I want to wish you a Happy Hanukkah. Are you lighting the 4th candle in your menorah tonight?
CW: What? I don't celebrate Hanukkah.
Me: Then why are you wishing me a merry christmas? CW, I know you celebrate christmas, so I'll wish you a merry christmas. You could have respected me and wished me a merry yule on Thursday.
CW: Jim... I know that deep down inside you still believe. I'm sorry that someone hurt you in your past, but I know you still believe, deep down.
Me: CW, you're about the tenth person to tell me that and I'll tell you the same thing I told the other nine. No! I have different beliefs than you. Please respect them. You know we have quite a large number of Jewish clients at [major bank] I hope you're not telling any of them merry christmas!!
CW: No... that would be disrespectful!
Me: [silence] (waiting for his words to sink in to his mind)

Last night I ran into some other friends. We talked about our beliefs and I realized that this is the first year that I haven't hated christmas! It really is just another day to me. I don't love it, I don't hate it. It's just a holiday celebrated by people of a different religion than me. To me... it's just December 25, 2011.

Holiday candles

2011-12-24T17:37:00.001-06:00

It's weird....
I lit all these candles at the same time.
Yet they all burned very differently.
I guess it was according to the drafts in my room
Or the blast of the furnace heating the room.
I never realized that certain areas were affected more then others.
Even by a few inches.

I got poked!

2011-12-23T18:24:00.005-06:00

Repeatedly...

And I liked it...

I wish Erik could have poked me... But he lives too damn far away. He'll get to poke me the next time.

By the way...

This is my 3rd tattoo I've gotten on Yule.

This kinda sounds like a tradition now...

Merry Yule and Happy Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T09:21:00.006-06:00

To all my Pagan and Wiccan friends and readers... and for me!
Merry Yule!

This year has seemed a bit different. The Solstice usually falls on December 21st. But it can fall on any date between the 19th and the 22nd. This year is one of those years. I had numerous friends that celebrated the holiday yesterday, on the date specific day: December 21st. But does it really matter?

Yesterday I stopped by my friend's wine shop; Two Corks & a Bottle, for a quick drink and we got to talking about the holidays. John asked me how I celebrate Yule. I responded by telling him the meaning of the solstice and the beginning of the days getting longer and how for the ancient peoples in the far northern hemisphere it really is the "rebirth of the sun". It is about celebrating the darkness and being grateful for your stores of food that you would plant and harvest the rest of the year. So, keeping those things in mind I celebrate with candles and with evergreens, holly and ivy and things that keep living through the winter. I enjoy and share my food and drink with friends and loved ones.

I will burn a Yule log and burn and with it all the negativity from the past year. I will think on and wish for the things I would like in the coming year.

On my drive home the NPR station had on a Hanukkah story feature. Stories and memories of traditions and how people share and celebrate this holiday. I thought this was very interesting.

So to all of my friends; however you celebrate; whatever day you celebrate.... I wish you the happiness and love that you deserve.

Twas the night before Yule (a repost)

2011-12-21T09:59:00.001-06:00

A Nordic Yule

'Twas the night before Yuletide in the Horde's hall
Not a person was stirring, not even a thrall.
The wineskins were hung on the mantle with care
In hope that great Odin soon would be there.

The clansmen were snoring, passed out on the floor.
And I made to join them. I couldn't drink more.
I found a place quickly, my furs for a bed.
The mead I had drunk had gone to my head.

Then came a noise from way out in back.
So loud that I swore, we were under attack!
I leapt from my furs, my sword clutched in hand,
And went to the window to survey the land.

I looked into the night and muttered a curse,
Could it be Grendel or something much worse?
Then what to my eyes should the full moon reveal,
But an old fashioned sleigh drawn by a creature unreal.

And a huge burly driver so fierce and forbodin',
I knew in a moment it was Allfather Odin.
He yelled at the creature with a snarl on his lips,
And after each word, gave a crack of his whip.

"Obey me now, Sleipner, for I am your master,
An eight-legged horse ought to run faster!?"
I ran from the window, so quick and so able
And sought a safe haven under the table.

I heard the sleigh stop and Odin get out
And as he drew nearer, gave a great shout.
He kicked the door open, which then hung askew
And I shook when I saw him, what else could I do?

He was dressed in his armor, so regal and fine
But I caught a strong odor of cheap women and wine.
His bundle of weapons he dropped where he stood,
All bright gleaming steel and dark polished wood.

His face was like granite with a long flowing beard
His one eye glowing like an ember, or so it appeared.
I watched him quite closely alone with my fear
As he surveyed the hall with a glare and a sneer.

He cursed and he muttered and seemed to grow madder
And I fought to keep some control of my bladder.
He lifted his foot and pulled a nail from beneath
Then seemed to grow calmer. I sighed with relief.

He then went to work, his task to assail
And filled all the wineskins with mead and stout ale.
Then using his finger to scratch at his crotch
He strode from the hall as I silently watched.

He mounted his sleigh and his whip gave a crack
As Sleipner jumped forward, he laughed and leaned back.
He said as he rode, "Fight hard and die well.
And when that day comes, in Valhalla you'll dwell!"

© 2002 Michael G. Tucker
This was written by a friend of mine and I think it's fantastic! Kudos Mike!!

A lichtigin Chanukah

2011-12-20T19:39:00.003-06:00

Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish readers and friends!

Another repost - Life Lessons

2011-12-18T08:23:00.005-06:00

At this time of year I think we need to stop and take a moment in our busy lives to ponder what truly matters in life. Here is a favorite quote from an old favorite book:

Mortal Lessons
Notes on the Art of Surgery
by Richard Selzer

"I stand by the bed where a young woman lies, her face postoperative, her mouth twisted in palsy, clownish. A tiny twig of the facial nerve, the one to the muscles of her mouth, has been severed. She will be thus from now on. The surgeon had followed with religious fervor the curve of her flesh; I promise you that. Nevertheless, to remove the tumor in her cheek, I had to cut the little nerve.

Her young husband is in the room. He stands on the opposite side of the bed, and together they seem to dwell in the evening lamplight, isolated from me, private. Who are they, I ask myself, he and this wry-mouth I have made, who gaze at and touch each other so generously, greedily? The young woman speaks.

"Will my mouth always be like this?" she asks.

"Yes," I say, "it will. It is because the nerve was cut."

She nods, and is silent. But the young man smiles.

"I like it," he says. "It is kind of cute."

All at once I know who he is. I understand, and I lower my gaze. One is not bold in an encounter with a god. Unmindful, he bends to kiss her crooked mouth, and I so close I can see how he twists his own lips to accommodate to hers, to show her that their kiss still works. I remember that the gods appeared in ancient Greece as mortals, and I hold my breath and let the wonder in."

Don't live your life expecting miracles. Do something miraculous.

Unusual conversations in unususal places

2011-12-17T11:03:00.008-06:00

Last night was the work party/white elephant gift exchange. I got the least lame gift there and the person who got my Christmas Cds liked them. All good!

The night began at 5:30PM and ended after 1AM, at a 3rd bar, with me two-stepping with a coworker's boyfriend (straight couple) at the Roundup. Fun night!

This reminded me of other happy hours with coworkers that have turned out in an all night adventure. On one such night back in 2008 at 1AM I found myself dancing with my coworker Kim in a little dive bar in the lower Greenville area of Dallas. We were dancing fools, the only ones on the dance floor and having fun.

