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Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Midweek Meanderings
Patrick and Aubree return to my humble abode Friday night. I'm so excited to get them back. I talked to them both on the phone a couple of days ago and it sounded like they were having a wonderful time. My ex wife promised to send me lots of pictures. I'll share!
I plan on surprising the kids with neat, reorganized rooms when they get back. My friend Kathy gave me a computer for Aubree and I'm setting it up in her room. She's gonna be soooooo surprised and way thrilled. Internet access! A place to type her journals! I hope she doesn't make a mess when I have to scrape her off the ceiling.
Patrick also has some goodies of his own including some a new towel and throw blanket (courtesy of Kathy) and a couple of cool new posters. He likes having a clean, organized room. He also doesn't like to clean it. This one is on me.
I had several social outings/dates in the last week. All were great fun. I met a couple of new friends who I had corresponded with for a long time. I had a local date that was a lot of fun. I hung out with a local blogger. I had a lovely lunch date with a certain government employee. Fun stuff!
I know Aka Monty won't mind if I mention that she and I went to see "The Longest Yard". We went to the 5:00 show. Not a matinee. Everyone else is out eating or is too cool to go to the theater at 5:00. I felt middle age geekdom approaching fast. Still, it was a most excellent time and we had dinner at a place where you could throw your peanut shells on the floor. Don't worry Monty....the motorcyle goes unmentioned here.
I liked "The Longest Yard" a lot, but Adam Sandler just doesn't fit my image of an N.F.L. quarterback. Maybe its just that I've seen him in all those goofball movies where he farts a lot.
I already described my most excellent road trip. I really do love driving and seeing the country. I've gotta make more trips some day.
It looks like an Okie blogger roundup is being planned for this fall. Its still in the planning stages but it sounds like it is shaping up to be quite the bash. A ton of bloggers all in one place? Music and dancing? Laptops? Party? I'm so there.
This blogworld has blessed me with getting to know so many cool people. I make new friends and get to know them. Some I get to know very well. Some surprise me. Some are just great fun. Some make me laugh. Its all good.
Ok girls, please answer my burning question of the day. Which do ladies prefer in men's underwear? Tighty whities? Boxers? Boxer briefs? Bikini underwear?
So how is YOUR week going?
Real People
I've been a "suit" in the office this past year so I may be a little rusty. Let me roll up my sleeves, grab my marker, find the board, clear my throat, and give it a try. Ready class?
I can remember seeing an elementary school teacher of mine in a grocery store. She was holding hands with her husband and perusing the aisles. I was shocked. She's a teacher. Whats she doing here? Shouldn't she be doing bulletin boards or something? Who is that guy with her? You mean she doesn't live behind that desk?
Class, sometimes people expect too much and yet not enough out of the teachers in the classroom. They often expect the wrong things altogether.
I always thought I owed certain things to my students. I owed them a well-planned and prepared lesson. I owed them an ear to listen. I owed them my best effort. I owed them the benefits of my knowledge. I owed them an honest assessment of their progress. I owed them a professional teacher who taught his heart out every single day. Every parent and student should expect these things out of their teacher.
I stood in front of my classes a couple of days after my wife told me she wanted a divorce. My heart was broken, my mind going in a million different directions. I didn't know what the future held. I did my best to teach that day and the days that followed. I walked in that building and tried to shove all those emotions over to the side. It wasn't their fault. They needed me to be me, the guy that stood in front of that class all year.
I don't know how successful I was that day. I could feel those emotions so close to the surface. I thought I had it under control. But some of the kids noticed. They always do. They are so perceptive. They didn't know what was going on, but they knew I wasn't quite "right". You know what? They took up the slack. They stood with me and helped all of us finish the year. That is the kind of kids I taught. I'm so damn proud of them.
I'll submit to you class that some of the best teachers I've ever seen have lived lives that were far from trouble-free. They've lost sons or daughters to untimely death. They've gone through wrenching divorces. They've lost all they had in a financial scam. They had injuries from fighting in Vietnam. They've suffered from mental illness. They have a family member that is causing them a great deal of grief. They broke a leg in high school and missed out on that athletic scholarship. They worked their ass off to get through college.
It is this adversity that gives them character, dimension, and depth. I hired a teacher once out of college that had absolutely perfect credentials. She'd never made anything less than an "A" in her entire life. She had a college 4.0, involved in campus activities, and married her high school quarterback sweetheart after she got out of college. We put her to work teaching 7th grade math. She probably knew that subject better than anyone else in the building. But she struggled to work with spit-ball throwing, smart alecky, troubled 7th grade boys. She didn't understand them. She had a hard time "getting" where a lot of these kids came from. It just wasn't part of her life experience. She didn't hang out with kids like that in high school or college. She didn't hang out with adults like that in real life. They didn't come running in the door super-eager to soak up the math knowledge she had? She quit after that first year.
(Hey you in the back. Yeah, you Joan! Stop writing those notes and making faces at me)
Class, I know how short attention spans can be, so I'll try and wrap this lesson up. Students? Those teachers in front of you are flawed, ordinary people. Some are incredibly gifted. Some just plug away and do the best they can. A few may not be very good at what they do. Regrettably, a few of them may not even care. Learn from all of them. Watch how they handle the frustration that comes with the job. They are just people like you. They are better educated and they know more than you do. But they've made their share of mistakes and have their warts. Understanding all of this will help you get through school and help you in life.
Here I am class. I bring to you over 40 years of reading, experiences, and knowledge. Triumphs and failures. Heartaches and ecstasy. I've been so poor that I slept in a maintenance garage on boxes, and ate pork and beans every night for a week. I've also been to the White House. I've loved and lost. Boyfriend or girlfriend dump you? I think I can understand. I've been to your houses and seen how you live. Scared of failure? I think we can talk. Someone close to you die? Me too. Feel frustrated at times? I can relate.
Lets recap today's lesson. Your teachers are like anyone else. Don't expect them to be perfect. Expect them to do their best just like they should expect from you. I love you all for who you are. Thats why I'm here. You're not perfect or you wouldn't need me. I'm not perfect or I wouldn't need you. Lets learn from each other and love each other.
Class dismissed.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
More Secrets
"I wish I had the courage to date women..."
"I feel uncomfortable with a man going down on me, but I know I love it, because I once let my best girlfriend do it to me..."
"I am uncomfortable receiving oral sex, but I have allowed, and very much enjoy, allowing a man to take me *elsewhere*"
"I never got my license. I know how to drive and do
fine on the road, but am afraid of it."
"I cheated on my income taxes to the tune of thousands of dollars. I lived for years in fear of being caught."
"I had always had a fantasy of enjoying sex with someone I had not seen so when I received an e-mail from a guy and we began to talk on the phone I knew this just might be the one. I asked him how he would feel about having sex with a female who would did not want to see him or meet him before she had sex with him. He got very excited about the idea so I made the arrangements......
We scheduled a day and a time and he would call me for the name of the place we would meet at. I would give him the room number and the room door would be left cracked. I would be in the bed with no cloths on wearing a blindfold.
He entered the door came over to the bed and said Hello and pulled me toward him and from there it progressed to an afternoon of very wild and wonderful sex......I did take the blindfold off before he was going to leave at his request to see my eyes when he gave me his goodbye kiss.....No we have never seen each other again even though it was some of the best sex I have ever had...it was just that sex........we are both married. He has written me and asked me if I would like to meet again but I thought it best we not for I know how I am and could not continue seeing him just for sex and would develop feelings.."
"One evening having a few drinks with my husband, one of his friends
and one of my friends. His friend keeps saying he wants to see my
boobs. I keep laughing it off (but secretly wanting to show him).
Hubby says, "Go ahead and show him." I say no way I'm gonna flip them
out right there so I lead him down the hallway to our room.
I yank off my top and flip up my bra. Friend says, "You're not gonna
let me just see them without touching them, are you?" So, I did. And
he did. With his hands, lips, teeth and tongue.
But I stopped him. And he stopped without a fight. And we walked
outta there like all he did was look.
And my husband doesn't know… still
But friend and I know… and there's this look…
And now you know…"
"I like masturbation better than having sex. Sometimes I tell my husband I'm not in the mood and then masturbate after he falls asleep"
"Back in the good old days of chocolate Exlax, I baked a big batch of
brownies and loaded them with the Exlax. Then donated the brownies to a
church bizarre. Now to the joke started out as really funny, but after I
heard how sick a lot of the people were, I felt so awful and guilty. I
never used that stuff again!"
"My friends and I (around the age of 10-12) had slumber parties almost
weekly. One of the biggest sources of entertainment was to fart and record
them. I had forgotten all about doing it, until I found one of the tapes 10
years later and laughed harder than I did when I was young. You'd here
PPPHHHHTTTT then giggle, giggle, giggle "ewwww that stunk!"
"I hate it when my single friends that have been married before try to commiserate with my loneliness... I just want to scream "But you haven't ALWAYS been alone! You don't REALLY know how I feel!"
"I drove totally nekkid, with a toy vibrating (woo!) to meet my boyfriend for
a late night rendezvous on a quiet side road. Then I got out of the car,
still nekkid and got on the hood of my car where we had fun. No need for
foreplay, he saw me like that and was instantly turned on. There was a
small indentation in my car hood after that wild night! Gave new meaning to
slam, bam, thank you ma'am. "
"When I was about 20, I was the social club treasurer at the company I
worked for then. One week I got into a difficult financial situation
and ended up "borrowing" a few hundred dollars of the club's money. I
spent the next four weeks terrified that someone would find out, but
they didn't. I paid the money back and no-one ever knew. But I felt so
guilty that the next year I gave away being treasurer."
