Review: The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror

The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher Moore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars







View all my reviews

QOTD - What Was Your Last Major Purchase?

A couple of weeks ago I would have said a tank of gas.

It’s been a while since we made a major purchase. Probably, last spring when we had to buy a new washer and dryer.

It’s been 15yrs since we bought a car. Since then we bought the house (2006), new furniture and appliances.

 

While writing this I was listening to " Nothing In Particular (Featuring Sunny Ledfurd)" from "Chicken & Biscuits" by "Colt Ford"

QOTD–Tomorrow I Will _______.

drink more water instead of sodas and stay off social media.

It’s amazing how much time I can spend waste on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Crazy Days" from "Crazy Days - Single of the Week" by "Adam Gregory"

 

Baby, lets take a drive, top down
Underneath the Carolina sky
We can watch the fireflies
Try to outshine the stars
I wanna lay a blanket down
Find a way back
To where our love was found
Baby, lets go right now
Back to our hearts
Beating wild
In the back of my beat up truck
Back to those butterflies
First time we felt in love
Back to your smiling eyes
Come on, baby, take my hand
Let's find a way back to our crazy days
Don't worry about what to wear
Those faded cut off jeans are my favorite pair
Don't go messing with your hair
Let it all blow around
Move over in the middle by me
Just like you did
When your daddy couldn't see
Why his little girl loved a boy like me
Back to our hearts
Beating wild
In the back of my beat up truck
Back to those butterflies
First time we felt in love
Back to your smiling eyes
Come on, baby, take my hand
Let's find a way back to our crazy days
You remember cutting class
Heading to the creek
Doin' '95 down a two lane street
Staying up all night
Talkin' about forever you and me
I can see that look in your eyes
And if I know you, they don't lie
They're telling me
You're thinking about going back
About getting back
Back to our hearts
Beating wild
In the back of my beat up truck
Back to those butterflies
First time we felt in love
Back to your smiling eyes
Come on, baby, take my hand
Let's find a way back to our crazy days

QOTD–How Much Did You Spend At The Grocery Store The Last Time You Went?

About $175 dollars.

QOTD–or Questions Of The Day

I fell behind so it’s time to play catch up.

Today I’m answering 4 questions.

Friday’s Question – What Made Today Unusual?

I barely remember Friday at this point. So since nothing memorable sticks out that would make it unusual. Of course my total lack of sleep last week (barely 2hrs in a row for a couple of nights) could account to the memory loss.

If this were today’s question I would have to answer hearing an owl outside the house. I was never able to locate him in the trees but I could hear him. That was pretty cool. 

 

Saturday’s Question – What are You Looking For In Life?

Purpose and meaning, I guess I’m always looking for those things.  I always have a hard time answering this question. Evelyn tells me I need to find my “why”. Meaning my passion. I’m not sure I have a passion. There are a lot a things I enjoy doing but I’m not sure if they are my “passion”.

Know any good therapists in my area?

 

Sunday’s Question – What Is Your Favorite Thing To Drink?

Lately I haven’t been able to get enough root beer but I think may favorite drink is ice cold tea on a warm sunny day.

 

Today’s Question – Today The Temperature Was _______.

Right now it’s a balmy 65 degrees with nary a cloud in the sky.

That’s right I said nary.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " D.A.N.C.E." from "D.A.N.C.E. - EP" by "Justice"

QOTD–Tomorrow Will Be A Better Day Because_________________.

It’s Friday!

Enough said.

QOTD–Today I Wish I had More _________.

A man walks up to the bar with an ostrich behind him, and as he sits, the bartender asks for their order.

The man says, "I'll have a beer" and turns to the ostrich. "What's yours?"

"I'll have a beer too" says the ostrich.

The bartender pours the beer and says "That will be $3.40 please," and the man reaches into his pocket and pays with the exact change for payment.

The next day, the man and the ostrich come again, and the man says "I'll have a beer,"

The ostrich says "I'll have the same."

Once again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.

This became a routine until late one evening, the two enter again. "The usual?" asks the bartender.

"Well, it's close to last orders, so I'll have a large Scotch" says the man.

"Same for me" says the ostrich.

"That will be $7.20" says the bartender.

Once again the man pulls exact change out of his pocket and places it on the bar.

The bartender can't hold back his curiosity any longer. "Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change out of your pocket every time?"

"Well," says the man, "several years ago I was cleaning the attic and I found this old lamp. When I rubbed it a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever needed to pay for anything, I just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money will be there."

"That's brilliant!" says the bartender. "Most people would wish for a million dollars or something, but you'll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!"

"That's right! Whether it's a gallon of milk, or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there," says the man.

"That's fantastic!" says the bartender. "You are a genius! Oh, one other thing sir, what's with the ostrich?"

The man replies, "Oh, my second wish was for a chick with long legs."

source: http://www.jokes4us.com/barjokes/wishgrantedjoke.html

 

So today I wish for more money.

Not a lot.

Just enough.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Don't Call No Ambulance" from "Don't Call No Ambulance" by "Selwyn Birchwood"

QOTD–What Was The Hardest Thing You Were Dealing With?

Lately it has been which direction I want to take with my job. I have a background in IT so I have been keeping an eye out for that 40hr position that so rarely pops up in the library world. Back in November, one did and I applied.

The posting closed at the beginning of December so I waited and waited and waited to hear if I scored an interview.

After a month I had assumed that I didn’t get one.

I wasn’t looking for change because I hated my current job or didn’t like the people I work with. It’s just the opposite. There are just some days I don’t feel challenged. I was ok with this and had resolved to make the best of where I was.

