My friend Aimee over at GreebleMonkey is running a photo contest, and the above is my entry. It's one of my favorite shots of my little guy from this summer. Go check out all of the fun entries here.
8.19.2008
My Little Monkey
My friend Aimee over at GreebleMonkey is running a photo contest, and the above is my entry. It's one of my favorite shots of my little guy from this summer. Go check out all of the fun entries here.
7.27.2008
A Thing a Year - Part the Third
24. The human metabolic system is a finicky, annoying thing to deal with through the course of a lifetime. But, essential to life and all that crap.
25. Sometimes, I need to be reminded just how good I have it, and what a great number of blessings I have in my life. This also goes for most people I know.
26. Walking on a cold, snowy evening, where the blanket of snow falling is so thick that just about the only thing you hear is the snow crunching and squeaking underneath your feet: One of the best ways to sort through your thoughts.
27. Doing a job that you love has a way to make a work-week feel not at all like one.
28. It's easy to say that you wish thing thing or that thing hadn't happened in your life, or the life of a loved one. But, it should always be remembered that we are who we are because of the road we've traveled.
29. Everyone should write, even if they're not a writer and no one will ever read it. You will be amazed at what you learn about yourself through the process of writing.
30. Tattoos are a wonderful thing, but should be considered long and hard before acquiring them. 5 years was just about right for me.
31. You can't have enough pictures of your child or pets.
32. Getting back in shape at 24 was a much easier thing to do than at 34. "They" weren't kidding.
33. It's always good to take every opportunity to tell a loved one that you love them. Always.
34. A rudimentary education will take about 13 years and last you from Kindergarten through secondary school. A good education will encompass some years at a university as well. A *great* education is the one that seeks no end, and allows you to soak up new knowledge from every aspect of your life.
25. Sometimes, I need to be reminded just how good I have it, and what a great number of blessings I have in my life. This also goes for most people I know.
26. Walking on a cold, snowy evening, where the blanket of snow falling is so thick that just about the only thing you hear is the snow crunching and squeaking underneath your feet: One of the best ways to sort through your thoughts.
27. Doing a job that you love has a way to make a work-week feel not at all like one.
28. It's easy to say that you wish thing thing or that thing hadn't happened in your life, or the life of a loved one. But, it should always be remembered that we are who we are because of the road we've traveled.
29. Everyone should write, even if they're not a writer and no one will ever read it. You will be amazed at what you learn about yourself through the process of writing.
30. Tattoos are a wonderful thing, but should be considered long and hard before acquiring them. 5 years was just about right for me.
31. You can't have enough pictures of your child or pets.
32. Getting back in shape at 24 was a much easier thing to do than at 34. "They" weren't kidding.
33. It's always good to take every opportunity to tell a loved one that you love them. Always.
34. A rudimentary education will take about 13 years and last you from Kindergarten through secondary school. A good education will encompass some years at a university as well. A *great* education is the one that seeks no end, and allows you to soak up new knowledge from every aspect of your life.
7.26.2008
A Thing a Year - Part the Second
13. Delayed gratification is a bitch. But, still probably for the best.
14. Drinking 1/2 an ounce of water for every pound you have, every day - no exceptions - leads to feeling better and actually losing weight. Weird.
15. Sports are a universal unifier, bringing together people despite economic and social boundries. This is a good thing.
16. It's tough to hate family, even if you want to. This is also, probably, a good thing.
17. Everyone should grow up knowing the joy of a New England snow day; a foot of new snow on the ground, bundled up to feel like the 'Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man', and off to play with friends for a day of uninterrupted sledding, snowball fights and football.
18. There are at least 2 different ways to give The Finger in the United States. While only 1 is the correct way (oh yeah, that's right, I said it, Zen Mike), both will land you in jail in Midland, TX.
19. It's best to avoid angering bouncers who have significant others in law enforcement.
20. Hockey is the best sport, ever, hands-down.
21. Some people think that high school was the worst years of their life, while others think that it was the best. Either way, it's still probably best to leave it in the past, to be re-hashed over copious amounts of alcohol, 5, 10 and 25 years down the road.
22. "A best friend is one soul sharing two bodies." I heard this anonymous quote years ago, and loved it immediately. Although it's kind of cheesy, it's really the closest description I can think of for someone who knows you so deeply without any reason why.
