Friday 5

1. How will you be ringing in the New Year?
Good eats, nice clothes, good friends, Jack, Coke, Tequila and a hottie. Pretty standard, really.
2. How do you wish you were ringing in the New Year?
Good eats, nice clothes, good friends, Jack, Coke, Tequila and a hottie.
3. Do you have any traditions that you observe on New Year's Day intended to bring you luck for the upcoming year?
You have to ring in the New Year with kiss. It's the rules. I don't make the rules. I follow the rules...at all times. Honest officer!
4. Do you make resolutions? Do you keep them?
I do and I do. This year will be especially rough but I'll manage. ;o)
5. Would you ever have plastic surgery?
Sure...but probably only for medical purposes (i.e. scars, etc.). They must have ran out of questions.

I just wish so many good things for each and every one of you in the coming new year.
Be good and be safe!

HNT #2

HNT numero dos

See if you can guess what part of me this is before you click this link.

Aaaaaaah, I can't wait for the season to start up again.

Oz?

I shocked 'em with the shock collar and now he's in his hole for good, it seems. The Gimp went running with his tail between his legs. Sorry all, I cannot back down from these types of people. Probably a fault of mine, I'm sure but...well, there ya have it...The Gimp finally decided to shows his true nature. Not found on server? But we were just starting to have fun!

You ever see that part in the Wizard of Oz when they kill that Wicked Witch of the West? Now I have that damn song stuck in my head for some reason.

I hope this is the last I'll (we'll) hear of littleboplop...






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From: "Kev Bev" (littlebopeepnosheep@hotmail.com)
To: me
Subject: YOU FAGGOT - hey, at least he spelled it correctly
Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2005 19:42:51 -0700

JIMMY I AM READY TO LEAVE YOU ALONE. IN MY EXPERIENCE PEOPLE WITH LOW SELF ESTEEM ARE DANGEROUS. I THINK DEEP DOWN INSIDE YOU ARE A GREAT PERSON BUT SOMETIME YOU FEAL THAT YOU HAVE TO ACT LIKE A JERK SO THAT LITTLE BOY JIMMY DOESNT GET HURT. WELL ONE DAY MY FRIEND YOU WILL WAKE YOU AND REALIZE THAT ITS NOT WORTH IT. YOU NEED TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF WEATHER YOU LOVE GUYS GIRLS OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. I GUESS I AM JUST HURT THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS ALL TALK AND YOU NEVER PROTECTED US UP EVEN WHEN YOU SAID YOU WOULD. IT SEEMS THAT YOU ALWAYS SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO YOU BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY YOU JUST DIDNT CARE ENOUGH. ITS YOUR LOSS BUT FOR SOMEONE WHO SAYS THEY CARE AND THEN WORK ALL THE TIME AND HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS ALL THE TIME YOU REALLY SHOULD UNDERSTAND WHY IT HURTS TO SEE YOU PICKING UP THESE BLOG HORES. IT IS SAD BUT IF THATS WHAT YOU WANT THEN SO BE IT.

I'm sorry! The GIMP got out of his hole again.

Yes, it's true. The GIMP got out and started spewing his mess on the good people who comment on my site. My apologies. However, Blogger is a wonderful tool since it offers Comment Moderation.

Comment Moderation is easy to enable but I've put together a helpful little guide just in case.

First, log into your blogger account. Then, select the Change Settings link.


Next, select the "Comments" link.


Then, scroll down until you see the "Enable Comment Moderation?" field. Select "Yes" and be sure to use a vailid email address in the field provided.


Be sure to save your changes by clicking the "Save" button.


Republish, wash, rinse, dry and fold. Handy little feature, eh? ;o) Enjoy!

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man."
- Benjamin Franklin

The Friday Five

Friday Five

1. Do you have any holiday plans?
Kicking back and relaxing with my parents, Larah and my pups.
2. Will you be traveling?
Not if I can help it.
3. What is the worst thing about this time of year?
Shopping...but that's pretty standard all year long.
4. Do you have any favorite holiday foods?
All of it. Biscuits, meat gravy, mashed potatoes, ham, turkey, salad...I can't get enough.
5. Is it a Christmas tree or a holiday tree?
Christmas tree, of course.


Merry Christmas all!
(...or as my hating little retarded friend would say, "Happi chrysMaz!") ha!

Half-Nekkid Thursday - #1

After a few months being a voyeur, the exhibitionist in me is finally coming out. Of course I decide to come out whilst everyone is on sabbatical. Hmmmm...think it was planned??? haha! ;o)



My HNT debut is lovingly entitled "Say Hello to My Ta-Ta!" The picture was taken somewhere out in the middle of Glendo Reservoir in WY after a few cocktails. My body regenerates in the sun.

My favorite cookie recipe

Just thought I'd share since we're getting so close. Please enjoy "Jimmy's Holiday Cookie Recipe"

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda

1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 large bottle Jose Cuervo Tequilla
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

INSTRUCTIONS


Sample the Cuervo to check the quality. Take a large bowl,
check the Cuervo again. To be sure it is of the highest
quality, pour one level cup and drink. Turn on the electric
mixer... Beat one cup of butter in the large fluffy bowl. Add
one tear poon of suga . Beat again. At this point it's best to
make sure the Cuervo is still OK, so try another cup, just in
case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the
bowl. Chuck in some dried fruit. Pick the frigging fruit off
floor .. Mix on the turner. If some fried druit gets stuck in
the beaterers, ! just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo again to check for tonsistaticity. Next, sift
two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet.

Drunk another tup of Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and
strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a poon full of somefink.
Whatever. Take another slug of the Tuervo and greash the oven.
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall doon. Don't
forget to beat off the turner. Finally, place the friggin' bowl
on your head, finish the Cose Juervo, mac sure to put the
stoove in th dishwacker, and pee-heat th oven. - Awe, heck -
Screw the friggin' cooties and jus enjoy the dolihays!!!

What I want for Christmas...

I'm it!

I've been tagged by Dweleg. I guess that means "I'm it!".



Here are the rules:

The first player of this game starts with the topic. “five weird habits about yourself", and people who get tagged need to write an entry about their five weird habits as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next five people to be tagged and link to their web journals. Don’t forget to leave a comment in their blog or journal that says “You are tagged” (assuming they take comments) and tell them to read yours.

1. My parents used to have a white and black tile checkered floor in their hallway. Ever since I was a little kid, when going North, I always stepped on the white tiles. When going South, I always stepped on the black tiles. They just ripped the tile out a few years ago...thank God. I can't tell you how many girls I've had over to that place. It was getting a little embarrassing. :o)
2. My Mom and Dad were old school - rancher and farmers. Food was fuel to them. When you took a plate of food, you were expected to eat it. To this day, I have to force myself to stop eating if there is food on my plate and I'm full.
3. When I'm walking with someone, I almost never split an obstruction...pole, mailbox, etc.
4. I ALWAYS lift my legs over railroad tracks. My Grandpa told me it was for good luck.
5. I hold my breath when passing cemeteries. Yet another Grandpa superstition.

Bloggers I tagged:
Blondie
Pandora
Angel
Everlastingknowitall
am_pm
Aila

Yeah, it's a Monday...

...or what's left of it anyway. Ever walk into work psyched, pumped and ready to take on the day with the enthusiasm and vigor of ten normal men just to be beat down like a red-headed step child...and all before lunch? Yeah, well that was about the sum total of my day today. Pretty much everywhere I turned, I didn't get the answers for which I was looking, things were breaking left and right and to top it all off, my customers decided to have an impromptu meeting or two just to (their words) "put me on the spot". It's no fun talking your way out of a painted corner...well, that's a half truth at best. ;o) Most days like this, I come out smelling like a rose. Today, not so much. It was bad news after bad news followed by more - you guessed it - bad news...and after such a stellar week last week. I thought I had it all planned out, my strategy was set, my tact was true and the wheels were in motion. Aaah, the ebb and flow of the software world, I guess that's why I love it so. It keeps me on my toes and even sometimes knocks me on my...well...you know what I mean.

