**

And? I'm lazy and busy doing laundry. So sue me!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Out of focus? Naaaaaah. Artsy!

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Taken from the balcony last night ....

Did I mention I'm on vacation? Yeah ... sweet. More to come later.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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*

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 5:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 2:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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!

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Yeah ... we're just one big, happy family!

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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.
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:

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?

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

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:

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 3:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

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.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 11:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

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 ...

Thursday

Friday

Saturday. My new shoes. Originally $69.99. I got em for $19.99. Tell me I can't accessorize! Pffft!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

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":

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 7:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

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!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Sorry. Can't talk tonight ... American Idol is on. WOOO-HOOOOO!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

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.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

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!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 8:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

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?

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Day 6: Tommy is futzed up! But he'll survive.

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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!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

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.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

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.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 7:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

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.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 7:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

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

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

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.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 6:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

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 ...

Happy Birthday to me!

What happened?

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Merry Christmas to all ...

Yet again the universe has a laugh at Tommy's expense ...

Dad and Ryan goofing around. Do the backward turned hats give us street cred?

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Santa? Or Satan?

Continue reading "I tried ya'll, really ..." »

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

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

Looking up!

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Character

Patriotic

Cruising

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Have a peaceful weekend

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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!

Forest reflected in glass

Blair Witch Tommy says "I see dead people!"

Gear sprocket with chain

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 8:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Meet my brother Kevin (middle child), my sister Alisa (the baby) and me (oldest and wisest)!

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First off, I had to work today. Really? That's not a bad thing. I had to take a few pictures and do a couple of segments for T.V. Easy money.
I wanted to be at work by about 10:30 a.m. My youngest son, who is spending the night with grandma (and knows when I want to leave), has gone to breakfast with his GF. She conveniently doesn't answer her phone or check her messages as we are trying to get hold of him. Parents are getting more pissed as time rolls on.
They drag their asses back into the house about 11. Between the pissiness and all, we get loaded up and on the road. I'm talking to him, or trying to, about what's going on at the house, reassuring him that even though his mom and I may get pissy at each other, we shouldn't take it out on them. Apologizing for doing so. He's having a tough time with the divorce and the uncertainty I think. As were talking, I notice he's chewing his fingernails. THEY LOOK HORRIBLE. Take a look.

All together now .. IEW!

Ok! Double IEW!

Continue reading "Kids, the F-bomb, apathy and the camera ..." »

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 9:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I was surfing the other day and came to Lee Ann's blog and she had this post up about taking pictures or telling about 4 things that are in your office. Being a lazy whore and a thief, I immediately appropriated it for my own nefarious usage. So four things that are in my office ... the Photo Journey:

The freaking coffee station that I never use

Just a few of my statues and figurines junking up the place.

This is my little Italian Chef Clock

A few more figurines and my extensive candle collection (Yeah, so I'm a girl. shaddup!)

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Louisiana sunset

Beautiful Day
by U2

The heart is a bloom Shoots up through the stony ground There's no room No space to rent in this town

You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere

You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace

It's a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination

You love this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
Beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Reach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

What you don't have you don't need it now
What you don't know you can feel it somehow
What you don't have you don't need it now
Don't need it now
Was a beautiful day

Can you say "manic/depressive" boys and girls? How about "Bi-polar?" I knew you could! I'm so proud. **sniff**

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 5:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

For some reason I am in a terrible mood today. Maybe it was looking through all those family photos that did it. Where the fuck did those times go? What the fuck happened between then and now? How did life get so fucked up? Why isn't it fucking easy anymore? I wish the fuck I knew. Think I could say fuck a dozen or so more times in this opening fucking paragraph? May-fucking-be. Fuck!
I did do something that made me feel good today. I know, this isn't supposed to be a fucking photoblog, but it is for right now. Get over it. There is an old rusted out car sitting in front of a trashed house that I see everyday on my way home from work. I think it used to be a gas station or something. I have been wanting to get out and shoot it for a long time now and today, I did. I went down there and shot 200 pictures. Here is a sample of my day.

Car and Shack

Hood latch

Comet logo

Reflection in Bumper

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

$6,000 dollars worth of braces makes. Don't believe me?

Before ...

... and after

I rest my case.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 12:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Okay, so I'm a glutton for punishment. Here are several more pics I found today. Enjoy.

This is my mom. All I can say is DAYUMN! Mom! You wuz a hawtie! I can see why dad fell in love with you. (Is saying that like ... IEW! or what? But you gotta admit, she is hot!)

