As Jake headed away from the reflection pond and unto the jogging trail he thought back on what had just transpired. It seemed that despite his obviously poor attempts at small talk and conversation, he had succeeded in taking the next step with the lovely Jill Wilson. He would like to have believed it was his charm and good looks that had impressed her. But he truly did not think that was it. Somehow, someway he had a date with her tomorrow afternoon and he didn't know why. Perhaps the love gods were smiling on him. Understanding that he shouldn't try to figure it out, he made up his mind to just go with the flow and see where it took him.
As he continue to ponder his good fortune, he felt a thump on his chest and watched as a pine cone fall harmlessly to the ground. He looked up and saw his good friend and sometime-jogging-partner, Steve Stafford winding up to toss another conifer projectile. Steve was a stock broker for a small start-up brokerage house in the newly renovated downtown tower district.
"Hey dunderhead, how's it going," came Steve's greeting. Jake twitched as Steve launched another projectile, this time at Jake's head.
"Not bad," shouted Jake. "Take that you scurvy dog," as he caught the fist sized cone and fired it back at Steve.
The two men then shadow boxed with each other, trading imaginary punches as a form of greeting. Steve stood slightly taller and more muscular than Jake and his blond hair contrasted with his deep bronze tan. They quickly fell into an easy running pace as Steve began to speak.
"I saw you talking to a nice looking lady over near the fish pond. What's up with that?" asked Steve. "We've seen her out here quite a bit, what did you talk about?"
Jake paused and thought for a moment before he spoke. "Oh, just talked about this and that- you know small talk. I found out that her name is Jill. You know it's funny. I have been admiring her for some time while we've been out running and I was wondering if I would ever get the opportunity to connect with her," he said between breaths. "I was running past the pond and stopped to watch her feed the fish. They were really going crazy over the bread she was feeding them- really splashing it up. Then we just started talking." He failed to mention his awkward greeting and how he almost blew it. "I sort of have a coffee date at the Starbucks with her tomorrow morning."
"Ohhhhhhh! Wow, you're a mover and shaker," joked Steve with a grin. "A regular Don Juan," then he added, "or maybe Don Knotts."
Jake hid a smile and pretended to take a swing at Steve's head as the two men disappeared down the trail. A trail that would lead them along a five mile course toward the river and give Jake a great idea.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Only the Good Die Young
That Billy Joel hit 'Only the Good Die Young' is resonating in my heart today. I have been blessed to have many friends and acquaintances in my 47 plus years on the planet. I'm at 'that age' when I start hearing that people I have known and loved are getting sick and dying.
Recently two that I have known have been smacked down with terrible news.
The first is an old college friend from Michigan State. Over the Thanksgiving holiday he became violently ill and started losing weight. After several days he checked into the hospital and it was discovered that he had become inflicted with Multiple Myeloma.
From Wikipedia: 'Multiple Myeloma is a type of cancer of plasma cells which are immune system cells in bone marrow that produce antibodies. Its prognosis, despite therapy, is generally poor, and treatment may involve chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. It is part of the broad group of diseases called hematological malignancies.'
He is slated to receive a bone marrow transplant in the coming months. Geez, he's just 46 with a wife and two boys. He's a fighter and is scraping hard to beat MM.
The other is a colleague whom I have known in the Navy for over ten years. He is married and they have seven children. I got word last night that he has lymphoma and less than six months to live. Again he is nearly my age. This news floored me. He has always been active and would run 3-5 times a week and was in great shape.
So there it is:
two middle aged men in fine health getting whacked down by cancer. Neither smoked nor drank excessively. Both fine family men and both men I respect.
This news, coupled with the passing of the father of the best man at my wedding, screams out to me. It virtually shouts from the highest mountain:
Matt, take care of yourself and live life to get the most out of it. You never know when you'll roll snake eyes and get called upstairs by the Big Guy.
I found the following story on-line and I'll share it with you. I only wish I had the life experience to write something so profound.
A STORY TO LIVE BY
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting on the patio and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time at work.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now. I'm not sure what my friends would've done had they known that they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted.
I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing--- I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.
And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Everyday, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.
So here's MY PHILOSOPHY. I put it at the end of every e-mail:
"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy shit...what a ride!"
Recently two that I have known have been smacked down with terrible news.
The first is an old college friend from Michigan State. Over the Thanksgiving holiday he became violently ill and started losing weight. After several days he checked into the hospital and it was discovered that he had become inflicted with Multiple Myeloma.
From Wikipedia: 'Multiple Myeloma is a type of cancer of plasma cells which are immune system cells in bone marrow that produce antibodies. Its prognosis, despite therapy, is generally poor, and treatment may involve chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. It is part of the broad group of diseases called hematological malignancies.'
He is slated to receive a bone marrow transplant in the coming months. Geez, he's just 46 with a wife and two boys. He's a fighter and is scraping hard to beat MM.
The other is a colleague whom I have known in the Navy for over ten years. He is married and they have seven children. I got word last night that he has lymphoma and less than six months to live. Again he is nearly my age. This news floored me. He has always been active and would run 3-5 times a week and was in great shape.
So there it is:
two middle aged men in fine health getting whacked down by cancer. Neither smoked nor drank excessively. Both fine family men and both men I respect.
This news, coupled with the passing of the father of the best man at my wedding, screams out to me. It virtually shouts from the highest mountain:
Matt, take care of yourself and live life to get the most out of it. You never know when you'll roll snake eyes and get called upstairs by the Big Guy.
I found the following story on-line and I'll share it with you. I only wish I had the life experience to write something so profound.
A STORY TO LIVE BY
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting on the patio and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time at work.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now. I'm not sure what my friends would've done had they known that they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted.
I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing--- I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.
And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Everyday, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.
