Sorry, just a catbox update

Well, last night I moved the catbox down 1 step again. As I have every couple of weeks in my effort to get it downstairs. This time made it 4 steps, and she didn't like it. I came home to a wonderful surprise in my office. (I was tempted to take a pic for the blog, but I wouldnt do that to you.) I was ticked. I'm not gonna go after her but now she will no longer has access to this room (or the porch that she loves) when I'm not in it. I also moved the catbox back up to step 3 where it was before.
Grrr- she better use it, demmit.

Bloglist Addition

Tears Before Pearls now added to my bloglist on the right!

50 Bands I've Seen Live

Here's an idea from Delcatto at Tears Before Pearls. Let me see if I can remember 50 bands that I've seen:

1 Kiss
2 Ace Frehley
3 Quireboys
4 LA Guns
5 Dokken
6 Dio
7 Ted Nugent
8 Iron Maiden
9 Faster Pussycat
10 Rough Cutt
11 Saxon
12 Hanover
13 Megadeth
14 Metallica
15 WASP
16 Metal Church
17 Foreigner
18 White Zombie
19 Accept
20 Bon Jovi
21 Garbage
22 Judas Priest
23 Krokus
24 Loudness
25 Motley Crue
26 Wendy O Williams
27 Ozzy Osbourne
28 Widowmaker
29 Slaughter
30 Winger
31 Pink Floyd
32 Pantera
33 Savatage
34 Ratt
35 Queensryche
36 Lisa Loeb
37 Tesla
38 Joe Walsh
39 Nine Inch Nails
40 Veruca Salt
41 Neil Young
42 Toad the Wet Sprocket
43 Ben Folds Five
44 The Murmers
45 Alice Cooper
46 Beck
47 Dementia
48 Anthrax
49 Kula Shaker
50 Primus

I've sprained my brain right now trying to remember enough to get to 50. There are still several I'm forgetting. I can think of about half a dozen that were pretty good 20 years ago, but nothing since, and now I can't remember the names. And there are some on the list I'm not fans of but they were the opening act. So for tonight my memory fails me but I will update at least 2 more later, when they come to me.

Edit: Well, I managed to finish off the 50, I'm positive I'm forgetting many others, but that's enough. It was fun, then and now.

UDO - Black and White

I almost forgot - New Today! - U.D.O.'s new video for 'Black and White' from the upcoming (August 21) album, 'Dominator'.

U.D.O. - Black And White

CKY - Knee Deep

It's my blog and I'll ROCK if I want to!

Housewarming

We had a few people over on Saturday for just a little housewarming/meet the neighbors kind of thing. Some neighbors did show others didn't, but I did kind of rely on word of mouth through the neighbors I do know and talking to others when I would see them out. Most all I've met seem very very nice. I say most because of one who has already made an enemy of us.

Same thing for friends, some showed and a few didn't. That's okay, we didn't require an RSVP so had no idea what to expect. At 4:00, one person had shown up, I was getting nervous. Then shortly after much more began arriving. Some left early, some showed up later, some we enjoyed the whole time! It was over by 8 or 8:30, as I recall, darkness had arrived and it was getting a bit chilly.

Overall I think it turned out well. We had plenty of food with not much left over, I think I got about a case too much beer, though. Oh well, leftovers!

Netherlands

And as I just mentioned it last night, here is a little snippet of the Netherlands (again thanks Attu).



Keep in mind, the Netherlands is only about 16 million people.
Good Night.

Health Care Reform

There's been alot of talk of President Obama's Health Care Reform lately.




Here's an alternate view, via Attu.


"Health care may be the number one issue at the moment in America. Those who are left-of-center favor a “single payer” model, in which the federal government creates a new and frighteningly strong power as the keeper of the nation’s health. Those right-of-center want to keep the present system, which demands from the (lower) middle classes excessive chunks of their income.

"Is there a third way? Is it possible for a mature and self-conscious society to organize national health care without unnecessarily limiting the freedoms of both the healthy and the sick?

"Yes, it exists. The third way is the Dutch way — a functioning and greatly performing model that is regarded at the moment as the best answer to the question of universal health care."


I found it an interesting read. I've become partial to The Netherlands, actually. It always sounded like it would be more relaxed and a happier existence there. Then again, I only read what I click on, so further research would be required. But why spoil a fantasy?

