Some Really Bad News

I just received a call from an old friend stating that another old friend was found dead this morning. Needless to say I am a little bit upset at the news. His name was Mario Deiuliis and we started at AT&T Wireless together. He was a good man a young man. He was the type of guy that could really get under your skin because he was the type that really threw himself into his work and any other project he worked on. Because of that he could come across as a real know it all. But underneath that surface was the heart of a great great young man. He was a real sweetheart of a man and was very giving. I worked thru all of his BS and he worked thru all of mine and we became quite good friends. I fell out of contact with him on a daily basis a couple of years ago but we would periodically catch up with each other. I missed him and I miss now even more that we fell out of touch with each other. It really sucks any way you slice it. He was a young man and now he is gone. Makes the cold I have seem pretty lame right now. I hope to have some more information in a little bit so I can go and pay my final respects to my friend. Rest in Peace my friend......

The Lay of The Land

So, the weekend has passed and what a weekend it was. Penn State finally got the proverbial monkey off of their back and beat Ohio State at Ohio State. I have to say it was well worth the wait. I hate Ohio State very very much. That is no secret. The fact that we were able to beat them in a year that we weren't expected to do anything at all in the national picture makes it all the more sweet. I was over to watch the game over at Karen's and I think the kids got their first real taste of my love of Penn State. I don't think they were quite sure what to make of it. It can be real overwhelming. We did make a couple of pizzas and that was a real cool experience. I make a mean pizza that is for sure. Tonite, we made some pasta and that was pretty cool. I spiced up some of the sauce with my special mixture and as usual it was pretty damn good. Work is at an interesting point right now. There is a lot of uncertainty with the FRB right now and with the economy as a whole so I wonder what the future may hold for me. Next week the election is finally here. Regardless of who you are voting for we are at a real historic time in our country. I am looking foward to being a part of something historic. Okay well time to wrap up and close these big eyes for the nite and get tomorrow started.

What I have been up to???

Lately, things have been picking up and I have been involved with some cool stuff. First, Penn State is now 6-0 with a big game coming up against Wisconsin this weekend. I am nervous about this. Of course, I will miss this game because our annual trip to Charlotte to see the Sprint Cup Race is here. I blinked and the trip is here again. I get to go with my brother, my friend Mike, and we will meet one of my best friends Paul Ruppel down there again for a second straight year. It is a great but tiring trip. A lot to do in a few short days. Last Friday I went to see the thrash band Testament in concert. I love these guys and always thought they were better than Metallica ever was but they never got the popularity that Metallica did. Outside of feeling like a terribly old man that was out of place there mosh pitting, it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. The original band that just completely blew the roof off of the dump. Awesome.....Fall is finally kicked in and the leaves are changing and the nites are getting colder. I think this year I might venture out to a few haunted houses with Karen just so I can make sure she needs someone to grab on to...I am slick!!!! Yea right....I don't know if I will be able to post anymore until after the trip. If not holla if you hear me....!!!!!

September Update

Well college football has gotten in to gear and Penn State is 4-0 with the biggest game of the year so far coming up on Saturday nite.  2 weeks ago I travelled to Syracuse, New York to see Penn State play and while I was there I got the opportunity to get together with my childhood best friend Matt Krempl.  Wow is all I can say.  He is my best friend and the person I have absolutely known the longest of anyone.  It was great to catch up and after going to the football game we went to a bar in town and watched some more football.  The only downer of the evening was having to leave and know that my homie was not coming to hang out some more.  There are a lot of great things happening in my life right now.  I actually don't know how to deal with all of the things that have gone on in my life.  I never thought that I would be this happy and yet here I find myself feeling just that.  Karen has been the best thing in the world for me.  She makes me feel like I am the most important man in the world.  Best yet, she is my total equal partner and my best friend.  She lets me vent when I need to and tells me when it is time to bring it down a notch.  I could never ever be happier and I can't wait until the holiday season really kicks into gear because I can really enjoy them now for really the first time.  Halloween is the first holiday to come around and so I am readying myself for that.  Holla if you heard that!!!!  Talk to you soon.....