The original Mommy Gunn

This is my grandma. (My mom's mom)

Grandma Dodd

And as long as we're posing for baby pics ...

Your humble author and his baby brother (3 weeks old,) Kevin

And to complete the embarrassment, May I present a true representative of the class of '80.

Class of '80 in da hizzouse, fo shizze!

Have a good weekend all.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 9:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

First off, I successfully accomplished the backup and reinstall of Windows last night. Yeah I was only up until about 4 (okay 6) a.m. (shaddup. Like you never got obsessed over anything in YOUR perfect life! Pffft) Everything seems to be working well (fingers crossed) and I am pretty happy with the result so far. I'll let you know.
I went over to my parents house yesterday. I seem to spend a lot more time with them lately and it's quality time ... adult time ... good times. Believe me, I'm as shocked as you are. I never thought I would hear those words coming out of my mouth either.
I told you their house flooded in the last torrential rain we had ... the first time in over a decade that's happened. Well it seems there is a logging company doing some clearing down stream from where the creek that flooded crosses their property. Apparently, the company has done something to block or restrict the creek, which was a contributing factor to the flooding that took place. My parents weren't the only house that got flooded so he and the neighbors are going to talk it over, take some pictures, call the police jury (our local governing body. Kinda like the county supervisors or something.) and have them come out and look at it and if they believe the logging company is at fault, possibly sue them. That's something, because my dad doesn't really believe in suing at the drop of a hat.
I went over there though and their bedroom had to be moved into the living room, the living room is now in the dining room, the floors have been stripped down to the concrete, baseboards and other things are having to be replaced .. it's a mess. If somebody besides Mother Nature is responsible, then I guess he should be able to get them to pay for the damages.
But the treasure trove ... Sorry, I got sidetracked there for a second. I found a ton of photo albums from the time they got married and the decade after. It was like stepping into another world, ya'll! It's a huge project I'm taking on but I am going to scan all those pictures in and save them. I can't wait to get started. You can't believe the shit that's in there ... pictures my dad took when he was in Korea and Japan, pictures of their early life together ... they even have a fucking branch from their first Christmas tree. I laughed my ass off!! My dad ... a sentimental girly man. (Shaddup, I just got something in my eyes. I wasn't crying. Pffft!) So all is well and I am reminiscing today. I can't believe I am showing you this, but this was one of the pictures I found. I present to you ...

The Young Gunn!

In the words of The Church Lady, "Isn't that special?" Now shaddup and have a good weekend. Tommy out.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Your Blogging Type is Kind and Harmonious

You're an approachable blogger who tends to have many online friends. People new to your blogging circle know they can count on you for support. You tend to mediate fighting and drama. You set a cooperative tone. You have a great eye for design - and your blog tends to be the best looking on the block!

Stolen shamelessly from Addict

Sunlight through the back stairs

Sunset over English Bayou

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 8:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

I have been spending a lot of time lately cooking deserts. Today I made a mandarin orange cheesecake and some homemade peanut brittle. Here is the cheesecake I made.
The first thing you need to do is gather the ingredients and get your mixer ready.

Now you don't have to have a Kitchenaid mixer to do your cooking, but I think it's the best investment I've ever made for my kitchen and wouldn't give mine up for the world. A hand mixer works just fine or you could do it the real lo-tech way and mix the batter by hand. Ingredients include graham cracker crumbs, butter, flour, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 egg and vanilla extract.

Continue reading "It's cheesecake time!" »

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 7:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dreams
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life's betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your
fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.

If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand on the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes."

It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after a night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the center of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 7:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Continue reading "A.D.D. is a terrible thing ..." »

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

WOW! Look what I learned to do properly in Photoshop! YAY ME! Michelle showed me how to do it. You can see some of her work at her gallery.

Guess I should probably think about getting some real work done huh? **sigh** Almost time to go home. I forsee a whole lot of time spent between me and Photoshop in the near future. Hey! Your tax dollars at work.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 3:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

It has been raining all day and is expected to rain all night as well. Every street is flooded and creeks are overflowing their banks. My mom called a while ago and the only place they don't have water in the house is the living room. There have been tornado watches (not warnings, watches) and the electricity has flickered on and off all day. I'm getting tired of resetting alarm clocks. Ya'll might wanna think about sending in life jackets and life rafts. I'm gonna brave the woods with my trusty axe and start building the ark ... I'm sure we'll need it soon. Don't believe me? Here is photographic evidence. Yeah it doesn't look that bad but consider this ... we are on the HIGH ground. HELP!