23. Pizza is the best food, ever, hands-down. I once told a friend of mine, "You'll know when I'm sick because it's the only time I'll ever turn down pizza." I was 18 at the time. It's still true 16 years later.
To be concluded...
14. Drinking 1/2 an ounce of water for every pound you have, every day - no exceptions - leads to feeling better and actually losing weight. Weird.
15. Sports are a universal unifier, bringing together people despite economic and social boundries. This is a good thing.
16. It's tough to hate family, even if you want to. This is also, probably, a good thing.
17. Everyone should grow up knowing the joy of a New England snow day; a foot of new snow on the ground, bundled up to feel like the 'Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man', and off to play with friends for a day of uninterrupted sledding, snowball fights and football.
18. There are at least 2 different ways to give The Finger in the United States. While only 1 is the correct way (oh yeah, that's right, I said it, Zen Mike), both will land you in jail in Midland, TX.
19. It's best to avoid angering bouncers who have significant others in law enforcement.
20. Hockey is the best sport, ever, hands-down.
21. Some people think that high school was the worst years of their life, while others think that it was the best. Either way, it's still probably best to leave it in the past, to be re-hashed over copious amounts of alcohol, 5, 10 and 25 years down the road.
22. "A best friend is one soul sharing two bodies." I heard this anonymous quote years ago, and loved it immediately. Although it's kind of cheesy, it's really the closest description I can think of for someone who knows you so deeply without any reason why.
23. Pizza is the best food, ever, hands-down. I once told a friend of mine, "You'll know when I'm sick because it's the only time I'll ever turn down pizza." I was 18 at the time. It's still true 16 years later.
To be concluded...
7.25.2008
A Thing a Year - Part the First
A Thing A Year - 34 Life Lessons I've Learned:
1. Attitude is everything. When you're down in the dumps, life dumps on you more. When you stay positive and happy, you'll be amazed at what you can do with just scraps and a smile.
2. The first axiom is much easier believed than put into practice.
3. Money isn't everything. But, everything wants money.
4. A day spent without music is like a black and white film - what's going on might be great, but something seems to be missing...
5. A good writer is a great reader. A great writer...well, I need to go read...
6. Everyone should experience a summer night in a place where you can see the stars overhead and hear the crickets all around you.
7. Never be afraid to try new foods. You never know when you're going to find your favorite food.
8. Always take time in your day to do something you love. Even if it's just 5 minutes with a great book, or on the phone with your best friend/significant other. Those 5 minutes can make a long day bearable.
9. It's too easy to forget the joy of being a kid. Do things as an adult that take you back there...walk...ride your bike...skip...make random snow angels or stop to jump in a puddle.
10. There's no way to accurately convey to a non-parent what it's like to be a parent, because there's no way to describe how someone can make you feel worse about life than you ever have, while at the same time making you feel happier than you ever than you ever thought possible.
11. The only mark many of us will leave on this earth will be a negative one - we should all be striving to make positive changes in this world to contribute to it instead of constantly taking.
12. Dogs are the best friend a kid can ever have.
To be continued...
1. Attitude is everything. When you're down in the dumps, life dumps on you more. When you stay positive and happy, you'll be amazed at what you can do with just scraps and a smile.
2. The first axiom is much easier believed than put into practice.
3. Money isn't everything. But, everything wants money.
4. A day spent without music is like a black and white film - what's going on might be great, but something seems to be missing...
5. A good writer is a great reader. A great writer...well, I need to go read...
6. Everyone should experience a summer night in a place where you can see the stars overhead and hear the crickets all around you.
7. Never be afraid to try new foods. You never know when you're going to find your favorite food.
8. Always take time in your day to do something you love. Even if it's just 5 minutes with a great book, or on the phone with your best friend/significant other. Those 5 minutes can make a long day bearable.
9. It's too easy to forget the joy of being a kid. Do things as an adult that take you back there...walk...ride your bike...skip...make random snow angels or stop to jump in a puddle.
10. There's no way to accurately convey to a non-parent what it's like to be a parent, because there's no way to describe how someone can make you feel worse about life than you ever have, while at the same time making you feel happier than you ever than you ever thought possible.
