Getting To Know You

...well...me, actually.

Top 5 Song
My Love - Justin Timberlake
Chasing Cars - SnowPatrol
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
Lips of an Angel - Hinder
SexyBack - Justin Timberlake

Top 5 Guys
Steve Sandvoss
Justin Hartley
Tom Welling
Channing Tatum
David Beckham

Top 5 TV Shows
Brothers and Sisters
Six Degrees
Heros
Grey's Anatomy
Desperate Housewives

Top 5 things I can't live without
ChapStick
iPod
Running Shoes
My Family
Good Friends

Random stuff
Diet or Regular? Diet
Coke or Pepsi? Diet Pepsi
Wine or Beer? Depends...I like both...but I'll pick wine
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Dogs or Cats? Dogs
Urban or Rural? Urban
Boxers or Briefs? Briefs
New York or LA? New York
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Favorite Drink: SugarFree RedBull and Vodka
Favorite Band: Sister Hazel
Favorite Reality Show: The Amazing Race
Favorite Pizza Toppings: Ham and Pineapple or Mushroom
First thing you notice about someone: smile...then eyes
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite dessert: Cheesecake
Do you believe in Monogomy? Yes, absolutely!
Do you believe in love at first sight? No...I think it's lust or intrigue at first sight.
Do you want kids? Yes
Money not a factor, if you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Australia
Pet Peeve: Calling me "Steve"...I'm not a Steve, I'm a Stephen...don't shorten it!

Balls, guys, pics, and a drunken call

I have a buddy that I've been playing racketball with for about 2 months now. He started chatting with me in spin class in an attempt to not so subtly flirt. He's not my type at all, but I won't not talk to someone just for that reason. He's an older gentleman (late 50's/early 60's, I would guesstimate)...but he kicks my butt every time! He *is* a good player, but he does things that I think are not exactly kosher. For example, he'll make a shot and then stand in the way of me getting to the ball. I realize that you can call him out on it and re-do the point, but he does it so frequently that we would be playing "re-do's" for most of the match. Also, he prides himself on "cheap shots." I know that they take a certain skill, but come on! I would much rather have a good rally and lose a point from that instead of a cheap shot! Am I being a sore loser? I honestly don't think so. I can accept defeat...I would just rather lose to a good player, not a blocking/cheap shot player...

I met a guy this past weekend at a local drinking hole. I was there with a friend watching the Georgia/Tennessee game (don't get me started...) when I ran into another friend. He was there with a group of guys celebrating a birthday. I had met one of the guys in the party once before, so we started talking. As the night went on, we continued to talk and flirt. I don't know how we got on the subject, but he nonchalantly said, "yeah...Robbie (birthday boy) is a good guy...I'd date him in a heartbeat, but he would never date me..." I don't know if it was the tequila shots that they were downing that clouded his judgment or what, but I don't really think this is something that you say to someone that you're currently flirting with! Is this a red flag? We've chatted on the phone a couple of times and have plans to go out, so I guess I'll see...

David is a weekly, gay publication here in Atlanta. It consists of editorials, going on's for the week/weekend, ads, pictures, etc. This week, one of my friends was on one of the picture pages. For the life of him, he couldn't remember when he had gotten this picture taken. And then it came to him... He and I had gone to an Art Walk one Friday night. Individual art galleries within an art gallery were showcasing the works of their various artists. Food, wine, cocktails, cute boys...it was a fun pre-going out event to go to. While we were there, a photographer from David asked if he could take our picture. Yes, OUR picture! Evidently, I didn't make the cut. S found this particularly ironic because he thought that they wanted to take the picture because of me--since I was the "younger, cuter one" (according to him). Talk about a shot to the ego! I guess I wasn't David material that night...lol.

While strolling down the isles of Target, I recieved a phone call from my little-big sis. I call her this because she is smaller than me physically, but older than me. Normally, this would not be a blog-worthy topic...if it weren't for the fact that it was a drunken call! A little background...she's 29, married, has 2 kids (4 and 5), and hardly drinks. When, and if, she drinks, it's usually just one drink. She and the family had gone to Pigeon Forge for a long weekend getaway. Not knowing that it was a dry county, all they could buy was beer. She called to tell me that she missed her "drinking buddy" and chatted nonstop for about an hour. Makes a bro proud...

*My* BooBoo Fixer

My mom tells a story about when I was in kindergarten. Apparently, I had fallen off of the jungle gym during recess and had a huge gash on my forehead. My teacher had managed to stop the bleeding while we waited for my mom. All that was left was a big knot on my forehead. Once my mom stepped foot into the room, she says that I began to ball. A little frazzled, my teacher tried to explain to my mom that I hadn't cried once until she got there.

That's the way I've always viewed my mom, I guess--the nurturer, the fixer of messes, the rock in my life, the right of all wrong, the one that will make everything better.

Well, it happened again this past Monday. The day had just been horrible. Nothing seemed to go right. Among things I won't go into, my eye was swollen for most of the morning. Apparently, I had scratched the white of my eye with my fingernail when I had rubbed it. With that, the white of my eye was literally swollen and red, which made my whole eye puffy. I had to sit through our Monday morning sales meeting looking like this. On top of being embarrassed, work was hella stressful and busy. Overwhelmed and stress, I left work feeling like nothing had gone right. On my way home, I remembered that my mom had called during the day, but I couldn't talk due to being so busy. As I dialed, I just told myself to chalk the day to a bad day and go for a good run when I got home. Within a few seconds of the conversation, I could feel the tears welling up. I could no longer keep them inside. As I answered a question she had asked, my voice quivered from a tear.

"What's wrong, baby?"
"I dunno...today was just horrible. ..."

As I went into the events of the day, the tears freely flowed. I didn't care that I was in the middle of rush hour traffic on I-75.

"Do you want me to come down there?"
"Oh, no...I'll be fine. I just need to go for a run."
"Don't you think you should just go home and rest?"
"No, running will make me feel better."
"Oh, if it will, then ok. Are you sure you're ok?"
"Yes...thank you."
"I Love You, baby..."
"I know...I love you, too. I'll be fine."
"Call me if you need to later, ok? I'll be here all night."

With that, I assured her that I was ok. That it was just a bad day.

So, once again, just talking to her on the phone made me that vulnerable little boy sitting with a knot on my head in my kindergarten classroom...

You thought you knew...but you don't.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14364833/

I don't get it. How are you gonna just up and change the definition of a word that has been set since the beginning of science? Is there gonna be a new generation that can now say, "I remember when there were only 9 planets..." I mean, what's gonna happen to the riddle that helped all of us remember the order of the 9 planets?

My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pies.
(Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto)

Are we going to have to learn a new riddle when our kids come home and have to learn the order to 100+ planets? You laugh at the possibility of 100+ planets, but according to the article, there are already 53 planets if you go by this new definition. I'm not one that is opposed to change, but come on. How can you change something that has always been known? "How many planets are there in the solar system? 9." You didn't have to think about it. You didn't sit there and argue the definition of a planet. "Well, if you use gravity or nature as a deciding factor, then there are 9 planets vs #(&$&$(&#$# planets."

If we start to question and change the fundamental things that have always been known, then where does it stop? I understand that one has to question and learn new things in order to grow, but when is too much too much?

I knew it!

You are Superman

Superman 80%: You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Robin 75%
The Flash 75%
Spider-Man 70%
Green Lantern 60%
Catwoman 60%
Iron Man 60%
Supergirl 55%
Hulk 55%
Batman 45%
Wonder Woman 35%

Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...

Would ya like a mint?

You know the scenario: You and a friend are talking at a bar when someone that you both haven't seen in a while walks by. He stops to exchange pleasantries and then goes on his way. Your friend turns to you and says, "If I EVER have breath like that, you'd BETTER tell me!" To which I respond, "Oh trust me, I will! And you'd better do the same!"

This brings me to my point. Does said friend really want you to tell him if he has bad breath? This little scenario popped into my head twice this weekend. Once while catching up with a friend at a bar and the other when a friend met 3 of us for a movie. At what point are you being offended opposed to being offensive?

Just for the record, I would definitely want to be told if my breath is offensive! I'll prolly be a little embarrassed, but it's better than going up to someone that you think is cute and being offensive.

Things that don't make any sense

~I went to bed with briefs on and woke up naked. I went to bed late last night (early this morning, rather) and didn't wake up at all (that I can recall) during the night. No one else was in bed with me. What exactly was *in* those drinks that my friend was giving me? Hrmmm...

~I drink diet drinks, I use splenda or sweet 'n low in my coffee, I drink/eat sugar free/low fat/fat free stuff...yet I eat pieces of full sugar candy throughout the day. It makes no sense. We have a co-worker that keeps her desk stocked with M&M's, caramel chews, Laffy Taffy, Reeses mini cups, etc., so all of that candy is just readily available to everyone. She likes to do this for us because people visit her and it makes her happy to make us happy. We've dubbed her "the Candy Lady"...but it's pure evil, I tell ya!

~There is a guy at the gym that does all the cardio machines with an empty bookbag on. Whether it's the stairmaster or the treadmill or the elliptical machine, he always has that darn, EMPTY bookbag on! I know that it's empty because I've seen him pull it out of his gym bag that has his change of clothes, shower stuff, etc. It has to weigh like, what, maybe 1/4 of a pound? What is his logic behind this?

~I met a guy last night that had French tips on his toe nails. That's not even the weirdest part. He thinks he's butch/masculine. He needs to get a clue.

~How different a person can act in person vs how they "act" via AIM/texting/chatting online. What's up with that? He seemed so friendly and nice online.

~There are several people in my condo complex that I've talked with, yet I don't know their names. We've never formally introduced ourselves, yet we "know" each other. And now it's to the point that I can't just be like, "Hey, I'm Stephen. What's your name?" I could say, "I know that we've talked many times before, but I don't think I ever got your name..." Is that socially acceptable at this point?

