I was reminiscing earlier as I tried to get through the last half-hour of work today, and I was thinking back to some of my older Halloween costumes. (This year, I shall be a Scrabble tile.)
year unknown - a devil (cliched, yes, but it was elementary school). the embarassing thing was my mom wouldn't spring for a real pitchfork, so she helped me make one with a dowel and construction paper. it was awful. the kids at school that day with "real" manufactured plastic pitchforks put me to shame.
2000 - Pearl Jam vocalist, Eddie Vedder. I pulled off the look well, with "grunge" clothes, mine specifically being a sweaty Italian t-shirt and unbuttoned plaid shirt. I also had a plastic microphone. And I nailed the voluptuous singing voice of Vedder himself as well.
2001 - Hugh Hefner, Playboy mogul. I got the perfect robe at Wal-Mart, some gray hair paint, and a stogie. And Ron's girlfriend, now fiancee, was one of my Bunnies. It turned out well for a "last-second" costume (I think I started figuring it out on the 29th or so).
2002 - Nathan Schutte, architectural student/douchebag. Oh, did I loathe that man. And I nailed his look too. If only I had driven a motorcycle to the party. I borrowed the newsie, old-man hat from Brad. I had the shades. I had the black jeans and the sweater vest. BOOM! What an excellent tribute to the man I despised so dearly. (I'm a modest man, not really one to desire to be in the spotlight, but I remember Bill Miller gave me the "best in show" award for Halloween costumes that one day in class. I was proud that my effort was recognized.) Also, I brought a Smurf to the party. Aren’t I a stud?
A Schutte aside: I still recall the first incident that set me off and birthed my dislike for Nathan Schutte. It was a second year mid-crit for McNamara. Schutte comes strutting in out of nowhere in the middle of my crit, donning his fancy boy hat. Of course, he’s his douchey self on this day. “UH, if you think that section is gonna work, then give me some of what you’re smoking, because it must be good.” Fuck you. Don’t worry about what I smoke, either. What a jackass.
2003 – Mr. Fred Rogers, may he rest in peace. I had my grandpa’s old cashmere sweater. I wore the old shirt and tie, and I think I changed my shoes when I got to Ron’s. Man, I loved that show.
2004 – Napoleon Dynamite. And, you know what? I was Napoleon before half the people in the world knew who he was. It was before the movie became huge. It was popular at the time, but not HUGE. Not everyone even knew who I was. I had the hair at the time, so I went with it. I bought the cool snow boots too. Still have them and wear them when appropriate. At the football game the next day, some cock yelled, “Fuck Pedro, the Red Sox’s fucking suck!” (I had the “Vote for Pedro” shirt on.) Not Pedro Martinez, you idiot. What a dolt. If I weren’t alone and the dude wasn’t a meathead oaf who was drunk off his ass, AND I was confrontational at all, I would have kicked his ASS. I miss that hair now…
Good times indeed. What’s your favorite costumes from years passed? Share a few. Be a friend. Have a good Halloween if I don’t see you.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
mortgages and a lack of respect
Last night, Gretchen and I met with Brian Brockman. He’s what you or I would call a “mortgage consultant.” We met with him since we know little to nothing about mortgages, homeownership, and financial aspects of buying a home in general. He is a nice guy, and the liaison was informative. Gretchen’s uncle is a part-time realtor at the same office, and he has been quite helpful in the early stages of our home search.
Afterwards, we headed to IHOP for a pleasant breakfast/dinner. At least, we were hoping it would be pleasant. I’m not an old coot, but I was a bit disappointed when we were seated (the restaurant is half-full, roughly) in the booth directly next to the bathrooms. There were several other tables, but still, I looked past that. I’m pretty go-with-the-flow. After waiting a few minutes to be served, the waiter apologized, and was quite prompt from there on out.
Yet, that wasn’t the main issue at hand. For the first five or ten minutes of our visit, there was a party finishing their meal two booths away (thank God for every other patron in the place that they would soon be finished). It appeared to be two mothers and three children, though I don’t know whose was who (I never am sure whether to use “whose” or “who’s.” Hi ho.) I was quickly enraged and dumbfounded by the way the two mother figures focused on their conversation and completely disregarded the kids’ behavior. I don’t believe I can recall all of the examples of the kids’ ridiculous and maniacal behavior. There was running around, yelling and screaming, playing with the “wet floor” sign and coffee carafes sitting on adjacent tables, a fight between two of, slapping the manager on the ass quite firmly, grabbing the crotch of our waiter, and the list goes on. On maybe four of the countless occasions where the kids were worthy of a spanking or slap upside the head, the moms attempted to say “stop it” or “sit down.” And back to their conversation. Did the kids stop it or sit down? I’ll give you three guesses and the first two don’t count.
