One right after the other

First of all, my apologies for my lack of posting. In the first place, Ive been a little under the weather and in the second, Ive felt a lack of ability to post anything worth reading.

On the weather end of things, there have been three systems in the Atlantic Basin to talk about for over a week...and as one moved on to the north and became extratropical; another system rolled off the coast of Africa; one right after the other.

Since I usually draw a parallel to me from that scenario, Ill say this. Just as Earl began to swirl out in the ocean, a friend I havent seen in nearly 14 years dropped back onto the scene. I couldn't be happier about it. I know I posted several weeks back about Serendipity - finding something you needed right under your nose that you didnt see before. Well, while there are a great many people out there that I love and cherish - this one was almost like an Event One. Lets call this one Event Zero. What makes Event Zero different is that it makes me feel like I did in my late teens - really ready to do something daring. I never did because I worried about the consequences. Now, Im happy to report (while I still worry) Im a lot braver.

Plus Event Zero makes Chuck Norris look like a total wuss.

Next weekend is the premier showing of the "Semi Annual Regenthal Beer Fest and Grillout". Itll be as stellar as the other Semi Annual event I love (to see) at Vickie's Secret.

Sorry JPA, Ill try to do better. AMR, more crack soon!!

Twice the fun

So after three days at Castle Regenthal, Im having a great time. TWO hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin and I still cant remember my conversation with Event One (though it did happen and I think it went well.) First day of school - man. I remembered a piece that an comedienne from the 1980's named Elaine Boosler did. She'd say (paraphrased) "When I grew up Id hear that school bus pull up - Id half wake up and say "Hahahh theres no school today!" and roll right back over and go to sleep."

Thats just what I did today.

Hope all is well out there. I think Ill start back to the writing tomorrow. Two storms at once...wow.

"Wouldnt that be somethin?"

New Hurricane?

Look at the right hand side of your screen - the live feed from the National Hurricane Center shows a new hurricane (!) brewing. Still pretty far away - but seeing the cycle begins again always makes me smile downstairs. Yes, downstairs.

We shall see what we shall see. I wonder if Ill acquire the balls to contact Event One, because I still havent. I wonder if I will get to finish cleaning AMR's room this Monday. I wonder if I will get to see it rain this week. I wonder if I will call STM drunk one day - that one Im sure of.

Glad KG is back from the beach safe.

Quantifying When

In the past, but not too recently, I used to ask people close to me why they loved me. Usually I asked this to very close friends. The only reason I asked them is because, even now, I can pinpoint the exact reason (there are about a dozen or so) why I love the people I do. I haven't had much success in getting other people to tell me what I did that was so awesome to bring them into perpetual orbit in my life.

Im still haunted by the actions Ive had in my life in the past four years and the post BML has on his page. I have made it my life's work to keep people around when I turn around, it has worked out that I ran them all away. Some of them needed to go - and I needed to go too.

Let me say this. If you are with people you care about, and you start to feel uncomfortable around them because of what they do - as habit - get new friends. I dont mean like out of your comfort zone learning uncomfortable. Im talking making you feel either like a) their kid, b) the awkward bystander in their needless arguments, or c) question why you are they way you are rather than just accepting you for your goods and bads.

As I said before, I know Ive fucked up before - shit we all have. Take it or leave it I say. If I need to get left, so be it. Just like something ABS said the other day, "After making do with what I had over the past year, I can make it on anything."

Thanks a lot for all the following and reading. I have enjoyed hearing from all of you. Thanks for reading my drama and taking it in stride. If you see your initials here, dont fret. I love you too.

Past or Future - Both Matter.

Since MAB and I had our exchange, I have to say that most of what is on my mind has nothing to do with the past. This surprises me beyond expectation. I look forward to so many things - incoming storm fronts, Halloween, Friday Night Raids, meals (no shocker). Whenever I think of friends tho, it has been for as long as I can remember, how things were and never about how things will be. I have been fixated on how the past molds the future as if it were a concrete slab.

I have considerable difficulty moving beyond the fact that some people move on for good. Maybe they do. I got a note in my Facebook message box today...it has been in my mind since - and sitting here in my rainy day spot - since its really coming down - I have to say the external validation has arrived. Even though most of us have screwed up in the past, I am pretty sure that most people who read this consider themselves good friends. The kind of friends who listen and support even when they dont agree.