11. The only mark many of us will leave on this earth will be a negative one - we should all be striving to make positive changes in this world to contribute to it instead of constantly taking.
12. Dogs are the best friend a kid can ever have.
To be continued...
5.12.2008
Vacation Recap
I am back from vacation today. Mrs. Monkey, the Little Monkey and I all went to Florida to visit my mom and her husband. As we were in the state, my Dad and stepmom drove up from the Keys where they live, and we all got to visit. It was a really great vacation in the sense that we got to visit with lots of family I don't see too often. And Cole loved the water available to him in Florida - pools, ocean...he was in heaven. But, someone needs to teach that boy that when you're on vacation, you don't NEED to get up at 6:30 AM. Ugh. I got up earlier on vacation than I do when I'm home and working. Oh well.
Whilst in Florida, I managed to infect my finger. Not sure how it happened, and the urgent care staff who tended to me didn't seem to have any guesses to hazard either, so it remains a mystery. I would post the picture, but the last person I shared it with went running from the hills and hasn't been heard from since. If you really want to see, let me know, but we'll just leave it categorized as "gross". It has since recovered quite well, thanks to antibiotics and pain relief, so I should be back to normal before long.
...well, as normal as I get.
Whilst in Florida, I managed to infect my finger. Not sure how it happened, and the urgent care staff who tended to me didn't seem to have any guesses to hazard either, so it remains a mystery. I would post the picture, but the last person I shared it with went running from the hills and hasn't been heard from since. If you really want to see, let me know, but we'll just leave it categorized as "gross". It has since recovered quite well, thanks to antibiotics and pain relief, so I should be back to normal before long.
...well, as normal as I get.
4.23.2008
Earth Daze
See what I did there? With the Daze? And the Days? Ehh? Ehhhhhh??? Yeah, okay, it was silly, but hang in there.
So, Earth Day was yesterday. I think we all know enough about it by now that I don't need to give you a linky to go read up on it. Google it if you have been under a rock and still aren't sure about what it is. I sat for a good while yesterday, trying to think of a good post to put up here. The thoughts ranged from great projects that took place (Greeblemonkey spear-headed a great one that I mentioned before and it did pretty well, from early returns) to just saying - "Hey, Earth. Happy you day."
But, today, I thought of how I wanted to pay some homage. Hopefully it doesn't come across too preachy or "holier-than-thou", because I'm neither of those things, but maybe we need to do a little preaching, or no one will take action.
Having an Earth Day is a good thing and a bad thing. On one hand, it raises awareness of problematic environmental issues, and gives people an opportunity to take some action. But, on the other hand, it allows people to feel they are doing enough if they take action that one day a year. Being "green" minded is a much more healthy approach, and allows you to do smaller things all year that end up having a much bigger impact. So, I think having smaller "Earth Days" (eh? See, Daze/Days...THERE it is. Damn, I'm funny) is more useful.
On that note, here are a few things that we do at Casa de Monkey that are in this "green" minded theme, and hopefully will inspire you as well:
1. Use cloth bags when you go shopping. Americans use millions upon millions of plastic bags every year, and although they are better than they use to be, they still take time to break down. Bring along a good cloth tote bag, and you'll be creating less waste.
2. Walk/ride a bike more often. Instead of hopping in the car to go the corner store for that bottle of water and bag of chips, toss on a backpack and take your bike or hoof it. You'll end up feeling better about your health, save money on gas - which can't hurt with the prices today, and create less pollution.
3. Use recycled paper and plastic products. If you recycle your plastics and paper, you're only doing half the job. While that does help, to truly get away from wasting those products you're sending in to recycle, you should look to buy products that are made from those recycled items. There's lots out there, and you may already be doing it without even knowing.
4. Start a vegetable garden. When you buy vegetables in the grocery store, don't forget that you are paying for not only the veggies, but for the oil used to transport them to your location. The further away they are (I'm talking to you Brazillian bananas), the more that money goes towards oil prices. If you grow your own veggies, you avoid a lot of the preservatives and pesticides used by larger companies, avoid unneeded hormones added to some veggies and can take some pleasure in producing your own food. If you can't grow your own veggies, see if your area has a farmer's market or food co-op that you might be able to use. They're great alternatives and tend to use local produce.
5. Replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. The new compact fluorescent bulbs cost much less in the long run, because they last much longer than standard light bulbs. This creates less waste in the landfills. As a bonus, they save you a bit on your energy bill because they use less energy. Which, depending on what energy company you use, may mean less oil/petroleum use as well.
Okay - thanks for the opportunity to stand on my soap box and say a bit. I hope more people will take an interest in the kind of impact we have on the planet, and try to minimize it as much as possible. Every little bit helps, after all. If you have some ideas - small things we can all do throughout the year - please share them by posting them in the comments.
So, Earth Day was yesterday. I think we all know enough about it by now that I don't need to give you a linky to go read up on it. Google it if you have been under a rock and still aren't sure about what it is. I sat for a good while yesterday, trying to think of a good post to put up here. The thoughts ranged from great projects that took place (Greeblemonkey spear-headed a great one that I mentioned before and it did pretty well, from early returns) to just saying - "Hey, Earth. Happy you day."
But, today, I thought of how I wanted to pay some homage. Hopefully it doesn't come across too preachy or "holier-than-thou", because I'm neither of those things, but maybe we need to do a little preaching, or no one will take action.
Having an Earth Day is a good thing and a bad thing. On one hand, it raises awareness of problematic environmental issues, and gives people an opportunity to take some action. But, on the other hand, it allows people to feel they are doing enough if they take action that one day a year. Being "green" minded is a much more healthy approach, and allows you to do smaller things all year that end up having a much bigger impact. So, I think having smaller "Earth Days" (eh? See, Daze/Days...THERE it is. Damn, I'm funny) is more useful.
On that note, here are a few things that we do at Casa de Monkey that are in this "green" minded theme, and hopefully will inspire you as well:
1. Use cloth bags when you go shopping. Americans use millions upon millions of plastic bags every year, and although they are better than they use to be, they still take time to break down. Bring along a good cloth tote bag, and you'll be creating less waste.
2. Walk/ride a bike more often. Instead of hopping in the car to go the corner store for that bottle of water and bag of chips, toss on a backpack and take your bike or hoof it. You'll end up feeling better about your health, save money on gas - which can't hurt with the prices today, and create less pollution.
3. Use recycled paper and plastic products. If you recycle your plastics and paper, you're only doing half the job. While that does help, to truly get away from wasting those products you're sending in to recycle, you should look to buy products that are made from those recycled items. There's lots out there, and you may already be doing it without even knowing.
4. Start a vegetable garden. When you buy vegetables in the grocery store, don't forget that you are paying for not only the veggies, but for the oil used to transport them to your location. The further away they are (I'm talking to you Brazillian bananas), the more that money goes towards oil prices. If you grow your own veggies, you avoid a lot of the preservatives and pesticides used by larger companies, avoid unneeded hormones added to some veggies and can take some pleasure in producing your own food. If you can't grow your own veggies, see if your area has a farmer's market or food co-op that you might be able to use. They're great alternatives and tend to use local produce.
5. Replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. The new compact fluorescent bulbs cost much less in the long run, because they last much longer than standard light bulbs. This creates less waste in the landfills. As a bonus, they save you a bit on your energy bill because they use less energy. Which, depending on what energy company you use, may mean less oil/petroleum use as well.
Okay - thanks for the opportunity to stand on my soap box and say a bit. I hope more people will take an interest in the kind of impact we have on the planet, and try to minimize it as much as possible. Every little bit helps, after all. If you have some ideas - small things we can all do throughout the year - please share them by posting them in the comments.
4.18.2008
March They Might Be Giants Show - Dallas, TX
I meant to post the set list for the They Might Be Giants show I went to at the House of Blues in Dallas on March 5th. I used twitter to do a sort of "live play-by-play" while I was at the concert, so that left me with a log of the show. It was a fun experiment to do.
So, if you weren't able to make it to the show, and you happen to have these They Might Be Giants songs, you could always put together a playlist of the set...or not. I dunno. Maybe this is of interest, and maybe it isn't. Let me know thoughts.