So here's MY PHILOSOPHY. I put it at the end of every e-mail:
"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy shit...what a ride!"
Monday, March 19, 2007
Writer Blog: entry 004
Jake reached for her hand and touched it lightly. "Hi, I'm Jake Smith," he said rather sheepishly, trying to recall something catchy to say. However his memory bank of witticisms came up with a big fat zero. That left him standing there holding her hand and stammering for words. It all seemed to be happening in super slow motion. Look at me while I make a fool of myself, he thought.
She watched him carefully, critically trying to decide if continuing their conversation would be worth the effort. She sized him up. He was pretty average in physical features. He was athletic and that was a plus. It seemed that he shared her interest in jogging. In truth she was more than a jogger, having successfully completed two marathons in the past eighteen months.
He was rather handsome. His angular jaw and nicely tanned facial features were very appealing. His brown eyes screamed for adventure. She looked at him once more before speaking.
"I've seen you before in the park," she said taking him off the hook for his awkward greeting. "Usually I come and sit and read or feed the fish. I noticed you on the jogging trails. It seems like you run a lot."
"I've noticed you too," stammered Jake. "I guess I run about 3-4 times a week. Always on the weekend. Do you live in the area? I have a flat across the street, over there," he finished. She followed his index to look at his apartment building.
"Well, maybe I'll see you again soon," she said as she gathered her things and stood up.
"Warning, Warning! Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!" Jake heard the robot's voice from 'Lost in Space' screaming that phrase in his head. Jake smelled the brushoff coming. He hadn't been very eloquent and he felt the panic of having blown his chance with this raven haired goddess. His got that old sick feeling in his stomach, which now felt like it was free falling into his Nike training shoes.
He was speechless and stood motionless as he watched her turning away from him and head toward the walking path. Before he could get out a sound, she turned back towards him.
"Maybe we could have coffee or lunch sometime," she said. He wasn't sure if his heart stopped or just skipped a beat. He wasn't even sure if he should believe his ears. But then just as suddenly she said, "how about tomorrow morning? I could meet you here and then we could grab a coffee around noon."
"Sure, that would be great."
Jill gave him a wave goodbye. "Okay, then. Tomorrow at noon, see you there."
He stood watching her as she walked away. What had just happened, he wondered as his mind played back their conversation. It seemed that through no fault of his own he would be having lunch with a beautiful woman he had been admiring from afar for the past few months.
Little did he know that it would change his life forever.
She watched him carefully, critically trying to decide if continuing their conversation would be worth the effort. She sized him up. He was pretty average in physical features. He was athletic and that was a plus. It seemed that he shared her interest in jogging. In truth she was more than a jogger, having successfully completed two marathons in the past eighteen months.
He was rather handsome. His angular jaw and nicely tanned facial features were very appealing. His brown eyes screamed for adventure. She looked at him once more before speaking.
"I've seen you before in the park," she said taking him off the hook for his awkward greeting. "Usually I come and sit and read or feed the fish. I noticed you on the jogging trails. It seems like you run a lot."
"I've noticed you too," stammered Jake. "I guess I run about 3-4 times a week. Always on the weekend. Do you live in the area? I have a flat across the street, over there," he finished. She followed his index to look at his apartment building.
"Well, maybe I'll see you again soon," she said as she gathered her things and stood up.
"Warning, Warning! Danger, Will Robinson, Danger!" Jake heard the robot's voice from 'Lost in Space' screaming that phrase in his head. Jake smelled the brushoff coming. He hadn't been very eloquent and he felt the panic of having blown his chance with this raven haired goddess. His got that old sick feeling in his stomach, which now felt like it was free falling into his Nike training shoes.
He was speechless and stood motionless as he watched her turning away from him and head toward the walking path. Before he could get out a sound, she turned back towards him.
"Maybe we could have coffee or lunch sometime," she said. He wasn't sure if his heart stopped or just skipped a beat. He wasn't even sure if he should believe his ears. But then just as suddenly she said, "how about tomorrow morning? I could meet you here and then we could grab a coffee around noon."
"Sure, that would be great."
Jill gave him a wave goodbye. "Okay, then. Tomorrow at noon, see you there."
He stood watching her as she walked away. What had just happened, he wondered as his mind played back their conversation. It seemed that through no fault of his own he would be having lunch with a beautiful woman he had been admiring from afar for the past few months.
Little did he know that it would change his life forever.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
The Iraq War
Just a quick note regarding the ongoing war in Iraq.
You know I wasn't there when we had to occupy Germany and Japan after WW2. What was it like then? Did we get crapped on by the local population like we are in Baghdad? If so how did we handle it?
You know, America can't seem to ever learn from it's past. I won't debate the "should we have gone into Iraq"question. I've leave that to the liberal and conservative talking heads on the TV and radio. I'll just say this... now that we're there (and we've been there for four years) what the F--- are we doing to get the F--- out? I know that we're still in both Japan and Germany (since 1945) in some form or another and I know we're all friends now. But that took a heck of a long time.
I know we're still in South Korea... and Kuwait and probably a few other countries we've either helped or defeated. It seems that as American's, once we're into a country we just never leave! History backs me up on this point.
I think we need to show the Iraqi's and the world that we aim to go home when this job is done. But how can we 'prove it' to them when they look around and see Germany, Japan, Korea? I guess what I'm leading to is talk is cheap and until we actually walk the walk, and show the world that we aim to leave then they'll just figure we're going to stay. Was it really all about WMDs or was it about oil ($2.95/gal @ this writing)?
Getting back to my original thought... Didn't we face some of the same problems in Iraq that we faced over 60 years ago after WW2? I think we need to dust off the archives and see... what did the McArthur and Marshall do to quell the violence and restore order? How did they handle it when things got hairy and everyone was screaming? (I'll bet they kicked ass and took names so that everyone understood that's how it was going to be). I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel here. Go back to 1945-6 and pull out the blueprint for peace and use it.