Maybe some people are just so afraid of the uncertainty of the future they prefer the security of analyzing the past. Making sure that whatever comes along, they are not destined to repeat the mistakes of days gone by. Theres value in that. I guess I just got paralyzed by it...I still am. At least now I can try to fix that issue.

Its almost time to write again. Dare to think about what that experience will be like. Heres to some more meterological motivation and more rain.

"The only thing dead at my party was the salisbury steak!"

For those of you who know me well, you know I just cant stop watching the old Match Game PM reruns on Game Show Network. SNL did a skit a couple years back and it still puts me in stitches.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/19687/saturday-night-live-its-a-match?c=Comedy/Sketch#s-p76-sr-i1

((about 1:15 in))

Just beyond funny. Thought Id drop it in since today has been full (of it.) of reflections and deep thoughts.

Reforming in the Gulf

The blog mentioned the remnants of Tropical Storm Colin dissipating over Louisiana last weekend. Guess what? After an odd move south, (see a couple blog posts back), it is about to redevelop. That LONG slow rain thats been missing all year may indeed make its way here, and none too soon.

If I can just settle on this rewrite, take less Xanax, and do the Wii fit once a day, this whole idea of tomorrow over yesterday may work. Tho, God knows, Im still gonna need a shit load of therapy. At least we get BBC America now and Doctor Who is back on Saturdays. Its really the little things...

Looking ahead without forgetting behind

Once again, the student becomes the master. Of all the little brothers Ive claimed over the years, Im awfully proud of one in ATL. The road ahead is completely and totally uncertain. I have no idea where it will take me or where I will end up. There are fifteen or so people I want to split a handle of whiskey with. Of those fifteen, there are five or so Id like to meet at a beach, preferably Myrtle Beach, SC for a weekend.

Those five people (not to leave anyone out but Im pretty sure they know who they are already) - just sit on the deck of the Hurl Rock and watch the people go by. Just one evening - wind surf and weird people.

Thats one look ahead without forgetting what was behind.

Thanks Mancub, you are the best.

When you make your own bed, you lie in it

For the record, everything that has happened to me and around me since 1989 or so has been of my own choosing. I take personal responsibility for where I am now. There was a time, and maybe thats still now, that I worried endlessly about who I was and how Id be perceived. I still get that twinge in my stomach when I see or hear from someone in my past.

MAB is right to say when you move on, so do others. Maybe that quote from MBL was right after all. I dont lament the past or wonder what could have been. I made some crappy choices and here I am. I wouldnt change them, as I think Ive learned more from fucking up than I would have if everything was smooth sailing.

I will simply counter the MAB statement with this. Before I left, dropped off the face of the Earth, vanished from society, moved off the grid - whatever youll call it --- the other person did it first. If not, at least I got the distinct message to move on from them first. Dont misunderstand the point I am trying to make. It can be easier to just disappear than have to sit through the hard truth that things youve done suck or have disappointed others. The disappearance admits that disappointment.

There are just a few folks out there that I do miss. Missing them doesnt change the present. I asked a very certain friends what was better - the cold hard truth or a really good lie. I know Im too afraid of the truth to ask.

Let it be said I know my failings. Constructive critism is appreciated and welcome. Beating a dead horse however, is not.

Facebook Chat Etiquette

The chat bar on Facebook is somewhat unnerving. Names of people Ive known for a while come and go online and offline. Some of them Ive wanted to speak to - some more than others. Then I think, well, they can see my name too. Most dont EVER speak. Those are the people I usually want to talk to most. Even if its nothing more than just to check in or share a joke, it would be nice to hear from people once in a while. Especially since they can see that you are just as online and available as you are.

I think it sends a signal that they dont want to talk to you - or theyd say hello first. OR it could be that they are just SO monstrously busy that there is no time to drop a simple sentence or note to keep in touch.

I could say something like "expletive" off - instead Ill just say Hurrah! Egocentrism!

Yeah, Im kinda bitter about it.

On the Illusion of Original Thought

"We are nothing but echoes. We have no thoughts of our own, no opinions of our own, we are but a compost heap made up of the decayed heredities, moral and physical."

