Cuz I like it ...
And? I'm lazy and busy doing laundry. So sue me!
August 12, 2007
August 7, 2007
My life, my joy, my pain ...
Out of focus? Naaaaaah. Artsy!
Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh ....
Taken from the balcony last night ....
Did I mention I'm on vacation? Yeah ... sweet. More to come later.
July 22, 2007
Catchin' up on a Sunday ...
So I meant to post yesterday but I had a small problem ... my toilet flush mechanism broke. At first I thought it was just the handle. I saw it had broken off on the first hole, closest to the handle end. Unfortunately, when I got knee ... okay, elbow deep into the tank, I noticed the flapper valve had turned to mush. It was time for a complete overhaul. Here's 4 of 365.
A few final adjustments, and it's good as new, and my manly-man, handyman reputation is still intact.
The boys and I went out to Ryan's Steakhouse to enjoy their breakfast buffet with my mom and dad. The superintendent of Vernon Parish Schools showed up with her sister and we had a good time. Let me just say, their breakfasts are supreme. All you can eat with free drink refills and if you can't find what you like to eat for breakfast on the buffet, chances are they don't make it. They have fruit, salads, deserts even an station where you can get omelettes made-to-order. It's a great buffet. The only downside is dodging the bird shit on your way in.
Sometimes, it doesn't take much to amuse my kids ... like, say, stacking 21 full cans of Dr. Pepper? Yeah ... it only took them about an hour. Here's Ryan posing with the prize.
Alas, however, it's the time of the summer when my sister takes the boys for a week and hangs out with them in Houston. *le sigh* They left at 11 a.m. this morning and won't be back till Wednesday. (Ryan starts band camp (hold your jokes, please) Thursday so this year it's an abbreviated week.) Until they get back, I'll be all alone. Again, *le sigh* What to do, what to do? (5 of 365)
Hope I can figure it out before they get back. *le sigh*
July 20, 2007
Where to start?
I guess first off, I think I'll go with my 365 project. Simple enough. You may or may not know, but I work as a journalist for the U.S. Army. It's a good job. I love what I do which mainly consists of telling the stories of the Soldiers that honorably and selflessly serve our nation.
There are some bad apples that serve, I'm sure, but I haven't met any of them. Most of the Soldiers I know have a few things in common ... a selfless devotion to duty, a deep, abiding love for this country and the ideals that it stands for and a willingness -- not a desire, but a willingness -- to give their lives in the cause for which they serve.They are men and women, just like you and I. They have dreams, problems, desires .. everything you and I have. I have laughed with them, sharing in their camaraderie, and I have cried with them as they mourned fallen comrades, a job I wouldn't wish on anyone, but a job I thrive in.
I don't really give a flying fuck what your position or opinion of the president, the war, congress or anything else is. In my humble opinion, these men and women deserve nothing but your respect. I respect them and take my job seriously. That being said, there are other reasons I love working for 'Uncle Sugar.' Here is one in the form of "3 of 365" I like to call it "A Good Job."
Yep! That's me going home at 3:50 p.m. on a Friday. God I love my job.
Next, I saw the most amazing thing today. I stopped in at my local Circle K, an offshoot of Southland Corporation's 7-11 chain, to get some gas and a soda for the drive home. Outside the door, in a bright yellow, flame patterned shirt, stood a tow-headed 8 year old boy. As customers walked in and out of the door, the boy opened it for them, silently, making eye contact with each one.
Now, that might have been strange enough but this boy had an accessory that I think he wished he hadn't. He was wearing a two sided sandwich board made of cardboard. The sandwich board, reminiscent of one worn by out-of-work men exhorting pedestrians to "Eat at Joe's," was obviously home made. Scrawled across both sides of the board, lettered in the hand of a budding eight year old artist, was the phrase "I stole from Circle K."
After noticing it, I noticed another thing, two women, one obviously his mother, and a family friend just ... hanging around, making sure the kid served his penance. As I was in line, waiting to pay, the mother brought her son inside and, in front of all those waiting customers, introduced him to the manager and politely, yet firmly, asked him to tell her what he had stolen. When he hesitated, she told him to speak up and stood there as he found his voice, said he didn't remember the name of what he had stolen and walked over to the candy display and showed her.
I walked out then, having paid for my shit, thinking that the little boy was a lucky boy to have a mother who loved him that much, and that if there were more mothers in the world like her, I might not worry about the next generation so much. Then it hit me ... sometime in the last 15 years or so, I've turned into my dad.
There is more, but this is long enough, so I will save the rest for tonight or tomorrow. It's been a good day. Thanks for asking.
July 19, 2007
2 of 365
I promised myself I was over it, told myself that letting it affect me was a stupid waste of time. I told myself I was done, a new day was dawning and I was about to start a new life. I thought I would feel better, happier ... but today, now, this moment all I feel is empty. I don't know what to do.