I've had lots of conversations with women about how weird it is that
guys are so turned on by lesbian porn. I've never admitted in any of
these conversations that I actually find it a huge turn on myself,
even though I'm straight.
Thanks to all for sharing your secrets with the rest of us!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Road Trip
I was excited to go meet my friend Scorpy and her husband. Scorpy and I have been commenting on each other's blogs, chatting, and emailing for quite awhile now. She's just the neatest woman to talk to. I'd wanted to meet up with her in New Orleans a few months back, but was unable to make it. This was an opportunity and I didn' t want to miss it.
The directions I had involved connecting to several different highways in the KC area before heading north. My friend Kathy talked me through the loops and turns on my cell phone and I made it safely to St. Joseph, Missouri. I checked into the hotel, called Scorpy, and they picked me up. We ate at a great Cajun food restaurant, ran around town for awhile, saw the local historical sights (including the house where Jesse James was shot!) and headed to a local bar just across the street from my hotel. Her husband Ray
I tired to retrace the route I'd taken. I ended up going east when I should've gone south and found myself in Kansas City running smack dab into a closed bridge. The detour took me on a scenic route through lovely North Kansas City. I think it was all Kathy's fault, but she probably disagrees!
I met Kathy at her house and we went out to lunch. The Plaza area of Kansas City is full of cool shops and we ate a restaurant there. She also took me to Union Station which is a stunning sight to see. I of course had to place my fingers in the bullet holes from a long-ago shootout. I promised Kathy I wouldn't say anything about the red lights she ran, so I think I'll just leave that part out. We had a blast just running around and touring the city.
I like to travel and I enjoy driving. Thanks to my wonderful and gracious hostesses on my Midwestern weekend tour!
A couple of other notes:
- I have something to add to the post below. Sometimes a teacher's former student finds his blog, comments on his "Sometimes" post, and brings tears to his eyes. I've received thousands of comments on this blog, but I'm not sure one ever touched me as deeply as this one did. Thank you Rosie. I miss you and everyone else from our little school.
- The secrets post should be up sometime tomorrow. I think you'll enjoy!
Sometimes I wish I wasn't afraid to truly love someone again.
Sometimes I can't believe these children are dependent on ME for guidance, direction, and love.
Sometimes I wonder what people would think if they knew the real me.
Sometimes I want to eat something spicy just to feel it burning in my mouth.
Sometimes I count my lucky stars for the friends I've made.
Sometimes I wish I knew which path to take.
Sometimes I stand out in the rain during thunderstorms.
Sometimes I still cry all alone in the dark. Sometimes I don't even know why.
Sometimes I drive at night, turn the music up loud, roll down the window, lean my head to the side, and sing my heart out.
Sometimes I think I don't know what the hell I'm doing when it comes to dating. Other times I know it for sure.
Sometimes I hear the train whistle blow and fantasize for a brief moment about jumping aboard.
Sometimes I turn the shower temperature so high that it leaves my skin red.
Sometimes I wish I could learn to totally trust someone again.
Sometimes I think about working out and getting in better shape.
Sometimes I absolutely crave to be touched.
Sometimes I love my kids so much that it hurts.
Sometimes I shoot baskets and feel that familiar stroke return like I was still 18.
Sometimes I meet someone for the first time and feel like I've known them forever.
Sometimes I still sleep in my recliner. Actually, thats most of the time.
Sometimes I think my answers will be revealed if I'm patient.
Sometimes I hide from my problems instead of confronting them head-on.
Sometimes I look into my kid's eyes and know that there must be a God.
Sometimes I worry about hurting people who have been very good to me.
Sometimes I start a book and finish it without stopping.
Sometimes I feel my heart is overflowing with an excess of love to give away. Other times I think its empty.
Sometimes I like it when someone calls me on my shit.
Sometimes I think of people I care about at the oddest times.
Sometimes a song is indelibly attached to a person in my head.
Sometimes I wonder why people appear in my life and just disappear.
Sometimes I'm just thankful to be alive.
Sometimes I want to have someone whisper "I love you" in my ear.
Sometimes a woman's mind can turn me on more than any other quality.
Sometimes I hear a success story and wonder how they did it.
Sometimes I think I don't know what I want.
Sometimes I do.
Sometimes I see poetry in simple things.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Weekend Roundup 6/24-6/25
Monica is addicted to "Big Brother". Nicole might be addicted to chocolate.
Andrea was just running in circles. Jen was just listening to her son playing the guitar.
R.D. points out bikers raising money for military families. MizKittay points out the Tall Ships Festival.
Breazy got carded. Sara is cute enough to get carded even if she just turned 40.
The Funky Cowboy shares a modern version of the "birds and the bees". Scorpy shares a secret.
Joan dug herself into a hole. I'd happily dig a hole to plant the rose that Ellen shares with us.
Trucker Bob wants to know what you would do if you had six months to live. I want to know what you think of Laine's sexy audio post.
Momma K re-lives some "period" memories. Babs re-lives how she got started blogging.
Michelle reflects on the value of time. Karen reflects on the value of a good laugh.
Red has a new toy. Ginger does too. Check out her slick new cell phone.
Stationery Queen is so ready for her vacation. Fly Girl is always ready to go to the bookstore.
How do you relax? Ask Mona. You know how your head and your heart don't always agree? Maddy does.
Rick interviews a special guest. If I interviewed Undergraduate I would ask about her love of pebbles.
T. Marie got her groove back. I could get a groove just reading this post by Bec. (see there Bec…I linked one of your sexy ones J)
Jazzy wonders why her moods change so quickly. Mary Lou wonders who the "Greatest American" is.
Restless Angel pays tribute to her grandfathers. Dawn pays tribute to years of marriage.
Annabel loves her new car. Splendid loves the beginning of summer.
Kim believes that happiness is overrated. Juno's son believes that boys don't have it so good.
Naomi Blue is thinking about setting up an art blog. Chuck is thinking that the new show "My Name is Earl" sounds pretty funny.
Vickie remembers her father. Muse remembers meeting her corruptor.
Caren is selling purses for a good cause. Check it out! Stephanie is remembering what she did last month…and last year.
Need some cash? Set Teresa up on a date. Want to know what your lurkers are doing? Walker has the goods on them.
Roselle wants to know if the human race is losing. Lisa wants to know what you would do about this moral quandary.
Kathy is swooning over her Englishman. New Wave Gurly still swoons over The Beatles.
Sallie shares her baby picture. Jack shares a letter to his children.
Sally wonders why life goes by so quickly. It sounds like Cyn's vacation is going by nicely.
Brenda is headed off to a baseball tournament. Steph is busy planning summer activities.
Inky got a nasty sunburn. Nameless got into kitty wars at home.
Michele is setting up an imaginary fund drive. Spew some profanity? Pay up! Sounds like Wanda would owe her a few bucks.
Sleeping Mommy set up quite a debate with her thoughts about gay men. Lip Schtick did the same with her Osmonds/Sonny and Cher question.
Phyllis last got drunk 18 years ago. Janet listened to the Back Street Boys long ago.
Melanie wants her readers to know the truth. Angel wanted someone to know a blog secret.
Chosha thinks fifteen is the best age. Andie thinks adults shouldn't be squeamish when it comes to watching and talking about sex.
Tish wondered if God would call her home if she didn't have any comments. Jen received a lot of comments on her blogiversary.
What happens when you ingest a lot of salt water? Ask A.J. What happens when you have a thoughtful and awesome mom? That would make you John.
Diana has been running with her daughter. Shelli went to the park with her kids.
Edge could die in his sleep and be happy and content with his life. Read this post…please. Erin wasn't happy with the people at the jury duty office
DL quit smoking. Jennifer wants to stop sitting on other people's warm chairs.
Kristine is trying to make up for the way she treated her sister. Housing contractors aren't treating Chaotic Serenity very nicely.
Aka Monty doesn't think she'll be getting the mom of the year award. Janine doesn't think she likes a nearby house catching on fire.
Safiyyah remembers a teacher gone mad. Caitlin goes mad when people borrow her stuff.
Shirazi shares his love of birds. Rachel shares her fondness for her friend's husband.
Jen is buying a house. Joe is submitting some of his writing to an agent. We knew you when Joe.
Satisfied Spouse shares a picture and a song. Anne shares her thoughts about the stepford wives she knows.
Faith was looking for some special shaving advice. Christine was looking for a break from blogging.
Take a few moments and spread some comments to these worthy bloggers. You'll feel better...trust me.
Reminder to those who plan to share a secret for an upcoming post. Sunday night please! Don't say you really wanted to do it but missed the deadline. Send it in! :)
Have a great weekend in this first official weekend of summer. Tell at least one person that you love them.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Alternative History
What if you'd dropped out of school? Married your high school sweetheart instead of that bad boy that turned your head? Decided to have children? Took that year in Europe that you dreamed about? Went to law school? Used a condom that night? Had really NOT had sex with that woman? Had that threesome when you had the chance? Gotten divorced when you really wanted to? Not gotten divorced and tried to work it out? Not had that fight with your brother? Said you were sorry instead of letting pride stand in the way?