Favre Out

BREAKING NEWS (if you care...)

Brett Favre say he will stay retired. Season hasn't started yet. And either way, the talk of it will permeate at least the early part of the season. Hopefully it won't linger, it will be let go.

Sunday Happenings

Happy Sunday, everyone. I hope you are having a good weekend.

Mrs. Scoakat is on the boat today. I stayed back to do a few small projects around here. We are having a little get-together for friends soon, so there some things we want to take care of before then. I got a light fixture replaced today, among other little things. Two trips to Ace Hardware! But I forgot money each time so got halfway there and had to turn around. Oh well, it's only Sunday traffic, so not so bad. I think we found a very nice house. Smaller, yes. Older, yes. But the condition of the place is wonderful. Of course there's always small projects on my list but all are small and nothing is urgent. Thankfully, this house has been kept up very well over the years by the prior owner and her family.

I moved the catbox down 1 step again. It is now down 3 steps for her. She handled two for a couple weeks, so I hope she just deals with it easily. We took down the sheets on either side of the staircase about a week ago. First on one side and a couple days later the other side. I was getting tired of them and my wife thought they had no effect one way or the other to the cat. She seemed to be right, the cat didn't get fazed as far as I can tell. I also moved a night light closer to the catbox for her. The big palm tree pot is still covered in aluminum foil, just in case, of course.

The Brewers just lost - again. They're breaking my heart.

Slade

When I come across something like this I can just keep watching video after video. I got my Andrew Bird tickets recently, so I'm sure I'll have a post on him in a month or so. But, hmm dinner's ready, I lost my train of thought. Watch this:



I was a little young to enjoy Slade properly, most of their songs I heard first as covers by so many other bands. But I have heard the originals and love them even more.

Got to go now, corn on the cob tonight!

Lazy post, I've been boring...

... so let me share this video. I don't know where it's from but its just, well, right!


Warning: Language

I just found out....

...and I'm crushed. From dcrtv.com:

Confirmed: Westwood One To Discontinue O'Meara - 7/14 - DCRTV's reported rumblings that the Mike O'Meara (right) show will not only be yanked from CBS's WJFK when it flips to sports talk later this month, but will also no longer be syndicated nationwide by Westwood One. Now we hear this from the Facebook of KCJJ in Iowa City, Iowa, a longtime "Don And Mike Show" and Mike O'Meara affiliate in Iowa City: "We received notice from Westwood One that the Mike O'Meara will be rerun for the next 30 days and then will be no more. KCJJ is hopeful the show will be able to find a new home soon and be available to us again. A special goodbye segment that was taped earlier may be run this Friday. We will carry the show until the network stops sending it. CBS Radio sucks. And they can go to hell. And they suck!".....

O'Meara's Taped Farewell To Air 3 Times Friday - 7/15 - DCRTV gets confirmation that Mike O'Meara did tape a short farewell message that will air on his final WJFK (106.7 FM) show on Friday. It'll run at the start of the 3 PM show, at 5 PM, and again at 7 PM, at the end of the show. O'Meara's show is in reruns this week, and he is away, on vacation. DCRTV hears that O'Meara remains under contract to JFK's owner, CBS Radio, at least through the end of 2009. No word about the employment fates of his longtime afternoon drive crew - Robb Spewack, Buzz Burbank, Beth Ann McBride, and Joe Ardinger.....


Me again. I hope he gets picked up by somebody else. I listen to the whole 4 hour show (minus commercials) every morning via podcast. Big Bummer.

The Ides of July

Ides - (ahydz) or (īdz) -noun (used with a singular or plural verb) (in the ancient Roman calendar) the fifteenth day of March, May, July, or October, and the thirteenth day of the other months.

Just a small update. Only small things have happened.

We did go out on the boat last weekend. It was a disappointingly short trip, though. There was a bit of a breeze, so we were only out there for an hour. I was around boats quite a bit it seems when I was young. There is much I remember, but it is hard for me to convey what I know to a boatload of independent women!

Alot of big trees around. Almost every day, it seems, I'm scouring the yard to pick up all the sticks. Especially after a storm or even a windy day.

