Pilgrimage: a journey, esp. a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.
There is no better way to define my relationship with sport, religious devotion. And what better way to proclaim your devotion than take a pilgrimage? So here they are, in no particular order, the 10 sports pilgrimages I intend to complete in my life.
1) Attend a baseball game at every Major League Baseball stadium in the bleachers.
2) Tailgate at and attend a Big Ten football game at each of the 12 schools in a single season.
3) Spend 5 days at both the Summer and Winter Olympics and attend one event a day.
4) A World Cup Championship Match.
5) Go to all the Baseball All-Star Game events. The Home Run Derby, the celebrity soft-ball match and of course the game itself.
6) The Super Bowl.
7) To compete in the 24 Hours of Moab.
8) Spend the weekend watching the F1 Grand Prix Italy from the pits.
9) Ride along with a support vehicle in the Dakar Rally.
10) Be at the opening and closing ceremonies of the America's Cup.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Canada too?
Remember when I freaked out about kids all getting trophies, even if the suck and lost, just because their crazy parents made them go to practice? Well, this sickness has hit our little brother to the north too. Check out this article from Deadspin.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Obama, do something, would ya?
Well, I'm not exactly what one might call, a democrat. Nor am I really republican, but that's a whole different post. We'll stick with, not being a democrat, for the sake of argument today. See, I'm watching this whole thing go down in the gulf and I'm as appalled as anyone about the blame game being played between BP, Transocean and Cheney Inc...I mean Haliburton. I am by no means defending any of them. But I've got to step in an defend Mr. President on this one. If I hear one more person say "Obama should have done more!" or "Why hasn't Obama accomplished more in stopping this spill?" or "Shit, this Obama dude just let all us people and animals down here suffer." I swear, I will eat a baby seal.
People, what do you expect Obama to do? Swim down to the bottom of the ocean dressed as Aquaman, call all his fishy friends to help him plug the well?
Or maybe he could have personally taken over the role of BP's disaster management team and use his vast knowledge of off-shore oil well engineering, obtained at University of Hawaii, to devise a plan that would stop the leak!
I know, call the BP executives three times a day every day asking for an update, then he could have held the BP executive's families hostage until there was a resolution!
Or maybe fine BP an additional baggillion dollars a day for every day the hole is still leaking!
Ok, I think you get the picture. My point is, his hands are tied. Is there really something he can do, other than continue to publicly hold BP accountable for their actions, delays, and errors. Was his schedule supposed to stop because there's an oil spill? Did the wars, economy and unemployment all suddenly get resolved so that he can stand on the Louisiana coast to keep a watchful eye out over the shore line?
Grow up people.
-JB
People, what do you expect Obama to do? Swim down to the bottom of the ocean dressed as Aquaman, call all his fishy friends to help him plug the well?
Or maybe he could have personally taken over the role of BP's disaster management team and use his vast knowledge of off-shore oil well engineering, obtained at University of Hawaii, to devise a plan that would stop the leak!
I know, call the BP executives three times a day every day asking for an update, then he could have held the BP executive's families hostage until there was a resolution!
Or maybe fine BP an additional baggillion dollars a day for every day the hole is still leaking!
Ok, I think you get the picture. My point is, his hands are tied. Is there really something he can do, other than continue to publicly hold BP accountable for their actions, delays, and errors. Was his schedule supposed to stop because there's an oil spill? Did the wars, economy and unemployment all suddenly get resolved so that he can stand on the Louisiana coast to keep a watchful eye out over the shore line?
Grow up people.
-JB
Friday, May 21, 2010
Sub-urban America
Ok, those of you that know me well, know that I am a very upbeat positive person. Yes, I go on rants and I can get a bit grumpy, but for the most part I am a happy person. I wanted to approach this post from that root happy person, but I couldn't figure out how. I thought I would write about the reasons I love the city and the country, but that approach really fell short of the point i was trying to make. And in the end I realized I just could not come up with any way to do this other than the way it ended up...
WHY I HATE THE SUBURBS!!
1) Sidewalks - A pretty simple concept. A strip of pavement along the side of the road that people can...get this...walk on. Now I know that everyone that lives in the 'burbs has lost use of their legs from countless hours sitting in a cubicle and driving their SUVs to the Starbucks down the street, but it's anti-human. You don't even have the option to walk, run, or ride anywhere if you wanted too. Well, I guess you can, but with all the SUVs flying around, you might not want to run along the shoulder of the road.
2) "Food" Culture - I think it's about time the Mexican government sends a delegation of food critics to the US to review our "Mexican" restaurants. Ladies and gentlemen, nachos are not Mexican food. Qudoba, Taco Bell, Taco Fresco, Cancun and most other restaurants serving Mexican food would be shut down immediately. People, putting sour cream and yellow cheese on a taco or gordita in Mexico is as shameful as putting ketchup on a hot dog in Chicago, or mayo on a hamburger in Detroit. You just don't do it. In the land of bland, people really believe Olive Garden, Chi-Chi's, Outback and P.F.Changs are fine ethnic dining. No personality, no creativity, cookie cutter recipes served in branded restaurants that are duplicated a million times a week all across the country.
3) Conformity - Everything looks the same, across nearly every American suburb. In fact, I bet that if I blindfolded you, knocked you out and drove for a really really long time then pulled off the highway into any given suburb, you'd never know where we were. Typical first mile off the highway in sub-urban America contains 2-5 fast food restaurants, maybe a Cracker Barrell, at least 4 car dealerships, 3 gas stations and a "big box" store (Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-mart). Then you've got "The Mall": Abercrombie & Fitch, two Victoria's Secret's, kiosks sell crap we don't need, the Disney Store, Foot Locker, The Gap, Lids, Bath & Body Works, Sharper Image and many more. All anchored by a food court, Nordstrom, JC Penny's and a Macy's. All selling pretty much the same overpriced, made in China clothing. Now that we've made it about 3 miles into this cozy little sub-urban town we start to see the sub-divisions. A place where people live in their own mass produced 4 bedroom house, with their nice two car garage and their white picket fence. Only they need to follow the associations rules...no trees taller than X, no fences in the front yard, only mow your lawn on Tuesday, Friday or Sunday if your address ends in an odd number, don't water your lawn on the third friday of every month. Yes, each house looks a little different, but you can't just paint it any color you want without the association or township telling you that you're a freak and need to change it. And each sub-division has it's own style of houses that you need to select yours from. No wonder people buy boats and cars they can't afford and force their kids to play sports they're not good at...they need to find a way to separate themselves from all the other cult members.
Now you're probably saying "Yeah, the city's got all this stuff. But the country doesn't even come close to any of this."
You're right, which makes the middle of nowhere the best place to live. Your way, your pace. Simple.
-JB
WHY I HATE THE SUBURBS!!
1) Sidewalks - A pretty simple concept. A strip of pavement along the side of the road that people can...get this...walk on. Now I know that everyone that lives in the 'burbs has lost use of their legs from countless hours sitting in a cubicle and driving their SUVs to the Starbucks down the street, but it's anti-human. You don't even have the option to walk, run, or ride anywhere if you wanted too. Well, I guess you can, but with all the SUVs flying around, you might not want to run along the shoulder of the road.
2) "Food" Culture - I think it's about time the Mexican government sends a delegation of food critics to the US to review our "Mexican" restaurants. Ladies and gentlemen, nachos are not Mexican food. Qudoba, Taco Bell, Taco Fresco, Cancun and most other restaurants serving Mexican food would be shut down immediately. People, putting sour cream and yellow cheese on a taco or gordita in Mexico is as shameful as putting ketchup on a hot dog in Chicago, or mayo on a hamburger in Detroit. You just don't do it. In the land of bland, people really believe Olive Garden, Chi-Chi's, Outback and P.F.Changs are fine ethnic dining. No personality, no creativity, cookie cutter recipes served in branded restaurants that are duplicated a million times a week all across the country.
3) Conformity - Everything looks the same, across nearly every American suburb. In fact, I bet that if I blindfolded you, knocked you out and drove for a really really long time then pulled off the highway into any given suburb, you'd never know where we were. Typical first mile off the highway in sub-urban America contains 2-5 fast food restaurants, maybe a Cracker Barrell, at least 4 car dealerships, 3 gas stations and a "big box" store (Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-mart). Then you've got "The Mall": Abercrombie & Fitch, two Victoria's Secret's, kiosks sell crap we don't need, the Disney Store, Foot Locker, The Gap, Lids, Bath & Body Works, Sharper Image and many more. All anchored by a food court, Nordstrom, JC Penny's and a Macy's. All selling pretty much the same overpriced, made in China clothing. Now that we've made it about 3 miles into this cozy little sub-urban town we start to see the sub-divisions. A place where people live in their own mass produced 4 bedroom house, with their nice two car garage and their white picket fence. Only they need to follow the associations rules...no trees taller than X, no fences in the front yard, only mow your lawn on Tuesday, Friday or Sunday if your address ends in an odd number, don't water your lawn on the third friday of every month. Yes, each house looks a little different, but you can't just paint it any color you want without the association or township telling you that you're a freak and need to change it. And each sub-division has it's own style of houses that you need to select yours from. No wonder people buy boats and cars they can't afford and force their kids to play sports they're not good at...they need to find a way to separate themselves from all the other cult members.
Now you're probably saying "Yeah, the city's got all this stuff. But the country doesn't even come close to any of this."
You're right, which makes the middle of nowhere the best place to live. Your way, your pace. Simple.