I'm ready to settle into a nice evening of Monday night football, laundry, a cocktail with dinner and some much needed QT with my Bo and Arrow.

Yes, I'm a drunkard...but I'm a lovable drunkard

You're a Wild Drunk

You can't get enough drink. Seriously, you'll just go puke and start pounding them back again!

What Kind of Drunk Are You?

What's this? The Friday Five?

Friday Five

1. What's your favorite radio station?
I'm all over the board. KYGO, KBCO, KS107.5, KBPI...just depends on my mood.

2. How would you describe the format?
Country, Rock\alternative, R&B\rap, Rock

3. Do you think satellite radio will become commonplace, like subscribing to cable TV?
Absolutely. Last time I checked, you can't get reception to local radio stations when you're sitting in the middle of the San Juan river in Lake Powell.

4. Have you thought about buying a satellite radio subscription?
Yup! Anyone feel like getting me a Christmas present should totally pick one up.

5. When is the last time you said goodbye?
When I was getting off the phone with my Mom this morning preceeded by an "I love you!".

Pimp Name

My Pimp Name Is...

White Chocolate Tease

What's" Your Pimp Name?

Y'all betta do this. Don't make me break out my Pimp Hand.


Thanks D!

We're not in Kansas anymore Toto

What a wild trip!


Friday night: I got back from Sacto late and was able to spend one night in my bed. Oh, how I've missed my bed.

Saturday: Headed for Palco, Kansas (just outside of Hays) to hunt deer, pheasant and quail. It's a three hundred and fifty mile drive from my front door step so you can imagine how motivated I was to load up the truck (pups in tow) and make that trek. I ended up getting to Hays around 10PM and met Evan, Chris and Rick at the local Wal-Mart where I purchased my tags, licenses, etc. Being legal is important kids...I had to learn that the hard way. We then proceeded to the Sip-n-Spin - a local dance club\college bar in Hays and, like Sacramento, I helped Kansas out with their surplus of Jack and Coke (well, Jack anyway). We closed the place down and headed "home". My friend has a really cool 5th wheel travel trailer with TVs, DVD players, microwave. Yeah, we were roughin' it.

Sunday: We got up late (go figure) and started hunting. There were so many pheasants and quail but the problem was that I couldn't get to them. They were jumping waaay too early. I really was amazed about how many birds they have this year. The sun went down and with just a few birds in my pouch, we all decided to head into town once again to close yet another bar down. I don't know what possessed us to hit the Wal-Mart again on the way home but we did. I decided I was too drunk to walk to so strapped into one of those courtesy electric carts as did Evan. Probably wasn't a good idea that they let us do that. They had four of them and we broke two playing chicken, demolition derby, and just about anything destructive you can do on a cart that goes 3 MPH. The people stocking the shelves really didn't like us when I T-boned Evan's cart into a bunch of stacked boxes and the check-out lady pretty much hated me when I popped a wheelie onto Evan's cart when we were checking out. I couldn't stop laughing though.

Monday: Got up REALLY late (again). Waaaaaaaay too hung-over to hold a shotgun the entire day. Actually, I didn't even want to see the sun. Didn't go out drinking that night.

Tuesday: Hunted all day and got a few more pheasant and quail. Shot a wild turkey (not the drink) and a 2 plus year old pheasant judging by his spurs. The green on his back is gorgeous so I'm thinking of having him mounted.

Wednesday: We picked up two mule bucks (one 5x7 and one 4 point) and a few more birds. Drove back late at night in negative 17 degree weather. My pups were frozen dogsicles by the time I got home.

I've been told the pics are graphic. I must just be immune...I didn't think they were bad.

What a puke

I'd almost forgotten about you. What a waste of skin and time...'nuff said.

Sacto

Sorry all...I'm in Sacto (for work).

What a crazy night last night though. I met up with the Sacto crew for drinks and we decided to get a little rowdy. We ended up closing 3 bars down last night. I think I finally stumbled into my hotel around 4:30am. You'd think I'd want to sleep tonight. Naah...we're doing it up again. A new club opened here and I thought I'd help Sacramento out with their surplus of Jack and Coke.

I kinda dig this town. ;o)

My Power Color

Your Power Color Is Gold

At Your Highest: You are engrossed in passions that mentally stimulate you. At Your Lowest: You seek thrills and neglect what's important in your life. In Love: You see dating as adventure and approach it with an open attitude. How You're Attractive: You passion for life makes others passionate about you. Your Eternal Question: "Am I Having Fun?"

What's" Your Power Color?

Thirty One

Yes, I am the big 31 today. Has it been a whole year already? Seems like I blinked and missed it. I'm feeling a little nostalgic (it happens to us old-timers).

Exactly ten years ago today, I was finally able to enter my first bar order my first shot and purchase my first keg...well...legally anyway. ;o) luckily, I had 6 or 7 fake IDs that got me through the previous four years or so. Now I'm not condoning the use of fake IDs (also an old-timer thing, I guess) but it sure helped out with the social aspects of my life. As the clock struck midnight, I launched said 6 or 7 IDs up into the air while my fellow ΣAE pledge brothers dove after them. I proceeded to the bar and wasn't going to stop until the sun came up.

Now I won't get into every detail here but my big-brother, and some other "active(s)" held out a sheet of paper. On this sheet of paper was a header, "The 21 Club", a column entitled "Shot" containing the numbers 1. through 21. and two columns for signatures. So for the visual people...

The 21 Club

Shot Signature Signature

1. __________ ___________
2. __________ ___________
etc...you get the idea.

The idea was that anyone who bought me a shot for my 21st birthday would write down the name of the shot, sign it and then I would in turn sign it as well. Of course they started me off with some of the worst shots imaginable at one of the worst dive bars imaginable: Prairie Fire, Wild Turkey, cheap tequila, Three Wise Men, Liquid Cocaine, RumpleMintz (which I later came to appreciate), Gold Schlager. Gradually, they moved on to easier shots: Sex on the Beach, Kamikaze...hell even vodka was better than some of the trash they made me do. Needless to say, my signature was far from legible around the 15th shot or so and by the 18th shot, it was no more than a zig-zag of a line. I never made it to 21.

Tally-hoe, it was off to Tiffany's (now it's PT's), we go. Upon entering this fine establishment, I was whisked on stage, had my hands and feet tied to a chair (apparently I was friendly...hey, it happens when I drink) and had my belt removed. I won't get into all the details here but I'm sure you get the picture.

I woke up the next morning freezing my booty off in my dorm wearing nothing more than my new Tiffany's boxers, my belt which was wrapped around my neck, lipstick "kisses" all over my face and head and my tie which was wrapped around my head (...thanks d*cks! You guys could have removed the belt for the love of all that's holy). As I scanned the room, I noticed people passed out all over the place. Aaaaaah yes, college. Gotta love it.

In any case...I may be old, but I sure don't feel it. Three cheers to my next thirty years.

The True Gentleman

The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others rather than his own; and who appears well in any company; a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.

- John Walter Wayland

-------

It's a little something I took back with me when I left Memphis. I strive to live up to these ideals and standards each day...with every word I utter and every action I take. I seem to fall short way too often. Fond memories are associated with this single sentence.

More Ronnie Pics...

I just got some pics of my God-daughter and I just had to share...

Will you look at that smile?!?! How can anyone say no to this face??? Uncle Jimmy is in trouuuuble!



And here's a pic of her with the pimped-out Minnie bib that I picked out for her in Sacto. I had a whole bag-o-goodies for her.

Mach 3

...with my hair on fire. Yes, that describes my life for the past three (count them 1-2-3) weeks. Have a TON of stuff to post. Keep yer ears on, c'mon! I love trucker-lingo. ;o)

BACK in the mile high city!

