Smitty's Place

2009-11-03T22:50:00.001-06:00

One passed out; One wired.

2009-10-23T08:11:00.001-05:00

The Girls

2009-10-11T22:06:00.001-05:00

Sunny day in the backyard!

Waiting for Uncle George!!

2009-09-20T11:18:00.001-05:00

Should I find a new clinic??

2009-09-17T09:12:00.000-05:00

Is cotton THAT hard to get right?

Mmm... Sugar!!

2009-09-14T16:37:00.001-05:00

Here is 'Cloud 9' from a local bakery here. 9 layers of sponge cake
with caramel sauce inbetween covered with merange!! Did I spell that
right??

The pups

2009-09-14T16:06:00.001-05:00

Overwhelmed

2009-09-14T08:58:00.002-05:00

I think I need to get back to writing.

I have become so overwhelmed with relationship changes, work 'ho-hum' and being a shoulder for another new friend going thru some relationship issues.

This was medicinal when I was going thru the break-up with the ex and it just might help me again!

I'll see you kids in a bit!

Woah

2008-07-10T14:48:00.001-05:00

It's been a while but I need to get back to blogging. Give me some time and i'll get rolling again!

HOLA!

2006-10-17T12:46:00.000-05:00

Well, it's officially day 3.

Mikey moved in this weekend and we're now an integrated household. Well, minus the fact that I think Akima wants to EAT Niblets, but I hope for that to pass.

We're still unpacking, moving stuff around, cleaning and just getting used to each other.

Tonight I need to setup the 'media room' and get all the computer network bullshit all figured out.

Wish us luck!!

Getting old sucks ass!!

2006-08-10T08:08:00.000-05:00

So, the last weekend of softball went smoothly until I woke up the next morning. I couldn't even sit-up in bed. My abs hurt to holy hell and I dind't think anything of it. I continued my week and the pain went away.

The next weekend was playoffs and we ended up playing 6 games and coming in second. YAY PUPS!

During the 4th game, after smacking the ball past 'The Shane' I took off running to first base. Something popped. By the end of the 6th game I couldn't even lightly jog to my position in the field.

So, I call the clinic and get an appointment. However, the clinic I usually go to is a completely closed practice and my previous Doctor had moved on. I was SOL. The ship me off to Golden Valley and I see a Physician's Assistant.

She was nice, not outwardly disgusted that I an gay (ive had problems in the past), and asked lots of questions. Color me impressed!!

When she was poking and prodding the area just below the belly button and above the 'junk' she was looking for a hernia. She checked the usual places and no pain... nothing. Apparently hernias are to the side of that area and not in the middle.

HOWEVER, when she started poking the area right in the middle I was crying like a baby. It hurt SO FUCKING BAD!!

Apparently I might have a Herniated Abdominal Wall. Less common than the traditional hernia, but I still have to go see a Surgeon. That appointment is set for a week from Tomorrow.

I'll let you know the outcome.

Weekend News

2006-07-10T08:37:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

The weekend was good to me! Got the garage almost cleaned out which is a feat within itself!! We use it as storage, but need to move everything because the landlord is having the entire floor replaced. We have until next monday to get it cleaned out. Just have to get rid of some trash and a whole lot of cardboard!

I finally got my 'main' character on WoW to level 60. It's the highest you can go for now and NOT an easy task! I'm happy with it, but now I am working on my Warlock and getting her to level 60 (she's 48 now).

Softball was ok. Beautiful day for it!! We hit the crap out of the ball in our first game against the Lost Sox but the Cupcake apparently have Kyrptonite undies... they beat us, again, and I don't know why we can't get them. Oh well. Next year!!

I'm going to be meeting with my two bosses today to discuss the transition between roles! I'm SUPER excited to get started in the new work!

LOOK!!

2006-07-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

New Pics!!

Over in the Flickr thingy.

YAY ME!

GASP

2006-07-05T11:33:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...

I been demoted on some of your sites and stuff, but I'm back!

It may be infrequent at times, but I do plan on blogging more.

Many things coming down the pipe: job change, Mikey's job change, looking for a house, dog stories, etc...

Stay tuned!!

(I'm in desperate need of getting some new pics up. I'll see what I can do this week!)

Love ya all!

Smitty

I'm moving up!!

2006-07-05T11:29:00.000-05:00

I GOT A NEW JOB!!

I'm still going to work for the same company, but I'll be moving into the actualy helpdesk area and learning some applicable skills!

I'll be starting off by managing the new PCs for the company. I'll be incharge of setting them up for new users and such.

Sucky 9am-6pm shift, but hopefully that can change after a while.

Mikey also got a new job!! I'll give out more details as I'm not sure he's signed his offer letter yet.

Another reason I don't teach...

2006-05-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

PARENTS!

Softball -- brain dump

2006-05-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

Something that used to be fun is now turning into a part-time job...

Last year I thought we had an excellent season! I had to work hard to get things arranged, planned and managed. I had some people step-up and take the fundraiser off my plate and that was a HUGE plus.

After this fundraiser, one member of the team got PISSED because Trixie and I (the only two in 'leadership' positions) decided to give everyone a small chunk of money and save some for the upcoming season. Looking back, I'm glad we did because the person in charge of finding a sponsor for us has been striking out and we needed the money to front the sponsor fee... Our realtor sponsor has been MORE that accommodating for us and has been GREAT over the past 3 years. We love him!

Anyway, after last year I was asked to form a 'board' for the team. I was told that the responsibility for making decisions shouldn't be soley mine and that the team should make the decisions as a group. After the committee meeting, the decision was made to just let the committee decide.

Apparently as long as the biggest complainer got to give input, fuck the rest!

So, now that the year has started, I've already had to call one person on their duties and say: You need to get this rolling and 'own' it. We fought back and forth but the biggest defense was: Why should I plan a fundraiser when there is snow still on the ground??

My response: 'Why should I even think about getting the team going when there is snow on the ground?'

Since then, Mickee has stepped up and kept communication flowing, answered questions, and even has his game plan for the weekend laid out. I'm SO happy he's doing this!

As for everything else? I got the meetings started; I solicited the feedback. I lead the committee meetings and the team meetings.

Recently, I was told that it was MY job to communicate practices and cancellations to the team. We had agreed that Tim would lead and manage practices. He started off well and scheduled a few batting cage runs, but then nothing... I was forced to try and figure out a time and place and day for practice.

When I called him on it I was told that it was MY job to do all that. All he was doing was the 'physical' part of practice leadership. How, exactly, does that take away any work from my plate?

I recently had a player 'blow up' because I cancelled practice because there was an OVERWHELMING lack of response...

I figured out that I put 89 hours into the team last year in 'Management'. That doesn't even include the time spent on tournaments.

With the way the season is going now and all the slack I have to pick up... I'm headed to overshoot that 89 hours...

Funny thing is: I get NOTHING for this. I'm not paid. I'm rarely thanked. I don't even get my freaking jersey free!

I'm not sure what my goal is here with this post but hopefully I can just let this go and move on... I'd like to have fun this summer.

Yuna

2006-04-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

Biggest ham I know...

http://smittysplace.textamerica.com/?r=4690333

http://smittysplace.textamerica.com/?r=4690339

I'm here.

2006-04-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

You know what sucks? A week from today i'll ofically be 'in my thirties'...

Not 30, but 31... at least with 30 I still felt young.

With softball starting up I'm feeling older than ever. Aches, pains, muscles that haven't been used in a year are SCREAMING at me now...

Ick.

At least I get a good dinner out of the deal! :D

No worries...