Its not unnatural to apply the same thing to our own lives is it? For fun, I thought I would write a few alternative history vignettes myself. The first part of each is true. The second part examines the alternative history that couldn't resulted with a different circumstance or situtation.
Scenario: Brian dropped out of college for a year in early 1980's. He was burnt out and tired of being broke all the time. He went to work with a friend and spent months installing a new sprinkler system on a golf course in western Oklahoma. After that year he couldn't wait to go back to school and finish his degree. What if he hadn't?
Brian has now been working in construction for over 20 years. He's smart enough to get fairly good at his trade. He can run heavy machinery and is adept in other aspects of his work. He lost one finger and part of another one in an accident some years back. His work buddies always roll their eyes when he tells them that he once wanted to be a teacher. He stimulates his intellect by reading books. He hates getting up and going to work in the mornings. Its not the hard work he minds. Its that he always knew he wasn't really cut out for this. Its honorable work, but its not for him. Now he's trapped. He has a mortgage and a family to support. He drinks too much and lashes out angrily, feeling that life is just passing him by.
Scenario: Brian and his first wife tried everything to conceive a child. Extensive medical testing revealed blocked Fallopian tubes. Surgery failed to correct the problem. They decided to adopt instead. What if the surgery had been successful?
Brian is the father of two children, both boys. Its a struggle raising Jonathan and Brian Jr., but he enjoys his children and loves both of the boys very much. If they'd had a girl they were going to name her Aubree, but it never happened and they decided to stop after two boys. The boys stayed with him after their divorce. There's this cute little girl named Cassie with beautiful eyes that is in his son's 5th grade class. She is always polite and respectful to him, is a stellar student, plays soccer, and is a talented performer. If he'd had a daughter, he would want one like her. He knows she is adopted and thinks her parents are lucky to have a girl like her. In his other son's school there is a blonde haired boy named Brett. He's also adopted, is autistic, and obviously has some problems at school. But he is so friendly, lovable, and creative. Brian is always drawn to talking to him at school events and is fascinated by the way his mind seems to work.
Scenario: Brian meets a woman on the internet in 1996. He's going through a divorce and feels lonely. He begins talking to this woman, connects with her, meets her, and marries her about a year and a half after their first chat. He quits his job in his hometown, packs up his kids, and moves out of state for the first time in his life to be with her and begin life anew.
Brian is the assistant superintendent of schools in his hometown school system. He's been a principal for years and now has a job in the central office. He misses the day-to-day contact with kids but enjoys the opportunity to influence the entire district. Its been hard, but he finally has finished his doctorate. He didn't think he'd ever get that damn dissertation done. The kids have spent their entire lives here in this town. He still lives at his little house on Hickory Street. The garage has been turned into a workshop, and he and Patrick spend hours out there working on projects. His book collection numbers in the thousands. Brian hasn't experienced hot Louisiana summers or cool Washington ones. He's never been to a Mardi Gras parade, camped on Mount Rainier, or dipped his toes in the ocean. He never remarried, is a respectable member of the community, serves on several boards, and lectures at conferences on technology, curriculum, and other school issues.
Scenario: Brian majored in math and computer science until his sophomore year of college. He'd wanted to be a teacher, but others had told him that he shouldn't. There's no money in it. A smart guy shouldn't waste his talents working in a thankless job for no money. At the end of his sophomore year he gave into that still small voice in his ear and switched his major. What if he hadn't?
Brian is a programmer working for a Fortune 500 company. He makes a very good salary, vacations in the Caribbean and hits Las Vegas a couple of times a year. He's good at what he does. He's been fascinated by computers since working on the huge mainframes at his dad's company. He loves the challenge of programming and enjoys seeing the finished product. He likes his job but something seems to be missing. He spend most of his time in front of his monitor at work. He enjoys his colleagues at work and loves working together to solve a problem. But every day on the way home he drives by a school. He sees kids on the playground or walking down the sidewalk with books in their hand. Not a day goes by when he doesn't wonder if he did the right thing.
What could've been. What wasn't. All of our lives could've had many different stories. Maybe better. Maybe worse. Who's to say? We make our choices. We deal with circumstances as they present themselves. We live with the consequences.
This is not to say that we should spend our life saying "what if?". We shouldn't, and many do too much of it. But the choices we make, why we make them, how we make them, and the consequences that fall from them? They teach us much about ourselves.
I'm writing my own history right now. I wonder what alternative histories I'll have to ponder twenty years from now?
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Midweek Meanderings
The kids left for London on Saturday. We spent a lot of time making sure they were properly packed, getting the suitcase and the carry-ons organized, and we headed out for the airport Saturday morning. About halfway there Aubree realized she hadn't brought her carry-on bag. Uh oh. We made a mad dash back, grabbed the bag, and still made it to the airport in good time. We hugged and kissed, said our goodbyes, and I watched them disappear past the security checkpoint with their aunt.
I miss them. I missed them a lot sooner than I thought I would. The house is so quiet. My living room is as clean as it was yesterday. The lights are off in their rooms. I have a habit of wandering in at night just to make sure they're ok, and I'm looking at empty beds. I still do it nonetheless.
Aubree called me from England on Sunday. She wished me a happy Father's Day, we talked about the flight and the plans they had. She handed the phone to Patrick. I asked him, "were you good on the flight over for your aunt?". He said, "well, mostly Dad.". I chuckled and said, "what do you mean mostly." He replied, "well, I might've been asking her too many questions."
"So why did you ask so many questions?". He sighed and said, "Dad, you know how curious I am. I just wanted to know things."
So whats a guy to do with all this time? No kids? No work?
I've been painting a house for my mom. Thats a real blast in the hot Oklahoma sun.
I've taken the rare opportunity to get out of the house and meet some people. I've hung out some with my local blogger friend Red. She's a hoot. There's a date or two mixed into my social calendar but I wouldn't want to bore everyone with details about that.
I'm heading up to the Kansas City area this weekend. I'm not meeting Scorpy and friends just because she's promised me a really cool button. But it doesn't hurt ;). I'm looking forward to getting out of this city and state and a chance to see new friends and old.
I'm also taking this opportunity to give my house a thorough cleaning. Its easier to motivate myself to clean when I know it will actually be clean the next day. I'm going through closets and boxes, getting rid of clothes we don't wear anymore, and doing some organizing. The kids will come home to sparkling clean rooms, all neatly appointed.
Thanks once again to all those who revealed their secrets below. Its been quite a week of secrets revealed and a surprise or two. I've had quite a few requests to do it again from people who say THIS time they will participate! I'll do another secrets post next week if there is sufficient response. Open to all and of course confidential and anonymous. So you procrastinators...I'm putting you to the test! :) Except you Joan....confessing to the murder of your lesbian lover that had an affair with your dog? Try to pick another one! The deadline is Sunday night.
So how is YOUR week going?
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Secrets Revealed
When I was younger, a doctor told me that when I delivered my first child, my "hymen" would break...because it never did during intercourse but I had three c'sections. It never has. I like that. So did my husband.
I'm a voyeur and love to watch other people have sex.
Every once in a while, I get in "a mood," and the only sexual satisfaction I can achieve is via anal penetration.
I have a huge "girlie" crush on Bec over at "Gravity"
I hate it when my husband drinks and when he's not looking I pour his booze out. He doesn't even know the difference.
I once had sex with my boyfriend's brother. I married my boyfriend and he still doesn't know.
I once went to an orgy with about 70 people in attendance. It was a lot of fun.
There is another blogger I like and respect but it really bothers me a lot that they don't return my emails....ever. Comments yes. Returned emails, no. It bothers me a lot more than it should.
The movie "Embrace of the Vampire" turns me on a lot. I fantasize about some of the scenes.
My brother-in-law is cheating on his wife, my sister. I haven't told her. I don't know if I will.
I lied to my spouse about how I voted in the last presidential election. I don't want to hear any of his shit.
I have a huge crush on my husband's cousin. I'd probably sleep with him if I had the chance.
I want a divorce but I'm afraid of what will happen.
My spouse thinks I'm dieting but I cheat on my diet every day and I'm not losing any weight. I pretend not to know why.
An Arabian proverb says, "A secret is like a dove: when it leaves my hand it takes wings." These secrets now have wings of their own.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Its A Family Affair
Jeremiah could've used a little work on the hair, but with that knife
I don't think I would've told him that. After the war he came west and
began a family.
It makes you think. What kind of man was he? Was he scarred by the war? Was he a practical man or a dreamer? Did he find what he was looking for when he headed west? Was he a good father? Did he love his wife with a passion? What dreams did he achieve and which ones did he take to his grave? Did he live his life the way he wanted or did events just seize control?
Do you remember the scene early in the movie "Dead Poets Society"? Robin Williams takes his students out to look at old pictures in the trophy case and he asks questions like that. "We're all food for the worms someday lads." Carpe diem!
His great grandson, Wylie, was my great grandfather and lived well into
my teenage years. I was telling a story about him to a great aunt earlier today. He got me in the car with him and I was perhaps 12 years old. He had to be pushing 80 even then and his driving was scary. He ran a stop sign, almost got hit by another car, and came to a full stop in the middle of the street. He proceeded to shake his fist at the other driver and let out a stream of cuss words. I was looking for a hole to crawl into.
Wylie's sister was at the reunion yesterday and she is in her late 90's.
It makes you wonder doesn't it? Will people be gathered 100 years from now looking at old pictures of me and wondering like I do about Jeremiah? Will they wonder the same things that I do? They might look at a picture like the one below:
These are my grandparents and their grandchildren. My grandmother was Wylie's daughter. You can spot me with my shaggy hair in the upper left part of the picture.