Don't have a lot of time to post but I'm finally back, bebe!!! I'll get into the details of the trip when I get some time...get ready for a meaty post!!! Ya might want to check the comments section of the previous post for a bone or two in case you were really interested.

It felt good to hang with my pups for a bit before I passed out last night. I missed them. Thanks E for bringing my sorry azz back home.

Just got my mid-year review. Nuttin' like getting off a 10 day jaunt in another state and jumping right into the review cycle. ;o) It was all good of course but my brain is full right about now and there are only two things I really want to be doing right now...sleeping or drinking. OK...three...but we won't get into that one.

Oh! And and my God-daughter's pics are up on my Flickr (ha! my Flickr...sounds all naaaaaughty! tee-hee!). I can't wait to see ya, baby girl! Uncle Jimmy has a surprise for you! :o)

Friday Five, yo!

T-minus two days before I become a Godfather!!!!!

Friday Five
1. How long have you had your LiveJournal/blog?
I've had it since April of '04 but I didn't really start getting into it until the following year.

2. What do you consider to be the main purpose of your LiveJournal/blog?
Information sharing and getting things off my chest. It's been therapeutic for me.

3. If you could change something about your personal blogging style, what would it be?
I don't really think I have a style and I don't really write it to impress anyone. I'm me...no more no less. Don't like it? Don't let the door hit ya when you press the next blog button.

4. What are your criteria for adding someone to your friends list/blog roll?
Basically, if I find their "stuff" interesting or it makes me laugh, then I'll add them. I'm pretty easy going. I don't have set criteria. I can say one thing...my current blog roll keeps me coming back for more. You guys ROCK!

5. Name one thing that you've never before written about in your blog.
hmmmm...I've never really left something out intentionally. Well, maybe a certain date I had, but I won't go into it too much. I had a blast and that's all that matters! Geeeeez, I wish I could go out with her again (soon)! ;o) But, in general, the sky seems to be the limit with me. ;o)

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!! I'm headed to Sacto on Monday afternoon (board intow). Hopefully I can get some water time in next weekend.

Godfather

Jason, just asked me to be the Godfather to his daughter, Ronnie! I can't even explain in words how excited I am! It actually choked me up. With all the other woman related high maintenance, manipulative, and just plain mean stuff I've had to deal with for the past couple of weeks (thank God that's over), this is my silver lining. Funny thing about silver linings...some are big...some are small...but they are always there if you pay attention.

This is a HUGE honor for me and I wholeheartedly accept the responsibility.

-----------------------------

Ronnie,
On being your Godfather...
I pledge to be the best Godfather I can possibly be to you, little girl. I pledge to be there for you should you ever need me. I pledge to to always treasure you as the special blessing that you are.
On being a daughter...
Please remember, your parents are very special people (they mean the world to me) and they love you very much. Love them, trust them and respect them with all your heart and in every situation.
On becoming Baptized Catholic...
Question your faith at all times for it is through questioning your faith, that you will come to understand it.
On your Baptism Day...
May the grace of God shine upon you and may His love be with you forever.

With love, care and vigilance...your Godfather,
Uncle Jimmy

Capt'n, I'm givin' her all she's got!

I'm really not a big fan of power failures. They actually kinda suck...especially when you live alone. And, it was DARK! Like really dark. There was really nothing to do. I mean, you light a few candles, find a flashlight, go outside and water the lawn...but only after tripping over just about everything one could trip over on a lawn. What else can you do? You can't really read anything because there's not enough light, the internet (of course) isn't an option, and the T.V. doesn't work. I hung out with the pups for a few but they're black and I really couldn't see them. All because some brainiac decided to hit a powerline pole like 5-10 miles away. Talk about a huge grid! To make things worse, the houses two blocks away had power. That's just recockulous. So I just sat there until my A.D.D. kicked into overdrive. I started war-dialing pretty much anybody I could.

What does it boil down to...well...I can't stand being bored. Had someone else been there, it probably would have been a different (fun) story. Instead, I was just annoyed. Not Scottish. Not Scottish at all.

I was able to talk my friend into taking care of the boys for me though. She lives up the street and yes, her house also had no power. You ROCK girl! Thank you!

I need a break from my weekend...

What an insane weekend.

Friday night: I went out with a couple of my good (married) friends. Yeah, the whole 3rd wheel thing messed with me for about the first two crown and cokes but what the hell. I was out and that's what mattered. Our first stop was Vinyl (the old 1082). It was the first time I had been there since a snow storm caved the whole roof in a couple of years ago. When they rebuilt, they actually opened up the roof to the public. We mainly hung out there.

Anyway, after a while, we decided to go to Taboo (located directly above Diamond Cabaret). I guess it was Marcus Camby's birthday or something and all the Denver Nuggets were there. The Bentley(z), the BMW(z) and the Benzos gave it away walking up to the club. Clue #2: I was the shortest guy in the place. :o) Those guys are HUGE! We headed down to Diamond for a bit but ended up going back upstairs for last call.

You'd think that would be the end of it. Heeeeeeeeell no. My friend leans over to me on the way home and says, "hey, Jimmy. You done drinking?". Thinking he knows of a corner bar that stays open a little later than last call, I say, "Bring it.". We park. I look around and I don't see a bar anywhere near us. Now, I've lived in Denver pretty much all my life and I normally find my way around based on what bar the target location is near. I have no clue where he is taking me. We proceed to walk through an unmarked door where a lady sits at a computer. She takes my ID, verifies everything on the ID and enters it into some application on the computer. A bit odd, yes but I really wanted another drink or two. She lets us pass. I walk into what seemed to be an adult version of a slumber party. There were beds everywhere, 4 conjoined hot tubs in the back, a ton of couches and from what I could tell, at least a few massage tables. The place was really nice. Again, a bit odd, but like I said, I really wanted another drink or two. We walk up to the bar and order. "Crown and Coke please.", I say to the nice lady bartender...her back facing me. She turns around and I'll be damned if it wasn't a guy!!!! No sh*t! Dude was in his 50s at the very least, had on a skirt, blouse, makeup, wig and women's shoes. I know I must have had the most startled look on my face. I couldn't speak...it was like a train wreck. I couldn't look away. Now, I'm pretty accepting of different people...I try not to judge or hurt the feelings of other people but for the love...I mean it was a dude dressed like a lady and when you're not expecting that...well...I'm sure as hell sorry but instinct takes over and it was a fight or flight scenario. I turned away and looked at my friend for support. He was laughing his azz off. No help there. I don't even remember taking the drink but I somehow ended up sitting on the couch with it...yes, I seem to have repressed at least 10 minutes of the night because of that one incident. If you haven't figured it out by now, I was in what is commonly called a "swinger club". Now, I've known my friends were freaky from day one and I've heard stories of these types of clubs but I have never personally been in one. And, apparently we caught them on a "slow night" because there were only 15 people there or so. Again, to each their own. These people weren't hurting me or anyone else around them so I say, this is America...be free...even though I know it's not right for me and probably never will be. Moreover, I've always known my friends were freaky and in turn, they know I'm not "into" it.

I digress.

So we're sitting there on the couch and a nice man comes by and introduces himself. We start a conversation with the man and pretty soon my friends and I are talking about something that doesn't involve the man. Hell, I almost forgot he was there. Out of the corner of my eye, I see this chump scoping out my friend's wife and there was movement in his lower region. Yes, dude started going to town on himself! Well, that's about all I could take because I really wanted to knock this guy out. As calmly as I could, I stood up and told my friends it was time to go. I get to their house at about 5 and end up not sleeping all night because I kept picturing that dude dressed like a lady.