2006-04-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

Things are on track and ok.

I killed a 3-headed dragon last night!!

Yes, i'm a geek.

Changes?

2006-04-12T08:32:00.000-05:00

It appears life is gonna change a bit for me. Not sure what I want to post here, but just wanted to say 'Hello'.

I may not be posting for a while, but i'll be back.

Thanks for stopping by!

Smitty

Team Speak

2006-04-05T11:43:00.000-05:00

So, in WoW, my guild has a Team Speak server. Team Speak is a program that runs independently from WoW and allows users to speak to each other rather than type everything out.

Mikey is wierded out by it. He doesn't want to hear the 'pimply, 12 year-old' on the other side of the cartoon he's playing. We were talking on the phone last night and I have TS playing thru my regular computer speakers and then I talk thru my headset. (I figure it's a little less awkward for Carlos because he can then hear both ends of the conversation. He still giggles at me...) Anyway, Mikey calls for our evening chat and hears TS in the background. He starts getting all weird about it. He thinks it so strange that I'd want to talk to the people that are helping me and in some cases keeping my character alive.

I have actually come closer to some of my guildies using TS. Colleen lives in Atlanta and just bought a house. New construction, even. She and Marc are a thing and Marc lives in Vancouver, but it working on the process of being able to move to the states. Kam is my online buddy and we do most of our quests together. He has a 14 year old cocka-poo and a beast that's part lab. His wife is 53 (he's in his late 40's) and she not that interested in WoW. He helps my lower level characters with their quests, and sometimes gets us into trouble. :-D

Now, that being said, MOST of this information has been shared over TS and is WAAAAAAAY easier to coordinate what direction for the team of 5 to go.

Besides, I'm a teacher... We have guildies that are lower level and have lots of questions (even Kam quizzes me on all the other classes that i've tried). Some of them pop onto TS to ask us all about abilities and stuff AND if I were in the middle of something, listing out how I selected my talents would put my character in the graveyard.

Anyway, here's the bottom line: I'm a geek. Love me for it. :-D

Checking out the Mormons

2006-04-04T07:41:00.000-05:00

Peanuts

2006-04-03T11:51:00.000-05:00

So, remember Peanuts? I haven't seen him at the gym for a while. To be hoinest, I haven't missed him.

This morning I went to the sauna to dress (because my clothes feel like they've been stored in a refigerator) and The other guy was hanging out.

He said about two weeks ago, on the news, he saw Peanuts...

Apparently, Peanuts has had enough with our Government and 2 weeks ago tried to scrabmble over the fence that's around the WHITE HOUSE!!!

Just proves my point that he was/is a few fries short of a Happy Meal!

I'm currently scouring old newscasts to see if I can find the video...

New Found Respect

2006-03-30T12:40:00.000-06:00

Judge Judy never really impressed me... things are turning around it seems.

'Beauty fades. Stupid is forever!' -Judge Judy

Good News!

2006-03-24T10:11:00.000-06:00

This is GREAT! I wonder how the conservatives will 'use' this report though.

TGIF!

Long time, no blog!

2006-03-23T09:20:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the lapse in my posting, but I've just been struggling with stuff to write. I don't want to just keep posting my gym progress, who's hot, and all that other junk...

I've been keeping busy with World of Warcraft. Yes, I know... ANOTHER game. I bought it for Mikey for Valentines Day and have subsequently become hooked. Like hooked in the worst way. I dream about it. Yuck.

I have taken some screenshots but I haven't figured out where WoW stores them for me to use.

I'll do a nice little post with pics of my characters and stuff. Maybe even Mikey's ugly Horde troll... we'll see.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Mikey and I have been talking about houses. I don't know how my past financial decisions will effect the process, but I'm hoping they've cleared up a bit to allow for more flexibility. I'm actually looking forward to moving in with Mike. It's just so comfortable having him over on the weekends and it sucks saying 'See you next weekend' when I go to work on Monday.

We don't have to make any critical decisions yet, but we'd need to buy sometime in November... We haven't decided fully if we're going to buy or just rent for another year. However, come November, we will live together. It's time.

I'd like a house with a big, fenced in yard. That's really my only requirement. However, the fence MUST be a privacy fence because Yuna can magically get herself over anyfense that's less than 5 feet tall. Mikey is more concerned about the interior and the initial flexibility of the space. We MUST have a large kitchen or one that can be remodeled. I require workspace near the stove. Just a thing of mine.

We're currently looking to the Suburbs because the city of Minneapolis is WAY to overpriced unless you live in the ghetto. I'm not living in the ghetto again.

A good friend of mine lives in Spring Lake Park and loves it there. There are some nice, affordable houses up there, but I think we may have issues blending in with the NASCAR stickers, mullets, and Wal-Mart shoppers. :-)

I'm excited! I honestly can't wait to get to looking. It's something we're doing together and that's AWESOME!!

Thanks for reading and letting me blab. More about WoW soon!

Progress!

2006-03-01T11:39:00.000-06:00

I have noticed some progress in my arms as of late.

The workouts I'm going are apparently helping AND eating non-pre-packaged meals are probably lending a hand. Eating a salad 2 nites a week apparently makes for good nutrition.

I'll post a pic or two once I can take one without feeling like a dork. I snapped one off with my camera phone, but I think it show too much of my less-than-fantastic bod...

I have to batteries charged for my digicam so maybe I'll try and get a little peep show going for you all. :)

Happy Wednesday!

Good Weekend!

2006-02-27T08:42:00.000-06:00

Wtih all the upcoming bullshit and our opposite schedules, Mikey and I don't get to see each other very often. Here's how the weekend went:

Friday: I finished up work at 4:30pm and headed home. Took care of yuna and Akima (coming VERY close to not having anything for them for breakfast on Saturday... I think they could tell I was hiding something :D) I gamed for a few hours and went to bed. Mikey had to work. Logged Mikey time: 0 hours.

Saturday: Go to Target early and get all my requests for time off for the summer in. Mikey came in for lunch. This has become a VERY important part of our schedule. Any time we can spend together is becoming valuable... It's a nice break to my day too! Mikey has also been working Saturdays at his job to build up some comp time for a trip to Texas to see a friend. So, he got sceduled to work until Midnight. Logged Mikey time: 45 minutes.

Sunday: Mikey got to my house around 12:30AM and I waited up for him, but pretty much went right to bed. Slept in until 10AM (the girls were VERY patient with me) and got cleaned up for brunch... Mikey and I have been trying to get out of the house and be amoungst the living on Sundays. Sunny Side Up off of Nicollet is our favorite morning stop. We went to Patina and wandered around for a bit, grabbed a Papa Murphy's pizza and headed home. Mikey read the paper and I loaded up an old PS1 game called 'Brigadine'. Played for a bit until Mikey passed out on the couch. I moved into the bedroom and checked out World of Warcraft for a bit. Mikey woke up and continued to read the paper and cleaned up my place a bit. It bugs him when he can't eat at the table... :D Logged Mikey time(awake): 13hours

When it's all said and done, I'll take all the time I can get. We've agreed we don't need to be in each others' face 24/7 but it's nice to have him in the same house... Even that time means a TON to me.

Love you Mikey!

Quote

2006-02-09T08:51:00.000-06:00

Quite possible one of the funniest quotes I've seen recently.

“[Bleep] no. I’m not gonna do a Britney and pop out some kids. I’m not a Happy Meal. My husband’s got the burger, but he’s not getting the fries and shake to go with it.”

-- Pink

Hello!

2006-02-07T13:48:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the not-so-regular posting, but I've just been lacking things to write.