Then the phone rang.

I got an interview if I wanted.

Sure, I said, I’d love it.

But I wasn’t sure. I had a good job, decent pay, great co-workers, and a great boss. I haven’t been this happy in years. Did I really want to risk that for the unknown?

I’m not OLD but I am getting older and there was no going back if it didn’t work out. I’d be an unemployed 50-something guy looking for a job that paid enough to help keep us afloat and pay the mortgage.

After almost a week of fretting and talking it over with Evelyn, I opted for security over adventure. I called my potential future boss and withdrew my application.

Now I’m dealing with the debate of should I or shouldn’t I have gone through with the interview. I have managed to frustrate myself because I don’t know if I would have been the top candidate or just the guy who made a good showing but not good enough.

I feel like I may have dented my reputation and put myself into sort of a slump but I am also aware that this may just be my perception of the situation.

So in the next week or so, I need to take a couple of steps back, regain my footing, scope out where I am, and begin moving forward again with my life and the pursuit of happiness.

Or winning the lottery, whichever comes first.  

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Amy Stroup - Back Burner (from MTV's Happyland)" from "As Heard on TV - Volume III" by "Amy Stroup"

 

I, I close my eyes but I can't sleep.
I, I am drawn to the heat, and I am curious.
You was the worst, but you don't know the dangerous.
I burn up the lights trying to picture us.
You are still on my mind.
You are still on my mind.
You really bring the heartbreak closer.
When you come around, I am up and down
You flip me like a rollercoaster
I think I understand it now
It's not the pain that can hurt ya.
I am wishing that I just knew how
To put ya on the back burner, honey.
Wait, I am over the ocean as its goes
Turn, I won't turn around if I am evil
Cry, you crying tears that I am leaving
You got to go on from here, don't try to interfere.
You are still on my mind.
You are still on my mind.
You really bring the heartbreak closer.
When you come around, I am up and down
You flood me like a rollercoaster
I think I understand it now
It's not the pain that can hurt ya.
I am wishing that I just knew how
To put ya on the back burner, honey.
Put ya on the back burner, honey.
The descending bending
(You are still on my mind.)
(You are still on my mind.)
You say our love is unending.
(When you come around, I am up and down)
Hold your thoughts to yourself
You say our love is for no one else.
You are still on my mind.
You are still on my mind.
You really bring the heartbreak closer.
When you come around, I am up and down
You flip me like a rollercoaster
I think I understand it now
It's time for the pain that can hurt ya.
I am wishing that I just knew how
To put ya on the back burner, honey.
You are still on my mind.
You are still on my mind.
Put ya on the back burner, honey.
When you come around, I am up and down
Put ya on the back burner, honey.
To put you
To put you
To put ya on the back burner, honey.
To put you
To put you
To put ya on the back burner, honey.
To put you
To put you
To put ya on the back burner, honey.

Writer(s): Amy Francis Stroup Copyright: Milk Glass Music

QOTD-My Current Favorite Website Is_________.

Well, I probably spend the most time on Facebook.

*sigh*

 

But right now my favorite website is Feedly.com

Feedly is basically a web based RSS reader. I use it to keep up with a large number of news sites, blogs, and other webpages. If I want to follow a blog and keep up to date on their latest posts, all I have to do is add it to Feedly. I am currently following approx. 85 different sites and I can read all their latest posts from inside Feedly without going from website to website.

 

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Quit Hollerin' At Me" from "Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings" by "John Prine"

 

I don't want your big French Fry
I don't want your car
I don't want to buy no soap
From no washed-up movie star
You are so much louder
Than the show I wanna hear
With your sugarless gum
Gee, but I'm dumb
Non-alcoholic beer
It's enough to make a grown man
Blow up his own TV
Quit hollerin' at me
Quit hollerin' at me
I heard you the first time
I heard myself say
Seems like the little woman
Is getting bigger every day
You don't have to tell the neighbors
A little silence ain't no sin
They already think my name is
Where in the hell you been?
Louder, louder, louder, louder, louder
Constantly
Quit hollerin' at me
Quit hollerin' at me
Whoa oh whoa oh
Sweet Serenity
Whoa oh whoa oh
Quit hollerin' at me
Quit hollerin' at me
Ain't it great at the end of the day
When there ain't no sound around
Just me and the fence post
Staring each other down
Nothing but a big bunch of nothing
Driving me insane
Cause there ain't no voice that's louder
Than the one inside my brain
Hey you go on
Go on and let me be
Quit hollerin' at me
Quit hollerin' at me
Whoa oh whoa oh
Sweet Serenity
Whoa oh whoa oh
Quit hollerin' at me
Quit hollerin' at me
Quit hollerin' at me
Quit hollerin' at me
Quit hollerin' at me

QOTD–The Best Part Of The Day Was ______________?

Hands down, sitting at the Garden Of The Gods overlook with Evelyn.

 

This was taken back in October but you get the picture. (No pun intended)

It’s probably one of the most relaxing places I have ever been.

I go there frequently to relax and think. Then, I usually head down the hill and drive through the park.

Windows down and classical music playing softly on the radio.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " the Horse & the Sistine Chapel" from "Burning Building Fall 2010 Sampler for Amazon" by "Daniel G. Harmann & the Trouble Starts"

QOTD–What Are You Grateful For?

A wife who loves me just as much as I love her.

A loving family even though I’m horrible at keeping in touch.

Great friends. (see above)

My job and a good group of co-workers.

A roof over my head.

My health, although I could be in better shape.

Food on the table.

Gas in the car.

Freedom of speech and freedom to stick my foot in my mouth which I do quite frequently.