Saturday: I helped my friend take his boat to storage and went to a wedding. Scott and Tanya, I don't know if you guys read this but CONGRATS!!! Had a blast by the way! I ate good, drank and danced all night. Scott is somewhat of an idol to me. I mean, this guy waits until he's 40 to get married and reminds me every time I see him that "I'm young and I still have time".

Sunday: Got up early (I don't know how) and went to the lake with Pam, Mand and Larie. I had fun but took a few hard falls because the water was so choppy by the time I got to board. Still fun though. I went home, watched the Broncos whoop up on Jax and started working on landscaping (I swear I'll get that done before Winter hits us).

Today: Just booked our flights to Sacto (again). There's a fat payment milestone attached to this one too. I guess I'll leave next Monday night and stay until the 19th. I'm bringing my board and I'll stay with Trish and B over the weekend. Still haven't figured out what I'm going to do with my pups yet.

I know it was a long post...if you got this far...you have a waaaaaaay better attention span than I do. Contrats and adios!

Naaaaaked!!!

Wow! I've been slammed at work. I'll post more, I promise. Sorry to all my loyal readers. Both of you know who you are. hehe! ;o)

This Sac project has been kicking my booty. There is a pretty large payment milestone attached to this release so it has been very stressful these past few weeks. Let's hope all the hard work and effort pays off. My best estimate is that I will be in the trenches the second week of October. A little BS here and a little technical ingenuity there...and it is "betta have my money" time for this cat.

Today is Blondie's birthday! Happy birthday Blondie! Stop on by and wish her a happy 23rd (wow...that just sounds old, doesn't it?). ;o)

Final thought: Summer! Where art thou?!?!? My azz is STILL going to be out on the lake this weekend. I don't care if it's 66 degrees already. You can't stop me, you can only hope to contain me.

Seven...

7 things I plan to do before I die
1) Get married
2) Have kid(s)
3) Own a house, own lake property, own ocean front property
4) Own at least a few different boats
5) Forgive and forget
6) Be a Grandpa
7) Own\Run a successful business

7 things I can do
1) Waterski, Wakeboard, Trick-ski, Barefoot, pilot a boat (...better than most)
2) Hunt, Train Dogs for hunting
3) Flirt
4) Fix\build a Computer
5) Remodel a house (not build a house)
6) Rebuild a car
7) Listen and Teach

7 things I cannot do
1) Get accustom to flying
2) Concentrate today (which is the reason I'm doing this)
3) Talk to someone when they have something stuck in their teeth
4) Land and ride out a Mobe (not yet anyway)
5) Be patient with people who ask the same question more than twice
6) Ask for directions
7) Shave off all my body hair (...I don't know. I was running out of "things I cannot do")

7 things that attract me to the opposite sex
1) Eyes
2) Boobs
3) Smile
4) Legs
5) Butt
6) Laugh
7) The Bujina

7 things I say most often
1) What up?!?!
2) Finga!
3) Iiiinteresting! (when I'm not really interested)
4) Wild!
5) For the love (of all that's holy)!
6) C'mon!
7) Get you some (of that)!

7 celebrity crushes
1) Pamela Anderson
2) J.Lo.
3) Angenlina Jolie
4) Tara Reid
5) Jenna Jamison
6) Gwen Stefani (mmmmm...Alice in Wonderland)
7) Beyonce

7 people who need to do this
1) All of you.
2) Yeah, I'm talkin' to you.
3) That's right, you...
4) need to...
5) do this.
6) Unhu, you.
7) And, yes you!

Body Art For Sale?

Come on now. What's this world coming to?

Courtney, your mom would be so proud.

Halloween Garb

Alright, I'm going to be a responsible Halloween costume getter this year. I'm trying to do my homework early so I'm not one of "those people"...rushing to every costume shop they can think of at the last minute...having to piece together a Barney and a Big Bird costume because those are the only two costumes left.

So I think I have it figured out...oh yes...I think I do. Arrrrrrgh! I'm going to be a pirate, mate-ie!





Me to do list:
Pillage...check!
Plunder...check!
Drink...check!
Find me booty!...Haaaaar!!!

Holy Flying Tomatoes, Meatballs!!!

People never cease to amaze me!

6 Arrested In Olive Garden Fight

$1 million matching grant - American Red Cross

The Gay And Lesbian Fund for Colorado has announced a $1 million matching grant to the American Red Cross that will bring a total of $2 million in aid from Coloradoans to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts. The grant will match individual donations from Coloradoans up to $250 dollar for dollar thus doubling the effect of every donation.

While I'm not gay or lesbian (I'm as hetero as it gets), I did a bit of research and this is the best donation matching grant I've found to date. You can donate any amount you wish but basically, it turns your $25.00 donation into a $50.00 donation. Of course it's tax deductible, it takes less than 2 minutes to complete and you can even give in anonymity. Additionally, you don't have to actually live in CO for your donation to be matched. This just seems like the right thing to do. Give what you can...your dontation (no matter how big) may make all the difference in the world to somebody or some family.

Click here to donate now or follow the link below...

https://secure2.convio.net/arcdvr/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAIGN_ID=1221

Shake your booty...it's FRIDAY!!!

First off, today is my Dad's birthday! Happy Birthday DAD!!!

I know I've been slacking on my posts but here's a quick little recap of the week before I kick off the Friday five...

I've been slammed at work lately but that should come as no surprise.

I changed the oil in my truck for the first time since I got it in '02. I don't know when I turned into a yuppy by having the idiots at Grease Monkey do it. When I do it I know it's done right, the filter I install is going to be good and I know I won't eff-up anything else in the process of doing something as minor as changing the oil. In addition, it's cheaper if I do it and I get a sense of accomplishment and pride when it's done (and done right). Plus, I like going back to my roots. I'm a gear-headed computer jockey.

I've heard some really bad things about "Mile Hi Lawn Aeration" this week so I don't think I'm going to use them this year. My Pop's and I talked about it this morning and I think we are going to rent one this year and split the cost. Yet another sense of accomplishment and pride. Can't have too much of that, now can we?

Jackson Lake is now drained and Nebraska and Kansas officially have all my damn water (yet the South Platt is still rather full). I suppose I should be thankful because it's the fist time in about 6 years that we've had water up until Labor Day weekend. Well, guess again...I'm an only child and I'm not thankful...I want more. Damn Jimmy Carter and his stupid water rights bills. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is no logical reason CO should go without water...ever.

Drum-roll please!!! ....it's the FRIDAY FIVE! Hell yeah...TGIF bebe!

1) What was the first song you remember hearing and enjoying on the radio?
My Mom and Dad always used to listen to the "oldies" station and I'm almost sure it was Elvis' "Trouble" and it went a little something like this...

"If you're looking for trouble

You came to the right place

If you're looking for trouble

Just look right in my face

I was born standing up...and talking back

My daddy was a green-eyed mountain jack

Because I'm evil, my middle name is misery

Well I'm evil, so don't you mess around with me"

I still love oldies and I really dig that song.

2) If you could only listen to five CDs for a year, which five would they be? (Boxed sets can count as one CD. Sigh.)
Nice! Box sets ROCK!

• The Garth Brooks Box set
• The Metallica box set
• The Elvis (the early years) box set
• The Jimmy Buffett box set (boats bars beaches and ballads)
• The Frank Sinatra box set

3) What was your favorite year, music-wise?
Wow...that's tough and it probably changes for me on a weekly basis. Probably 1955. Wait, 1993. Naah, prob 1968. Shoot...2005. You get the picture. I'm all over the board.

4) If you could witness one historical music event through all time, what would you pick, and why?
The day rock and roll was born: 1954 - when Sam Phillips found Elvis Presley and he recorded the first rock and roll (rockabilly) song at Sun Studio in Memphis.

5) Do you have a song that never fails to cheer you up? What is it and why does it do that for you?
Just about any "oldie" song (pre-1965) cheers me up. Reminds me of my Mom and Dad. Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Chuck Berry, etc. I find my self singing to them and trying to figure out how I know the words.

