Filed under: Uncategorized
X… it is almost seems like whatever you see starting with X is an abbreviation or preservative ingredient on food packaging. Seriously what is the X sound? I know if it follows another letter it is a “cks” sound. There again it seems like an abbreviation of letters. However in the rare case where X starts the word, it is pronounced with a Z sound. Sure we need a letter that can be sounded by using other letters. Why are we so confusing in the english language?
X – Ray
I am not as accident prone as some, but I have had a few x-rays in my time. In the span of 18 months I had 3 x-rays on the same thumb, same location. Out of the three I had broken my thumb twice. Within 6 months of the last break I had broken my pinky finger playing football. My parents somewhat afraid Child Services would be called, told me “well if you can move it, then it isn’t broken.” My mother feels bad every time she sees my crooked finger these days.
X-mas
First of all it’s Christmas for Pete’s sake! My feeling is that retailers devised this abbreviation in efforts to consume multiple religions in this 4 month holiday. I was at Lowes October 3 and saw a mass display of outside Christmas decorations and trees. The fact is that I have lost my Christmas spirit along the way. A lot of it unfortunately is due to the insanity of my father, which I do not wish to go into here. Alas, a renewed spirit comes forth. Though this will be my daughter’s second official Christmas, this will have more of an impact as she is walking and generally becoming more aware. I am happy to say that I am looking forward to it.
X-103
Music has a huge impact on me and X-103 was one of the biggest rock/alternative stations in our area. I am sure that with every radio station one will disagree and be disappointed with the over exposure of songs. However, growing up it was by far the easy way to hear new music, especially when MTV stopped playing music videos. You could take a chance on concerts, pay a good a mount of money if it was an all ages venue, and hope for the best. I suppose one can surf the internet and be overwhelmed by the music available, but where do you start? Though I am often disappointed in hearing the same songs over and over, it is a vital venue to get a glimpse of something I may like.
XX
The set of female chromosomes. No I am not female! I am married to one and together we made a beautiful little girl. As strange as it may be, I secretly wanted a daughter (not to say I would have been unhappy with a son). I know a lot of guys want a son to play sports and follow in their steps, and become something great. And I know the drawbacks of a girl are that they will eventually be dating, an expensive wedding, etc. However, women are behind it all. It is futile to believe that men are ever in charge these days. Frankly women are generally more interesting and inspiring.
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Y, why Y… why? I survived Z and started to feel confident until I got ahead of myself. I realized after Y is X!?! What the hell am I going to do with X? I have some words that end with X. Oh well, I will quit procrastinating. Onto Y…
Youthful Looks
Curse?!?! How dare I say curse. Well it is inevitable that I will enter a bar, order a drink, or peruse the fine brew in a local liquor store and get carded. Alright I am not 32 so why should I be bitchin’ since the law states that ID must be checked unless the person appears to be 32 or older. Well it is not only that I get carded, but I get the stare down, occasionally the interrogation of info on my driver’s license or even proof of a second photo ID (Which I do not think I have). One instance I provided all of the aforementioned and still the door man said “how about I have a police officer come by to verify this ID.” Are you effin kidding me. I told him to feel free and he let me enter. What takes the proverbial cake these days is the fact that I am typically 5 years older than the person asking for ID. They say it is good to look so young, but I sometimes feel that my youthful looks hinders opportunities in many social and business settings.
YouTube
Who does not like YouTube. Yes it is somewhat scary to see the various defects of our society displayed for all to see, but it can be very entertaining and useful. It often allows me to check up on a new album before spending the cash to have 1 awesome song surrounded by crap in my possession.
Yellow Ledbetter
In the vein of YouTube I came across something that forever makes me laugh. I am a huge fan of Pearl Jam and the song Yellow Ledbetter was always a song that would make me stop and listen to its passionate delivery. Eddie Vedder is an amazing vocalist, but what the hell is he singing. I know it is not uncommon to confuse words or hear the wrong thing, but I could not make sense of it. Then I found Misheard Lyrics of Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam. I will never be able to hear the song the same. Potato Wave.
Yin – Yang
I know Yin-Yang or Ying Yang instantly produces the mental image of a symbol that may or may not send you into a hippie state of mind. Regardless the meaning and philosophy of it is very dear to me because it prevails in everything. There is a constant push/pull relationship that is much bigger than us or our mental capacity. Do I know or understand it all, not even close. Do I feel that Karma interplays with this, absolutely. This is a reminder to me of my existence and actions in the space we exist.
Yellow Submarine
The Beatles are indeed amazing to me (See also Beatles). Just ask Danielle, for months she was sick of me talking about the history, the songs, the influence, etc. There is one song I have yet to place in there extensive catalog…Yellow Submarine. Can there be something that is more invasive. Listen to it once and you will be singing the damn thing all day long. Hell if you have heard it, you are probably currently singing it in your head. You can thank me and hate me later. For now take a listen.