It’s little shit like this that really ticks me off. It’s a lack of respect. It’s a lack of respect for every single one of their fellow customers at IHOP. They might as well have squatted upon every single one of our tables and relieved themselves in one form or another. It’s roughly equivalent. Just because you two women have grown accustomed to ignoring the incessant, psychotic ramblings and spastic behavior of your ugly children doesn’t mean anyone else has. Get a clue.
In the end, they left soon after we received our drinks. Silence and peace had returned. We enjoyed our meal. I went with the international omelet (if I recall it has ham, peppers, onions, and salsa) and three pancakes. It did hit the spot. Gretchen chose the blueberry pancakes with two eggs and bacon strips. She enjoyed as well, if I recall correctly.
It shall be busy the rest of the week. Activities include: carving three pumpkins, making my costume for Halloween (classified information at this time), writing five thank-you notes, making four phone calls, jogging, and preparing for the party on Saturday evening. Now, it’s work time. Good day.
Afterwards, we headed to IHOP for a pleasant breakfast/dinner. At least, we were hoping it would be pleasant. I’m not an old coot, but I was a bit disappointed when we were seated (the restaurant is half-full, roughly) in the booth directly next to the bathrooms. There were several other tables, but still, I looked past that. I’m pretty go-with-the-flow. After waiting a few minutes to be served, the waiter apologized, and was quite prompt from there on out.
Yet, that wasn’t the main issue at hand. For the first five or ten minutes of our visit, there was a party finishing their meal two booths away (thank God for every other patron in the place that they would soon be finished). It appeared to be two mothers and three children, though I don’t know whose was who (I never am sure whether to use “whose” or “who’s.” Hi ho.) I was quickly enraged and dumbfounded by the way the two mother figures focused on their conversation and completely disregarded the kids’ behavior. I don’t believe I can recall all of the examples of the kids’ ridiculous and maniacal behavior. There was running around, yelling and screaming, playing with the “wet floor” sign and coffee carafes sitting on adjacent tables, a fight between two of, slapping the manager on the ass quite firmly, grabbing the crotch of our waiter, and the list goes on. On maybe four of the countless occasions where the kids were worthy of a spanking or slap upside the head, the moms attempted to say “stop it” or “sit down.” And back to their conversation. Did the kids stop it or sit down? I’ll give you three guesses and the first two don’t count.
It’s little shit like this that really ticks me off. It’s a lack of respect. It’s a lack of respect for every single one of their fellow customers at IHOP. They might as well have squatted upon every single one of our tables and relieved themselves in one form or another. It’s roughly equivalent. Just because you two women have grown accustomed to ignoring the incessant, psychotic ramblings and spastic behavior of your ugly children doesn’t mean anyone else has. Get a clue.
In the end, they left soon after we received our drinks. Silence and peace had returned. We enjoyed our meal. I went with the international omelet (if I recall it has ham, peppers, onions, and salsa) and three pancakes. It did hit the spot. Gretchen chose the blueberry pancakes with two eggs and bacon strips. She enjoyed as well, if I recall correctly.
It shall be busy the rest of the week. Activities include: carving three pumpkins, making my costume for Halloween (classified information at this time), writing five thank-you notes, making four phone calls, jogging, and preparing for the party on Saturday evening. Now, it’s work time. Good day.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
working man
I've been putting in 9 hour days this week (7 to 5), so I can take a half-day Friday and head back to STL to see my younger brother play football, among other things. It should be a pleasant weekend, getting back to see some friends and family. Waking up hasn't been too hard, but I'm not really an early bird, so it's not my favorite thing to do either.
The Cardinals game Monday night was awesome. I didn't expect that we had a chance, but Albert Pujols saved the day. That was a moment to remember. Still, the Cardinals have to win tonight and tomorrow night to head to the World Series, and that will be no small task.
Other than that, nothing too exciting to report. I bought Dirty Work on DVD. Great movie, if you like stupid, vulgar comedy. Which I do enjoy on occasion. Don't we all? Well, probably not, but still, I recommend this movie.