~Women who wear spandex or just a sports bra for a top that shouldn't. On one hand, more power to ya! But on the other...no one wants to see all that junk hanging out. I'm not trying to be mean, I'm really not, but why do they think it's ok? Well, I'm here to tell you that it's NOT.

Preface to below rant

I feel like I need to preface the below rant. I *am* over J--despite the fact that I'm bringing this up after 3 weeks since the actual incident. BUT...I will be the first to admit that he is still one of those people that gets to me... (a fact that I hate).

One of my friends and I were talking about the incident this morning, hince the post. He said, "love is a strange thing...jealousy is even stranger..." To which I responded, "Not after almost 4 years--you give up that right. Once a break-up ensues, all bets are off. You can no longer call dibs on that person. You can no longer hike your leg and mark your territory."

Right?

What are your rights...

...after a break up?

None. Zilch. Nil. Nada.

Let me explain...

About 3 weekends ago, 2 friends and I were invited to a birthday party. I met said friends thru J back in college when we were dating. We've been broken up for almost 4 years now, so it's safe to say that we've both moved on. Well, since our break-up, the 2 said friends have become closer to me than they have J. We all 3 go out on a weekly basis (usually), they've been over to my pool numerous times, we have cookouts, etc. Well, 1 of said friends is S, the one that I've made out with . Anyway, on with the story. One of them invites J along--which I'm cool with. J wants to drive and none of us object, so off to the party we go. Everything is cool...we're all having fun, etc. As the party begins to dwindle, the 4 of us and some others decide to go out to a danceclub. Again, J is still driving, so none of the rest of us have cars. Through the course of dancing, drinking, having a good time, etc., S and I start making out on the dancefloor. The next thing I know, I receive a text from J saying, "I'm gonna go, this is too weird."

Whoa! What? Huh? Hold up! Back it up!

First: Where do you get off getting upset about S and me making out?!?!?!? We've been broken up for nearly 4 years...you have a bf of 2+ yrs...I was the one that wanted US to work when YOU broke up with ME!
Second: How are you gonna just up and leave us there with no car?!?!? Not ok!

Luckily, we knew people at the club, so 1 of said friends got a ride to his car and picked us up. Apparently, J had text messaged him saying, "I shouldn't have to watch [S] and [1GAR] making out!"

I'm sorry, but YOU broke up with ME. You have NO right to get upset. Period.

Man! I feel like a [old]man!

Despite my pulled butt muscle/pinched nerve, my workout routines haven't been affected at all. I can still lift weights, run, bike, and swim. Well, I decided to go on a 7 mile run yesterday after work. Usually, this would be a normal feat for me, but many factors were working against me yesterday...but I did it anyway. I hadn't hydrated enough throughout the day, it was still in the mid 90's, said pulled muscle/pinched nerve, AND I didn't pick the easiest route. Halfway through my run, my calf started to get sore. But...being the freak that I am, I pushed through. I finished the run and stretched, but I still felt the ache in my calf. *Fast forward to this morning* Um...yeah...it still hurt. Not only did my butt cheek hurt, but now I had the calf on the same leg aching...crap. So, I went for my normal workout during lunch today and I felt like a gimp. I was gimping around like an old man. That made me feel old.

I have actually caught myself saying the phrase, "kids these days..." AND...it's been on more than 1 occasion. What's up with that?

I couldn't tell you what new shows are on MTV anymore. That used to be THE channel I watched all the time. When did this change?

Along the lines of the above point, I haven't watched a Real World, Road Rules, or Real World/Road Rules Challege in a couple of years. I used to want to be ON one of these shows! Now, I don't even know where the latest installment is taking place. So sad.

I've been out of college for longer than I was in college.

I can say, "I remember when _____ used to be here." This applies to clubs/bars in both Atlanta and Athens.

When did this change take place? When did I suddenly become old? I know that 26 isn't old, but sometimes I just feel that way. (and don't even get me started on how old I am in gay years!)

Update

~The move is FINALLY over!
~The before mentioned pulled muscle/pinched nerve in my right butt cheek still hurts. It makes me feel old.
~I saw just how bad my childhood dog's arthritis really is. It made me sad.
~I think my dog (Dakota) is gay. Between the above mentioned male dog and my mom's female dog, he followed the male dog around all weekend and sniffed his stuff. Makes me so proud. Like father like dog.
~After helping my mom and sis's family move this past weekend, I returned to my small condo. Coming home from their 7 acres and huge house, it made me see how small my place really is. Oh well. It's cozy.
~To my niece and nephew, I am better than sliced bread. Their big, tight, bear hugs tell me so.
~This is the first time in 8 years that I haven't moved/changed apartments. This is the first time in 8 years that my sis and her family have moved. This is the first time in 30+ years that my mom has moved. Funny, isn't it?

Is a smile just a smile?

Once you graduate from college, the dating pool somehow seems to instantaneously get smaller. Heck, *a* dating pool of like minded people seems to become hard to even locate! You are no longer smack dab in the middle of 36,000+ people within your age bracket (yes, I went to a huge university--UGA--and I freakin' loved it! GO DAWGS! Sic 'em! Woof! Woof! Woof!...sorry for that minor detour...) You start living in the "real world," and that soon becomes monotonous. Get up, work, gym, eat, watch tv, sleep. Repeat. Maybe hangout with friends during the week, but usually not.

So, then the question starts to rear it's ugly head: Where do you meet new people? The common answers: work, gym, bars/clubs, join a group, through friends, etc.

I see a major fallacy in one of the said answers...the gym. I don't know about you, but I've been going to the gym regularly for many years now (some call me a freak, but let's not go into that right now...) and I have never been able to read people at the gym. Being gay might be a part of it, but to me, it's a very ambiguous playing field.

You look up to see a guy looking at you. He smiles. Do you smile back? Is he looking *at* you? Is the smile just a smile? Does he just want the bench that you're at? Is he even gay?

Is my gaydar just *that* defunct? "Yes, I would like to get a tune-up. My gaydar seems to be malfunctioning."

Whether you are gay or straight, the gym is a seemingly prime location to meet people, right? They are obviously in shape, or trying to get in shape. Most of the guys that are there are usually cute and buff. Let's face it, it's a hot bed of eye candy. Period.

Maybe I'll get up the nerve to actually say hey to someone who smiles at me at the gym? Pigs can fly, right?

Random $#*!

~I've lived in my condo for over a year now. Is it too late to have a house warming party? I think so.

~There's this guy in one of my spin classes that is always friendly. On a whim, I asked him if he played racketball. He said he has before, but not in a while--like me. I asked if he would like to play one morning and he cringed at the idea of a 6am racketball game, but decided to do it. After the spin class was over, I said, "you don't have to come if you don't want to..." To which he replied, "OH...I want to come..." (in an old man, nasty way). Eww. Gross. He could be my father. Eww. Gross.

~My weekends have been spent helping my mom, sister, bro-in-law, and kids pack and move. For 3 weekends now. Fun.

~I think I have a pinched nerve on my right butt cheek because of said packing and moving.

~I haven't raced at all this year. Sad. Well...outside of the one duathlon in April, that is. How long can you be "training for triathlons"? I need to race. Note. To. Self.

~My mom bought my dog a HUGE rawhide. It's like 2.5 ft long! When I got home Monday afternoon, I just laughed at him trying to carry it. He was staggering sideways because it was so big. Fool.

~I"m loving "So You Think You Can Dance." Who knew?

~Does an ex of nearly 4 years have the right to get jealous because I kissed a guy on the dancefloor of a club? No. Well...it is a mutual friend, but in my defense, he's more my friend than his. That sounded childish. Blah.

~Why is it that I bought a 12pk of 16oz beer for less than a 12pk of 12oz beer? Score!

~I've gotten a flat on my bike twice now. I went over a year and a half without 1 flat and then BAM! What are the odds?

~We caught a co-worker asleep in his office today. He had his chin propped up with a coffee mug. Freakin'. Hilarious.

~I started going to the spin class on Friday's after work because of the cute instructor. I've been going to his class for 3 months or so. He flirts. I flirt. So. Yeah. I found out he's straight. Dang. It. Maybe he wants to venture over to the other side? Hrmm. I wouldn't be opposed. *gasp* Horrible. (shakes head) He *is* cute, tho...

The Resurrection

I've recently stumbled upon some interesting blogs--which, in turn, gave me the "blogging" bug again. LOL.

Will I keep with it this time? Who knows.
Will I feel creative enough to blog more? We'll see.

This is the only blog that I've "resurrected." I've had 2 prior blogs...only to abandon them and never pick back up...

Stay tuned to see if *this* guy can rant on a normal basis.

This is sad...

...this is the 3rd whole post in 2006...wow...

Will I get better? Who knows...

The Beta Benedict (Benny) Colbert

(a spin off of the way the Pope is referred to as...)

On the afternoon of Saturday, January 7th, 2006, Benedict (often referred to as Benny) Colbert passed away. He spent 3.5 years with his owner, Stephen. He loved to swim, eat, squirm around in his bowl, and show his various shades of blue, green, and purple. His fondest memories were moving every year with his owner into a new apartment. Now that his owner had "settled down," he enjoyed his more permanent surroundings. His service was held outside of his owner's condo on Sunday, January 8th. He will be missed. RIP.

New Year, New Goals, New Rants

Ok, ok...so I haven't been a good blogger this year thus far...actually, I've been a really bad one...seeing as how this is my first post in 2006. Work, web blocks at work, no time at home, etc. are all reasons, but let's not go there. Without further adieu, here are...

My 2006 New Year's Resolutions

1. Start saving. I'm 25 and I have no savings. Sad.
2. Watch less tv, read more. 'Nuff said.
3. Train, train, train.
4. At least 2 marathons this year...with a better performance than my first.
5. Do a couple of Olympic distance triathlons.
6. ...maybe a Half Ironman...MAYBE.
7. No alcohol Sundays - Thursdays (except for special occasions).
8. Drink more water!!!
9. Get more rest. Sleep is good:)

That's it. I don't have your typical "workout more" or "eat better" or "diet" because I think I'm ok in that department.