Okay. Maybe things have changed a little bit since then, so adapt the plan that worked instead of flying by the seat of your frigging pants and making it up as you go along. I guess that's the biggest disappointment I have in 'W': the guy thinks like a cowboy- because he is a cowboy. He just handles things as they happen... no planning and no urgency.
Whew. Glad I got that off my chest!
You know I wasn't there when we had to occupy Germany and Japan after WW2. What was it like then? Did we get crapped on by the local population like we are in Baghdad? If so how did we handle it?
You know, America can't seem to ever learn from it's past. I won't debate the "should we have gone into Iraq"question. I've leave that to the liberal and conservative talking heads on the TV and radio. I'll just say this... now that we're there (and we've been there for four years) what the F--- are we doing to get the F--- out? I know that we're still in both Japan and Germany (since 1945) in some form or another and I know we're all friends now. But that took a heck of a long time.
I know we're still in South Korea... and Kuwait and probably a few other countries we've either helped or defeated. It seems that as American's, once we're into a country we just never leave! History backs me up on this point.
I think we need to show the Iraqi's and the world that we aim to go home when this job is done. But how can we 'prove it' to them when they look around and see Germany, Japan, Korea? I guess what I'm leading to is talk is cheap and until we actually walk the walk, and show the world that we aim to leave then they'll just figure we're going to stay. Was it really all about WMDs or was it about oil ($2.95/gal @ this writing)?
Getting back to my original thought... Didn't we face some of the same problems in Iraq that we faced over 60 years ago after WW2? I think we need to dust off the archives and see... what did the McArthur and Marshall do to quell the violence and restore order? How did they handle it when things got hairy and everyone was screaming? (I'll bet they kicked ass and took names so that everyone understood that's how it was going to be). I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel here. Go back to 1945-6 and pull out the blueprint for peace and use it.
Okay. Maybe things have changed a little bit since then, so adapt the plan that worked instead of flying by the seat of your frigging pants and making it up as you go along. I guess that's the biggest disappointment I have in 'W': the guy thinks like a cowboy- because he is a cowboy. He just handles things as they happen... no planning and no urgency.
Whew. Glad I got that off my chest!
Rambling Man
Today I'm going to be the rambling man. I'll share with everyone my trip to Fry's Electronics. I went there with the intention of looking at DVD/VCR machines. When I walked in I picked the obligatory metal handled, red hand cart. Of course these things always look like someone barfed into the bottom of it- and this one was no exception. Then I headed over to the 'ad wall'.
For those of you who have never been to Fry's let me explain about the 'ad wall' . It's a bulletin board that has the past weeks Union-Tribune advertisements posted on it. Now wouldn't it be great if they had flyers that you could take with you to find the items on sale? Well- they don't. You need to either bring your own add or write down the items you want from the 'ad wall'. Or do as I do... commit it to memory.
As we all know, Fry's is the man's version of a candy store. So just what did I do at the candy store? First I went to check out the USB wireless thins for home networks. They had a full wall of them. I'm thinking of getting BMO one for his computer. But you know I really like him in the office where I can quasi see what he's doing on the net. So I passed on that thought and marched off to the DVD section.
Doing the slow saunter past the big screen HD TV sets, I found the DVD players. Hey! Did you know they now have DVD recorders for your TVs? I just found that out today. But what I'm looking for was the DVD.VCR all-in-one combo. They had plenty. A nice Sony model was $99. You know, maybe I need that Ben Franklin in my wallet more than under the TV set in our bedroom. So once again... pass.
Then it was to my list... need compressed air dusters. There they are- and on sale. Three for $6.99. There's a bargain for you. Okay, they'll be coming home with me. I checked out all the 'free' software. You know the $29.99 stuff that promised to give it back to you with the mail in rebate? If you need anti virus or spam protection this is the place. No thanks for me.
I took a serious look at the dusters. Did I really want to snake my way through the labyrinth to check out for just this? Hmmmm. Hey I need a new set of headphones for my i-pod. Okay now here I will digress. Does anyone finds those ear bud style headphones comfortable? I mean I used them for the first two months after I received my I-pod and they really, and I mean really hurt my ears. Ouch! (and who can keep those black covers on them). So I replaced them with some old behind the head headphones. Much more comfortable and I they let me stop the background noise that the ear buds gave me. Well, with all that being said, my current ones are getting pretty beat up. The foam is falling off and disintegrating and beginning to fall off. So time for new ones. And there they are- a bargain for only $7.99. Yes I did look at the $59.99 noise cancelling ones. They're pretty slick and if I was a frequent flyer I would have gotten a set. They double as headphones for airline movies.
Satisfied with my purchases and tired of fighting the crowd I headed for checkout. The line wasn't too bad but the 'direction dude' (the guy who watches and points to the next pen cashier) was getting crapped on by the guy in front of me. I mean he really unloaded on him. Okay, direction dude did try to send him off to a register that wasn't open. But whoa. Life's too short to get as upset as that guy did. He was ready to blow a gasket. Judging him to be in the above 55 crowd, I mentally began rehearsing my CPR skills. Thankfully his volcano subsided and he stomped off without having to call 9-1-1.
Well I'm safely at home, After a side trip to the always healthy in-n-out burger it's off to the open road for a Sunday drive.
Hopefully I'll figure out what Jake and Jill will talk about in Writer Blog: entry 004.
For those of you who have never been to Fry's let me explain about the 'ad wall' . It's a bulletin board that has the past weeks Union-Tribune advertisements posted on it. Now wouldn't it be great if they had flyers that you could take with you to find the items on sale? Well- they don't. You need to either bring your own add or write down the items you want from the 'ad wall'. Or do as I do... commit it to memory.