College Football

So college football has started and Penn State is now 2-0.  I love it.  This coming weekend I am will be travelling to Syracuse, New York to see Penn State play Syracuse.  It will be great to represent my university in enemy territory.  Better yet, I will get to go to the game with my brother and my dad and I am going to meet my all time best friend Matt Krempl at the game.  I am so excited to see him and chill out with him for a bit.  Nothing else has been going on other than work stuff and of course I got a nice summer cold.  This thing just will not let up.  I have been following both the political conventions and I have to say the choices have gotten difficult.  The reality is that in a country with 300 million we should be ashamed that these 4 people are the best that we could come up with.  Other than that, I will get off of the soapbox and move on to happier things.  Have you noticed that Journey with the new lead singer are selling out 20,000 seat arenas now?  I predicted it and now it is happening.  I wish I could have translated that prediction into some real money.  Another missed opportunity.  Anyway, Holla if you hear me!!!!

Birthday Recap

So my birthday past on last Friday and thankfully it went very well. Karen and I went out to dinner with a few other couples and had a few drinks and a nice dinner. Everything was going well until I got a shot called a Flatliner. Oh my Zambucka or however you spell it, Tequila, and Tabasco Sauce. Oh shit was it hot. It burned all the way down and actually made me start sweating. It was unreal. I was taking other peoples ice water to help cool down my stomach. After a few more beers and some karaoke singing I decided to head home and sleep off the booze. Saturday was interesting in that my stomach still was on fire but overall a great nite. Karen made my birthday week so unreal. She had something for me everyday of the week. I felt like a king.

The good thing about my birthday passing is that it means college football and Penn State football is right around the corner. I can't wait. Fall will be here and college football starts. I love summer now but fall is it as far as I am concerned.

I gotta run but holla if you hear me!!!!!!

Little Leaguers Big Time Fun

I have been watching the American Regional Finals for the Little League World Series and I have to tell you it is very very enjoyable. I have always been a fan of baseball and Little League baseball but this year the games have especially been great. Almost every game has had great excitement, fantastic defense, and timely offense. If you get a chance to sit down and watch some of them you should do it. The Little League World Series begins on the 15th of August in Williamsport, Pa. Neat that it begins on my birthday. They must have known....Other than that things are moving along quite nicely. It is the middle of August and it feels like September outside. Summer seems to be here and gone already. I love fall though so that helps. October will be pretty cool because of our trip to North Carolina for the Sprint Cup race. I haven't watched much of the olympics because I just can't get behind rooting for a team that plays handball. Maybe someday but not today.

Just keeping tabs on the real world

Sorry for the lack of updates. I looked and realized that I hadn't even visited my own site in a couple of weeks. So let me see what has happened lately. Softball season is over now. We got eliminated in the playoffs pretty darn quickly. We had a problem scoring runs this season and that carried over to the playoffs and that is the reason I am writing about the season instead of playing the championship. Last nite, we did have our annual end of season softball pool party. We had such a good time. We had lots of food, lots of beer, and lots of swimming. There is some rumblings that we may have a fall ball league coming up. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Karen and I have had a lot going on since we got back from our trip. Every weekend has been packed with graduation parties, family reunions, and pool parties. I have to admit it has been great to get out and enjoy the summer with someone so special. Next weekend, we are going away for a few days to a house on a lake. Hopefully, we have some nice relaxing times ahead of us. I have been trying to follow Michael Watts and his all star team thru the local papers in virginia but if you know anything about the south you know that news travels very slowly down there. Best of luck boss or congratulations or there is always next year!!!! As for me, I am going to go out for my run right now and try to work up a sweat...yippee for me....

The way that the dew was sitting on the plants was so pretty that I got right over the plant and took some great pictures to show you how pretty it really is up there. I hope you enjoy it!!!!!

Some of the local talent. This little baby let me climb on my hands and knees and get close enough to shoot him in this picture. Thanks bud!!!!

High Upon The Mountain Top

This is the view on top of Mt. Nittany. Karen and I decided
to hike the Mountain on Saturday. It is a 6 mile hike
and boy was it fun. As you can tell it was a bit hazy at the
top but you can see the football stadium and the basketball
arena. A great view with a great day!!!!!