As I excused myself to go to the restroom a guy followed me in, stood next to me at the urinal and started the following conversation:

GUY: Hey, how's it's going?
ME: Good! How about you?
GUY: Great... my girlfriend and I have really enjoyed watching you and your girlfriend dance.
ME: Um... yea, we like to cut loose and have fun.
GUY: We really think your girlfriend is cute.
ME: She is cute. And she's only a coworker.
GUY: Oh! Good.
ME: OK..... Um... Are y'all having fun?
GUY: Yes! We'd love to have fun with your friend too. Let her know to come talk to us if she's interested.
ME: ..... Um.... OK... I'll pass that on to her..... OK, I'm done.... Nice to meet you. Bye.

I wash my hands, leave and Kim drags me back onto the dance floor. I tell Kim of the unusual urinal conversation. We had a good laugh. Kept dancing. Finally left the dive bar about a half hour later.

Aw... good times, good times.
LOL

#34

2011-12-14T20:21:00.000-06:00

Random stuff

2011-12-12T12:12:00.001-06:00

I counted my library of books yesterday. Total count: 234
I have no idea why I counted them.

I was cranky at work today.
I don't know why... I had a good night of rest.

I had a "sleep over" on Saturday night.
Someone I've been chatting with on an "adult" site.
I don't know why... he's 27 and shaves his chest hairs.

For the last work holiday party this year we are having a "white elephant" gift exchange.
I'm giving away all my old Christmas CDs. I hate Christmas music.
That's a good gift, isn't it?

I started a new book yesterday.
I kinda hate it already. I'm not sure how much longer I can read it.
Probably because I have read some really great books lately and I'm spoiled.

Today is one of those double digit days: 12/12.
For some reason I think this is cool.

Oh... I just found some more Christmas stuff I can give away at the "white elephant" party! YAY!
Am I weird or what?

Where is my torch and pitchfork?

2011-12-11T19:59:00.003-06:00

My friend sent me this picture. It made me LOL!

Pet Peeve #3

2011-12-10T09:03:00.005-06:00

Homonervous men!

You know who they are. They're not homophobic and they're OK with gay people but just nervous around them. Hence the new word: homonervous.

We've all seen them in the gym. They are the guys who after showering will keep their towel closely wrapped around them. When they get dressed they put their underwear on over the wet towel and then pull the towel out so that they never have to be naked. They've got it down to a science when undressing. They leave the shirt on and in one quick motion remove their boxers and slip on the briefs or gym shorts. Then quickly glance around to see if anyone saw it. Some day I would love to laugh out loud and point, then shout: "Oh my god! I saw it!"

The homonervous men are at work too. We have a restroom at the office with 2 urinals with the partition between them. The homonervous man will not even stand next to another guy who is standing there, they'd rather go into a stall and splatter on the toilet seat.

These guys sometimes won't even speak to you outside of the office space. They think that if they're being friendly a gay guy will think they're coming on to them. I'm not sure if it's an ego thing, like they think that everyone would be attracted to them.

Just get over yourselves guys!

Just stuff...

2011-12-09T18:04:00.003-06:00

Oh. My. Gawd!

The last couple of days have been busy with stuff.

My coworker (teammate) came back from 10 days of vacation. She had over 3000 emails. She's been pretty useless. That's OK, I have been in 'robo' mode. (meaning I get everything done, but no socializing with anyone).

Monday and Tuesday I was feeling puny so I skipped the gym to go home and get some rest. Then Wednesday and Thursday evenings were filled with various work group holiday parties. Tonight is my only free evening as another holiday party is set for Saturday night. UGH!

This is not fun for me. I sometimes tell people "thanks, but I don't really celebrate Christmas". And sometimes I just give a wry smile and let it go... it would be too much effort to try to explain.

Fireplace and warm thoughts

2011-12-06T08:44:00.005-06:00

As I was warming my feet by the fire again last night my thoughts drifted back to my childhood.

We didn't have a fireplace in our home while I was growing up, but it's something that mom always wanted. We would come home on a cold winter evening and dad would turn up the thermostat to warm the house. We had a coal burning furnace with small floor vents in each room. I remember I used to lay on the floor with my feet right against the vent trying to get myself warmed up (see, I've always hated the cold). My older brothers would try to jostle me out of the way. But eventually we would work it out and my toes would warm up.

Helping dad shove the pickup bed full of coal into the coal bin at the back of the house became a ritual that spoke on the coming of winter. I eventually didn't mind helping with the shoveling as I knew it would bring warmth later. But I and my mother always held a fireplace dream near to our hearts.

Only one or two of the houses I've lived in had a fireplace but I really don't ever remember lighting it and then sitting by the fire sipping wine or hot cocoa. It was one of the things that sold me on the condo and home where I live now. I don't mind the winter winds blowing outside so much anymore. I love to watch the flames dance and I love watching the fire die down into glowing hot embers. I'll throw another log on and watch the flames lick up the side of it and then consume it. I'm often holding a drink while gazing into the fire while I feel the warmth of the fire on my fingers and face. I still sit really close to warm my toes.

5 on the 5th

2011-12-05T05:55:00.000-06:00

A fun blog challenge created by Steven Chapman:
"Take 5 photographs on the days leading up to the 5th and publish those on your own blog and then add the link to my blog, State of the Nation UK so that others can see your images. "

This month's theme: Winter Weekend

What does one do on a winter weekend when you see a storm coming in on Friday evening?

You move the plants by the front door out to where they can get some rain.

You eventually venture out to do some errands and shopping.

You get your new favorite cider.

Awww.... This is the best part of a winter weekend!

True Blood addict

2011-12-04T18:20:00.003-06:00

OK... I may be a little behind the times on this. But I don't have cable TV so there is a lot I miss, don't judge!

My friends at Thanksgiving were telling me about the show and they loaned me the first season of True Blood on DVD. I've been watching it this week.

I
Am
HOOKED!

I love it!

Why didn't someone mention this to me years ago?

Or was I just not paying attention?

December Tarot

2011-12-02T11:09:00.008-06:00

The Lovers

The Lovers card can indicate a very strong sexual connection. (DUH... look at the picture)

But also a connection that goes beyond instant gratification and lust to a very deep desire and passion; one of full commitment and harmony. The Lovers trust in one another gives them strength and confidence to overcome the obstacles in life.

December should be a steamy and passionate month for me! YOWZA!

World AIDS Day

2011-12-01T05:42:00.004-06:00

Let's keep fighting to maintain funding for research.

Let's keep hoping for a cure!

Protect yourself and educate others.

Let's continue to love and care for those those living with AIDS.

Today we remember our friends and loved ones that have passed away from this terrible disease.

I honor and remember my first partner who passed away from AIDS on December 9, 1986, and countless other friends through the years.

Pet Peeve #2

2011-11-30T18:48:00.003-06:00

Item number 2 on my Pet Peeve list is...

Rude and inconsiderate people!

It's the people that think they're the only ones that matter. They seem oblivious that there is anyone else in the world.

I see them a lot at the gym where they are sitting at a workout station texting or just staring into nothing not aware that the gym is busy and that there might be someone waiting to use the weights.

It's also the people who think there is a universal maid service; i.e: someone who will clean up after them. People who litter and don't give it a second thought. Or smokers that don't think that the cigarette butt is trash, they just flick them away.

Then there are the people who will think that it doesn't matter what they say or how they say something to another person. Those people also love to be condescending and think themselves superior to others.

I want people to try to be understanding with me so I really try to be understanding with them. But sometimes I just don't get how rude some people are!

Novemburrrrr

2011-11-29T21:14:00.003-06:00

Did I mention that I don't like cold weather?

There is a reason I live in Texas... I like it a little warm. I have always said, for as long as I can remember, that I would rather be a little sweaty than a little chilly.