Here's to a new year! (raises glass of water...see?! I'm doing good! hehe)

And yes, you'll notice that I've altered my blog name. Seeing my pattern thus far this year, I think I can keep a promise to post at least once a week (hopefully more).

I've been tagged...

...by Eric.

Five things about me:

1. Despite the fact that I'm a healthy eater, I like ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that's bad for you. I eat healthy because of my active lifestyle and because I like to be healthy, but I could sooo be a fattie!

2. I have commitment issues because of 1 bad relationship...and I hate that...

3. I've NEVER gone skinny dipping.

4. I have a hard time talking to people that I think are HOT (if I talk to them at all). Even if I have a couple of drinks in me, I'm very shy when it comes to that...

5. I don't tell people how much I workout/train (except on my triathlonlife blog, other triathletes, etc.). I "fib" a little and just tell parts of my workout if co-workers, friends, or family ask me. As other triathletes know, non triathletes think we are freaks. LOL.

Best of 2005

~started training for triathlons...
~...and found something I love
~learned how to swim...
~...and actually enjoy it
~1 duathlon, 1 10K, 1 marathon, and 2 sprint triathlons
~bought a condo
~made some really good friends

It might be a short list, but there is a LOT within the list! Yeah...2005 was a good year:)

Birthday Game

Your Birthdate: March 7

You are an island. You don't need anyone else to make you happy. And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you. Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights. You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice! Your strength: Your self sufficiency Your weakness: You despise authority Your power color: Maroon Your power symbol: Hammer Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

...yeah, I'll buy into it;)

Section 102, Row U, Seat 24

I went to the Star94 T-Mobile Jingle Jam featuring Howie Day, Gavin Degraw, James Blunt, Jason Mraz, and Switchfoot (that was for you, TC;) ) last night. It was a kick@$$ concert! All of the performances were great!

Howie Day--just him and his guitar. He opened up with 5 songs. Acoustically, lyrically, vocally great!
Gavin Degraw--one of the main reasons I bought tickets. Soulful, a great singer/performer, simply awesome.
James Blunt--THE reason I bought tickets. He's my new favorite artist. Lyrics--awesome. Performance--awesome. He switched it up and did an acoustic version of a song that he normally plays on the piano. Freakin' kick@$$!!!
Jason Mraz--the biggest surprise performance (for me). You can just tell that he loves to be on stage and sing his heart out. Period. He's just doing his thing...and enjoying every minute of it!
Switchfoot--your typical rock band. Great songs and performance.

Here are some interesting things that happened at the concert:

~One of the Star94 promotions employees was proposed to...on stage! It was just so sweet. You could tell that the guy was hella nervous! What guts! He professed his love and proposed to her in front of 13,000 people!!!
~A mother (30ish, I would say) and her 2 boys (around 5 and 8) were sitting in front of us. The 5 year old was a little entertainer! He was shaking and moving with the best of 'em. So cute.
~A couple came and sat in front of us right before the 4th act came on. They were a young (in college), attractive couple. He turns around to me and asks, "Jason Mraz is coming on, right? And James Blunt just performed. And that's it, right??" I said, "yes, but Howie Day and Gavin Degraw have already performed..." He started freaking out--in a disappointed way, not a freakish way. Apparently, they had really bought the ticket to see Gavin Degraw and driven from Tuscaloosa! They had forgotten to account for the time change. I felt so bad for them...
~During one of the stage changes, a guy in one of the floor seats started dancing like a maniac to Usher's "Yeah". All of a sudden, all you could hear were people cheering and looking at this guy shake his groove thang. He was on the 2 big screens and all. It was great!
~Both Gavin and the lead singer of Switchfoot went out into the crowd and made a lot of teenage girls happy:)

Line of the Day

*set scene* ...a huge gift basket is sitting at the front desk for the company. It's from one of our vendors... 4 of us are rummaging through it

Me: *opens the "snow balls"--white chocolate covered pretzel balls*
"Of course I pick the balls out of the whole basket!"

L and I bust out laughing...

Stop laughing at me!

The person I am referring to is God. I'm sure he was rolling on the ground...er...clouds?...with laughter this morning. For the past week or so, I've been greeted with a sheet of frost/ice on my windshield in the mornings. So, I usually turn the defroster on and use the windshield wiper fluid to "melt" it off. Well, I was quite proud of myself this morning when I came up with an "ingenious" idea--yes, after a week of this, I finally came up with and idea (only after I'd used up all of the windshield wiper fluid!). I was gonna take a pitcher of warm water out with me so that it would melt instantly! Brilliant!

So...yeah...I walk out to my car this morning...pitcher of warm water in hand...to a frost/ice free car! Cruel. Just cruel.

And I know what you're saying...(as someone else has already said)..."as an FYI, there is this new invention in the marketplace...it's called an ice scraper." Yeah yeah, but my car has been garaged up until this point, thanks! And when it wasn't garaged a couple of years in college, I would use a cd case--lol. And no, not a credit card--I cringe at the thought of *that* valuable piece of plastic breaking! *gasp*

Things that make me happy

~finishing my first marathon
~music
~discovering a great new cd
~the feel of the brisk, cold air
~the laughter of my niece and nephew
~being in good company
~setting personal goals for myself
~...and accomplishing them
~wine
~getting tickets to a concert
~...with 5 of my favorite bands/artists
~running
~...in the park
~biking
~swimming
~anything active
~my beta fish (Benny the Beta)
~...who has lived for over 3.5 years!
~really getting to know people
~catching up with a good friend
~coffee
~cheesecake...mmmm...
~seeing people run
~couples who act like they just met
~seeing people happy

Simply put

'The core element running through my songs is the lonely path one walks through life, the connections you make, and the thoughts that you don't generally share with people. The songs are about life experiences that anyone can identify with. It's just about being a human being. And people seem to be connecting with that.' - James Blunt

I heard his song, You're Beautiful, for the first time today. Wow. Some people just have a way of putting into words the way most people feel. Brilliant.

My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Fucking high,
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.

If you haven't checked it out, do. I'm going home and download his cd from iTunes.

Why, oh why?

A little character building about the 2 female co-workers that are about to be mentioned. Both of them are married, in their early 40's, not particularly attractive (but not totally unfortunate looking), etc. On with the story...

As I walk into the kitchen here at work, I see said female co-workers talking at the counter. One goes over to the microwave and pulls out a long, warm, thermal heating pad. She proceeds to put it on the other woman's neck and then around mine. Mmmm, felt good. As I inquire about the use of it, she goes on to say that her back has been hurting and that this pad makes it feel better.

Me: My mom had back surgery when she was younger and has had lower back problems. She had this long (about 3 ft), tubular, battery operated massager that really helps.
Co-worker: Well, I don't have one of those... I have a battery operated massager...oh...I dunno what shape...

All I could think about was a "female pleasure" device. I just wanted to run out of the kitchen with my hand in the air, screaming bloody murder. I hope to goodness that I am wrong about the "massager" she was referring to...

Where's the line?

About 2.5 months ago, 2 of my friends took a roadtrip out to California to visit one of the guy's brother. The intended plan was a 2 week roadtrip. Unbeknownst to one of them, the other one had been talking with a guy on line before the trip. Once out there, they met up and got along really well. This lead to him staying in Cali for a total of a month and the other one flying back at the scheduled time. Once back in Atlanta, my friend was very bummed and sad cause he had to be back here, blah blah blah. The next thing we know, the "internet guy" has packed up and moved to Atlanta!

Flag #1 - how many 28 year olds do you know who can just pick up and move cross country (literally) without ANY commitments or obligations??? Job? Apt? Bills? etc. I'm 25 and I couldn't even think about doing that!

Flag #2 - he moves out here without a car, job, place to live, a plan, etc.

Flag #3 - he moves in with my friend from the get-go! They'd only known each other for like 2-2.5 weeks!

Ok, ok...so my friends and I decide to give this guy a fair, clean slate. I'm a little skeptical, but who am I to judge, right? Fast forward 6 weeks and nothing has changed. No job, no car, no plan... Finally, he got a job that he started on Monday of this week...very close to where I work. Here is where it gets interesting... Saturday night, he pulls me aside and asks if I would mind if he rides with me... Me, being the nice guy that I am, told him that I don't mind picking him up, but that he would have to arrange a ride home because I go to the gym after work. Then, I start talking with my other friends and they all have a different take on the whole situation... "G works from home, why doesn't he f-ing take and pick him up from work?!?! It's *his* bf and *his* responsibility!" "G is just f-ing this guy and shoving him off on us just because it's inconvenient for him (G)!" "It's his problem that his bf moved out here without a car, not ours." etc. Apparently, they had asked some of our other friends to "help out." So, here's my question:

Where is the line between "being a good friend" and being taken advantage of? They didn't offer to give me gas money or anything. I see what my friends are saying, but I hadn't really thought about it. Am I being a pushover or just a good friend?

What's up with...

...the combining of celebrity names???

Vaughniston = Jennifer Aniston + Vince Vaughn
Tomkat = Tom Cruise + Katie Holmes
Bennifer = Ben Affleck + Jennifer Lopez
BenGar = Ben Affleck + Jennifer Garner

+ more that I can't think of. I just don't get it...

The worst part...is that I even care...

The Biggest Loser...for me...

= The Biggest Baby.

While watching The Biggest Loser tonight, I realized that I am The. Biggest. Baby. During the first part of the episode, I was balling like a little b!+@#. I've never considered myself much of a crier or really emotional, but I guess I have been lately. During the episode, the contestants competed in an "immunity challenge." If they won, they were guaranteed immunity from being voted off and they got a "reward." As they unveiled the rewards that they would receive, I balled like a little baby. The unveiled reward was a loved one. Whether it be a husband or wife or child or parent, it was an emotional reunion. You could just see the shear joy and love that each of them felt for their loved one.