I am very grateful for the few years I worked at Ace Hardware. I learned alot then that I need to know now. Yet somehow I always considered myself more of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. Or more aptly, a rough carpenter, not a finish carpenter. Anyway, Ace is my favorite place these days! (Even though I no longer get the employee discount I still received until about 2 weeks ago!)

GO BREWERS! (They need the help)

Go Prez O!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

We are only human, after all.

Cat and Weekend

Well, it has been a relatively uneventful week here. We did move the cat box down another step last weekend. She was reluctant, but is coming around. Getting the cat box down to the bottom of the stairs may be a longer process than I originally thought.

I'm not sure what we'll be doing this weekend yet. I have a feeling we'll be back on the lake, though. The weather is supposed to be very agreeable this weekend. If not I'm sure we'll figure something out, maybe a picnic by the lake. There's a park just a short drive away that I'd like to see sooner than later. There's a whole new neighborhood and new side of town to get to know yet! All in due time, I guess.

I hope you have a good weekend!

U.D.O. Independence Day

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth! We spent yesterday afternoon on the boat having fun, but today is pretty much a day off. I thought about washing my truck, and there is planting to do, but the mosquitoes have come to life! It has been a cool, calm, cloudy day and they seem to be thriving. Oh well, I'll just have to put my feet up for a while... maybe it'll be more favorable tomorrow. I hope so, I do want to get the lawn mowed before the weekend is over.

I do have pics from yesterday, but even though no one objected when I said I may post one on the internet, I feel funny doing so. I haven't posted my picture, so why someone else? I have to learn how to black out faces correctly or something, maybe.

Favre, still out there

I'm loving all the t-shirt stuff like this. Like I've said before, I'm going to enjoy the sideshow. I know how opinions have become very divided among Packer fans everywhere. Thompson kicked him out! Favre is too wishy washy! Blah, blah, blah.

I guess I look at it logically (for me anyway), and as a fan of the NFL, not just a player fan. I know my brother is a big Favre/Packer fan. I'm not sure what side of the fence he is on here though.

I found this article by Dave Myers of the LaCrosse Tribune that I pretty much agree with wholeheartedly:

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/07/02/sports/00myers.txt

Grandmas are more fun than Ipod Surgery

Hello, I'm still here, just haven't posted lately. If I miss over a week then there may be a problem, but until that happens all is well. I do have a few things to say, just waited to say it, I guess.

I did go down and see grandmotherL this past Saturday. My Sis and her kids, J & L, came with me. It was a fine drive until we got lost. We were both unfamiliar with the newer road, so wound up going just a little out of our way. Despite being a little late, grandmotherL was right there to greet us as we arrived. We went out to eat at a cafe in town and enjoyed catching up. When it came time to pay the check, I fully intended to get it. GrandmotherL would have none of it. I stopped my protestations when she finally said "Shut Up!" She's almost 90. I did as she said. Turns out she had a 50 dollar gift card to use. Half of it went to our dinner, while I insisted at least I could leave the tip. She did let me do that (I left $3.95 - I don't know why I remember). After dinner we went back to her place and continued our visit for another hour or more. I think we all had a real good time. I am very glad my Sis and her kids accompanied me, though. More people help keep the conversation going. J & L were very well behaved. Even back at grandma's house where there wasn't much for them to do while the adults talked.

I just got done with ipod surgery a bit ago. Last week I was losing a channel in my headphones, the ipod jack was going bad. This has happened before, so I knew what to do. I ordered the part right away and it arrived this afternoon. I already had a new battery to install as well so I did it all in one shot. I'm getting to be an old hand at this. I've replaced a video screen, 3 jacks and hold buttons (1 piece), and a battery. Not all on my own ipod, of course. If you got a 5th gen video ipod that needs fixing we could work something out!

I'm not sure what we're going to do yet this 4th of July weekend, there are no plans set in stone. I love hanging around our new house, but I would like to get out a little if the weather's nice. Even if it's just a fast food picnic by the lake. How about you, any plans? Share in the comments.

Celebrity Deaths

Celebs are dying off by the handfulls. I never cared for Michael Jackson. I understand he's recognized as the 'King of Pop', but pop is not usually my thing. I do believe he was one effed up individual, and that the allegations were true. He will not be missed by me.

On the other hand, Farrah Fawcett was HOT. She will be missed by me.
There was also David Carradine, Dom Deluise, Ed McMahon, and a few others I can't think of now. A bad time to be a celebrity, I guess.