Coworkers and people I know mention that they love the cold crisp mornings and the brisk cold winds of winter.

I don't!

I'd rather it be in the upper 80s or 90s.

This last summer I would go outside to read during my lunch in the 100+ degree hot summer sun. And I was happy.

Now I walk as quick as I can to the warmth of a building. During the winter I feel like I never get warm enough. Sweaters make me feel unnecessarily bulky and fat.

I know, I know... I'm a Pagan. I celebrate the changing of the seasons. It's the natural way of life. It doesn't mean I have to like it!

Note to self about the rain

2011-11-28T19:20:00.003-06:00

If it's raining...

And I'm at the ren fest...

Bring extra dry socks and dry (waterproof) boots!

That means I should check the weather forecasts too...

I love spending time with my friends. And we had plenty of rum. The only MEH part of the weekend was the rain on Saturday.

I know south Texas needs the rain so I didn't complain...
too much.

I just sorta squished around most of the day.

Closing weekend of TRF

2011-11-25T08:12:00.004-06:00

I'll be leaving in a few minutes to drive down to Magnolia, TX to the final weekend of the renaissance faires for 2011. It's about a 4 hours drive and I don't have to pass near a shopping mall today! Thank The Gods! I know some rum and cider will be waiting for me when I arrive. I may not remember much of Saturday, but I'll be sober enough to drive home on Sunday!

(Notice the decorated Yule trees from 2 years ago)

I am still so full from Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday that I doubt I will eat again until Saturday.

If any of my friends are out shopping for any "deals"... good luck with the crowds and traffic today.

Hope y'all have a safe and happy weekend.
Huzzah!

Thanx giving

2011-11-24T08:46:00.004-06:00

I'm thankful that this holiday is secular and can be celebrated by all people.

I'm thankful that it is a holiday that tries to make us stop in our busy lives to give thanks and to be grateful for all that we have.

I'm thankful for this holiday that makes us appreciate the abundance of food that we have and for friends and family that all gather together around a table to share in the feast.

Today, if you can remember, take a moment during your Thanksgiving dinner to stop and revel in the moment and savor the food. Enjoy the people, the food, the sights, aromas, the sounds of your loved ones happily talking. Forget about what happened yesterday. Don't worry about tomorrow. Fully live in the moment for as long as you can. Raise your glass in a toast to friends that are far away and to your family and loved ones that are no longer here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Boxers or briefs?

2011-11-23T20:52:00.004-06:00

What happens when you get a bunch of guys together who love dressing up like pirates?

Duh... you drop trou

to show off your pirate boxers!

Oh... I forgot that we did that! Oops!

LOL

(here's a close up of the pattern)

11/22/11

2011-11-22T20:50:00.008-06:00

This is the 48th anniversary of the assignation of John F Kennedy in Dallas. A date that gives Dallas a little bit of infamy.

It's the finale of the 2nd Dancing With The Stars in 2011. Watching it makes me want to get out on the dance floor again.

1869 – In Dumbarton, Scotland, the clipper Cutty Sark is launched – one of the last clippers ever built, and the only one still surviving today. My friends just got back from a vacation in the Grand Cayman Islands. They were there for pirate week and they got to sail into the harbor of the city on a clipper like this.

Muriel Hemingway turns 50 today. I didn't know I was older than her!

And it's another of those weird dates that I find fascinating. A double digit day.

Repost

2011-11-21T20:32:00.005-06:00

I was looking at my blog and thinking back on these last 3 years. I found this post that I forgot about. I'm reposting it because it is a great message.
Originally posted on January 20, 2009.

Charles Schulz Philosophy

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.

''Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!''

Say what...?

2011-11-20T16:29:00.003-06:00

Here is a little drink mix I can up with today.

I call it Pink Tip in Cider

YUM!

Blogoversary and other stuff

2011-11-18T10:50:00.004-06:00

Thank The Gods... it's Friday!

BTW... I missed my blogoversary. I started the little blog back on November 16, 2008. It's been fun sharing my thoughts, ideas, rants, crazy stuff and boring stuff that's been happening in my life.

Thanks to everyone who stops by to read. Comments are not expected, but greatly appreciated!

I've meet some great people through the blog and hope to meet many new friends in person.

Please wish me the inspiration for many more blog posts for years to come.

Giddy

2011-11-17T21:13:00.002-06:00

My kilt/renaissance boots came in today!

I'm in ren-geek heaven now. Yay me!

They're a right bastard to lace up though... I'll have to take an extra half hour getting ready the next time I wear the kilt out.

I know this brings up the total of number of shoes I own... but, I recently had to throw some dress shoes out because the soul gave out. Don't judge... LOL

Tomorrow is Friday isn't it? It's been a long ass week!

Thanks Dove....

2011-11-15T15:55:00.001-06:00

Awwww... chocolate!

Pet Peeve #1

2011-11-13T11:01:00.005-06:00

Some bloggers list all their pet peeves all at once. My list is ever growing and changing, so I thought I'd do a new blog series on the little things that annoy me.

My first and biggest pet peeves is: bad drivers!

Why is it so important that you get to your destination 10 seconds faster than I do? I can never understand aggressive drivers; those that fly past you at ungodly speeds or tailgate you trying to get past. There are also drivers that use only the gas pedal and the brake. And those that are driving to a stoplight and brake only at the very last second.

Then the distracted driver that is clueless that they are straddling the white lines taking up 2 lanes, or the ones going 10 miles under the speed limit because they're on the phone or texting. Or putting on makeup, eating or reading the newspaper! Swear to the Gods, I passed someone reading the newspaper while they were driving.

If someone is tailgating me I decide that it's a good time to wash my windshield. The spray makes them wash theirs too... you'd think they'd get the hint and back off, but usually they don't. I end up having to tap my breaks at them several times to get them to back off.

When I pass someone who is clearly distracted I swerve slightly towards them suddenly. This sometimes gets their attention and then I point them to God with a certain index finger. ,,!,,

I also ask them to do lewd things to themselves! I know they can't hear me, but I feel better.

Five out

2011-11-12T09:32:00.007-06:00

I think I'll have a five out day!

Work out:

Go out:

Make out:

Put out:

Pass out:

Happy weekend!

11/11/11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.005-06:00

This has got to be one of the ~~geekiest~~ ~~weirdest~~ coolest dates ever.
(just humor Jim... he's a geek about stuff like this)

It's Veteran's Day. I am grateful for those who have served and are serving their country now.

Wow... a weekend with no set plans? Nice! I think I'll take my friend Rose up on her offer of doing a spa day on Sunday.

Happy Friday y'all!

Random stuff on this binary day

2011-11-10T18:04:00.006-06:00

11.10.11
What is that even code for?
Y'all know I like weird days like this....

I know I haven't been blogging... What have I been doing then you ask?
Just stuff....

Last weekend I drove down to TRF again and wore my full kilt garb. Fun as always. Same random stuff in the faire and campgrounds afterwards.

We stocked up on rum.

Stuff at work has calmed down a bit [knock on wood]. YEAH!

I've been reading the book Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I like it because of the historical fiction aspect of what life was like in 19th century Scotland. It's written with a Scottish accent. If I read some passages out loud it helps me with me Scottish accent. It was fun talking like a Scot last weekend. The book is OK, but honestly... it's a "lust & thrust" novel. Not a big fan of the romance novel stuff... MEH

I've been going to the gym. Nothing new there.... I haven't been on the bike in a while. It's been cold and rainy here. Yuck, I hate cold weather and all the mud and stuff.

I went to a work function last evening with my coworker. Then to my friend's wine bar called Two Corks and a Bottle. Click on their link... if you visit Dallas go stop in and say hello.