July 18, 2007
HNT and another project ...
First off, I'm back and plan to stay that way for a while. Check out the proliferation of posts below if you haven't been here in a while.
Now ... I started the 365 project before I went on my extended hiatus and was really disappointed because I quit. I even put the camera down other than for work, but I feel the creative juices flowing and I'm ready to get back on the ball. I have decided to start over again and see if I can make it through this time. So that said, here is 1 of 365.
For the scoop on the poop about this thing we call HNT go see Os and tell him you're up. HHNT all!
July 4, 2007
Happy Birthday, America ...
July 3, 2007
God, I love my job ...
June 4, 2007
The family that macs together ...
Yeah ... we're just one big, happy family!
April 2, 2007
Over the top? Or just me?
So I'm driving to my mom's house today to drop off a batch of guacamole I made her for her Pampered Chef party tonight and flip on the radio. My regular station is kind of hard to get on post so I'm pleasantly surprised to hear the announcer coming in loud and clear. Suddenly they give the call letters and I realize that it ISN'T my normal station but something that's just bleeding through because of atmospheric conditions.
So as I'm contemplating whether or not this disappointment is worthy of hari kari, a loud "FUCK ME!", or possible a strongly worded letter to management, a commercial comes on that I just don't know how to feel about. Half of me wants to bust a gut laughing and the other wants to frown, get that fatherly "knitted eyebrow" look and shake my finger vigorously while uttering a harsh "TSK,TSK!" You tell me how you feel.
Her: George are you speeding again? You're gonna get caught and we can't afford another ticket.
* Name of company changed because I was laughing my ass off and can't remember who it was.
Him: Don't worry honey, I've got the new Speed-o-matic 3000* and our car is totally invisible to all forms of police radar detection devices. AND it's guaranteed. If we do get a ticket, the Speed-o-matic Company* will PAY it!
Her: Well in that case, step on it. If we don't hurry we're gonna be late!
I swear to God, I had to check twice to make sure I wasn't listening to the best of Saturday Night Live or something! I ain't making this shit up, I promise!
Next, we were driving around this weekend. Ryan took the camera and was playing around a bit. I stopped to get gas at this "friendly" little service station owned and operated by my friend Pakistani Phil. He's such a friendly guy, he put up a sign welcoming all customers to his fine establishment. The sign is about 8 feet tall and goes a little something like this:
Don't you feel welcome just looking at it? I thought so ... you thief, you!
This past Saturday, it was a boys day out, we went to CajunFest 2007 on post. Here are a couple of pics. Joshua was flipping the bird, so at his mother's request, I photoshopped it out. Ryan is just ... well, Ryan.
And finally, How'd you like to wake up with this staring you in the face?
This is Jessie, my new puppy that might, just might, have some pit bull blood in her. Is it just me? Or do you suddenly feel like you're a big, juicy steak, too? Yeah, prolly just me. Either way, I'm locking the windows tonight!
January 27, 2007
I'm still alive ...
Yeah ... it's been a while since I've posted or been around to anyone's blog. I am alive but haven't had time to breathe, let alone post anything. "Waaaah! and Boo Hoo!" Right? I thought so.
The appointment Monday went well. I really like the guy ... at least so far. I think we're gonna get along just fine but time will tell. I do have a good feeling though. He took me off my old meds and prescribed a couple of new ones and maybe it's just wishful thinking but they do seem to be making a difference already. Again? Time will tell.
Last week was a hell of a week. I had a ton of stuff to do and was gone for two days. I barely got done with everything and this time layout day was a bitch because of me. I apologize to my coworkers for that and promise to do better next week. Pffft!
Joshua got the call. He leaves for basic training Monday so we've been busting our butts trying to get everything he'll need together and spending time together before he leaves. He's excited and I am excited for him.
I am still doing the 365 Days project, even though I haven't been posting lately. Here is one of the pics I took. This proves that some men DO wash their hands after:
And this one is for someone with a hand fetish ... Oh and it's hockey season in case you haven't heard:
That's about all for now. I'll be back but for the moment, life is just getting in the way. Love Ya'll though and hope your lives and your weekend are going well. Laters
January 21, 2007
365 Days: Day 16
I will get to part two of the last post as soon as I can. I also owe Lime a food meme. I'll get to that too, but I just realized My week is fucked already. It starts Monday with my first shrink appointment. I'm a little nervous about it because it's like looking into the abyss. If he says there is nothing wrong, that means it's me and that scares the shit out of me. Cuz that means I would have to nut up and make some changes. Hopefully, he will have the tools in his arsenal to give me to help facilitate that. All this has inspired my 365 Days project today. I call it "Fuzzy Thinking." Wish me luck Monday ya'll and have a good one your self.