Just good television, folks.

Yada Yada Yada

~I hate the saying, "the grass is always greener on the other side." While I *know* that we all *think* it is, we all know that it really isn't. It just *seems* greener, people! You know what I want to do to the guy who came up with this saying? I want to take a dump on *his* grass.

~I was bored the other night, so I went to MTV.com to check out some videos that I hadn't seen yet. I'm in love...with...Kelly Clarkson! Her videos for "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Because of You" are great! She looks great, the concepts are great, the songs are great...just GREAT!

~Online dating services like Match.com or E-Harmony...do you actually know anyone that has a success story from said sites??? Sure, you see the commercials with couples boasting about these sites claiming that they have "found 'the one'", but do you actually KNOW said couple??? I've heard dating stories that have gone awry due to meeting from these sites, but I--and no one that I know--don't know any success stories... Someone should do a study on this...success vs. failure. BUT...I'm willing to bet that said sites wouldn't be too keen about the findings of said study...

~For the past week, we have had a cold front come through Atlanta. To me, it's a nice, refreshing, crisp change. To others, this means that you need to put the heat on full blast, bring out the heavy parka, drink coffee/hot tea/hot cocoa for the sole purpose to keep warm, etc. Get a grip, people! Shesh!

~The world is ending. You heard it here first, folks...

A new look

With the lack of "post worthy" entries, I decided to change the look of my blog:) Enjoy!

10 things that made this past weekend great

• Laying on a blanket in the park after my run...soaking up all of this wonderful weather, people watching, vegging out...just enjoying the day:)
• Not having to cook at all this weekend. If I didn't eat out with friends, I was at a housewarming party or a dinner party. Alotta great food this weekend...yummy!
• Driving around with all of my windows down, sunroof open, sunglasses on, radio turned up, singing...ahhhh...
• Meeting new people who have the potential to turn into some really good friends.
• Sitting around a large dining room table drinking wine, munching on appetizers, and talking with good friends.
• Laying on large sofas with friends and watching X-Men 2 on a 60" HDTV.
• Drinking Mimosas and Bloody Mary's with old and new friends at a housewarming party on a sunny, crisp Sunday afternoon.
• Walking barefoot on the grass at the park listening to Coldplay on my iPod.
• Eating a Willy's burrito and drinking a frozen margarita outside with friends.
• The weather. Period.

Follow Through

Oh, this is the start of something good
Don't you agree?
I haven't felt like this in so many moons
You know what I mean?
And we can build through this destruction
As we are standing on our feet
So, since you want to be with me
You'll have to follow through
With every word you say
And I, all I really want is you
You to stick around
I'll see you everyday
But you have to follow through
You have to follow through
These reeling emotions they just keep me alive
They keep me in tune
Oh, look what I'm holding here in my fire
This is for you
Am I too obvious to preach it?
You're so hypnotic on my heart
So, since you want to be with me
You'll have to follow through
With every word you say
And I, all I really want is you
You to stick around
I'll see you everyday
But you have to follow through
You have to follow through
The words you say to me are unlike anything
That's ever been said
And what you do to me is unlike anything
That's ever been
Am I too obvious to preach it?
You're so hypnotic on my heart
So, since you want to be with me
You'll have to follow through
With every word you say
And I, all I really want is you
(For) you to stick around
I'll see you everyday
But you'll have to follow through
With every word you say
An I, all I really want is you
(For) you to stick around
I'll see everyday
But you have to follow through
You have to follow through
You're gonna have to follow
Oh, this is the start of something good
Don't you agree?

My new favorite song right now.

FREAK!

There is something that I need to address that just freaks me out. The particular gym location that I go to is quite busy. During "peak" times, they feel the need to pay a guy who "monitors" the locker room. He's an older gentleman--around his mid-50's, I would say. Ok, first of all--WHY do we need someone to "monitor" the locker room AT ALL??? What do they think is gonna happen? I just don't get it... He literally just stands at the entrance and walks around the locker room lurking about. This alone freaks me out.

On several occasions, I'll put my towel down on the floor beside my locker to go get water or a plastic bag. When I get back to my locker, he's already snatched my towel and put it in the "lost and found"!!!! WTF?!?!?! Dude, I was gone for like 5 seconds! Do you just follow everyone who walks into the locker room? This freaks me out AND annoys the crap out of me.

On top of being creepy, he's also a "bible banger." People who try to shove religion or their beliefs down other people's throats annoy me...period. I think that religion/faith/spirituality is something that is individual to everyone. If I want to be preached at, I'll go to church--thanks. He always inserts a religious note into his conversations. "So, where do you go to church?" or "well, the way I see it, God..." or "the bible says..." Totally inappropriate...and freaky...and icky.

He really put the icing on the cake yesterday. As usual, he was grossly meandering around the locker room when he decides to stop and chat it up with this particular gentleman. Mind you, said gentleman was getting undressed and obviously getting ready to take a shower. Did this stop him? Nope. They had apparently exchanged pleasantries earlier and he felt the need to continue...AT THIS VERY MOMENT...as this man was taking off his tighty whities!!! He started to make his way to the showers before the "monitor" quit talking! Invasion of privacy? Yes. Personal space? He has no concept of this. Common courtesy? Has none.

Freak.
Gross.
Ewww.

Music...makes the people...come together

Isn't it funny how a song can change over time? Sometimes you can hear a new single, love it, then quickly grow sick of it because the radio plays it over and over and over...and over. Sometimes you can hear a new single, sorta kinda not really like it, but then grow to love it. Then there is the "moo" song--you don't like or dislike it...it's just "moo"--like a cow's opinion (it doesn't mean anything)--yes, this "moo" concept is from Friends ;)

Well, I was with one of my friends this past weekend when a "moo" song (to me) came on the radio. This was one of his favorite songs. It was interesting to see how his love for said song made me change the way I heard the song. Now, everytime I hear this song, I go back to that moment in time when he was singing at the top of his lungs and acting goofy. This song will forever be "his" song. It's not that I necessarily like the song any more or less--I just have a new association with it.

I was channel surfing the other night and came across Keith Urban's concert on CMT. He's one of my favorite country artists, but it's now on a new level. When he sang "You'll Think of Me," you could see his passion and the hurt he must have felt when he was going through this break up. He sang the country version, not the "pop" version, which is a little longer. Now, I like the song even more than I did before.

That's another thing I love about music...the associations that you put with a certain song...it just takes ya back:) Good times...

What's been up?

~I’ve been arguing with the condo mgmt about the leak from my upstairs neighbor. It has leaked into my unit twice now and they insist that it isn’t coming from anywhere upstairs. They finally actually took a look at her washing machine drainage pipe and found out that it was in fact hooked up improperly. No, I was just making it all up…GEEZ!!! They had to cut through her drywall, so that might have been what they were trying to avoid. Sucks to be them!

~Busy busy busy at work…

~I went over to a friend’s apt to watch the UGA game on Saturday. It ended up just being him and me, but it was fun. Beer and chips:) Then, he invited me to a cookout at his sister’s house. His sis, bro-in-law, and parents were all there. It was only the second time I’d met them, but they treated me like they’d known me forever. More beer, hamburgers, chips, etc. Good times:)

~The Fall tv line-up has once again sucked me in. The Amazing Race, How I Met Your Mother, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Related, Twins, Nip/Tuck, Will and Grace, Ghost Whisperer…just to name a few…

~Nothing on the dating front. When it rains, it pours…when it’s dry, it’s bone dry…

~The only numbers I’ve gotten in the past week or 2 have been from girls. ??? Hello?!?!?!

~In the past week, I’ve been asked to take in a stray puppy and kitten (on different occasions). By the time I finally decided to give in, it was too late. Maybe that’s a sign… I *do* want a pet, but do I want the responsibility??? I don’t think so right now. I’ll stick to Benny the Beta for right now;)

~With the events of the past week or 2, I’ve come to the conclusion that being a grown up sucks… Ahhh…to be a kid again…

It could be worse...

I'm feelin' down today...this past weekend wasn't the best...

Let me recount all the things that went wrong...

I went out with some friends on Friday night. The bar/club/lounge that we went to was packed, so I had to park in a gravel lot. This lot is lit, but the outer edges are slightly sloped down. Being limited on the parking, I decided to back into one of the only spaces available. As I was leaving, I was on the phone talking to one of my friends--I was not intoxicated. Well, as I moved my right foot from the brake to the accelerator, I reversed into the concrete base of a light post. Yeah. I went to go get an estimate today...at least $2550.

Last night, I went to bed around 11:15. As I lay in bed, I heard the sound of running water. I just thought it was one of my neighbors flushing the toilet or something. As I waited for it to stop, it didn't. I jumped out of bed and ran into the kitchen where I saw water coming down the wall. While freaking out, I got some towels and pans. It wasn't nearly as bad as it coulda been, tho--pretty minimal. I went up to the unit above me to see what was going on. She had just moved in on Friday and was doing some laundry. Her washing machine apparently wasn't hooked up properly. While we were exchanging info, we heard a knock on her door--it was her neighbor. The water had leaked into her unit, too. So, all-in-all, 4 units were affected... I finally got back in bed around 12:30.

(fast forward to 4am...)
I'm awakened by the sound of my neighbor "partying it up" at 4am on a Monday morning!!! WFT?!?!?! I could hear at least 3 different voices. This is the same neighbor that I never see! I finally fall back asleep around 5 and then my alarm went off at 7. I normally turn my radio alarm off, but this morning...no way! I blared it without any regard. Paybacks a BIATCH!!!

So, bummed about my car...no sleep...hella busy here at work...other things...I'm a little down...

I did come across something yesterday that I have been trying to focus on today when I start to feel down again. I went for my usual run at the park, but I noticed that it was way more crowded. The Breast Walk was taking place. After my run, I just sat in a shady patch of grass and watched all the walkers go by. They were focused on a much bigger cause than their everyday lives. It makes ya think...

It could be worse...I *am* lucky...