I did my taxes on Thursday night and I already have my State refund back!! It's kind of nice because this year I don't have to pay in. It's also the first year where my refund is over $160!

YAY ME!

I have plans for the money, but the dictator in my life won't let me spend it the way I'd like to...

He's got some good logic, but I really don't care. I want to spend it on what I want to spend it on. I know that's selfish, but I also haven't just run out and bought the Laptop yet either...

*sigh* I'll prolly just sock it away in a savings account and hopefull accrue some interest. I can use it for a down payment on a house or even a Yuna-proof fence if said house doesn't come with one.

HOLY HOT GUY!!

2006-01-31T15:36:00.000-06:00

Aight, I was walking through the skyway today and this hot little muscle stud and his INCREDIBLY FUCKING GORGEOUS 6'2"-ish friend with BEAUTIFUL eyes and a military haircut were heading in the opposite direction. He was wearing jeans and a painted on t-shirt. Jaw-dropping hot...

The tall dude made eye contact and then quickly diverted his eyes, but I saw him check me out 2 more times! Then, he checked me out as they were passing. AND THEN, I did the 3-step-then-turn move and caught him checking me out AGAIN! (he had a beautiful backside too!!)

WOOOOOO FUCKING-HOOOO!!!

Granted, it was the I-don't-want-my-friend-to-know-I-think-you're-attractive looks, but they were looks nonetheless!!

*sigh*

I need that everyday!!

TIRED

2006-01-31T08:55:00.000-06:00

Wow... I feel like I got NO sleep last night.

Went to bed at 11pm and set the alarm for 6am... not unreasonable, but my ass is DRAGGING today.

I'm not sure caffeine can help.

Must. Take. Nap.

Oops! I did it again...

2006-01-25T10:54:00.000-06:00

I bought a new digital camera. I really couldn't pass it up because it was a SWEET deal and it was on my favorite consumer camera.

I got the Sony W5. Takes beautiful pictures, is lightning fast, it's Sony, and has a 2.5" LCD screen. Love. It.

Mikey is gonna take the Olympus because he needs a better Digi-cam and he likes the tiny cameras. I can't hang onto them with my ogre-sized hands.

Forgot to tell you...

2006-01-24T12:09:00.000-06:00

On Friday, I was coming back from the gym and decided to avoid the CRAZY elevators in my building and take the safe ones and use our private skywalk to get into my area...

This entails walking past Sales. As I'm passing through, one of the slaes operations managers (a woman) is standing at the printer and then passes in front of me right before I walk through.

She stops, looks at my crotch, then continues to her office. HELLO?!?! It wasn't a glance, it was a full on 5-second stare! She never made eye contact and I verified my zipper was in it's correct position.

I was like WTF?!?!

She's got a cute husband and all but I'm wondering if she's getting any!!

HELLO!

2006-01-17T14:18:00.000-06:00

I'm back from my FABULOUS 5-day weekend and feeling GREAT!

What did I do for that entire time, you ask? Well it's time for a list:

1) Dropped the Vue off at the body shop for it's facelift
2) Gamed
3) Washed the silverware
4) Gamed
5) Went shopping with Mikey
6) Gamed
7) Played with my Poochies
8) Gamed
9) Tried snowboarding and failed miserably
10) Traded snowboard for skis and felt SOOOOO much more competant
11) Taste-tested some Mac & Cheese from scratch that Mikey made
12) Scraped 3/4 of a pan of Mac & Cheese into the trash (Mikey did VERY well; the recipe needs modifications)
13) Stayed up late
14) Gamed
15) Made WOO WOO (it's a drink)
16) Got loopy off WOO HOO
17) Got the Vue back from the body shop and it looks AWESOME! (got it BEFORE I got loopy, FYI)

And I felt WONDERFUL when I got up this morning! A little tired, but I was smiling on the way into work so that says something. I've also got some pending arrangements to go back to Afton and do some more skiing. George and I have decided we're good skiiing buddies. He's a bit more daring than I, but that's what gets the heart pumping, right?

Special thansk to Mikey, Carlos, George, Yuna and Akima for making my vacation soooooooooooo good!

SHORT WEEK!!

2006-01-09T10:49:00.000-06:00

I have requested Thursday thru next Monday off from work. YAY!!

I know, I'm not even 3 weeks into the new year and I'm already burning PTO days. But, due to my bus phobia and need of a mental break I have justified it.

Mikey is also taking Friday off (and he already has Monday off) so we're going to hang for the long weekend together.

I'm trying to think of some fun stuff to do that doesn't cost a lot of money... there WILL be some vegetation happening this coming weekend. I DEMAND it!

Get some gaming in, take in a movie or two, rent some DVDs, take the pooches to the park for a snowball fight, window shop, and find some mini-corndogs. Been craving them...

Also, I want to get my CD's transferred over the iTunes, create some playlists and work on the 'check-in/check-out' functionality of the iPod Nano. Anyone know how 'suffle' works? Or is it called 'random' on iPods????

Help if you can please!

Behind the times...

2006-01-04T10:20:00.000-06:00

So, In a search to find fun music for my iPod I have downloaded the Black Eyed Peas. Now, some of you would be like 'Right on! My humps rawks!!'

Well... I actually downloaded Elephunk. I'm LOVING IT!! I don't know when it was released but i'm sure it's a few years old.

Anyone have some suggestions for some funky music to workout/walk to?

More spam

2005-12-29T07:35:00.000-06:00

OK, if that other span recipe didn't phase you... I think this one might...

Things to do before the new year:

2005-12-27T08:08:00.000-06:00

1) Get in a car accident (check)
2) Get strep throat (check)
3) Prove Katie Holmes used a turkey baster (working on it)

The car is drivable, i'm ok and things could have been a lot worse!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2005-12-19T07:24:00.000-06:00

Mikey and I celebrated our Chistmas together on Friday. We went to PF Chang's and had a calorie-laden, SUPER DELICIOUS dinner. We went home and opened our gifts.

HE GOT ME AN iPOD!! I got the 2GB black Nano! It's awesome, but I'm not so sure I've got a grip on iTunes... so, if you're an iTunes master... PLEASE e-mail me!! I have some questions.

Mikey's big gift was a painting from Michael Birawer. He's a local artist that does FUNKY paintings of our local establishments. I got Mikey the Leaning Tower of Pizza because that's where we had our 3rd date!

It was fun! Had brunch with Carlos and George yesterday and then got mikey an upgraded graphics card for his computer because the game I gave him for x-mas won't currently work on his PC as is.

SPAM!!

2005-12-14T07:57:00.000-06:00

I know what I'm making for X-mas dinner!!

French Fry Spam Casserole

RENT

2005-12-08T10:21:00.000-06:00

Don't go see it!! It's "an in-your-face glorification of homosexuality and lesbianism."

OH NO!! It's about the GAYS!! That negates all of it's acclaims and awards!! This isn't culture; it's PROPOGANDA!!

I hate Focus on the Family. I tried to find the actual review online, but haven't been able to locate it.

__________________________________________________

Update: I found the Family.org review website. They have an elaborate website for reviews. Here's the RENT review.

DOH!

2005-12-08T08:40:00.000-06:00

I forgot my gym bag.

THANK YOU!

2005-12-08T08:30:00.000-06:00

Just a special 'Thank You!' to the person in the black truck that slammed on their brakes and scared off the thugs that jumped Carlos last night!!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Now for the story:

Carlos has doing dishes and tthe drain was going slow. He decided to pop over the the Ace hardware just 2 blocks away for some draino. He exited through the back door, cut across the church parking lot and headed down Nicollet. Ahead of him we 3, late-teem black men walking down the street.