-Mark Twain

Reading the posts of the past week, I realized that most of them start with "I" and even had matching titles for two of my seventy-one entries thus far. I do my best to be original and creative. Ive been reading a John Grisham novel just to make sure that Im not a terrible writer. Turns out - Im mediocre - which is ok - its better than being outright crappy.

I very much enjoy publishing my thoughts. I used to think blogging was a complete waste of time but continue to find great solace in the process.

Im also watching Family Guy and while Seth MacFarlane can be controversial, he is VERY bright and has a great writing style.

Have a good week everyone and look out for bad weather - half and half chance every day through Thursday.

Pet product marketing at a new low

Earlier, I was just looking at the bag of dog treats my housemates got for our pet. Being bored, I read the package and didnt see anything out of the ordinary UNTIL I got to the end of the bag. My hand to God the feeding instructions on this bag of Pup-peroni reads...

"Feed as a snack to have more special moments with your dog."

For the Love of Mary, seriously? Thats the best the marketing people could come up with? Get real. I suppose the scary piece of this is that there are people out there who read that and say "Awww" and throw a treat at their dog.

One more thing - you are NOT a pet parent. Angels and Ministers of Grace defend us. That is a serious all time low. I realize you love your pet, but you are best suited to parent members of your own species. Pet parent. Wow. As MBW would say , "Thats just beyond the pale." Sorry Caprice - I know you love your dogs.

The Uncertainty Principle - Take Two

You can tell how fast you are going but not where you are - or vice versa - at least thats the basis for the uncertainty principle. You cant ever have all the facts. Almost always, you have to look at what you have in front of you - and the rest - well - thats guess work. I just looked at the hurricane forecast for the Atlantic.

About a week ago, there was a little tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico. It moved inland and that was about all she wrote concerning that disturbance...

...until...

...while it doesnt happen typically, the remnants of that storm are moving back out to sea! Even though there is just a 30% chance that it will redevelop, it dawned on me that things arent over - til theyre over. Uncertainty rules, and sometimes that uncertainty is just delicious.

Its raining here at the moment - slow and steady with NO wind at all. I believe Ill turn on the fan and just sit here with a nice Fresca (yes, I like Fresca - dont laugh) and think.

Fifteen minutes can save you...

The new Geico commercials are funny...not so much so as the Progressive commercials with Flo. I think Flo is a great spokes person for any company. Just about everyone likes a smart lady with answers. I know a couple and its one essential thing to have around in a crisis. If you want something done right, just have a lady do it.

Every Executive Officer I ever had as Chancellor was a woman. Women are better leaders and organizers, in my opinion. I see all these women I am friends with on Facebook and read some of their posts - and Ill say that Im really glad that I havent made any of them mad. Hell hath no fury, remember.

I keep hearing bangs upstairs. Mind you, its almost one a.m. and there are two eleven year olds up there doing God knows what. Believe it or not, the radar is showing a large echo moving north of all directions toward the house. Maybe tonight will have a little shower before its all said and done.

A few people are on vacation at the beach and I hope they are doing well. Aliens is on Spike and I have no intention of going too far. My sister's birthday was today and all indications were that she had a great time. I still see her sometimes as the 9 year old in the Easter dress swinging on the old playset in our back yard on Faircrest Drive. Way to go, ASWD - if you see this.

The long dog days of summer are rolling past. Before you know it, fall will be on us. I wont be complaining - some of the best weather to see happens in the early Autumn - right about the first couple weeks of October. Until later today, I hope all is well out there in cyber space and that you each take care of yourselves.

The story continues to be written - first draft done soon.

I still miss STM and TAH.

Quiet - - before the storm

So it was very quiet today. Nothing much to report. I will say that the story is coming along. Enjoy that moment, gentle readers, that moment you experience JUST before you drift off to sleep. Im just about to experience it myself...and I hope its as amazing for you as it is for me.

Tomorrow holds more. I think my mood is improving and Ill be able to write again. I hope so - I hate being droopy.

Something is just off tonight

I cant put my finger on it. This storm is just amazing. Great sounds and sights to behold - and I am just not feeling it at all.