Where to start ...?
I've been away a couple of days. Sorry. But it's been a hectic end-of the week. I don't even know where to begin so it's just gonna be a bunch of random shit spewed out. Here goes ...
I was dinking around Friday afternoon and found myself in the cemetery again. The pic above is one of the ones I got there. I love the photographic possibilities a cemetery offers. My question is, is it kinda freaky that I spend so much time in them? Or that the fascination with death and dying is such a prominent part of my life? Hmmmmmmmm.Thursday night, I fucked up. There is no other way to put it. My son worked until 11 p.m. that night. You know I have problems sleeping and take Ambien to help me out. Well when I have to pick him up that late, I can't take the pill because by the time we get back, it's just too late. I would never wake up in time to get to work. So I take my pill just before I get in the car to go get him. Stupid, no? Yes! I figured I would zip down there, pick him up and get back before the shit kicked in. First problem ... he was running late. By the time we started home, I was stoned like a mother fucker! It was so bad that I had to pull over halfway home and tell him to drive. Second problem, he's never driven before. Yes, he is 19. No he doesn't have a license. He has never shown the first interest in driving or even wanting to learn. I don't get it but that's the way it is. It was a scary trip, but we made it home alive. Note to self: NO AMBIEN BEFORE DRIVING ... EVER AGAIN!I have also missed posting my 365 days for the past few days so here are those:
Thursday
Friday
Saturday. My new shoes. Originally $69.99. I got em for $19.99. Tell me I can't accessorize! Pffft!
I had no stories due Thursday but it ended up being one of the hardest papers we've had to put together in a while. I don't understand it but it was.I did get pulled off a boring change of command ceremony Friday for another assignment. The marines are training here and I get to follow them around for a story for next week. It's kind of unusual and should be a good article.It may be picked up by Army News so that would be good too. The only thing is, we set this thing up, I got up early Friday and went out there to do my thing ... and they paused the damned exercise! W.T.F.? So now I get to go back out Tuesday and finish up.
I also found out that I could/should/might be going to Fort Lewis, Washington, for a week. It seems that there is a unit there that needs the training we provide at the JRTC but can't make it down here, so like Domino's pizza, we're delivering. I think it's the first time we have ever done anything like this and it should make for a GREAT story! Plus, It means a little money in my pocket. WOOT!
There is just too much to tell in one setting. I'll be back later with the rest. Have a great Sunday ya'll. Laters
January 17, 2007
HNT ... the recycled outtakes edition
It is a cold mother fucker out there tonight! As I type this, it is 36 degrees and has been raining, actually more like drizzling, ALL.FREAKING.DAY.LONG. It's been MISERABLE ... I love it! I really do love this weather. I know, maybe it's because I live in Louisiana and we so seldom get weather like this but who knows.
I don't remember if I have posted this before. I did just turn 45 after all. (Can the onset of Alzheimer's be that far off?) I have been taking a ton of pictures lately and frankly I'm too lazy to check my archives to see if I did. So if I did post it I apologize. I was cruising in the car the other day and had the camera and just started snapping off pics. I like the way this one turned out. Hope you do too. I just call it ... "Cruising":
On another note, I was talking to a friend of mine today and she asked why I didn't post the color version of the photo I used for 365 Days: Day 9. Why the black and white instead? I really don't know. I've been dinking around in Photoshop a lot lately. I've been working on black and white conversions and maybe it was because of that. I do know that sometimes, the next day, I look back at the pictures I chose and think to myself "That was not the best choice." Live and learn I guess but in any case. For you sugar, here is the color version of Day 9. Thanks for asking.
Happy HNT everybody. Wanna know why we do what we do every Thursday? Go see the man. I'm sure he'll be happy to tell you why and welcome you to the fold. The rest of you? Get to surfing and let's get nekkid! WOOT!
365 Days: Day 12
Day 12 finds our intrepid hero at work ... because no one bothered to call him and tell him that he didn't have to be in regular time ... but I digress. No, I don't ya know? Fuck it. I was here two hours early and I'm gonna by-God take care of my plants!
This is one my old editor left for me when she got a new job in Colorado. Hey Karen! It's still alive (which is more than I can say for my Jade plant.) Must mean I like you. Go figger! Here are some other selections that I didn't choose. Enjoy!
They say it's all in the way you use your tongue ... or at least that's what SHE said and one thing I've learned over the years is never argue with a woman. Yeah, I ain't totally stupid! Happy Humpday ya'll!
January 16, 2007
365 Days: Day 11
Sorry. Can't talk tonight ... American Idol is on. WOOO-HOOOOO!