And now for some really bad jokes. Be Warned:

--What's the difference between Michael Jackson and a plastic grocery sack? One is white, plastic and dangerous for your kids to play with and the other carries your groceries.

--Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died on the same day, which is something of a coincidence. One played with Majors, the other played with minors.

--News report: Unfortunately, determining a cause of death will be a long and lengthy process that could take weeks.......good news however, the embalming process appears to have been done prior to death.

-- When Farrah Fawcett died God told her she had one wish, she wished for all the children in the world to be safe, so God killed Michael Jackson.

Hot enough for ya?

How about this heat, eh? It's supposed to be 95 today, feels like 195. Still, better than -20 or snowing, I think...

Well, it was a productive weekend here. I got some projects done and some ready to go. We also got to see some of the family. On Saturday we got to see my grandmotherW unexpectedly, and I had already made plans to see my grandmotherL next weekend. Coincidence? Hmm.

On Sunday we had my in-laws over for Father's Day. My wife did all the prep and things turned out wonderful, as usual. My wife is just great with food. All that watching the Food Network has its advantages. Anyway, the family all seem well and generally happy. The nephews sure are, um, rambunctious, shall we say. There's now a soon to be family member at these gatherings. I like him, he may be someone to hang with at future get-togethers. We'll see, I guess.

Enough rambling, I'm tired. My project at work this week keeps me running, but I noticed I hadn't posted recently. I know my favorite blogs were the ones I could check every day and find something new. That won't happen here, this is more of a public journal for myself and those who may like to know if I actually did fall off the face of the earth. I'm quite private, except, now, for this site. Repeat first sentence of paragraph.

Tire slashed

I had my tire slashed early this morning. We are not happy to say the least. I had to take a day off work to file a police report and get it fixed. I have my theories, actually we're 99.9% sure who it was, but I can't say since there is no proof. Very ticked off. I'm actually proud of my restraint.

Calvin and Hobbes

This blog isn't about work. I haven't yet and probably won't ever talk about it here. However I have told some people at work about this blog, 4 now, actually. Mostly they were curious about the house. Now, I just wanted to share a cute video with 'K.' I tried to send it to her over the weekend, but she was unable to receive it. So now here it is for the world, or my little corner of it, anyway. It's short, funny and I hope you enjoy.

Btw, yes, the lawn got mowed today.

No lawn mowing today...

Well, the lawn isn't getting mowed today. It was last mowed exactly 2 weeks ago. It needs it, but not that urgently. Instead I ran errands this morning and we spent all afternoon on my wife's BFF's boat. Early on we parked and grilled brats and corn in a cove I've only heard referred to as the 'party cove'. It's a nice place to put the anchor down and fire up the grill.

After eating we just cruised across the lake, soaking up the sun. This shot is of Union Terrace, downtown on the isthmus:

I'm sure you know enough to click on the pic for the large version. Our camera is several years old, and these pictures show that its not the best, but at least I'm taking more pictures now!

My Week ...and the cat

Hello, sorry I haven't posted all week. Things haven't been terribly busy, just haven't found the time and/or amibition to write much. There's always some sort of project that I should be doing instead.

We finally have a handle on our trash. The little old lady who lived here before us had 35 gallon (city provided) containers for trash (weekly) and recycleables (bi-weekly). So I had to get a hold of the city to upsize to the 65 gallon containers. I finally got to use the hose for the first time to clean out the old ones. The city actually showed up within a day to get them, and it took them about 10 days to finally pick up the carpet we ripped out a couple weeks ago, so I was happy.

I stopped at Farm and Fleet thursday and got ladder stand-offs so now I guess I'll have to do the gutters soon as well. Installed it on the ladder this morning and it works really well. I need to do a little work on the gutters too, so I didn't want the ladder resting on them. While I was in the garage I put up alot of nails to hang stuff. The garage really seems to have filled up fast lately, but organization helps alot.

I made another trip to F&F this morning to get some wood and c-clamps. The cat did not take moving the catbox downstairs very well. I'll leave it at that. So I built kind of a steps shelf and clamped it down.




I think it will work well, it keeps the catbox out of the way of the door and we can still walk down beside it. My idea is to move it down a step a week or so, until the stupid cat gets the idea. We'll see, I guess.