Having a thing is not so pleasing a thing as wanting. Ive said it before. Tonight its true. I wish I was more in tune - maybe Im just having one of those self-pity moments. I need GunnySergeant to tell me to get over myself being mamby pamby (circa the new Geico commercial). I started to think maybe Im just lonely but my house mates are just upstairs.

I need to be more content and less upset about things that arent - rather than glad about the things that are. Hows that for cryptic? Maybe the longer I sit here near the rain, the more content Ill be. Nothing works unless you do, JPA says. Happiness comes by doing - so I better get my fat ass to work, before I DO get old.

Thanks for the rain, Pop. It was magnificent.

Just when you least expect it

I had no idea it was about to rain here. I thought I heard some thunder and looked at the radar. It looked again as if the storm would move north of us and nothing would happen here. Hoping for a FEW minutes of rain, I came down to the garage and opened the door. That was at 9:14. It is now ten after ten in the evening. The rain continues to come down - not torrential or even sideways. Just straight down - rain. A lightning show in the distance with accompanying thunder is ever present. The National Weather Service radar shows a renewing (at the moment anyway) line of storms in western Stokes County just flowing southeast toward us.

Nonstop. Rain. Thunder. Lightning. Light Wind.

The story elements are all in place. Im just writing them down - and listening to JPA talk business.

I wonder what Colorado is like this time of year. I miss STM.

The Light of Other Days

I started looking for a story I wrote some ten years ago about a recurring dream I have had; though I havent had it lately. I lost it.

So, I am going to give it a redux. Its title is from a Arthur C. Clarke novel about mankind achieving the ability to look into the past into the lives of others so anyone can have ubiquitous knowledge of anyone else...no more privacy.

My story is about MY own mysterious tremendium - as we have discussed here previously. It may take a few days and drafts to finish but I will post it when its ready - if I still have the balls to do so...or I may just email it to a couple of you and get a reaction before I do.

I missed you all - thanks for looking for the updates.

141, 237, 330, and 474

Read this link...

Find those numbers.

I thought of many of you when I saw them - and they matter most to me.

474 especially - you guys are mine.

Whether Weather is Wiser than Me

I noticed this evening that there are three areas of concern in the Atlantic Basin. One tropical depression off the west coast of Florida, a miniscule piece of rain near the Windward Islands and a red zone moving toward the Bahamas and the east coast of The Sunshine State.

At the same time, I have heard from a number of people I didn't expect to hear from today. Unfortunately, Event One was not one of those people. Alas, things never seem to happen the way you might want them to. You have to take what you are given and go with it. This leads me to ask whether or not you can really go home again. This metaphor has given me pause for thought in the past but sometimes you might want to ask if you actually want to visit home again. Situations might be better elsewhere - since my house DID miss a pretty nice thunderstorm by about 9 miles today.

Dont get me wrong. Since July 4th - Ive seen some truths I didnt expect. Ive talked to people I didnt expect Id talk to. Ive had some pretty insightful conversations and Ive seen Are You Being Served? roll over back to its first episode in syndication. What happens next? Ive asked this in a couple posts before. Chief Ambassador Emeritus Alexander enlightened all of us when she asked The Question of the Ages.

Maybe Ben Affleck said it best...(which would astonish all of us)...but he said...(and guess the movie)

"Sometimes the people we meet change us forever. I've never forgotten ___________ (and you can put your name here) and I'm pretty sure I never will. Wherever [she is] you are, I really hope you are [she's] happy. In the end, all you can do is commit to the people you love, hope for a little luck, and some good weather."

Maybe Mother Nature is wiser than me, wiser than us all - its been my experience that she comes through when you really need her to. I think Ill enjoy the good weather - and wait for a little rain...like I always do.

Two Days or a Week

I went to visit a pal of mine and his family - leaving the house for the first time in a while. I had a very good time. Ive acquired a new nick name and am posting the picture here. Settling back into the house...and Ill have more later. Thanks for missing me, JPA. As for the rest of you, sit back - Im thinking and deciding the next post.

As for now...the new me...

Going out...

After a most gracious invitation, I have decided to get out of the house and dine at the home of the Regenthals this evening. I may not post again until tomorrow - which will be odd for me as posting is usually the last thing I do before bed. I know Amber and Philip's will be fun. Good conversation and good times.

I hope everyone had an excellent and to Andrew, if youre reading this from England - have a pint for me.