They turned down a side street and Carlos contimued to Ace. About halfway into the block, Carlos noticed someone tugging at his pocket. One of the thugs was behind him and wanted his money. The other two began to hit Carlos.

The person passing the the black truck stopped to help and the thugs ran off. Carlos is OK, but he lost his glasses.

COme to find out that a guy at the hardware store was jumped by a gang of thugs not too long ago in the parking lot of Ace. He thinks they live in a house LESS THAN A BLOCK from us... SCARY!

Makes me want to carry a bat with me when I let the girls out in the morning/evening.

Stupid fucking punks.

Huzzah!

2005-12-01T10:26:00.001-06:00

The boys at the Starbucks in IDS think i'm looking HOT today!!

WOOT!

Crazies...

2005-11-29T13:43:00.000-06:00

So, the guy who witnessed the whole episode with 'Peanuts' came up to me when I was on the bike today. He spoke so fast a lot of what he said didn't make a whole lot of sense... here is what I understood:

-> He was in the Army and so was another member who was in the gym at the time.
-> He doesn't drink anymore.
-> Korean women are hot.
-> He thinks there are too many 'crazy' people at the 'Y'.
-> He admires me for saying what I did to Peanuts.
-> He 'fucking hates that guy!'

Then after showing that I wasn't too terribly interested he said in closure:

'You know who I hate? Those fucking gay guys, man!'

I turned back to my gameboy and added him to my mental 'ignore list'...

I LOVE winter!!

2005-11-29T07:43:00.000-06:00

I love winter because:

My 5 minute commute turns to 30 minutes...

Minnesotans FREAK OUT when they see snow, as if it's something foreign to them... (Yes, even those imported from Iowa)

Walking on a sidewalk can be as entertaining as my first day on rollerblades...

The pups come into the house and leave paw prints on EVERYTHING...

So, love it or not, I'm stuck with it.

...

...

...

(checks calendar)

...

...

...

Is it done yet? :D

Harry Potter

2005-11-21T09:46:00.000-06:00

LOVED IT!!

High points: (forgive my spelling; I haven't read the books)

Voldemort is FREAKY! VERY well played.
Incredible animations!
Lots of complexities revealed.
The guys from the other 'russian' school were kinda hot!
Hermoine is beautiful!
Snape -- LOVE HIM!

Stuff I think it needed:
More explaination of a few things: portkeys, death eaters, curses.
I can't believe Hermoine didn't know what a portkey was and how to use it.
I'm having trouble with the 'new' Dumbledor...
There seems to be less closure. Must be setting up for a final movie.

Weeked approaches...

2005-11-17T13:26:00.000-06:00

I'm taking tomorrow off so I can go see Harry Potter, spend some time with Mikey and maybe even clean my room. The 3rd one is questionable.

I'm tired and ready for a break. Mikey is going to Iowa this weekend so I'm going to veg and play my game most of the weekend (other than my Target time).

George and I might hang out on Sunday but we'll work those plans out tomorrow as he is coming with to see Harry Potter.

Have a Great day!! STAY WARM!! (currently 21 degrees here)

'It's REALLY nice!'

2005-11-14T08:36:00.000-06:00

When walking in the skyway today I overheard a couple of guys talking about a friend who had purchased one of the overpriced, downtown condos that are sprouting up all over the Minneapolis area.

'It's REALLY nice! It has hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances.'

That's all he offered for amenities, location, or anything to determine 'nice'.

I just find it funny that real wood and stainless steel are all it takes to 'sell' a place as 'nice'.

Random

2005-11-09T08:13:00.000-06:00

Squirrels are FAT!

and... FUCK IT'S WINDY!!

Even Shorter...

2005-11-07T08:13:00.000-06:00

Now weekends seem even shorter!

This was my first weekend with Mikey working his 3pm-Midnight shift.

It was a fairly lonely week, communicating through text messages while he's at work. Our weekend starts with me at Target. He comes in and eats lunch with me and we make comments about all the 'hot' and 'not-so-hot' people that come in. :D

Then I finish up work at 3pm, bee-line it to home, and play my game a bit. I call him, work out a plan and then we spend our time together...

It's going to be an adjustment, but we're already one week into it and I'm pretty sure we'll make it.

Shoutbox

2005-11-04T08:45:00.000-06:00

I removed my shoutbox... It was getting spammed WAY too often and shout mix doesn't have any plans to tighten that security.

Early Turkey Day Greeting

2005-10-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

I got this today forwarded from my sister... probably the cutest T-Day card i've seen!!

Happy Turkey Day!

T-minus 1 week and counting...

2005-10-24T15:57:00.000-05:00

Then Mikey starts his SHITTY-ASS schedule of 3pm to Midnight.

That means I'll get to wake up to him on Saturday Morning, work at Target, hang with him at night, hang with him Sunday and then not see him again until the next Saturday.

Ick.

Ick. Ick. Ick.

Well... I guess I'll get more quality time with my games then. :)

It'll be a challenge, but only for a month!

Dude...

2005-10-17T12:08:00.000-05:00

So, at the YMCA there is a gentleman who I refer to as 'peanuts'. I gave him this nick-name because in one of his 3 lockers he keeps 3-4 jars of dry roasted peanuts. Along with a stash of Diet Coke to refill his 44 oz. That he buys from SA.

He's in his late 50's or early 60's, about 5'11 and not in too bad of shape. I'm not sure what he does exactly, but he will spend hours sitting on the floor or sprawled out in his swim trunks working on his PDA or his laptop.

He also talks to himself. Sometimes he'll be sitting and oscillating. Odd.

Outside the steam room and sauna are rules. One of the rule is 'Do not cover the vent.'

Peanuts had taken over the steam room and in his usual manner, took a paper towel and covered the vent. When I was done with my workout, I hopped in the steam room where it was about 150 degrees! That's WAY too hot and there was no steam.. It was just hot and kinda dry.

I've learned with Peanuts that if you come in, spray down the 'steaming thingy' and actually fill the room with steam, he'll leave.

I chased him out the first time, took down the paper towel and held the door open to let some of the heat out. I reset the room so it was a LOT more tolerable and actually a steam room.

Another gentleman joined me and said that it was so 'fucking' hot in there before he had to get out. We agreed and I relaxed and inhaled some steam.

Peanuts comes back. You can tell he's upset, but he turns around (after coming into the room) and comes back a few seconds later with a papertowel in his hand.

I don't think ANYONE has ever said anything to him before because he seems a touch unstable. Today, I said something...

Smitty: Hey, no towels on the vents, dude!

Peanuts: (angrily) I want to see your ID card that says you have the authority to say that!

Smitty: Do you want me to go to the emergency phone to get someone up here who does work here?

Peanuts: Fine!

I leave the room and go call downstairs and told them the situation.

I hang up the phone and head back into the steam room. I WOULD NOT have gone back in if it weren't for the other guy that witnessing the situation...

Peanuts: You are threatening me! The way you used the word 'dude' was threatening!

Smitty: I just said that it's a rule not to put things over the vent. It's says explicitly outside the door NOT to do so.

Peanuts: SIR, where do you work?

Smitty: You do not need to know that information. All you need to know is that I pay my membership here just like you do. You are not entitled to my personal information.

Peanuts: Yes I am! You are 5 times my junior and are big! (I think I giggled when he said that)

Joe from the front desk comes up to talk to the guy.

Peanuts RUNS out of the steam room and starts to YELL that I going to attack him.