They Might Be Giants
Dallas, TX - The House of Blues
March 5, 2008
1. The Cap'm
2. The Shadow Government
3. Dr. Worm
4. Particle Man
5. Cyclops Rock
6. Whithered Hope
7. (You're Not the) Boss of Me
8. Birdhouse in My Soul
9. Take Out the Trash
10. Ana Ng
11. Memo to Human Resources
12. The Mesopotamians
13. New York City
14. I'm Impressed
15. One Dozen Monkeys
16. Apartment #4
17. Alphabet of Nations
18. It's Not My Birthday
19. Hey Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had a Deal
20. Damn Good Times
21. Older
22. How Can I Sing Like a Girl?
23. Experimental Film
- encore 1 -
24. Clap Your Hands
25. Istanbul
- encore 2 -
26. Maybe I Know
27. Why Does the Sun Shine?
So, if you weren't able to make it to the show, and you happen to have these They Might Be Giants songs, you could always put together a playlist of the set...or not. I dunno. Maybe this is of interest, and maybe it isn't. Let me know thoughts.
They Might Be Giants
Dallas, TX - The House of Blues
March 5, 2008
1. The Cap'm
2. The Shadow Government
3. Dr. Worm
4. Particle Man
5. Cyclops Rock
6. Whithered Hope
7. (You're Not the) Boss of Me
8. Birdhouse in My Soul
9. Take Out the Trash
10. Ana Ng
11. Memo to Human Resources
12. The Mesopotamians
13. New York City
14. I'm Impressed
15. One Dozen Monkeys
16. Apartment #4
17. Alphabet of Nations
18. It's Not My Birthday
19. Hey Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had a Deal
20. Damn Good Times
21. Older
22. How Can I Sing Like a Girl?
23. Experimental Film
- encore 1 -
24. Clap Your Hands
25. Istanbul
- encore 2 -
26. Maybe I Know
27. Why Does the Sun Shine?
4.15.2008
Wildflower 2008
Tickets went on sale yesterday for this year's Wildflower Festival in Richardson, TX. This festival is almost always a great time. They have a great gathering of restaurant booths and artist displays, and always seem to attract some relatively big-name bands. In the past, they have had Bowling for Soup, Better than Ezra and Cowboy Mouth, just to name a few. They are usually bands that can't quite fill large venues in the Dallas area, but are still of interest to see. And there's nothing quite like an evening concert in the Texas Spring...
This year's lineup includes Everclear and Eve 6, and I've been on the internets already, talking to friends about making an evening of it. I know, I know...Art Alexakis can be a bit...well...Art Alexakis. But, the music is still damned enjoyable. And, you can't be the ticket price - only $7.50 for residents, and it covers the whole evening, so that's for both bands. Woo hoo!
4.11.2008
Post 100!
One Hundred posts...seems like a benchmark of sorts, but as I have only been posting a few times a year, as of late, I guess it's kind of an anti-climactic benchmark. But, I'm happy to be here nonetheless. W00t!
If you are reading this within a few days or weeks of this posting, you are probably noticing several changes to the site. I made some changes to kind of focus this area to be writing-centric. I really want to take away some of the more distracting widgets that were on the site, and put the emphasis on my writing. I hope this is met with approval (hell, I'll take general acceptance) and not virtual tomatoes lobbed in my direction. I'm open to any ideas you might have, as well.
There are still some widgets, though, as you can see. A link to photos and a glimpse into what I'm reading at the moment are still up there. As far as the weather is concerned and updates about movies and food, that sort of thing - well, I'll put that in the posting.
I've also gotten rid of links to some other websites, and consolidated that with blogs I read. To friends who find that their website is no longer listed on the page - well, your blogs aren't being updated. So, I'm trying to clear things up. Let me know that you're planning a post, and I'll list you there. I would love for visitors to my blog to be able to read blogs that *I* read regularly and find interesting. It was nothing personal. That said, go check out the sites I listed. I can almost guarantee you'll find some fun things worth reading.
Okay, well - let the comments flow.
If you are reading this within a few days or weeks of this posting, you are probably noticing several changes to the site. I made some changes to kind of focus this area to be writing-centric. I really want to take away some of the more distracting widgets that were on the site, and put the emphasis on my writing. I hope this is met with approval (hell, I'll take general acceptance) and not virtual tomatoes lobbed in my direction. I'm open to any ideas you might have, as well.
There are still some widgets, though, as you can see. A link to photos and a glimpse into what I'm reading at the moment are still up there. As far as the weather is concerned and updates about movies and food, that sort of thing - well, I'll put that in the posting.