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Now do it in reverse…
So my lovely lady, aka wife to you, started an abridged encyclopedia of her and her life. You can find it here. Basically I am struggling to think up interested thoughts and ramblings to share so I stole her idea without consent, which she borrowed from scrapbooking. Well I do not scrapbook and have no intention to start. In a pathetic effort to be a little different I will be working in reverse order alphabetically. Maybe I will meet her in the middle…. DOH!!! That’s the hardest letter. What was I thinking?
Zildjian
I am not a drummer and therefore it would seem odd that I would list a symbol first. However, I am a guitarist and my drummers always played Zildjians. These prized possessions are treated like precious gems to drummers (gems you pound with a stick) and memory I will always have is when Danielle tripped loading in while carrying the drummer’s Zildjian symbols sending them crashing down first upon her chin and the to the concrete floor. Only one cracked and Wife eventually recovered.
Zoo
A tradition Danielle and her mother started probably 5 years ago was to go to the zoo the Friday before or after Danielle’s birthday. I have a feeling it was just a reason to take off work, but now it is tradition and they have to do it. I have gone 3 times now and it something that I enjoy. Perhaps because it is a reason to take a day off, but it is nice to be outside and observe nature in captivity. Yes that is twisted.
Zach de la Rocha
The front man for RATM is not what you call a singer, but a passionate vocalist. Rage is one of my favorite bands and a big influence in the days of my band (see also CleverTruth). Oddly enough when I first heard Rage I turned off the radio. That’s right radio, no iTunes then kiddies. I could not get past the voice. However, like coffee the first time you acquire a taste and soon after an affinity. Zach’s vocals are empowering and force me to examine a little about our government.
Zucchini
You may think I am just trying to think of any Z words to fill up this page, but I seriously like zuchini. It was something as a kid I thought I hated and then I tried it sauted one summer. Now I think of cold beer, grillin’ and summer every time I have zucchini. (See also Beer, Grillin’, and Summer)
Filed under: Humor
There are things I simply do not get. Comprehension becomes a foreign language in such occurences. For example, I will never know why my wife loves me or how one person can produce an endless and abundant supply of snot. And I know using the example of my wonderful cherished partner in the same sentence as the wonders of nose goo is a bit perturbing, but I think illustrates my struggle in understanding the former. Yet, I can accept these things. Is it completely logical? No, but there is some merit that allows me to move beyond eternal head scratching.
I did come across something truly baffling. It has been nearly a year now since I saw this curious thing and I have yet to rationalize it. Today I thought about it and decided to Google my “Loch Ness Monster” and see if anyone else can explain it. Now reader, I know I have delayed revealing this item of oddity, but what happened when searched for information on Google started to concern me. Google froze on me. It is bizarre, I know coincidence. However can somebody, anybody explain why and RV license plate needs a handicap endorsement?
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Ah the start of football is upon us. This year marks the first year of co-managing a fantasy football team. It makes it real hard to watch a game when you are constantly looking at stat updates. Our fantasy FB team is getting crushed this week, but we have three positions playing tonight. Hopefully we can attain a modest loss. Team name, Holy Hell,is a referrence to one of the best Canadian Sitcoms ever. I know that there are so many, but if you ever see Corner Gas on the tube watch it.
The biggest issue though is that we are heading into the Playoffs for MLB. Yes, as you may have guessed the Red Sox are in the hunt. Currently leading the wildcard race for the AL and behind the steroid ridden Yankees. Alright so we may have been marked on a couple, but the excitement is near. It has been a strange, but fruitful year for the Sox. Unfortunately, NYY is winning at an outstanding rate.
How the hell am I going to be able to keep up with all of this? I forgot to mention the first game of Softball starts Friday (double header). On top of all of that, I am trying to get motivated to get in shape. Then you know I have a kid, so that there takes 80% of my awake non-working time. Well here is to an exciting and busy season of everything.
Tomorrow starts the beginning of a new era… I know I just wrote about my anxieties of change. The wife and I joined a Beer League Softball – uh – … League (redundant isn’t it). We are having practice tomorrow evening and I feel like I have to cram for this minor event. Do I have enough time on my lunch to head to the batting cage, or have enough time after putting the baby down to throw the ball, and take short hops?
Seriously it has been nearly 5 years since I played any sport with others. That was back when I got into shape and played basketball with some freakish skinny giant. I played baseball as a kid and I am still a big fan of the Red Sox. However, softball rules are different. For instance, Homeruns score two for the other team and are an out. WTF? Then there are no lead offs, bunts, or steals. This is taking the other game I used to have. What were my wife and I thinking.
Hold on reader, I have an Ace up my sleeve. IT’S BEER LEAGUE!!!! I know how to drink and others will be drinking. I just ma have a fighting chance. Well here is to the future.
It seems as though everyone has thorns they learned to tolerate in their side. For me I have a few, but the fact is that I would have never been able to foresee these the briars I encountered without venturing down the path.
Truth be told, I am saddened by living in Indianapolis. It seems I have always felt out of place in this city since my teenage years. I am foreigner in my home town.
Truth be told, I miss my dog Maxx. He passed quickly of an enlarged heart. Worse is that I know Morgan is getting older.