Have a good hump day.
The Cardinals game Monday night was awesome. I didn't expect that we had a chance, but Albert Pujols saved the day. That was a moment to remember. Still, the Cardinals have to win tonight and tomorrow night to head to the World Series, and that will be no small task.
Other than that, nothing too exciting to report. I bought Dirty Work on DVD. Great movie, if you like stupid, vulgar comedy. Which I do enjoy on occasion. Don't we all? Well, probably not, but still, I recommend this movie.
Have a good hump day.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Muhammad Ali
"So who were those faggots?"
- Muhammed Ali, on meeting the Beatles and posing for photos with them in the early 1960s.
- Muhammed Ali, on meeting the Beatles and posing for photos with them in the early 1960s.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
blog you very much
What's new these days? A couple things matter at this point.
For one, the St. Louis Cardinals are in the baseball playoffs and up one to nothing in the series. BOOM. I think they can win the World Series, but it will not be an easy road; there are several good teams in the playoffs this year. Let's just hope the Cardinals bats don't die in the World Series like they did last year.
TV is taking up more of my time this new season. There are a couple of good, well, I hesitate to use the word "sitcom," because I don't think any of them really are. I'll just say a couple of good comedy shows on. They come in pairs. On Monday nights on FOX, are Arrested Development at 7 PM CST, and Kitchen Confidential right after that. They both just have this unique visual and comedic style, and it's the type of humor that I enjoy. I can't quite put a name on it, but I know I like it.
And, on Tuesday evenings, at 8 PM CST, is My Name is Earl, which came off looking bad in the previews and commercials, but in actuality is a really good show. I'd say I recommend it more than any of the other shows I'm enjoying currently. After that is the Office at 8:30, which I say takes a watching or two to get used to, but it really is subtly hilarious. Working in an office helps to understand the humor as well (but I sat back and thought, who doesn't work in an office? not that people don't, but honestly the first ten folks I thought of worked in an office. so don't refute my claim if you take it literally) Last night's episode was especially good. The boss was gone, so they came up with the first interoffice Olympiad. And they gave out medals made of paper clips and yogurt lids. In the end, just try these shows. I love them. You may not. But please, wet your feet a bit.
And, in the more serious realm, Gretchen and I are doing a little house browsing. It's early, since our lease on the townhouse isn't up til June, but it's good to get a head start. The reality of it all has not freaked me out just yet. It's probably my after-work ritual of a beer, listening to Blind Melon and Ween, and playing some online Scrabble that keeps me sane.
It's starting to get rather cool. Remember your jacket next time you go out.
For one, the St. Louis Cardinals are in the baseball playoffs and up one to nothing in the series. BOOM. I think they can win the World Series, but it will not be an easy road; there are several good teams in the playoffs this year. Let's just hope the Cardinals bats don't die in the World Series like they did last year.
TV is taking up more of my time this new season. There are a couple of good, well, I hesitate to use the word "sitcom," because I don't think any of them really are. I'll just say a couple of good comedy shows on. They come in pairs. On Monday nights on FOX, are Arrested Development at 7 PM CST, and Kitchen Confidential right after that. They both just have this unique visual and comedic style, and it's the type of humor that I enjoy. I can't quite put a name on it, but I know I like it.
And, on Tuesday evenings, at 8 PM CST, is My Name is Earl, which came off looking bad in the previews and commercials, but in actuality is a really good show. I'd say I recommend it more than any of the other shows I'm enjoying currently. After that is the Office at 8:30, which I say takes a watching or two to get used to, but it really is subtly hilarious. Working in an office helps to understand the humor as well (but I sat back and thought, who doesn't work in an office? not that people don't, but honestly the first ten folks I thought of worked in an office. so don't refute my claim if you take it literally) Last night's episode was especially good. The boss was gone, so they came up with the first interoffice Olympiad. And they gave out medals made of paper clips and yogurt lids. In the end, just try these shows. I love them. You may not. But please, wet your feet a bit.
And, in the more serious realm, Gretchen and I are doing a little house browsing. It's early, since our lease on the townhouse isn't up til June, but it's good to get a head start. The reality of it all has not freaked me out just yet. It's probably my after-work ritual of a beer, listening to Blind Melon and Ween, and playing some online Scrabble that keeps me sane.
It's starting to get rather cool. Remember your jacket next time you go out.
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