I was wearing my suit. I must have been drunk and channeling my inner Donald Draper from Mad Men. Meaning: I was being flirty with a cute 33 year old guy!

See.... just the usual stuff.

Note to self

2011-11-07T19:42:00.003-06:00

Jim... if you take the trash out while wearing just your boxers... make sure they're button fly!

Grandma Effie

2011-11-02T19:29:00.004-05:00

Today Grandma Effie would have been 110 years old.

Born Effie Branch in Wellington, Utah. Her father died when she was 5 years old, her mother was left to raise 10 children.

She married my grandfather Ralph when she was 18 years old. My dad was their second child, he was born in 1923.

This is their wedding picture.

My grandfather was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( Lou Gehrig's disease) in about 1940. He was treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The second known case of the disease in the country. He died in 1944 leaving Effie with 7 children, the youngest about 2 or 3 years old.

Ralph, Effie and their family in about 1943.

In 1950 she married Frank, a family friend who already had 3 grown children. He is the one I know as my grandpa. They lived on a cattle ranch in central Utah.

We called her our little grandma, "little" meaning that she was only about 5 foot tall. In the late 1970s she started acting funny. It got worse after Frank passed away in 1985. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease shortly after. She passed away in 1994 on Mother's Day.

I have interesting memories of grandma. I honor and remember her this day. Happy birthday grandma! I love you.

November Tarot

2011-11-01T18:50:00.003-05:00

The Ace of Swords - reversed

It looks like the theme for me for the month is: "Don't make any sudden moves or make quick decisions."

The Ace of Swords shows the beginning of a situation that is double-edged like the blade of the sword itself. I need to avoid misunderstandings and malicious gossip. I may have to "draw my sword" to fight off lies and deceptions.

It should be an interesting month. OK Jim... take a deep breath and think things through.

Spirits of the Dead

2011-10-31T20:24:00.004-05:00

~Edgar Allan Poe

Thy soul shall find itself alone
'Mid dark thoughts of the grey tomb-stone;
Not one, of all the crowd, to pry
Into thine hour of secrecy.

Be silent in that solitude,
Which is not loneliness — for then
The spirits of the dead, who stood
In life before thee, are again
In death around thee, and their will
Shall overshadow thee; be still.

The night, though clear, shall frown,
And the stars shall not look down
From their high thrones in the Heaven
With light like hope to mortals given,
But their red orbs, without beam,
To thy weariness shall seem
As a burning and a fever
Which would cling to thee for ever.

Now are thoughts thou shalt not banish,
Now are visions ne'er to vanish;
From thy spirit shall they pass
No more, like dew-drop from the grass.

The breeze, the breath of God, is still,
And the mist upon the hill
Shadowy, shadowy, yet unbroken,
Is a symbol and a token.
How it hangs upon the trees,
A mystery of mysteries!

Samhain Thoughts

2011-10-31T08:41:00.003-05:00

Tonight we celebrate Samhain... end of summer, the last of the harvest festivals.

We enter and welcome the dark time of year, the nights are longer and colder. Bare trees rest, roots deep within the earth, waiting for suns return in spring. Samhain night, the night when the veil between the worlds are thin... a night when we honour our ancestors, those who have gone before, tonight they hear us call. Tonight I welcome and embrace the darkness. In the cool, reflective darkness may I learn as I reflect on the past year and the year to come.

"As evening gathers Her darkness tonight, samhain's mystery is revealed... Bless the ancestors...bless those to come... The veils between the worlds will thin... Let them in. Let them in..." ~Lucy Cavendish

Blessed Be! To all my Pagan and Wiccan friends.
Happy Halloween!

Halloween in the Gayborhood

2011-10-30T08:12:00.001-05:00

My friends Robert and Rose came with me to the large street party held in the gayborhood last night. It was their first time being at the street party. We were in full kilt garb. We were stopped hundreds of time to pose for pictures. There were quite a few groups of PamAm flight attendants and many Waldos. I wish I had taken my camera, but its more fun to in front of a camera than behind it.

When I got home I got out the camera and took this picture:

I realized I was missing my hat with the foot long pheasant feather standing straight up. I dropped my camera as I went to get it and now the camera doesn't work. :(

We had a great time and of course got into mischief... The more I drank the more me Scottish accent came out. There were many people that asked for a proper kilt check and were not disappointed. *wink*

'Twas a fun night.

Whippet

2011-10-28T12:53:00.002-05:00

This picture made me LOL!

Happy Friday y'all!

Face Time

2011-10-27T14:37:00.005-05:00

This was Jim on Sunday, October 16, 2011

Jim was in a mood on Monday morning, October 17, 2011
This happened

Jim does not like the clean shaven look :-/
He stopped shaving on Thursday, October 21, 2011

This is Jim today, October 27, 2011

His beard grows really fast.

And gray.

Oh well...

A word about Renaissance Festivals

2011-10-23T18:50:00.003-05:00

I spent a great weekend at TRF with my friends. We are all huggers even if it's been less than a week, we always greet and say good-bye with a hug. Even with new friends.

I needed to see my friends after the rough couple of weeks at work. I needed that friendly embrace and kiss on the cheek.

As I was leaving work for an extended weekend several coworkers asked me what exactly it is that I do at the renaissance festival. I explained as well as I could and showed them some pictures. They said: "oh, is this what they did in the movie Role Models"? I scowled and said; "No! It isn't the same thing. Again, let me repeat, NO!"

If anyone has seen that movie, that is not a renaissance festival. What they are doing is LARPing (Live Action Role Play). You can read more about it here.

So, what do I and my friends do at a ren faire? Drink. Talk. Pose for pictures. Walk to the next pub for another drink. We meet old friends. Meet some new and interesting people. Pose for more pictures. Share rum or more liquors from our flasks. We point out people dressed weird and occasionally go take our picture with them. Head to the next pub. Pose for more pictures. Photo-bomb people who are taking pictures. We talk and tell jokes. Did I mention that we drink? We dance when we're drunk. We give out lots of hugs and ogle some boobs or some hottie.

You know.... typical stuff that friends do together.

Hope y'all had a great weekend.

Seduction

2011-10-18T18:37:00.003-05:00

I've admitted before that I don't know how to flirt. I am just usually myself, and at times I'm not even sure who that is... ugh.

But I have recently learned and have figured out that "confidence is sexy". Mind you, I find someone who is overly confident, to the point of being egomaniacal, is a big turn-off. It's a fine line to have confidence yet not be arrogant. And boy can I have some fun when I'm standing or walking on that fine line!

It's nice to flirt and then, when the time is right, just take what you want. In fact, I find a lot of people want someone who has a 'take charge' type attitude in the bedroom. Even when you're the object, the one who is being seduced, it's really nice when someone is letting you know when you're attractive and desirable.

Is flirting and seduction done much anymore in our new electronic world of Grindr, Manhunt, Scruff or some other hook up site? It now seems like we're ordering from an online catalog or a takeout menu. What about flirting and making someone feel attractive? I find that the qualities that I'm attracted to in a guy are things that you can't detect from a small picture or a sentence about what they're "into". You certainly can't tell if someone is confident from a picture of their bare chest with only their nipples showing, now can you?

Here is one of my favorite quotes from the show Mad Men:
"You'll realize in your private life that at a certain point seduction is over and force is actually be requested."
~Don Draper

See why I love this show!

Have y'all ever been in a situation like this? I'd love to hear your stories. Maybe some bloggers will take this up as a blog challenge.... Do you like being seduced? Have you ever seduced someone? Do tell....