I've also gotten rid of links to some other websites, and consolidated that with blogs I read. To friends who find that their website is no longer listed on the page - well, your blogs aren't being updated. So, I'm trying to clear things up. Let me know that you're planning a post, and I'll list you there. I would love for visitors to my blog to be able to read blogs that *I* read regularly and find interesting. It was nothing personal. That said, go check out the sites I listed. I can almost guarantee you'll find some fun things worth reading.
Okay, well - let the comments flow.
3.18.2008
Updates Coming Soon...
Wow - how have you all been? Sorry for the delay in getting back to writing. Wowzers. Anyway, while I'm getting things in order, here are a couple of things:
1. This is good information to know:
24
2. If you haven't signed up already (and nearly all my friends haven't, at least as far as I know), go to Twitter and sign up for an account. I update on Twitter pretty regularly - a few times a day, anyway, usually. And there are some great Tech and Pop Culture folks out there that you can follow and get an inside into what's new with them. Please add me - I'm WiredMonkey there too. Here's an easy to understand explanation of how it works.
I will try to update more regularly. The little monkeyling is doing well. Here's a pic of him to wrap things up:
1. This is good information to know:
24
2. If you haven't signed up already (and nearly all my friends haven't, at least as far as I know), go to Twitter and sign up for an account. I update on Twitter pretty regularly - a few times a day, anyway, usually. And there are some great Tech and Pop Culture folks out there that you can follow and get an inside into what's new with them. Please add me - I'm WiredMonkey there too. Here's an easy to understand explanation of how it works.
I will try to update more regularly. The little monkeyling is doing well. Here's a pic of him to wrap things up:
2.04.2008
Yes We Can
I don't do much political talk here at the Minutia, but it's important to point out that many states here in the U.S. are going to have a caucus tomorrow, and that many of you might live in such states. I urge you, if you do live in such a state, to go out and make your voice heard. If we want change in this nation, no matter how difficult that change is to make happen, it starts with a vote.
In that spirit, I found a great video on my friend Greeblemonkey's site, and I'm re-posting it on mine so that some other folks who may not have seen it might see it and take some inspiration from it's message. I think that even if you don't support Obama and his platform (I happen to), it's still a great message to hear
Hope you folks in Caucus states get out and vote!! Thanks for your time.
Monkey out.
In that spirit, I found a great video on my friend Greeblemonkey's site, and I'm re-posting it on mine so that some other folks who may not have seen it might see it and take some inspiration from it's message. I think that even if you don't support Obama and his platform (I happen to), it's still a great message to hear
Hope you folks in Caucus states get out and vote!! Thanks for your time.
Monkey out.
12.02.2007
I'm Going Down to South Park...
Just in case any of you ever wondered what the WiredMonkey might look like as a South Park character....wonder no more:
Just thought you might want to know.
Just thought you might want to know.
11.28.2007
Over the Holiday...
The posts have been lacking again - sorry about that. One thing lead to another...it was an evil domino effect. Horrible stuff those dominos. Evil dominos of blog prevention.
The holidays were nice. Had a great visit with A&E, ate lots of turkey and marveled at how quickly time can fly when you're having fun. Took a great road trip - Dublin Dr. Pepper plant in Dublin, TX. It's the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant in the world. Pretty interesting really. AND, we got to see the world's largest cedar rocker on our way there. Nifty!
Got lions and tigers...only in Kenya.
Then, once you've digested that... 5 more minutes.
Wheeee....
The holidays were nice. Had a great visit with A&E, ate lots of turkey and marveled at how quickly time can fly when you're having fun. Took a great road trip - Dublin Dr. Pepper plant in Dublin, TX. It's the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant in the world. Pretty interesting really. AND, we got to see the world's largest cedar rocker on our way there. Nifty!
Got lions and tigers...only in Kenya.
Then, once you've digested that... 5 more minutes.
Wheeee....
11.17.2007
Crazy Day in North Texas
Mrs. Monkey and I got new phones yesterday, which finally got us away from Cingular. I don't have any particular complaint against Cingular, other than the fact that they gouge their customers every month for service. What we were paying for the service we got is really pretty shabby. We went back to Sprint, which is what her family has. That alone should save us some money with the all the calls about the mini-monkey.