My Three Followers

I was looking at the right side of my blog just now and realized that I have three followers. What struck me most is that they are from what I consider the three periods of my life. Growing up is represented by my longest-known friend The Right Honorable Karen Blackburn. We have been friends since about second grade - and that was a long time ago indeed. College friends are represented by my good friend Madame President (of the WCU Honors College) Emeritus Adrianne Overbay (nee' Kirby)...we met in about 1998 at Western Carolina. Finally, representing the Fraternity Age is none other than Prime Minister Andrew B. Slike, KT - someone I initiated in 2007.

I know that there are others who read this blog and Im very glad to have you all along for the ride. For now at least, these are the three who have clicked "Follow" on the right hand side of the screen. A man is more than the sum of his readers - oh wait - thats memories. This man is the sum of a lot of Big Mac's and Doctor Who.

Later on, whether weather will wait and perhaps another treatise or two.

Deep Impact - No, I mean the movie...

Holy crap - I caught the last 15 minutes of Deep Impact. I should have listed this movie among the Over The Edge post. Not because this is a cinematic triumph - the movie itself was ok. The message preachy and the explosions large. I remember something BML told me the last time I was in Murray. He tapped me in the chest and said five words - nothing too mushy - but I forgot them. I should have remembered that while some things change - others dont.

Tomorrow is another day - with new challenges. Fear not though, my gentle readers. I'll always be right here.

Hope Springs Eternal

Far far out in the Atlantic, a mass of clouds and rain moves westward and begins to spin thanks to the Coriolis Effect. Even though the destructive power of hurricanes is horrific on a personal scale, as they begin to wind down - the massive amount of slow rainfall is just unbelievable. I think I know why I love the rain so much - at least one reason.

When it rains, plans get changed. Back up ideas come into play more easily. Opportunities to spend meaningful time together with people you love get pushed up...and that harmonious sound of the falling precipitation on the roof of where you happen to be just lulls your souls into a deep slumber away from worry and care.

You know what feels better than the most amazing love? Getting a second chance to find it again - after you thought you lost it - for anyone - whether agape, philia, eros, storge, or whatever YOU want to call it. Getting a second chance captures imagination - since it rarely happens.

Hope springs eternal...

Its just the way things happen

There seems to be a natural flow to the normal life. Starting out in school, then college, job, meeting wife/husband, marriage, birth of children and so on. This tide seems to wash in and out as nature intended. I dont want to come across like Im upset that people get engaged or married. I think it is wonderful that people can find someone so compatible and accepting that they can live together for as long as they draw breath.

I think Im realizing how selfish I am and wishing I wasnt. Sometimes being in the house is so much easier, and sometimes it just makes me realize how much Ive lost. Losing things just makes me incredibly less likely that Id risk losing again. I wish it was as easy as deleting a program or erasing a pencil mark. Its just the way things happen and I have to get on board. If I dont, Ill get out of the way and never try to cross the street again.

Someone just posted...

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out."

So Ill just sit here - watch Being Human on BBCA - wait for Bruce to level up to meet me - and make the best out of the way things happen.

Into the Great Beyond

Yes, one of my great flaws is reading too much into things. I recognize it. I watched 'Haven' tonight - as I usually do. There is a remarkable unspoken dialogue going on between Nathan and Duke. Something happened a long time ago and neither of them really talk about it. They have this mutual screw you attitude going on - but in moments that call for emotion, the one that comes about seems to be regret. Ha. Color me appropriate on that one.

I regret a lot of things. A post on that topic would ramble on for DAYS. Most of you that can see this blog already know the biblical amount of screw ups Ive had in my time. The phone call didnt happen. I am too caught up in my own worry about what may lurk beneath any surface - be it emotional, spiritual, or my karma caught up to me.

The only thing I can read into that episode of 'Haven' tonight (which if you havent seen you might consider DVRing it) - and my own current situation - remains simple. Where do I fit in to the scheme of things with so much time past? If time changes people and situations, then where do I belong in the lives of people I missed as I moved along my own way? PGR tells me that I am all I need. I see the truth in that. Sometimes in want but never in need is a really decent place to be.