This is the love of my life....Ms. X is actually Karen Ferina and the best thing that has happened to me. I know I have had some friends out there who have been wondering who this mystery girl has been and now I have revealed her to all of you. I have never been with someone that makes me feel so alive and comfortable in my skin. She loves to laugh at me and with me and we have shared a lot of good times together. This weekend was easily the best!!!! She is special and makes me feel that way everyday....

The Unveiling

Well the 4th of July weekend came and went and let me tell you it was probably the best weekend I ever had. Ms X and I finally got to steal away for a weekend and go to a bed and breakfast. The great thing about this place was that it was right outside of State College, Pa., which everyone knows is where Penn State University is located. I attended there so I had a good knowledge of the surrounding areas. We had a great time. We started off by attending 4th Fest. This festival is so awesome, I can't even begin to describe it. Believe it or not State College, Pa has the 4th largest fireworks in the country. We paid for a VIP viewing pass for the fireworks. This viewing area puts you less than 50 yards away from the fireworks. It was off the hook!!!!! We went to a street dance after the fireworks and waited for the traffic to die down and then headed back for some rest. We woke up to omelettes and sausage and coffee and fruit and whatever else we wanted. Now I will show you some pictures of our trip and you can see how great it was. Holla!!!!!

First Day of Summer

We have finally reached the official start of summer and boy am I happy. Softball is going great. We are 3-5 but our record does not indicate how we have played. We haven't really hit the ball well as a team. I am in the longest slump of my life and even the softball looks like a golf ball right now. I will say that I am proud of myself though because all the hard work I put in to get in shape and lose the weight I did has paid off in spades. No matter how hot it has been or how many games we play on a given day I feel fresh and am able to recover really quick. Exercise does really help my friends. I want again to throw a shout out to Hunter and Michael Watts for another great baseball season. I just want you guys to know that I follow you from 412 miles away and am always searching for information on how your seasons are going. Kudos!!!!! Ms. X and I are doing fantastic and I have never been happier with anything I have done in my life. I hope it can continue on like this forever. I am going out tonite with a buddy of mine who is turning 30 years old. Oh my!!!!! I live for these times....I love punishing someone for all of their sins...!!!! Lol....I will give you an update as to what is going on a little later.

New Music Update

Lately, some new albums have come out and after playing them on my stereo and computer and ipod for a while now I think I can give a pretty good review of each record. So, here we go:

1. Testament--The Formation of Damnation--One of my favorite thrash bands of all time. Actually, they are my favorite. This group was I believe even better than Metallica but never got the credit or the publicity that Metallica did. After Alex Skolnick departed from the band, a big piece of the band went with them. Well after a decade Mr. Skolnick returns to the Testament camp to fill out the original lineup and proceeds to push this album and band back to great status. Key Tracks: More Than Meets the Eye and Dangers of the Faithless.

2. Journey--Revelation--Welcome to the band Mr. Pineda. A prediction I made came true and Arnel Pineda became the new lead singer of Journey and I must say I am genuinely impressed by the product that has been released. I was anticipating the new record from Journey after going thru vocalists like shit thru a goose but I think the band finally has settled on a singer that sounds enough like Steve Perry but maintains an originality to his voice that they can finally move on forward. As a whole I give this a record a very good to an excellent rating. The only dumper song is in my opinion "What I Needed". Even that is an okay tune but I believes it stands out against the rest of the tracks. The standouts are: Never Walk Away, What It Takes To Win, and Turn Down the World Tonight. As a side note, along with this release the band went in and recorded 11 of Journey's greatest hits. Some people may look down upon this but let's be honest here folks, Steve Perry is never coming back and when you hear Arnel rip into these songs you should feel very comfortable that the legacy of these songs is safe now. I defy anyone to listen to the new versions and not hear Steve Perry in them.

3. Asia--Phoenix--A great, great band from the 80's that had classic roots stretching back to the early 70's Asia disbanded at the end of the decade and although Geoff Downes kept a bastard version of the group alive in the 90's it was not the same. Finally, in '06 the original Asia regrouped for a reunion tour. Thankfully, the guys realized that being together is much better than being apart and recorded Phoenix. Like the Phoenix this band has risen from the ashes to punctuate a great musical statement started back in 1982. Top Highlights of the Record: Never Again, and An Extraordinary Life.

