Shoot me now

I seriously hate poison ivy. I realized tuesday that i had it an every hour since it has gotten worse. It’s difficult to sleep at night without wanting to scratch all the itchiness. It’s amazing how easily it spreads. Shoot me now. However, when you take a shower, when the warm water hits the rash it feels amazing. That’s the only good thing to come of having poison ivy.

So when i’m traveling for work, i usually have a lot of free time earlier in the day because i work more afternoons and evenings. So i end up having to check out of my hotel by 11am, with nothing to do until work. I’m stuck in these small towns, and have no clue where to go. So it seems I always end up at a Wal-Mart. I must of spent several hours there over the past few weeks, walking each aisle just to waste time. Kinda sad. But i always make my way to the cd section and end up buying a new cd. Today i bought the new cd by the Zac Brown Band titled “foundation”. It kept me company on my drive home tonight, and I absolutely loved it. It has a mix of the new country sound tied in with some of the old country sound. So that was good.

Did I mention i hate poison ivy. I’m praying it doesn’t spread to my face, but i think it might be too late. 

I arrived home to my brothers house tonight and since i’ve been gone he has redone the main bathroom, and he has a guy building a deck that is almost finished. So that’s pretty awesome, both were definitely needed and will probably add a lot of value to the house. The kitchen has also been repainted this week. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to a room, especially when it was an ugly yellow before.

I wrote an article for “She Magazine” which was published this week. So that was pretty cool. Below is the link. The article is at the end of the magazine.

http://hneolive.therepublic.com/activemagazine/getbook.asp?path=SHE/2009/07/15

just an earth bound misfit

I just have to mention Penelope Cruz in my blog and i get tons of people viewing it. Amazing how that works. 

I am looking forward to this weekend. My buddy Case is coming in town, so i get to show in the sites of Columbus. Shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, unless we do it via bicycle, which could take a little longer. Hopefully we figure out something fun to do, maybe golf or tennis perhaps.

Speaking of tennis, it’s been interesting seeing my brother show an interest in sport of late. I’ve almost got him talked into going to the driving range, which would be the first time he hit a golf ball. Also, he’s taken an interest in tennis thanks to the encouragement of his girlfriend. It would be nice to have a golfing buddy, so i’m hoping this sporty trend continues. 

I never thought i would be unhappy about having so many days off work, but right now that’s how it feels. Mainly because that means no money. 

I’m amazed at how much bob the cat sleeps. I wonder if he actually is sleeping or just laying there with his eyes closed.

My younger sister brought to my attention that my older sister is due to have a baby in a few weeks, maybe even sooner. I guess i hadn’t really thought about it, but that’s kinda a big deal. No longer will the twins be the main attraction, and i actually might get to be there this time when it happens.

 

humidddddd

So i’m sitting here watching USA vs. Spain federation cup soccer match. I’ve never been much of a fan of soccer, mainly because there isn’t enough scoring. One rule i just don’t understand is the offsides rule.  What is the purpose of the rule? Seems like if they did away with the rule, that soccer would be much more exciting, and more scoring would happen.  It seems to take away from the fast break in soccer. 

Played some golf this morning with ike. I played decently, but could of played better. 

Watching a show about a guy who owns an island in the carribbean. How awesome would that be? Even if you did nothing with it other than camp out on the beach, that would be phenomenal. 

I need to win the lottery.

Of A Revolution

Met up with Ferrell and some of his friends at the O.A.R. concert tonight. It was a pretty good show, nothing spectacular. I’d seen them before. The Wailers were the opening act, and that was really enjoyable because they basically played all of their greatest hits when they were with Bob Marley. So i actually kinda enjoyed them more than O.A.R….not because they were bad but because i just like that music better. The highlight of the concert for me was when both bands played a Bob Marley tune towards the end of the show. Also they closed with “hey girl”, which made for a good ending.

It was my first time seeing a concert at White River Park. Not a bad place to see a show. They give you portable lawn chairs as you come in to sit on, which was really nice. It was one of the first outdoor concerts i think i’ve been able to sit down during most of the show. I told Ferrell that was my type of concert. 

I missed some great photo ops of downtown indy though. That was annoying. I’d never really walked around the canal area in Indy, so i was surprised at how nice it is. I think i’m going to have to take my camera friday night when i dog sit at my sisters and try and get a few photos.

I developed a sweet farmers tan today from playing golf. Love it.

I seriously need to consider finding a girlfriend. I’m just kinda over doing things by myself all the time, or having to depend on other people to supply fun. Not that going to a concert with Ferrell aka F-dog isn’t enjoyable, but it might of been just as nice to have a lovely lady to enjoy some live music with. Any help Mr. Jesus would be appreciated.

I tried to buy a $2 bracelet thingy tonight at the concert that goes towards world poverty i believe. However, the girl didn’t have proper change so i wasn’t able to buy one. Only in America.

whew

Sitting here watching Jimmy Kimmel and I realized i’ve been on the street that of the Kodak theatre they just showed while going to commercial. I guess i didn’t realize i had been there and that is the same place they do the show.