As we all know, Fry's is the man's version of a candy store. So just what did I do at the candy store? First I went to check out the USB wireless thins for home networks. They had a full wall of them. I'm thinking of getting BMO one for his computer. But you know I really like him in the office where I can quasi see what he's doing on the net. So I passed on that thought and marched off to the DVD section.
Doing the slow saunter past the big screen HD TV sets, I found the DVD players. Hey! Did you know they now have DVD recorders for your TVs? I just found that out today. But what I'm looking for was the DVD.VCR all-in-one combo. They had plenty. A nice Sony model was $99. You know, maybe I need that Ben Franklin in my wallet more than under the TV set in our bedroom. So once again... pass.
Then it was to my list... need compressed air dusters. There they are- and on sale. Three for $6.99. There's a bargain for you. Okay, they'll be coming home with me. I checked out all the 'free' software. You know the $29.99 stuff that promised to give it back to you with the mail in rebate? If you need anti virus or spam protection this is the place. No thanks for me.
I took a serious look at the dusters. Did I really want to snake my way through the labyrinth to check out for just this? Hmmmm. Hey I need a new set of headphones for my i-pod. Okay now here I will digress. Does anyone finds those ear bud style headphones comfortable? I mean I used them for the first two months after I received my I-pod and they really, and I mean really hurt my ears. Ouch! (and who can keep those black covers on them). So I replaced them with some old behind the head headphones. Much more comfortable and I they let me stop the background noise that the ear buds gave me. Well, with all that being said, my current ones are getting pretty beat up. The foam is falling off and disintegrating and beginning to fall off. So time for new ones. And there they are- a bargain for only $7.99. Yes I did look at the $59.99 noise cancelling ones. They're pretty slick and if I was a frequent flyer I would have gotten a set. They double as headphones for airline movies.
Satisfied with my purchases and tired of fighting the crowd I headed for checkout. The line wasn't too bad but the 'direction dude' (the guy who watches and points to the next pen cashier) was getting crapped on by the guy in front of me. I mean he really unloaded on him. Okay, direction dude did try to send him off to a register that wasn't open. But whoa. Life's too short to get as upset as that guy did. He was ready to blow a gasket. Judging him to be in the above 55 crowd, I mentally began rehearsing my CPR skills. Thankfully his volcano subsided and he stomped off without having to call 9-1-1.
Well I'm safely at home, After a side trip to the always healthy in-n-out burger it's off to the open road for a Sunday drive.
Hopefully I'll figure out what Jake and Jill will talk about in Writer Blog: entry 004.
Friday, March 16, 2007
My Five Things
Well it's the end of the week. What did I accomplish?
1. I started writing again. It's a huge step and I'm happy to say that not only do I enjoy it- but I actually look forward to it! Thanks for the encouragement Kip. To anyone out there brave enough to read my blog, please leave a comment.
2. How about those Spartans? They pounded on the Golden Eagles from Marquette and advance to the next round to play North Carolina. Well... no one said it was going to be easy. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year and Michigan State surprised a few teams along the way and played well enough to make it to the dance.
3. How about this weather? It's been 75-80 most of the week and I've been lucky enough to be outside and cleaning up the yard from the damages of winter. Luckily, we lost but a few of our landscape plants. I did dig out the annuals and divided and replanted some of the daylilies. Also picked up some more ice plant for the slope. It should be enough to fill in the bare spots that always seem to pop up.
4. I did some spring cleaning and the house looks a little neater and a little less cluttered. Also I looked into the Far Infrared Saunas that have been mentioned on several holistic and health sites. Has anyone heard anything about these? Anyone have one or use one? It sounds intriguing... I've always liked the deep warmth I get from a steam sauna.
5. My number one annoyance of the week: the midnight songbird. Last year he sang his songs all night from our chimney and almost drove me crazy. This year he has found another spot... but I still get the serenade treatment. I've seen him during the daylight and he looks pretty harmless. He's a gray, medium-sized bird with a black beak. He might be some type of mockingbird because he sings a variety of showtunes all night long. He'll go 5-6 songs without a repeat. If nothing else he has talent. But all night long? C'mon buddy, show off for the girlie birds when they can get a good look at you... in the daylight!!!
Out of here... have a great weekend.
1. I started writing again. It's a huge step and I'm happy to say that not only do I enjoy it- but I actually look forward to it! Thanks for the encouragement Kip. To anyone out there brave enough to read my blog, please leave a comment.
2. How about those Spartans? They pounded on the Golden Eagles from Marquette and advance to the next round to play North Carolina. Well... no one said it was going to be easy. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year and Michigan State surprised a few teams along the way and played well enough to make it to the dance.
3. How about this weather? It's been 75-80 most of the week and I've been lucky enough to be outside and cleaning up the yard from the damages of winter. Luckily, we lost but a few of our landscape plants. I did dig out the annuals and divided and replanted some of the daylilies. Also picked up some more ice plant for the slope. It should be enough to fill in the bare spots that always seem to pop up.
4. I did some spring cleaning and the house looks a little neater and a little less cluttered. Also I looked into the Far Infrared Saunas that have been mentioned on several holistic and health sites. Has anyone heard anything about these? Anyone have one or use one? It sounds intriguing... I've always liked the deep warmth I get from a steam sauna.
5. My number one annoyance of the week: the midnight songbird. Last year he sang his songs all night from our chimney and almost drove me crazy. This year he has found another spot... but I still get the serenade treatment. I've seen him during the daylight and he looks pretty harmless. He's a gray, medium-sized bird with a black beak. He might be some type of mockingbird because he sings a variety of showtunes all night long. He'll go 5-6 songs without a repeat. If nothing else he has talent. But all night long? C'mon buddy, show off for the girlie birds when they can get a good look at you... in the daylight!!!