10 things people might not know about me

1. I went through a "husky" phase when I was younger--around middle school time frame.
2. I think I'm a boring person.
3. I sing everywhere and all the time...except in the shower.
4. I've only been in love, truly in love, once.
5. I like to flirt...
6. ...but can't if I think the other person is really REALLY...REALLY cute.
7. I'm very hard on myself.
8. I want kids one day.
9. Sometimes I think I'm fat...sometimes I don't.
10. I talk to myself...but I'm not crazy...seriously, I'm not! LOL.

TGI(almost)F

Odd things that happened to me last night (in no particular order):

~I went out. I usually don't go out during the week, but one of my friends called me at 10pm to meet him and another one of our friends out. The other friend had just moved back to Atlanta and I hadn't seen him yet, so I felt like I really needed to go socialize.

~I got felt up by said friend. He said things like,
"The last time I saw you, you were a boy. I come back and now you're a man" Dude--it's only been a year or so...
"You look bigger..." This is said as he's feeling my chest...which he did all night.
"Dang, you've beefed up!" I didn't know that this was noticeable, but it's nice to know that it is:)

~A group of 3 asian guys were walking towards us and one stopped and said "hey" like he knew me and proceeded to give me a hug. WTF!?!? Just cause I'm asian I'm supposed to know you??? Don't think so, dude! I just stood there as he gave me a hug with a "I don't know who the F you are" look on my face. He went on his way. LOL. That's right, BIATCH! Keep on walking!

~I felt very popular last night. I saw people I hadn't seen in forever. I would classify then as acquaintances more than friends, but it was nice to catch up with everyone. It's odd, but I didn't realize that I "knew" so many people--LOL.

~One of my friends was being stalked by a guy. No matter where we went, he was sure to follow. He finally mustered up the nerve to stand right next to us and then proceeded to talk to C. He bought all 3 of us a shot--SCORE! BUT...C was soooo not interested. After some ignoring, the guy got the hint and left.

~I got felt up by a drag queen. Ewww! Why do middle-aged drag queens feel like they can prey on 20 somethings? After she/he started moving towards the abs, I quickly let her/him know that this was not ok! Go prey on some other 20 something cause I'm not having it! Ewww!

~I was late to work this morning. Here's the thing...I set my alarm for 6:20am and I awoke this morning at 7:57am. My alarm did NOT go off and I don't believe the power went out. This has happend at least 3 times since I've lived in my condo. I had previously chalked it up to the power going out during the night, but I don't think this is the case. Is there a ghost that lives in my place who turns my alarm off? Odd...

3 Strikes for Bottled Water

A while back, I had heard an “expert” on the radio who claimed that bottled water was making people sick. He went on to explain that there are “good bacteria” in tap water that helps your body fight off common sicknesses. Strike #1 for bottled water, but I didn’t take too much heed in this.

Well…yesterday, a co-worker sent this link around: http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/DentalHealth/tb/1756

It basically says that bottle water is contributing to a rise in cavities because it lacks the fluoride that tap water naturally has. Strike #2 for bottled water.

Bottle water costs money and tap water doesn’t. Strike #3.

3 strikes and you’re out, folks. I usually walk over to the other side of our office to get filtered water, but no more. From now on, it’s the water fountain for me. Plus, I figure that people got along just fine without filtered or bottled water since the beginning of time, so why change it if it ain’t broke?

My "Seven's"

Going along with RQOTD's post, here are my "seven's".

1) Seven things I plan to do before I die
~as many Ironman’s as I can
~travel to all 7 continents
~do something I love (professionally)
~be the best Uncle I can be
~live life to the fullest
~become fluent in Spanish
~live in another country for a while

2) Seven things I can do well
~run
~sing (I think…)
~sleep
~cuddle
~eat
~avoid things (confrontation)
~spend money

3) Seven things I can’t do at all (or hardly)
~rollerblade
~suck up to people
~lie
~hurt someone’s feelings intentionally
~be rude outright
~carry on a conversation with just anyone
~settle or be settled for

4) Seven celebrity crushes
~Steve Sandvoss
~Brad Pitt
~Michael Vartan
~Tom Welling
~Colin Ferrell
~Josh Hartnett
~ Britney (she's trash now, but pre-trashy husband, she was hot)

5) Seven things I say most often
~Yeah
~Seriously
~...just kidding…
~Alrighty
~Ewww
~”I was at the gym and…”
~Really?

6) Seven things that attract me to men
~idiosyncrasies
~they have to be funny to me
~and cute to me
~eyes
~can carry on an intelligent conversation
~smile
~a good heart

7) Seven things I’m listening to
~anything Kelly Clarkson
~specifically “Because of You”
~and “Gone”
~anything Coldplay
~Sara Evan “A Real Fine Place”
~Josh Gracin “Stay With Me”
~anything Sister Hazel

*My* cheesy commercial

*set scene*

1GAR accelerates as he merges onto I-75S. Out of his peripheral vision, he sees a Honda that he’s never seen before. In an attempt to get a closer look at this car, he changes 3 lanes of traffic and accelerates next to the foreign vehicle. He looks over…ah…the new Honda Civic coupe. After getting a good look, he accelerates past and goes about his destination.

*end scene*

I’ve often watched commercials similar to this and thought, “who *really* does that???” Apparently, I do…

Friendships?

The trip out to California was something I just couldn’t pass up. One of our vendors that we do A LOT of business with was showing their appreciation to all of their top accounts with an all expenses paid trip. My account was one of those, so hence my trip out there. The only “business” we had to do out there was an hour tour of their campus. Free trip…an hour tour…too good to pass up! As an added bonus, we got to bring a guest, too! Score! I decided to take my friend Jennifer.

A little background…

I met her my Sophomore year in college. She lived across the hall from me at O-House, and we fastly became friends. Throughout college, people constantly assumed that we went out because we were always together—little did they know…lol. She was the first person I came out to. Even though she is a year older than me, I graduated a year before she did—yeah, you do the math—LOL. Since college, we haven’t stayed as close as I would like. I moved to Atlanta…she got married and moved to Savannah. We talk on the phone now and then, but life has just gotten in the way. Jobs, location, etc.

Well, when thinking about who I wanted to take on this trip, it wasn’t even a question. I automatically called her up and told her that she was going—lol. We both wanted to “re-live” the D.C. trip that we took during Spring Break of my Junior year. Two of the other people that were supposed to go with us had backed out, so it was just the 2 of us. We had a blast! We had originally planned on a 5 day trip, but due to a snow storm coming through D.C., it ended up being a weekend trip. No worries…we still had a great time.

I had a good time with her, but I don’t think I would go on another trip with her. She freaks out about flying, she got nauseous on the ferry rides to and from the island, she complained a lot, she never once said “thank you” for inviting her, she stayed in the room a lot reading, she didn’t once go swimming cause it was “too cold”…I could go on…

Things I learned on this trip with her:
~people change…
~…in good ways and bad
~never try to “re-live” past events
~don’t fly with someone who hates to fly (especially since I love to…)

A bird's eye view

No matter how much I fly, I still feel like a little kid at heart. I’ve done my fair share of flying, but I still have the awe and amazement of a first time flyer. I’ve heard the “I’ve done it so many times now that I don’t think twice about it” comments, but I don’t think I’ll ever get to that point. Without fail, I make sure that I have a window seat so that I can soak up all of the incredible views. I take a carry-on bag full of stuff to do during the flight (iPod, books, magazines, etc.), but I rarely open it to utilize its contents. Instead, I sit in my window seat glued to my bird’s eye view of the earth below. The geometric shapes…the cotton-like clouds…the bluest shades of blues…is this how a bird feels? We should all be so lucky. Will I ever get tired of it? I hope not…

Things I can't get enough of

~cheese...I've been on a cheese kick for quite some time now. It's just odd cause before this little kick, I was never a huge cheese eater. I've always liked it, just didn't have to have it. Is my body trying to make up for lost time?

~Kelly Clarkson...no matter how much they play her on the radio or how much I listen to her on my iPod, I can't get enough of her music! She is fastly becoming one of my favorite artists...

~drama...it just seems that my life is getting bogged down with dating drama lately. I've never been the type to "date around," but it seems to be the case lately. I realize that I have a hand in this whole situation, so I need to handle this thing head on...

~DHC...Discovery Health Channel...plastic surgery, trauma, twins, oddities...I can't get enough...

~Healthy Choice Pizzas...these things rock! All the taste of a real pizza without the bad stuff:)

~trying new restaurants...you would think that I've come into some money or something...nope.

~trying new wines...this is in no way methodical...if I like it, it's a good wine:)

~runs in the park...fresh air + exercise + my iPod = good for the soul:)

~family and friends...this just goes without saying:)

I wanna...

...understand why things happen
...travel all over the world
...know what I wanna do when I grow up
...career that I have a passion for
...not have a care in the world
...be independently wealthy
...say what I mean
...do some things over
...find "the one"
...be fluent in other languages
...stop judging myself
...leave work and enjoy this beautiful day

Just now...

I wrote my first mortgage check on Sunday...

BAM!

It hit me--I'm an *adult* now. I'm 25 and I'm just *now* feeling like an adult--LOL. It's a crazy crazy world we live in...hehe.

An All-Time Low...

On my way back from running at the park on Sunday, I decided to stop by the Kroger on my way home to do my weekly shopping. This isn't the normal one I go to, but it was on the way. To my surprise, a new Starbucks "station" has been added...inside Kroger!!! Can the gays not live without Starbucks to go grocery shopping?!?!? It's just ridiculous...

What next? OH, I know...a Starbucks in LA Fitness (cause none of the guys that go to that location actually workout--LOL) . What is that, you say?

Well, 1GAR, there is a Starbucks right outside that LA Fitness...

...and you think *that* matters?! HA! Just wait, just you wait...

I C

If I hear another freakin' radio commercial about I C*, I'm gonna go crazy!!! Why are the airwaves bombarded with it all of a sudden?!?!