Willpower & Self-control

2011-10-16T09:08:00.004-05:00

I was reading an article listing 9 things that successful people do. I like and absolutely believe in the 7th point.

7. Build your willpower muscle. Your self-control "muscle" is just like the other muscles in your body — when it doesn't get much exercise, it becomes weaker over time. But when you give it regular workouts by putting it to good use, it will grow stronger and stronger, and better able to help you successfully reach your goals.

To build willpower, take on a challenge that requires you to do something you'd honestly rather not do. Give up high-fat snacks, do 100 sit-ups a day, stand up straight when you catch yourself slouching, try to learn a new skill. When you find yourself wanting to give in, give up, or just not bother — don't. Start with just one activity, and make a plan for how you will deal with troubles when they occur ("If I have a craving for a snack, I will eat one piece of fresh or three pieces of dried fruit.") It will be hard in the beginning, but it will get easier, and that's the whole point. As your strength grows, you can take on more challenges and step-up your self-control workout.

I've found this is an issue that we all seem to ignore in life. I think we allow ourselves to cheat. It can be cheating on the little things like a diet as mentioned in the article. Could cheating on a diet be one of the reasons that there are so many obese people in society today?

I think it includes other major things as well.

As I listened to an NPR show one day last week in which they were talking about the recent news story of the hedge fund manager who got a stiff jail sentence for insider trading. They had an expert state that things like this happen all the time. It makes me wonder why. I'm in the financial industry and [major bank] has requirements that every licensed employee take training courses. We sign a statement that we know and understand the laws regarding things like insider trading.

Are people allowing themselves to cheat? Why? I think it's greed in our society. The media is constantly telling us that we need the latest, greatest, newest thing and that our lives will not be complete without something new and more exciting.

I've also seen this in relationships too. If a person makes a vow to their spouse or partner to be faithful, then why do people cheat? Extra marital affairs are almost celebrated in movies and television shows and among celebrities. But is it right? It's another thing if both people in a relationship agree to have an open relationship, then that's OK as far as I'm concerned. Then why are there so many people on 'hook up' websites and apps saying they have to be discreet?

I think we also allow ourselves to cheat in other ways. On our taxes or doing something other than work during times when we're being paid to do a job. Some seem to live by the saying: "It's easier to get forgiveness than to get permission." In doing so are we allowing ourselves to cheat? A little white lie never hurt anyone, right? What about ourselves? Our conscience? Our moral values? And not just a moral value prescribed by a church or religious belief system. Shouldn't we have our own moral code, shouldn't we all know what is right and wrong?

This is probably why I'm single and not very trusting of people in general. I really do try to live an honest moral life by what I know is right. I think this is why I have only a few close friends. My friends are people I know I can trust. They also try to live life honestly and strive to be good responsible people.

Willpower and self-control are not a new concept at all. Why are they so hard to do though? Is it laziness or is it like I said; we allow ourselves to cheat?

Do y'all find that you allow yourselves to cheat or are you good at exercising self-control and willpower? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

With eyes closed is the best way to look at the soul.

2011-10-15T19:16:00.003-05:00

~Victor Hugo

The title of this blog post is a quote from Les Miserables.
This week I finally finished reading it.

It seemed like I would never get through all 1194 pages. I've been reading it since the beginning of June. But I made it... and I absolutely loved it. I have seen the musical twice, so even though I knew how it ended I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I remember seeing it for the first time in London. I really had never even heard much about the book but the musical moved me to tears. Needless to say, the book ending was even more emotional for me than the play. But that is good... here is another quote from the book: "He who does not weep does not see."

(the only full version of the finale I could find had these sub-titles) :-/

Next book: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Chaos

2011-10-13T15:02:00.000-05:00

Tarot card dead on for the month!

Work sucketh!

I'll be back in a few days... hopefully in a better mood.

MEH!

Columbus Day Stuff

2011-10-10T19:24:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite books is about Christopher Columbus. The title is: Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Orson Scott Card. You can read about the book here if you want. It's a great historical fiction novel and a great "what if" story. I loved it and highly recommend it.

I had to work today. UGH! It would have been a good day to stay curled up in bed with a good book.

Random Sailor Stuff

2011-10-09T15:28:00.007-05:00

As soon as I got out of ~~hell~~ jury duty on Friday, I gathered my rennie gear and I was off to meet up with some friends traveling down to the Houston area for the opening weekend of the Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF). Huzzah!

In Texas there are 3 major faires: Sherwood Forest Faire near Austin in February & March; Scarborough Faire near Dallas in April & May and TRF near Houston in October & November. Various faires and festivals are held throughout the country in almost every month of the year; like Colorado in June and July.

We pulled into the camp for the crew of The Impaler after nightfall and had a great time catching up until the wee hours of the morning.

Saturday morning we told the drunken sailors to hurry with their shower and get their gear on! We started drinking around noon and the carousing began. We are not shy and there isn't anyone we won't talk to. We posed for ~~millions~~ hundreds of pictures. We were the typical drunk, rowdy, boisterous pirates that we always are!

You would be surprised at how many people (men and women) look at your jolly rodger area when you're wearing tights! Of course I hated the attention because I'm so shy.... *evil grin*

Sunday morning we packed the drunken sailor gear back into the vehicles and headed back to our home ports. We will meet again at TRF in 2 weeks for Pirate Weekend. The whole crew should be there and I'm sure some shenanigans will occur. I can't wait!

Hope y'all had a great weekend!

What? Again..?

2011-10-06T18:53:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I have to go to the courthouse in Dallas. I got another jury summons.
I just did this in July and now I have to go again in October?
UGH!

I know, I know... civic duty, blah blah blah.... jurors represent a cross section of the community... yadda yadda yadda.... without regard to race, gender, national origin, age or political affiliation... yeah, whatever! You know people will do anything or say anything in the hope that they're not picked for a jury.

At least I get a day away from the office!

Has anyone gotten out of being selected for a jury? What did you say that got you out of it?

Has anyone served on a jury? If so, would love to hear the story about it.

Grace

2011-10-04T20:11:00.003-05:00

There are a lot of definitions for the word "grace". I do not believe grace is only a religious term; it is not just a virtue given from God. What about the meaning of: having the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful. It is also: elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.

Is this meaning of the word grace lost today in our lives? I'm not talking about someone moving with grace like a dancer. I'm talking about an attitude and a way of thinking and living one's life.

To me, grace is a refinement. It's raising yourself above the mundane and a base, animal, primal instinct. Grace is caring and compassion. Taking the higher road and adding to the beauty of life. I believe that there are situations in life that call us to put our own needs second and to be unselfish and have an attitude of grace.

Don't take me wrong. I love getting down and dirty. I can be very primal, animalistic and base (especially in the bedroom)! *evil grin*

Even though I have the right to be crass and say what I want, it isn't always the right thing to do. We may even have a right to be angry, hurt and want to lash out, but what good will that do? We might feel better for about a second. But do we really want to put negative energy out there? What about the consequences of our words too? In the grand scheme of life, isn't it better to just have a little control; a little grace and refinement?

Hope I wasn't rambling too much; just some thoughts running through my mind lately. What are your thoughts about grace?

Biking

2011-10-02T17:57:00.003-05:00

I think it was Cubby who suggested I get a helmet cam to show everyone what it's like to be out biking. I didn't get one, but I did get the iJim4 camera out and held it for a while during my ride today:

This particular trail has several challenging hills and creeks to cross. While riding up one of the hills I saw a good place to put the camera. The result is the next little clip. I'll warn you that nothing happens from about the 10 second mark to about the 42 second mark. I was by myself and started the camera, then had to run to the bike, put on the helmet.... But this should give you some idea of part of the trails I like:

By the way, I added the music... there really wasn't someone out in the woods playing a banjo. LOL

This hill is very steep going down and it used to really freak me out. There were many times when I would stop and walk down or ride the brakes really hard and then lose steam on the climb out. Now it's a piece of cake. One of my favorite areas of the trail.