Peanuts (to Joe): The way he used the word 'dude' was hostile and I felt threatened! I am 5 times his senior and he is a lot more muscular than I! He was threatening me!

Joe turns to me and says: Michael, what happened?

Peanuts tries to interrupt me and Joe give him a hand to the face!! (I love Joe. He's a 50 year old black guys that dislikes NO ONE)

I explained what I said and what I meant and the other guy backed me up completely. Joe said: Michael, you're ok. You're in the right.

I left to hop in the shower and I could hear Peanuts going crazy!! He disappeared while I was in the shower, but when I came back out Joe was waiting...

Joe: That dude has a short fuse. You're alright.

Smitty: I'll just not stick around if he's here. I also have issues with his laying on the floor half-naked and working o this laptop and PDA... I'll just let it go!

I go back to my locker and a TON of other people come up to me:

Random YMCA-er: 'I can understand getting upset over someone calling you 'asshole' or 'fucker' but 'dude'? That man is CRAZY!'

Smitty: How can he feel threatened? I don't think I know how to throw a punch!

Another Random YMCA-er: (chuckling) 'I guess we all better watch out use of 'dude' huh?

The older gentlemen near my locker were just CRACKING up because they all have experienced the oddity that is 'Peanuts.'

Coming Out

2005-10-13T07:39:00.000-05:00

Byf had asked what my 'coming out' story was...

Well, I haven't had a bad experience yet.

I knew all the way back in the 7th grade. You know when you hop in the bus and go to the pool for gym class. All the guys getting changed into the speedo-esqe suimsuit (you HAD to use one of theirs ... weird!) in the locker room and I got my first actual look at developing muscles. I remember on wrestler (no Jake, it wasn't you) who was incredible. I'm talking nice abs, chest, legs, etc... I caught myself staring. It was then that I had a pretty good idea that I liked guys.

No one ever questioned why I didn't have a girlfriend. I was a computer/choir/drama geek and I think most chalked it up to me being terribly fugly...

It was nice; no pressure.

...talking niceabs,chest, legs, etc...I caught myself staring...

During high school, I only experimented once. A man from the internet. Ick. He was overweight, scragly, and creepy.... just creepy. He e-mailed pics of someone else in order to meet up. Comforting to know the gay 'troll' mentality hasn't changed in 13 years. He brought me porn... I took it and RAN! I hopped in my car and drove around the back roads in hopes he wasn't following me. It was a very disturbing experience, but I also got to explore gay porn for the first time. HOT!

I held all activity off until college. I met another music major at school and we made out one night. We simply kissed for a bit and I left. After that he 'freaked out' and wouldn't talk to me. For ten years we never said a word. I randomly wrote him and his wife to see how they were (you can get alumni addresses off our school's website). He is married, had two kids and is now in the process of coming out himself! (You go J!!) I now chat with him everyday online and I believe he has a date coming up with a hottie. WOO HOO!!

During college breaks, I'd go home and spend most of my time exploring the city of Minneapolis. Being gay, or at least trying to understand it is a HECK of a lot easier in a larger city. Moer specifically, I hung out in Uptown. I happened upon it while exploring one day and i've been facinated ever since. Cafe Wyrd, Lake Calhoun, Uncommon Grounds, Borders, and Figlio... plenty of places to see and 'be seen' and to check out the 'gays' to see how I was supposed to fit in.

Eleven years have passed.

I'm now leading a gay softball team (with the help of my friends), dating a WONDERFUL man, working in a city I love and have a strong group of gay friends who I'll do anything for.

I love you guys! :P

Not sure that's a 'coming out' story, but it's how I am 'me'.

How cool is this?

2005-10-11T08:54:00.000-05:00

I just opened up my AIM and the AIM Today screen came up...

It said 'National Coming Out Day!' and 'Share Your Story!'

I used to think AOL was evil, but KUDOS to you, AOL, for embracing diversity!!

Thank you!

FREE PARKING!

2005-10-10T07:29:00.000-05:00

No, we're not playing Monopoly (but that sounds like fun!), but the City of Minnapolis has free parking at the meters!! YAY for Columbus!!

Also, it's National Leee Denim Days! It's a drive to raise money for Breast Cancer and Eschelon has chosen to participate.

Free Parking and a jeans day... Not sure it could get much better!

Happy Monday!!

Hello!

2005-10-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

I've been trying out MOBLOG and wanted to share with you!!

I don't have A LOT of pics there, but go take a look!

All is quiet on the Smitty front. I wasn't feeling the greatest the morning because I just couldn't sleep last night... and when I did sleep, I was fighting ninjas with Yuna and Akima in my dreams...

Let me tell you... Yuna can kick some ass!! :D

Anyway, I think I'm due to visit the doctor againa and see what my options are for sleep therapy. They have clinics where you sleep there overnight and you're hooked up to all sorts of gadgets. It'd be interesting if domething came of it, but creepy in the fact that someone is watching you while you sleep...

I need to figure something out. Must. Get. Sleep.

Maybe just reading or playing with the dogs for a half hour before bedtime would allow my brain to settle down.

WHO KNOWS!

My Salvation!

2005-09-30T14:14:00.000-05:00

Well, sorta. THis is the new phone from Verizon.

It's the Motorola E815 and it seems to be a good one. It got on a top ten list for best cell phones, so I figured I'd give it a shot. It has the fancy V-Cast stuff on it, but I'm not into that.

The camera is good and has some options like black and white or antique. Good zoom too.

Piece of Shit!!

2005-09-30T14:07:00.000-05:00

I have gone thru 2 of these phones in 6 months. The reception is rediculous. I can be standing in the Verizon Wireless store and have 'No Service' while someone next to me (with another model phone) can have full bars. DUMB!!

Don't buy this piece of crap!

This is a Public Service announcment from Smitty.

Simple Things

2005-09-30T13:16:00.000-05:00

I just asked if I could get a new mouse for my computer here at work... The old was was made back in in the 90's and the left-click was shooting blanks. Not all the time, but every 5th click was missing.

I got a brand new optical mouse for my PC now. It's like going from driving a Ford Festiva to a BMW 7-series!

I'm am just AMAZED at how shitty my mouse was and I just dealt with it.

If I EVER get a new PC here at work I think I'll have to take a half-day. It'd just be TOO MUCH to handle!!

:D

Sanity

2005-09-27T08:24:00.000-05:00

So, isn't sanity all dependant on your frame of reference?

I was walking in today and came upon a man who was wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, a 'north face' like jacket, jeans, and a almost full-length skirt...

He was yelling to himself an a 'Nathan Lane ala Birdcage' kind of voice. I couldn't make out a lot of it, but this is what I made out:

We came up to a big church on Nicollet and 12th:

Said to the church: 'What are you doing Downtown? You're like 6000 years old!'

Then, in front of this church is a stature with 3 naked people, he says:

'Good Heavens' places a hand on his hip 'PUT SOME CLOTHES ON THAT BOY!'

Then, he scurries over to the trash, pulls out an empty orange juice container. Turns to me and says 'Did you hear about the thunderstorms in Egypt?!'

I took off! I'm now thinking it would have been fun to talk to him, but I was chicken.

I was definately an awkward start to my morning! :P

(I'm checking the weather in Egypt right now)

WTF?!?

2005-09-23T08:28:00.000-05:00

A Craig's List Personal Ad.

Interesting...

*BE WARNED* It IS a personal ad and I don't know how your work views them, but don't lose your job over this one... Save it for home!

Soda...

2005-09-21T11:56:00.000-05:00

I'm craving it SOOOOO badly right now. I think I just got to get through a little lull and I'll be FINE!