Sometimes, when I want, I know exactly what that want is. Yesterday I said having a thing is not so pleasing a thing as wanting. That statement, no matter how logical, has no bearing on trying to recreate that perfect moment. Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not its ending. Serenity should be sought out - especially if it soothes the soul and gives strength.

I know Ive said a lot here, and rightfully so. When I do get the nerve up to get a hold of Event One - Im hoping I get a different response to the look Duke shot Nathan tonight outside the Grey Gull. And since I try to have pithy dialogue here - tying this post into the last one about Dad - Ill say this to those gentle readers out there.

I am not my father. I am my father's son. I have many of the same likes and dislikes and yes, some of the same flaws too. I said once that my Dad was a real son of a bitch. He didn't always hit the mark, but his heart was in the right place - and he was always there for me when i REALLY needed him. Dirty Martini told me tonight that I was a good friend...and so did PGR. Those two people know me pretty well, and for anyone Ive let down before - it wasnt intentional. I think anyone who knows me at all knows Id never intentionally fuck someone over...

...sometimes my fear just gets in the way.

Looking like your Dad

For those of you who knew Benjamin David Whitaker (March 4, 1945 - January 24, 1996), the picture of me in the last post looks INCREDIBLY scary in relation to Dad. For those of you who dont, let me reinforce the statement that the older we get, the more we look (and act) like our parents.

I told Brandon Farmer once that I was really glad I knew his Dad. It was like looking into the future of being friends with him. Gene Farmer is a funny, smart, great guy to hang out with and a good parent...just like Brandon was destined to become. They even worked in the same field (at least for a while).

I dont mind looking like my Dad. My only worry is that if I am built like my Dad, I have 10 years left to live. Guess I need to lay off the Big Mac's...

...and thanks for everyone who liked the beard. Too prickly - - goatee seems much cooler.

Yes -- The Beard...

Only 4 people have seen it in person - the rest of you have to settle for these 2 photos. Unfortunately, the beard is now a goatee - those pictures tomorrow.

Doing the thing that makes you most scared

Surprisingly, Tropical Storm COLIN has reemerged from a near zero chance of redevelopment. Even though he is coming no where close to land, it seems as if he has come back nonetheless. At least some surfers can enjoy nice waves for a couple days.

Its not so much that the storm came back to life as it parallels a question Ive been pondering. Once again, answered by today's PGR visit.

That phone call Ive been putting off happens tomorrow. For good or ill, at least I know I followed the instinct for once...instead of the ole' brain...which does nothing good whatsoever.

Picture of the beard tomorrow - and then shaving...if anyone is paying attention.

Anticipation or Disappointment

Today Philip came by and shot the bull for an hour or so. It was very cool to have him here just to talk about old times and nothing really important. Now, the rain is coming down for the second time today and I'm left wondering.

Spock said once that having a thing is not so pleasing a thing as wanting. It isnt logical but its almost always true. Im pretty sure everyone that reads this thing knows that Im only after a couple things in this life. Being included as an equal, some security (ok, a lot of it), and walking up happy. Money, career, and power can really be excluded from all that except for the ability to go to the beach once a year is prohibited without a decent bit of income.

So Im left wondering...am I better off sitting here; well taken care of mind you, house to live in, food, recreation, good friends - or do I make the next step to looking again for that mysterious thing...elusive - and hope that I dont screw it up like old times. I gotta tell you sometimes its a lot easier to be a hermit.

The rain keeps comin today - one line after another. I cant say I dislike it. Its pretty amazing. It was HOT earlier - now - 77 and rain...with more on the way.

As a follow up to a post

"Everybody's got something thats annoying to someone else" - R. Bruce Boughman, OBE

Ok, this is correct - at least in my experience. Earlier in the blog posts, youll see a pretty negative post from me. I think whats listed above is more to the point I was trying to reach.

Can you give an example of one thing you like and dislike about me? and yourself?

Im interested in what I get back.

Video One

OK - my first one - -

A-ha - The Sun Always Shines on TV
(Very 80's - a follow up to "Take On Me")

Im playing keyboards - and as for my part - Id create a friend trying to comfort the really attractive female and seeing if we could bring the lead singer back from the odd-black-and-white-scribble world.

Anyone else?

My Own Music Video

Just saying - tonight's post comes from the mind of the brilliant and sometimes dry humor of Dr. Ryan Cox.