Labor Day Five!

...'cause I'm a labor-er, it's the Friday Five!!!

1. What sport do you most enjoy watching on television (or tolerate most?)
Wakeboarding, surfing, and almost any watersports. I love football too.

2. If you could be really, really good at one sport (we're talking world elite here), what would it be?
Hell, I'd have to say baseball because those guys rake it in and they don't have to be in "world elite" shape.

3. Have you ever been active in some form of sports?
All my life. I started waterskiing when I was two and haven't stopped since. But yeah, wrestling, football, basketball, baseball and as much as I hate to admit it, I even played soccer for a year when I was a kid.

4. Would you rather be a computer geek or a sports geek?
Most def a computer geek.

5. What teams do you cheer for?
The Denver Broncos (of course) and any team that's up against the Raiders. ;o) I'm pretty much a home town fan. I love the Avs (hockey starts 9/17) and the Rockies too. Oh, and I'm a closet Tampa Bay Bucs fan too.

Have a safe and extended weekend everyone!!!

Static!

I don't know what the deal is but my pants and shirts came out of the dryer with static cling this last go-'round. I swear I used fabric softening sheets, I use descent soap when washing and I never overload the dryer.

It really is driving me crazy today. I'm thinking there has to be a way to get rid of this nuisance by releasing the charge. And, it's probably some really simple method that only a few engi-nerds know about.

I spent some time this morning researching different methods but everything I found relates to either washing the clothes or drying them. I need something right now before I breakdown and take everything off!

Don't tempt me static cling, 'cause I'll do it!!!! ;o)

My latest fetish...

I don't know why but I have the urge to get pick up some of these though I know almost nothing about them (i.e. price, quality, etc.). They just look really cool and I'm sure they're comfortable.

For the love! It's the Friday 5!

What a week! I've been slammed since I've been back but a lot has gone on in the past week so I'll have some interesting posts if I have the time.

1. List five people and a song that reminds you of them or that you think best describes them (list the person's name, the song title, and the song's artist).
Mom and Dad: just about any and every Jimmy Buffett Song but this song reminds me of my Dad a lot (in a good way).
Evan - Kid Rock: Cowboy
Mike - Southern Culture on the Skids: Banana Puddin'
Jason - 50 Cent: In da club
Brian - Metallica: pick a song. We were stage-hands back in the day and we listened to them all the time.


2. What would your life's soundtrack be?
Kid Rock - Cocky with maybe a little bit of Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson mixed in for good measure. Oh and a little known Jimmy Buffett song entitled "My African Friend".

3. Which would you prefer: to live somewhere that is hot or to live somewhere that is cold year-round? Why?
Without question, hot! The reason is simple; I've found it's easier for me to cool down than it is for me to warm up.

4. Suppose you had twins, a boy and a girl. What names would you give and why?
Jimmy Jr. #1 and Jimmy Jr. #2. hehe! I don't know. I like Elizabeth or Emma for a girl and I really dig my name: James (Jimmy, Jim) for a boy.

5. What's a quote/lyric that describes you right now?
GnR - All you need is just a little patience ;o)

Return from LA LA land...

The trip to LA was a success and I learned a TON while I was out there.

Here are some of the non-work-related highlights:

• The hotel was insane! They booked me in a room on the 30th floor which faced West. You really didn't have to ever leave the hotel if you didn't want to. It was like a city in itself.
• Since I was facing West, I saw the sun set every night and I could aaaaaalmost make out the Hollywood sign.
• The room was immaculate and the entire West wall was comprised of a series of windows. At night I would completely open the blinds and fall asleep looking at all the city lights. It was (to say the least) inspiring! I took pictures but of course my camera phone is lacking.
• My Sacto girl arranged for a (big) bottle of Crown, an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages, ice, a flower and a card to be delivered to my room. It made my whole week! T, you soooooooooo rock girl! It's sooooo ON when I get back to Sac.
• The hotel room in which I stayed had a clear view of the other hotel rooms to the North of me and I saw a couple going at it. I think she was a call-girl. She had rhythm but he totally sucked. Dude looked soooo awkward that I couldn't bring myself to look after about 2 minutes.
• I had forgotten how different the girl to guy ratio is there as it's compared to D-town. Gaaaaaaaawd, LA is jam-packed with beautiful women. I think I'll stop there before I get myself in too much trouble.
• I saw more Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Masaritis than I have ever seen.
• I saw more bums and crazy people than I have ever seen.
• The sushi was out of control. Probably some of the best raw fish I've ever had in my life.
• Green tea was everywhere. I still think that stuff tastes like crap but I've heard it's like THE thing to put in your body.
• I don't think I've ever paid $5.00 for a bottle of water so that was a new experience. I'm a big fan of the company dime!
• I finally saw the Santa Monica Pier. We had dinner at one of the restaurants. Very good. Very over priced...but very good.
• Late business dinners prevented me from checking out all that the night life has to offer but I'm sure I'll be back there soon...maybe even as soon as next week.

I posted some pics on my Flickr. Yeah, I know...I need a digital camera.

It's good to be home.

Friday Fiv(er)

TGIF...I'm draggin' azz today like no other. I grabbed the FF from this blog...I really liked her pictures. Enjoy!

Friday Five...weddings

1. How many weddings have you attended?
Probably like 15 or so. These last 4 years or so have been crazy. Now it's the co-ed baby showers. Baby showers are supposed to be for girls for the love of all that's holy. I guess it's an excuse to get my draaaaaaaank on.

2. Wedding registries: buy from the list or freestyle it?
They'll get what I give them and they'll like it or they get the hose again. Normally, I just give them cash.

3. Are you more likely to slow dance or participate in the chicken dance?
Both! If I have to sit through an entire wedding, I wanna at least cut loose at the reception.

4. The garter find/toss experience: cute or tacky?
I think it's one more piece of marriage propaganda used to alienate single people. Though I do have like 5 garters scattered around the house somewhere. I made it my personal goal to get as many of them as I could in one Summer. I think 4 is the record. I stopped competing after that.

5. If you could marry someone famous, who would it be?
hmmmmm...I don't know. I think Angelina Jolie would be a pretty cool wife. She seems to be down for anything, drama free and...well, let's face it...rich!

Enjoy your weekend. I'm going to go home and recover.

My brain...

...is about ready to explode. I've been sucking in as much information as I can about this LA project in the past few days. There's just so much to learn and so little time. It's kind of hard to become a subject matter expert in a week but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it once I get down there and get "my hands dirty". Just knowing I'm walking into a volatile situation to begin with is pretty intimidating but there's at least one mitigating factor: the two guys I will be traveling with are also pretty sharp so they (the powers that be) definitely put the right team together for this task.

My motto for next week: If I can't baffle them with my brilliance, I'll dazzle them with my bullshit.

In other news...I got a text from my ex-girlfriend yesterday. Here's the way it went...

ex-girlfriend: Hi, how have you been?
me (1+ hour later): Good! Thanks.
ex-girlfriend (immediate response): Anything new?
ex-girlfriend (1+ hour later): Anything new?
ex-girlfriend (2 hours later): Anything new?

Completely knowing where she was going with this question, I decided to burst her bubble. See the way she operates? She didn't know that her friends have kept in contact with me and that I knew as much as I did. This is the kind of thing I dealt with in the relationship and I'll be damned if I'm going to put up with it when we're not. Drama free, bebe! Thank God!

me: Jennifer, I've known for quite some time that you are pregnant and now you're married. Good luck to you. Is there something else you needed from me?
ex-girlfriend (immediate response): For 1 I am pregnant not married and I never said I needed anything from you. just wanted to see how your doing.
me (1+ hour later): Oh, good! Thanks.