Each of these records are great listens and the common thread is that the bands have roots based in the past. I truly believe you can move forward by never forgetting your past. These bands have successfully done this. Holla if you hear me...Another update coming soon.

Finally, The Links

So tomorrow I finally get out and get to hit the links and smack around some golf balls. Don't get me wrong, any day that I can spend out of work and getting paid is a damn good day so I am not complaining in any way. I have been able to sleep in and enjoy being able to come and go as I please. Last nite Ms. X and I went out to our favorite restaurant last nite The Log Cabin Inn...http://www.springfields.com/lci_files/logcabininn.html That is the link for the website for any local people reading this. We had a great dinner and spent some time driving in the country and enjoying the scenery. We had a great evening bus she had to go to work today so we couldn't have the all nite great kind of time. I was able to sleep in so I caught a huge break there. So now the weather is finally supposed to break tomorrow morning and we are finally going to get back in to the 70's and low 80's...Thank goodness. These nites in the 30's in the end of May are insane. I am sure when July rolls around and I feel like it is Africa hot outside I will have something stupid to say then too. But then that is the benefit to having my own blog.

On a side note a quick shout out to Michael Watts for hitting his first out of the park home run in baseball. A grand slam no doubt either!!!!! Congrats young man. I hit my first out of the park homer when I was 27 years old playing softball and I still don't know if my feet touched the bases as I ran around them. It never gets old. Enjoy it and go for more...The second one should be easier now. Holla!!!!

Vacation????

So today is the first day of my first vacation in 2 years. Usually I would be excessively happy but the weather here is low 50's. How can this be happening in the middle of May for heavens sake. I am not complain though because any day that I am not spending at work and getting paid for it is a great day. We got rained out again for softball. We have only played like three games this season. The upside has been though that I have been able to rest up my frickin back. Finally, the pain went away this week. I thought it would never stop hurting. I am glad that I have passed that point in my life. Back injuries blow!!!!! I hope to go golfing a couple times this week. I will let you know how everything goes. Ms. X and I are going to dinner tomorrow nite to one of our favorite places. They serve a homemade Peanut Butter pie and oh my it is to die for. Holla if you hear me!!!!!

Gary Roberts Return Promo

This is the reason that the Pittsburgh Penguins are so fun to watch. This warrior is 41 years old and still a machine. I love to watch him play and love to see how he gets all of the fans riled up big time.

For Pens fans everywhere:

Our Roberts, who art in Pittsburgh
Gary be thy name.
The Playoffs come,
The cup be won, to Pittsburgh in the Arena called Mellon.
Give us this day our daily Pensblog
and forgive us our reporters as we job those who job against us
And lead us not into Philly,
But deliver us from Ottawa,
For thine is the Crosby, and the Malkin, and the Fluery for ever and ever.

AMEN!

Update, Update, Update

I am sitting here on a early Saturday morning and it is May 10th already. The one big downside to this is that it is cold and rainy here in the Burg today. I do have Ms. X in the bedroom sleeping so right now is pretty darn great right now. We had a great evening last nite. We went to the store, bought some booze and some food and then came home and cooked and settled in to watch the great Pittsburgh Penguins play in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals. Pens win 4-2...Oh yea!!!!!! This week I went to the Chiropractor to see if he could help with my back because it really hadn't gotten any better. Well strike me down he popped and cracked his little heart away and I actually do feel better. After this week I get an opportunity to finally take a weeks vacation. Yippee for me...My first vacation in like 2 years. Last year I had the surgery and let me tell you that was no vacation at all. Not being able to sit for a month is not my idea of fun for sure. Well, it looks like Ms. X and I are going to go and grab some breakfast and then spend the day doing some fun stuff. We may go to an outdoor market and stuff like that. I am looking forward to it. Holla if you hear me.....