Living in a beautiful city but it could by ran better.

Seeing the mountains every morning on my way to work.

 

I could go a lot longer but I’ll stop there.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Black Fly" from "Rhythmeen" by "ZZ Top"

QOTD–Who Are You In Love With?

Well duh!

Silly question.

My wife.

My first and only true love.

QOTD–Who Last Called You On The Phone?

Besides a telemarketer?

And not just any telemarketer, they were “representing” the Colorado Springs Gazette and were trying to sell me a subscription.

The only problem is that I have been a subscriber to the Gazette for years.

Nice try, guys.

Well that’s not the only problem. I’m also on the Do Not Call List.

So Next Level Solutions of Fresno, CA., do not call again.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Ashgrove" from "This Is How I Roc: 2008 Yep Roc Label Sampler" by "Dave Alvin"

 

Well when I was a young boy
I used to slip away
Down to the ashgrove
To hear the old blues men play
There was Big Joe and Lightnin'
And Reverend Gary too
Well I'd sit and stare and dream
Of doin' what they could do.
Well it's been thirty years since the ashgrove burned down
And I'm out on this highway travelin' town to town
Tryin' to make a livin'
Tryin' to pay the rent
Tryin' to figure out where my life went.
I wanna go back to the ashgrove
That's where I come from
I wanna go back to the ashgrove
That's where I belong.
Well you don't have to go searchin'
Pretend to put on airs
'Cause the blues are gonna find you someday, somewhere
Now my mother's gone
Now my father's gone
And all the old blues men have all passed on
And I'm out on this highway travelin' town to town
Settin' up my gear and then I'm tearin' it down
Turnin' up my guitar
Standin' on the stage
I'm just tryin' to raise the ghosts up out of their graves.
I wanna go back to the ashgrove
That's where I come from
Yeah I wanna go back to the ashgrove
That's where I belong.
Well I can't say I been all sinner
Can't say I been all saint
I've done some good deeds and I've made big mistakes
I been in and out of love
Said words I regret
I been drunk, been sober
Smoked too many cigarettes
And I'm out on this highway travelin' town to town
And the news on the radio just brings me down
Intolerance and fear
Ignorance and lies
It's the same old same old I heard a million times
And I'm thinkin' of friends and lovers
And how they come and go
Like look-alike houses on the side of the road
Full of everyday people tryin' to get ahead
Tryin' to find a reason just to get out of bed
'Cause we all need somethin' just to get us through
Well I'm gonna play the blues tonight man
'Cause that's what I do.
I'm goin' back to the Ashgrove
That's where I come from
I'm goin' back to the Ashgrove
That's where I belong.

QOTD–What Did You Get Done?

This sounds like a question one of my old bosses would have asked.

Boss: What did you get done?

Me: Nothing

Boss: Why?

Me: Because you change my priorities every 15 minutes.

 

Yes, I used to work in a Dilbert world.

http://dilbert.com/strip/2015-01-14

By the way, Wally is my hero.

 

As to how to answer this question for today? I’m not sure.

Today was a cookie cutter type of day. I woke up, went to work, came home, ate dinner, watch some TV, wrote a blog post, and will go to bed.

Not much out of the ordinary happened but I got all of my typical duties completed.

Maybe tomorrow will different.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " If I Had My Way (Feat. Regina McCrary And Ann McCrary)" from "Downtown Church" by "Patty Griffin Featuring Regina McCrary And Ann McCrary"

 

If I had my way
If I had my way
If I had my way
I would tear this building down
Tear this building down
You read about Sampson and from his birth
The strongest man that ever lived on Earth
One day old Sampson was walking alone
He looked down on the ground and he saw an old jaw-bone
He swung it over his head, swung it over his head
When he start moving ten thousand was dead
If I had my way
If I had my way
If I had my way
I would tear this building down
Tear this building down
Sampson and the lion got in attack
Sampson joined up on the lion's back
You read about this lion, he killed a man with his paw
Sampson he got his hands around the lion's jaw
He ripped that beast till the lion was dead
The bees made honey in the lion's head
If I had my way
If I had my way
If I had my way
I would tear this building down
Tear this building down
Delilah was a woman so fine and fair
She had a lovely good looks and a coal black hair
Delilah came down on Samson's mind
First he saw a woman of the Philistines
She set down on Samson's knees
Tell me where your strength lies if you please
She spoke so kind, talked so fair
Samson told "Delilah cut off my hair,
Shave my head, clean as your hand
And my strength will be like a natural man."
Took old Samson by surprise
They picked up a stick and then they punched out his eyes
Backing down to the judgment hall
Chained him to the stone cold wall
They left him there ‘til his hair turn brown
Strength to tear that building down
If I had my way
If I had my way
If I had my way
I would tear this building down
Tear this building down
Tear this building down
Tear this building down
Tear this building down...

QOTD-What Did You Have for Dinner?

Salad topped with 2 hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, a little grated cheese and ranch dressing.

4oz slice of oven roasted turkey breast

Grapes

Sugar-free vanilla pudding cup

Iced tea

Mmmm Mmmm.

 

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " The Shower Song" from "L.A. Rockabilly Again" by "Flamin' Aces"

QOTD–What Is making You Mad?

Mad?

As in crazy. Insane. Angry.

The problem with these questions is some of them have double meanings.

That’s starting to get annoying.

Really, if I had to answer this question 2 years ago, I would have had to answer everything. Whether it be financial or work related, the smallest things were enough to make my angry and act childish.

Today, not so much. I’ve spent a lot of time the last few years reflecting, reading, and learning how to be calmer and happier.