-JB
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Stupid Awesome Movie Marathon
Yes, as usual I'm drunk. And I decided that this evening I would utilize said stupor to enjoy some of the classics. Movies from the 80's and 90's. The kind of movies you need to be intoxicated to full appreciate. So as I sit here finishing up the first flick, I'm gonna write my thoughts on each of them. So here we go...
Movie #1) Ghostbusters [1984]: So really, there's an invisible man sleeping in your bed? Fuck calling the Ghostbusters, I'm calling a real estate agent and a priest. I love this movie, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis a bunch of Chicago guys and hot 1984 Sigourney Weaver!! I mean the time line of the movie is absurd, one day these no name scientist that are testing "ESP" on hot chicks and dorky guys see a ghost in the New York Public Library (have you been there? I think I saw one too) and suddenly invent a containment unit and proton packs to capture and store ghosts?? And really, what were they going to do with these ghosts once they were contained? Enslave them? Teach them to sit and stay and become the new pet fad? Oh and I need to say this, I would put Dana Barrett as Zuul right up there with Princess Leia in the slave costume.
I mean really, something that hot can only result in one thing "Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!"
Of the millions of quotes I could list as the best I think this one really stands out: "We've been going about this all wrong. This Mr. Stay Puft's okay! He's a sailor, he's in New York; we get this guy laid, we won't have any trouble!"
Two things this move taught me: 1) When someone asks you if you're a god..SAY YES!!
2) Never cross the steams!
Movie #2) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [1990]: "Our heroes were in to pepperoni and cheese" Ok, pretty simple story, shit gets crazy in NYC and some mutant animals that learned karate from another freak animal solve the problem. First problem, April O'Neil is not hot at all, I mean really? It's 1990 and you can't come up with better than Judith Hoag? While you've got to respect the big hair, but come on someone at the casting company needs to get fired. HOWEVER...they are nearly redeemed by having chosen Corey Feldman as Donatello's voice. But hey, these guys were transformed from the norm by the nuclear goop. The reality of life would look more like this...
More death from nuclear poison and less super ninja mutations (I have this shirt by the way) than this...
"Then one day I came across a shattered glass jar, and four baby turtles."
"That was Us, hee hee"
Here's the deal, this movie was less of a comic book and more of a window into our culture. This was one of many movies (including Ghostbusters) that made NYC look like a dirty, unsafe city (which it was at the time). These guys lived in a sewer for crying out loud...just like the "giant crocs" people flushed during the exotic pet fad of the 90's (I had a pet turtle for 15 years). Pizza delivery was just becoming popular just like Japanese culture.
My favorite quote (again of the millions I could choose): "Looked like sort of a big turtle, in a trench coat; You're going to La Guardia right?"
What I learned from this movie: Four mutant creatures and a freak in a hockey mask is all it takes to clean up the streets!
Movie #3) Ferris Bueller's Day Off [1986]:Probably the best movie ever. This kid bull shits the entire city of Chicago just for a day, because he just doesn't want to go to school. Every kids dream. Not only does he skip school, but he breaks his girlfriend, Sloane, out of school, heads downtown, stares at Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” leans against the window at the Sears Tower, sang Danke Schoen in a parade, had lunch at a swanky restaurant, and successfully evaded Ed Rooney, and beat his parents home. Every kids dream, period. How many times have I watched this and thought, "How fricking awesome is he!?!?!?!??!?!" Since moving to Chicago I have done pretty much everything they did, that is of course except sneak into a parade. However, I've come close to that as well.
Probably the best quote of all time:
What I learned from this timeless classic: If you're cool enough, you can do ANYTHING YOU WANT!
Best Quotes (couldn't just pick one):
"I am not going to sit on my ass as the events that affect me unfold to determine the course of my life. I'm going to take a stand. I'm going to defend it. Right or wrong, I'm going to defend it."
"Not that I condone fascism, or any -ism for that matter. -Ism's in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me." Good point there. After all, he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. I'd still have to bum rides off people."
"The question isn't "what are we going to do," the question is "what aren't we going to do?"
I just love this flick!!
-JB
Movie #1) Ghostbusters [1984]: So really, there's an invisible man sleeping in your bed? Fuck calling the Ghostbusters, I'm calling a real estate agent and a priest. I love this movie, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis a bunch of Chicago guys and hot 1984 Sigourney Weaver!! I mean the time line of the movie is absurd, one day these no name scientist that are testing "ESP" on hot chicks and dorky guys see a ghost in the New York Public Library (have you been there? I think I saw one too) and suddenly invent a containment unit and proton packs to capture and store ghosts?? And really, what were they going to do with these ghosts once they were contained? Enslave them? Teach them to sit and stay and become the new pet fad? Oh and I need to say this, I would put Dana Barrett as Zuul right up there with Princess Leia in the slave costume.
I mean really, something that hot can only result in one thing "Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!"Of the millions of quotes I could list as the best I think this one really stands out: "We've been going about this all wrong. This Mr. Stay Puft's okay! He's a sailor, he's in New York; we get this guy laid, we won't have any trouble!"
Two things this move taught me: 1) When someone asks you if you're a god..SAY YES!!
2) Never cross the steams!
Movie #2) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [1990]: "Our heroes were in to pepperoni and cheese" Ok, pretty simple story, shit gets crazy in NYC and some mutant animals that learned karate from another freak animal solve the problem. First problem, April O'Neil is not hot at all, I mean really? It's 1990 and you can't come up with better than Judith Hoag? While you've got to respect the big hair, but come on someone at the casting company needs to get fired. HOWEVER...they are nearly redeemed by having chosen Corey Feldman as Donatello's voice. But hey, these guys were transformed from the norm by the nuclear goop. The reality of life would look more like this...
More death from nuclear poison and less super ninja mutations (I have this shirt by the way) than this...
"Then one day I came across a shattered glass jar, and four baby turtles."
"That was Us, hee hee"
Here's the deal, this movie was less of a comic book and more of a window into our culture. This was one of many movies (including Ghostbusters) that made NYC look like a dirty, unsafe city (which it was at the time). These guys lived in a sewer for crying out loud...just like the "giant crocs" people flushed during the exotic pet fad of the 90's (I had a pet turtle for 15 years). Pizza delivery was just becoming popular just like Japanese culture.
My favorite quote (again of the millions I could choose): "Looked like sort of a big turtle, in a trench coat; You're going to La Guardia right?"
What I learned from this movie: Four mutant creatures and a freak in a hockey mask is all it takes to clean up the streets!
Movie #3) Ferris Bueller's Day Off [1986]:Probably the best movie ever. This kid bull shits the entire city of Chicago just for a day, because he just doesn't want to go to school. Every kids dream. Not only does he skip school, but he breaks his girlfriend, Sloane, out of school, heads downtown, stares at Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” leans against the window at the Sears Tower, sang Danke Schoen in a parade, had lunch at a swanky restaurant, and successfully evaded Ed Rooney, and beat his parents home. Every kids dream, period. How many times have I watched this and thought, "How fricking awesome is he!?!?!?!??!?!" Since moving to Chicago I have done pretty much everything they did, that is of course except sneak into a parade. However, I've come close to that as well.
Probably the best quote of all time:
What I learned from this timeless classic: If you're cool enough, you can do ANYTHING YOU WANT!
Best Quotes (couldn't just pick one):
"I am not going to sit on my ass as the events that affect me unfold to determine the course of my life. I'm going to take a stand. I'm going to defend it. Right or wrong, I'm going to defend it."
"Not that I condone fascism, or any -ism for that matter. -Ism's in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me." Good point there. After all, he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. I'd still have to bum rides off people."
"The question isn't "what are we going to do," the question is "what aren't we going to do?"
I just love this flick!!
-JB
Monday, May 3, 2010
Strange Goings On...
Nothing that happens in this city will ever really surprise me, any of you that have ever lived in a real city will understand this. When you take 3 million people and pack them into a geographic area at the rate of 12,000 +/- per mile you're bound to get the strangest of the strange taking place.
This weekend was no exception, in fact some of the random events happened not only in my neighborhood, but on my block! I think it all really started Friday; this city has an energy like no other, it's got a mood that hangs in the air, and if you listen to it you can sense it, you can feel it's mood and you get drawn in. It's powerful, it's beautiful! It can be uplifting or it can be dark. On this particular Friday it was an upbeat energy that put a smile on my face as I walked home in the wind. It was a goofy smile, the wind was bringing a storm but the sky was blue. I couldn't help but notice that the energy was happy and high, but a little off.
So, I have a few post-work cocktails at home, and I get tired, it had been a long week, and I was sick and whatever...so I go to bed. Sometime around 4 or 4:30 am I wake up to sirens. Not really normal for sirens to wake me up, they go by all night every night, you learn to sleep through them. So, they wake me up but go quiet right away so I fall back asleep. A second later I hear more, and they go quiet again. Now, if you know anything about the usage of sirens, they're on while in route but turned off while on scene. Well, since I didn't hear them off in the distance moving away I quickly determined that they must be on scene, near by. So I looked out the window and BOOM there they are. Right in front of my building. A fire truck and 4 cop cars. Being that it's 4am and I have neither the desire to get dressed nor be the guy interviewed by the news crew wearing boxers and a Van Halen t-shirt who says something like "Well, what had happen' was that I heard this big crash and then like the sirens come flashin' down the street. So I came out to see what was goin' on ya know"; I went back to sleep.