Have a good weekend!

Edit: Actually, I went to F&F on friday, not thursday. And this morning it was Menards I shopped at instead. I don't know where my head was.

Hippy Music

Happy Monday! Yeah, well, okay.
Not much to talk about today. I've been making my to-do list for house and yard. Although there is alot to be done, none of it is terribly major. For several projects I need to buy something to do it properly, though, so things WILL get prioritized somewhat. That may be a future blogpost.

In the meantime, I rediscovered this recently. I don't know who the band is or what the name of the song is, it just had the filename hippy_music. It's really kind of a neat video. Take a few moments and see what you think.

A Bloggers Book

I have been reading Tom Reynolds' blog for several years now, it's one of the first blogs I followed. He is an ambulance driver in London, and has just released his second book. I haven't read it yet myself, but I have read the first and enjoyed it as much as the blog. In fact most of it came from his blog. This one I expect to be newer material and just as well told. I recommend, but to each their own.

Full screen is best anyway, click on it. (I don't know how to center it below.)

And check out Random Reality in my links on the right.

Tree trimming

Monday we had the tree trimmed. I hated to do it, but as the homeowners we are responsible for the tree and all that falls from it. Besides the branch that was hanging out over my neighbors roof, there were some broken branches and dead limbs to get rid of.

Before:



After:


It is a Silver Maple that I would guess is about 5o feet high or so. I have more pics but its not that exciting, actually.

My wife seems to be enjoying her time off. She has been doing things daily, but no rush, no worries. She deserves it. I wish I could take a week off, as well, but I'll survive.

Flowers are blooming..

My beautiful wife picked some of our lovely flowers today.



And I caught a quiet moment of her reading on our front stoop.



Mrs. Scoakat has the week off to settle us into the house. Most of which is already done, so this should be a nice relaxing time for her. I have tried to get her to post here as well, but she's content to leave it to me.

I worked only a half day today because the tree trimmers were here this afternoon to chop at our big old Silver Maple in the back yard. I got alot of pics, before and after, that I will post soon. Today is flowers and beauty...

Cat Settling In? Maybe a little...

The rarely seen cat! No matter if you've been to our place once or a hundred times, you have probably never met this cat. That's because she's nuts and hides most of the time.

The cat is slowly just starting to settle a little bit, maybe. We have been able to move the litter box from the living room, to just inside the kitchen, and now next to the stairs. Farther and farther away from her preferred safe spot, under the bed. She still doesn't come out too much and when she is out will sometimes walk right past you calmly or spook at the slightest thing. Almost like normal, for her, gdam wacko cat. And no, she is not jumpy because of any past abuse or trauma, she's just naturally a paranoid schizophrenic feline. That's my theory, anyway.

My wife just told me she saw the cat on the landing (down 3 steps from the kitchen, then downstairs to the right). Earlier today we pinned up sheets on either side of the stairs in the basement to hopefully make her feel more secure in going down there. The goal is to get that litter box to the bottom of the stairs. Sooner than later would be nice.

Street Skeleton

I've had this for quite a while. I liked it.

Happy Memorial Day

Thankfully, there is one day left in this weekend. Happy Memorial Day!

This morning we cleaned out the old apartment, there was almost a full load still to bring back to the house. We had just enough room left to stop at our familiar grocery chain store (sounds like Mopp's) to get meat and some odds and ends. Yesterday afternoon we tried the closest grocery store (sounds like 'Woodlands'), one of those warehouse type places, and we hated it. We pretty much stuck to our staples list, and when it got down to a few items we said to heck with it. We did find the meat department, but there was little there. I suspect they may have 2 or 3 meat departments, just judging by the size of the store and the meat department we did see. I think, as much as I can complain about the store chain that we are used to shopping at, we may stick with them and drive the little bit extra.

Yesterday morning we did some needed shopping. Some storage shelves for the basement, trash cans, and smaller things. I really like the shelves we got for the basement. I was able to make one into quite the little workbench area, mostly for the household needs. The place is quite a bit more organized than the photos I posted the other day. Not much more of that forthcoming, you'll have to come see it for yourself. Hell, if you're reading this, you know how to contact me - comment!

Yesterday, just after lunch, the guys delivered our washer and dryer. Idiots, both, though one tried to please. They should come better equipped and I let them know it.