Truth be told, I have anxieties of change that limit me. Had a band and struggle to think of forming that bond with others. I have good reason to look for another job, yet here I sit.
Truth be told, I often wonder if it is better to be lucky or capable. I guess I question Karma on this one. I will pay for that later.
Truth be told, I am settling more and more. I find goals to be more of fantasies than possibilities. This could also tie into change.
Truth be told, I beleive having enough money and enough comfort is worse than struggling. Although I may think different since my daughter is in the mix now.
Truth be told, I love my wife, daughter, dogs, and family. I guess it is not a thorn, but it always needs to be said.
Feel free to comment, offer, suggest…
Things are so close to being accomplished, but I keep getting pulled away or at least I think I do. For example, I have been given a contact for a Bass player. Considering I have two drummers in the mix, this could complete the potential band I have been whining about for so long on this wonderful site of rambling. However, the number was given to me the Thursday before the July 4th weekend. Chaos is a short word, but very descriptive to the planning of the said weekend. Friday entailed wrapping all of the weekend chores; cutting the grass, grocery, clean the house, etc. Then that evening to the mother-in-laws for a semi-surprise b-day get together (Don’t ask). Saturday was the 4th of July cookout. Sunday was a friend’s 2 yr old’s b-day and followed it up with the first family dinner out. The now 10 month daughter was awesome and things went well. So, when did I call the bass player? It is now July 10th and I have yet to contact him. Tomorrow morning we leave to my parent’s lake house until late Sunday afternoon.
So much of my thinking sways to rational or rationalizing thinking. Look at the hectic schedule we had. Where could I fit a band in, I should just throw in the towel. The good thing is that we are giving our daughter chances to get out and see people, interact, experience, learn, and get a foundation of full life. I am grateful for the chaos. Yet, I did realize that I need to make the call because I would be supressing a chance to lead by example. I lot of the reason I truly have not called is because I have the anxiety calling a complete stranger and making effort to better my life. Yes it will devour time that I do not have, but I must work on time management and stop trying to coast through.
By the way GO SOX!
Filed under: Uncategorized
*A baby’s laugh can always pinpoint happiness.
*Sprinkled failure across one’s path is a necessity. Yet, it is disheartening and often leads to branches and turns. A separation of the self and turn for change simultaneously occur with the more troubling situations. Until the self and new path meet up again, there seems to be a disconnect.
*The only thing I have experienced and found certain is that there is nothing for certain. This statement included.
*Karma can be a kind and cruel mistress. She often is absent, perhaps vacation. If she were to be ever present and automatic her role would become obsolete. Never assume she has left for good or does not keep tabs in her absence.
*Music is consuming. Be consumed. Your soul requires it.
*With forgiveness and mercy one can be more equipped and apt to succeed.
*Never drop an open face peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Murphy will always get it.

Meet My Daughter
Just remember we parked life in the Aisle 13…
I have never in my life been more dissatisfied with my place in life. However, a few omissions must be made. I love my wife and this statement is something I find that few people can truly and easily say. We are nearing our 7th anniversary and 11 wonderful years together. I have my dogs and they are like 4 legged friends. Then there is my daughter. Every day she amazes me. For these things I am lucky.
Now I am confronted with the fact that I am working day to day without appropriate recognition or pay. It truly makes it hard for me to see a future here when I am paid less than the newest employees and take on an exorbitant amount of responsibility. At this point I am certain I do more than the people in charge of this company. That includes the personal time I take on the computer. My job is disappointing and the fact that I am still here makes me disappointed in myself.
The city I moved back to is raping my soul. This place does not fit my personality. I have noticed the friends I have a good connection with all move away. I think they knew better than to stay in this slow backwards Republican mind-numbing City. The fact that I work in the heart of poverty does not help either. Sadly it seems we are stuck in our house for a few years at least. I then have to convince the wife of the pros and cons of moving away.
There is something odd about making friends when you are older and separated in a densely populated city. You have to constantly keep your guard up, but there have to be so many people that would want some genuine friendship or even polite interaction. Yet, this allows one to be easily targeted by any unsavory kind. Yes it seems paranoid, but it seems to be a consistent truth. It is as if there is a negative charge that pulsates through the city and if a person were show compassion or kindness they would be consumed by a swarm of negative reaction.
Finally, I have come to think about what I am going to do when I grow up. What!? I am nearly 30, should I have not had this figured out already? Hell I went to college in got a degree. Yes it was a BA in English, aka no future. I did work for a publishing company, which in this state is odd. Perhaps that is why it is currently facing class action law suits. I was not a part of that, which is part of the reason I was fired. Trust me being fired for doing the right thing sucks. Talk about anger. I then had to take a warehouse job because I was a little too proud to stay on unemployment. Now I am stuck in a family business, which should have yielded a decent salary. It has not. Do I venture into yet another field? Do I go back to school? Do I just suffer with my lot and wait for opportunity? Then I think what will happen in five years from now? How will I look back? Will this be a shaping point or will it matter? To think 5 years ago I was married just less than 2 years and working with kids thinking “I am so glad I don’t have a kid when I leave work.” I was wrong there.