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

*if you don't know what I C is, then you have apparently not been listening to the radio (lucky dog)*

Routine, or the lack thereof

Like I’ve said many times before, I’m a creature of habit. I’m not *rigid* about it, just merely routine really. For example, when I workout, I usually try to put my things in the same locker. This is for a couple of reasons. One, so that it is as “thoughtless” as possible and I don’t have to “think” about where my stuff is. Secondly, I just go to that locker without even thinking about it. Having said all this, I haven’t been as “routine” with my training. Sometimes I’ll go in the morning one day, at lunch the next, after work another, or a mixture of the following. Well, yesterday, I went after work. I normally put my stuff on the bottom set of lockers—this time it was the top. I normally put them on the right side of the U-shaped isle—this time it was on the left. So, it was just all backwards for me. I finish my workout and go to my locker to get my stuff and leave. I had just gotten back from the pool, so I was wet and in my shorts-style speedos. I went to my locker and twisted the knob with my combo…nothing. Sometimes you have to do my lock twice, so I just did it again. Nothing. I tried to open this lock 4 more times before I realized that this wasn’t my locker! I proceed to where my locker is…did the combo once…it opened. DOH!

Isn't it funny...

...how the show "Top 10 Most Beautiful Homes" is a SCAM!!! This show isn't true to it's name. If it were, then you woulda just seen the ONE show and that woulda been it. Just those 10. But no, this is a weekly show that shows 10 homes EVERY week. So, it should really be called "The Most Beautiful Home"...period.

...that the title of my blog is "One Guy's Anonymous Rants," but every one of my posts are posted with my name. Hrmmm...

...that I've had my reversible duvet cover for about 3 years now, but I've never "reversed" it. I finally got a wild hair up my butt and did it. A whole new bedroom ensemble just like that! Viola!

...that you can be all geared up to do something one day and then not want to do it when the time comes? I bought all this car washing stuff (bucket, special car washing mits, tire shine, car soap, brushed for the tires) on Friday with every intention to wash it this weekend. My condo has a "car center" with a pressure hose and vacuum--it's quite nice. Well...yeah...Saturday came and went...and Sunday was just so busy with regular chores and errands...the car didn't have a chance. Poor Hazel Orangello (the name is for another post--LOL)...

...that I go grocery shopping every Sunday, but never feel like cooking that night. I have a refridgerator, freezer, and pantry full of food, but I don't cook. And not to mention that I have more time to cook than I would during the week. Nope. The microwave does the cooking--LOL.

...how you can meet somone a time or two (or not at all), but chat with them all the time online, and feel like you "know" them? I don't know if you would call them a 'friend" in the traditional sense, but they are sorta. Technology...it's a crazy thing.

A Good Deed

As most of y'all already know, I had some trouble with my mail. Long story short--I was given the wrong mailbox keys when I finished with my closing. I didn't discover this little oversight until after about a month of living here. Anyway, I have just now gone through all of the junk mail when I came across your standard "movers envelope." Inside, it was mostly junk...except for the valuable Kroger coupons. On this folded over "lottery ticket" were 3 "$5.00 off of a $35 or more purchase" and a free carton of eggs. Woohoo! Jackpot! I go to Kroger every Sunday to do my weekly shopping, and I always drop about $50 no matter what I buy--odd, I know, but it always ends up this way... So, knowing my shopping habits, I knew that one of these coupons would expire before I could use it (expires Aug. 31, 2005)--BUMMER!

Anyway, I go to the store today to do my weekly shopping. I get to the checkout line and the ringer finished ringing all my stuff up--yup, right around $50! So, as I'm putting the 2 other coupons in my wallet, I decided to do a nice deed. I turn to the young lady behind me and ask, "Would you like this coupon? It'll just go to waste otherwise..." The look of utter surprise and genuine thankfulness was worth it right there. It was only $5 off, but the gesture means more than the actual face value. We chatted for a bit...me saying she looked like she had more than $35 there and her agreeing, the hot as Hates weather, and some more small talk before I left and she thanked me again.

Isn't it sad that a nice gesture is so lost in today's society? Well, I did my part:) Karma, right? It feels good to make a total stranger smile...

Keep it straight!***

Upon talking with some of my straight guy friends, I've come to a conclusion. There is only one thing (other than who you find attractive) that separates gay and straight men: mental processes vs vocal expression. Let me explain... I've come to realize that both groups *think* the same things on certain issues, straight men just never express it vocally. They are too afraid that they might be perceived as "gay".

Some examples:

• I honestly believe that men can distinguish a good-looking man from an ugly one. My thought process on this is simple: a guy can CERTAINLY pick a pretty girl from an ugly one, right? Heck yeah! AND...guys will be the first one to point out an "ugly dude." But alas, straight men will NEVER say, "yeah, that guy is cute." The closest that they will get to ever acknowledging another guys good looks is, "yeah, I can see how you would think he's cute"--and this is only said by the utmost secure guy. But the sad thing is this--if a guy were to ever say that another guy is good-looking, he would automatically be considered gay, no question. Why? Girls say that other girls are pretty ALL the time and they are never accused of being lesbians--but guys LOVE the lesbianic action! Double standard? I think so...
• You will never hear a straight guy say, "I'm getting fat." Instead, you will hear them joke about "how much hard work it takes to get "this" (puts hands on belly)" or "I don't have a six pack, I have the brewerybrewry", etc. The straight guys that I know are conscience of weight gain, they just never put it in terms that would be considered "gay" or "girlie".
• When getting ready to go out, both gay and straight men are conscious of their physical appearance. A gay man will ask whether a certain shirt makes him look fat or if the belt looks okay with his outfit. A straight guy may look at himself in a mirror for several minutes debating whether his outfit looks ridiculous or stylish, however under no circumstance will he ever solicit advice on fashion from any of his male friends.
• Straight guys DO get bloated--they just vocalize it in terms of gas. There is one exception to this rule, however. Straight men are much more vocal when it comes to human defecation. A group of gay men may be hanging out together one night and one of them may have the sudden urge to use the restroom. He will most likely sneak away from the group, do his business, and return shortly after. Straight men feel as though they need to announce that they've got a "turtlehead about to pop out" and that they have to go take a dump before they go in their pants. Additionally, a detailed description of the feces is often given by straight men and they are somehow proud of this fact.
• Under no circumstance will a straight guy admit if he likes a song that is sung by a boy band or a "girlie, pop singer" (ie Britney, Christina)--and definitely not Madonna or Cher!!! LOL. And if a straight does like the song, then he feels weird about it. Why??? It's just a song people! Just because you happen to find a song catchy and start singing along to it doesn't mean that you are going to spontaneously start liking guys! LOL.

There are more examples, I'm sure, but this is all I could come up with right now. Have one? Share.

...and don't even get me started on Metrosexuals! They just mess things up for everyone! LOL.

***this was in corroborative effort with Chris***

Unneeded...Unwanted...Uninvited

Talking with many of my friends and co-workers, I've found a common theme throughout--no matter if you are married, single, live close/far from mom and dad, etc:

Family stress

Case in point: My mom calls me today as I'm leaving from work in a panic.

"Call your sister! She's lost in Athens and I don't know what directions to give her! She won't stop to ask for directions! Call her cell--do you have it?"

No, she's my sister--I don't have her cell number! Hello?!?! So, I call my sister and she just chats it up. Panic was not in her voice... We chat for a bit and she tells me where she is, etc. I eventually get her on the right way home and we hang up moments later after catching up. Why does my mom feel the need to over-exaggerate things? This isn't the first time she's called me with a situation like this. One time, my sister was lost in Atlanta and I was chosen as the "phone a friend" option to get her back on her merry way. Am I their personal MapQuest?!?! Apparently so. This is just unneeded stress for me AND my mom AND my sister. All the way around, just unneeded! URGH!

And then, if it's not this, it's something else.

"When are you coming home to visit?"

Ummm...it goes both ways. Plus, I have my *own* life that I live from time to time, too.

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!

Rules???

This past weekend was unlike many weekends for 1GAR--(why did I just refer to myself in the 3rd person?!?!?!). Anyway, I have to preface this post with a couple of thoughts. When you break up with someone, it’s sort of an unwritten rule that the friends that they brought to the table goes with them and vice versa, right? Well, when J and I broke up, that’s what “naturally” happened. We had a core group of friends that was comprised from both his and my pre-dating life. We tried the whole “let’s hang out and be friends” thing, but it just didn’t work. So, I was already in Atlanta and started making some new friends and he was in Athens with his. As time went on, his said friends gradually started moving to Atlanta. I would see them out every now and then and we would do the whole “we should get together and catch up” thing. This never really came to fruition—mainly because of the said “unwritten rule” rule.

Well, with my move back to Atlanta and trying new things thing, I’d decided to let go of all that petty crap and just let things progress normally. Upon going out with some friends one evening, I ran into some of these said friends. We chatted and caught up, blah blah blah. They genuinely wanted to get together and hang out, so I went with it. While J and I had gone out, his friends and I came to be really good friends, so why not, right? For the month that I’ve been back, I’ve hung out with said friends on a weekly, sometimes more, basis.

***ok…to the point of this entry now***

This past weekend, we all went out to shoot some pool, “bar-hop”, and go dancing. One guy in particular, S, and I have spent more time together than the rest of us. So the night progresses…yeah…ummm…there was dancing…drinking…and yes…kissing! It didn’t stop there. He and I had ridden together, so there was more making out before he got out of my car.

My question is this: What are the “rules” on dating a friend of an ex?

For me, I was torn. It felt good and bad at the same time. Good cause…yeah…you know why. Bad cause I just felt wrong about the whole thing. Is this widely frowned upon? Does the length of dating to broken-up ratio count?

This is an interactive entry. Your 2 cents are welcomed!