Out of here... have a great weekend.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Writer Blog: entry 003
Jake walked out into the dazzlingly bright morning sun. Already he felt energized. Getting a restful night's sleep after many weeks of tossing and turning made him feel glorious. It really was amazing just how good he felt with an uninterrupted eight hours of quality sleep.
He sprinted across the street and started his wristwatch. Whenever he jogged he carefully timed himself and he always tried to run for a full thirty minutes before quitting. Are all accountants so compulsive, he wondered? He settled into a comfortable trot somewhere between an eight and nine minute per mile pace. His breathing quickened as he increased his effort from the warm up jog to his normal running speed.
As he always did while running, he began to rehash the current events in his life. Not things like the war in Iraq or the rising price of gasoline but the everyday trials and tribulations of Jake Smith. As always sitting in the middle of his mind like an untrained gorilla with constipation and a surely temper was Sam Fredicks.
Why did he let one man dominate him so? Nearly every waking moment would ultimately turn his thinking toward the injustices and frustrations initiated by that man. In fact it was during one of these runs, that Jake had determined that eliminating Fredricks would not only make his world better but also the world's of many, many others better as well.
As near as he could tell no one at the office liked him. On the contrary, most actually despised him and his pompous and self-serving ways. Around the water cooler the 'Fredricks stories' would be told. Each one was wilder and more bazaar than the last as person after person explained how they had been 'Freddied'. Sometimes the humiliation was done in private but most times Fredricks had performed a highly animated, verbal 'dressing down' in a very public place for others to enjoy. Usually the others were senior members of the firm who in some incredible way seemed to watch the display with enthusiasm.
Jake let his idle thoughts drift from his boss to the reflection pond to his right. He gazed into the bronze color of the water. The pond was partly covered with water lilies and was home to nearly dozen koi. Fat and slow from being constantly feed, they swam in small circles around the breadcrumbs being thrown into the water. Jake looked up and watched as a slender young lady carefully crumbled the bread and spread it on the water. The water swirled as the fish eagerly accepted the food and playfully splashed their appreciation.
Jake had noticed this beautiful woman several times during his jogs in the park. Her good looks always caught his eye. He had pondered how he could strike up a conversation with her and come up empty of ideas. She usually sat near the reflection pond, either reading or sunning herself of a blanket. This was the first time he had ever seen her feeding the fish and he stopped his exercise to watch.
"Whoa, they really like that food," Jake said as one of the koi made a vigorous jump to attack the food.
The woman looked up and smiled. Her dark hair reflected the sun and she raised her sunglasses to reveal a lovely pair of sapphire blue eyes. Her tanned face flashed him another quick smile as her eyes made a quick study of his face.
"Yes," she replied in a measured tone and then added, "they certainly do enjoy a free meal. Would you like to feed them?" she asked as she extended a piece of bread.
"Ahhh, sure," said Jake as he reached for the bread. Their hands touched and he felt a tingle- as did she. He looked into her eyes and she held his gaze. Jake quickly looked away but then after a moment looked back to her again. She was still watching him.
Finally she extended her hand and announced, "My name is Jill. Jill Wilson. What's yours?"
He sprinted across the street and started his wristwatch. Whenever he jogged he carefully timed himself and he always tried to run for a full thirty minutes before quitting. Are all accountants so compulsive, he wondered? He settled into a comfortable trot somewhere between an eight and nine minute per mile pace. His breathing quickened as he increased his effort from the warm up jog to his normal running speed.
As he always did while running, he began to rehash the current events in his life. Not things like the war in Iraq or the rising price of gasoline but the everyday trials and tribulations of Jake Smith. As always sitting in the middle of his mind like an untrained gorilla with constipation and a surely temper was Sam Fredicks.
Why did he let one man dominate him so? Nearly every waking moment would ultimately turn his thinking toward the injustices and frustrations initiated by that man. In fact it was during one of these runs, that Jake had determined that eliminating Fredricks would not only make his world better but also the world's of many, many others better as well.
As near as he could tell no one at the office liked him. On the contrary, most actually despised him and his pompous and self-serving ways. Around the water cooler the 'Fredricks stories' would be told. Each one was wilder and more bazaar than the last as person after person explained how they had been 'Freddied'. Sometimes the humiliation was done in private but most times Fredricks had performed a highly animated, verbal 'dressing down' in a very public place for others to enjoy. Usually the others were senior members of the firm who in some incredible way seemed to watch the display with enthusiasm.
Jake let his idle thoughts drift from his boss to the reflection pond to his right. He gazed into the bronze color of the water. The pond was partly covered with water lilies and was home to nearly dozen koi. Fat and slow from being constantly feed, they swam in small circles around the breadcrumbs being thrown into the water. Jake looked up and watched as a slender young lady carefully crumbled the bread and spread it on the water. The water swirled as the fish eagerly accepted the food and playfully splashed their appreciation.
Jake had noticed this beautiful woman several times during his jogs in the park. Her good looks always caught his eye. He had pondered how he could strike up a conversation with her and come up empty of ideas. She usually sat near the reflection pond, either reading or sunning herself of a blanket. This was the first time he had ever seen her feeding the fish and he stopped his exercise to watch.
"Whoa, they really like that food," Jake said as one of the koi made a vigorous jump to attack the food.
The woman looked up and smiled. Her dark hair reflected the sun and she raised her sunglasses to reveal a lovely pair of sapphire blue eyes. Her tanned face flashed him another quick smile as her eyes made a quick study of his face.
"Yes," she replied in a measured tone and then added, "they certainly do enjoy a free meal. Would you like to feed them?" she asked as she extended a piece of bread.
"Ahhh, sure," said Jake as he reached for the bread. Their hands touched and he felt a tingle- as did she. He looked into her eyes and she held his gaze. Jake quickly looked away but then after a moment looked back to her again. She was still watching him.