If this post is boring... blame Cubby! He's the one who suggested it!

Hope y'all had a great weekend.

October Tarot

2011-10-01T11:23:00.003-05:00

The Tower

The main theme of this card is Change and Inspiration.

The fire of the Tower card burns away all that is negative and outdated, but it leaves behind all that is positive, all that is necessary to begin your life again and replace all that was lost.

I've seen The Tower card in many readings I've done for myself. It looks like October will be an interesting month! Changes are coming. Things may seem like they're in chaos and happening very fast, but fury precedes grace. I will also have illumination and inspiration. A new light will be shed or I'll gain greater insight on something.

Jim; fasten your seat belt, you're in for a bumpy ride this month. But all should work out for the better in the end.

Where's Waldo?

2011-09-30T16:13:00.003-05:00

I went outside for lunch today and I found him...

Happy Friday y'all! Woohoo!

Websites that make me LOL

2011-09-29T12:06:00.004-05:00

Damn You Auto Correct

Cake Wrecks

The "blog" of "unnecessary" quotation marks

LOL cats

Awakward family photos

Fail Blog

There, I fixed it

Blunt Cards

Let me know if y'all have any favorites.

L'Shanah Tovah

2011-09-28T18:24:00.004-05:00

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

When I moved to Baltimore in 1986 I worked in an area of the city called Owings Mills where there was a large Hasidic Jewish community. I loved the community; seeing the different customs, dress, traditions and the holy days. I found it very fascinating!

I really wish now that I would have learned some Yiddish.

Oy vey! I've had such a day!

But I'm just a goy... they'd think I'm meshugina! Oy vey!

Randon thoughts & questions

2011-09-27T21:10:00.007-05:00

Question: Why do some people have to say "question" before they ask it?

When I tell people I write a blog the number one question they ask is: "What's your blog about?" Why do people think a blog has to have a theme? Does yours?

"If a woodchuck could chuck wood"; what would made him so mad that he would chuck a piece of wood?

When someone says; "don't do that" why do we instinctively want to do it?

Why is it that we each seem to have a quest to be "different"; which makes us all alike?

Why do we think we have to have answers to things that make us say: "hmmm..."?

What would you do for a klondike bar?

Scottish Weekend

2011-09-25T19:19:00.007-05:00

Aye, me lads and lasses.

I spent the weekend at the Sherwood Forest Celtic Festival and Highland Games. I met up with friends who were coming in from Houston and Corpus Christi, TX (part of the pirate crew of The Impaler who attend the renaissance faires). We got camp set up and started drinking "sandcrabs". The official drink of The Impaler crew is coconut rum, orange juice and a little cranberry juice. Rum of course being the biggest part of the mixture.

We then had other campers walk by and we invited them in to say hello. At 3AM most of the visitors had gone and I crawled into bed! Everyone else followed an hour later. We started drinking around noon on Saturday. We weren't driving and we are pirates afterall!! Aarrggghhh! (don't judge) LOL

Some of the visitors to our camp were unusual... but we had a fun time. The festival and highland games were awesome. If someone has never seen highland games I would recommend that you go sometime! Here is a video of some highland games held in other areas of the country and the UK (of course):

I think my favorite event is the 'caber toss' (the guys throwing the telephone poles). There were lots of men in kilts and lots to see and do. I met a lot of new people and renewed a lot of acquaintances.

I also enjoyed listening to the bagpipe competitions and an Irish Rock group called The Blaggards. They were fuckin' awesome! There were huge crowds there! They said over four thousand more people showed up than what they expected.

I was in bed and asleep at midnight on Saturday though. Sunday is always a little more quiet and subdued. But that's OK... I wanted to be very sober for the 3 hour drive home.

Jim on Saturday
(I sweated my ass off wearing the hat)

Jim on Sunday
(awww... much cooler)

'Twas a great time.

Hope y'all had a great weekend. I need a few evenings now to get caught up on everyone's blogs.

Shady

2011-09-24T11:07:00.000-05:00

I have a thing for sunglasses.

I am constantly losing or breaking them, so I have learned to only get the cheap ones. (don't judge) LOL

I tend to have several pairs in my vehicle. They are different shades; light and very dark. I'll wear a pair to match my outfit sometimes.

I saw a pair in a store the other day... and they were under $10! YAY!

Which ones looks best on me?
1.
2.
3.

Have a great weekend y'all!

Thoughts on Mabon

2011-09-23T07:58:00.003-05:00

Happy Mabon and first day of Autumn everyone.

Mabon, the second harvest holiday is being celebrated a little later than usual this year. Most of the time the autumnal equinox falls on or around September 21.

I see that many people love autumn. I noticed the other day as I was leaving the office; the light seems to have changed. It seems softer and colors of plants and flowers seem more vivid. The sun doesn't seem as harsh as it does in summer. It really is a time of reflecting over the year, wondering where the time has gone... and knowing that the cold winds of winter are right around the corner.

I'll be enjoying a nice glass of cider and a meal of fresh vegetables with friends this evening. I'll light a candle to welcome in the coming darkness.

Enjoy the first day of Fall, y'all!

Crowned

2011-09-22T19:54:00.004-05:00

Several months ago I chipped my tooth.
Vertically...!

UGH!

I was hideous!
I scared small children.
People automatically turned their head, lowered their eyes or gave a small gasp when I cracked (literally) a smile.

:-/

Well, today I got the permanent crown put on!
YAY!

I can smile again without the dread of frightening someone.

Oh happy day!
LOL

Random Question Wednesday

2011-09-21T10:08:00.010-05:00

It's been a long time since I did the Random Question. This is good because I have been lacking for inspiration for new blog entries.

Here is today's question:

Have you even been accused of something you did not do? If so, talk about it.

I don't remember. There have been no false accusations lately. I'd honestly say it has been decades since any incidents like this may have occurred. And I don't remember any single incident except maybe from a sibling when I was a toddler.

But one thing stands out to me that I'll talk about. Y'all know I grew up in Utah in a very small town. There was one African American family in this small mining town of 2000 people in central Utah. The Lewis family.

John L. was a few years older than me and a football quarterback and a great guy. His sister Pam was a year older than me and she was the homecomings queen. Their younger sister was not so popular. But that's the way most families are in small town America. They were a normal part of our community. I didn't think they were any different than my family.

When I moved to Baltimore, MD (with it's large African American populations) and people found out I was from Utah they made assumptions that I was racist. This was not true! I hated to think that someone would make this judgement of me without really knowing me. I am not a racist and I am against racism of any kind. It angered me, but only to the point of wanting to educate people about making snap judgements of people just by an assumption.

Has anyone experienced a false accusation? How did you handle it?

Random Stuff

2011-09-19T07:01:00.004-05:00

Today's post is sponsored by the letter "R"

What's a pirate's favorite letter of the alphabet?

(Today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day!)

What does a pirate call a prostitute?
hookARRRRrrr!

What does a pirate wear in the winter time?
pARRRRrrrka!

What’s a pirate’s favorite country?
AARRRRGGHentina!

What kind of socks does a pirate wear?
ARRRRrrrgyle!

Where does a pirate put his cookies?
jARRRRRRrrrrrr!!

How do pirates solve their differences?
ARRRRrrrrrrbitration!