January 15, 2007
365 Days: Day 10
I love getting phone calls from people I care deeply about, don't you? I thought so. On a completely unrelated note, Damn I need to pluck my eyebrows, n'est pas? Kinda getting that Andy Rooney/John Madden thing going here.
Here is an out take:
Happy Monday Ya'll! Ugh, back to work tomorrow and the temp is supposed to stay at freezing. I know that would be like a heatwave to some of you but this is fucking Louisiana, dammit! Oh well suck it up Tommy and put on a sweater. But just in case you don't hear from me? Send the Saint Bernard's in. I like Captain Morgan or Malibu and coke, diet please. Oh and don't forget the caviar and crackers ... for the rescue keg I mean. Just sayin.
January 14, 2007
365 Days: Day 9
Day 9 ... Sunday ... a day of relaxation ... and self preservation. Everybody else is in the house watching "Grease: You're the One that I Want." That's the "American Idol" (which starts Tuesday I might add. YAY!) ripoff where Broadway hopefuls tryout, go through "Grease Academy" and the public calls in and votes on who will play Danny and Sandi for the Broadway production of "Grease!" Now don't get me wrong! I remember when Grease came out in the theater. I was there several times. I'm not a big fan of musicals but "Grease!" is one of the ones I DO like! I would actually go see the Broadway musical if I were able. I just can't stand another cookie cutter, reality ripoff on TV. I mean, Jesus Christ, whatever happened to original programming? So in order to preserve my sanity for day 9, I grab a book, my smokes, my Diet Coke and head to the back porch to await the rain that's supposed to hit later tonight. It was 77 degrees here today but the storm that's currently moving through Dallas is on the way. I'll just be here reading until it hits. Have a great week ya'll!
January 13, 2007
365 Days: Day 8
So I'm just wandering around the internet, minding my own business and who do I happen to run into? My old buddy and that perennial hottie, M.G. Here's looking at you kid!
Hey babe. Come here often?
January 12, 2007
365 Days: Day 7
A little while later, I had actually forgotten about it, I got a letter from a mother of a Soldier who had lost her son to a vehicle accident on post. She was touched and wanted to tell me about her son and the cross on the road that memorialized him. It was really an eye opening moment for me. Kinda made me realize that sometimes, what we do really does matter. Addict has a post where she got the same epiphany.
Well, the editor was touched and thought we should do something on it so we ended up publishing (with her permission) the letter and the back story. It was pretty cool but it kind of made me uncomfortable. It felt almost like tooting my own horn and, I know this may be hard for you to believe, I really don't like doing that or feel comfortable with it. I mean, here on the blog when I talk about how I'm hung like a horse, gods gift to women, blogging or any of a hundred different other things, it's all bullshit ... it's a persona. In real life, I'm much happier to just do my job and sit quietly in the background. I am proud when I tell you about awards I've won, but there is still a part of me that says "Fucker please! Do you really need attention that badly?"
Anyway ... one more post on this and I won't bring it up again. Apparently, some of the rescue workers that worked the scene that night remembered and were touched by the woman's story. They asked us for her number and got in touch with her and kind of put some closure to the whole ordeal.
Apparently that wasn't all they did. Mom called and told me that she drove by it and someone mowed around it, repainted it and just fixed it up really nice. It was the firemen and rescue workers. It just amazes me that all this came from a single post that was just a bunch of shit in my head that I vomited onto the screen. Life is funny that way I guess. That story inspired my 365 Days portrait today, so here goes.
January 11, 2007
365 Days: Day 6
Day 6: Tommy is futzed up! But he'll survive.
Well it's official. Josh was sworn in to the U.S. Air Force today. He just got back from New Orleans and we will go over his contract in the morning to find out what his ass let them talk him into. I'll let you know ... or not ... whatever. Hee! So it's day six and Thursdays are layout day. Today was a bitch but hey, it's over right? Had three stories I had to get done between yesterday and this morning but damn it, I did it. I really need to stop procrastinating ... I think I'll start tomorrow.
I apologize. I am just fucking wiped this evening. Don't tell him but this thing with Josh has been wearing on my mind. I have no problem with him going in the military. I just didn't want him to get screwed so I've been worried about that. And then, there is my mom and sister who are dead set against it. They are sure he's gonna be patrolling Sadr City looking for bad guys with an M-16 strapped to his ass. They mean well but really? They should shut the fuck up and let him live his life. For the past three weeks, I have been bombarded by them wanting to know what I was going to do about this outrage ... this affront to their sensibilities. I really don't understand it. My dad was in the Army for 26 years. Flew helicopters in Vietnam during the war. I served for ten years. Served in the first Gulf War. I don't remember anyone shitting bricks about that. Okay, I know mom was worried sick the whole time dad was in 'Nam. I mean who wouldn't be. But I would say, looking at the big picture, the military has been damned good to us all!