Continue reading "When the rain comes ..." »

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Clicky, Click to embiggen.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 7:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

It's Friday again and I was up till about 3 a.m. dicking around with my template. Don't believe me? Look at the time stamp. Yeah I forgot the Ambien until it was waaaaaay too late. So in honor of me being a non-inspired fucktard, I made up a day ... hell, everybody else does it. Why not? I call it Foto Friday and it means I'm just gonna throw a bunch of shit pictures up there and hope you buy it and comment. Ha! wonder if I'll fool 'em. (Did I really say that out loud? Shit I gotta get to bed!) So here you are. Enjoy!

Continue reading "Foto Friday ... WTF?" »

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 2:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Almost every day on the way home from work, I take this road that bypasses the heart of the town I live in. It's a nice drive -- rural, light traffic, peaceful and no red lights. That's why I take it. On the outskirts of my town, we have a paper mill. That means log trucks all over the place coming and going to the mill, dropping off loads of trees for processing. This road is one of the main entrances to the plant so it is heavily travelled by these big behemoths, many of whom are ... well, lets just say interpreting the speed limit in a different way than I do. Okay? Okay!
About the halfway point in the shortcut, there is a small bridge over a tiny creek. On the hillside next to the bridge, in the shade of several unruly, bushy shrubs are a trio of crosses. I don't know how it is where you come from, but in Louisiana, some families put crosses on the roadside where family members or friends have died. They can be simple or ornate but most fall somewhere in between. The families keep them up usually as a form of rememberance. Hell, I have even seen some that were permanent shrines with rock gardens and those plant/flower-holder thingies you see next to headstones in cemeteries!

Continue reading "Crosses on the Road ..." »

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 7:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

I work on an Army post in west central Louisiana (just try and figure out which one, I dare you!). Every afternoon when I get off work, I stop by this convenience store right outside the gate and pick up a liter of Diet Dr. Pepper and a cup of ice for the trip home. (Liters of Coke products are currently on sale for $1.07 INCLUDING TAX. I also have my own cup so the ice is free and hey, that's just the way Tommy rolls) So i'm leaving work at 2:45 p.m. this afternoon (your tax dollars at work America) and stop by my store to get my drink when what should assail my eyes? This:

Now maybe you're scratching your head and saying to yourself "So what Tommy. What's so strange about that? Everybody knows the price of gas is high. Get over it." and you would be right ... almost. You see, when I drive home (it's about a 25 minute drive so say 30 miles?) I pass another gas station and what to my wondering eyes should appear? (like the way I tied this post to my holiday post below? You should read it. It's good shit) THIS:

Twenty-eight cents difference? I mean WTF? Within 30 miles of each other? I will never understand this shit so if there are any petrochemical engineers out there that can explain this business model to me, I would certainly appreciate it. I am pro big-business but dayumn! Gimme a freaking break! Add to that the fact that I was in Texas this past weekend and filled up at the cellar-scraping price of $2.46 per gallon ... all weekend long. And also, does anyone besides me find it fascinating that we have all come to regard these prices as the norm now? I'm gonna protest somehow. I don't know how yet, but damnit ... In the words of Jeff Lebowski, "This aggression will not stand, man!" [/rant]
On another note, after being near the big metropolis of DFW this weekend I have come to the conclusion that there is a decided lack of choice when it comes to radio stations in my area. I have recently dusted off the cassette player in my car and am using it to listen to audiobooks to and from work. I have "read" Anita Diamant's The Red Tent, Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin and am currently listening to Stephen King and Peter Straub's The Talisman. I got the book back in 1984 I believe when it first came out and have read and re-read it many times. I have NOT read it lately and I am reminded daily of how good a book it really is. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something you haven't read before. Just sayin.
Oh and as far as the gratuitous pic goes, I passed this new place right outside the main gate as well and it reminded me of a friend.

No One? I didn't know you cooked Chinese! Got any discount programs for a dear friend? And most importantly, do you deliver? Hope ya'll have a great weekend. Ta-ta!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 4:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

This is how SHE makes me feel. Love you honey.

and the gratuitous butterfly shot ...

Happy Thursday ya'll. I know mine certainly is shaping up that way.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Sometimes friends, friends you have known for a long time, can really turn into cocksuckers. I don't know why that is but it seems to be true and it saddens me.
Family can sometimes fill a void that's left in your life and that happened to me this week. You know my dog died last week. This week my sister in Houston sold her house and moved into an apartment. Unfortunately the apartment doesn't allow pets so I inherited them (at least for a while, my brother may end up with them eventually.) So without further ado, meet the two newest members of my family.