Like the question the other day about change, I have been able to create new habits that make me stop and think instead of reacting. Sure those old habits are still there and if  I’m tired I start to feel the old frustrations resurface. I’ve learned to reroute those frustrations by distracting myself with something that makes me happy such as picking up a book or turning on some music or blogging.

The key is to realize that some people or situations are not going to change so you need to change how you react to them.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Slide" from "Whatever: The '90s Pop and Culture Box Disc 7" by "The Goo Goo Dolls"

 

Could you whisper in my ear
The things you wanna feel
I'd give you anythin'
To feel it comin'
Do you wake up on your own
And wonder where you are?
You live with all your faults
I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide
Yeah, I'm gonna let it slide
Don't you love the life you killed?
The priest is on the phone
Your father hit the wall
Your ma disowned you
Don't supposed I'll ever know
What it means to be a man
It's somethin' I can't change
I'll live around it
I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide
Ooh, slide
And I'll do anythin' you ever dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothin' that fall
Oh, May
Put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
Oh, May
Do you wanna get married Or run away?
And I'll do anythin' you ever dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothin' that fall
Oh, May
Put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
Oh, May
Do you wanna get married
Or run away?
I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything
And I'll do anythin' you ever dreamed to be complete
(Yeah, slide)
Little pieces of the nothin' that fall
(yeah slide)
And I'll do anythin' you ever dreamed to be complete
(Yeah slide)
Little pieces of the nothin' that fall
(Oh, oh slide)
Yeah, slide between the sheets of all them beds you never knew
(Yeah slide)
Why don't you slide into my room
Just slide into my room
Oh, we'll run away, run away, run away

QOTD–What Is Your Favorite Accessory?

I really don’t wear accessories.

At work I wear slacks, a button-down shirt and a name tag.

On my day off, it’s jeans and a t-shirt or sweats and a t-shirt if ‘m at home.

I don’t wear a watch or any jewelry except for my wedding ring so I guess my wedding ring would be my favorite accessory.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Pirouette" from "No Sanctuary" by "A Loss for Words"

 

We both sat there in denial
I was miles away
You dusted off your old flats
And you practiced your plies

Blank stares across an empty vacuum
Of stubbornness and vanity
Instead of saying what you really mean
You just dance away from me

I know your shadows
I'm engrossed in silhouette
You know just how that dance goes,
My Queen of Pirouette

Cold breezes and colder shoulders
To make this night complete
Do I dare drag my feet
Dare to sleep alone?
Will you keep dancing to the beat?

I know your shadows
I'm engrossed in silhouette
You know just how that dance goes,
My Queen of Pirouette

I will scream it from the rooftop
Get this out of me
And bellow out of key
I'm too tired
And now I just wanna fall asleep
But you just dance away from me

I know your shadows
I'm engrossed in silhouette
You know just how that dance goes,
My Queen of Pirouette

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/a-loss-for-words/pirouette-lyrics/#KqVt7AOPfvymBsqu.99

QOTD–What Made You Smile Today?

This really made me stop and think.

I know I have smiled a lot today but to say one thing made me smile. That seems tough for some reason.

It’s Saturday, I’ve got the day off, the weather was absolutely beautiful, I got to spend a lot of time with Evelyn, and I got to relax.

Roll that all up in one day and who wouldn’t smile.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Change of Heart" from "The Essential Cyndi Lauper" by "Cyndi Lauper"

 

 

Here I am
Just like I said I would be
I'm your friend
Just like you think it should be
Did you think I would stand here and lie
As our moment was passing us by
Oh I am here
Waiting for your change of heart
It just takes a beat
To turn it around
Yes I'm waiting for your change of heart
At the edge of my seat
Please turn it around
Days go by
Leaving me with a hunger
I could fly
Back to when we were younger
When adventures like cars we would ride
And the years lied ahead still untried
While I stand here
Waiting for your change of heart...
Blind leading blind
Never hear the laughter
Search through time
Nothing reveals the answer
If it's truth that you're looking to find
It is nowhere outside of your mind
I bide my time
Waiting for your change of heart...

Review: The Martian: by Andy Weir | Summary & Analysis

The Martian: by Andy Weir | Summary & Analysis by Book*Sense

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







View all my reviews

QOTD–What Is Your Current Favorite Snack?

We just finished off all the leftover holiday cookies and chocolate so I’ve been shoveling those down for the last couple of weeks.

But my current and longtime favorite has been sliced apple and peanut butter.

I also haven’t been able to get enough root beer lately.

QOTD–What Is The Last Good Thing You Ate?

 

 

When I read this question my mind immediately went to the Chile Relleno at Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia in San Antonio, TX.

It was just amazing. Indescribable.

If you’re ever in San Antonio it’s a must stop kind of place.

 

Just couldn’t resist this one.