And you know what? The boy is 19 years old. I can't hold his hand. I can't live his life for him. I can't ask him to live his life according to my wishes. He has to be a man and live his life the way he wants to. Make his own mistakes. Know the sweet taste of his victories. Learn what life is all about, grab it by the balls and shake every bit of essence he can out of it. HE was the one that came up with this. He decided that's what he wanted to do and he fucking did it. There was no prompting from me. I didn't guide him. I gave advice when he asked for it and warned him that the recruiters were going to try and get him to do what they wanted him to do. But he went down to New Orleans, got what he wanted and I'm fucking proud of him. It's done. It's over and there is no changing it or turning back now. He is on the verge of a great adventure and I couldn't be prouder. I'm sorry ... it's just been a stressful week and I needed to vent. Thanks for listening. Have a great Friday ya'll!
January 10, 2007
365 Days: Day 5
Yeah ... it disgusts me too. It really makes me feel weak. I quit drinking cold turkey and haven't gone back yet that's been almost six months ago and I really feel good about that. Now if I could just get this monkey off my back, I'd be fine. I'm gonna try ... soon. What am I talking about? Have a look-see:
Shit. I wouldn't wanna kiss that either. BLEH!
Oh, and this? Cracks my shit up! Reminds me of, well ... me!
January 9, 2007
365 Days: Day 4
First off, If you are a friend of Betchacantguesswho's, go here and then take a minute to say a little prayer won't you?
Okay, today was my 45th birthday. It was great! Thanks to everyone who took the time to make it a good one. I was IM'ed and left an e-card first thing this morning, I got another e-card and a gift certificate to Amazon.com from a special friend and my mom surprised me with a party at her office. She told me she was going to buy me lunch and asked what I wanted. You know? Birthdays really aren't a big deal for me. Haven't been for a long time, so I told her to just pick something. Anything would be fine with me. Well, when I walked into her office at noon, the whole office sang "Happy Birthday" to me, they had a crock pot full of barbecue waiting as well as a cake and a Boston creme pie! Thanks mom!
There were also plans for Duck a L'orange, bacon wrapped asparagus and parsley potatoes for my birthday dinner. Small change in plans. First, both the boys were here so I wasn't alone all night. Second, the asparagus looked like shit and was expensive as hell. Now, I don't mind paying for asparagus or any other fresh vegetable for that matter, but if I'm gonna shell out the ducks (no pun intended), it needs to at least LOOK fresh ... you listening Wal-Mart?
I also changed my mind on the duck preparation. I ended up making Chinatown Steamed and Roasted Duck with parsley potatoes. Damn, it really turned out GOOD! Here's a pic of the finished product before we demolished it.
Another thing I got today was my new glasses. I got a call at work that they were in so I went and picked them up. Yeah, I'm definitely 45. My eyes (at least my close vision) have deteriorated over the past year. I am pleased to say, however, that there was no sign of any diabetes-related problems developing inside the eye and, with the new glasses, I see much better. So for today's 365 Days I present you with my new specs!
Sexy huh? Pffft! Have a good one ya'll and thanks again! Laters.
January 8, 2007
365 Days: Day 3
So ... It's here. Just another day that's not much different than any of a number of other days in the year. I'll get up, brush my teeth, shower, shave and head to work. While at work I'll get a little bit done (as little as I can get away with), go on an interview, write a story and try and figure out what the hell I'm gonna do for another assignment that's due by Thursday.
I'll field a few phone calls, take a long lunch hour that I'll spend with my mom. I'll let her buy me lunch like she is wont to do on occasion. There will be some blogging, some IMing, some e-mailing. I might take off early and come home.Joshua and my wife will be at work, Ryan will probably be hanging out with his GF so I will be home alone.
I have a duck thawing out that should be ready to cook by tomorrow afternoon. I think I'll use my new silicone cake pans that my sister got me for Christmas and bake me a cake. I have a lemon cake mix and a can of cream cheese frosting I need to use up. Cheating? Using a mix like that? Yeah, I agree. But did I mention I'm going to be making Duck a l'orange, bacon wrapped asparagus and parsley potatoes? I think I can live with cheating like that ... this time. Besides, it's gonna be a layer cake ... with two layers .. so that counts for something, doesn't it? I'll eat, blog, IM some more and maybe finish up the book I'm reading, take my Ambien and head to bed once the pills kick in. Just call me Mr. Excitement!
Just a day like any other day ... except this day is my birthday. Tuesday a pirate (or a douche bag, depending on your perspective) looks at 45 and that's what I've chosen as my 365 Days submission for today.
365 Days: Day 3, Tommy looks into the eyes of middle age, and surprisingly? He's okay with that.
Have a great day ya'll.