Convos between L and Me

*coming back from sushi*

Me: I'm stuffed.
L: Me too. Hey, look at the huge cock!
*laughter errupts*
Me: You said "cock"! And we're in 6th grade again... hahahaha
L: I just couldn't pass it up...I tried, but I just couldn't...
*we were passing the Folks off of Cobb Pkwy that has a huge rooster out in the front*


*later on in the day...delirium has set in...*

L: Is your *work program name here* down?
Me: I dunno. I haven't worked on that all day. Wha choo talkin' about, Willis?
L: haha
Me: Wha tha madder wit choo?...Hrmmm...I just suddenly turned black--hehe
L: HAHAHAH--LMAO--HAHAHA
Me: HAHAHA

Can you tell we crack each other up?

Shenanigans

When I was still the “new guy” here at work, people thought I was shy, quiet, etc. HA! When people got to know me, they found out otherwise. See, I started working with my company about 2.5 years ago, but the first 1.5 years of that was spent on-site at my client’s office as a rep. for my company. When I moved back up to my company’s office, I was considered the “new guy,” even though I’d been with the company for 1.5 years at that point. All of this is to say that I had to get to know everyone like I had started a new job. Anyway, before I became friends with the now absent A and M, I would go eat sushi once a week at a favorite local sushi restaurant. When A and I became friends, she refused to eat sushi. In an attempt to get her to try it, I told her that she could always order one of their “normal” dishes. She reluctantly agreed to go and over time, she became to like sushi. Now that she’s left, L is my new sushi partner.

*I am going somewhere with this…*

When I would go to this sushi restaurant by myself, I usually had the same waitress. She speaks very broken up English, so I just smile and nod like I understand what she’s saying (like most men do when women talk, right—LOL, JK). Anyway, she would flirt with me…ewww! Not that the idea of a woman flirting with me is “ewww,” but it’s the fact that *she* was flirting with me. First off, the broken up English. Secondly, she has breath that kills plants when she breathes. Ewww…

So, when A started going with me, I noticed a huge difference in the way the waitress acted. She no longer tried to talk to me nearly as much as she used to, and if she did, it was when A was at the bathroom or not at the table. A and I thought this was funny, so we would play along with her. A would put her head on my shoulder or put her arm around my waist or the like to make it look like we were going out. The waitress even asked me if we did! (when A was at the bathroom!—I told her no…)

So, this has been an ongoing joke amongst us (L now, too). Little does the waitress know that she’s not my type…for more reasons than one…

L and I are meeting A today for lunch to make our waitress jealous one last time before A moves…

MPH

I made a very odd observation yesterday. Have you ever seen a speed limit sign say "52 MPH" or "67 MPH"??? No, they always round, right? 65 or 70 or 55, right? This is what I thought before I saw one that says "9 MPH" in my complex. 9 MPH??? Most complexes or shopping malls or the like will have low speed requirements like 10 MPH or 15 MPH, but 9 MPH??? Who has this job, anyway. Is there a "private property speed limit" guy who has to decide what speed limit he thinks would be appropriate in a given area? Was he just feeling spunky one day and thought that he would just make my complex a 9 MPH speed limit zone for $#!+'s and giggles? Maybe this was his way of just playing a practical joke to see if anyone would even notice the odd number on this sign. Maybe he and his "private property speed limit" co-workers sit around and just laugh about stuff like this... Whatever floats your boat, man.

Things that are irking me...

...that I've been in my condo for about a month now and I found out today that I have the wrong mailbox key. It was by accident, really. I just happened to notice that the little inside sticker on the door said L21, not I21. No mail for a month...bills need to be paid...yup...can we say late fees??? With the move and change of address, I just didn't know how long it would take...URGH!

...that I've been without a phone at work for 2 days now. Our tech is new, so he has no clue...

...that I think I need glasses. I work in front of a computer all day, and I'm finding that I'm squinting. I also strain to see the writing on the tv at night. Come on...I mean, my eyes can't get ANY smaller! Geez...

...that I'm getting addicted to coffee. I've always liked the taste, aroma, warm-goodness of coffee, but I'm drinking more and more. Today, I had 3 travel mugs full...not good...

...that I'm back to little sleep. I was getting a good 7-8 hours for about 1.5 weeks or so, but I'm back to maybe 5hrs/night.

...Gas prices...

Random $#!+

~I went out with a couple of friends this past Saturday night. We were all just standing around drinking at one of our favorite "drinking holes" just chatting it up. Throughout the night, I had noticed that a group of 3 guys kept looking at me and my group of friends. Whatever. So, on one of my trips to the bar, I saw a guy take my picture. After he took it, he came up to me and asked if he could take another one. He said he was with a local magazine (yeah right!...with a non-professional camera? NOT!) and wanted to take some more pictures of the night life. I kindly told him no, but he kept insisting. While arguing/talking with this guy, the group of 3 guys were standing behind me and "rescued" me. I talked with them for a bit and they bought me a drink. Long story short, I exchanged numbers with one of them and I went back to my group of friends. Well, on Tuesday night, I get a call from the guy. We talked for a bit and I commented on how it seemed like he was with one of the other guys with him that night. He reluctantly confirmed my suspicion and we chatted some more about it. I asked him how long they had been together, etc. He told me that it probably wasn't a good idea that he called me because his bf wouldn't like it. I asked him, "If I can be blunt...why, then, did you call me? No straight-forward answer, just that he wanted to make sure I had his number. WTF?!?!

~I've noticed that I'm much more of a loner than I ever thought I was. The older I get, the more this is confirmed. I've always had a lot of friends, but how many out of those friends would I ever call on if I needed to? I can only think of a couple. Is this bad? I was always used to having a close-knit "group" of friends growing up and throughout college. Is this just the natural progression as you get older? I dunno...

~The statement "Mind Over Matter" *is* sooo true. Before I moved, I woke up at a crazy early hour to drive without any traffic to go workout before work. I did this for about a year and never missed a day. The biggest deterrent was traffic. I knew that if I *did* miss a day, then I would be caught in rush hour traffic...and I wasn't going to do that. Well, since I've moved back intown, I can't seem to get my @$$ out of bed in the mornings! Without the major deterrent of traffic, I have no real reason to get up early cause I can always workout after work. I've lived in my place for a little less than a month, and I can count the number of early morning workouts on both hands...so sad. It really IS mind over matter.

Friday Hodgepodge

~Orange seems to be my new favorite color...by accident, really. It all started with my running shoes. They are mostly light grey with some white and orange as a "punch" color. Then I got my car. Some call it orange, I call it Copper. The official name of the color is "Sunlit Copper" with "Cabernet Leather". Most call it "orange" with "orange leather"--LOL. Then, when I moved into my condo, I had to switch cell carriers because I didn't get any service inside my unit. I went from T-Mobile to Cingular. The Cingular logo is orange. Plus, my phone's keypad lights up orange. Coincidence? I don't think so. Maybe orange is *my* black right now...

~My power went out yesterday. It was a huge headache because the road was blocked and they were only letting people who live in my complex through. At that point, I didn't know why there was a road block, but I quickly found out when I entered my unit. The power was out. All I could think about was the episode from Friends when Joey's refrigerator broke. He was in his recliner with ALL of the food surrounding him frantically trying to eat everything before it went bad. When Chandler walks in, Joey has a nauseous, sick look on his face. I thought that would be me--sitting in my dining room, food everywhere, gorging--LOL. Fortunately, the power came back on before I had to resort to this...

~L and I cut up with each other here at work. She's my new A & M. Sometimes we just bust out in laughter. For instance:

L: I have a bone to pick with you.
Me: Hehe. You said bone.
L: *erupts in laughter*
Me: I just reverted back to 6th grade. HAHAHAHA!

~I met up with some friends last night that I hadn't seen in forever. We drank, played some trivia, and caught up. Sometimes all you need are good friends, beer, and fun:)

Empty Office

M's been gone for about a month.
A's last day was yesterday.
Empty nest syndrome?
Yes.
My partners in crime are gone.
My girls are gone.
Work won't be the same.
Sadness.

MY top 5 lists

Piggy-backing on Nat's blog, I've come up with my own list of top 5's. I im'ed her with things I felt she had left out, and she kindly reminded me that it was HER lists, not mine. So, here are some of mine (in no particular order within each category):

Songs:
Stay With Me, Josh Gracin
Dream Big, Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand
XY--the whole cd, Coldplay
Inside Your Heaven, Carrie Underwood
Fast Cars and Freedom, Rascal Flatts

Beer:
Newcastle
Killians
Bass
Corona
Michelob Ultra

Guys:
Steve Sandvoss
Tom Welling
Brad Pitt
Colin Farrell
Josh Harnett

Girls:
(you can raise your jaw now...lol)
Jessica Alba
Jennifer Anniston
Halle Berry
Eva Longoria
Jennifer Love Hewitt

Cheap Eats:
Willey's
Moe's
RuSan's
Noodle
Little Azio

Stores:
The Apple Store
Gap
JCrew
Banana Republic
Ikea

Shows:
The Amazing Race
Desperate Housewives
Will & Grace
Friends
anything Ironman or Triathlon related

Bands:
Sister Hazel
Coldplay
Vertical Horizon
Dave Matthew's Band
Rascal Flatts

That's all for right now, folks!

Playing detective

I've been at my new place for 2 weeks this Thursday. While this is still a short amount of time, I've made 2 odd observations:

~There are 2 cars that NEVER move! It doesn't matter what time of day or night it is, they are ALWAYS there. Just odd...
~I've yet to meet any of my immediate neighbors. The girl to the left of me (I'm assuming she's a girl because maintenance was fixing her ice maker and I looked in her unit as I was leaving mine. The unit was furnished with "girlie" things--I guess it *could* be a gay guy, but what are the chances?) is NEVER there! I think I might have seen signs of occupancy once, but I'm not sure. Her blinds are always closed and the lights off. I mean, you would think we would have crossed paths at least once in almost 2 weeks. Same with the unit to the right of me, but I'm not as sure about that one cause there are no visual signs that anyone lives there. The one to the left of me has chairs, plants, a table, and a door mat on her patio entrance. Odd...