Two Weeks, Two Injuries

Well the softball season has started and lo and behold 2 games and 2 injuries. The first was a sprained back. How you might ask could I sprain my back playing softball? Well, let me tell you...I bent over to pick up a ball that was hit to the outfield. I went down on a knee like I was taught to get the ball and when I did I felt my back strain real bad. I was able to play the whole game but afterwards I was not able to sit down, and later get out of bed. I finally relented and went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a sprained back. Ouch!!!! I missed a couple more days of work and working out and actually went for a run on Saturday. I felt pretty good. Good enuff that I thought I could make it thru the game on Sunday. I was wrong. I should have taken a week off but that is not in my nature. Now I went to run to get a ball and not only did I pull one quadriceps muscle but both of them. Plus, my back is still real bad and I realize I should have really taken that week off. We have a doubleheader this week and then a week off. I really want to play this weekend but I don't know if I can handle it. The most important thing is that we are now 1-1 on the season. My hitting is really suffering. I am now 2 for 10 on the season. Right now everything feels broke. I don't feel comfortable at all. I want to keep a level head and keep thinking that it will get better. Anyway, I will keep a running tab on the season and hopefully we can do better from week to week. Holla if you hear me....

Playoff Hockey

Usually, I talk about how much I love baseball but this is about Hockey and more specifically playoff hockey. I think that if you truly want to appreciate a great sport you should watch playoff hockey. It is the most intense experience you could witness. These guys hit each other crazy and they do it for potentially seven straight games. And the reward for all of their hard work. Another best of seven series against another opponent and so on and so forth. It is unreal to watch and you can feel the intensity just oozing out of every minute. Check it out.

It only stands to reason that the weather in Pittsburgh sucks so bad that it could spoil opening weekend for softball. We had 70 degree weather here all week and then the weekend comes around and we drop all the way back to the 40's. So of course our first game was cancelled. I couldn't believe it. I did get to spend more time with the new mystery woman and so that was a huge bonus. Until, I can get her to take a picture with me she will have to remain a mystery.

I have been working on a new list of recent records that I have been listening to and have been so thrilled to listen to. I will post soon some of the records and let you judge for yourself. Holla....

Spring Appears to Be Here

Thankfully, Spring appears to have a gotten a foot hold on winter and is taking over. I actually have my windows open to get some of the musty winter air out of the crib and get some fresh air in here. Nice. Softball is 8 days away and I feel physically better than I have in about 10 or so years. I feel strong and light and ready to fight. Baseball season finally got under way this past week and so the world feels right again. The Pennsylvania Democratic Primary is scheduled for April 22 and I have to admit it is neat to be living in the state that can perhaps shape how an election may play out. I am registered independent so I cannot vote in any primary. I was previously registered Republican but felt my party let me down and stopped speaking for me. I now look at all candidates equally. I can only remind people that they should vote when the time comes. I have never missed an election and you shouldn't either. It is a great right we have and we have the chance to make a difference every time we step in the voting booth. Work has been going well. Nothing that has been to stressful. I just passed one year since I had my surgery on April 3rd. I am thankful for my health. Thankful in a way I never have been before. I don't ever want to feel that bad again. I have met a girl and have been seeing her for the last 3 months. She is fantastic and a person that really keeps me grounded but most of all very happy. I don't know what will happen tomorrow but I certainly like how today is shaping up. Hopefully, at some point I can get her to take a picture with me and I can post it. Anyway, I think I got all caught up so I will be back soon with another high octane update. Holla if you hear me!!!

Happy Easter

I have fallen so far behind Christy in posting now it is unreal. I should have never opened up my big mouth. Anyway, I just needed to send out a shout out to Michael Watts. Hang in there lil man and continue to impress us all with the strength you have been showing. It is always amazing how children lead the way and adults usually follow. We are now officially 3 weeks from softball season!!! I am so excited and to top it off we decided as a league to move to an 18 game schedule for the first time. I am really pumped. I have spent the last 7 months preparing my mind and body and believe I am ready. 63 pounds lighter and feeling like I can take on the world at 35 years old is a great feeling. Just as an aside, Easter is supposed to be a time when we are happy spring is here. Not today. Pittsburgh had snow and it is in the 30's. Believe it or not it is colder today than it was on Xmas day. I am so ready for some nice warm sun and to be able to open up the windows and get some fresh air in here and get rid of the funk, if you know what I mean. Some of the things I am looking forward to this spring and summer:

1. Softball Season
2. Motley Crue's new album in the summer, with a tour to follow. I don't know if it can ever top what George and I saw the nite of hurricane Katrina but man I would like to try and top it.
3. The original Asia's new album "Phoenix"
4. Seeing Journey with Arnel Pineda and Heart and Cheap Trick...Great bill and I hope it doesn't disappoint.
5. Going to PNC Park and watching some baseball on a great summer nite. There is nothing better than the ball park on a summer nite.
6. Finally, the Pittsburgh Penguins contending for the Stanley Cup. I love hockey and I love watching this young team play. Pittsburgh has something to be so excited about.

Happy Easter everyone...and Holla if you hear me!!!!

Recap of Things

First, let me start off by saying that I am sick of winter...!!!!! Today it was in the mid 60's and I went outside in a pair of shorts for a run...God, I cannot wait until spring finally gets here....Of course tomorrow it is supposed to rain and get real cold again. Figures....The weekend was great but lately they all have been great. I will explain at a later date. I like being coy. The Pittsburgh Penguins are doing great in hockey even with all of their players getting hurt. Talk about resiliency....Baseball season is less than 30 days away from getting started. Sadly, as a Pirate fan I know that the season is over before it begins but it still does not take away my love of the game. My guess is that softball season is less than a month away and so that has me real excited. The games, the guys, and the beer. The triple threat of fun. I am healthy than I have been in a real long time so I am excited. I am in the best shape I have been in in the last 10 years. 60 lbs. lighter and ready to do some damage. I am interested to see if I can turn back the clock one last time. I finally pulled out my Mickey Mouse stuffed animal doll that I have had boxed up for the last year and a half. I boxed him away because I was told it wasn't a grown up thing to do by someone that really could use some not so grown up in her life. But I was told that hey who we are is who we are. On a positive side note, Christy Watts has gone crazee on her blog. I couldn't get her to update it for like 7 months and now I am having a hard time keeping up with all of her updates. You go girl....I am praying for Michael and all of you. If he is as tough as his mom then he will be more than alrite. On that note, Holla if you hear me!!!!!!

Arnel Pineda and Journey - Open arms live in Chile

I promised you that this would happen and it did. Arnel Pineda is the lead singer of journey now and this was his first concert with them. This guy is unreal and now with the real thing behind him it is uncanny how much he sounds like Steve Perry. Kudos Arnel for knocking it out of the park on your first shot. Vive Journey 2008....

Just a quick followup

Today I had to wipe my hard drive and start all over so if I was supposed to contact anyone or email you, sorry because I don't see me remembering all of that. I don't really know what happened but my windows explorer decided everytime I would go to open it it would shut down before I could get to it. I really don't like windows vista and this just confirms my initial dislike of it. Just when I get a computer I like I have to start all over again. Yesterday, was the Daytona 500 and just like last year the last 50 laps were off the charts. I don't care what people say, stock car racing is indeed exciting and the drivers are tremendous athletes. Today was presidents day so I had the day off and that was nice. Back to work tomorrow. Those 4 days I took last month really helped me out big time. I think I can make it to spring time now...and then take a real vacation. Spring Training has started for baseball and so opening days is only like 8 weeks away. I love baseball even though I hate how bad the Pirates do every year. There is something to be said for being outside on a summer nite and enjoying a hot dog and a beer and enjoying a nite at the ballpark. If the Pirates could only win it would make life so much better. I don't see that happening anytime soon though. The Penguins are doing great and that is another passion of mine so I am having a great time following them. Hockey has a fanatical following and I am one of those fanatics. Soon enough fantasy football will be here and then the world will all be right again. Holla if you heard that....