January 7, 2007
365 Days: Day 2
365 Days: Day 2 finds our intrepid hero scarfing down about six scoops of Blue Bell Chocolate Brownie Explosion Ice Cream. **shudder** Wow! I think I just had a mini orgasm typing that! This shit is good! Let me go clean up while you check out the pic. Later ya'll.
January 6, 2007
365 Project: Day 1
Yep ... I jumped on the bandwagon and have joined the ranks of those taking part in the 365 Project. That's where you take a self portrait every day for an entire year. Should be interesting. Here is Tommy: Day 1
Tommy: Day 1 a la MG
This also feeds into my laziness. (see previous post) I now have SOMETHING I can post every day this year! Woo-Hoo! Yay me! Have a great weekend ya'll
January 4, 2007
Not that anybody gives a flying fuck ...
but, aside from my date being canceled, I had a pretty good day today. A little while ago, I entered the Army Photo Contest. I entered 16 photos in a variety of categories not really thinking I had much of a chance. So today I'm at work and I get a call from the people running the thing telling me to come pick up my awards. I'm shocked! Really. I had actually forgotten about entering to tell the truth. Here are the photos that placed:
"St. Joe's Garden" 1st place, category: place, color.
"Roadside Crosses" 1st place, category: place, black and white.
"Flower and Cross," 1st place, category: experimental process, color.
"Eye in Light," 2nd place, category: experimental process, color.
"Little Angel," Honorable mention, category: people, color.
This was the local competition limited to Fort Polk. The three first place photos above move on up to Army-wide competition next. Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!
December 26, 2006
I can't believe I'm posting this ...
I really can't believe I'm about to do this. You know I just recently hit the treasure trove when it came to old family pics. Today I received another gift in the form of a CD with about 650 pics of our family (from my mom's side of the family.) I was looking through them and, by God, there are some memories here. This first one is one of the only pics of my mom and dad's wedding day. She was only 16. My dad commented tonight that if that had happened today, he would have been thrown in jail. Oh how the times have changed, huh? They are the couple on the left:
Till death do us part ...
The pic is very degraded but I'm gonna try and repair it if I can. Next is a pic of your humble correspondent at a very early age on my birthday: (this is the part I can't believe I'm posting.)
Happy Birthday to me!
Dontcha just love the hat? Finally, a pic that kind of rips at my guts:
What happened?
I just can't figure out what happened between then and now. On a good note, when she came over to pick up the boys Christmas Day, she brought her older sister with her. I have always gotten along with her sisters. I love them like they were my own. We hugged (her oldest sister and I) and I told her I loved her. She looked at me and told me she loved me too. I almost lost it. I was so scared she was going to hate me. But she looked at me and said "Don't worry." I did lose it just a bit then and I think she got a little choked up too. That is the one thing I regret most of all ... the estrangement from her family. I hope that in the next year, we can work some of this out. I really miss them.
Well, enough being maudlin. Christmas is over and now it's time to look forward to a new year. The new year will bring a new beginning for me and I can't wait! I'm off the rest of the week and plan on scrubbing the house top to bottom. I hope yours is more exciting. See you tonight for HNT. MWAH!
December 24, 2006
The Gunns go ghetto ...
Merry Christmas to all ...
The first thing I would like to do is wish all of you the Merriest of Christmases. I hope your holiday is everything you wish it to be and more. I really mean that. No matter how I personally feel about the season, I wouldn't wish ill of anyone so Merry Christmas to you and yours from me and mine.Now a confession ... you remember a few posts back when I was making fun of a certain establishment for having some really ghetto Christmas decorations? Um, yeah. I guess I should be watching that "Earl" show on Fox because I totally forgot what a bitch Karma can be. "What do you mean Tommy? Those decorations were ghetto!" I hear ya friends and neighbors but before you criticize anyone else, stop and consider the consequences. The universe has a way of evening out the scales and meting out its own brand of poetic justice. What? Don't believe me huh? Well in that case, I submit for your consideration, Exhibit A:
Yet again the universe has a laugh at Tommy's expense ...
"WTF is that?" you might be asking yourself? Friends and neighbors, may I present the last of the Gunn Christmas present stash. No, your eyes aren't deceiving you, those presents are indeed wrapped in the finest news fit to print ... well, in pages of the Lake Charles American Press anyway. See, a funny thing happened on the way to Christmas Day.This is the first year Tommy and Mommy Gunn won't be spending Christmas together. She will be at her parent's house with her family and I will be at my parent's house with mine. The kids will split time between the two households. The wife, in her infinite wisdom (or maybe just to get away from me,) decided to spend the night at her Mom's. She wanted to go to church with her and just didn't feel like driving back home afterwards I guess. Whatever.