Who was that guy they might ask? What did he do? What kind of legacy did he leave behind? Thats his great grandaughter sitting right over there. Maybe we should find out more about him. Think she'll remember any stories? Ah yes, there's a picture of him smiling. I wonder what he was happy about? He doesn't look so happy in that one. I wonder why? Those are his kids. Aren't they cute?
We live here on this planet for what is a blink of an eye in the big scheme of things. We live our lives. We learn from each other. We make our mark in this world. Then we pass it on to the next generation. Like Jeremiah did. Like Wylie did. Like my grandparents did. Now its our turn. The torch is in our hand. We don't have it for long. What are we going to do with it?
What am I going to do with it?
Carpe diem, my friends. Seize the day. Gather ye rosebud while ye may.
Secrets Update
Father's Day
I wrote about dad's life in this post last year. I always thought I had a great dad while I was growing up and learned to appreciate him even more as an adult. What I love most about him is how he treats people. He is perhaps the most genuine, warm, caring man I've ever met. My dad is the real deal. He continues to amaze me to this day.
When autism was first indicated as a possibility for Patrick through the school psychologist's tests I drove by my parent's house. Fighting back tears I shared with them what I had suspected for some time. Patrick wasn't developing normally and the quirks I noticed in him could no longer be shrugged off. Now here it was in black and white. Autism. My son. I was sitting on the couch talking and my dad stood up and walked across the room. He placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "Patrick may never be the star quarterback of the football team. But when you've raised kids like I have you understand whats important and things like that aren't important. What is important is that you love him and want the best for him. I just want my kids to be happy. That is what you'll want for him too."
I called my parent's house a couple of days after Lee told me that she wanted out of our marriage. I sobbed into the phone talking to my mother and after a time she handed the phone to my dad. His calming voice rang clear over the telephone wire. He said, "son, you're a good man. I'm so sorry that things aren't working out. I know you love her. I'm here and I'll help you any way I can."
Dad's health isn't the best anymore. He struggles to get around but he is determined. One of his favorite lines? "I'm 74 years old but I don't look a day over 73!" He goes to my niece's basketball games and continues to coach her in the backyard. He recently started taking an art class and is enjoying his newfound hobby, sitting in his room painting. He recently developed an interest in Incan history and culture and has spent hours doing research online. He continues to enjoy his lifelong interest in basketball and still draws plays on stray sheets of typing paper. He hasn't been on the local school board in many years but still fields calls and visits from people asking advice about what to do with problems at local schools. He still has an interest in geophysics and corresponds with old friends in the field. His interests are wide...Roman and Greek history, the Victorian era, the British royal family, and stories of the American West. He gave me a book last week.....an oral history of the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
He still has an eye for a beautiful woman and doesn't hesitate to point one out to me. When I was younger we'd be driving along the highway and a beautiful woman would drive by us. He would get my attention and point her out and make a comment about how beautiful she was. My mom would just roll her eyes at us.
He has spent a lot of time with Patrick and it is touching to me to watch the two of them together. When I stopped by to pick Patrick up a few days ago, dad told me, "Patrick has been painting with me and he really seems to like it. I know you don't want him making a mess of your house but I think it would be good if you would allow him to paint under your supervision." He was even good natured when Patrick reprogrammed his remote control to switch only between cartoon channels.
One of the things that happens at my age is that you know your parent's days are numbered. My dad won't be around forever. He has already lived past the point where all the doctors thought he would. It makes me sad to think of a day where my dad won't be there. He has taught me so much. I always wanted to be just like him. He was an important man who travelled the world, but his heart was always here with his family.
One of my high school basketball games got snowed out and rescheduled. My dad had a trip to Iran that had been on the calendar for months. He changed his trip so that he could attend my game. He didn't miss a single game...not one. We would always dissect the game when I got home that night. He remembered every shot...every pass...every steal. Whether I played great or poorly, he was full of encouragement. That was my dad.
Now I see him almost every day. We talk about work, politics, history, women, sports, art, books, and many other things. I share my funny school stories with him. He tells me something funny that Patrick said that afternoon. Sometimes he'll be sitting in the backyard drawing on a sketchpad. I'll grab a basketball and shoot while we talk. He encourages me to write a book...or two.
I want to be a dad like mine for my own kids. Its the best tribute I can think of to him.
Happy Father's Day Dad! And a Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there who love your kids and do the best you can by them.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Weekend Roundup 6/17-6/18
What you won't miss is this weekend's roundup. There are some fantastic posts to read. Please enjoy!
Angel talks of being woken up the right way! Erin talks about why she wants to live in Buffalo.
Michelle hurt someone and doesn't feel good about it. Stacey's daughter and surgery and she was worried.
Ginger has done some interesting things. Sally's grandkids did something pretty wild.
How much attention is too much or not enough? Mystic Spirit wants to know. Would you want to go to a restaurant where you ordered from the toilet? Les Girly is curious.
Splendid wants the Waffle House burial plan. The dating service wants Annabel to sit for a photo shoot.
Joan went to a wedding reception. The Funky Cowboy is going to see Charley Pride.
Father's Day is a tough holiday for Walker. Not drinking during summer festivities is tough for Red Head Gal but she's hanging tough.
Lisa puts her friend's dilemna out there and asks for advice. Leenie's dilemna was getting her ex husband to spend some time with their son.
Red hates her husband's mustache. Goody hates memes.
Scorpy doesn't like her job very much. Penny doesn't like closed-in spaces.
Karen shares pictures from her trip. Joe shares about his meeting with some fellow bloggers.
R.D. reports on the creation of a Yankees motorcycle. Molly reports on the first day of her new job.
Undergraduate "borrowed" her daughter's perfume. Monica jumped on her daughter's case and had to admit she was wrong.
Trick almost had a good post. Nameless plans to do some whining in future posts. Its good for her!
Mona thinks we should set aside some time to worry. Vickie set aside some time to thank the special people in her life.
Phyllis shares a picture of a happy couple. Sara shares her thoughts about internet friendships.
Stephanie is addicted to break-up songs. Amanda might be addicted to Ebay.
New Wave Gurly has finished her classes and is taking a trip. Frani has been doing some summer reading.
Sleeping Mommy pays a beautiful tribute to her dad. It's a tribute to Jack that he reads Dr. Seuss to his kids.
Wanda climbed up on her soapbox. Stationery Queen is annoyed by friends who are "busy".
Shirazi demonstrates the difference between male and female brains. SonSon demonstrates that all moms aren't equal.
Roselle got hit on by a professional football player. Cyn's daughter got her wisdom teeth yanked out.
Che wonders about smooth talkers. Satisfied Spouse wonders where her sexuality went.
Trucker Bob was thinking about paying $1000 per comment. I'm thinking about the statistic Sallie shared. 1.7 million people are having sex right now and I'm sitting at my computer.
Juno's had a debate with her son about censorship. Guess who was in favor? Kathy took her sons fishing. No debate about whether a good time was had by all.
Andie doesn't like whitening strips. Vince doesn't like five things that the rest of society seems to love.
Leslie shares some pictures of her flowers. Mary Lou shares an old Mother's Day card from her son.
Prince Charming has some blog crushes but won't tell who they are. We know who Faith is dating. She likes him better now that he isn't wooing her so much.
Bec wants to know what you would sell your soul for. John might've sold his just to get out of the Louisiana heat.
Lewis thinks they should stop putting warning labels on products. If they put warning labels on jerks, Bobbie has some candidates.
April has a new piece of jewelry. Brenda has some new ouchies. Cactus and people don't mix well.
Restless Angel hasn't been feeling well. Nicole doesn't feel right when people violate her personal space.
Shelli celebrates three years of blogging. T.Marie blogs and dreams of being a writer. Aka Monty celebrates Bloggers Day.
FlyGirl wishes she could use her imagination like she did as a child. Dawn wished her day hadn't been quite so long.
Larry has a date…on Aug. 6th. The Incurable Insomniac went to a party but pooped out early!
Susan enjoys working the graveyard shift. Chosha enjoys talking to her friend.
Cindra experienced a perfect summer morning. Alithea is experiencing the feeling of breathing normally again.
DL is a proud grandma. Janet is a birthday girl. Please go by and wish her a happy one!
Kathy remembers her wedding day. Diana remembers chaperoning a 5th grade graduation party.
Maddy wonders what your definition of honesty is. Jazzy wonders if she believes in "soul mates".
Inky shares observations about air travel. Babs shares some thoughts on banner ads.
LilRed gets a chuckle about a search that led to her site. Laine wasn't chuckling when she found out she had shingles.
Safiyyah ponders questions of religious tolerance. Muse ponders her marriage.
Pay these fine writers a visit and spread some comments their way please! Have a great weekend!
Friday, June 17, 2005
Suppose I did something like that here? I could request readers to email me a secret. I'll copy, paste, and post them anonymously in one large post. For fun, I'll toss a few secrets of my own into the mix. It could be entertaining, revealing, and a lot of fun.
The difference between my idea and PostSecrets is of course that I would know who sent the secret. I understand that some might not be comfortable with that. The only think I can give is my solemn pledge that I'll take the secret, post it anonymously, and never reveal to anyone whose secrets they are.