In the morning I took the dog out and BLAM there it was...the Ford Candy Red Metallic color glistening in the sun...the front bumper of a Mustang...in the garbage can. I headed the half block west to Morgan and as I turned south car parts were everywhere. Foam inserts, fiberglass panels, headlamp assemblies, front grills. Then I saw what ha' happen...two parked cars looked like they had been involved in a 40mph t-bone. Broken rocker arms, pieces of red fiberglass sticking out of the aluminium body panels of the Jaguar. Swooping tire tracks all over the street told the rest of the story; Allegedly, two drunk asses, driving a rear-wheel drive sports car in the ran, way too fast had lost control and fishtailed into the two parked cars. The red mustang spun at least once in the street coming to a complete stop just short of the intersection, but facing the wrong direction. The vehicle occupants fled the scene on foot, most likely heading east bound on Madison.
After viewing the tragic aftermath I kinda wish I had gone running outside to be on scene and snap cell phone pics! Oh, well. Next time.
So then, as Dakota and I continue on our walk I met a new person!! I always get excited to meet new people. To lead into this chance meeting I need to give you a little background on my 'hood. My neighborhood's fame began in 1886 after the events that unfolded during the Haymarket Massacre, it continued to be a very rough industrial neighborhood until as recent as 6 years ago when yuppie condos started popping up in all the old brick warehouses. Now that the yuppies have all moved in, the streets are pretty clean, for the most part. One issue we still face is the fact we are wedged between the cities West Side (very rough) and the business district (where all the bums go beg).
Now most the bums in our area are very transient, they're basically moving from the ghetto to collection points around the city, we just happen to be the buffer between the two. So as Dakota and I make the turn from Aberdeen to Adams, I see this sweet little old lady packing up her "bed" into her grocery cart. Ruby seems like a nice lady, over the course of the weekend I saw here sitting on a milk crate in front of Starbucks, then enjoying the sun in the empty lot across the street, then bedding down for the night in the alley on the block west of Morgan. She's quiet, doesn't cuss or yell at newspaper boxes so no complaints.
So as it turns out there was also an immigration reform march that afternoon as well. An three-mile long march down Washington street from Union Park to Daley Plaza (That's where they got that Picasso!!). Now this was no surprise, as it happens every May 1st, what came as the surprise was the dramatic and visible increase in police presence over the previous years. In reaction to the law passed in Arizona the police were ready for a potentially more vocal and aggressive group this year. What really got my attention thought, was the Illinois State Police marching down Madison (a block south of Washington) in full riot gear.
Made you think about the riots going on in Bangkok, the riots in Greece and the reaction many other anti-government actions receive around the world. This kind of police presence can be a daily event in most other nations, and nearly every rally by the people draws this kind of attention by the authorities. There are frequent protests and rallies in this city. All draw special attention from the city police, as they should, but never have I had the state police march into my city with batons and shields, ready for action...
This all leaves me to ask one question.
This weekend was no exception, in fact some of the random events happened not only in my neighborhood, but on my block! I think it all really started Friday; this city has an energy like no other, it's got a mood that hangs in the air, and if you listen to it you can sense it, you can feel it's mood and you get drawn in. It's powerful, it's beautiful! It can be uplifting or it can be dark. On this particular Friday it was an upbeat energy that put a smile on my face as I walked home in the wind. It was a goofy smile, the wind was bringing a storm but the sky was blue. I couldn't help but notice that the energy was happy and high, but a little off.
So, I have a few post-work cocktails at home, and I get tired, it had been a long week, and I was sick and whatever...so I go to bed. Sometime around 4 or 4:30 am I wake up to sirens. Not really normal for sirens to wake me up, they go by all night every night, you learn to sleep through them. So, they wake me up but go quiet right away so I fall back asleep. A second later I hear more, and they go quiet again. Now, if you know anything about the usage of sirens, they're on while in route but turned off while on scene. Well, since I didn't hear them off in the distance moving away I quickly determined that they must be on scene, near by. So I looked out the window and BOOM there they are. Right in front of my building. A fire truck and 4 cop cars. Being that it's 4am and I have neither the desire to get dressed nor be the guy interviewed by the news crew wearing boxers and a Van Halen t-shirt who says something like "Well, what had happen' was that I heard this big crash and then like the sirens come flashin' down the street. So I came out to see what was goin' on ya know"; I went back to sleep.
In the morning I took the dog out and BLAM there it was...the Ford Candy Red Metallic color glistening in the sun...the front bumper of a Mustang...in the garbage can. I headed the half block west to Morgan and as I turned south car parts were everywhere. Foam inserts, fiberglass panels, headlamp assemblies, front grills. Then I saw what ha' happen...two parked cars looked like they had been involved in a 40mph t-bone. Broken rocker arms, pieces of red fiberglass sticking out of the aluminium body panels of the Jaguar. Swooping tire tracks all over the street told the rest of the story; Allegedly, two drunk asses, driving a rear-wheel drive sports car in the ran, way too fast had lost control and fishtailed into the two parked cars. The red mustang spun at least once in the street coming to a complete stop just short of the intersection, but facing the wrong direction. The vehicle occupants fled the scene on foot, most likely heading east bound on Madison.
After viewing the tragic aftermath I kinda wish I had gone running outside to be on scene and snap cell phone pics! Oh, well. Next time.
So then, as Dakota and I continue on our walk I met a new person!! I always get excited to meet new people. To lead into this chance meeting I need to give you a little background on my 'hood. My neighborhood's fame began in 1886 after the events that unfolded during the Haymarket Massacre, it continued to be a very rough industrial neighborhood until as recent as 6 years ago when yuppie condos started popping up in all the old brick warehouses. Now that the yuppies have all moved in, the streets are pretty clean, for the most part. One issue we still face is the fact we are wedged between the cities West Side (very rough) and the business district (where all the bums go beg).
Now most the bums in our area are very transient, they're basically moving from the ghetto to collection points around the city, we just happen to be the buffer between the two. So as Dakota and I make the turn from Aberdeen to Adams, I see this sweet little old lady packing up her "bed" into her grocery cart. Ruby seems like a nice lady, over the course of the weekend I saw here sitting on a milk crate in front of Starbucks, then enjoying the sun in the empty lot across the street, then bedding down for the night in the alley on the block west of Morgan. She's quiet, doesn't cuss or yell at newspaper boxes so no complaints.
So as it turns out there was also an immigration reform march that afternoon as well. An three-mile long march down Washington street from Union Park to Daley Plaza (That's where they got that Picasso!!). Now this was no surprise, as it happens every May 1st, what came as the surprise was the dramatic and visible increase in police presence over the previous years. In reaction to the law passed in Arizona the police were ready for a potentially more vocal and aggressive group this year. What really got my attention thought, was the Illinois State Police marching down Madison (a block south of Washington) in full riot gear.
Made you think about the riots going on in Bangkok, the riots in Greece and the reaction many other anti-government actions receive around the world. This kind of police presence can be a daily event in most other nations, and nearly every rally by the people draws this kind of attention by the authorities. There are frequent protests and rallies in this city. All draw special attention from the city police, as they should, but never have I had the state police march into my city with batons and shields, ready for action...This all leaves me to ask one question.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Militia
I've discussed this before, and am doing so again for two reasons. First, it is something that I feel strongly about. Second, it has come back into the forefront of the news and it is again being handled irresponsibly by the media. I'll start with this:
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
This is a very powerful right. We, as free citizens of this nation, have the Constitutional right to maintain a well regulated militia and have the right to responsibly own guns. The intention of these rights was to allow the People the ability to protect themselves from foreign or domestic threats.
Scenario #1: Think about this, a boat lands on the North Carolina coast in the middle of the night. 1500 foreign troops quietly move into the sleepy little town of Duck. They take control of the town and use it as a staging point for an all out attack on American soil. Far fetched, yes, but possible. On September 9th, 2001, how likely was it that people could hijack 4 planes and fly them into buildings?
Scenario #2: President Obama pulls out his birth certificate and it's Malaysian. At that same moment he declares himself all powerful Dictator B. Hussein Obama, and his loyal troops move into Congress and massacre the elected officials.
Scenario #3: Scenario #1 or #2 play out. The American People take up their arms and take their country back. That is why we have militias at the ready at all times. They are not proactive assholes waiting to attack a representative of the American government. One more time for my Hutaree readers...A MILITIA IS NOT PROACTIVE, it is defensive. If it was proactive, why didn't Dick Cheney and Karl Rove employ them as a means to keep the office for the Evil Empire they had worked so hard on?
Terrorist organizations like Hutaree have ruined the perception of what a militia is or should be. Many American look at militias as dangerous, scary hillbillies playing dueling banjos
, the truth is a militia is just a group of red blooded Americans that enjoy their freedoms enough to be ready to defend them at times of distress.
As a gun owning (see photo, 4 more not pictured), freedom loving, government questioning, blue collar, rednecked, American...all I ask is that you educate yourself about the true meaning of a militia (not an extremist "christian" militia) before you judge. And I'll promise you the same!
-JB
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
This is a very powerful right. We, as free citizens of this nation, have the Constitutional right to maintain a well regulated militia and have the right to responsibly own guns. The intention of these rights was to allow the People the ability to protect themselves from foreign or domestic threats.
Scenario #1: Think about this, a boat lands on the North Carolina coast in the middle of the night. 1500 foreign troops quietly move into the sleepy little town of Duck. They take control of the town and use it as a staging point for an all out attack on American soil. Far fetched, yes, but possible. On September 9th, 2001, how likely was it that people could hijack 4 planes and fly them into buildings?
Scenario #2: President Obama pulls out his birth certificate and it's Malaysian. At that same moment he declares himself all powerful Dictator B. Hussein Obama, and his loyal troops move into Congress and massacre the elected officials.