Watch Grand Turino last night. It was a fantastic movie. So many racial slurs, yet they did it in a way it was comical actually.  I highly suggest seeing the movie.

I’ve spent time the past few nights going out and taking some photos. Tonight I was out in the country and came upon this old graveyard that i thought might be neat to photograph. So i hopped out of the car and went next to the field to get a good angle. I then quickly realized it smelled like a skunk and i looked down and realized there was a baby skunk about 2 feet from me. Why he didn’t spray me i’m not really sure, but i’m glad he didn’t. Might of put a damper on life for a few days if i smelt like a skunk. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If i were going to have somebody narrate my life, i think i would choose Craig Ferguson. I think i would enjoy his Scottish accent.

It’s been nice to have a few days off in a row. It’s not often that happens. I’ve tried to take advantage of it while getting things done. I even decided to start getting my dress clothes dry cleaned. I felt kinda like a grown up getting my clothes dry cleaned. I went into the cleaners and they started asking me question about starching and hangers and all sorts of stuff, and i just kept saying yes. Hopefully it doesn’t end up being about $50 because of it.

I bought a pink shirt and tie combo in a box.

My new job is in full swing and i’m definitely going to be doing some traveling. Maybe i can get a discount on my rent?!  I’m not used to having to wear dress clothes every day to work. I suppose my former jobs just never were that type of job. So now i’m having to learn how to properly take care of my dress clothes. I think it’s going to be time to take them to the dry cleaners soon. Tonight I found some really cheap dress shirts at T.J. Maxx. I remember i had bought some nice pants there many years back, so i thought i would take a look and see what they had. Turns out they had exactly what i was looking for at a great price. So now i won’t have to keep wearing the same 3 shirts over and over! Now i definitely need to buy more ties. I’m sick of looking at the same ones. 

After i spent a few bucks buying shirts, i walked over to a shoe store just to see what they had. I ended up buying a pair of casual shoes for $5. I had to ask the sales lady if the sticker on the box was correct, because they look like decent shoes, and she said yes. So i bought them of course. They might be shoes i normally wouldn’t of picked out, but for $5 i certainly wasn’t going to pass them up. And they are stylish enough that i will definitely wear them. I was excited for that. Then i went next door to get some Mexican food, and spent almost 10$. How does that make sense that my shoes were about 5$ less than my dinner? 

I actually had a pretty exciting day now that i think about it. I spent most of the morning and early afternoon trying to solve a computer issue which was really annoying. Then i went golfing with James, Jen, and Jonah at 2pm. Then at 5, i met up with my broham and his homies to watch the new Terminator movie (it was ok). Then i went shopping. Then i came home and did laundry. Then i ironed clothes and packed for the next 3 days. And now i’m blogging. Overall, i’d say it was a good day, especially since it was a mostly rainy day. 

I’ve been meaning to call and check in on my parents, but it’s always 10pm before i think about it. I think it’s because of how light it is until after 9pm, and i’m used to being able to call around the time when the sun goes down. But now it’s always too late. Also, my new hours at work don’t allow me the time to call when they are both home, so that’s kinda annoying too. I guess i’ll have to make myself a note to call on my next day off.

I shot a 42 today, not bad for my first 9 holes of golf of the year….especially since i didn’t lose a ball or take a mulligan. For me that’s pretty good. I didn’t hit a put either. Had i done that i might of shot in the 30’s, something i’ve only done once i think.

I’m hoping banana chips aren’t high in any unhealthy category, because i’ve been snacking on them like crazy this week.

to be a kid again

I’m not sure the weather can be any better than what it was today. I definitely didn’t spend enough time outside though. I was at the park today for a birthday party, and there was a country music contest going on. Several different performers vying for a chance at advancing through to the national competition. Several of the musicians were really good. One of them really stuck out to me, which was a lady named Carrie Ray. Not sure how you spell her name, but she was really good. So look for her in the future and remember you heard it here first.

I saw something I never thought I would see today while riding in the back of my brother’s jeep. There was a guy getting on his Harley in parking lot. The weird part is that attached to the back of his Harley was a coffin. It almost appeared as though he was using the coffin as a place to store his groceries for the ride home. I just don’t see any reason as to why somebody would be dragging around a coffin? The worst part was that i didn’t have my camera on me. It would of made for a great picture. I really wish i knew the story behind the motorcycle coffin.

I need to start playing more golf i think. I need to get some competitive juices flowing while enjoying the outdoors at the same time. Something about being back in Indiana has really made me miss being on a golf course, both working and playing. I definitely don’t have any interest in working on a course again until i retire, but walking 9 holes of golf can be a really relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon. I learned how to play golf playing on the public course here in Columbus during the summers around 7th grade to 9th grade. My buddies and I would get up early and have one of our parents drop us off at the course, and we would end up walking about 27 holes a day. Those were some of the best times of my life. Our summers consisted of either playing golf, playing basketball, playing backyard baseball, swimming, and watching movies. I mowed a few lawns each week for my spending money, but even that was fun. I can’t imagine there will be a time in my life that will ever match what the summers of my early teenage years were. I didn’t have a care in the world, no worries, and very little responsibility. I definitely need to find time to play some golf this week.