I'm actually down .5 pounds from yesterday. It's the direction I want to keep going.

I've cute out soda before and lost TONS of weight. I know I can do this.

It's not even a caffeine issue because I still get coffee in the morning (with creamer and 2 splendas from SA) so I know that not the deal.

I DID make it to the gym this morning to do a leg workout. They're a little pissed at me right now and every once in a while I'll hit one of those 'imaginary stairs'. You know, when you're walking along and your knee buckles? I alwasy think that looks like someone falling down the steps.

So, fellow bloggers, if you see me in the skyway and I do a faceplant in IDS... PLEASE laugh at me but help me back up. I don't think my legs will be much help at that point!

:-)

Progress

2005-09-20T11:24:00.000-05:00

217lbs.

Third day without soda.

Must. Have. Coke...

Monday

2005-09-19T09:39:00.000-05:00

Not sure what I want to write here today...

I had some things brought to my attention last night (all of which I can agree with):

1) I've put on weight since last year
2) I don't eat very well
3) I don't take the dogs for enough walks
4) I don't clean up the shedding hair in regular intervals
5) My room is a mess
6) I don't wash dishes promptly

All because I chose to play a video game and relax most of the day on Sunday. I was told to call and we could do something, but I had it in my mind to call for dinner plans and then hang out after that. I didn't realize it needed to be ASAP. There was no expectation set.

However, we never got around to hanging out because the mood was severely dampened. I got most of the dishes done but I don't want to play any games anymore.

Today I am sad, I over slept, i have a headache and I don't want to be at work.

Shitty Monday for me.

Glasses

2005-09-16T07:56:00.000-05:00

WOW!

I've been at work for a half hour and I've received 6 compliments on my glasses. My glasses that I've had for over a year, but never work into work for some reason.

I have an eye doctor appointment today so I decided to wear them. Apparently, it's better to wear your glasses before an eye exam because they are less irritated.

I'll see if I can get a pic uploaded, but who knows how that'll go.

Gonna be a BUSY day! Doing my work AND the work of the normal dispatcher in IT. ICK!

Happy Friday Peeps!

Gym Towels

2005-09-15T12:11:00.000-05:00

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE!!

I went to the gym today and realized I hadn't packed a gym towel when I was diggin around for my gear.

I went to the desk and paid $1 for two of the tiny YMCA towels. I popped them int my locker and proceeded to the workout floor to do my thing.

After 45 minutes, I head down to the locker room and grab my towels. Wrapped one around my waist and folded the other up so I could tie it around one of the banisters (so no one would take it).

After 5 minutes in the steamroom I head to the shower and get all squeaky. I untie my other towel from the baister and bring it up to my face to dry it.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!

The towel REEKED of body odor!! Not like it could have been transferred from me or anything, this shit was BUILT IN!

I don't know if this one missed the laundry cycle or what the fuck happened, but I used it to cover my privates (after I dried off using a hand dryer) and scurried back to tmy locker to get dressed.

I took it with me downstairs and went to the front desk. I told them it was repulsive and one of the workers grabbed it (because I only really dried my face) and held it about a foot away from her nose. She could smell it too...

I'm so FUCKING grossed out right now I could vomit.

Cool Weather

2005-09-15T08:10:00.000-05:00

Another BEAUTIFUL morning!!

I know we bitch and complain about how cold and long our winters are here in MN. Honestly, I think the Spring and Fall weather COMPLETELY make up for it. I love being able to wear shorts and a hoodie.

I know it's a little early to be wishing for Fall, but I love it! Besides, piling up leaves and hiding from the pups is about one of the FUNEST things I have ever done!!

Happy Thursday!!

Um... BRRRRRR!!

2005-09-14T07:37:00.000-05:00

OK, I realize we're not even scratching the surface when it comes to the Minnesota deep-freeze, but I was NOT READY for 54 degrees this morning.

I took the pooches out for their morning activities and WOW: I was shivering!!

Good thing is I had to walk in today, so I wasn't a big, ol' sweaty mess by the time I got to work.

Well... With the sun shining now, I'm sure it'll be up to 80 or 90 by the time I leave today!

:)

Happy Wednesday Friends!

Stage One: Collect Underpants!

2005-09-12T11:50:00.000-05:00

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!

My underwear has just been lifted! I'm not talking about a wedgie or anything like that. My sweaty boxer briefs that I worked out in today have left the building!!

After lifting and spending some time on the bike, I came down to the locker room and disrobed. I left all of my stinky clothing in a pile in front of my locker... I see others do it all the time so I didn't even think much of it.

I went to the steam room for my 5 minute steam bath (feels good when trying to clear up a cold) then hopped in the shower for a nice hot shower. I toweled off, weighed myself (218lbs. -- 18 pounds to go) and headed back to my locker.

Started getting ready, got all gussied up for going back to work, and then began re-packing my gym bag... I searched and searched and searched for my boxer briefs, but they were nowhere to be found. Gone. Buh Bye.

Odd... VERY odd...

I'm kinda grossed-out about it, but a little bit flattered too. I just hope I don't get them back...

Fat-Ass-B-Gone!

2005-09-12T08:01:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm not a fat-ass but there are days I sure feel like it!

I need to try and be more efficient at the gym... 5 days a week for about 45 minutes... The 10 minutes walk through the skyway eats up a bit of my lunch... BUT, I can maximize the time. I CAN do it.

I just need to read up on the weight-lifting vs. cardio and how to combine the two. If you know of any good articles or websites, let me know!

---------

Saw 'War Of The Worlds' on Sunday... ummm... LAME!!! It was kinda freaky for a while, but when the end comes I felt I got screwed on the explanation. Ruined the movie for me. We were going to see the 'Brothers Grimm' but we missed it by 10 minutes... DEVIL!

---------

I'm also on a new financial plan... ALL credit cards, including my debit card, have been hidden. They will no longer be on my person everyday so I will resist the temptation to BUY! I have $30 to last me the week, bought groceries so I can bring my own lunch and eat healthy at home, AND I can only eat what I have brought with me... We'll see how this goes.

Wish me luck!!

Milwaukee Tournament

2005-09-08T12:20:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS PUPPIES!!

The Minneapolis Bad Puppies took 4th place in the 'C Recreational' division at the Dairyland Classic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over the Labor Day weekend!!

Now, you're probably wondering why I'd be happy about 4th place?

The Bad Puppies played in the 'D' division in our league here in MPLS. It was a stretch for us to play in 'C Rec', but I wanted to see if we could play up a bit. I'd sure like to see us play some tougher teams next season.
We entered the 'C Rec' division with 9 other teams. Four of those teams were from Minneapolis. We finished better off than the Gliders and the Crew (Aaron played for them), but got knocked down into the loser's bracket by the Racers.
Our final game was against the OurGuys.com team from Toronto. Apparently they are 'porn stars', but I honestly think it's SUPERLOW-BUDGET porn... Anyway, it was a rough game. At one point, I believe we were down 18-5 and the Puppies rallied back to TIE the game in extra innings. WE had some major drama toward the end of the game, but they stopped us from scoring the one two runs we needed to beat 'em. 65 minutes
...they are 'pornstars', but I honestly thinkit's SUPERLOW-BUDGET porn...
(of excellent softball and probably the most EXCITING game in the entire tournament. Even the locals rallied behind us, but Toronto pulled ahead!
Losing to Toronto soon became the highlight of the tournament for me. After we finished, the Racers took the field to take on the same team we lost to. Rumor has it that the pre-game pep talk contained a phrase similar to this: We will NOT be beat by a team that almost lost to the Puppies! Irony at its best!! The Racers were SHUT OUT!! They lasted about 15 minutes against the Toronto team and only got 2 hits that resulted in ZERO runs. (At the opening party, Kevin from the Outlaws had said: You're going to struggle in C Rec... Ummm, Kevin was playing for the Racers in this Tournament. :D )
This tournament was unlike any other. For 4th place they gave all 4th place and Spirit teams a cruise on the river and Lake Michigan for 2 hours... SWEEEEEEEEEEET!