Scenario #3: Scenario #1 or #2 play out. The American People take up their arms and take their country back. That is why we have militias at the ready at all times. They are not proactive assholes waiting to attack a representative of the American government. One more time for my Hutaree readers...A MILITIA IS NOT PROACTIVE, it is defensive. If it was proactive, why didn't Dick Cheney and Karl Rove employ them as a means to keep the office for the Evil Empire they had worked so hard on?
Terrorist organizations like Hutaree have ruined the perception of what a militia is or should be. Many American look at militias as dangerous, scary hillbillies playing dueling banjos
, the truth is a militia is just a group of red blooded Americans that enjoy their freedoms enough to be ready to defend them at times of distress.
As a gun owning (see photo, 4 more not pictured), freedom loving, government questioning, blue collar, rednecked, American...all I ask is that you educate yourself about the true meaning of a militia (not an extremist "christian" militia) before you judge. And I'll promise you the same!
-JB
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Brain Scanner!!!
When I woke up this morning, I thought to myself, “Self, it’s going to be a sunny day. Maybe not warm, but sunny.” Then I rolled over and looked at the clock with its bright evil red numbers glaring at me; almost in sync with my realization what the numbers meant, it began to scream! Loud, long shrieks of terror…I had hit snooze, twice.
I struggled to get out of the bed, stumbled to the kitchen and wolfed down a bowl of cereal as if I hadn’t eaten in months. I took the kind of shower I assume you take in prison; very quickly, clutching the soap for dear life. As I was running out the door it suddenly hit me that I had forgotten something; I paused and looked down the hall into my apartment. Standing there in the living room, her ears folded in, head held low and tail tucked up high beneath her hips. In my rush to get out the door, I had forgotten to take Dakota out for a walk and feed here. As I hesitated at the door, slowly her tail came out and it very cautiously began to wag. “Ok, I’ll take a cab to the office today. Let’s go, but just around the block.”
That’s how my day started. It’s gotten better. I found out that none of my loans will go through a formal audit by the FDIC (pure luck that has nothing to do with the quality of the credit facilities). I really have nothing exciting or interesting to write about today. I could go off on a rant about the people opposing the health care bill who have not proposed a viable alternative to the new law. And how you have a right to protest and oppose any bill or law, but you should be more than a squeaky wheel, be a part of the solution; educate yourself and come up with something. It’s like trying to go on a road trip with friends and one of them shoots down all your ideas, but never make any suggestions of their own. Or having that daily conversation with your significant other that goes like this: “Hey, did you want to go out for sushi tonight?” “No, not in the mood for sushi.” “Ok, what do you want?” “I don’t know; what about you?”; “Well…I want sushi.” “Yeah, not tonight.”
So, I got kind of bust and put this aside for a few. During that time I came up with something cool to write about! I have been given the responsibility of selling off a piece of collateral we had "returned" to us. ITS A BRAIN SCANNER!!!
Well, not really. It's a surgical imaging devise that can be used in neurosurgery.
If you know anyone that needs it, I can work out a great price. It's functional and I've learned how to use it as evidenced by this photo:
That's me performing a lobotomy on my boss. Yeah, I know...I'm awesome!
But seriously, if you know someone that wants to buy this or the $350,000 of cell phone accessories I need to move, let me know!
.JPG)
Johnny 5 is alive!!
I struggled to get out of the bed, stumbled to the kitchen and wolfed down a bowl of cereal as if I hadn’t eaten in months. I took the kind of shower I assume you take in prison; very quickly, clutching the soap for dear life. As I was running out the door it suddenly hit me that I had forgotten something; I paused and looked down the hall into my apartment. Standing there in the living room, her ears folded in, head held low and tail tucked up high beneath her hips. In my rush to get out the door, I had forgotten to take Dakota out for a walk and feed here. As I hesitated at the door, slowly her tail came out and it very cautiously began to wag. “Ok, I’ll take a cab to the office today. Let’s go, but just around the block.”
That’s how my day started. It’s gotten better. I found out that none of my loans will go through a formal audit by the FDIC (pure luck that has nothing to do with the quality of the credit facilities). I really have nothing exciting or interesting to write about today. I could go off on a rant about the people opposing the health care bill who have not proposed a viable alternative to the new law. And how you have a right to protest and oppose any bill or law, but you should be more than a squeaky wheel, be a part of the solution; educate yourself and come up with something. It’s like trying to go on a road trip with friends and one of them shoots down all your ideas, but never make any suggestions of their own. Or having that daily conversation with your significant other that goes like this: “Hey, did you want to go out for sushi tonight?” “No, not in the mood for sushi.” “Ok, what do you want?” “I don’t know; what about you?”; “Well…I want sushi.” “Yeah, not tonight.”
So, I got kind of bust and put this aside for a few. During that time I came up with something cool to write about! I have been given the responsibility of selling off a piece of collateral we had "returned" to us. ITS A BRAIN SCANNER!!!
Well, not really. It's a surgical imaging devise that can be used in neurosurgery. If you know anyone that needs it, I can work out a great price. It's functional and I've learned how to use it as evidenced by this photo:
That's me performing a lobotomy on my boss. Yeah, I know...I'm awesome!
But seriously, if you know someone that wants to buy this or the $350,000 of cell phone accessories I need to move, let me know!
.JPG)
Johnny 5 is alive!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Shit we don't need.
Ok, so my last few posts have been a bit deeper than I normally get, for good reason. My mood has been a bit off and unlike many, I don't drink when I get down; I get pensive. My posts become introspective. However, as a generally happy individual with three major stress points in my life, I am in a stellar mood today. No, it's not the "holiday", my mood is rooted in the fact that I am a happy person, and I am really working on changing the things in my life that don't work. And working toward fixing things makes me happy. So since I am in a good mood, I had a few whiskey's before dinner...
I want to parlay this post off my previous, more serious conversation. I spoke a lot about minimalizing my life and reducing the clutter; I think the work I created was, 'Decluterfy'. Reducing the stuff that wastes physical, emotional and mental space in my life. Tonight I want to look at the things that we really don't need as a society and culture.
1) Pages Intentionally Left Blank: We've all seen it, you're scrolling through a document, page after page of .pdf and out of nowhere, mid-document there it is. Page 34 of 76, it declares in bold capital letters..."THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. On some level I get it, you wanted to insert a blank page for some unknown reason, but didn't want the reader to think they were missing anything. But the damn page is not blank!!! In fact it's nothing more than a lie!!! It was intentionally printed on. Either leave the damn thing out or put THIS PAGE INCLUDES NO RELEVANT INFORMATION FOR A REASON. Or, just don't waste my f'ing paper and printer ink.
2) ATM Fee Notification: How many times a month do you go to an ATM? 3, 4, 10? I know I use the thing at least once a week. And for probably 10 years now every single time I used an ATM I was charged a fee. And every time I go to an ATM I am asked if I approve of the fee. NO, I DON'T APPROVE OF THE FEE...but for crying out loud, I know it's coming. I know you are going to charge me $3 (the price of a bottle of Charles Shaw Red Wine or two cans of PBR at the Rail). Quit wasting my precious seconds by asking me if it's ok to charge me. Am I at an ATM? As a salesman, I think it would be a better tactic to notify me when you WEREN'T charging me a fee. Then I might actually consider switching to your bank.
3)Surgeon General Warnings: Ok, found on cigarettes and booze. All I really need to say is, "If you can't tell that the cigarettes you are smoking have had a negative impact on you ability to BREATHE, than maybe you deserve to die of lung cancer". It was different in the early days; in the 40's and 50's 9 out of 10 doctors smoked Camel Brand. It was a healthy, social thing to do. The WWII and early boomers were taught it was safe and socially acceptable to smoke. IF YOU STILL BELIEVE THERE ARE NO NEGATIVE EFFECTS TO CIGARETTE SMOKE YOU DESERVE WHAT YOU GET!!!!! And there are enough products out there, that cost the same or less than cigs, to aide quitting. If you really want to quit the little warning label won't help, nor will it deter future smokers.
4) The Chia Pet: If you want a plant, get a plant. If you want a statue, buy a statue. You have room for both.
5) The Clapper: No...not the Clap. If you want the lights off, get your lazy ass out of be and turn off the damn lights. Quit being lazy.
6) Bottled Water: Ok, aside from the environmental impact of buying bottled water there is the personal financial effect. Turn on the tap...even if you pay for city water it's going to cost you 90% less than buying your water at the store. Get over the "taste". You should drink 64 ounces of water per day minimum; that translates to nearly $12 per day if you buy bottled water. Even if you paid $100 per month for your home water bill (which is ridiculously high) you're still about $200 less than you'd pay to drink 64 ounces of bottled water per day over the course of a month.
This list could go on forever, but I'm going to stop here because, well, that's all I have tonight.
-JB
I want to parlay this post off my previous, more serious conversation. I spoke a lot about minimalizing my life and reducing the clutter; I think the work I created was, 'Decluterfy'. Reducing the stuff that wastes physical, emotional and mental space in my life. Tonight I want to look at the things that we really don't need as a society and culture.
1) Pages Intentionally Left Blank: We've all seen it, you're scrolling through a document, page after page of .pdf and out of nowhere, mid-document there it is. Page 34 of 76, it declares in bold capital letters..."THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. On some level I get it, you wanted to insert a blank page for some unknown reason, but didn't want the reader to think they were missing anything. But the damn page is not blank!!! In fact it's nothing more than a lie!!! It was intentionally printed on. Either leave the damn thing out or put THIS PAGE INCLUDES NO RELEVANT INFORMATION FOR A REASON. Or, just don't waste my f'ing paper and printer ink.