Today was a day on the go for sure - lots of errand running and feeding of the little monk in the parking lots of North Dallas. We left for some lunch with friends around noon, expecting to be back around 2:30 or 3, and we got in around 7:30pm. Crazy day.
That's all I have for right now. Hope everyone is doing well while gearing up for the fun holiday here in the States coming next week. We're very excited about it, and have lots to be thankful for - this year more than most.
Today was a day on the go for sure - lots of errand running and feeding of the little monk in the parking lots of North Dallas. We left for some lunch with friends around noon, expecting to be back around 2:30 or 3, and we got in around 7:30pm. Crazy day.
That's all I have for right now. Hope everyone is doing well while gearing up for the fun holiday here in the States coming next week. We're very excited about it, and have lots to be thankful for - this year more than most.
11.16.2007
Dumb Rambling
The weekend is here - plenty of relaxing to be had, and hopefully a few exciting times as well. I really want a pizza. Advertising to those who are hungry and craving cheese should be unlawful. Unfortunately, I guess it's hard to know who wants the fromage and who doesn't. Bah. I want pizza.
11.15.2007
I Love This Time of Year
It's a beautifully crisp night out tonight - weather that reminds me strongly of the Northeast. The air is very cold and smells like decaying leaves and far-off chimneys. Your breath hangs in the air after you exhale or talk...it just feels right. I really love this season the best, but can't point to just one thing - it's a combination of them all.
Mrs. Monkey and I are getting things in order to put Thanksgiving Dinner on the table this year. It's going to be a lot of fun this time around - we'll have Mrs. Monkey's mom and grandmother here, as well as our good friends A&E. We're very excited about the full table. I'm going to cook some of my famous pork stuffing and Mrs. Monkey is making her famous pumpkin pecan pie. Yum!! Any favorites out there? The stuffing is something my mom made every year and I just LOVED. I could eat it all by itself by the pound. What was your family's favorite dish?
Oh, and I have a TV in my office that stopped working a few months ago. It just all of a sudden up and died one day. Was the strangest thing... Well, I've tried to turn it on and see if it's running a few times but the status hasn't changed. So, I was sitting in there the other night, and I just had this feeling I should turn it on and check...I ignored the urge for a while, but finally I turned it on, just to appease the notion. Well, sure enough, it was working again. It was the weirdest thing. But, at least it's working again.
Mrs. Monkey and I are getting things in order to put Thanksgiving Dinner on the table this year. It's going to be a lot of fun this time around - we'll have Mrs. Monkey's mom and grandmother here, as well as our good friends A&E. We're very excited about the full table. I'm going to cook some of my famous pork stuffing and Mrs. Monkey is making her famous pumpkin pecan pie. Yum!! Any favorites out there? The stuffing is something my mom made every year and I just LOVED. I could eat it all by itself by the pound. What was your family's favorite dish?
Oh, and I have a TV in my office that stopped working a few months ago. It just all of a sudden up and died one day. Was the strangest thing... Well, I've tried to turn it on and see if it's running a few times but the status hasn't changed. So, I was sitting in there the other night, and I just had this feeling I should turn it on and check...I ignored the urge for a while, but finally I turned it on, just to appease the notion. Well, sure enough, it was working again. It was the weirdest thing. But, at least it's working again.
11.14.2007
A Return to the Cool...
Seriously, Southwest Airlines? Why is the freedom to sit where you want such a big perk when it comes to airlines seating. Is this really what surveys revealed to be passengers' biggest gripe? Honestly? Keep the scary food, keep the limited leg room - let's make sure passengers can sit where they want? Whatever, Southwest.
We had a cold front come in today, and are finally feeling some more autumn-esque temperatures. I was really getting tired of the low to mid-80s temperatures in November. Not my idea of a good time, if you're writing this down. I like the cool, crisp autumnal weather. 'Course, a good number of you are saying, "well, don't live in Texas, dumbass." Fair enough.
I've decided to focus a fun link on hockey today, inspired by the cool breeze blowing in through the opened windows and the hockey game that is currently showing on my television (Stars and Sharks are tied 3-3, currently). I went on to YouTube, and doing a search of "Stanley Cup", was reminded about one of the best moments in Stanley Cup history - Ray Bourque finally getting a chance to lift the Cup (even though it was for that Colorado Avalanche team I hate so much). Yay Ray!