We've already begun talking about going again next year, but staying at a different hotel. The Best Western downtown SUCKS ASS!! They're rude, disorganized, and the hotel just seemed DIRTY!

That's what I got for now...

Oh, I got to ride down in a new Mustang convertible!! Made my weekend!

Pics in Flickr!

2005-09-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

Check out some of the new pics!

I have to rotate some others and I'll get them up there too!

Hi Y'all!

2005-09-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

I'm back at work and working thru some stuff here, but I just wanted to say hello!

I'll post during lunch all about the tournament and stuff!!

Yuna

2005-08-24T07:27:00.000-05:00

Yuna enjoys the finer things in life: Fancy kibble, nice toys, upscale living quarters and a live-in Mexican slave. :)

However, she decided that the rag rug underneath her kennel would be the ULTIMATE relief from a boring day in the kennel! She somehow telepathically pulled HALF of the rug into her kennel and shredded the HELL out of it.

Now, this isn't a big surprise ad I'm kind of used to. However, I'm not so used to vomiting at 4:30am because she's get a big ol' hunk of rug she's got to cough up.

Also, last night after Mikey and I got home, I let the pups out for their evening romp in the backyard. Yuna proceeded to finish BOTH of her 'businesses' and then SHOT across the yard! She ran back and forth and would stop to look at her ass. Ms. Thing had a 12-inch strip of fabric from the rag rug hanging from her behind and couldn't get it out. I laughed for a bit because she acted as if something was chasing her, but I eventually had to get a plastic bag and move in for the assist.

It's nights like these I question my logic for becoming a father...

Another one bites the dust!

2005-08-22T08:35:00.000-05:00

Well, actually, it's the first one. Mikey and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary this month!

It's very hard to believe it has already been a year, but we've made it!

Here's the kicker: We STILL like each other!!! :)

I'm not letting him go anywhere and I'm sure he feels the same way. I love spending time walking around the lakes, going to a movie, playing with the pups and pretty much doing anything with him.

He's intelligent, thoughtful, caring, handsome and funny. What more could I want?

I love you Mike.

Hello Friends!

2005-08-19T11:47:00.000-05:00

Sorry I've been neglecting of my duties here at Smitty's Place.

I'm doing well! I've been trying to lay low at work and not try to spend too much time on the internet. But it is my lunch break so HERE's THE GOOD NEWS:

Mikey has an interview next week at a law firm downtown so PLEASE send good thoughts his way!!

I've very excited for him because his current job kind of SHIT on him and he'll be out of a job in early September.

The girls are doing well and are getting a bath tonight! Wish me luck because Akima don't like taking them!

I'll write more often now and try to get back into the swing of things!

Time to invest in a bike...

2005-08-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

HOLY SHIT!!

It now takes $40 to fill Jazz's belly!! That's ABSURD!!

Touching Base

2005-08-03T08:57:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!

Sorry I've been away so long, but I've been working and they're locking down our internet and everything here at work.

Anyway... The Bad Puppies didn't go so well on the end of the season playoffs. We have our typical 3-4 innings of rough defense then come back and smack the SHIT out of the ball. It just wasn't enough in our last game. We ended up 2 runs short, but I was relieved that we were done.

I'm happy to take the reigns and set-up practices, go to the league meetings, make sure people know when to be where, put the line-ups together, collect tournament information, arrange room assignments for Milwaukee, make sure the team has bats and balls to practice/play with, makes sure the score is kept (thanks Will!!), do attendance, sit out so others can play, make sure we have enough jerseys for everyone, provide a cooler with water for the team, recruit players to compliment our existing ones, communicate with the treasurer with deadlines and stuff... But to some people, I just don't do enough.

Apparently handing off the 'fundraiser' piece to a group of competant people wasn't enough either. According to some, I needed to be there from the beginning, make sure things ran smoothly, solve any problems that arise and stick aroud to clean up afterward. All this and other players get to schlep beer and get the same amount of credit.

Ron has stepped up and really helped out with getting rooms set-aside in Milwaukee and making sure we have water and stuff at the fields. Thank you Ron!

I put this team together because no one else would do it. There were 4 players and a few fans who wanted to stick together, but I was the only one who would step-up and get it going. Trixie DID get us a GREAT sponsor tho! If I hadn't got the team going again this year, I'm not sure who would have.

Next year will be different. Next year we will not run the team 'by committee'. I won't solicit opinions from anyone; I'll just make the decision I see best for the team. I will play my best players and rotate in the rest. I WILL ACTUALLY PLAY (and not just bat)!!

Update!

2005-07-29T15:25:00.000-05:00

Finishing up softball this weekend, save the Labor Day Tournament in Milwaukee.

Mikey and I are going to the lakes tonight to stroll around and then head home to hang for a while. Still have to actually 'get up' in the morning, but after softball I think a nap'll be in order.

I'm working on a new site for pictures. I'll have more info once I decide it's for me.

You all have a GREAT weekend and I'll talk to you later!

THANK YOU!

2005-07-26T08:55:00.000-05:00

I just want to thank those people who came out to the Brass Rail to suport the Bad Puppies in our efforts to raise some much needed dough for our trip to Milwaukee!

We did well and I hope to pay for a chunk of everyone's room with it!

On a sad note, I was disappointed in our turn-out from the league. We had less than 15 softball players show and that was terribly disheartening. We swarmed to other fundraisers this year in hopes to draw people to ours and didn't get much in return. In their defense, we planned it on a weekend where there was no softball being played and that hurt us.

Anyway, thanks to:

The Brass Rail and especially Timmy, Stewart and Bob
Brad Palacek
Brad, Bradley and Mickee for throwing it all together and keeping it going
Steph and Rex for prizes and all their help
Tim and Sahara for their donation
King George for all the FABULOUS artwork
The rest of the Bad Puppies for all their hard work (including FUTURE Bad Puppies) :)
The Racers, Riders, PENETRATORS, Sterling, and other teams that made their presence known.

UPDATE: Thanks to CARLOS for grilling up a ba-zillion and a half brats on Sunday!! :-P

Psssst...

2005-07-21T07:28:00.000-05:00

I'm not ignoring you, just trying to keep our flier at the top of the page. :)

Lifae has been pretty boring as of late and work is getting busier. That's about it. Oh, and Yuna is a strange dog. It's been confirmed. :D

PLEASE JOIN US!!

2005-07-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

Heat Creates Dumb-shits...

2005-07-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

Last night was a pretty warm night and fairly humid. It was cooler this morning when I woke up but the humidity was still there.

When I come to work in the morning, I park near Loring Park and walk thru the park to downtown. As I crossed the park I began to notice a theme.

All of the trash cans were knocked over. Not just one or two but every single one.

Some had trash strewn about, others were still contained and one was even emptied and turned upside down over the payphone in the park. The ones near the basketball court were emptied all over the court.

I felt awful for the group of people that tend to the park because they have A LOT of work to do and now they have to pick up after some idiot(s).

Sad thing is: they probably thought it was funny and will do it again.