Got a secret you wanna share? Dying to share it perhaps? Get something off your chest? Trust me enough to email to me? I'm serious about protecting your secret and your privacy. Lets hear it. If I get a big enough response I'll do a post. If not...well...it was a crazy idea.
Whaddya think? If I receive a critical mass....lets say 10, then I will do the post. If not, I'll delete your email and move on to my next crazy idea.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
There Are Places I Remember
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain.
All these places have their moments
Of lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I loved them all.
How is it that places, buildings, geographical locations can burn themselves into your memory forever? Since moving back to my hometown I see a lot of them. Some I drive by every day. Others surprise me. I'm driving along, I take a turn, and its there. Some long ago event floods back into my head. Other places I seek out. I know they are out there and I want to see them again. They trigger memories...happy, sad, funny, sweet, and painful.
- I took Aubree out to a friend's house a couple of weeks ago. I was in something of a sad, reflective mood. On the way back I impulsively took a left turn instead of heading back home. The road took me out to the lake, a place I often frequented as a boy. I can't believe we used to WALK out there...its gotta be several miles. I pulled off the road and looked around. Over there is the small white building where we bought bait to fish with and cold Cokes to drink. To my right was the stretch of grass we camped on when I was in Boy Scouts. It was also my favorite teenage makeout place until I got busted by the deputy sheriff. Just over the hill is the waterfall we used to go play in. I sat there for about 15 minutes, just soaking it all in, and drove home in a much better mood. This place is part of me.
- On the way back I drove by the entrance to a piece of property my grandmother owns. We always knew it as the "Marineland". My grandfather bought it after he retired from American Airlines. Its about 60 acres with a lake and a "swimming hole". I spent a lot of my teenage years out there...swimming, rowing a boat lazily around the lake listening to football games on the radio, helping my grandfather build that shed over there, sitting on those chairs talking to my "grampy" about life, emptying all the big carp out of the "slew", and bringing my friends out for fun times. Swimming in the moonlight with our girlfriends was a favorite activity! I married my first wife under that grove of trees over there. Her dad drove her to the "altar" in a Z-28 Camaro. I was young, had a headful of frizzy hair, a cheesy mustache, and was in love. This place is part of me
- I stopped at a local pizza joint to eat a few weeks ago. I proposed to my first wife at that table in the corner. (romantic, eh?). This was the gathering place for all of us after high school basketball games. My friends and I would take over the corner table and all those around it. We'd all throw a few bucks on the table, order pizza and cokes, and talk about the game. I remember a teammate saying, "Brian, you were a BEAST tonight out there." The next week he was saying, "What the hell happened to you tonight? You couldn't hit anything!" He was right both times. If I stopped by this place on Friday or Saturday night I was bound to run into someone I knew. The owners were cool about letting us drink Cokes without ordering when we didn't have any money to buy pizza. This place is part of me as well.
- Almost daily I drive by the house I owned on Hickory Street. This was the first real house (mobile homes don't count!) that I ever owned. I fixed cracks in the driveway. I re-painted the entire inside. I ripped the carpet up and stripped the hardwood floors. I yanked out the suspended ceiling and raised it to its former glory. I spent many hours painting the intricate French doors. I put a new roof on that house....shingle by hand nailed shingle. I installed that security light that points out into the front yard. The little lady next door doesn't look a day older than the day I moved out over eight years ago. Patrick toddled around that backyard and kicked a soccer ball with me. Once I was showing off to him and kicked it right through our bedroom window. A swingset he got for his birthday once sat in the backyard. I could choose another route to get home, but I don't. This place is part of me.
- Sometimes I take a detour and drive out by one of the local cemeteries. My grandfather and sister are buried there. I carried my grandfather's casket there on a dreadfully cold, rainy day. We buried my youthful sister there on a crisp cool day on a February afternoon. One of my students is buried there. He dropped dead of a heart attack in 6th grade. I drove a bus of over 60 middle school kids out there for the services. He would be in his mid 20's today if he had lived. There are familiar names on many of the tombstones...local names from local families. There is a good chance I'll be buried here some day as well. This place is a part of me.
- Then there is the local middle school where I spent five years as the vice principal. It was a place I loved. The friends I met there, the people I worked with, and the kids that passed through those halls...just a flood of memories. I remember the day that marquee outside was installed. I repainted that brick structure that announces the name of the school. I did playground duty and bus duty out there countless times. I poured my heart and soul into that school. My son attended there this year and I had several occasions to go visit. I smile when I see that a class I created and named is still being offered. I enjoy seeing my old friends. Its not the same of course....you're not part of the "team" anymore. Still, I like driving by there and sometimes go out of my way to do it. I have to. You see, this place is part of me.
- I sometimes like driving through the neighborhood we lived in until I was 10 years old. I drive down the hill I had my first bike crash on. I cruise by the tiny school I attended in grades 1-4. I note the big rocks we used to climb on. The baseball fields I played on are still there. One of them has a concession stand. One day we were messing around there and found the concession stand unlocked. We walked in and there were goodies everywhere! Candy, soda pop, big jars of pickles just laying there for the taking. We grabbed a bunch of stuff and ran to the rocks, hid out in one of the crevices and stuffed our faces. I got very sick to my stomach.....poetic justice at its finest. I drive by my friend's houses..Mike, Chris, Roberta, and Cheryl. I remember playing in their yards and sipping lemonade on their front porches. We picked mulberries in those woods and swam in that creek. I call it the old neighborhood and its most definitely a part of me.
- Sometimes I drive a few miles away to the small town where I spent most of my high school years. The school is still there with a few additions. Everything else is much different. The local hangout where I drank chocolate shakes and wasted many hours playing foosball? Its a laundromat now. My friend's houses are still there but who knows who lives in them? The old gym is still there I'm sure. I wonder if there is still that hole in the boy's locker room where we could see into the girl's locker room? The old football field is still there. I underwent initiation to the Lettermen's club on that field. The process involved upperclassmen cracking raw eggs on my forehead and emptying them into my open mouth. Ugh. The next year I got to do the same thing to the next class. When I look at the school I remember my classmates and I roaming those halls...young, silly, vigorous, and full of ideas. The place was once ours, and it is surely a part of me.
- When I'm in Tulsa I like to drive by the Riverparks area. I've been going there since I was a teenager. There is a pedestrian bridge that takes you across the river to a beachy area. There are walking trails that lead to the floating ampitheater and the grounds where many local festivals are held. I like just standing on the bridge. You can hear the sound of the river beneath you. The city lights are right in front of you. A cool breeze inevitably blows across your face. I feel peaceful there. I like to go even if only for a few minutes. That place is part of me.
- I sometimes take the kids to a local park. Its a park I played in as a boy. I rode my neighbor's motorcycle there without my protective mom finding out. We raced our bikes there. We got in BB gun fights just out in that field. (my mom didn't know about that either!) We dipped our feet into the stream water on hot summer days. Sometimes we'd go across the street to the produce stand, buy a bag of cherries, sit there and eat them, and throw the seeds into the water. We hunted crawdads in the little pools that formed. We played football in the open field. Sometimes we'd spend the entire day there. It was our little corner of childhood heaven. Its also most assuredly part of me.
I embrace my past while looking ahead. I wouldn't trade this life for anything. All the moments. All the failures. All the triumphs. Moments of ecstasy. Moments of incredible sadness. Feeling wanted. Not feeling wanted. Feeling like a man. Feeling like a failure. Being satisfied. Wanting so much more. Friendships formed and lost. Love sworn and abandoned. They are all mine.
In my life I've loved them all.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Midweek Meanderings
I turned in my keys, my walkie talkie, and my faculty handbook. All the accoutrements of my position....gone! A school administrator with no keys is like a football player without a helmet. I'll probably still reach for the walkie talkie on my waist a few times just out of habit.
The office staff went out to lunch at the Delta Cafe today. Southern food! We had a great time rehashing the year, telling funny stories, and sharing our summer plans. All of these people work so hard and are so dedicated to the kids. I'm proud to work with them...I really mean that.
Wow. I'm overwhelmed by the birthday wishes, the e-cards, the emails, and the surprise guest posts by the lovely Steph and the marvelous Caren. (they really were a surprise!) Did I ever mention that I just love y'all? Love isn't too strong of a word for what I feel.
Then there were the blog birthday posts. A.J., Kathy, April, New Wave Gurly, Sally, and Steph all made posts and sent people here. I always tell the kids at school when they are in bad spirits, "c'mon now. Aren't you feeling the love around here?" I'm feeling the love and I'm humbled and gratified by it.
Be sure and wish a happy birthday to Vickie who shares today's birthday with me.
Aubree has been gone to church camp since Monday morning. She comes home tomorrow evening and I have one day with her before she heads off to England for two weeks. Patrick and I have been doing the "guy" thing this week...just the two of us. Both of them are soooo excited about this trip.
Packing. I have to get both of them packed properly for a two week international trip. I spent last night sorting socks...must have socks! I'm trying to be one of those efficient packers. You know...the ones who don't just throw everything in the suitcase, sit on it, and lock it shut. I'm trying to be ever so methodical in all this.
Aubree asked me, "Dad, what are you going to do with yourself while we're gone?" I said, "I'm going to par-tay! (and did a little dance). She replied, "Dad, you are NOT. Are you?" I said, "I just might!". She shook her head, looked at me, and said, "you better not let ANYONE into my room, ok?" *Laugh*
When I dropped Aubree off to head to camp early Monday morning we unloaded her stuff and I got ready to leave. There were kids milling around all over the place. I said, "c'mere and give me a kiss goodbye!" She did so very reluctantly and whispered, "Dad, you should've given me a goodbye kiss before we got out of the van!"