Crappy Weather

Today was a really crappy day.  I looked out the window last nite and saw it snowing and I thought to myself, "Self, it is going to be a crappy day."  Lo and behold it was a crappy day.  I woke up with a killer sore throat in the middle of the nite and it was still snowing.  Not good.  Finally, I got up and proceeded to get ready for work when I realized the public transportation wasn't going to be an option because they didn't want to go down secondary roads.  Uh-Oh....That means the only way to get to work was to drive in the slop and snow.  That is the reason why I use public transportation, so I don't have to drive in all that crap.  So I waited for a bit and figured that after 9 am all the traffic would have slowed down a bit.  Wrong!!!!  I moved like a tenth of a mile in a half hour.  Thank goodness I didn't have any coffee because I might have had to pee my pants before I got to work.  Nothing makes me happier than sitting in traffic waiting to go to work.  When I finally got to work a big ol' truck drives thru a snow bank and splashes all the dirt and slush and snow he could muster all over me.  After the snow finally gave us a break, we got a secondary treat: freezing rain! Yummy!!!!!  I love sliding all over where I walk.  Looking like an idiot while I walk always makes me hot.  Finally, I mustered up the strength to leave work and venture home.  Thankfully, I made it home without further complications.  I jumped under a blanket, got a workout in, and now realize that more bad weather is called for and I might have to go thru this again tomorrow.  Not!!!!  I will go on vacation before I let that happen...Holla!!!!!

Shadows of the Night-Pat Benatar

You know alot of credit goes to women singers like Chrissy Hyne, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Dusty Springfield, etc...and rightfully so they are awesome performers. I think one of the most forgotten of these women performers is Pat Benatar. I posted this video because this is one of my all time favorite songs. If you don't think this lady could belt it out listen to the chorus. She layered all of the voices in the chorus. Check out all the ranges she uses to make it work. I think because she had her most success in the 80's that she has been discounted in some circles. I hope to change that.

Dealing with Everyday People and Everyday Things

You know lately I have been thinking about people and how I surround myself with certain types of people. I try and surround myself with people that I know are better than me. Let's be honest I have done some pretty crappy things in my life but over the last 10 years I have made a tremendous transformation. I realized other people's feelings were every bit as important as mine. The other great thing I have come to realize is that when I surround myself with people that I know are better than me, they raise me up to their level. What a keen concept...People rising to the level of expectations. Holy smokes!!! That is even something that I found I can do too....The worst and saddest part is when you meet others that are traveling on the same dark road you may have treaded on yourself at one point. There is nothing in the world that you can tell that person that will make all of their pain go away. You just have to stand tall and watch over them and make sure when they fall you don't pick them up. You have to give them encouragement and tell them you believe in them but don't pick them up because all you do is enable them to fall and not get back up on their own. I have been so fortunate in my life that I have met people that have taken the time and done this for me. There were times when I resented them for it but in the long run I see that they were there all along, they just needed me to find my own way. Because of that I find myself being able to easily justify my place in this world now. I am lucky in that regard and I try and make it a mission of mine to try and help others out of the same jam. Sometimes, it is more personal than others but the end result is the same. A new smile out of someone. Life is good and should be lived out to the fullest...or as people that really know me, know I love to say,"You only have one life and you got to ride that bitch out!!!" When I die I know I will have a lot of regrets but hopefully one will not be a life that was wasted. If you are out there and struggling know that the sun will come again and life will move forward with or without you....I promise you though it is much more fun if you go forward with it.

The New Look

Just thought I would log in for a quick sec and kind of introduce the new look site.  I think the site is more ME, wouldn't you agree?  I thought it was time for a change and I think with my posts and the pictures I have accomplished something unique for now.  I promised changes in '08 and this is just the start of them.  Holla!!!

The Mini Vacation

Thankfully, today I have the day off for MLK day.  I took the previous Friday off as well so I had a mini vacation.  Believe it or not I feel really refreshed and I think I will be able to make it to the spring before I go on a real vacation.  Other than that it was like bitter cold this weekend.  I can't believe it felt like living on a tundra.  You go out and the stuff in your nose starts to freeze.  Football season is getting close to wrapping up with the Giants and Patriots going to the Super Bowl.  Sadly, I could care less to be honest.  All I care about right now is hockey, hockey, hockey.  I have to admit '08 has been pretty boring so far.  Maybe that is a good thing.  I haven't been involved with anything that would involve me telling you how bad I screwed up something.  That usually is the case by the way.  I usually do something that causes me to look like an ass most of the time.  I think that is what I was put here to do. Lol....My life has a built in entertainment value.  All of my friends will tell you.  I have a good story for just about everything that I have been involved with...Some funny some not so funny.  Lately, things have been happening that the most cynical person wouldn't believe is happening.  Oh but I swear they have been happening.  And guess what, I am loving every second of it...I feel relevant again...Holla if you hear me!!!!