 

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Knights Of Shame" from "Megalithic Symphony" by "AWOLNATION"

 

 

Dance
Baby, dance
Like the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
Like the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
'Cause the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
Like the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
Like the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
'Cause the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
Like the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
Like the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
'Cause the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
Like the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
Like the world is ending
Dance
Baby, dance
'Cause the world is ending
This is who you are
This is who you are
This is who you are
This is who you are
This is who you are
This is who you are
Oh
Oh
Sit back and look for the warnings
The future's bright and alarming
Sit back and look for the warnings
Sit back and look for the warnings
The future's bright and alarming
Sit back and look for the warnings
Go
Woo
Huh
Cool
Uh,
Baby walkin' around with your head cut off
Baby walkin' around with your head cut off
Oh
Baby walkin' around with your head cut off
Baby walkin' around with your head cut off
Their power's fear
And it surrounds me
Their signs, you can see
One day we will wake the walking zombies
'Til then we pray
Oo
Everybody
Everybody
The king and his ghost are laughing at me
These signs, you can see
One day we will listen for the sirens
'Til then we pray
Skeletons
Marching army
Guns
Drop your feet
I'm scared
I'm Duke Ellington
My mother said there'd be days like this
But one of the fires lit made her piss
Calling all zombies
All up inside me
Transformin' vampires
Right beside me
And you can't run
'Cause, you did, you'd be dead
And them walls can't roll from the side of my head
I beat the ghoul
My beats are cool
But here's last kiss
All suckers
They will cease to exist
I can't entertain with a beat up human
Lay waste to cities
Leave towns in ruin
I
Am a
Ro-
Bot
Whole arsenal stock
Ready to blow
Lastly you see:
Me, be 3 by 3
Firing these things called TNT
Fire these things called TNT
These things called TNT
They call me TNT
These things called TNT
Uh,
We can dance like the world's over
Yeah, it's almost 2012
Call your girls over
Let's kick back
Pop shots
Have a ball
And if the world blow up
Next life, we do it all over
Uh, yeah, let's toast to the memory
I wrote my name in the sky, so remember me
Baby, forever we
Together mentally
The day I leave my baby over somethin'
Then hell'll freeze
Froze
This world Cole, like Natalie
So
Let's lose our clothes like Adam Eve
Back to the basics
Step out the matrix
Step out your cool
Baby, get on my spaceship
I seen her face lit
She seen a sign like a Mason
So we ran home like a base hit
Safe
Life is whatever you think it is
Yo, what you think this is?
Uh, yeah it's all in your mind baby
You gotta do what you feel, like a blind lady
You gotta spread your wings and just fly, baby
It feel like you're reborn?
That's my baby
She said she feel it in her soul like a vibrator
I got some things for your thoughts we can try later
Let's hit the dance floor
Right before we out of time
And just party like it's 1999
You know what Prince said
Girl, you my princess
I got the glass slipper
I hope the thing fits
Your body on fire
Let me extinguish
Hop on this white horse
Ride to the sunset
Is anybody really
Out
There
Breath-
In'
Is anybody really
Sick
Of
Bleed-
In'
So come and scream into the
Sky
This
Eve-
Ning
And 'fore the morning I'm a
Touch
Your
Feel-
Ing
(Ha)
Let's start today
(Thank you, alright)
Let's start today
(Woo, ah, yeah)
Let's start today
(Ha ha, yeah, wooo, ok)
Let's start today
Start today
Start today
Come on down
The queen's heart
The knights of shame
The people's voice
So we pray and we pray
The queen's heart
The knights of shame
So we pray and we pray
The queen's heart
The people's voice
So we pray and we pray
The queen's heart
The knights of shame
So we pray, oh
Ooooooo
And yeah, it's no fun waiting for the fall
And there'll be no more waiting for you all
And there'll be one more chance for the truth
Without you
I would die
And yeah, it's no fun waiting for the fall
And there'll be no more waiting for you all
And there'll be one more chance for the truth
Without you
I would die
Without you
I would die
Waiting on a heartbeat
Is anybody listening?
We're waiting on a heartbeat
Can anybody hear me?
We're waiting on a heartbeat
Is anybody listening?
We're waiting on a heartbeat
Can anybody hear me?
We rob from the rich to blow down the door
Oh
We rob from the rich and blow down the door
We rob from the rich and blow down the door
Piano
We rob from the rich to blow down the door
It's been a long time, waiting on your call
It's been a long time, waiting for you all
It's been a long time, waiting for you
But I can
Bum bum bum bum bum

QOTD–Can People Change?

Absolutely.

Is it fast and easy?

Absolutely not.

We’re all hardwired by a lifetime of learned habits, images, and messages. We do things automatically without even realizing it because that’s what we’ve always done. It’s easy and comfortable. Feeling sad or depressed, grab a pint of ice cream. Win the big game, hang with your friends at the local bar and drink to your heart’s content. We’ve seen it our whole lives on TV.

The trick to fixing the negative habits is to change your go-to responses.

You’ll need to substitute something for that pint of ice cream. It can be a healthier food or a walk around the block.  And you’ll need to do this until it becomes the new norm.

But even then it’s not going to be easy because that old habit is still out there. It’s filed away in the back of your mind under “comfortable and easy”. So some time when you’re tired and just don’t feel like taking a walk that old habit is going to pop up. Then you are going to have to start all over again because the old habit has been with you your whole life and it will always be stronger than the new one.

Now I don’t claim to be an expert on this nor do I follow this advice without fail. I have struggled with weight problems my entire life and I’m not talking about a few pounds so I can look like some celebrity, I’m talking obesity. I’ve developed healthy eating habits and lost a lot of weight only to have them ruined by a week of vacationing. I didn’t listen to that voice that was telling me to eat the healthy food. I listened to the voice that told me I was on vacation and should eat what made me happy. There’s a reason it’s called comfort food.

Probably one of the best books I’ve read lately that explains the old vs. new habits is This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True by M.J. Ryan.

Go to your local library and check it out.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Living in a Fantasy" from "The Music of My Life" by "Neil Sedaka"

 

How can I stop this rain from fallin'?
How can I stop my heart from calling your name?
This ain't the way it's supposed to be
I'm living in a fantasy for your love.

Do you think of me when we're apart?
If I can think with my head and not my heart.
It's so sad...so sad to see..
I'm living in a fantasy for your love.