Tonight we relaxed a bit and grilled out brats. I noticed that the need to relax has been a common theme in my recent posts. That may continue until we get our gdam psycho cat to chill with the new place. You do know that cats usually get their "crazies" in the evening and at night. Even all night somtimes, I'm finding out. Trying to get her to use the litterbox in the basement is a big issue now as well. I wish she was a normal cat, not this paranoid schizophrenic longhair pain in the rump.

Enough for now. Sorry for the back and forth timeline of this post, I typed as I remembered. Put it this way, today is the middle day of a three day weekend and I slept in until only 6:00am. I am still tired, my legs still ache, and I still have a shortlist a mile long. Tonight it is time to stop, though, and enjoy a few JD and pepsi's and ... relax....

Edit: Oh, and I mowed my first lawn today in over 20 years, I believe.

We're Here! Setting up house...

Well, we are finally here. It has been a very long day, but of course well worth it. We had people coming and going and installing and removing... I will post a sneak preview here. These were taken just an hour or so ago. All in all, the place is shaping up!

Now, a little rest. We have to work tomorrow and will be spending at least some of the weekend at the apartment finishing up. Fun, fun. Bye now... reesssst.

Moving time

I'm glad we are moving over time, a week and maybe a bit more when all is said and done.

Saturday was a work day at the new house. Removing carpet is exactly what I expected it to be, one big pain in the everything. But we had some good help! Mom and her SO showed up in time for staple pulling, probably the toughest part. Mom has to stop trying to do it with her fingers, though. Without their help we would have stopped and finished on Sunday. We have been using Murphy's oil soap to clean it and treat the wood a bit, and it has been working very well. We agreed that while not perfect, they were in better shape than we expected.

Sunday we took a load over to the house then went shopping. I finally had to get a lawn mower and weed whacker, now I'm expected to use them. We also got a washer, dryer and water softener (delivery and hookup pending). Hello 12 months no interest!

And today was another load. The third in as many days. We should leave some boxes for the movers, though. And there will probably be a few things left here after the movers are done that we can take our time to move. Including cleaning stuff and the vacuum, just to make the token effort - we'll wanna be HOME.

Closing Day... yesterday

As promised, here are a few more pics:

Yes, we did close on the house yesterday afternoon. I shoulda wore my leather and pretended I was a rock star signing autographs. I signed my name about 500 times, it seems.

There may not be much posting in the next week or so. We will be busy moving stuff and packing when we're not working. Then, on Thursday, the movers will get all the big and heavy stuff and we will be officially moved in!

House Eve

Tomorrow is the closing. The search/buying process is almost over! Let the moving and redecorating process begin! (Then can I relax a little?)

Well, I had to take this morning off to be sure everything was set with the house insurance. Got to work by 11, but somehow quitting time still couldn't come soon enough. We also had the final walk-through with the realtor. We got there early, and ran into the seller. Very nice guy. It was his deceased mother's house. He answered any question I had and volunteered info as well. We also noticed all the plants that had come in since we had been there last! They need trimming or reigning in in some places but we really couldn't have asked for more.

Last weekend we went down and saw my Mother, along with Sis and her kids. My wife had a busy weekend with a friend and her mom as well. I love the kids! I wish they wouldn't tire me out so g'dam much, though. I slept almost the entire way as my lovely wife drove me home and let me rest!

Insurance Fun

Harrumph! Two days until closing and a snafu with the house insurance. Not exactly helping my mood. Should all be fixed by later tonight, so no biggie. It just ticks me off.

I know I'm overdue for a proper post. Mostly busy or tired (or both) this week. Maybe an update later tonight.

Let's try polling...

Okay, here are your choices, a poll has been added on the right. Voting should be as easy as clicking. This is just another little expiriment for me as well. I'm still learning this blogger thing, slowly but surely, kinda.

Update: Poll closed.

A - 0

B - 0

C - 0

D - 3 correct

Favre as a Viking?

Well, I wouldn't be surprised. I belong to the camp that is okay that we traded him last year. I had had enough of his yearly waffling by then. Now he's turned it into a second career. Will I still support him as a Hall of Fame Packer? Yes, however much he wants to humiliate himself now that he's gone. I plan to enjoy watching the sideshow.