2) ATM Fee Notification: How many times a month do you go to an ATM? 3, 4, 10? I know I use the thing at least once a week. And for probably 10 years now every single time I used an ATM I was charged a fee. And every time I go to an ATM I am asked if I approve of the fee. NO, I DON'T APPROVE OF THE FEE...but for crying out loud, I know it's coming. I know you are going to charge me $3 (the price of a bottle of Charles Shaw Red Wine or two cans of PBR at the Rail). Quit wasting my precious seconds by asking me if it's ok to charge me. Am I at an ATM? As a salesman, I think it would be a better tactic to notify me when you WEREN'T charging me a fee. Then I might actually consider switching to your bank.
3)Surgeon General Warnings: Ok, found on cigarettes and booze. All I really need to say is, "If you can't tell that the cigarettes you are smoking have had a negative impact on you ability to BREATHE, than maybe you deserve to die of lung cancer". It was different in the early days; in the 40's and 50's 9 out of 10 doctors smoked Camel Brand. It was a healthy, social thing to do. The WWII and early boomers were taught it was safe and socially acceptable to smoke. IF YOU STILL BELIEVE THERE ARE NO NEGATIVE EFFECTS TO CIGARETTE SMOKE YOU DESERVE WHAT YOU GET!!!!! And there are enough products out there, that cost the same or less than cigs, to aide quitting. If you really want to quit the little warning label won't help, nor will it deter future smokers.
4) The Chia Pet: If you want a plant, get a plant. If you want a statue, buy a statue. You have room for both.
5) The Clapper: No...not the Clap. If you want the lights off, get your lazy ass out of be and turn off the damn lights. Quit being lazy.
6) Bottled Water: Ok, aside from the environmental impact of buying bottled water there is the personal financial effect. Turn on the tap...even if you pay for city water it's going to cost you 90% less than buying your water at the store. Get over the "taste". You should drink 64 ounces of water per day minimum; that translates to nearly $12 per day if you buy bottled water. Even if you paid $100 per month for your home water bill (which is ridiculously high) you're still about $200 less than you'd pay to drink 64 ounces of bottled water per day over the course of a month.
This list could go on forever, but I'm going to stop here because, well, that's all I have tonight.
-JB
Monday, March 15, 2010
Decluterfy
I am going to decluterfy my life. I am going to eliminate all the clutter, both tangible and electronic that has taken its mental and organizational toll on me. It seems like the more we are "connected" the less we get done, and there is a point where we just have too much stuff.
By the end of April I intend to have eliminated anything I haven't used or don't intend on using for at least 6 months (I'm keeping my golf clubs and guns so don't ask for them). Some things will be sold, others thrown out and donated. Many of my online accounts will be deactivated (Facebook is up for debate at this point). The intent is to refocus my energy and find a more efficient use for my space and time.
I realized a few days ago that I have something like 75 apps on my iPhone, many I have never even used that provide information I can find just as quickly using a good old fashion Google search. I have two of every kitchen utensil and clothing I have never worn. I have 10 place settings of my everyday dinner stuff, but have never had more than 4 people over for dinner when the nice china wasn't used. I see no reason to have stuff "just in case". In case what? In case we need to give 50 gifts and Target and every other store runs out of gift bags?
I have a lot of goals and things I want to get done in my life, I don't need all the distractions that impede my ability to get things done. I don't need a Twitter account, I don't really care to tell the world what bars and restaurants I'm "Mayor" of via Foursquare, and I'm really not interested in reading random people's thoughts. If I'm interested hearing what you have to say, I'll call or we can grab lunch or a beer. The idea is to simplify my life, take the little rocks out of the jar so the big ones can fit.
I'm not anti-social, I'm not looking to distance myself. I'm looking to add value to my relationships and increase my time spent obtaining my personal and professional goals.
It starts today. I'm done with all the crap.
-JB
By the end of April I intend to have eliminated anything I haven't used or don't intend on using for at least 6 months (I'm keeping my golf clubs and guns so don't ask for them). Some things will be sold, others thrown out and donated. Many of my online accounts will be deactivated (Facebook is up for debate at this point). The intent is to refocus my energy and find a more efficient use for my space and time.
I realized a few days ago that I have something like 75 apps on my iPhone, many I have never even used that provide information I can find just as quickly using a good old fashion Google search. I have two of every kitchen utensil and clothing I have never worn. I have 10 place settings of my everyday dinner stuff, but have never had more than 4 people over for dinner when the nice china wasn't used. I see no reason to have stuff "just in case". In case what? In case we need to give 50 gifts and Target and every other store runs out of gift bags?
I have a lot of goals and things I want to get done in my life, I don't need all the distractions that impede my ability to get things done. I don't need a Twitter account, I don't really care to tell the world what bars and restaurants I'm "Mayor" of via Foursquare, and I'm really not interested in reading random people's thoughts. If I'm interested hearing what you have to say, I'll call or we can grab lunch or a beer. The idea is to simplify my life, take the little rocks out of the jar so the big ones can fit.
I'm not anti-social, I'm not looking to distance myself. I'm looking to add value to my relationships and increase my time spent obtaining my personal and professional goals.
It starts today. I'm done with all the crap.
-JB
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Memoirs & Tell Alls
This is the kinda stuff that goes through my head when I stay up until 4 am on a Tuesday night and need to get up at 6 to get ready for work...I started thinking about funny titles famous people could use if they wrote memoirs and tell alls. I warn you that some of them are really dumb, but remember I came up with them after only 2 hours of sleep in the last 42 hours.
1) "My Life with B.O.: A Memoir" by Michelle Obama
2) "It's Only Got One 'L', Assholle!" by Dalai Lama
3) "I Was Famous??" by Lindsay Lohan
4) "He was an Oops Baby." by George Herbert Walker Bush
5) "Oh Shit" by Pontius Pilate
6) "Serial Killers and Catcher: Why I Became a Recluse" by J.D. Salinger
7) "Hot Steamy Night with Dick...Cheney" by Glenn Beck
8) "Why I Lost in Russia" by Napoleon
9) "Why I Lost in Russia" by Hitler
10) "I Made Russia Look Like Assholes & Something About Marlyn Monroe" by John F Kennedy
1) "My Life with B.O.: A Memoir" by Michelle Obama
2) "It's Only Got One 'L', Assholle!" by Dalai Lama
3) "I Was Famous??" by Lindsay Lohan
4) "He was an Oops Baby." by George Herbert Walker Bush
5) "Oh Shit" by Pontius Pilate
6) "Serial Killers and Catcher: Why I Became a Recluse" by J.D. Salinger
7) "Hot Steamy Night with Dick...Cheney" by Glenn Beck
8) "Why I Lost in Russia" by Napoleon
9) "Why I Lost in Russia" by Hitler
10) "I Made Russia Look Like Assholes & Something About Marlyn Monroe" by John F Kennedy
11) "Booze, Coke, Hookers & Taking Shit Over" by Moammar Kadafi, forward by Steven Tyler
12) "How Many Times Can I Confess?" by Joran van der Sloot
13) "Hey, Guess What!" by Bernie Madoff
14) "Really? Are You Kidding Me? You Didn't Know?" by Liberace
15) "Life After Brynn" by Phil Hartman
Any of these would be at least an interesting read. I need to start sleeping...
-JB
12) "How Many Times Can I Confess?" by Joran van der Sloot
13) "Hey, Guess What!" by Bernie Madoff
14) "Really? Are You Kidding Me? You Didn't Know?" by Liberace
15) "Life After Brynn" by Phil Hartman
Any of these would be at least an interesting read. I need to start sleeping...
-JB
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Don't you have goals??
I was recently asked what it is that I want out of life, what my goals are, where I see myself in 1, 5, 10, 20 years. I'm almost 30, and the one thing that I have been able to say for most of my short life is that I can honestly say I can't answer that "where do you see yourself" question. I never have been able too. But I can say that I know what my passions are and I know that where ever I end up, it will involve something on that list.
I live to be outside. Running on the road, hiking a trail, riding a single track, hunting coyote, or just relaxing on the beach...fresh air, open spaces, adventure. I love these things. I could spend every moment of my life in the woods. I could wake up every morning in a tent, ride my mountain bike out to the job site, ride home to start a bonfire and grill some dogs and drink some beer with friends.
Yes, I enjoy living in the city. It works in a twisted concrete wilderness sort of way. Instead of getting up in the morning and driving my car to the office, then driving to the gym, then driving to the bar only to drive home, I get to walk to the office and enjoy the mornings weather, I get to spend my lunch sitting by the river at a restaurants patio watching boats cruise by. No, I'm not climbing a mountain or building the worlds largest bonfire, but I get to spend my free time out of the house.
All this being said, the city is not a forever thing for me. One of my goals...is to live in a place I can wake up in the morning and go for a quick mountain bike ride, on real mountain single track, before heading to work at a job that allows me to work outdoors or at least with products and services related to being outside. And I want to be able to do this year round. I really do like snow, but I hate winter. The things I love to do don't happen below 45 degrees. From pretty much December 1st until April 1st I'm cooped up, I'm trapped.
I have gone on January hikes, but since I don't ski, ice fish or snowmobile, there's not many other options. And not to be a dick, but hiking in the mid-west really isn't much more than a long walk in the woods.
My professional goals center around owning my own business. In my mind there is nothing more rewarding than the challenges faced and overcome by a business owner. That, and all of the above having been said, my business will be related to something outdoors. I have a few plans in my head, some of which are making their way out on to paper (I'll keep you posted). These plans just need to be viable enough for me to live off of. I have no real aspirations to be a millionaire, I just want to live comfortably off of a day to day life that I enjoy. I want to wake up excited about what I am going to do for the day. I want to care about the work that I am doing.