Finally she extended her hand and announced, "My name is Jill. Jill Wilson. What's yours?"
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Writer Blog: entry 002
Long shadows from the oak tree in front of his apartment danced across the glass. Jake shifted in his bed to face the window. Maybe he had something here. If hiring a hit man was too complicated then perhaps an accident could be arranged. Yes, an 'on-purpose' accident would be an excellent idea. His mind raced through possible scenarios: falling off the platform into an oncoming train, being poisoned at a restaurant, plummeting forty floors off a roof to the pavement below. One-by-one he analyzed them and quickly crossed them off his mental list. He was making this too complicated. It would require more thought and his mind raced.
"Damn, "he cursed to himself. "I had too much coffee and I’ll never get to sleep." He mulled over more options in his head. Not being able to identify the perfect way for Fredricks to die, he at least managed to identify over fifty ways that wouldn’t work. When he thought about this he was surprisingly satisfied with himself. Satisfied that he would soon take action. A clever plot would present itself and then he could take matters into his own hands.
Time, after all, was on his side. Revenge is a dish best served cold. That was the phrase wasn’t it? Shakespeare or Socrates he thought or maybe Sinatra had penned that wonderful phrase. It really didn’t matter how soon it took place, he said to himself. But it most certainly would. The undertaker should start measuring Fredricks for his pine box. Yes- an accident would most definitely be in Sammy boy's future. With that problem solved he drifted off to enjoy a rare good night’s sleep.
The next day was a Saturday and Jake woke to sunshine and birds. He’d slept in and wasn’t surprised that the clock said nine thirty. It was beginning to warm up as he stretched and looked out his bedroom window. On the streets below, the city was basking in the morning sunshine. Young families played in the park and a chubby hot dog vendor unfolded his cart. Jake watched as the man raised the wooden awnings and fired up his grill. A hot dog and soda would make an excellent lunch he thought as he turned from the window.
But first he would go for his daily run in the park. As he walked into the bathroom, his reflection in the mirror caught his attention. He wasn’t much to look at. At 27 years of age, Jake Smith was Noah Webster’s definition of average. His hair was brown and he kept it closely cut and parted on the left side. As he peered into the mirror his brown eyes caught sight of a new zit on his left eyebrow. He quickly popped it and washed his face with the blue washcloth. He walked into the kitchen as he brushed his teeth and returned to swish the fluoride mouth rinse for one minute as his dentist had recommended. He stood five feet nine inches tall and checked his weight on the bathroom scale: 175 pounds. Yes on every day and in every way he was the average American male.
He donned his running shirt and shorts and laced up his shoes. From his desk he picked up his charged I-pod, strapping it to his bicep and popped the ear buds into his ears. He deftly turned it on and selected his workout playlist... Blink 1982... ahhh. He stopped and took one more look at himself in the mirror near the door. His day old beard looked back at him, giving his face a dirty and unwashed look.
‘Oh hell,’ he thought, as he moved towards the door, ‘I’ll shave when I get back. If I run into Jessica Simpson in the park I’m sure she’ll understand.’ He slipped five bucks into his shoe for the hot dog vendor took one last look around, then locked the door behind him.
"Damn, "he cursed to himself. "I had too much coffee and I’ll never get to sleep." He mulled over more options in his head. Not being able to identify the perfect way for Fredricks to die, he at least managed to identify over fifty ways that wouldn’t work. When he thought about this he was surprisingly satisfied with himself. Satisfied that he would soon take action. A clever plot would present itself and then he could take matters into his own hands.
Time, after all, was on his side. Revenge is a dish best served cold. That was the phrase wasn’t it? Shakespeare or Socrates he thought or maybe Sinatra had penned that wonderful phrase. It really didn’t matter how soon it took place, he said to himself. But it most certainly would. The undertaker should start measuring Fredricks for his pine box. Yes- an accident would most definitely be in Sammy boy's future. With that problem solved he drifted off to enjoy a rare good night’s sleep.
* * *
The next day was a Saturday and Jake woke to sunshine and birds. He’d slept in and wasn’t surprised that the clock said nine thirty. It was beginning to warm up as he stretched and looked out his bedroom window. On the streets below, the city was basking in the morning sunshine. Young families played in the park and a chubby hot dog vendor unfolded his cart. Jake watched as the man raised the wooden awnings and fired up his grill. A hot dog and soda would make an excellent lunch he thought as he turned from the window.
But first he would go for his daily run in the park. As he walked into the bathroom, his reflection in the mirror caught his attention. He wasn’t much to look at. At 27 years of age, Jake Smith was Noah Webster’s definition of average. His hair was brown and he kept it closely cut and parted on the left side. As he peered into the mirror his brown eyes caught sight of a new zit on his left eyebrow. He quickly popped it and washed his face with the blue washcloth. He walked into the kitchen as he brushed his teeth and returned to swish the fluoride mouth rinse for one minute as his dentist had recommended. He stood five feet nine inches tall and checked his weight on the bathroom scale: 175 pounds. Yes on every day and in every way he was the average American male.
He donned his running shirt and shorts and laced up his shoes. From his desk he picked up his charged I-pod, strapping it to his bicep and popped the ear buds into his ears. He deftly turned it on and selected his workout playlist... Blink 1982... ahhh. He stopped and took one more look at himself in the mirror near the door. His day old beard looked back at him, giving his face a dirty and unwashed look.
‘Oh hell,’ he thought, as he moved towards the door, ‘I’ll shave when I get back. If I run into Jessica Simpson in the park I’m sure she’ll understand.’ He slipped five bucks into his shoe for the hot dog vendor took one last look around, then locked the door behind him.
Writer Blog: entry 001
At the recommendation of a writer friend I will begin using this blog to begin a ‘daily 500’ words. As a way to keep (begin) writing every day. My purpose will be to expand and improve my limited writing skills (note to self: learning to touch type would ultimately be very helpful).