What's a Pirate's favorite cocktail?
mARRRRrrrggarita!

What does a surfer pirate say?
gnARRRRRRrrrly dude!

Where do pirates put their trash?
gARRRRRrrrbage can!

What is a pirates favorite doll?
bARRRRRrrrbie!

What did the pirate name his cat?
gARRRRrrrfield!

Why are pirates so cool?
They just ARRRRRRrrr!

And finally....

A pirate walks into a bar with the ship's steering wheel on his 'jolly rodger'. The bartender says: "Oye, mate... why do you have the steering wheel on yer tally wacker?"
"ARRRRRrrrr... it be drivin' me nuts!" he says.

Gay Pride Parade in Dallas

2011-09-18T15:37:00.004-05:00

It's too hot in Dallas in June when the rest of the country celebrates Gay Pride. Dallas holds it's pride parade the third Sunday in September.

The theme of this year's pride celebrations was: "It Gets Better"

Several friends of mine were prominent in the festivities.

I met Gary and Alan in Puerto Vallarta years ago. They are the owners of the Round Up Saloon. These are great men and do a lot for the gay community. The Round Up has many community events and fund raisers.

They were the Grand Marshalls in the parade.

The Honorary Grand Marshall was Joel Burns.
You may all remember his speech to the Ft. Worth City council last year. I believe it's worth watching again:

I met Joel many years ago and we have a lot of common friends. He is very personable and a great guy.

I ran into him on Friday night at a happy hour just before he went to a fund raiser with Ben Cohen. We chatted for a few minutes and he told me a little bit of how his life has changed in the last year. He is an amazing person.

All of these men have made a difference to the gay community in Dallas and the world. I am proud to call them my friends.

It was a little hot, but I enjoyed being out and a part of the community. I was thinking that I should get a lot of pictures for the blog but I got so caught up in just people watching that I forgot to get the camera out. What a great diverse community we are!

Grinder

2011-09-17T08:57:00.008-05:00

I think I know why I've been in a mood lately. I have not been sleeping well.

I recently went to the dentist to get a broken tooth fixed. Ms. Dentist said I grind my teeth while I sleep. A custom fitted mouth guard was ordered for me and should arrive next week. Yes... I am a grinder!

So the last couple of weeks I have been trying to get used to a cheap one that you get in the drug stores. It doesn't fit right and just feels weird. I'm not used to having something in my mouth all night. I have also woken up during the night and had to turn on the light to find the guard that's fallen out. I don't like that something that is supposed to help me is interrupting my sleep patterns, which is weird anyway. I already have chronic insomnia and take sleep meds. UGH!

I figure I'll eventually get used to it. But no wonder I am in a MEH mood.

Does anyone use a mouth guard? Is there some trick to getting used to it? Will the custom made one work better?

MEH

2011-09-15T11:53:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure why, but I've been in a MEH mood lately.
I'm being anti-social and have no energy.

Don't mind me.... I'm just sitting with my nose in the corner for a while.
I'll be back to feeling like myself soon.

Trashy

2011-09-12T11:48:00.007-05:00

I first heard about a story years ago on NPR. A woman wanted to know how much garbage she created that would go into a landfill. She decided that to make it become very real for her, any garbage she created, she would carry it with her for a week. Read more about the story here.

I have become way more conscious of this lately after taking the photos I posted on the 5th. Also, when I was jogging the other night a couple that was walking in front of me just tossed a soda can into the weeds at the side of the road. I said loudly as I ran past that they should go pick it up. If I hadn't been in a good running rhythm I would have stopped and tried to make my point more clear... there isn't anyone who will go behind you to pick up your trash!

Being a Pagan I am more aware of the environment and how our natural resources are not unlimited. We each have to do our part to help, no matter how small. Besides the obvious to not litter, I have made the choice to not use any styrofoam container in way, shape or form. I will not contribute to the amount of garbage that is toxic to the environment. I try to use a cloth dish towel instead of paper towels. I will reuse the plastic grocery bags I have accumlated as trash bags and lunch bags. And I will start to use a cloth grocery bag all the time instead of plastic bags.

I'm not sure how long I could last on the "carry your own trash" challenge, but it does have me thinking about what further contributions I can make.

How long do y'all think you could last, carrying around your trash? Is there something that anyone does like this? I'd love to hear about it and try it too.

Where were you?

2011-09-11T09:33:00.005-05:00

When I lived in Baltimore, MD in the 1980s I used to love to go to New York. I'd drive up or take the train. One of my favorite things to do was to take the subway down to the World Trade Center to go to the observation deck on the top floor of the south tower so I could enjoy the view of the city at night.

In 2001, just two weeks after my 40th birthday I went into work like any other day. Shortly after I arrived someone said they heard that some big news story was happening in NYC. We all checked online news websites and couldn't believe what we were reading. Soon our manager brought the TV out so we could still work a little while watching the unfolding events.

It was surreal. I kept thinking: "Can this really be happening?" It was horrible to hear the news reports of planes flying around the country and no one knew for a while who or what was coming next. Did they really give an order to shoot down any airplane with people on them who did not respond to control towers? Yes they did. It was unbelievable. We all speculated if Dallas or anywhere in Texas might also be a target since this is where the President was from. We were not in a landmark building, nor many floors up so we did not evacuate the building like some did in downtown Dallas.

I remember feeling like I was in shock! I think everyone in the country felt the same way. Even day, weeks and months later I still couldn't get over the images of what happened to one of my favorite places in the country and the loss of so many lives.

Ten years later the emotions are still there for me. I looked at videos of the memorial and heard personal stories of people who lost loved ones and it makes me tear up.

I think it's good to look back and remember. It's good to be thankful for those that lost their lives trying to help and save others. It is a somber day of reflection. I do miss the carefree days we had before this tragedy though, but life marches slowly onward.

Random 9/10/11 Thoughts

2011-09-10T09:10:00.001-05:00

I've mentioned this before but I love numerical pleasing looking days like today:

This week I got a new tarot card deck; The Legacy of the Divine. I know... another deck? This one really appealed to me as I love the artwork on the cards. I did another reading for myself and for the second time this month the Devil card appeared in the reading. This devil in this deck takes on a whole new meaning! Hhhmmmm....

Either some hot times are in store for me or I better watch out as I could become seriously addicted to something.

Remember several months ago I was talking about an off-road biking group? My friend finally asked if he could run with the idea but have it just a 'biking' group; street, paved bike paths and off-road. I agreed since I hadn't really got the group started. There have been several groups meet and it's been fun. Except no one wanted to join me on a ride this morning; I guess I'm not good at planning. Oh well... I'll still be out on the bike later today.

I have put myself on a strict budget for a couple of months. I had some unexpected vehicle expenses in August and I need to recoup some savings for other emergencies that may come up. I also was looking in my pantry and I have a lot of food stuff that I've bought that I need to use. No more running to the store for frivolous stuff and junk food. I know I can do better at eating right.

Anyway... this is just some of the random stuff rumbling around my head these days.

Aaawwww....

2011-09-09T11:25:00.006-05:00

The weather has finally been nice in Dallas. The temperature cooled by 20 degrees last Sunday and it's been nice all week.

It's too nice to stay in the gym doing cardio so I've been out biking and jogging after the workout.

After my run last night I jumped into the pool to cool my body temperature down. The water felt cold! But it had the desired effect. I sat out by the pool for a while enjoying the evening.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

Frozen

2011-09-07T10:09:00.001-05:00

There is a song that y'all know: Need You Now by Lady Antebellum. There is a line from the song that has been going through my mind quite a lot lately.