The great thing (and shitty thing) is that I know what it is going to take to obtain this. It's going to take long hours and hard work. But at the end of the day all those late nights are truly worth the stress and aggravation if I get to wake up in the morning and give two shits about what I am headed to at the office (after a 10 mile mountain bike ride of course).
I'm not a guy that wants much. I couldn't care less about a fancy house with all the bestest bells and whistles. Give me an average house, on about 20 acres, a jeep wrangler, and a good sized gun collection. I don't need decorations up the ass, I don't need the fancy slate counters and high end kitchen appliances. In fact, the less shit I have, the better I feel. I intend to spend as little time inside as humanly possible, so why spent the money to decorate and fancify?
Ok, so at the end of the day...I want to spend most of my life outside, I want a job that involves the outdoors in someway, I want to be able to enjoy this stuff year-round, I want to own my own company that does outdoor stuff, and I want an average house on a few acres without a bunch of shit I will never use. Oh, and a jeep wrangler.
I'm a pretty simple dude.
-JB
I live to be outside. Running on the road, hiking a trail, riding a single track, hunting coyote, or just relaxing on the beach...fresh air, open spaces, adventure. I love these things. I could spend every moment of my life in the woods. I could wake up every morning in a tent, ride my mountain bike out to the job site, ride home to start a bonfire and grill some dogs and drink some beer with friends.
Yes, I enjoy living in the city. It works in a twisted concrete wilderness sort of way. Instead of getting up in the morning and driving my car to the office, then driving to the gym, then driving to the bar only to drive home, I get to walk to the office and enjoy the mornings weather, I get to spend my lunch sitting by the river at a restaurants patio watching boats cruise by. No, I'm not climbing a mountain or building the worlds largest bonfire, but I get to spend my free time out of the house.
All this being said, the city is not a forever thing for me. One of my goals...is to live in a place I can wake up in the morning and go for a quick mountain bike ride, on real mountain single track, before heading to work at a job that allows me to work outdoors or at least with products and services related to being outside. And I want to be able to do this year round. I really do like snow, but I hate winter. The things I love to do don't happen below 45 degrees. From pretty much December 1st until April 1st I'm cooped up, I'm trapped.
I have gone on January hikes, but since I don't ski, ice fish or snowmobile, there's not many other options. And not to be a dick, but hiking in the mid-west really isn't much more than a long walk in the woods.
My professional goals center around owning my own business. In my mind there is nothing more rewarding than the challenges faced and overcome by a business owner. That, and all of the above having been said, my business will be related to something outdoors. I have a few plans in my head, some of which are making their way out on to paper (I'll keep you posted). These plans just need to be viable enough for me to live off of. I have no real aspirations to be a millionaire, I just want to live comfortably off of a day to day life that I enjoy. I want to wake up excited about what I am going to do for the day. I want to care about the work that I am doing.
The great thing (and shitty thing) is that I know what it is going to take to obtain this. It's going to take long hours and hard work. But at the end of the day all those late nights are truly worth the stress and aggravation if I get to wake up in the morning and give two shits about what I am headed to at the office (after a 10 mile mountain bike ride of course).
I'm not a guy that wants much. I couldn't care less about a fancy house with all the bestest bells and whistles. Give me an average house, on about 20 acres, a jeep wrangler, and a good sized gun collection. I don't need decorations up the ass, I don't need the fancy slate counters and high end kitchen appliances. In fact, the less shit I have, the better I feel. I intend to spend as little time inside as humanly possible, so why spent the money to decorate and fancify?
Ok, so at the end of the day...I want to spend most of my life outside, I want a job that involves the outdoors in someway, I want to be able to enjoy this stuff year-round, I want to own my own company that does outdoor stuff, and I want an average house on a few acres without a bunch of shit I will never use. Oh, and a jeep wrangler.
I'm a pretty simple dude.
-JB
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Ok...now he's just nuts.
In my previous post I defended this clown based on the premise that maybe the sport needs to make their voting methods a little more transparent and they should add a difficulty category. But honestly, this Plushenko guy is a little over the top with this shit now. I'll let the linked article do the rest of the talking...
"In Plushenko's Mind..."
Too bad there's not a "Contact Me" tab on this page, or maybe there is and I just can't find it because it's written like this...
Свяжитесь со мной.
Basically, this guy's crazy and I take back anything I may have said that would lead one to believe I support him in any way, other than maybe a ride to the mental institution.
-JB
"In Plushenko's Mind..."
Too bad there's not a "Contact Me" tab on this page, or maybe there is and I just can't find it because it's written like this...
Свяжитесь со мной.
Basically, this guy's crazy and I take back anything I may have said that would lead one to believe I support him in any way, other than maybe a ride to the mental institution.
-JB
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Toughen Up Figure Skating!!!
So, I really made a mistake today. I read a note written by Sarah Palin on Facebook about how she thinks global warming is bullshit.
I was going to write a post about it and get all political and shit, but then I decide to get drunk and watch the Olympics (The Palin post will come soon). I love the Olympics. No one would ever watch the biathlon (which I will compete in one day) if it wasn't for the Olympics. No one would give two shits about Apolo Ono if it wasn't for the Olympics and who would really care who was the best at sliding face first down an tube filled with ice was??
The truth is most of these people compete nearly every weekend in some internatinol competition or some championship because they're that fucking good. For many of them, the Olympics are nothing more htan another internatniosal event.
Part of the reason I relly really love the Olympics is the motto..."Citius, Altius, Fortius"; which means, "Faster, Higher, Stronger". The idea is that every day we strive to be better. Whether it's beign a better salesman, father to my dog, or person in general, I should always fight to be a better individual. That's what it means to the average dude, to the guy like me it means that I thoroughly expect each and every moment to be better than the last. Now...I am not condoning this behovior, in fact I to some those words don't mean as much.
This week, Shaun White, for the second time in his young career revolutionised his sport. 4 years ago in Torino he debuted a trick called the double cork 1080. He pushed half-pipe to a new level, he forced his competition out of their comfort zone and changed the game. This shows in the fact that everyone (except Shaun) used the double cork in their half-pipe runs. Shaun, however, beat all of them with a very standard, yet perfect, run. He went higher than any other competitor. And then, having already clinched the gold AND dropping an f-bomb on live tv, he pushed the sport to new limits by landing a double mctwist 1260. I don't like the person, but he optimizes "Citius, Altius, Fortius".
In the exact oposite of this, (yes I spell really poorly when I'm drunk) we have figure skating. The battle for gold came down to a very close fight between the young American (fuck yeah) Evan Lysacek and the veteran Russian Evgeni Plushenko. Lysacek won gold by 1.31 points. Neither man was flawless, neither man executed without a few bumps. But Plushenko lost.
The major difference was the difficulty of Plushenko's routine. He sucessfully pulled off a quad jump while Lysacek didn't even attempt one. Call me a traitor, call me un-American (previous posts prove I'm not), but Plushenko, in my mind, deserved the win. He pushed, he stretched, he moved the sport forward. The International Skating Union, by their own admission, does not consider difficulty of routine in their judging...
The ISU not only omits difficulty, something every other judged event uses, but they no longer identify the judges. They hide behind anonymity while scoring the competition. I'm calling shenanigans, I'm going to stand beside Plushenko in his dissatification. The sport will never advance, it will never push the limits, it will never live up to the Olympic motto if they don't consider the real difficulty of the individual's routine.
Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I don't watch enough figure skating (even though they cover it like it's the only winter Olympic event), but until they pull the veil off their scoring methods I cannot respect it as a pure competition by the meaning of the Olympic games.
Citius, Altius, Fortius.
-JB
I was going to write a post about it and get all political and shit, but then I decide to get drunk and watch the Olympics (The Palin post will come soon). I love the Olympics. No one would ever watch the biathlon (which I will compete in one day) if it wasn't for the Olympics. No one would give two shits about Apolo Ono if it wasn't for the Olympics and who would really care who was the best at sliding face first down an tube filled with ice was??
The truth is most of these people compete nearly every weekend in some internatinol competition or some championship because they're that fucking good. For many of them, the Olympics are nothing more htan another internatniosal event.
Part of the reason I relly really love the Olympics is the motto..."Citius, Altius, Fortius"; which means, "Faster, Higher, Stronger". The idea is that every day we strive to be better. Whether it's beign a better salesman, father to my dog, or person in general, I should always fight to be a better individual. That's what it means to the average dude, to the guy like me it means that I thoroughly expect each and every moment to be better than the last. Now...I am not condoning this behovior, in fact I to some those words don't mean as much.
This week, Shaun White, for the second time in his young career revolutionised his sport. 4 years ago in Torino he debuted a trick called the double cork 1080. He pushed half-pipe to a new level, he forced his competition out of their comfort zone and changed the game. This shows in the fact that everyone (except Shaun) used the double cork in their half-pipe runs. Shaun, however, beat all of them with a very standard, yet perfect, run. He went higher than any other competitor. And then, having already clinched the gold AND dropping an f-bomb on live tv, he pushed the sport to new limits by landing a double mctwist 1260. I don't like the person, but he optimizes "Citius, Altius, Fortius".
In the exact oposite of this, (yes I spell really poorly when I'm drunk) we have figure skating. The battle for gold came down to a very close fight between the young American (fuck yeah) Evan Lysacek and the veteran Russian Evgeni Plushenko. Lysacek won gold by 1.31 points. Neither man was flawless, neither man executed without a few bumps. But Plushenko lost.