After I drop the kids off at the airport I'll be attending my family reunion. Its my mom's side of the family and people will begin arriving tomorrow. I'm excited to see them all.
Thanks again to everyone for all of your birthday wishes. I felt special today and it feels damn good.
So how is YOUR week going?
Birthday Boy
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Six Favorites
New Wave Gurly has done a tag-back on me and asked me to name my current six favorite songs. Ok, this is a meme I can handle. There are the timeless songs that I'll always love. But my current six favorites? They may not be new songs, but they are what is grabbing me at this moment. Ask me next week? You'll probably get a different answer.
"You Don't Know Me" (Ray Charles) - the master's take on an old classic. Beautiful melody, poignant lyrics, and the bitter longing that comes with unrequited love. Its all there.
No you don't know the one
Who dreams of you at night;
And longs to kiss your lips
And longs to hold you tight
Oh I'm just a friend.
That's all I've ever been.
Cause you don't know me.
You give your hand to me,
And then you say, "Goodbye."
I watched you walk away,
Beside the lucky guy
Oh, you'll never ever know
The one who loved you so.
Well, you don't know me
"Angie" (Rolling Stones) - Whenever I hear this song I end up singing it to myself for days. I listened to it a few days ago and haven't been able to stop singing it.
Angie, angie, when will those clouds all disappear?
Angie, angie, where will it lead us from here?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can't say we're satisfied
But angie, angie, you can't say we never tried
Angie, you're beautiful, but ain't it time we said good-bye?
Angie, I still love you, remember all those nights we cried?
All the dreams we held so close seemed to all go up in smoke
Let me whisper in your ear:
Angie, angie, where will it lead us from here?
Oh, angie, don't you weep, all your kisses still taste sweet
I hate that sadness in your eyes
But angie, angie, ain't it time we said good-bye?
I've Got You Under My Skin (by Michael Buble) - Buble does a great job with this timeless Sinatra great. The lyrics say it all.
I've got you under my skin
I've got you deep in the heart of me
So deep in my heart, that you're really a part of me
I've got you under my skin
I've tried so not to give in
I've said to myself this affair never will go so well
But why should I try to resist, when baby will I know than well
That I've got you under my skin
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of having you near
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear
Don't you know you fool, you never can win
Use your mentality, wake up to reality
But each time I do, just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
'cause I've got you under my skin
"Hold The Line" (Toto) - another one of those tunes I just can't seem to get out of my head.
It's not in the way that you hold me
It's not in the way you say you care
It's not in the way you've been treating my friends
It's not in the way that you'll stay till the end
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you do
Hold the line
Love isn't always on time
It's not in the words that you told me
It's not in the way you say you're mine
It's not in the way that you came back to me
It's not in the way that your love set me free
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you do
"Last Child" (Aerosmith) - No profound lyrics, but a rockin' good time.
Stand up, sit down
Don't do nothing
It ain't no good when boss man's
Stuffin' down their throats
For paper notes
And their babies cry
While cities lie at their feet
When you're rockin' the street
Home sweet home
Mama, take me home sweet home
I was the last child
I'm just a punk in the street
"The Kid Is Hot Tonite" (Loverboy) - When I'm feeling good about myself, I enjoy listening to songs like this. Maybe my new theme song? Hehe.
We just heard of a brand new way
and we hope it's here to stay
We'll have to wait and see
if it's half of what they say
We heard he opened up a brand new door
well you know that's what I'm lookin' for
we'll have to wait and see if it makes you shout for more
How do you like him so far?
How do you like his show?
How do you like the way he rocks and the way he rolls?
How do you like his image?
How do you like his style?
How do you like the way he looks and the way he smiles?
The Kid is hot tonight
whoa so hot tonight
I don't think I'll tag anyone this time, but feel free to play!
Monday, June 13, 2005
They Say Its Your Birthday
So what have I learned in the last year? Has it really been a year? My last birthday party was a bittersweet one. My life has changed so much since then. I've changed so much since then. I don't know if there has ever been a span like this in my life where so many things have changed in one year. A year can be like a lifetime when everything is changing and moving.
I was re-reading last year's birthday post. I glanced through the comments and saw some familiar names: Ellen, Dawn, Phyllis, Mary Lou, Brenda, Joel, Leslie, Shelli, Flax, Faith, Kim, Sweety and a couple of others that have since departed the blogging world. Has it really been a year? You guys made it through this year with me. They were here when I was at my very lowest and they are still hanging around today. I love y'all and all the friends I've made since then.
I'm 44 years old on that day. I remember being a young boy and wondering what the world would be like at the turn of the century. Now here I am at middle age. I drive the same streets I used to bicycle on with my friends. I drive past the schools I attended. I run into my middle aged classmates at the supermarket. I could've have imagined then the life I've led. I couldn't have foreseen the successes I've had or the bitter disappointments I've endured. I probably can't foresee the ones I'll experience in the coming years either.
A birthday is a milestone and a celebration of yet another year alive on this planet. As Elton John would croon, "I'm Still Standing". I've made it through the worst. I have a good job, a wonderful family, kids I adore, and fantastic friends. I've had many experiences in the last year that I wouldn't trade for anything. Reunions with old friends. Meetings with new ones. Priceless moments at home and work. Quiet times of lonely desperation. Tender moments that make me want more.
So what do I want for my birthday this year? An IPOD? Oh yeah. A digital camera? For sure. Some good summer reading? Absolutely. Drakkar cologne? Uh huh. Some cool new music? I wouldn't complain a bit.
But the things I really want can't be found in stores or ordered online. I want my kids to be happy, settled, and optimistic about our lives. I want to continue to improve in my professional life and live up to all of my potential. I want good health for my family and friends. I want to experience new things, meet new people, and explore new places. I want to grow as a man and become everything I can be. I want to straighten out my financial situation and remove that source of stress. I want to move out of survival mode and embrace life and all it has to offer. I want to love and be loved. I want to trust and be trusted. I want peace.
I'm optimistic. I'm looking forward. I'm ready for the next year. Line those candles up...I'm ready to blow out all 44 of those puppies!


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Posted Nov 15, 2012By
Activision's latest addition to its military video-game franchise,"Call of Duty: Black Ops 2," is on par with its predecessors, with enough slow-motion explosions to make Michael Bay happy, and a body count that would put Rambo to shame.
The Emmy-winning sitcom "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," about a career-minded single woman making her way in the c
A couple of farmer/chefs in Stockholm, Wisconsin, have turned Tuesdays into pizza picnic nights. For nearly 17 year
The underground Twin Cities rockers the Replacements released their first album on a major label, leaving behind ho
Liza Minnelli is said to be resting comfortably in a California hospital after undergoing back surgery earlier this
It's a bad day when even your mom sues you. Rapper Eminem was hit with a $10 million lawsuit on this day in 1999,
Country singer Eric Church performed at Target Center on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014.


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OC3D Reviews ›› PSUs
Zippy Emacs GSM-6600P G1 600w PSU
PSUs | 6th October 2006
Zippy Emacs are a name that only the most informed computer enthusiasts among us would have heard of. Today I'll be taking a look at their 600w GSM-6600P(G1) PSU as they make their way into the mainstream market.
PC Power & Cooling 750w Silencer S75EPS PSU
PSUs | 25th September 2006
PC Power & Cooling are often regarded as the "Crème de la Crème" of the power supply world. Today I'll be putting their 750w Silencer through its paces to see if it lives up to their reputation.
OCZ GameXStream 700w ATX PSU
PSUs | 14th September 2006
OCZ have always been well known for their DDR memory and high-end PowerStream PSU's. Today I'll be taking a look at their latest addition, the GameXStream 700w SLI certified unit.
OC3D Articles ›› PSUs
CoolerMaster V1200 PSU Review
James Riley | 9th July 2014
We show you CoolerMaster's latest flagship powersupply unit which boasts 1200watts, and 93% efficiency.
BitFenix Fury Power Supply
James Riley | 13th May 2014
We take a look at BitFenix's new range of power supplies that come with braided cables as standard.
How many watts do you actually need?
James Riley | 26th February 2014
Since many people buy PSUs way bigger than they'll ever need, we show you just how many watts systems actually require.
Silverstone Strider Gold S Series ST85F-GS
James Riley | 21st December 2013
New compact 750w and 850w Power Supplies from Silverstone, complete with their short cable kit - Ideal for small PCs!
Silverstone Strider 600w ST60F Modular PSU
PSUs | 4th September 2006
Having reviewed most of the modular PSU's available on the market, I thought it was about time I took a look at Silverstone's ST60F. Designed for SLI but also compatible with Quad SLI, how will this unit perform under our stress tests...
Antec Phantom 500w Silent PSU
PSUs | 11th August 2006
Today I'll be looking at the Phantom 500w PSU from Antec. This unit is based on Antec's hybrid fan/passive design which promises to keep things a little more quiet.
Silverstone Zeus 850w ST85ZF Quad SLI PSU
PSUs | 1st August 2006
Probably the most power hungry component in a PC is the graphics card. Put 4 of them together for Quad SLI, and you need a seriously beefy PSU. Do Silverstone have the goods?
Coolermaster iGreen Power 430w
PSUs | 23rd July 2006
Looking for an efficient power supply to go with that budget PC build? Maybe Coolermaster have the solution...