Days not complete if I don't hear your voice.
Sweet darlin' I got no choice.
Always wondering who's kissin' you now.
Tryin' to hold on...make it somehow.

Can't fight this feelin' that's so strong.
How can something so right turn out so wrong?
Why don't you listen to my plea?
I'm living in a fantasy for your love.

People always envy me,
They're not walking in my shoes.
They'll never, never know,
How I've been singin' the blues.

Can't make you love me if you don't.
You want me to grovel on my knees but I won't.
You're making my lose my sanity.
I'm living in a fantasy for your love.

I know you're sweet...sweet and fine.
But how many others are really on your mind?
There's no future left for me,
I'm living in a fantasy for your love.

Read more: Neil Sedaka - Living In A Fantasy Lyrics | MetroLyrics

QOTD–What Possession Could You Not Live Without?

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m flying by the seat of my pants here.

I have a full year’s worth of these questions saved on my laptop but I’m not looking ahead. These answers aren’t being written in advance, they’re being written about 30 seconds after I read the question.

Sort of a lightning round style.

This keeps me from writing, analyzing the  post, then rewriting. Because I can do that all day long and never get anywhere.

I’m also writing these post in the evening usually right before bedtime. This forces me to stick to a deadline. Right now I have about an hour and a half to finish this before it’s midnight.

If I go past midnight then it’s not the “Question of the Day” it’s the “Question of the Day I Should Have Answered Yesterday But Didn’t So Now I have Two Questions To Answer Today”.

So what possession could I not live without?

I’m sure this is referring to something of sentimental value such as my Dad’s guitar or my Mom’s Miracle Ware roaster.

Or it could be referring to something a little more philosophical such as freedom.

All good answers but I’m going with a material possession. 

I thought about my car because without a car then I wouldn’t be able to work but there are millions of people without cars and they commute back and forth to work just fine.

My house? Not really because I could always rent.

A Phone? Maybe but I really don’t talk on the phone that much. I’m a 3 minutes max type of person. (Hello. How are you doing? Great. I’m doing good. Want to go to the game on Saturday? Sure. Ok, see you then. Bye.) Quick, get straight to the point and hang up.

So I guess if I had to pick one item, I would have to say it would be my laptop.

My laptop allows me to communicate with family and friends, keep up with current events, express myself, stay organized, read, and listen to music.

Lame answer?

Maybe but during the lightning round you don’t always get the number one answer on the board. 

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Far" from "NoiseTrade – 2012 Holiday Road Trip Mixtape" by "Canopy Climbers"

 

I never thought that I'd leave you waiting
For me to figure this out on my own
There are days that I wake up wondering
If I would be better off on my own

When I'm fast asleep I run away
Please take me far from this place
If home is where my heart will stay
Why do you lead me away?

I never thought that I'd have the weight of
All of the world in my hands
(Where you go, I will follow)
Through all the noise and lack of silence
It's never been harder to hear

When I'm fast asleep I run away
Please take me far from this place
If home is where my heart will stay
Why do you lead me away?

Where you lead, I will go
Where you go, I will follow

QOTD–What Was The Last Major Accomplishment You Had?

Well, I woke up when the alarm went off this morning. That meant I survived 1 more day.

Sarcastic? Yes.

I really don’t think about major accomplishments. I tend to measure my life in smaller segments.

I know, I can hear you and every motivational speaker saying “That’s not LIVING life, that’s just existing.”

Maybe.

I was never that macho guy grunting at my bros about bench pressing 300lbs or the alpha-male psyched up over the big sale I just closed and the new luxury car I was going to buy with the bonus check.

Maybe, it’s my natural inclination toward being introverted that kept me from being that guy.

In the past whenever I attempted to be an assertive extrovert I came across as a competitive and bullying  jerk.

I’m pretty sure I missed out on some good friendships because I didn’t just be myself.

*sigh*

Ok, back to the question.

Professionally – I passed my Comptia A+ certification about 2 years ago.

Financially – We purchased a house a few years ago and it hasn’t been foreclosed on.

Probably the last major personal accomplishment I had was when I went to bed last night knowing that I was true to myself one more day.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Fly Like an Eagle" from "Fly Like an Eagle [30th Anniversary Edition] [CD/DVD]" by "The Steve Miller Band"

 

 

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle into
the sea I want to
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirits carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Oh, Lord, its a revolution

Feed the babies
Who don't have enough to eat
Shoe the children
With no shoes on their feet
House the people
Livin' in the street
Oh, oh, there's a solution

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Fly through the revolution

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Fly through the revolution

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

Read more: Steve Miller Band - Fly Like An Eagle Lyrics | MetroLyrics

QOTD–What Is Your Best Memory Of Last Year?

Lordy, that’s a tough one. There were so many good memories from last year. 

I was lucky enough to spend a week in the Washington DC area as well as a week in San Antonio, TX. Both stays were in a historic hotels and I took bus and walking tours of the cities.

There were all the national monuments, museums, the Library of Congress, the National Zoo, the pandas, the cherry blossoms, the Alamo, the riverwalk, Sea World, the list just goes on and on.

There was also a week in Evelyn’s hometown of Highlands, NJ visiting her family. We went to some historic sites, ate outside at Stewart’s Root Beer Stand in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, and went to the beach at Sandy Hook, NJ.

All great memories and I’m sure there are lot I’m forgetting.

But if I had to narrow it down to the best memory, it would come down to a tie between seeing a live panda in person for the first time and sitting on the rocks with Evelyn watching the tide come in.  