We had a cold front come in today, and are finally feeling some more autumn-esque temperatures. I was really getting tired of the low to mid-80s temperatures in November. Not my idea of a good time, if you're writing this down. I like the cool, crisp autumnal weather. 'Course, a good number of you are saying, "well, don't live in Texas, dumbass." Fair enough.
I've decided to focus a fun link on hockey today, inspired by the cool breeze blowing in through the opened windows and the hockey game that is currently showing on my television (Stars and Sharks are tied 3-3, currently). I went on to YouTube, and doing a search of "Stanley Cup", was reminded about one of the best moments in Stanley Cup history - Ray Bourque finally getting a chance to lift the Cup (even though it was for that Colorado Avalanche team I hate so much). Yay Ray!
11.13.2007
A Bit of This...A Bit of That...
Oops - missed a few. Well, you didn't think I'd make it all the way through the month posting everyday anyway, did you? I actually thought I might be able to, but oh well. Hey - I'm still going to do my best to finish out the rest of the month strong.
So, the Stars made a few moves today. They fired Doug Armstrong as the GM and replaced him with Les Jackson (who I think was the director of scouting operations - could be wrong) and Brett Hull, who will be "co-general managers". It's an interesting twist, and I didn't see it coming, for sure. I saw the writing on the wall for someone, and had a feeling it would be either Armstrong or head coach Dave Tippett who would get the axe, but I didn't think that Hullie would be one of the replacements as GM. He's definitely loved by the fans...maybe owner Tom Hicks and team president Jim Lites wanted someone in the front office that the fans wouldn't get angry at. Hard to get mad at the man who gave us our one-and-only (so far!) Stanley Cup.
In non-sports news....well, there's just not much non-sports news right now. My buddy Trog (I'll call him that for reasons known to him and the world of WoW) and I are going to see a theater screening of The Menagerie, which is a 2-part episode of the original Star Trek series. It should be pretty cool - we're both Trek fans (and not Trekkies...just don't have that kind of time to devote to a TV series....any TV series). That's on Thursday. Will let you know how it goes. They reportedly have cleaned up the film and turned it into a high-definition projection with stereo surround sound. It's hard to do something like that when your original is mono (I think it was recorded mono) and in "Panavision". But, fingers crossed....
Random fun video of the day: Wanna Buy a Ghost?
So, the Stars made a few moves today. They fired Doug Armstrong as the GM and replaced him with Les Jackson (who I think was the director of scouting operations - could be wrong) and Brett Hull, who will be "co-general managers". It's an interesting twist, and I didn't see it coming, for sure. I saw the writing on the wall for someone, and had a feeling it would be either Armstrong or head coach Dave Tippett who would get the axe, but I didn't think that Hullie would be one of the replacements as GM. He's definitely loved by the fans...maybe owner Tom Hicks and team president Jim Lites wanted someone in the front office that the fans wouldn't get angry at. Hard to get mad at the man who gave us our one-and-only (so far!) Stanley Cup.
In non-sports news....well, there's just not much non-sports news right now. My buddy Trog (I'll call him that for reasons known to him and the world of WoW) and I are going to see a theater screening of The Menagerie, which is a 2-part episode of the original Star Trek series. It should be pretty cool - we're both Trek fans (and not Trekkies...just don't have that kind of time to devote to a TV series....any TV series). That's on Thursday. Will let you know how it goes. They reportedly have cleaned up the film and turned it into a high-definition projection with stereo surround sound. It's hard to do something like that when your original is mono (I think it was recorded mono) and in "Panavision". But, fingers crossed....
Random fun video of the day: Wanna Buy a Ghost?
11.10.2007
A Brief Entry...
Had a great time tonight - went out for a bachelor's party for a friend of BurntoutZen's and mine tonight. Saw a fun show by Poison Cherry (Glam is BACK baby!) - will have more info about that tomorrow. As I haven't gotten to bed tonight, this is still the 10th. ;)
11.09.2007
Where's My Staple Remover?
I posted this site about two years ago on here, but I had COMPLETELY forgotten about it. GO. Become an NHL superstar, and then we can rule the league together!!
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