When she left, she took the gifts for her family that hadn't yet been wrapped along with the wrapping paper, bows and tape ... ALL the wrapping paper, bows and tape (except for a half roll of double sided tape). Yep, she cleaned me out ... an inkling of things to come, I'm sure. The boys and I spent some time today with my mom and dad and some other family members in town for the holiday. We got home in time to finish OUR wrapping and get to bed so we could be up early tomorrow. That's when we discovered the brains of the outfit had left us high and dry.
"No problem," I tell the boys. "I'll just run down to the store and get a roll and we'll finish up and get to bed." It was only about 8 p.m. .... no sweat! Um ... did I happen to mention I live in Bumfucked, Louisiana? Yeah ... apparently EVERY STORE IN TOWN DECIDED TO CLOSE AT 6 p.m. TODAY! INCLUDING WAL-MART! ARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH! WTF are we gonna do? Adapt, improvise and overcome, that's what by God! So tomorrow we'll walk into the house with newspaper wrapped papers and give everybody a chuckle. And you wonder why I hate Christmas? PFFFT! So anyway, just more proof that God does exist and he has a wicked sense of humor. Karma people ... it's a real bitch, trust me on this one. In other news that is our tree at the top of this post. I will take better pics tomorrow but I'm actually pretty happy how it turned out. We finished up our Christmas shopping yesterday. Josh had to work but the rest of us hit the road to the big city and got 'er done. Thank God. While there, we went to McAllisters Deli for lunch. I had the camera and took a few shots including this one:
Dad and Ryan goofing around. Do the backward turned hats give us street cred?
There are more on Flickr if you're interested, including some that I have played with in Photoshop. Well that's it for me. Again, Merry Christmas to you and yours. I don't know if I'll be on tomorrow. If not, see ya Tuesday. Peace ya'll.
December 19, 2006
I tried ya'll, really ...
Santa? Or Satan?
Hi! My name is Tommy and I have a problem with Christmas. I am working on this problem at great personal sacrifice to my mental psyche and have been making incredible progress. NO REALLY I HAVE!I have actually walked around with the words "Merry Christmas" on my lips and have even been caught whistling Christmas tunes. The Christmas tree is up and decorated and there are even lights on the holly bushes (that's right, I said HOLLY bushes) lining my sidewalk. How much more Christmasy can you get than that, I ask you? I have even tuned my internet radio to the Christmas station and was even considering buying a few gifts ... but that was before last night.
I came home last night to an empty
I pull into the driveway, thinking about what I need to do for work HA! Yeah, I kill me too sometimes. I actually had Laurell K. Hamilton's latest Merry Gentry offering, Mistral's Kiss, and couldn't wait to get started. (I finished it last night by the way and if you haven't read it yet, OH.MY.GOD! You should ... just start with the first one. Each book is a continuation of the same story and you would be hopelessly lost if you jumped in here. But I digress ...)
Anyway, I walk up the path, admiring the pretty lights as I pass them. My eye sweeps up to the living room window and I note how beautiful and festive the tree looks shining out on the world. I start to hum a tune as I reach for the storm door to enter my humble abode ... and the whole world comes crashing down upon my head, deflating my spirit, stealing the essence of everything I had built up to this point and crushing my Christmas spirit like a squirrel under a four-wheeler's monster tires.
December 6, 2006
HNT ... ode to a couple of babes
Where has the year gone? Do you realize it's almost Christmas! I know ... makes me wanna throw up too. Couple of things here. You may notice that I have new digs. I spent a lot of time putting it together and trying to get it right but I understand that in some browsers on some platforms it is still a little wonky. I use Firefox and it looks fine there. It also looks 98% good on my IE7. I am going to continue working on it until I get the kinks worked out of it. So be patient with me. And if it's really fucked up, drop me a line and let me know. The address is in the sidebar over there.
Secondly ... I am a big loser. But I'm not alone. Susie and AndyT13 are big losers too. What? No, we're not depressed! Silly! We just lost a butt load of weight over the past several months. Geez! What were you thinking? In fact we decided to team up and do a 'Biggest Losers" HNT post. It's over at Susie's blog so go over and check it out. I think between the three of us, we've lost a whole person! Amazing isn't it? Ok maybe you don't think so but we're pretty excited about it so shaddup and get over there and check it out.
Finally, the HNT. I have been thinking about what to do lately. I have been participating since shortly after it started and sometimes? You just hit a creative block. I do admire other peoples creativity and beings how I'm in a plagiarizing mood, I decided to copy a couple of people's past HNT's. First up is the luscious Lime. A long time ago, she decided that she was going through a rebirth and did this HNT that just blew me away. It is still one of my favorites from her. Lime keeps it pretty PG over there so this is also the most risque I think she's ever done, but it was tasteful and very artistic ... everything mine isn't. So without further ado ... my homage to Lime ... my version of "Rebirth"
Fetal
Of course most of the time when you find me in this position it's because I am in the throes of depression, bleeding from the ears and that's the only thing I know to do. Lime? You inspire me. Thank you.