Have a good work week everybody!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Ok. I know. I don't blog as much and I don't get around to your blogs as much either. I try to hit a few now and again but I just don't get there as often as I used to. Or maybe I get there but just don't have time to comment. Hell, I used to IM with about a half dozen or so people throughout the day, every day and into the night, and that has almost come to a halt as well. I hate that in a way cuz I really do love ya'll. I'm not being stuck up or anything. I hear ya. "So what happened Tommy?" you ask shout demand! "What's the deal? Tell us!" Ok, I will, but remember you asked!
Y'see, I'm taking a class. It's an introduction to PHP and MySQL (web design stuff if you don't know) and it's taking up more time than I expected. I am also taking (or half taking) a government course. Kinda auditing it. On top of all that, I'm also acting as a study-buddy for a girlfriend of mine taking an American History class. I can't believe I am saying this but I am back in school and I am LOVING IT!
As if that weren't enough, things at work are a bit crazy too. Funny, but they expect me to write shit for publication since they are paying me and all. I know! I don't understand it either. Maybe one of you business people could explain it to me one day. Seriously, it's a busy time for me. I'm sorry. I know it's no excuse but I don't see it changing anytime in the near future. You see next up for me is a four-class block on web design proper (HTML and other shit) that starts in September. It's something I've always wanted to do and by God, now that I'm not drunk all the time, I have time to do it (and the desire too. Go fucking figure!)
On the personal front, the divorce is still going forward. I should be moving out and starting the seperation process very soon. It sucks but there's nothing to be done about it now. And that pain I was going through before? The shit that ripped my heart out and ate at my guts day and night? Gone. Everything is soooooo good on that front it's scary. In fact, it's never been better. If it gets any better, I just might blow a gasket or explode ala Mr. Creosote in Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life!!! (One of the greatest movies ever made in this authors's humble opinion) No shit! To tell you the truth, I don't think I've ever been happier!
Thanks to all who care or cared enough to still come by and drop me a line. It means a lot to me. I am going to try and do the blogger bombardment thing on the weekends so I'll at least check in, catch up and leave you a line once or twice a week. And there's always HNT! Speaking of which, no matter how busy I get ...

And if you got nice boobs, maybe even two eyes! So I guess we'll see you around the bend now and again. I do love you all. Seriously! Wanna get in on the fun? Go see the Wonderful Wizard of Os. He's the one who hands out the brains, hearts, and courage after all. HHNT everybody. Now lets get Nekkid!
p.s.: If you want to know when I post without making the effort to come by? Put your e-mail address in the box at the top of the sidebar and I'll do all the work for you. Yeah, I'm a great guy that way ... trust me, she did! (course she ended up knocked up soooooo ...)

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 6:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)

30 days sober today ... whoda thunk it? Can I get an Amen from the choir? Amen!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 7:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (29)

Birth. Or to be more precise ... rebirth!
One of the things I love about living in the country (or as some would call it "the sticks" ... right asshat?) Is the fact that at night my backyard becomes a veritable insect jungle. That might bother some folks but for a guy who loves his camera (thanks again Queenie,) almost as much as sex, it simply means there is always something to digitally document. Purely in the interest of science, of course. **AHEM** Anyway, here's just a taste of the drama that unfolded last night on my back porch.

Have I mentioned I love living in the country? Now if we only had a Books A Million with a Joe Muggs inside, I wouldn't have to move to the city! Have a great rest of your weekend ya'll.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Sorry I haven't been around since Tuesday. I know you missed me but the week just got nucking futz at work. i hope to do a lot of blogging this weekend and catch up with everybody. Until then here's a bit of one of my current favorite singles. I't by Little Big Town. It's called "Bring it on Home" and It's just kinda the way I feel right now. Have a great weekend all!

When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
When the weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me

Baby, let me be your safe harbor
Don't let the water come
And carry you away

When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
When the weight of the world
Is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me

C'mon home baby. I'll take care of it.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

GREAT! First off, if you haven't done so, check out my answers to Susie's Five Questions below. Second, this is my first dragonfly capture EVER! You see, I'm old and I have smokers lungs and that slows me down. Don't believe it? Just ask around, word is on the street. Anyway I like it so I'm showing it off.

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 1:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Who said it's a dog's life? Hope ya'll's day is going well!

Posted by Tommy Gunn at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)