OK...today I get a flurry of text messages and emails and I have yet to respond to any of them. She cracks me up. I mean, I deleted her number like months ago and I knew the only way I was going to ever see her again was at her Dad's bar (they have great Mexican food). Moreover, she's packin' a pup and if she's not married, she will be soon...shotgun style of course. So what's the point of contacting me? Why would she even have my number?

Blog lag!

I think this person needs to update her blog! ;o)

LA LA land...

Looks like I am on my way to LA next week. They just booked my flight. Apparently we'll be staying at the Bonaventure, a four star hotel. And, apparently said hotel will be hosting a modeling convention whilst I'm there. I guess the Bonaventure is the set for some up-and-coming movie as well. Of course, this could be propaganda so you can bet I'll be following up. I leave no stone unturned...especially when it comes to these things. Oh, and I guess we'll be working there too.

Boulder Chips...

I went to Subway for lunch today and I normally get the Jalapeno Cheddar Boulder Chips. Well, I was feeling spunky today and went with the Malt Vinegar and Sea Salt. Now my whole cube area smells. I tried to use one of those paper clip things to keep it shut and it still stinks. I'm thinking about trading trash cans with someone when they leave for a meeting. Dirty and underhanded, I know... ;o)

Hell yeah! The Friday Five BABY!

What a week! TGIF!

1. If you could invite five people to dinner from history, living or dead, who would they be?
Interesting. So I'd only get to talk to all 5 over dinner and that's it? Man, that's rough...

• Jesus
• Albert Einstein
• My Dad
• Bill Gates
• Wyatt Earp

2. Why have you chosen these five individuals?

• Jesus: not that I'm a holy roller or anything but there's a few things I wanna "bounce off" Him.
• Albert Einstein: I'm thinking he'd be a bit over my head but I'd love to sit and listen to him brain dump about the quantum theory, the theory of general relativity, the theory of relativity and E=mc2. Plus, he's German so I'd have a shot of RumpleMintz waiting for everyone when he's done speaking.
• My Dad: he's my father and my best friend. The man cracks me up. 'nuff said.
• Bill Gates: I mean, who wouldn't. Some love him...some hate him but, you gotta give it to him. The man is probably one of the (if not THE) greatest business men on the face of the planet. I've seen how much MSFT stock he sells on a quarterly basis. It's sick.
• Wyatt Earp: OK now...Tombstone is probably one of the greatest movies of all time. That aside, I've done a lot of research on his life and he was a pretty dynamic man.

3. What would you serve for dinner?
hmmmm...for that crew? I'd say Ribeyes, garlic mashed potatoes, salad and a German chocolate cake. Damn, I'm hungry now.

4. What would you like to ask them?
Oh, I have so many questions. I think I took care of Einstein above and Jesus would probably get the obvious questions as well as some of the things I really want (read: need) to know. But mostly I wouldn't structure the conversation. It would be stream of conscious and spontaneous.

5. Do you think everybody seated at the table would get along? Why or why not?
Probably not. Wyatt would end up getting tired of Bill Gates' "gas" and kick his azz. ;o)

A cube with a view...

Mooooooooooo! Yes, these are cows... right outside my office. Anytime I have to remind myself I'm not in Denver anymore, I just look out the window.

It's all good. Save a horse, ride a cowboy. ;o)

LA Bound?

So my boss-apple-sauce just told me that I may be going on-site in LA the week of the 15th to answer questions about and provide support for one of our products. Sounds good, right? I mean, I'm always up for changing my latitude and longitude. Here's the kicker...I've never even seen the product.

I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I was told that it is because I have a superior presence with customers so that stroked my ego a bit. On the other, I feel like I'm going to flounder because I have little to no exposure with the product and I only have a week to ramp up. I'm sure everything will work out...it always does.

In any case, there's nuttin' like work-travel to break the monotony of living life in cube-ville. Plus, LA is a pretty cool town. I'm sure I could get myself into some trouble there if I tried hard enough. ;o)

Oh, how I miss the lake...

Alright, so I didn't end up going to the lake last weekend (had to help out a friend) and this weekend doesn't look much better. I have a wedding to go to on Saturday and I know the reception will last well into the wee hours of the morning...they are Irish after all. The wedding albeit fun isn't as much fun as being out on the lake. I guess the wedding doesn't start until 2PM on Saturday and there's always Sunday but it forces me to stay in town and go to one of the few already overcrowded public lakes in the Denver-Metro area.

It feels like the Summer is slipping from my grasp. I blinked and it's already August? How the hell did that happen?

Blesshuuu!

OK, I'm pondering the proper etiquette of saying "Blesshuuu!". How many times should a person have to say it in a day to the same person if they perpetually sneeze? I mean, seriously! This chick sneezes all the time... everyday. And, it's not just me, other people try to chime in with their "Blesshuuu(s)!" but it's almost like everyone has given up (including me) because she does it so often. She's not really a nasal person when you talk to her like you'd normally find with a person with severe allergies...she just sneezes. I wonder if it's like a nervous tick or something. She's a nice person and always remembers to say "Blesshuuu!" to me when I let one go and it almost makes me feel guilty for being annoyed when she sneezes so much. I think I'm going to start making note of every time it happens so I can create charts and bar graphs. If I had to guess right now, I'd say she was averaging one every 8-10 minutes.

Havasu dreamin'

I stumbled upon this guy's photo set on Flickr a few minutes ago. Gaaaaaaawd, I miss Havasu. I've heard it's a lot more tame nowadays though...I heard they closed off the sandbars and Copper Canyon so you're stuck parking in the main channel by London Bridge. So much fun.

Our tax dollars at work...

I got this first thing this morning and I can't stop laughing. Enjoy!

It's the Phriday Phive!

Get you some!!! Happy Friday everyone!

Friday Five

1. What was your first job?

I was a teacher at a day care. I started there when I was 16 and I worked there until my sophomore year in college. I loved it. It inspired me to get a degree in English\Education. I still keep track of some of "my" kids.

2. How much did you make?
Started out at 4.25. By the time I left, I think I was making 6.25 or something crazy.

3. Describe your least favorite co-worker of all time.
Hmmm...I think I'll refrain. All I can say is "what goes around, comes around, bitch!". I better stop before I have to break out my pimphand.

4. What is your dream job?
Lotto-winner-extraordinaire. ;o) I'd want to own my own company and I've often thought about opening up a bar as well.

5. What do you currently do and do you like it?
I'm an engineer at a software company. I like it...I like it aaaaa looooot.

Random thoughts...

Why do Mach 3 razors cost so much? 26 bucks for 16 of them? C'mon. I know they cost like $0.10 to make.

My lawn totally needed the couple days of rain we got.

Dan and Gina's baby is sooooo cool! I saw him last night and I held him for like over an hour. I don't know what it is about babies but when I hold them I think of all the cool things they are going to get to do in their life and I wonder how they'll turn out when they get older. Jack (Jackie) Anthony Santangelo, Uncle Jimmy will be here for you kiddo.

I'm psyched! I get to use my brand new lawn mower for the 2nd time tonight.

My friend just got one of those King Ranch diesel F250s. Oh, it soooo kicks ass. What's the difference? They use saddle leather on the seats for longevity. What a concept!

I need a digital camera. Heather, I'm so sorry you dropped your camera in the lake.

I miss my buddy Shawn Mullan. He's a NYC fireman and I'm hoping I'll get the chance to go see him this winter.

Not that I'm a huge gamer anyway but I just realized that I haven't touched my XBOX for almost six months.

I really do miss seeing and interacting with the MSFT crew on a daily basis.

Found a bunch of old letters, cards and other crap in a filing cabinet from an ex this morning and it actually kind of hurt my heart to look at them. It's probably time to dump that stuff.

Some of my waterski\board friends are setting up early morning (dawn-7:30AM) runs at Chatfield again. I'm going to give it a whirl. I hope I can swing it and still get to work on time. That's a lot of driving but it makes my day.