Next up is a Canadian hottie I really admire. She is beautiful and she's a hell of a photographer. I'm talking about Susan over at The Melody Censor. Susan is doing the 365 project. It's where you take a picture of yourself everyday for an entire year. She has really done some good work. And she just got a new camera package so she should have some really amazing stuff to show off soon. She also has the most amazing blue eyes you have ever seen. Anyway, I was looking at her Flickr account the other day catching up and saw this shot that took my breath away. She was laying down looking above her head directly into the camera. Apparently her blue eyes were so crisp and bright that it hurt to look at them so she made the photo sepia. Again, it doesn't even come close, but here is my tribute to Susan.
Looking up!
So there you have it ... my offering tonight. Now if you don't mind, tomorrows gonna be a bitch and I need to get to bed. Wanna know what it's all about? Go see Os, the great and terrible and he'll hook you up with the rules. Get nekkid and get happy! HHNT everybody. I'll see you Friday.
December 3, 2006
Christmas Parade 2006
December 1, 2006
Wow it's the weekend already ...
Have a peaceful weekend
It's Friday, December 1, 2006 but you know that because it says so right above this post! Where the fuck has this year gone? Hang on. Before you start rolling your eyes and muttering "Here we go again," this is not a whiney post. I am not pissed off, depressed, Having "a day" or anything else. I'm just kinda vanilla today. It's been a hell of a week. I don't really know why. It hasn't been any harder or worse than any other week on record, but for some reason I am whipped. I mean I'm fucking tired ya'll. I feel like I just dug a ditch the size of the Grand Canyon! Like I've really been busting my ass, but I haven't. I don't know what's got me so worn out. I'm probably not going to be around a lot this weekend, at least not on the computer. I'm gonna take some time to recharge the batteries. Nothing personal and no personal crisis ... I just want to spend some time by myself. Get some rest and relaxation, you know? I've noticed lately that as I'm driving along, in my head, I'm framing pictures of the scenery I'm driving through. I'm visualizing pictures I'd like to take. As a result, I have a ton of shots in mind I want to capture. I think me and my two best friends (that would be my cameras) will hit the road and see if we can't bag some of them. I have a spot that is a perfect place to watch the sun go down. I really want to get a series of shots of our beautiful Louisiana sunsets so maybe I'll spend an hour just sitting and snapping until I get the perfect one. I think I might take a book along too, just in case I get bored. *wink* Shit I'm fucking losing it! Why do you give a fuck about the intricacies of my plans this weekend? You don't unless you're that chick that's been stalking me for the past nine months! (told you I was losing it. A chick stalking me? It is to laugh!) I just want to say, in case I don't see you online this weekend or talk to you on the phone, I hope yours is a good one. Take some time to smell the roses or build a snowman ... or get laid. Whatever! I'll see you on the other side of it. Peace ya'll. I love you guys and gals lots. Talk atcha later.November 25, 2006
Giving props ...
Wow ... is my face red! I predicted for HNT that McNeese State would beat the Montana Griz in the first round of the Division 1 college football playoffs. I did my HNT in support of my alma mater but apparently they don't think I'm the least bit sexy because they went to Montana and promptly got their asses handed to them on a plate.
The final score was 31-6 with McNeese's only scores coming as a result of a pair of first half field goals. There was one bit of excitement during the game ... a Griz receiver went out for a pass and when he came down, put his hand down to break his fall. His forearm snapped in half a la Joe Theisman's leg. It was horrific! The young man was able to get up and walk off the field after his arm was immobilized so that's good news but DAYUMN! That had to hurt. So Os, Moose, Rachel and all the rest of the Montana Mafia, congratulations. The best team truly won and I wish you luck as you progress toward the championship. Just wait until next year though.
You know I couldn't go without posting a few more pics either didn't ya? If you are getting tired of them just say so and I'll listen and do it anyway. My smart assed son was bragging that triptophan only affected old people on Thanksgiving. He was under the impression that young people had more energy and therefore were less succeptible to the siren song of the after dinner nap.
Zzzzzzzzzzz! Snoorrrk!
This was about two minutes after he put his plate in the kitchen. HA! Punk Ass Kid!
Here are a few more I took while at the parent's abode for Thanksgiving day.
Forest reflected in glass
Blair Witch Tommy says "I see dead people!"
Gear sprocket with chain
As always there are more on Flickr. If you can't find them drop me a line and I'll walk you to t