KISS - Hard Luck Woman Music Video

I posted this for someone I hadn't heard from in a really long time and I think they would appreciate it. One of the greatest songs from one of the greatest bands ever. To you...enjoy...you know who you are...Holla...

Here In Your Arms - Hello Goodbye

Check this video and tune out...These guys are like a tame version of Devo. A whole bunch of Weird Al's...I love the song and the video reminds of 4-H camp when I was a kid...Yes kiddies, I went to camp when I was younger....Holla...

Dance Floor Anthem

I just wanted to take tonite to post some videos of some "songs" I like. I really don't like Good Charlotte one bit but this song is really catchy and if you listen to lyrics they are pretty true to real life. Listen to the lyrics and I think you will see what I am talking about.

Where we stand Today

You know I am fortunate to have a good cast of friends surrounding me.  I had forgotten how much fun we can all have together until we got together last Friday nite.  My man Justin Cava finally got a new job and got the hell out of GNC/IKON and so we felt it would be the right thing to go out and get our celebrate on.  What started off as something that was only going to be for a one or two hours turned in to 7 hours for me.  Starting drinking at 4 pm on Friday was a real treat and prolly a big mistake too.  My tolerance just isn't what it used to be.  But anyway that isn't the point....The point was that a lot of great friends showed up and we proceeded to do what we do best.  We laughed and made a ton of fun of each other.  I haven't laughed that much in a long time.  I was happy we were all able to start the year off together laughing our asses off and reminding each other that we haven't really accomplished shit yet in life.  I have been fortunate to reconnect with some more recent friends that I haven't talked to in a short while and some people that have been out of my life for over 15 years.  Talk about covering the spectrum.  In between all of that I still have a great friendship with Matthew Krempl and Christy Watts, people I have known a lifetime.  In Matt's case 29 years in counting.  Christy 25 years and still going.  When I die and go I know the legacy I will leave behind is the one that these people carry on for me.  They know me and they have known me forever and a day.....The next thing is the most surprising of all....Could a name so far in the past reach out and surprise a jaded person like me....????  I think so...someday I shall reveal the story behind that cryptic posting...it has happened and I am still unsure about how it all came about.  In time I shall reveal myself to all....until then...Holla if you hear me!!!!!

Working the Holidays

Normally, I would start the new year with a blog about how great I feel and how positive I am about the New Year but not yet my friend.  Starting at Thanksgiving and working all the way thru New Years I have worked every frickin Holiday Eve and day after.  I have to admit I am burned right out.  See the problem is everyone takes off and then they come back and want to catch up in one day.  Well, see I have been there everyday working and getting my routine down pat.  Now you come back and want, want, want right away.  Oh heavens slow down.  My little legs can't move that fast.  I need a vacation.  I haven't had any extended time off since April.  That was the operation and the pain pills kept me comatose so I don't know if that even counts.  Besides my insides were like laying beside me on the end table so it wasn't a comfortable time for me.  Everyone was coming back saying thank God it is short week this week...For me, I thought it was Monday again. ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH Help Me I am living GroundHog day.  I may go to Florida in February again but I am afraid I won't come back.

That being said I hope everyone had a great New Years Eve and looks forward to '08...Me, I got out of that habit of thinking that I can change a lifetime of screwups in one year so I try and live by the motto..."Everyday above ground is a good day..."  I try and treat people the way I want to be treated....So my predictions for '08...Hmmm Let me see:

1.  A republican or democrat will win the presidential election...hehehehehehe...really went out on a limb there...

2.  Ryan Wanner will continue to hate me throughout '08 and beyond.....

3.  Christy Watts will eventually get around to updating her blog....It has only been since about August...

4.  I will have more than 10 people read this damned blog.

5.  I will start to reveal more personal shit about me.  More than I have up to this point.  Wait until you hear some of the stories I have to tell....They will make you laugh and laugh and cry...because of laughter...

Holla...if you hear that in '08....