Catholic school girls are the coolest! You all know who you are!

Huh? The Wednesday Five???

Yes, that's right...a Wednesday Five. As it's been pointed out, I've been slackin' with my "Friday Fives" so here it goes...

The Wednesday Five

What are your creative dreams?

mmmmmmm! That leaves it wide open. I have a lot of "creative dreams" (most of which probably don't really fit the context of this question so I'll simmer-down a bit and try to be good). I'd like to someday run a company. I'd like to design and help build my own house. I'd like to build a custom bike. I'd like to finally land and ride out a "mobe". I'd like to find my match and start a family. I'd like to completely rebuild my 1957 Chevy. I'd like to remodel my current house. I want to buy a boat this winter and possibly a new truck. And sooo many more....

What do you do to make them real?

Hard work and biting off more than I can chew.

What would you do if time and money were no object?

Interesting question. If time and money were no object I'd do anything and everything I possibly could do. And, since time isn't an object, I'd do it for ∞ . General answer for a general question...but it's true.

Who are the supportive people in your life?

My Mom and Dad are my rock. My friends are a close second.

What makes you unique?

hmmm...I guess, I try to be true to myself. I don't think any one aspect of my life is unique...there are other people that enjoy the things I do and walk a similar path. I just strive to be the best person, friend, son, worker, etc. I can be. I fail, yes...but I don't quit.

Please buy this for me

Or this.

Or this.

I'm embarrassed...

People like this tend to piss me off. Bottom line: the woman is just starved for attention and has a screw or two loose.

Thinking back, my parents were pretty liberal raising me. Of course, they didn't feed me booze, give me drugs or solicit my friends like this nutcase did but I was able to do things most kids had to lie about...but that's the relationship I had with my parents. I was able to go to parties with one caveat: I would call them if ever I or any one of my friends were too drunk to drive home. Yeah, I got in my fair share of trouble growing up, but I always fessed up in one way or the other and I either learned how not to get caught or to stay out of trouble all together. And I never got into drugs...I didn't see the point. I had enough fun drinking. I had friends who smoked weed or did other stuff and they were always sitting on some couch somewhere zoned out staring at the wall or some shit. It just never really looked fun to me.

When we were at the lake, it didn't matter. My Mom always said that if I passed out, the hardest thing I would hit on the way down would be sand. My Dad didn't like it just because I was drinking his stuff. He finally cut me off and said I had to figure out how to buy my own. Of course, where there's a will, there's a way. ;o)

I guess it made me respect them and open up to them a little more than most.

blah! In the nicest way possible...

I give! I seriously give! Quite frankly, women are impossible to figure out...in a good way. I guess that's what intrigues me so much. I am beguiled and I love it!

I had a conversation with one of my female friends the other day and I've been thinking about it a lot and I hope she doesn't mind if I share (not that I think she reads this anyway). She's a GREAT person, smooooookin' hot, married and wants to have kids soon. Very attractive, very attracted, this girl is pretty much the total package however, she is spoken-for which make it fair game for me to bounce women-related questions off of her. This time I didn't even pose a question. She had her own and proceeded to go right for my throat,

"Jimmy, you really think there is a girl out there that wouldn't make you look
the other way again? Just wondering. Not saying you are a player (NEVER thought
that), BUT could you settle for just one gal if she was the right one?"

My retort:

"OK...this is gonna get a little deep. I'm a lover...not a
player. I have a ton of love to give and I know it's well within
my power to shower all of that love on one woman. Of course it gets a
little complicated...mix of affection and keeping me on my toes (etc.) but,
she has to be out there...just has to be. I don't know...I really do
want to kick azz with someone in life."

And, then I started thinking about her question. It has plagued me. I've had dreams about it. I'll be working and it'll just pop in my mind. I'll be driving somewhere and *bink* there it is. Why would she ask that? Is it because she thinks it's impossible for me to love one woman? I wonder if everyone around me has the same perception.

I'm not really susceptible to bouts of questioning myself or my actions but this one hit home.

I do want to find "the one"...
don't I?

You know the stories. You know what I mean. I'm sure all of us have heard them..."I met Jane at a party and I 'knew' right then and there that I was going to marry that woman!" "You'll know too, Jimmy! You'll know." Or, "I bumped into John at the mall and I 'knew' he was the one for me." If I had a nickel for every time I heard that...well...I'd have a bucket full of nickels.

Well, they're all smokin' crack...and I mean that in the nicest way possible. There's like some private fraternal mojo that happens when these people get married and they are instructed to say shit like that to all of us "single" folk as a means of torture.

People tell me I'm picky. To that I say, hell yeah. Again, I mean that in the nicest way possible.

I guess I really didn't want to work today...

A friend of mine stumbled upon this blog. All I can say is WOW!

All is fair...except at the office

OK...so my cube-neighbor has been fighting with her husband over the phone all morning. I'm not one to pry; I really don't give a shit, but her personal life is being thrust on me. I'd put my headphones on but I left them at home. I'm stuck. I know this person has a cell phone so why would she choose to air-it-all-out in cube-ville? It's almost like getting stuck in an elevator with an old lady who decided to put on too much perfume. You really can't say anything. You have to be polite. Still, it gets on your nerves.

She is definitely not very nice to him. I think I would have to run-her if I was her man...geeeeet! Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya, kkkkkbye!!!

On another note, they are inducing Dan and Gina's baby at Swedish tonight at 7:30!!! I'm soooooo psyched for them! They still haven't picked out a name. I can't wait to meet him! That kid is sooooo hooked up with Summer clothes. Everyone at their baby shower got him baby stuff. Not me. I got him 2 pairs of board shorts, a life jacket, some of those floaty arm things and some Broncos gear. It was like shopping for me...except in the kids section. With Gina's permission of course, I'll have him boarding by the time he's three.

T-minus...

...two and a half days before I leave for Glendo. I'm going to make breakfast burritos tomorrow night since we've all been assigned a meal. How easy is that??? I mean, no forks, no knives, no dishes. You just roll up some eggs, some bacon or sausage and some green chili in a tortilla...BAM! You have yourself some portable tinfoil wrapped sustenance. Great idea HappyKap! Muchas gracias.

I do wish Jason and Deann were going on this trip. I feel like I haven't seen that cat in ages. He just adds such a unique element to the dynamic. It's like he is a more intense...well...me! Moreover, it's a good thing Mike, Jason and I became friends AFTER our wild party days (not that we don't get rowdy now). We'd probably still be working off our jail sentences.

Meetings...meetings...meetings! Oh, I love meeeeetings! Rawhide!

I have a bad feeling about a few things today but I don't wanna jinx it by saying anything. I just hope things work out.

Slammed!

Geeeeeeeez...work has been kicking my booty. I'm slackin' on my posts.

Some random thoughts:

• Traffic on Hwy 36 and McCaslin SUCKS because of all that construction. Interestingly enough I never see anyone working on it.
• That Rib-eye I threw on the grill last night was soooooo good!
• Picked up that new Tide Sea Breeze and now all my clothes smell like a chick.
• It's HOT! Daaaaaamn HOT! I love it.
• Can't wait to go to Glendo this weekend. Count them...two, dos, 2...pimped out board boats and a TON of good friends. Gaaaaawd, I love Summer.
• I never thought it would be possible for me to be this ecstatic over getting a new mower and mowing my yard. 6.75 HP baby! Get you some of that! It eats puny mowers like yours for breakfast.
• The BBQ sauce Jim gave me is almost gone, damnit. I use that shit on everything...from chicken to pizza to french fries. And, of course you have to drive your happy azz like 1100 miles to get it.
• My roses look awesome and that automatic drip system ROCKS!
• I still don't know where my other 20 some pair of boardshorts are and it's pissing me off.
• I want to personally thank the individual who invented HUGE travel mugs that can be taken on the boat and refilled twice all day.
• I'm horny...but that's standard.
• I cut my head shaving this morning. I hate it when I do that.
• I want to go to see my friends in Sacto.
• My friends are all heading to Vegas this weekend. Was a tough decision but I'd rather be at Glendo.
• I have a TON of clean clothes to put away tonight and I'm not looking forward to it.
• Why do I turn the swamp cooler on at night just so I can cuddle up underneath my down comforter?

stuff n stuff

During my travels last night I found an interesting blog entry and a gorgeous picture in which the photographer used infrared technology.