First thing I heard at work today:

2005-07-12T12:34:00.000-05:00

'I'm wearing ladies socks!'

Coming from a straight, kinda rough, straight man.

I got a good chuckle out of it and told him 'Maybe you should keep that between us!'

Last Night

2005-07-07T08:32:00.000-05:00

I asked my Doctor for a sleep aid and I was prescribed Ambien. I took one arounf 9:30pm just so it'd be taking effect around 10 or 10:30pm so I could get a good night's sleep.

HOLY SHIT!

I logged on to my super-hero game for a bit and I was on a mission to defeat a lot of carnies (evil circus people). Anyway, during this mission I could feel the drug take effect. Within about 5 minutes, I felt like I had drank an ENTIRE bottle of vodka. The carnies were creepier, everything was distorted and I was trippin'!

It was a fun ride, but I was a little groggy this morning. I will have to take it a bit earlier tonight and see how it goes.

Btw, I loaded the up-north pics into my photo stream. I haven't figured out how to just present one. I'm working on that tho.

Yum!

2005-07-06T08:05:00.000-05:00

We went out!

2005-07-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Mikey and I hit the Saloon with John on Sunday night. The circuit boys were out in full force after attending the the Saloon's Tea Dance. I really had a good time, but I hadn't eaten since Noon-ish so the drinks hit me pretty hard.

I even got to meet Jim and Dan in my pre-buzz state. It was nice to meet you guys!

Mikey and I danced the night away with friends and then headed home for some sleepy-sleep. I was POOPED and a little hung-over on Monday. I woke up around 9-ish, let the dogs out and then climbed back into bed and didn't fully regain conciousness until about 2pm.

Mikey and I played our game a bit, went to dinner at PF Chang's and then tried to shop at IKEA but they had closed early.

More later.

This Weekend.

2005-07-05T07:55:00.000-05:00

YAY!!

I got to go up North!! Mikey and I spent Friday-Sunday up at the Lake with my family. WE went on pontoon rides, got sunburned, and ate WAY too much.

Yuna and Akima got their feet wet and Akima swims like a fish now. Yuna has some issues because her butt sinks. Not sure how to help her with that.

I'll post pics tonight and they'll be up in my photostream.

A thought...

2005-06-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

Peanut Butter Toast Crunch cereal... not as good as I expected. :(

HAPPY Post-PRIDE!!

2005-06-27T07:37:00.000-05:00

Everyone recovering nicely?

Mighty has blogged.

Aaron had blogged.

Dan has blogged.

My turn!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mikey and I hit the Parade for a while after stopping at George's for his Pride festivities.

As usual, I found the parade BORING, but it was fun to see people that I haven't seen in quite a while. Saw some hot guys, some scary people, and some VERY cute puppies.

Ran into Darren from softball and his entourage. They live in Laurel Village and their house was a party; 11 stories up!!

Met up with Mikey's friend Jonathan from his summer internship at a law firm.

We left the parade far before it was over and headed back into the park and took some private time to just walk around and look at things. After a while we gave the crowd a call and joined up with everyone. We walked the park, went back up to George's to eat (and cool off), and then headed back down.

It was a fun day, but also a long one.

A few new pics in the photostream.

HAPPY PRIDE!

2005-06-24T09:38:00.000-05:00

Work has been crazy. It's been fucking HOT at home. Haven't been sleeping well.

But, I'm looking forward to this weekend!!

I have the day off from Target, get to spend the weekend with Mikey, and get to roam the park with my friends.

This year I'm actually going to the parade. I've got some mixed emotions about that because it turns out to be VERY long and way too political. I'll go and have fun, I always do. Mikey REALLY wants to go, so I can't say no.

Star Wars on Saturday!! I can't wait!

Anyway, more after Pride and hopefully lots of pics!

My Boyfriend beats me!!

2005-06-20T07:36:00.000-05:00

Or, at least, that's what people are going to think after yesterday's games against the Sterling. I played ShortStop for a while, but got 4 grounders hit to me and each of them found a way to take a unique hop and bruise the shit out of me!

All I ask is that if I'm going to get bruised I WANT THE STICH-MARKS!

I have 2 places on my left forearm that aren't looking too pretty. The one closest to my wrist it still swollen and the other looks like ring-worm.

I also got clobbered in the jaw, but that on is hidden by my goatee. My jaw hurts tho.

Steph and I switched spots mid-inning and when the ball was launched at her the SAME thing happened! She got NAILED in the knee and ended up with the stitch-marks... I SO jealous...

I downloaded pics of the games this morning, just got to get the out to Flickr. Keep an eye out for new ones!!

YAY!

2005-06-16T11:43:00.000-05:00

Lucy is back!!

She was telling me about the accident and I was SHOCKED she wasn't in worse shape. Sounds very scary. I'm glad to have her back tho.

Still LOTS to do and get caught up on.

Training all day today, so I'm writing you with lunch right in front of me.

Hope you all are having a GREAt day!!

The meeting, part 2

2005-06-15T07:12:00.000-05:00

Everything went well. I learned that the next 4 months are going to be hell for our department and that a successful data migration will either ruin us or launch Eschelon forward...

No pressure.

We also learned that more opportunities may arise in our department and HOPEFULLY that'll get me out of this unchallenging, boring, lame-ass internal help-desk position I've held for 3 years. However, I'm not sure how I'd adapt to a job that actually offered a challenge. I'd have to shift gears FAST.

Oh, well... One day at a time and ask me if I feel like this at the end of July. That's when the gates of IT hell will be opened unto me. :)

Meeting.

2005-06-14T07:37:00.000-05:00

Today we have our first 'official' meeting with our IT counterparts from the company Eschelon purchased. These are the ones that are staying on board including our new VP of Application Development.

He's already rubbed me the wrong way a couple of times. Whe we were introduced by my manager, he shook my hand but turned to start a conversation with one of his workers from the west coast. Also, the other day, he basically ran right into me in the hallway and didn't say 'excuse me' or anything of the sort. Just glared and walked into the copy room.

He's not my favorite right now, but we'll see how he does this morning.

Smitty's Place

One passed out; One wired.

The Girls

Waiting for Uncle George!!

Should I find a new clinic??

Mmm... Sugar!!

The pups

Overwhelmed

Woah

HOLA!

Getting old sucks ass!!

Weekend News

LOOK!!

*GASP*

I'm moving up!!

Another reason I don't teach...

Softball -- brain dump

Yuna

I'm here.

No worries...

Changes?

Team Speak

Checking out the Mormons

Peanuts

New Found Respect

Good News!

Long time, no blog!

Progress!

Good Weekend!

Quote

Hello!

HOLY HOT GUY!!

TIRED

Oops! I did it again...

Forgot to tell you...

HELLO!

SHORT WEEK!!

Behind the times...

More spam

Things to do before the new year:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SPAM!!

RENT

DOH!

THANK YOU!

Huzzah!

Crazies...

I LOVE winter!!

Harry Potter

Weeked approaches...

'It's REALLY nice!'

Random

Even Shorter...

Shoutbox

Early Turkey Day Greeting

T-minus 1 week and counting...

Dude...

Coming Out

How cool is this?

FREE PARKING!

Hello!

My Salvation!

Piece of Shit!!

Simple Things

Sanity

WTF?!?

Soda...

Progress

Monday

Glasses

Gym Towels

Cool Weather

Um... BRRRRRR!!

Stage One: Collect Underpants!

Fat-Ass-B-Gone!

Milwaukee Tournament

Pics in Flickr!

Hi Y'all!

Yuna

Another one bites the dust!

GASP