Story
The room was lit by one- 40 watt light bulb and shadows filled the corners. Like sentinel soldiers they stood silent and tall- guarding the room. The cool night breeze filtered in through the open windows. Daytime it had been sizzling hot and any breeze was welcome. But tonight it caused Jake to pull the blankets up around him as he stared at the ceiling.
Planning a murder was never easy. Here he lay, Jake Smith planning a murder. He had thought the idea through on many nights. Nights just like this. Yes, he thought again, he had to go through with it. Why? Because his boss, Sam Fredricks was an ungrateful lout who had passed Jake’s ideas off as his own one too many times.
At first Jake was too elated to notice that his boss had taken the credit, As a recently hired accountant, he was just happy to see that his ideas were liked. He waited for his boss to pass on the credit to him- but he never did. Then another idea was presented by Jake and again it was used to further that bastard Fredricks' career and not his own. It began to infuriate Jake. Jake waited for the credit to come and it never did. He waited three other times before he confronted the boss man.
"Mr. Fredricks, do you have a minute?" asked Jake as he entered his bosses office.
"I’m a pretty busy man, Smith," said Fredricks, "What’s on your mind?"
Jake drew up a chair and sat down. This wasn’t going to be easy. Fredicks wasn’t going to ‘let’ this be easy. "It’s about the Hospital idea I gave you last week…" His voice trailed off not knowing how to proceed.
"Oh you mean my idea about how to improve the hospital’s bottom line don’t you?" Boss man moved closer as he hissed the words through nicotine stained lips.
"No, I mean my idea," said Jake suddenly rising to meet Fredricks stance. "I presented that idea at our departmental think tank meeting."
"You did say something that sparked the idea in my head," said the boss. "But you don't think you can take credit for it, do you? You’re just a junior employee around here and frankly, if I hadn’t totally revised and improved it, the CEO never would have seen the value and accepted it."
Fredricks walked closer and studied Jake’s face. Almost daring him to respond. Looking into Jake’s eyes and satisfied that he had made his point, he returned to his desk and sat down.
"Well is that all Smith? Have we got that little misunderstanding cleared up?"
"Yes sir," was all Jake could think to respond. His mind had joined his knees in turning to jello. He left the room like a whipped puppy.
So here he lay, alone with his thoughts. Although the incident had occurred nearly three months ago, Jake replayed it in his mind as if it had happened only this afternoon. At first he had tried to put it out of his mind. Turn the other cheek or something like that. But it hadn’t worked. His mind kept coming back to the humiliation and helplessness he had felt when Fredricks' hot, stale coffee-breath assaulted him that day. But what could he do?
At first he thought- there’s nothing I can do- it's hopeless- he’s the boss. But then he watched the movie, ‘The Godfather’. Michael Corleone, Vito's son and heir apparent to the Corleone family, takes over the 'family' for his aging father. Michael let’s the little things build up until his father dies and then at the end of the movie he ‘settles all the family business’ in his own words. It rang true to Jake. It was now time for him to settle the business between him and Fredricks. Either that or find another job. But doing that was tantamount to running away. The ‘Godfather’ had energized him and turned him into a man of action.
The next logical step was to decide how to do the deed. Idea number one- get a hit man. Could he really hire a hit man to ‘whack’ old Fredricks? Who do you call? Certainly not 'Ghostbusters'. He checked the yellow pages but couldn’t find anyone listed under murderer or hit men, or mafia. How does one go about finding a cold-blooded killer for hire? And do you interview them? Do you screen them on the phone like you would a gardener or nanny? Ask them questions and talk about fees? Then what? Do you interview the top three prospects in person? How will the guys who don’t get the job react? If angered enough at not being selected, perhaps they might do a 'whack job' on him... for free. Hmmmmm, thought Jake, that doesn’t sound like it would work out too well at all.
Perhaps maybe an accident then…
Story
The room was lit by one- 40 watt light bulb and shadows filled the corners. Like sentinel soldiers they stood silent and tall- guarding the room. The cool night breeze filtered in through the open windows. Daytime it had been sizzling hot and any breeze was welcome. But tonight it caused Jake to pull the blankets up around him as he stared at the ceiling.
Planning a murder was never easy. Here he lay, Jake Smith planning a murder. He had thought the idea through on many nights. Nights just like this. Yes, he thought again, he had to go through with it. Why? Because his boss, Sam Fredricks was an ungrateful lout who had passed Jake’s ideas off as his own one too many times.
At first Jake was too elated to notice that his boss had taken the credit, As a recently hired accountant, he was just happy to see that his ideas were liked. He waited for his boss to pass on the credit to him- but he never did. Then another idea was presented by Jake and again it was used to further that bastard Fredricks' career and not his own. It began to infuriate Jake. Jake waited for the credit to come and it never did. He waited three other times before he confronted the boss man.
"Mr. Fredricks, do you have a minute?" asked Jake as he entered his bosses office.
"I’m a pretty busy man, Smith," said Fredricks, "What’s on your mind?"
Jake drew up a chair and sat down. This wasn’t going to be easy. Fredicks wasn’t going to ‘let’ this be easy. "It’s about the Hospital idea I gave you last week…" His voice trailed off not knowing how to proceed.
"Oh you mean my idea about how to improve the hospital’s bottom line don’t you?" Boss man moved closer as he hissed the words through nicotine stained lips.
"No, I mean my idea," said Jake suddenly rising to meet Fredricks stance. "I presented that idea at our departmental think tank meeting."
"You did say something that sparked the idea in my head," said the boss. "But you don't think you can take credit for it, do you? You’re just a junior employee around here and frankly, if I hadn’t totally revised and improved it, the CEO never would have seen the value and accepted it."