The major difference was the difficulty of Plushenko's routine. He sucessfully pulled off a quad jump while Lysacek didn't even attempt one. Call me a traitor, call me un-American (previous posts prove I'm not), but Plushenko, in my mind, deserved the win. He pushed, he stretched, he moved the sport forward. The International Skating Union, by their own admission, does not consider difficulty of routine in their judging...
The ISU not only omits difficulty, something every other judged event uses, but they no longer identify the judges. They hide behind anonymity while scoring the competition. I'm calling shenanigans, I'm going to stand beside Plushenko in his dissatification. The sport will never advance, it will never push the limits, it will never live up to the Olympic motto if they don't consider the real difficulty of the individual's routine.
Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I don't watch enough figure skating (even though they cover it like it's the only winter Olympic event), but until they pull the veil off their scoring methods I cannot respect it as a pure competition by the meaning of the Olympic games.
Citius, Altius, Fortius.
-JB
Friday, February 12, 2010
Are we really this stupid?
Quite frankly I’m disappointed in this countries short sightedness. I get that we are a live for the moment society where we’re more than willing to spend $150 on a night out with friends, but can’t muster the energy to throw $100 each month into a retirement account. And long term planning isn’t about leaving money for your kids; it’s about eating after you quit working. However, this post isn’t about retirement or financial goals, so I won’t dwell on it. It’s about the stupidity that runs rampant in this great nation of ours and our willingness to consciously overlook the bigger picture if it means we’re right in the present.
Let me first touch on something I really don’t want to spend a lot of time with, but need to address. Guess what people, it’s February. It’s winter in North America. And that means snow. It always has and always will. Now, I get that the snow in D.C. broke a 110 year record, and it’s expected to snow in Hot-lanta and Mobile, Alabama. But all this means is that it’s winter time. This has nothing to do with disproving global warming. Let me say this again, just because it’s snowing record amounts and in place it doesn’t normally happen, does not mean that global warming is false. In fact, it proves it.
These wack-job jaggoffs in D.C. that think they can use the snow as a political tool to shoot down climate bills and “embarrass” the current administration are the same assholes that you voted into office, over and over again. These clowns are exactly what is wrong with our nation’s government and anyone that believes a word this faulkers say is exactly what is wrong with our country.
No, I’m no tree-huggin’, green party, Al Gore worshiping asshole that smoked too much dank in college to know my ass from a hole in the ground, but I do believe that there is this thing called science. And if we take two seconds to understand it, we’ll get what’s going on. And you won’t need a meteorology degree to grasp this…
First, one storm proves nothing. Yes, an extremely rare, intense snowstorm dumped feet on a region that barely gets a dusting. But did you also hear that Vancouver is trucking in and making snow for the winter Olympics? How does that play into you scheme? Or does it not count ‘cause they’re Canadian?
Next, there is this little thing that you may or may not have heard of called…El Niño (Spanish for “the niño). Here’s how this works…the surface of the Pacific Ocean warms up, causing a shift in the jet stream, developing and redirecting winter weather systems south of their typical paths. Now the intensity of this shift and size of the systems it brings increase in direct correlation with the temperature change. Meaning the warmer the surface of the ocean, the more intense the systems are. So, what this means…if we are experiencing a general warming of the earth’s climate, that would mean that the temperature of the Pacific Ocean’s surface would also increase…bringing more intense winter weather to southern regions of the country that don’t typically see more than a light flurry.
look! the northwest is hot while the southeast is cold?
One more time for Glenn Beck…global climate shift (commonly known as global warming) has caused the temperature of the earth’s surface to increase (which includes the Pacific Ocean). The warming of the ocean’s surface has and will always cause a shift in the jet stream which brings winter weather into the United States. The warmer the temperature, the more intense the weather systems…they kind we haven’t seen in 110 years, because our overall global surface temperature has increased to levels never recorded in human history due to…global climate shift (or Global Warming). Taa-Daa!!! This ain’t magic kids, it’s called science! I know you right-wing creationist don’t believe that science exists and that “God” personally controls every single thing that happens on this earth, but that’s just your own insecurities in your ability to make your own decisions and your desire to push the accountability onto something other than yourself.
Tomorrow we discuss the rise and fall of Toyota and why it shouldn’t be a surprise.
-JB
Tomorrow we discuss the rise and fall of Toyota and why it shouldn’t be a surprise.
-JB
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Facebook Fucking
Wow! One of the cardinal sins of Facebook. Facebook Fucking is the digital equivalent of pubic display of affection, commonly called PDA. In this post I will address some of the forms it takes, how to spot it and it's real life equivalent.
#1) The Shameless Lovers
This is the most obvious type to spot. It usually begins with a status update or wall post that goes something like this: Status - "Pauly Shore misses his baby so much! I love you hon!" and is typically followed by the significant others comment: "Whoopi Goldberg: Pauly! I love you too, I can't wait to see you tonight. What do you want for dinner, the same as last night ;-)"
This type of activity is best compared to the couple holding hands at the bookstore, kissing between sentences and gently stroking each others hair. The fact is, we know you're together and don't need it flaunted. The truth is, it's almost acceptable...if you won't be seeing each other for a few days or one of you is on a business trip and been gone a for a while. But the simple fact that you saw one another this morning and will be together again tonight negates every reason for this type of post.
B) The Passive Aggressive Infatuation or Puppy Love
Subtle comments hidden behind a veil of mystery. Was she talking to/about me? Not sure, I'm going to comment and see what she says back! Sounds something like this: "Marla Thomson is so happy! I'm so glad my life is so good!" A typical follow up comment would go as follows: "Deshaun Johnson: Babe, you've made me happy too. I love you so much." The best comparison is to the couple you see out with friends that are talking baby talk to each other, and constantly giving little kisses. The real life version says things like "Can I have a kissy poo?" "No...yes!" "Oh I love you, you're so cute."
More than likely this couple just started dating, if they haven't then they need a serious kick to the head. More annoying than gross, but unacceptable none the less.
#69 The Porn Star!!
These people have always been a little out there. Not afraid to let the world know their business. Usually goes like this: "Adam Lambert is crazy horny and will be hurrying home!" Replies as follows "Simon Cowell: Oh John, this little boy toy of yours is impatiently waiting your stunning performance."
Now this real life couple are very easy to spot. They'll be playing tonsil hockey at the coffee house or rubbing each others legs at the dinner table and maybe groping on the dance floor at your second cousins wedding. People, your aunt and little cousin are on Facebook now, it's just wrong on so many levels.
Q) The Kiss and Make Up
Commonly seen in real life vocally fighting at the grocery store, only to make up and get all cutesy. "Natalie Maines is so pissed!! He was actually checking out the cashier and flirting with her! Helloooo, I'm right here asshole!!" "Toby Keith: big pappa's sorry sweetheart. The girl ain't got nothin' on my sugar plum. Come on home and I'll give you a big ole kiss." "Natalie Maines: I'm sorry love, I overreacted. I know you love me! Make up tonight? :-)"
Now these people need to learn where to draw the line, I don't care about your fight, I don't give a shit that he thinks someone is hot and you busted him. Duke it out at home, alone, in private. It ain't my business and I don't care.
Lastly - The Lone Wolf
This poor soul doesn't get it. Comments come out of the blue and are rarely, it ever replied too. Many times they just get ignored with hopes the Facebook fairy deletes them accidentally. You'll see this happening: "Al Gore is so glad that Project Environmental Rescue Act 1992 passed unanimously in the House. Now on to the Senate. Hope this regressive president doesn't veto it...AGAIN!" "Monica Lewinski:Alan darling, you're too cute. I'm proud of you and I love you! And not like I loved the Governor I interned with, I mean deeply in love with you."
When he doesn't reply, he's guaranteed to get the obligatory question "Did you see, I commented on you status today?" his response is typically "Yeah, I was busy though". But the constant ignoring doesn't stop here. In fact the next day he says, "Al Gore will run for president some day or maybe write a book about saving the planet. Not sure where I'll have a bigger impact." And yet again she comments "Monica Lewinski: You're so good at everything you do. I'm so happy to be with you Alan." This will continue until he gives in and blocks her from posting comments.
The real life version can be seen riding the bus together. One half is reading a book while the other is gabbing and gabbing and giving pecks on the cheek between paragraphs.
I hope this clarifies a dire situation we face in our digital society amongst our 359 best friends. When you see these actions take place, it's best to just delete these people from your Live Feed. We all know these people, consider yourself warned!! Jus Sayin'!
-JB
#1) The Shameless Lovers
This is the most obvious type to spot. It usually begins with a status update or wall post that goes something like this: Status - "Pauly Shore misses his baby so much! I love you hon!" and is typically followed by the significant others comment: "Whoopi Goldberg: Pauly! I love you too, I can't wait to see you tonight. What do you want for dinner, the same as last night ;-)"
This type of activity is best compared to the couple holding hands at the bookstore, kissing between sentences and gently stroking each others hair. The fact is, we know you're together and don't need it flaunted. The truth is, it's almost acceptable...if you won't be seeing each other for a few days or one of you is on a business trip and been gone a for a while. But the simple fact that you saw one another this morning and will be together again tonight negates every reason for this type of post.
B) The Passive Aggressive Infatuation or Puppy Love
Subtle comments hidden behind a veil of mystery. Was she talking to/about me? Not sure, I'm going to comment and see what she says back! Sounds something like this: "Marla Thomson is so happy! I'm so glad my life is so good!" A typical follow up comment would go as follows: "Deshaun Johnson: Babe, you've made me happy too. I love you so much." The best comparison is to the couple you see out with friends that are talking baby talk to each other, and constantly giving little kisses. The real life version says things like "Can I have a kissy poo?" "No...yes!" "Oh I love you, you're so cute."