Enermax Liberty 620w Modular ATX PSU
PSUs | 19th July 2006
With more and more modular power supplies coming into the market, will Enermax be able to produce something that stands out from the rest? We find out..
Corsair GS800 V2 Overview
Tom Logan | 20th June 2012
We take a look at the revamped Corsair GS800 to see what all the fuss is about
Corsair Release Individually Sleeved Modular Cables
Ian Mulcrone | 23rd January 2012
Corsair have been watching what modders have been doing and have taken some notes...
Enermax Presents New Gold Class Series Revolution87+
Adam Ferrol | 11th January 2012
Enermax Presents New Gold Class Series Revolution87+
Cooler Master GX Lite Series
Adam Ferrol | 5th January 2012
Cooler Master today launched a new series of PSU dubbed the GX Lite series
Cougar Announces Global Expansion
Adam Norwood | 23rd December 2011
Cougar, producer of high end gaming hardware, plans to expand its business globally
SilverStone Nightjar 500W Fanless PSU Available Soon!
Mark Lewis | 2nd August 2011
The SilverStone Nightjar series of power supplies is the ideal solution for system builders who want a completely silent PSU that doesn't sacrifice on performance or quality.


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In the June 2009 A-level examinations she was awarded a Distinction in the Advanced Extension Award Mathematics paper together with a grade 2 pass in the STEP Mathematics 1 paper. She also achieved a grade A pass at AS-level in Further Mathematics (Additional) and was awarded grade 3 passes in the STEP Mathematics papers II and III.
She scored a total of 2272/2500 marks and a total of 640 UCAS points.
She was awarded a Bronze II medal in the 2009-2010 Physics Olympiad (round 2) together with a Gold medal in the Senior Mathematics Challenge.
During the summer of 2009 she spent 2 months as a junior intern in an insurance company in Nantong employed on front of house duties.
Country: China
Mathematics A*
Further Mathematics A*
Physics A*
Economics A
Now studies Mathematics with Statistics for Finance at Imperial College, London


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- Me: [introduces friend to Marble Hornets]
- Friend: well it is possible I might have another new addiction
- Me: Excellent.
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Here's what happens when someone comes up to me and asks me to draw something from Adventure Time and I tell them I've never drawn anything from Adventure Time and they say that's okay.
I'm pretty sure that's what Jake looks like, but I'm not sure I captured his signature saggy boobs very well. Ah, well, practice practice practice!


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By MensXP | January 18, 2014, 1:11 pm IST Relationships
Sunanda Pushkar: Life In Pictures
First, Shashi Tharoor's http://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/top-10s/11384-10-great-shashi-tharoor-quotes.html Twitter account was hacked and several tweets naming Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar were posted. A while later, Sunanda Pushkar announced that she had hacked her husband's account to let the world know of her husband's extra marital affair with a Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar. © BCCL


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AdAge :: Twitter hired independent media shop Horizon in conjunction with the airing of its first TV ad, Ad Age has learned. Horizon referred calls to Twitter, which declined to comment. The relationship, which is understood to be ongoing, coincides with the brand's foray into mainstream advertising and is also indicative of a continued commitment to consumer marketing.
Continue to read Alexandra Bruell, adage.com


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Torchmark Corp (NYSE:TMK)
The Company is an insurance holding company engaged through its subsidiaries in a variety of nonparticipating ordinary life insurance products, supplemental health insurance products and Annuity products.
This is the closest a publicly traded insurance stock gets to being a franchise, along with AFLAC. It's very similar to GEICO in that it has a very low expense ratio; it has a quasi-monopoly due to its sales to unions and other organizations; and if you take a look at its loss ratio over the past 10 years or so, it consistently is among the best in the business at handling risk.
In other words, Torchmark is about as predictable as you can be as an insurer.
Next, take a look at the return on equity for the past ten years -- averaging over 15% -- and the rate of growth in book value per share (Note -- there was spinoff of Waddell and Reed financial services a few years ago). This company has methodicallly increased the value of shareholders by buying back shares with its strong cash flow. The company's book value growth over the past ten years has been outstanding, and there's no reason to think that the next five years will be any different.
Finally, the company is now trading at a 1.6 price / book value. Delving a bit more deeply into the numbers (cash flow, value of the float, projected growth in equity, etc.), it's trading at a price that is reasonable both in terms of its historical pricing and in terms of intrinsic value.


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New York Comic Con 2012 photos (Cosplay enthusiasts, King Hippo, superheroes, Walking Dead, Cobra Commander & more)
photos by Chris La Putt
King Hippo come to life - Saturday @ NY Comic Con
and just in time for tonight's Walking Dead premiere...
More pictures from this weekend's New York Comic Con at the Javits Center, below...
Continue reading "New York Comic Con 2012 photos (Cosplay enthusiasts, King Hippo, superheroes, Walking Dead, Cobra Commander & more)"
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Samsung confirms Galaxy S IV event for March 14 in NYC
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cell Phones, Handhelds, Rumors
Looks like the rumors of a Samsung Galaxy S IV March 14th announcement have come to fruition. Samsung has released an image inviting press to an event in New York City on March 14th that features the text "Ready 4 The Show: Come and Meet the Next Galaxy" which is pretty much a dead giveaway. However, if you're still suspicious, how about this quote from JK Shin, Samsung's mobile division chief:
"We introduced the Galaxy S III in London last year, and this time we changed the venue (to New York)... as we were bombarded with requests from U.S. mobile carriers to unveil the Galaxy S IV in the country."
We've also got the tweet from Samsung Mobile's Twitter account that backs all of this up.
Click to continue reading Samsung confirms Galaxy S IV event for March 14 in NYC
Samsung Galaxy S IV to be revealed on March 14
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cell Phones, Google, Handhelds, Rumors
Word on the street is that Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S IV on March 14th. The Galaxy S line is Samsung's flagship, and is going to be a big deal as the next flagship device from one of the two companies that are dominating the mobile phone hardware landscape. The Galaxy S IV will not only go head-to-head with the iPhone 5, but also the upcoming HTC One as well. Rumored Galaxy S IV specs include:
- 4.99" Super AMOLED 1080p display
- Exynos 5 Octa chipset with 8-core processor
- 8-core Mali-T678 GPU
- 13-megapixel rear camera with 1080p video recording
- 2-megapixel front-facing camera
Of course, we'll have all the news as it happens in just under a month. In the meantime, peep the purported leak of the design of the device up top.
Read More | The Verge
Rumors of iPhone 5S and 4.94-inch iPhone 6 surface
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Apple, Cell Phones, Handhelds, Rumors
The rumor mill is churning again, and it's saying that not just one, but two new iPhone models may see daylight in 2013. The two iPhones are rumored to be the iPhone 5S and a new 4.94-inch iPhone 6 (or iPhone +.)
This information comes courtesy of laoyaoba.com and a source claiming to have seen the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 at Apple suppliers. The source also claims the iPhone 5S resembles the iPhone 5, and that the iPhone 6 is the lightest and thinnest iPhone to date.
The report states that Apple is planning to bring the iPhone 5S to market this year, no surprise there. The larger iPhone +, however, is supposedly to be released as a backup against the rising popularity of larger Android phones.
Hit the source to see mocked images of what a bigger iPhone would look like.
Read More | Macro
iPad 5 rear shell leaked, matches iPad mini style?
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Rumors
This is the alleged iPad 5 back plate, and as you can see, it's similar in design to the iPad mini's rear shell. At the present moment, the leaked parts are not 100% substantiated as actual parts designed by Apple or made by their manufacturing partners, but nothing is ever confirmed until Apple takes the stage and makes an announcement. The report from 9to5Mac also claims that the thinness almost matches the iPad mini, an impressive feat. For many, it is somewhat obvious that Apple would follow the similar trend of the new iPhone 5 and iPad mini design for the 5th generation iPad, as they're Jonathan Ive creations; and as witnessed in the past, this is the time of year when leaked parts that end up being true start appearing.
Read More | 9to5Mac
Unannounced leaked BlackBerry Z10 purportedly demoed on video
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Cell Phones, Handhelds, Rumors, Videos
Research In Motion's BlackBerry 10 mobile OS, formally QNX, has been widely publicized; however, little is known about RIM's other ability, hardware, until now. A video has been posted to YouTube of an iPhone-esque phone with a BlackBerry logo allegedly dub the BlackBerry Z10. To be clear, this is not the demo units that were given to developers for the purpose of making apps and taking the OS for a spin. Perhaps, this is a unit that is slated for mass production? We will soon find out as RIM has an event scheduled for later this month. Until then, check out the video leak.
Click to continue reading Unannounced leaked BlackBerry Z10 purportedly demoed on video
Read More | Telekom Presse
iPhone set to launch on T-Mobile in "three to four months", maybe
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Apple, Cell Phones, Corporate News, Rumors
T-Mobile's John Legere revealed to Reuters that his network's iPhone launch will happen within the next "three to four months" rather than the next "six to nine." This estimated time frame, while not the most accurate, coincides well with T-Mobile's LTE rollout and network reframing.
"If the old industry structure chooses to ignore what we do," said Leger, "that's a potential."