Happy Cinco De Mayo

So Mexico beat the French - who hasn't? Just kidding. I know it was a proud moment for Mexico, but from what I understand, it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico. I call it Tuesday.

Here's a quick history, not a long read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo

Also scroll down to the United States part. It seems to have taken on new meaning here. And I say, well, why the hell not?

Lazy, Lazy Sunday

It's been awhile since we had this lazy of a weekend. We think of it as 'resting up'. Just watched some games, caught up on computer stuff that I do, and napped.

By tomorrow night it should all be official, financing going through and all. Then I may post some pics of the house. Maybe. It's less than 2 weeks until closing now.

We had to have some repairs in the apartment this past week. There was a water problem in the bathroom that I was hoping would hold until we left, but it just got too bad to ignore any longer. I hate having the maintenance people come in when we're not here. They did a half-ass job as usual, but we don't care. Heck, I don't think we'll even clean when we leave, we'll just abandon this hellhole with just a token effort. The security deposit was maybe a half months rent and we don't plan on getting anything back from it anyway. We've been here 7 years so it needs everything- paint, carpet (since it was cheap carpet anyway, but they'll probably just shampoo it and rent it out to some sucker), and everything else (like cabinets) was so damn old when we moved in.

Sigh, the shorter our time left here, the more we hate this place. A natural feeling, I guess. But by the end of the month we'll be gone from here and giddy in our own house!

Sugary sweet

I found this interesting. How much sugary goodness (or bad-ness) is in that drink or snack you have right now? This link is kind of an eye opener. I used to need a mountain dew every morning. Now I rarely drink soda unless it has whiskey in it, and then always caffeine-free unless I'm out somewhere. I never really thought about the sugar, though. I always hated the taste (aftertaste, actually) of diet sodas. I wonder if whiskey would make it bearable.


http://www.sugarstacks.com/

You little...

Cane Toads

This Week

Well, sorry, I've gone too long without a regular post. But this is what it usually is, nothing much happening.

As for the house, we signed a bunch of papers at the bank this past week, but just waiting for the most part. We have to call utilities this week to set things up for the new place, and decide on an actual moving day. We have over a month to leave the apartment, and can get into the house in the middle of the month. Alot to do, just not quite time to do anything yet. We have started packing, but that will go fast once we can get into the house. We plan to move things like glass, picture frames, and the computer, by ourselves pretty much right after closing. Then let the movers get all the big stuff and regular boxes.

I did call in to Dr V's show Friday night. But it was late and I was exhausted. It was really hard to hear him on the phone as well. I was the only caller this show, but he did have a piano theme going. Actually, I think he sells himself short on the piano. No, he's no pro, but there is alot more to music than technical accuracy. My varied tastes in music point that out obviously, to me anyway.

And please, feel free to leave any comments, I'd like to know if somebody is listening out there. I know a few people check. But Mike, Gary, Scott, Lane, and anyone who hasn't checked in, please feel free. It should be simple: see my post on commenting. First names only is a good policy, this is the internet after all. No registering or anything is required!

Also, Dr V...

...is live tonight at 10:00 pm. (Most) Every Friday at 10 the show goes live, at other times you see the latest show rerun, I believe. The link is on the right under 'My Other Favorites - The Dr V Show.'

I told him I'd try to stay up tonight and see it live. Maybe, just maybe, I'll call in to the show. But he said he's pretty beat tonight so it might be a rerun. I hope not.

Earth Day late

Bill Sticker had a nice post about Earth Day. Follow the link in his post - It's funny to see the predictions made in the 70's:

http://williamsticker.blogspot.com/2009/04/earth-day-then-and-now.html

(I haven't learned how to put the link into the text yet.)

Regular Everyday Normal Guy

Warning: Adult Language

Nothing exciting...

...Going on lately. Just the everyday doldrums. Pencilling in plans for closing date and after. Surviving work, collapsing at night.

Had lunch with Dr V yesterday. He's taking care of himself well, still playing basketball with the 20 somethings once a week. My workout? Well, besides physical therapy (I threw my back out again some time ago), I just bought a house! My workouts are planned as mowing, raking, weeding, insulating, removing carpet, do I have to go on? Still, it would have been good to be good at something -anything- athletic. But I'm not throwing away any of my smaller pants yet.