It goes like this: "I'd rather hurt then feel nothing at all".

I kinda like not feeling anything at the moment. Well, I feel the heat of the sun on my back and a slight breeze blowing by, but for the time being I'm OK with my heart not feeling anything. I'm not miserable but I don't want to go out and try either. I'm not anxious or eager to take a chance; for it's when we take chances that we open up our hearts for hurt too.

I do hope that at some point, someday, somewhere I'll feel something for someone. I hope that there is a someone that will feel something for me too... but I have to get my heart to feeling good about me.

So... for now I'm content.
I know things will change when the time is right.

Ebb and Flow

2011-09-06T07:56:00.002-05:00

There is a natural ebb and flow in nature. Ebb and flow is most often used to describe the tides of the oceans and rivers. It means; "To decrease and then increase". This natural change happens with weather patterns too, known as El Nino and La Nina. Things in nature change and there are regular patterns and cycles, other times changes are unexpected. But things are always changing. Sometimes we don't like it, but really there is nothing we can do about it.

I believe life is like this too. We go through natural changes in our bodies, our moods and health are always changing. Sometimes it's predictable and other times something random can happen. Sometimes we can't control what is happening and we just have to change our perception of life along with the events.

Even our relationships have an ebb and flow. Friends that were once a big part of your life no longer have that same role. Just think back to school; we spent a huge amount of time with people that we thought we would be friends with forever. Then suddenly you get a reunion letter and you realize that it has been years or decades since you've seen or even talked to these friends. We get caught up in our lives and work. We meet new people and make new friends and it seems that others move on and out of your life. It's natural; it's part of the rhythm of life.

I've recently had this brought to my attention and it's been on my mind. Don't we often wish that we could stop time when life seems perfect? We want what is happening now to stay that way forever. But life moves on. People come and go, friendships change; we grow closer to some friends and others drift away. Our reaction could be to try to control it; but isn't it like trying to control the weather? I think we have to change and adapt as best we know how; for change is a part of life. That's why it's best for me to live in the moment. Enjoy each season, situation and person in my life; because it could all change and be different tomorrow, next week or next year.

Five on the Fifth

2011-09-05T15:01:00.000-05:00

A fun blog challenge created by Steven Chapman:
"Take 5 photographs on the days leading up to the 5th and publish those on your own blog and then add the link to my blog, State of the Nation UK so that others can see your images. "

This month's theme: Mess

Here are my photos and why I think it fits the theme:

This was a small citronella candle. Somehow the pot got broken. The record heat we've been having in Dallas made this mess.

In spite of my best efforts to keep the plants on the patio all watered, the heat has taken it's toll on my boston fern. It looks like a mess.

The weather is finally bearable and I got out on the bike trail. I was very sad that people don't care for the environment. I cannot believe the mess that people leave behind!

It's great that people are getting out and getting some exercising by biking or hiking... BUT don't leave your mess for someone else to clean up! If you bring it in you can carry it out too!

I'm such a mess! I love to try new things and when I saw this 6 pack of Woodchuck cider on sale I thought I'd get it. I should have read the label; the ingredients list "brown sugar" and "maple syrup". EW! Not very tasty....

How to cuddle

2011-09-04T09:15:00.002-05:00

I just found this on a website that I kinda like! ;)

I'd cuddle with John Stamos any day... or night!
*swoon*

September Tarot

2011-09-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

Page of Pentacles

Pentacles correspond to the element of earth, and in this sense the coin that the Page holds may symbolise the beginnings of sensual awareness not only in terms of money and its value but also in terms of a growing awareness of the importance of health and other material needs.

The Page of Pentacles is about having the ability to approach any activity with the quality of fascination and involvement. Experience your own inner child's playfulness. Do what you loved to do as a child and you will find your genius, your passion and your success. Take the pressure off yourself - enjoy your journey. Do your best and enjoy the process.

Good financial news is likely, and you should be alert for a messenger who will enter your life to bring you this news. Even if the news doesn't seem to be good at first glance, there is always potential in the messages the Page of Pentacles brings. Your task in such situation is to examine the message and figure out what the real opportnity is.

Look for opportunities to develop and express your new ideas and find success. Apply knowledge with enthusiasm, think practically in all situations, and you cannot fail.

Woohoo! This should be a good month!

Aligator Dundee

2011-08-31T11:42:00.003-05:00

My friends talked me into staying one more day with them on the Gulf Coast. Hey, another day of the beach, great seafood restaurants and Woodchuck cider was not a difficult sell.

Late in the afternoon we went out to a Wildlife Nature Preserve. The drought was very evident there and we hardly saw any wildlife. Central and southern Texas are very scorched and dry. Very sad.

In the Preserve we only saw a few deer, a couple of raccoons, squirrels and this little guy.

I think we startled him when we walked up. He turned around very quickly and started moving towards us with his mouth open. We quickly moved the opposite direction. He was easily 6 or 7 feet long.

We continued along on our walk a little more aware of creatures in the shadows. Charles found a small log about 4 foot long and about two and half inch diameter, he felt better having something to defend us against mean critters.

Well, we had some liquid courage and he decided we were going to get a picture of the gator, he could poke it to get a really good picture. We found it further back in the trees and we got about 3 feet from it. It had laid down and was no longer in attack mode so I got this picture.

That's about all the excitement I wanted for the day. But at least it was a fun little adventure.

Afterglow

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Twas the day after Jimmas and all thru the land,
All the hungover drunks were face down in the sand.
Beer bottles were strewn all over the place,
There were even some swim trunks that were sort of 'mis-placed'...

LOL.
OK, I won't torture y'all anymore.

Yesterday was Shania Twain's birthday too, so in her honor listen to this next video ... but replace the word "woman" with "bottom". When they play this song at the Round Up I sing this word loudly; it makes it funny.

This in no way indicates if I am the "mommy or the daddy" in the privacy of my own bedroom.[evil grin] There is only one way to find that out... and that's in person!

And ssshhhhh... don't sing and type so loud. Some of us are a little hungover today.

Something wonderful happened today

2011-08-28T10:51:00.003-05:00

You all know this song, just click "play" and listen as you read this.

The day started like any other. I woke up, stretched and yawned. I was awake; all my limbs and senses were working. My heart was beating fine. I'm in great health for a fifty year old guy.

I got out of my soft, warm and comfortable bed. The roof is still over my head; a very nice home too, it meets all my needs and more.

I checked my phone. (A thing I take for granted; a luxury in some parts of the world). I read a few messages from friends and family; people that I love dearly and that love me. People from all over the country too; old friends and new friends. I should never feel alone with great friends like these.

I ate a good breakfast and enjoyed some coffee. I have so much compared to some people in the world. I watched the morning news; I may not agree with politics but I live in a free country and won't be tortured or killed for my lifestyle, beliefs or opinions.

I have a good job and means to support myself; I have insurance and vacation time. Woohoo! I took a deep breath; felt my lung fill with fresh air. I savored the scent and sights of the day.

I have thought back over these last fifty years and I smiled. I have some wonderful memories, some painful ones too, but it's all been a part of life. I haven't expected everyday to be sunny, with perfect weather and the perfect temperature; I appreciate a good thunderstorm. Life is like that too.

I have traveled and seen many parts of the world. I have tried to embrace other cultures, beliefs and ways of thinking. I have lived life with passion. I feel rich from life's experiences.

Here's to FIFTY years! Huzzah!

I know I may have been annoying with all the talk of Jimmas; hopefully it brought a smile to someone's face. I guess this post will end as the familiar old story goes, with my own little twist of course:
Happy Jimmas to all... and to all: "enjoy life!"