Sorry, Hon.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Seasons Change" from "Billboard Top Hits: 1988" by "Exposé"

 

Some dreams are in the night time
And some seem like yesterday
But leaves turn brown and fade
Ships sail away
You long to say a thousand words
But seasons change

It feels like it's forever
No reason for emptiness
But time just runs away
No more day by day
You dream again it seems in vain
When seasons change

I want you
I want to feel you by my side
I need you
Don't you know I need you, baby?

Seasons change, feelings change
It's been so long since I found you
Yet it seems like yesterday
Seasons change, people change
I'll sacrifice tomorrow
Just to have you here today

Forever seems so far away
There's time for love and for play
You dream about today
Feeling slips away
The winds that blow they go away
And seasons change

I want you
Don't hide your feelings from inside
I need you
I've got to have your love now, baby

Seasons change, feelings change
It's been so long since I found you
Yet it seems like yesterday
Seasons change, people change

I want you
I want to feel you by my side
I need you
I've got to have your love now, baby

Seasons change, feelings change
It's been so long since I found you
Yet it seems like yesterday
Seasons change, people change
I'll sacrifice tomorrow
Just to have you here today
Just to have you here today

Seasons change, feelings change
It's been so long since I found you
Yet it seems like yesterday
Seasons change, people change
Change the season

Songwriters
Martinee, Lewis A

Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Read more: Expose - Seasons Change Lyrics | MetroLyrics

QOTD–Are You Content?

So just what is content?

Dictionary.com defines it below:

content²

/kənˈtɛnt/

adjective (postpositive)

1. mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are

2. assenting to or willing to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc..

verb

3. (transitive) to make (oneself or another person) content or satisfied:to content oneself with property

noun

4. peace of mind; mental or emotional satisfaction

interjection

5. (Brit) (in the House of Lords) a formal expression of assent, as opposed to the expression not content

Derived Forms

contently, adverb
contentment, noun

Word Origin

C14: from Old French, from Latin contentus contented, that is, having restrained desires, from continēre to restrain

content. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved January 03, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/content

 

Based on this definition I would probably have to answer “No”.

Be it health or financial matters, there are so many things I want or need to accomplish. And that doesn’t even include the “bucket list” items. To me, answering that I am satisfied with things as they are would feel like I have given up.

I’ve reached my fifties and feel like I’m behind schedule on being healthy or financially sound. Granted, I have been trying to focus on being in the moment and enjoying life as it is but sometimes I feel life is just moving way too fast.

As soon as I can reach some sort of balance between what I think I need to accomplish and what I have actually accomplished then I’ll be content. Or, maybe, I need to focus on what I have accomplished and quit freaking out about the other stuff.

But I guess that’s everyone’s challenge in life.

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Just Another Day" from "Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits Disc 2" by "John Mellencamp"

 

Bobby Doll and Big Jim Picato
Call me up every single day
They don't work and they don't want to
Come on down to some damn café

Bobby Doll tells me
"Live in the moment"
Don't get too far ahead-
Don't live in the past
I blink my eyes
And the moment is over
I guess another day
Has passed

But it's just another day
It's just another day
Watching girls on the street
Well, that alright with me
But it's just another day

Bobby Doll and Big Jim Picato
Always there with their free advice
They've got pearl handled pistols
Underneath their vests
They want me to go out drinking
With them tonight

But it's just another day
It's just another day
Watching girls on the street
Well, that alright with me
But it's just another day

You got to clean white sheets in the morning
Conversation all afternoon
Bobby Doll and Big Jim Picato, baby
And me and you

But it's just another day
It's just another day
Watching girls on the street
Well, that alright with me
But it's just another day

But it's just another day
It's just another day
Watching girls on the street
Well, that alright with me
But it's just another day

Songwriters: Mellencamp, John

Just Another Day lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

QOTD–What Are You Most Grateful For?

That’s too easy.

The center of my life, world, and universe.

My wife.

Books I Read In 2014

Hit my annual goal of 50.

 

1. ... then just stay fat. by Shannon Sorrels

2. Beginner's Digital SLR Crash Course: Complete guide to mastering digital photography basics, understanding exposure... by Deep Cove Publishing

3. Blockade Billy by Stephen King

4. Breakfast With Buddha by Roland Merullo

5. Bubba and the Dead Woman by C.L. Bevill

6. Cadillac Beach: A Novel (Serge Storms) by Dorsey, Tim

7. Calico Joe by Grisham, John

8. Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

9. Capture the Magic: Train Your Eye, Improve Your Photographic Composition by Jack Dykinga

10. Chalktown by Melinda Haynes

11. Click: One Novel, Ten Authors by Nick Hornby, David Almond, Eoin Colfer and Roddy Doyle

12. Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography, Revised Edition by Brenda Tharp

13. Drive by Sallis, James

14. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Truss, Lynne

15. Florida Roadkill: A Novel (Serge Storms) by Tim Dorsey

16. Goodnight Mind: Turn Off Your Noisy Thoughts and Get a Good Night's Sleep by Colleen E. Carney and Rachel Manber

17. How To Disappear Completely by David Bowick

18. How to Change Your Entire Life by Doing Absolutely Nothing: 10 Do-Nothing Relaxation Exercises to Calm You Down Quickly So You Can Speed Forward Faster by Karen Salmansohn