Read More | Reuters
Sonos Playbar set to enter your home theater
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: CES, CES 2013, Home Entertainment, Music, Rumors, Wireless / WiFi
We've declared our love for Sonos multiple times here on Gear Live, which is why we're excited about the prospect of the company bringing its product line into home theater. An FCC filing reveals that Sonos has indeed submitted documents related to a soundbar with integrated Wi-Fi (like all other Sonos products) that should play nicely with the Sonos SUB that was released earlier this year. Perhaps we'll get a look at this one at CES next week, pretty please?
5th gen iPad to take design cues from iPad mini
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Design, Handhelds, Rumors
In what may be the most obvious Apple rumor in quite some time, the company is reportedly working on the next iPad with Retina display (5th generation), and will be taking design cues from the iPad mini. This means a thinner, lighter full-sized iPad with anodized aluminum backing and thinner side bezels. What isn't so obvious, though, is the timing of the rumor. When Apple released the 4th generation iPad just 7 months after the 3rd generation model, many wondered if it meant that the company would be moving to a semi-annual release schedule. We'll know for sure if the 5th gen tablet drops in March.
Foxconn rumored to be manufacturing an Amazon smartphone
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Cell Phones, Handhelds, Rumors
According to Taiwan Economic News, Foxconn International Holdings Ltd. has already begun manufacturing a new smartphone exclusively for Amazon.
The Amazon smartphone is rumored to launch sometime in the second or third quarter of 2013, at a price of $100-200 USD. Five million units are expected to ship in the next year.
Amazon is expected to gain ground quickly in the smartphone business, due mostly to its low cost strategy and loyal consumer base. Stay posted for more updates on Amazon's foray into the smartphone buisness.
Read More | Taiwan Economic News
Time Warner CEO wishful for an Apple TV set
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, HDTV, Home Entertainment, Rumors
Time Warner CEO, Jeff Bewkes, reiterates wishful sentiments from the cable company that Apple make their own branded television set, and shake up the entire industry, when the question was asked of him at a conference.
"I hope they do," he said, "I think Apple is a great device company."
The Time Warner CEO thinks that Apple can solve the go-to-market-strategy problem with the cable/content business.
"They bring good interface and navigation skills,"
Perhaps an à la carte hardware system is already in the making at the secretive Cupertino labs. Who knows, maybe television and content executives are already privy to the details while deals are being established. Gear Live has reported that Time Warner COO, Rob Marcos, stated that the cable company would be willing to cede control of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) as long as they can still maintain a relationship with customers.
"It's really all about maximizing the capabilities to get Time Warner customers the best possible experience."
Read More | Business Insider
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Madison, WI
Karin Wadsack directs the
Arizona Wind for Schools project and manages a number of ISES research projects
and administration. Her interests include utility-scale renewable energy grid
integration, energy education, and state and federal energy policy. She is also
project director for NAU's Tribal Clean Energy Resource Center. Outside
the University, Karin serves as a senior scientist and project manager at EN3
Professionals, an engineering firm in Flagstaff. She also chairs the energy
project team for the regional Sustainable Economic Development Initiative and
is a Water Commissioner for the City of Flagstaff. In her free time she enjoys
mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, and camping with her dogs.
Oley, PA
B.S. Environmental Engineering, 2011
the past three years, Marilla has been working with environmental education
programs including Wind for Schools and the Institute for Tribal Environmental
Professionals. With these programs, Marilla has worked with over 1000 K-12
students and over 100 teachers in Arizona, leading discussions and activities
about wind energy. With Wind for Schools, Marilla has also helped to have 9
wind turbines installed in Arizona, and is now leading a project to design and
build a bicycle-powered charging station for the NAU campus. In June 2012,
Marilla started working for a wind turbine and solar installer, where she helps
with system sizing and design, creating site plans and electrical diagrams,
obtaining permits, and assisting with installations in the field. Marilla also
uses her environmental engineering degree directly, at an environmental
engineering firm where she works as a project engineer, specializing in energy
and environmental engineering projects.


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An attempt to calm an angry customer at Meijer in Warsaw ended in a police chase.
Officers were called to the store around 5:20 Monday night. They arrived to find David Metzger upset and refusing to leave. The 33-year-old Claypool resident was warned he'd be arrested for trespassing if he didn't move along. Metzger continued to yell at police and received a trespass warning.
After twenty minutes of this, he finally got into his car and pretended to leave, only to move the vehicle to another parking space.
Police approached him again, informing him he was now under arrest. Metzger cursed at the officers then sped off. Police tried to pull him over in the parking lot, but Metzger continued onto U.S. 30.
Police eventually caught up with him on County Road 250 East, after he lost a tire. Metzger had to be physically removed from his car and taken into police custody. His bad behavior continued at the Kosciusko County Jail, when he bit several jailers.
Metzger was booked on a Class D Felony charge of resisting law enforcement with a motor vehicle, trespassing and reckless driving.
His bond was set at $2,000.


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Eating Can Damage Your Heart
Heart Valve Disorders
A heart valve disorder means that the four heart chambers are not beating in an organized manner. The most common symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath, but often there are no symptoms.
The House That Jack Built
We know that hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to atherosclerosis or clogged arteries. High blood pressure causes tiny tears in the artery walls and cholesterol, fat and other deposits settle in those tears and then build on themselves, eventually narrowing and hardening the artery.
Aortic Sclerosis
As we age, the deposits in our arteries eventually begin to build up in the heart itself and parts of the heart calcify and don't work very well, or stop working all together. This can cause fainting, heart failure or chest pain.
Aortic Sclerosis makes the heart susceptible to infection carried there from a urinary tract infection, dental infection, or infection in some other part of the body.
Treatment may involve angioplasty where a balloon is inserted and inflated to enlarge the valve, or surgical valve replacement. These treatments have been successful at advanced ages.
Exercise and Aortic Sclerosis
Very little is known about the effect of aerobic exercise on aortic sclerosis. Parts of the heart are calcified now, and there will be general feelings of weakness and shortness of breath. We know that athletes with this disease have had to slow their training progams and have certainly done much better after a valve replacement.
Physicians and Aortic Sclerosis
Doctors can overlook possible treatment for Aortic Sclerosis in older people. This is an attitude based on prejudice plain and simple. If you are an elder with this disease and your doctor does not recommend valve replacement, get another opinion. It's your body.
|Coronary Heart Disease
|Heart Rhythm
|Heart Valve
|Vascular Dementia


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Greenwood Police have arrested a man and charged him with the murders of two women at a motel.Terrance Lamont Thomas, 28, was arrested early Thursday evening on Cambridge Avenue and charged with two counts of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Arrest warrants obtained from the Greenwood County Detention Center state that Thomas told another person that he had shot 33-year-old Elizabeth Brooke Bourne and then shot 38-year-old Danielle Quinn Graham as she was trying to leave the motel room. The warrants state that Thomas made the statement before law enforcement had been notified about the incident. A maintenance worker at the motel on Montague Avenue discovered the women's bodies after noticing an open door to the room. According to a spokesman for the Greenwood Police Department no more arrests are likely in the case. Thomas had his first court appearance Friday morning in which he was advised of his charges and told that bond will have to be set by a Circuit Court Judge at a later date. He is currently being held at the Greenwood County Detention Center.
Traveling from Oregon to California, Biddy the hedgehog has made the most of their summer vacation!
250 International Dr.Spartanburg, S.C. 29303
Telephone: 864.576.7777
Fax: 864.587.5430
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Friday 06.07.12
Peter Broderick plays instead of Gurrumul
Unfortunately, Gurrumul from Australia is unable to play at Roskilde Festival 2012.
PETER BRODERICK (US) fills the space in the band-schedule originally intended Gurrumul on Gloria Sunday 8 July at 15 PM. The American multi-artist embraces folk, Americana, electronic and quiet piano minimalism.
We are sad not to be able to introduce Gurrumul, but happy to welcome back Peter Broderick to Roskilde, where he played in 2009.
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Messages Are Left For "Madiba" Outside The Hospital Where His Condition Is Said To Be Critical
( Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images / June 25, 2013 )
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Benefits of Healthy Eating
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that 35.7% of adults and 17% of children ages 2-19 are obese. Weight problems lead to many health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. One of the best ways to control your weight is through developing healthy eating habits in conjunction with regular exercise.
What is Healthy Eating?
Although you may be more familiar with the food pyramid, the United States Department of Agriculture has revised these guidelines through MyPlate. This simple concept shows the right proportions of types of food to be eating at each meal: fruits and veggies should take up half of your plate and then balance the other half with grains and proteins. In addition, you should have dairy products, like milk, regularly.
Benefits of Healthy Eating
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to give your body the nutrients it needs without consuming excess of what it doesn't need. As you eat a healthy diet, you'll find that you tend to have more energy and feel less sluggish. In addition, eating a healthy diet can help you lose weight and reach a healthy BMI (body mass index). If you are currently overweight or obese, losing weight can reduce your risk for disease in the future.
Types of Food and Their Benefits
Start now to develop healthy eating habits for you and your Family to improve your nutrition and manage your weight. In addition, consider signing up you kids for the Get Fit, Be Strong through Army MWR.
Return to the New Year, New You - Get Fit! Features Page


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♥ 43819
→ 07 Mar 12 at 10 pm
→ 07 Mar 12 at 10 pm
There somewhere.
(via antoinetripletts)
There somewhere.
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(via cuteordead)
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Bird cage with real birds and 2 real vertical pianos – when birds jump on the aluminium straw they play piano notes.
by Robert Gligorovs.
dream life
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be mine
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