Could these 2 observations be related??? Maybe the owners of the 2 cars that never move are the occupants of the units on either side of me...hrmmm...

Am I onto something? Hrmmm...

A "feel-good" song...

You know the scenario, you're just driving along when a song comes on the radio that seems to automatically conjure up nostalgic memories, good thoughts, visions of children laughing, your most treasured mental images flashing through your mind, etc. Well, right now, for me it's Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand's Dream Big. It's a "country" song, but I think it goes way beyond those boundaries. It's just a "feel-good" song...

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes,
cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile be sure to smile wide,
and don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride,
and don't show the hurt inside,
because the pain will soon be gone.
Chorus:
And when you dream, dream big, as big as the ocean blue.
Cause when you dream it might come true.
When you dream, dream big.
And when you laugh be sure to laugh out loud,
cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty
all around and in yourself, and it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength
to help you carry on when the troubles come your way.
Chorus
When you cry be sure to dry your eyes,
cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile be sure to smile wide, and
don't let them know that they have won.
And when you laugh be sure to laugh out loud,
cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all
around and in yourself, and it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to
help to carry on when the troubles come your way.
Chorus 2x

The raw lyrics illustrate the positive feelings I'm talking about, but the video hits it the nail dead on the head. It's one of those songs/videos that you're watching/listening to and you suddenly realize that you're smiling. Even if you're not a country fan, check it out.

Oh, what a gay night!

Since I've moved back to Midtown, I've made a pact with myself to try new things and broaden my horizons. I think I was getting too complacent with how my life was before I moved up to Gainesville. For me, it was nice to get away from the city and just reflect on me and certain aspects of my life. (I know, I know--blah blah blah, but it's true) Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY VERY glad to be back in Midtown, but I honestly believe that everything happens for a reason and that getting away has done me some good.

Well, last night was the first venture in the horizons of 1Gar being broadened. A friend invited me to go with him to a dinner function here in Atlanta. It's called "The Gay Supper Club"...or something like that. I had heard about this before from another friend, but I'd just never made the effort and gone to an event. This club meets once a month and you get a pre-selected variety of hors de vours, appetizers, salad, entree, and dessert for a set price (excluding alcohol or drinks). They know that gay men love to drink, so this is where they make the moolah--LOL. They pick a different place every month at a "in" Midtown restaurant or a near by neighborhood--nothing OTP *gasp*. It's a really good deal, a great way to meet other people, fun, social, etc. Well, my friend and I ventured off to Dish last night. He had gone to one event before, but I was a "virgin" and everyone makes sure to call you out as a first timer. Even though it's like a gay bar with a meal inserted in the agenda, it's an alternative way to meet new people. You basically meet about an hour before the set dinner time to mingle and meet new people. The tables are arranged so that you sit with a group of people, so you can sit with whoever you came with and/or with totally new people. It was a good time and the meal was awesome! We sat out on the patio and the weather couldn't have been better. My friend and I separated ourselves from the people we knew and sat with total strangers. I met some cool guys, had a blast, got an awesome meal for an even more awesome price, caught up with some acquaintances, and just "let loose" for a night without the bar scene.

I shall go again:)

A day in the life of a housewife

I'm taking today and tomorrow off just to sorta tidy up all the loose ends of moving and to just "chill" in my new place. It was nice. I slept til 9:30--when I normally would have been up at 4:15 to go to the gym. I then leisurely got ready to go to the gym. I did my normal training and started making some observations. The gym was not dead like I thought it would be. It was rather busy. Housemoms, the self-employed, people playing "hookie", the college kids, the high school kids, the elderly/retired, etc. While I am a regular early in the morning, it was nice to see some new faces. It was more humbling, really. To see all these different types of people working out--I love it! Early in the morning, it is all the same--people working out before work.

I then ventured to Ikea. I had gone once before during lunch on a Friday--big mistake! Let me just preface all of this by saying that department stores overwhelm me. I'm not a big shopper normally, so a place like Ikea is a bit like a kid at Walt Disney--overwhelming and exciting all at once. So, I decided to just start at the beginning and walk through the whole store--what else did I have to do on my day off? :) Like any other project or job--take it little by little and it doesn't overwhelm you as much. I mosied along the maze of rooms like a mouse looking for cheese. I saw many things I wanted, but alas, my eyes were bigger than my wallet. After finishing the "showroom", I made a pitstop at the cafe and enjoyed a delectable meal--fuel for the lower part of the store! Off to the lower level of goodness:) All in all, I got out of there with a desk, entertainment stand, 2 floating nightstands, doormat, trashbag caddy thingy, and some other knick-knacks. Trust me, I coulda really gone to town, but I refrained. While I was there, I also people-watched--much like the gym.

***note to self--either become a housemom or self-employed***

Upon arriving back at the condo, I assembled the desk, entertainment stand, and nightstands with relative ease:) It feels good to have every single box gone! Ahhhh...

MIA

Ok, so I know I've been MIA lately, but I have a good reason for that. I've been really really busy. Ok, ok...I know what you're saying..."1GAR, we're all busy." ...and I hear that, but I honestly have been busy. I took 2 days off at the end of last week, so that made the 3 days of work extremely busy. PLUS...I became a homeowner! I took those days off for closing and general moving. So, since Thursday's closing, I've been busy packing, moving, and unpacking. I never realized how stressful, detailed, frustrating, or rewarding becoming a homeowner was. The Uhaul reservation was all messed up, closing lasted almost 2 hours cause they were running late, I had to "schedule" the move around the freakin' rain, gas pumps not working, essentially moving everything myself (my bro-in-law helped with the big items, that's it), having a 2-5 cable appt on Saturday and finally showing up at 5:30, spending WAY too much money...need I go on? Needless to say, it was not the smoothest move, but I'm finally done! So, I'm back to normal now...somewhat.

So, since I've been busy moving, some of my friends called me up Friday night to go out. I decided to take a break from unpacking and meet them out for a couple of drinks. I was told that J would be there, so I thought that this would be a good chance for everyone to see that we are SOOO ok with being around each other. I had a blast that night. We all just caught up and talked and drank and played pool and drank and drank--LOL. After we had "played" all the pool that we could handle, we all had the dancing bug. So, we went out dancing. I hadn't been out dancing in FOREVER! Good times.

It's very odd how one certain "event" can put everything into perspective. Let me explain. While we were out dancing, J did something that made me realize how over it I am with all of it...he had a cigarette... I know that this isn't a *huge* deal, but it is to me. First off, WHY??? Secondly, gross! Thirdly, he knows how against it I am. Forth, OVER IT! I've often wondered how I would react if the idea of us getting back together was ever presented. I now know how I would react...

Monday Morning Funnies

Funny #1
My mom has the gayest little dog. She's had him for about 4 years or so. If you have ever seen Jessica Simpson's dog (the Malti-Poo), that is what she has. It's an acutal breed--a mix between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle. It's really a crime that these dogs even come as a male because they are just the most prissy, gayest dogs ever. Well, my mom also has a fat cat. He's a Tabby that probably weighs a good 20-25 pounds. He is HUGE!

So, I was at her house over the weekend and witnessed something hilarious. The dog was humping the cat! This is funny for so many reasons:

~The cat is way bigger.
~The fact that I openly call him the "gayest dog ever" and he was humping a MALE cat!!!
~The cat was too fat and lazy to even care.
~They were going at it like champs--hehe.

Funny #2
I was getting ready at the gym this morning when I noticed something odd on the counter. A stick of deodorant. This isn't odd, you say, but oh on the contrary, my friend. It was a stick of Secret deodorant. The next thing I notice is who comes to get it. Up comes a big, black guy who grabs the Secret and puts it in his bag. I guess it *really is* strong enough for a man! HA!

Conspiracy Theory?

I have to preface this post with the fact that I tend to have a bit of a heavy foot. This being said, I have a radar detector just to cover my bases--LOL.

On my drive to the gym this morning, I looked down at my speedometer and started thinking (I wasn't speeding, btw--hehe). My particular speedometer goes up to 160 mph. Why would car manufacturers even put such a high speed capability on a car when 96% percent of all US speed limit signs are 70 or under? I put 96%, because there are some places that don't have a speed limit, I think...right? Like Montana or something? Anyway, I digress... Are car manufacturers and policemen teaming together to bully more money out of heavy-footed citizens like myself? Did a police officer schedule a meeting with the CEO of a car manufacturer and ask them to raise the speed capability of cars so that they could stop more speeder, and thus get more money from speeding tickets? I don't think this is too far fetched...but I'll let you ponder this...

A bunch of fatties

A co-worker brought in some watermelon first thing this morning for breakfast. I was the only one who ate any. Here it is 10:30am and most of it is still there. If it were donuts, they would have been gone in 1.5 seconds. Just too funny...

Isn't it Ironic?

Why is it that you always want what you can't have? On my commute home this afternoon, my cell phone was not working. I don't know if it was T.S. Cindy, T-Mobile service, or what, but I was not able to get a signal for over 30 minutes. I drive this route everyday and never have a problem with service. Normally, I drive home listening to my iPod or the radio. I like to take that time to unwind from the day and not chat it up on the phone. Mind you, I'm not opposed to it, but I'm just not one of those who has to have the cell phone attached to my ear when I enter my car. Well, I kept trying and trying, but to no avail. I was wondering if I had forgotten to pay my bill and T-Mobile might have stopped service, but no--I had paid it already. Finally, my phone became operable! Success! So, from that point on, I chatted it up on the phone with friends--LOL.

This little mishap got me thinking about other areas where this applies. Por ejemplo...

~When you just HAVE to get online when your cable modem is temporarily not working.
~You just have to have Chik-fil-A on a Sunday.
~You just have to wear a shirt that is dirty.
~You just have to buy the overpriced jeans just because they don't have your size.

...and the list could go on forever. Sorta like Alanis Morisette's song "Ironic"...