19. How to Write Short: Word Craft for Fast Times by Roy Peter Clark

20. I'm Almost Out of Cha: Woody Paige's Chalk Board Tales by Woody Paige

21. If It Bleeds (Rapid Reads) by Linda Richards

22. If You Ask Me: (And of Course You Won't) by Betty White

23. Joyland (Hard Case Crime) by Stephen King

24. Little Lies by Heather Gudenkauf

25. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Book 1) by Ransom Riggs

26. Missing Persons (Alan Gregory Series) by Stephen White

27. My Planet: Finding Humor in the Oddest Places by Mary Roach

28. No Safe House by Linwood Barclay

29. Paper Towns by John Green

30. Praying Drunk by Kyle Minor

31. Six-Word Memoirs on Love and Heartbreak by Smith, Larry and Fershleiser, Rachel

32. Talking Pictures by Ransom Riggs

33. The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande

34. The Colorado Kid by King, Stephen

35. The Digital Photography Book, Part 4 by Scott Kelby

36. The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3 by Kelby, Scott

37. The Digital Photography Book: Part 1 (2nd Edition) by Kelby, Scott

38. The Homecoming (Wonderfully Illustrated Short Pieces) by Ray Bradbury and Dave McKean

39. The Hunter and Other Stories by Hammett, Dashiell, Layman, Richard and Rivett, Julie

40. The Inner City Mother Goose by Eve Merriam and David Diaz

41. The Song of the Quarkbeast: The Chronicles of Kazam, Book 2 by Fforde, Jasper

42. The Texas Stories of Nelson Algren by Nelson Algren and Bettina Drew

43. The Unapologetic Fat Girl's Guide to Exercise and Other Incendiary Acts by Blank, Hanne

44. The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why by Ripley, Amanda

45. Thinking Photography by Diane Asseo Griliches

46. This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True by M.J. Ryan

47. To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory) by Howard, Linda

48. Torchwood: Another Life by Anghelides, Peter

49. West of Last Chance by Kent Haruf and Peter Brown

50. With My Dog Eyes: A Novel by Hilda Hilst

Question Of The Day–What Is Your Number One Goal This Year?

A couple of years ago I attempted a 365 Challenge to post a photo a day and failed miserably. I took it on so I could practice using my DSLR camera and get more comfortable with its multitude of functions. The biggest problem was that I was unwilling to carry the camera around everyday looking for that one photo to represent the day. I became overly concerned about leaving it in the car while I was at work and really didn’t have a good storage place at work for it. So the challenge went down in flames.

This year I wanted to do another challenge so I searched online for a new 365 challenge. Mostly I found listings for more photo a day challenges but then I saw the 365 Questions Challenge. I glanced through some of the questions and thought I can do this. Some of the questions will force me out of my comfort zone but I guess that’s why they call it a challenge.

So here is the first question:

What Is Your Number One Goal This Year?

Health

In my annual goals/resolution post, I stated I wanted to focus on family, friends, health, and happiness. Clearly health is the number one objective because without it I wouldn’t be able to spend more time with my family and friends. And that wouldn’t contribute to my happiness.

This morning I did that thing we all do at the first of the year, I stepped on the scale. Let’s just say I am thoroughly disappointed in my lack of self-control during this holiday season.

So health is my number one priority and my first mini goal is to lose 25lbs by my birthday on March 15th.

That’s 73 days away which is less than a pound a day.

I have a gym membership and a ton of supportive family and friends so there’s no reason I can’t accomplish this, right?

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " Same Thing Happened To Me" from "Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings" by "John Prine"

 

Moonlight shining on the back of my hand
Cat fight rattlin' the garbage can
Looks like somethin' chased you up a tree
Same thing, same thing happened to me
Wild wind blowing down the neck of my shirt
Old men sitting on a bench in the dirt
Seems that another ship has gone out to sea
Same thing, same thing happened to me
Shoe shine someone's got to tell ya the news
A fine line separates a boy from the blues
Looks like you could use some company
Same thing, same thing happened to me
Runnin', runnin' just as fast as I can
Someone, someone take a hold of my hand
Looks like somethin' chased you up a tree
Same thing, same thing happened to me
Same thing, same thing happened to me.

Songwriters: NICHOLSON, GARY / PRINE, JOHN

Same Thing Happened To Me lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

2015 Goals and Resolution

Ok, here’s another annual ritual that me and everyone else goes through. Usually I expound extensively on how I’m going to change and set all these lofty goals that I stress over for the next year.

This year I’m not really setting goals. Sort of.

I have a few projects that I want to accomplish such as cleaning up my photos and reposting them to Flickr in a more orderly fashion.

I also stumbled across a 365 Questions challenge where you answer a new question about yourself every day so that should help meet my constant goal to write more.

Other than that, my focus for 2015 will be family, friends, health, and happiness.

 

 

Cheers!

May the new year be the beginning of the best of your life.

 

 

 

While writing this I was listening to " The River" from "Had to Cry Today" by "Joe Bonamassa"

 

Down by the river
That's where I broke down and cried
Down by the river
That's where I lay down and died

Going down to the river
For as long as I can stand
Mama told me "Son, "
as she took a hold of my hand

"Water runs so deep,
Deep as all my pain, "
Down by the river, honey
Lord, can I be saved?

I said down by the river
That's where I broke down and cried
I said down by the river
That's where I broke down and cried

I said down by the river
Heartaches soaked in wine
I'm just lookin' for redemption
For that wanderin' soul of mine

Pull me to my knees
As I drown in the pouring rain
Down by the river, honey
I still see your face

Sometimes around midnight
They'd come knocking at my door
I said sometimes around midnight,
Hell hounds found what they're looking for

Well those flashing lights told me
Didn't have to say a word
Someone took my baby
Someone took away my world

All they found was a letter
I should never have let her go
The river's the only witness
The only one who knows

And the wind whispers her name
And all the lonesome years
Water turns to whiskey
I drown in my own tears

Down by the river
I see my life in flames
Down by the river honey
I call out your name

I call out your name

I call out your name