Fancy Cashews

2010-05-20T10:44:00.001-05:00

http://angelfire.com/hayesfuzozy/

I love me some Sue Sylvester!

2010-04-28T20:02:00.005-05:00

The Defenders

2009-06-20T17:14:00.000-05:00

The License

2009-06-20T17:00:00.003-05:00

45 Life Lessons

2009-06-20T16:02:00.001-05:00

I'm not one to usually post these kinds of things, but I really like this one...

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the "45 lessons" life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time some time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

(hat tip to Patty for sharing this)

Betty Bowers Explains "Traditional Marriage"

2009-06-13T09:55:00.004-05:00

From www.bettybowers.com, America's Best Christian takes time to explain to less informed Christians the curious details of the Lord's concept of marriage.

I'm On a Pink Cloud

2008-12-11T08:18:00.000-05:00

Three weeks into my sobriety and I'm on the theoretical "pink cloud." I read an article on ezinearticles.com by Jonathan Huttner which describes it well:

"The “pink cloud” is best described as a period of time where the addict or alcoholic experiences a reprieve from the struggles associated with early recovery. These struggles are generally associated with the feelings of depression, anger, resentment, self pity and the realization of where their drug addiction or alcoholism has taken them.

Upon experiencing this phenomenon for the first time, the addict or alcoholic is understandably excited. They begin to believe they now “hold the key” to their recovery. This is where the seed for relapse is planted. They begin to believe more in themselves than in the process they have been following. Without the pain as a daily reminder, they tend to forget about what it took for them to embrace recovery. Denial rears its ugly head and they minimize how devastating their drug addiction and alcoholism really was and that they have a disease of drug addiction and alcoholism that requires attention on a daily basis. Relapse prevention becomes an afterthought as the person becomes defiant and rebellious regarding suggestions contrary to their desires. Without resorting to drugs or alcohol, the individual in recovery is one step away from relapse. Remember, relapse is not an event, it is a process.

The relapse prevention plan that is designed while in addiction treatment or drug rehab is a plan for recovery when a person is feeling elated, depressed or anywhere in between... The relapse prevention plan is comprised of recognizing one’s triggers, unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors with recommendations on how to best address them. The addict and alcoholic are not used to feeling good about themselves. While most individuals would cherish high self esteem, the addict / alcoholic relishes self pity and low self worth. When there is no shame, they create it. So, when a recovering person starts feeling good about themselves, they need to work harder and practice what has been working for them. This will provide them the opportunity to break an old pattern of self sabotage and establish a new pattern of developing self worth. No matter how one is feeling, rely on the relapse prevention plan that has been developed for you."

I think I'm taking wise steps to prevent relapse, but of course, only time will tell. For now, however, life is good!

Fucking pancreatitis!

2008-11-23T16:49:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday morning, I had to leave work early because of severe abdominal pain. Two hours later I drove myself to the emergency room. Three days later I drove myself home. This is not something to be messed with; the pain is excruciating - and it's not totally over. I think quitting alcohol will be much easier now.

Happy Holiday 2005

2005-12-25T06:58:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of February, I was very fortunate to be able join four friends of mine and head off to Las Vegas for a few days. Our highlights included Nick’s birthday dinner at Rum Jungle, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and going to see Zumanity at New York, New York. We also managed to do a little gambling and drinking along the way. (As if you couldn’t tell that from the pictures!)

Nick, Scott, Stephen, Brian, and Me

At the end of February, I joined three friends for a fabulous trip to Key West.

Richard, Billy, Stephen, & Me

One of my biggest projects at Carmax is “Whale”. It’s a remote access appliance that allows employees to work from virtually anywhere in the world. In July, I got to go up to New York City for a week of training. It was very educational, and I got to do a little sightseeing as well. It was great fun to catch up with my good friend, Bill.

In August, I flew out to Salt Lake City to open up a new store for Carmax. I had a great dinner with Marty, and another with Jeff Mercer and his Aunt Margene’s family.

On October 5th, the Monacan High School class of 1985 had our 20th high school reunion. It was great fun to see a lot of old friends, and even better to make some new ones! This is me with my friend Jason.

On December 4th, my friend Ivy and I flew out to Vegas and spent 3 wonderful nights at the Mirage. We enjoyed playing Keno every morning at breakfast, and played a lot of slots.

One of my favorite things to do in Vegas is to ride the Big Shot on top of the Stratosphere tower. Mind-blowing fun at the 110th floor!

My Uncle Ed has told me many times how much he enjoys visiting Fremont Street in Vegas. This was our first time there, and we’ve decided to stay at Fitzgerald’s next time!

Ivy and I saw three shows while in Vegas. La Reve, at the new Wynn hotel, was phenomenal. Go see it if you get the chance!

I know this sounds more like a travelogue than anything else, but other than these things, I lead a pretty boring life! I hope you all are doing well, and always look forward to hearing from you. Have a very Merry Christmas and a great 2006!

Dan & Jolie at Tim & Bryan's Party

2006-08-12T17:57:00.000-05:00

Brokeback Mountain

2007-01-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

If you haven't seen Brokeback Mountain.... well, I hate you. So go rent the bitch... NOW!!!

John Travolta to Star in New Movie Version of Hairspray!

2007-01-10T18:26:00.000-05:00

Oh, my goodness! This should be a blast!!

Dilbert 01/13/07

2007-01-13T08:24:00.000-05:00

Subscribe to Dilbert Daily here.

Just Lovely...

2007-01-21T18:00:00.000-05:00

And he was. He really was. I can still taste him. ;)

http://www.andrebarclay.com

We Arrive at the Luxor

2007-02-01T13:33:00.000-05:00

Jason, Ivy, and I arrive at the Luxor hotel on Thursday. This is going to be a great weekend!

An Evening at the Rio

2007-02-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

Thursday Night. Tony and Tina's Wedding at The Rio. FABULOUS!

Le Reve!

2007-02-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

Elton John!

2007-02-03T15:46:00.000-05:00

A Trip to The Stratosphere

2007-02-03T21:56:00.000-05:00

Unitarian by Choice

2007-02-06T21:40:00.000-05:00

Tonight I joined the Unitarian Universalist Church. Not a lot of pomp and circumstance; all I had to do was sign my name. Quite different from the Mormon process. I'm glad, though. I think it should be simple. The best things in life usually are.

Goodbye, Skiba.

2007-02-06T22:24:00.000-05:00

My friend Pat died last Wednesday. I just found out. I'll miss ya, you old wench.

I Always Thought He Was a Dickhead

2007-02-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

Kittens Are Soooooooo Cute!

2007-02-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

Hamlet's Dresser

2007-02-19T07:31:00.000-05:00

This is my current read. I'm trying feverishly to get it finished by Thursday night when the book club meets.

Dude! Sweet!

2007-02-25T17:59:00.000-05:00

For the second time in my life, I'm an ordained minister. What the fuck?