More than likely this couple just started dating, if they haven't then they need a serious kick to the head. More annoying than gross, but unacceptable none the less.
#69 The Porn Star!!
These people have always been a little out there. Not afraid to let the world know their business. Usually goes like this: "Adam Lambert is crazy horny and will be hurrying home!" Replies as follows "Simon Cowell: Oh John, this little boy toy of yours is impatiently waiting your stunning performance."
Now this real life couple are very easy to spot. They'll be playing tonsil hockey at the coffee house or rubbing each others legs at the dinner table and maybe groping on the dance floor at your second cousins wedding. People, your aunt and little cousin are on Facebook now, it's just wrong on so many levels.
Q) The Kiss and Make Up
Commonly seen in real life vocally fighting at the grocery store, only to make up and get all cutesy. "Natalie Maines is so pissed!! He was actually checking out the cashier and flirting with her! Helloooo, I'm right here asshole!!" "Toby Keith: big pappa's sorry sweetheart. The girl ain't got nothin' on my sugar plum. Come on home and I'll give you a big ole kiss." "Natalie Maines: I'm sorry love, I overreacted. I know you love me! Make up tonight? :-)"
Now these people need to learn where to draw the line, I don't care about your fight, I don't give a shit that he thinks someone is hot and you busted him. Duke it out at home, alone, in private. It ain't my business and I don't care.
Lastly - The Lone Wolf
This poor soul doesn't get it. Comments come out of the blue and are rarely, it ever replied too. Many times they just get ignored with hopes the Facebook fairy deletes them accidentally. You'll see this happening: "Al Gore is so glad that Project Environmental Rescue Act 1992 passed unanimously in the House. Now on to the Senate. Hope this regressive president doesn't veto it...AGAIN!" "Monica Lewinski:Alan darling, you're too cute. I'm proud of you and I love you! And not like I loved the Governor I interned with, I mean deeply in love with you."
When he doesn't reply, he's guaranteed to get the obligatory question "Did you see, I commented on you status today?" his response is typically "Yeah, I was busy though". But the constant ignoring doesn't stop here. In fact the next day he says, "Al Gore will run for president some day or maybe write a book about saving the planet. Not sure where I'll have a bigger impact." And yet again she comments "Monica Lewinski: You're so good at everything you do. I'm so happy to be with you Alan." This will continue until he gives in and blocks her from posting comments.
The real life version can be seen riding the bus together. One half is reading a book while the other is gabbing and gabbing and giving pecks on the cheek between paragraphs.
I hope this clarifies a dire situation we face in our digital society amongst our 359 best friends. When you see these actions take place, it's best to just delete these people from your Live Feed. We all know these people, consider yourself warned!! Jus Sayin'!
-JB
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Faith and Whiskey
No this post is not about me turning to God to keep me off the booze. So don't close this thinking I'm gonna start preaching about forgivness and turning to Jesus then ask for money. This is going to be an update on my progress of staying sober for financial reasons...
So, last Thursday I got out of work during what was probably one on the most stressful weeks I've had in my life. And I said to myself, "Self, I know you're trying to save money and I know most your spending reviolves around alcohol, but I think a beer and a burger at a local establishment might do you some good." Well, not being one to ignore my own advice, I jumped on the train and headed to McDunna's. Upon my arrival I realized I was one of 3 people in the entire bar. So I sat down and ordered a Guinness. (seen here)
After that one, well, I thought when my food gets here, I'll have one with the burger. I mean, who in their right mind doesnt was a burger with their beer? (This is the second one)
Ok, so now I'm two beers and one burger down. And the bartender says, "One more before you go?". Not this guys been good, had some conversation as a good barkeep should, so why the hell not? (You can see number three being poured in the background)
Now, I'm three guinness in...and the table next to me seems like good conversation. So I pull up a chair. The three of us start debating about the best shots. They're partial to the "Lunchbox" I like tequila, whiskey and Jagerbombs. So we have one of each and continue to debate the topic. At this point I call in an expert witness, we'll call him Dan (because thats his name). So Dan arrives and quickly reminds me that my favorite bar in the city, Faith and Whiskey (OHHHHH THAT EXPLAINS THE TITLE!!!) has $1 domestic bottles and...wait for it...LIVE BAND KARAOKE!!! Oh, and it's right next to McDunna's...go figure.
So I down two of these, to bring out the rock star of course...
And we head to Faith and Whiskey. Where I proceed to spend $15 on dollar beers, but hey I saved money. And jammed to some REO Speedwagon's Keep on Lovin' You!!
Seen here...
And woke up feeling like this guy...
So, needless to say, Faith and Whiskey is still hands down no questions asked my favorite bar. And I need a different approach to saving money by not drinking.
-JB
So, last Thursday I got out of work during what was probably one on the most stressful weeks I've had in my life. And I said to myself, "Self, I know you're trying to save money and I know most your spending reviolves around alcohol, but I think a beer and a burger at a local establishment might do you some good." Well, not being one to ignore my own advice, I jumped on the train and headed to McDunna's. Upon my arrival I realized I was one of 3 people in the entire bar. So I sat down and ordered a Guinness. (seen here)
After that one, well, I thought when my food gets here, I'll have one with the burger. I mean, who in their right mind doesnt was a burger with their beer? (This is the second one)
Ok, so now I'm two beers and one burger down. And the bartender says, "One more before you go?". Not this guys been good, had some conversation as a good barkeep should, so why the hell not? (You can see number three being poured in the background)
Now, I'm three guinness in...and the table next to me seems like good conversation. So I pull up a chair. The three of us start debating about the best shots. They're partial to the "Lunchbox" I like tequila, whiskey and Jagerbombs. So we have one of each and continue to debate the topic. At this point I call in an expert witness, we'll call him Dan (because thats his name). So Dan arrives and quickly reminds me that my favorite bar in the city, Faith and Whiskey (OHHHHH THAT EXPLAINS THE TITLE!!!) has $1 domestic bottles and...wait for it...LIVE BAND KARAOKE!!! Oh, and it's right next to McDunna's...go figure.
So I down two of these, to bring out the rock star of course...
And we head to Faith and Whiskey. Where I proceed to spend $15 on dollar beers, but hey I saved money. And jammed to some REO Speedwagon's Keep on Lovin' You!!
Seen here...
And woke up feeling like this guy...
So, needless to say, Faith and Whiskey is still hands down no questions asked my favorite bar. And I need a different approach to saving money by not drinking.
-JB
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day #4
So, day four was the hardest so far. I'm sure it will only get worse. I came home from work and opened the fridge to grab a bite to eat and all I noticed was a bottle of Bailey's. I ran to the grocery store to grab stuff for lunch and coincedentally the sandwich stuff is across the way from the booze section.
This is where I start to ask myself why I'm doing this cold turkey. Why not just tone it down a bit? That's a good question that I really don't have an answer to. Tonight is going to be a big challenge, I have a networking event to attend!
This is where I start to ask myself why I'm doing this cold turkey. Why not just tone it down a bit? That's a good question that I really don't have an answer to. Tonight is going to be a big challenge, I have a networking event to attend!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day #3...
No booze on day two, and no tremors or signs of withdrawal. Although I did have a Gatorade, two pops, 7 cups of coffee and 12oz of DayQuil...oh, almost forgot to ask, does the alcohol content of NyQuil count against me?
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Well, that went well...
Yeah...so I had two drinks last night saying farewell to a dear friend. And on to day two of my attempt at being sober!!
It's really easy, you know. I go out with a friend to say goodbye and grab a burger and he comes back with a vodka lemonaide for me. I can't say no! This is the goodbye dinner...WTF? So I only had 2. I figure that's a lot better than what I would have done before.
It's really easy, you know. I go out with a friend to say goodbye and grab a burger and he comes back with a vodka lemonaide for me. I can't say no! This is the goodbye dinner...WTF? So I only had 2. I figure that's a lot better than what I would have done before.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sorta Sober
Not really sure how to say this, but I think I'm gonna take it easy on the booze for a few weeks. I know what you're saying..."this will never last, why bother?"..."Dude, your blog is called 'Where's my beer?' and you usually write drunk? I'm confused." Well my reasons are stricly financially driven. I don't have a drinking problem, and I have never really let my drinking interfere with my work. Yeah, I probably carry an extra 10 pounds for all the beer I drink, but I'm ok with that if I can go out and get drunk ever now and then. But an empty bank account is worse than an empty pitcher.
So, this is how I see this going. I am going dry for 3 weeks. Starting today, January 17th, 2010 until February 7th I will not have any alcohol. At that point I am going to slowly reintroduce myself to booze. I will continue to go out, but I will take a lesson from Chad Ochocinco and drink cranberry juice or tonic with a lime so it looks like I'm drinking.
This way I can still go out and have fun and be with my friends in the scene, but it will cost me 1/4th the amount of money. Instead of $8 for a vodka tonic it will cost $2 for a juice or a pop.
I will continue to update the blog with great stories of my drunk friends and my sobriety and the challenges of not drinking...
Wish me luck!!
So, this is how I see this going. I am going dry for 3 weeks. Starting today, January 17th, 2010 until February 7th I will not have any alcohol. At that point I am going to slowly reintroduce myself to booze. I will continue to go out, but I will take a lesson from Chad Ochocinco and drink cranberry juice or tonic with a lime so it looks like I'm drinking.
This way I can still go out and have fun and be with my friends in the scene, but it will cost me 1/4th the amount of money. Instead of $8 for a vodka tonic it will cost $2 for a juice or a pop.
I will continue to update the blog with great stories of my drunk friends and my sobriety and the challenges of not drinking...
Wish me luck!!
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