Back Home Again, In Indiana

Memorial Day weekend has been one that i’ve been looking forward to since i moved back to Indiana. Living out west, the weather is always nice, so certain benchmark holidays don’t seem to be the same. Having dealt with my first Indiana winter and spring in almost 4 years, the 3 day weekend couldn’t have come any sooner. I missed being in Indiana during the Indianapolis 500 (even though this year i didn’t watch any of it because it’s blacked out here), cooking out with friends, and being able to spend time at somebody else’s lake house.  Of course the weekend flew by, but it was a good weekend and one that really made me be glad to be living here this weekend.

Today my sister brought the nephews down to Columbus to hang out for a bit. It was good seeing them. They are different every time I see them. We went to Texas Roadhouse, and i ordered a salad. I didn’t really enjoy it very much. Something about warm chicken that ends up making the lettuce warm just doesn’t taste good to me. But, it was still a good time regardless, and my brother bought my dinner since i took care of his dogs all weekend.

Speaking of taking care of dogs. I absolutely love dogs. I just can’t imagine having one of my own right now, for the sole purpose that they are so much responsibility. I couldn’t just take off for a weekend as i do right now without going through all sorts of trouble finding somebody to watch them. I’ll probably want one if i ever have a family, but right now i’m happy to enjoy other people’s dogs. I cringe when other people give you the excuse that they can’t stay, or that they have to leave early because they have dogs needing their attention at home. I’m just glad i haven’t been suckered into the dog trap yet.

My back pain has officially subsided and i feel back to normal. I’m happy for that. Hopefully it’s a long while before i experience that sort of thing again. I probably should get in the habit of stretching again.

It’s nice to have gotten some sun this weekend. Now i don’t feel like casper anymore. Luckily the Indiana sun isn’t as strong as the Arizona sun, or i would be toast right now.

Lebron vs. Dwight

Feels good to be home after 3 days in a hotel. 

Caught some of the American Idol finale tonight. I thought it was pretty cool seeing Queen and Rod Stewart perform. Maggie is one of my favorite all-time songs. Rod looked like he about fell down a few times, so not sure if he’d tipped a few back before performing or what. Still a good performance. Very surprised by the outcome of the show, but not that it really matters. 

My back is still messed up. I was able to go for a run today, hoping that it would loosen it up a bit. I think it helped a little, but 5 minutes ago i still got up and walked into the kitchen like an old man. So maybe not. 

How much of a freak is Lebron James? Seriously.  Have you ever really stopped to think about how unbelievable he is. Not just his basketball skills, but mainly his athleticism. I can’t think of anybody who is possibly a better athlete than him, in the history of sport. He’s 6-9, about 270 lbs, and he moves like he’s 5-10.  There are a lot of 6-9 guys out there who are athletic and move well, but not like him.  I think they should create a show featuring Dwight Howard and Lebron James, and have them do all sorts of crazy things. Lets find out what kinds of incredible things they can do when they are pushed to the limit.  Or how about letting them both play in the NFL, Lebron at receiver and Howard at TE. Who could defend them? And i’m guessing neither of them are even on steroids.

Study Time

I woke up this morning in Auburn, Indiana. It’s a small town in the NE corner of Indiana and is famous for it’s large car auctions. Unfortunately that’s all it’s famous for, so my three days spent here probably won’t be too exciting. I’m sitting in my hotel room, about to take on the task of memorizing pricing and packages for my new job. It will be nice when it’s all second nature.

I’ve never claimed to be the sharpest tool in the shed, and that was proven 2 days ago when I was lifting weights. I wasn’t smart enough to realize that you shouldn’t lift weights when your lower back is already pretty stiff. But, I did and while doing a light set of curls, I dropped to the floor after experiencing my first full fledged back spasm (or whatever you want to call messing up your back). Talk about an annoying injury. For the past 2 days i’ve been walking around like a 90 year old man, trying to stand up straight. When my shirt is off, you can actually see how my body is out of whack. Everything is leaning over to my left hip, and my stomach is slightly twisted. It’s just the weirdest thing ever. Hopefully it improves quickly, so i can get back to normal. I should probably start stretching a little more often. I guess i’m officially getting old.

So i was able to try out my new Nikon D60 camera for the first time in Chicago. I love it! I had a perfect day for taking pictures, and the camera really did the rest. With all of my weekly traveling i’ll be doing with the new job, i’m glad to have a new hobbie that can be done anywhere i’m at. One thing i’ve noticed since i’ve gotten into photography is that i now look at everything in a different light than i did before. I look at each building, field, house or whatever else to see if i can see something interesting or beautiful to photograph. I think it really makes the world a more interesting place when you have that approach. Of course at the same time, it sucks seeing something awesome when your not in a position to take a picture of it. That is such a downer!

 

Wrigley