Fredricks walked closer and studied Jake’s face. Almost daring him to respond. Looking into Jake’s eyes and satisfied that he had made his point, he returned to his desk and sat down.
"Well is that all Smith? Have we got that little misunderstanding cleared up?"
"Yes sir," was all Jake could think to respond. His mind had joined his knees in turning to jello. He left the room like a whipped puppy.
So here he lay, alone with his thoughts. Although the incident had occurred nearly three months ago, Jake replayed it in his mind as if it had happened only this afternoon. At first he had tried to put it out of his mind. Turn the other cheek or something like that. But it hadn’t worked. His mind kept coming back to the humiliation and helplessness he had felt when Fredricks' hot, stale coffee-breath assaulted him that day. But what could he do?
At first he thought- there’s nothing I can do- it's hopeless- he’s the boss. But then he watched the movie, ‘The Godfather’. Michael Corleone, Vito's son and heir apparent to the Corleone family, takes over the 'family' for his aging father. Michael let’s the little things build up until his father dies and then at the end of the movie he ‘settles all the family business’ in his own words. It rang true to Jake. It was now time for him to settle the business between him and Fredricks. Either that or find another job. But doing that was tantamount to running away. The ‘Godfather’ had energized him and turned him into a man of action.
The next logical step was to decide how to do the deed. Idea number one- get a hit man. Could he really hire a hit man to ‘whack’ old Fredricks? Who do you call? Certainly not 'Ghostbusters'. He checked the yellow pages but couldn’t find anyone listed under murderer or hit men, or mafia. How does one go about finding a cold-blooded killer for hire? And do you interview them? Do you screen them on the phone like you would a gardener or nanny? Ask them questions and talk about fees? Then what? Do you interview the top three prospects in person? How will the guys who don’t get the job react? If angered enough at not being selected, perhaps they might do a 'whack job' on him... for free. Hmmmmm, thought Jake, that doesn’t sound like it would work out too well at all.
Perhaps maybe an accident then…
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
March Marches on...
Five Things:
1- BMO had his initial Orthodontics consult (more to come).
2- I did my first Cerac Crown yesterday- it was easy and fun--- but I had lots of coaching.
3- We're gonna be grape and black Raspberry grower's. I bought 2 grape vines and 3 raspberry bushes from Home Depot and will clear the land and plant the plants today.
4- Already planning summer visits to the "Bay area".
5- It's fun following the football free agency follies. So far the Lions have signed one guy (White) and talked to three others (Curtis, MacDonald and Duckett). Duckett, the former MSU Spartan would be a bruising back near the goal-line ala, Jerome Bettis. My Chargers have only inked their own: Guard Chris Dielman.
1- BMO had his initial Orthodontics consult (more to come).
2- I did my first Cerac Crown yesterday- it was easy and fun--- but I had lots of coaching.
3- We're gonna be grape and black Raspberry grower's. I bought 2 grape vines and 3 raspberry bushes from Home Depot and will clear the land and plant the plants today.
4- Already planning summer visits to the "Bay area".
5- It's fun following the football free agency follies. So far the Lions have signed one guy (White) and talked to three others (Curtis, MacDonald and Duckett). Duckett, the former MSU Spartan would be a bruising back near the goal-line ala, Jerome Bettis. My Chargers have only inked their own: Guard Chris Dielman.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Ides of March
March comes in like a lion...
1. With 80 degree temps here in San Diego, you could have fooled me! Yes, the Santa Ana winds have blown in for these past two days and warmed everything up. They blew over a once tall pine tree on the hill below our house. The warm weather has allwoed me to replant the front flower bed and trim up the bushes & trees. The nice thing about the winds this time was that they followed about four days of wet and dreary winter weather.
2. Ides of March... The Lions signed a DE Dewayne White from Tampa Bay. They're hoping to sign Kevin Curtis- a WR that studied at Martz U in St. Louis. In addtion to this they traded Dre 'Big Mouth' Bly and a 6th round pick to the Broncos for 1,000 yard rusher Tatum Bell, RT George Foster and a 5th round pick. They also unloaded James 'The Wolverine' Hall for another fifth rounder to the Rams. The Lions actually improved themselves- for once.
3. Moved the bed back in front of the window so thje cool night air will tickle us as summer approaches.
4. I racked three batches of wine today. Blueberry, Raspberry and the Berry Mix got taken off their lees. They tasted a little thin so I added some more sugar water to let them continue thier ferment. They'll be 12% alcohol before we're done. I'm hoping they pick up a little more flavor soon or I might add a drop of essence to the gallon.
5. I got the 'beast' smogged and tagged for another year.
1. With 80 degree temps here in San Diego, you could have fooled me! Yes, the Santa Ana winds have blown in for these past two days and warmed everything up. They blew over a once tall pine tree on the hill below our house. The warm weather has allwoed me to replant the front flower bed and trim up the bushes & trees. The nice thing about the winds this time was that they followed about four days of wet and dreary winter weather.
2. Ides of March... The Lions signed a DE Dewayne White from Tampa Bay. They're hoping to sign Kevin Curtis- a WR that studied at Martz U in St. Louis. In addtion to this they traded Dre 'Big Mouth' Bly and a 6th round pick to the Broncos for 1,000 yard rusher Tatum Bell, RT George Foster and a 5th round pick. They also unloaded James 'The Wolverine' Hall for another fifth rounder to the Rams. The Lions actually improved themselves- for once.
3. Moved the bed back in front of the window so thje cool night air will tickle us as summer approaches.
4. I racked three batches of wine today. Blueberry, Raspberry and the Berry Mix got taken off their lees. They tasted a little thin so I added some more sugar water to let them continue thier ferment. They'll be 12% alcohol before we're done. I'm hoping they pick up a little more flavor soon or I might add a drop of essence to the gallon.
5. I got the 'beast' smogged and tagged for another year.
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