I had to go to the doctor yesterday for those stupid wasp stings. Seems I'm mildly allergic to 'em. My hand swelled and it itched like crazy. Even more reason to get that electric tennis racket thing. I think I'll get two...one for each hand.

I've been evaluating functional and load testing software here for the past week because all work on Sac has ceased for the time being. It's actually a nice break from the stress that went into that project but it really would be nice to hit this important milestone.

I'm triple booked on Sunday which is pretty standard for me. My friend is having a party, another friend is having an engagement party and my office is having a picnic at Boulder Reservoir. The engagement party will probably be the priority.

Lockout has ended...finally!

Insane!

What a busy day! I've been running in and out of meetings all day and I feel like I haven't accomplished anything.

I went over to my parent's house last night for dinner and they hooked me up with stuff from Florida. They got me this crab that holds a wine bottle and it cracked me up. That crab looks so real. I guess you have to see it but I dig it.

Oh yeah...I've never been stung by a wasp before last night but I highly recommend against it...twice on the same hand last night. The lil' bitches totally dive bomb you too and there's not much you can do but get out of the way. I want to get one of those electrified tennis racket looking things and have some fun with them. That shit hurt...but BRING IT! I'll be back. I'm not number one in the food chain for nuttin'.

Days of our Lives

OK, so I get this call last night from...well..."a friend". Said friend tells me that my ex-girlfriend is now over 5 weeks prego. I don't know why but it was received with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I was relieved that this pup was not mine and that I was not in that particular situation with her solely because I knew she was a far cry from my "the one", but on the other, it stung a little knowing that she had moved on so quickly. Either way, it sounds like an episode of Springer and I'm elated that I'm away from the drama that is Jennifer. If I had any sort of hang-ups coming out of that relationship and needed additional closure, that was it. Thanks "friend". Onward...upward. Tally-hoe!

Ooooh yeah! The Friday Five!

Ching! Ching! Money Train Comin' through!

1. How much money is in your wallet right now?
63 bucks...and a duck.

2. How much money would you need in the bank to feel secure? Rich?
A lot more than I do right now. #4 would help so if anyone feels the need, you can donate to my cause. I'm trying to become a chairity so you can write it off at the end of the year.

3. If someone gave you $100, no strings attached, what would you do with it?
Hey! That's two weeks worth of gas!

4. If someone gave you $1 Million, no strings attached, what would you do with it?
Start my own company and\or invest in rentals. Aaaaw, who are we kiddin'...I'd go to Vegas and throw it all down on black. ;o)

5. How much does something have to cost before it starts counting as "real" money, as a purchase to be considered and evaluated, but below which you'll buy without really thinking about it?
Hmmm...that's a tough one.

bon voyage

So I went over to Tami's place to see Jonelle and Jeff off last night. Of course I sucked it up and kind of kept it light but in all honesty, I said goodbye with such a heavy heart that it choked me up. Jonelle has been like a big sister to me (not that I really know how that whole sister\brother thing is supposed to flow).

I met her on a "girl's camping trip" to Guernsey, WY. I was supposed to be a "cabana-boy" or some crap and when I found out what that really meant, I wasn't havin' it. I said I'd go to help teach everyone to wakeboard and make sure everyone was safe but that's where it ended. I'm no chump and I wasn't about to bow-down. So they decided to invite some other guy to be their cabana-boy. This guy was making all the drinks, giving them back rubs and pretty much making a fool out of himself in general..."are you comfortable?"..."do you need me to fluff your pillow?"..."let me feed you some grapes."...that type of shit. I've never had so much fun laughing at somebody trying so hard in my entire life. Hell, I even made him get me a beer or two. Of course the fatties were all over my case because he was doing all this cabana-boy *work* for them. One of the bigger ones decided to call me out in front of everyone by demanding that I fix a drink for her and as you can imagine, that pretty much went over like a lead-balloon...I think I told her she looked like she needed the exercise and I made some mention of Sea World. I guess no trip with that many women is going to be drama-free. Anyway, Jonelle and I pretty much talked trash and laughed our asses off the entire weekend...we instantly became friends.

Some of the most memorable times of my life have been spent in her company. She has helped me grow personally as well as professionally...I am forever grateful.

3 cheers to safe trips, good friends and new experiences. Have fun in Japan!

Sacto Bust???

Well, I thought I was going to Sacramento. I have the etickets. My bags are all packed. Now we have this meeting in a few minutes to decide if we're actually going to go. I guess there are like 4 show-stopper issues that cropped up last night. This is like the never-ending-project. Trish, girl, I'm sooooooooooo sorry if this ends up going South. I'll make it up to you guys...you know I'm good for it.

My friend Jonelle is in town and we're going to Gasho's. By 7:30ish the Jimmythang is going to have a cocktail in his hands. Jonelle and her husband are passing through on their way to Japan...and they're going to live there like foooooooorever. Way too long. She used to party my azz under the table. Times, they are a changin'. Imonnamissyagirl!

Big Ass Fish

Daaaaaamn...this is a big ass fish! Can you imagine how much this big ass fish had to eat to get that big (ass)?!?! Here's a better pic of the big ass fish.

Sucks to be YOU!

I'll think about you the next time I order up a Crown and Coke...which I won't be doing for awhile.

Your friend has a kid and BAM! Might as well go get our draaaaaaaank on! Hangin' bad today. Powered through some Mexican food at lunch today but only because I needed sustenance. I should have just stayed at the hospital last night and had them hook up an IV.

Oh...and can I just say that I had to look at glass water yesterday at the lake. There were like 4 fishing boats out there...total. The friends I thought were going to be up there, weren't and I was left drooling on the shore. I totally need to get married and pop out a pup so I can have a 3rd...driver, flagger, boarder. It was torture so I made myself a drink and did a little naaaaaked-baaaakin' on the sun-deck. I feel so naaaaaaughty! I think I need a ssssssssspankin'!

Born on the 4th of July!

Welcome to the world baby Ronnie Lynn Franklin!!!

Congratulations Jason and Deann!

Ronnie Lynn Franklin

It's the PHriday PHive, bebe!

This one is pretty intense folks...hold on to your pants.

1. Photo albums or picture frames?
Hmmmm...let's see. I have frames on the wall at home and a couple of albums gathering dust somewhere.

2. Digital camera, disposable, or point-and-click?
Depends on the situation, I guess:

Say you're in Havasu, you've been drinking all day, frolicking in the water and you've been handing beads out (because you're so generous). This situation calls for a disposable camera, without question. I've seen no less than three digital cameras at the bottom of the lake.

Now, say you're at a house party...as long as you stay away from bodies of water (pools, sinks, etc.), you're safe with either a point-and-click-a or a digital.

3. What facial expression (of yours) is usually captured in pictures?

4. What's your favorite picture and why?
uno - My Mom and Dad and me at the lake a few years back. dos - My last FRx Christmas party: Jason, Mike and me...in our tuxes. tres - Brian\Stacie and Dan\Gina's wedding party pictures with all of us guys...in our tuxes. quatro - Evan, Brian and me before we went clubbin' many moons ago.

5. Do you take the picture after you say "1, 2, 3", or after you say "2" and right when you say "3", or do you use another method or not count?
The best pictures aren't staged. I love action pictures...like when someone is laughing, talking or pondering something and they have no idea that their picture is about to be taken.