If you were in one of those videos - you know the kind where there is an interesting story set up but then the other half of the video is on stage with the lights and fireworks (perhaps even one of those concert flashes now and again)...answer these two questions...

What would the song be and what role would you play in both the video and the band?

OK this one is harder than I anticipated. I was expecting this not to have this much trouble but I am having sensory overload. Give me a little while to consider this and put your own thoughts in as well. Im sure Dr. Cox will be checking in fairly soon.

Weird Dreams and the like

I know everyone has had some funky dreams before. Mine of late have been just odd. I cant usually remember them after a couple hours of being awake and Im usually too groggy to write them down upon waking. I just wanted to relate that seeing Lassie drive a Jeep (in color) and having a Russian war criminal who was a logging mogul have the cast of some very odd remake of the Real World over for a reunion special has been a little disconcerting.

It rained this morning and I didnt even see it coming. I was awoken by the sound of rain beating against the front door. More expected today but man - if rain is going to sneak up on me - I wonder what the heck else is out there Im not expecting...good or bad.

"Its never the stuff you see coming...its always the stuff that you NEVER expect that really ruins your day." - DAW

Wonder what BSJ is doing today?

What a difference A Day Makes...

So, three days ago, the forecast was for this new Tropical Storm (Colin) to gather strength gradually and move parallel to the East Coast. Tonight, the National Hurricane Center tells us that this mass of clouds and rain will lose almost all its potential and just die out as an open tropical wave about five hundred miles south of Bermuda.

I worry that the thrill of finding old friends come anew will come to the same fate. I guess Im looking at it this way. If you leave something in the hamper long enough, provided its not completely foul, a teeshirt becomes pretty much wearable again. Not such a great comparison perhaps, but I have to say that finding friends I hadnt seen in a decade again felt a lot like that - anything I had fucked up had pretty much come out in the washing machine of events called time.

Theres a larger point Im trying to stay away from here. Im not sure I can properly articulate it - and I have given the matter thought over a couple days. Im working on it...Ill preview it by saying I need to capture the essence of this video - in words.

Any suggestions?

A Post from the desk of Bruce Boughman

While playing World of Warcraft is something I enjoy - My roommate (and me too for that matter) is wondering if any of you play WoW? We could surely use some folks to create our own guild - minus all of those annoying WoW nerds and teenage smartasses.

If you play, and would like to get into the experience more, hop on Draka server and send a pvt message to Hytiereon.

For the Alliance.

Intertropical Convergence Zone

Im at a loss to describe whats going on in my head today. I have been catching up with an important person in my life and reading up on the notes he posts for me. I have not been totally surprised but my thoughts have been turning back toward old friends - before I had even stepped foot on the campus of WCU.

Dont mistake me here - 1997-2004 - those times were amazing and made me who I am today. I dont regret them or (just about) anything I did in that time span. I do wonder what life would have been like if I had just stayed in Winston and never went to Western to begin with. I still feel as inadequate at times as I did then. The only difference is that I can compose a 10 page paper on it with correct citations.

Beyond those thoughts tho, I find myself wondering why people come and go. Ive tried to pinpoint where it was that some of the people I loved moved away from my central focus. No luck so far. Ill keep at it though.

In weather news, Tropical Depression 4 has arrived in the ITCZ. Heres hoping a nice LONG rainmaker comes this way.

Revelation

I enjoyed the beer Saturday - even though there are a couple things I dont remember doing. Its a good thing I stay home, on the couch, when I drink. I could get into all sorts of things I have no business doing. I also found out the beer I had (Busch Ice - on sale) is what was referred to as "coma beer". I conclude that is because it has a higher alcohol content that other beers. Still 11 of those felt like 24 Bud Lights...
...so needless to say that at least one thing to come from Saturday is that I now have a new favorite beer.

Reconnecting with old friends still makes me panicky. Im not sure why but seeing old faces and what the years have done (or not done) to them very much freaks me out. I havent been off the couch today - I think its fairly safe and unobtrusive here. I will most likely remain here for another hour before venturing out into the rest of the house.

I really had a great time with Philip and Amber last night. Their kids are great and the pizza too. I hope all the reconnections go as well - though I wonder about that.

Maybe some Revelations are for the best.