A lot of people have asked me how things are going now that The Rose and I have moved in together. It is a fair question. But to be honest, I am not sure how to really answer it. What did people expect to happen? Should I have experienced some sort of magical transformation as I unpacked my final box?
"Wow, living together is like being at Disneyland...all the time!"
Well, actually that probably wouldn't be a good analogy. Sure at Disneyland the rides are fun, but there are also long lines, screaming kids and bad food. And here so far...well, the rides have been great, there is never a line (we have two bathrooms), we only have to deal with screaming kids at 2 AM when the drunks are coming off the metro and the food, well the food has been fantastic (I have always loved Italian). So I guess basically, living together has been better than being at Disneyland.
Does that answer the question?
Showing posts with label Deep Questions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deep Questions. Show all posts
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Another Question Answered
All of us have questions that root around in our brain constantly. Questions that keep us awake at night and fill our daydreams. I am no different as I am constantly searching for the answers to the most important questions in my life. Well, one of these persistent questions has finally been answered for me.
Why are there so many damn toothpastes?
Come on, I know you have thought about it, albeit more likely while you are standing in the supermarket staring at the aisle filling choices that face you while trying to answer the supposedly simple question: “What toothpaste should I buy?”
And that is just from Colgate...picking a toothpaste is not an easy choice. It is not as though all you need to do is pick your favorite brand – Colgate or Crest? Get past the brand and then you are confronted with an array of some 20-plus varieties, including Baking Soda & Peroxide Whitening with Tartar Control Brisk Mint Paste, Sparkling White Mint Zing, Herbal White, and SpongeBob SquarePants Bubble Fruit. And that is just on the Colgate end of the aisle. Over in Crest there is Vivid White, Rejuvenating Effects, Fresh Citrus Breeze, and Kids’ Spider-Man Super Action Liquid Gel.
Really do we need this many options in order to brush our teeth?
Well someone has finally answered this puzzler for me. You can read the entire article here if you would like, but here are some of the highlights.
What does it really come down to? This is the perfect example of capitalism on technology steroids. You see, there are only so many toothpaste buyers and therefore the market is finite. We basically have two large companies trying to maintain or grow their market share and the only way they can do it is by one-upping the other. This is capitalism at its finest – steal the other guy’s customers and drive them out of business. The problem is that technology has made it so fast and easy to roll out a “new” toothpaste. So as soon as Crest comes up with a new package or flavor, Colgate can copy them in weeks – as can every other manufacturer. So these companies find themselves in a never ending develop-something-new cycle and we end up with a “new” version of toothpaste on a regular 30 day cycle.
Now the question that will now haunt me in the minutes that fill my mind between awake and slumber is - When will it all end? Will toothpaste eventually need its own aisle in the supermarket? Will we need to have toothpaste boutiques to hold all the choices? Will the government need to step in and solve the toothpaste crisis? A national toothpaste? Oops…sorry socialism rearing its ugly head.
The problem with capitalism is that it preys on the natural stupidity of the masses. If you market something differently, then the public is dumb enough to believe that it is different no matter how mundane the product is. Toothpaste hasn't changed in decades. They just repackage their product and we try it because it is new. They come out with a new flavor and we try it because it is new. In the end, it is still just toothpaste. Hey, Joe the Consumer, try picking a toothpaste and sticking with it. It is a simple concept, stop buying what is “new” and they will stop making new things. Then maybe capitalism will work as it should and we can get rid of some of these toothpaste choices and eventually some toothpaste companies.
So, now that the toothpaste mystery has been solved, I guess I can focus on some of the other nagging question I have, like:
What was the best thing before sliced bread?
If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?
Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?
It is going to take me a long time to fall asleep tonight. Have a nice weekend.
Why are there so many damn toothpastes?
Come on, I know you have thought about it, albeit more likely while you are standing in the supermarket staring at the aisle filling choices that face you while trying to answer the supposedly simple question: “What toothpaste should I buy?”
And that is just from Colgate...picking a toothpaste is not an easy choice. It is not as though all you need to do is pick your favorite brand – Colgate or Crest? Get past the brand and then you are confronted with an array of some 20-plus varieties, including Baking Soda & Peroxide Whitening with Tartar Control Brisk Mint Paste, Sparkling White Mint Zing, Herbal White, and SpongeBob SquarePants Bubble Fruit. And that is just on the Colgate end of the aisle. Over in Crest there is Vivid White, Rejuvenating Effects, Fresh Citrus Breeze, and Kids’ Spider-Man Super Action Liquid Gel.
Really do we need this many options in order to brush our teeth?
Well someone has finally answered this puzzler for me. You can read the entire article here if you would like, but here are some of the highlights.
...The toothpaste aisle is the purest example of what happens when something prosaic gets whipped up into something special through the magic of design…
...While segmentation is happening all over the store, it’s most extreme in the toothpaste aisle, where you’ve got a mature product category trying to act immature…
...Whitening. Tartar control. Fresh breath. Exotic flavor. Cartoon characters. Glamour. Day-Glo color. Tit for tat. More whitening. It is like nuclear proliferation: escalation without end…
...Another reason the toothpaste aisle looks the way it does is that, through the miracle of computerized manufacturing and design, it takes no time to create a new variety of just about anything…
...pure desperation. Neither company can stop the ramp-up in brand extensions because feverish permutation is the only way to hang on to market share...
What does it really come down to? This is the perfect example of capitalism on technology steroids. You see, there are only so many toothpaste buyers and therefore the market is finite. We basically have two large companies trying to maintain or grow their market share and the only way they can do it is by one-upping the other. This is capitalism at its finest – steal the other guy’s customers and drive them out of business. The problem is that technology has made it so fast and easy to roll out a “new” toothpaste. So as soon as Crest comes up with a new package or flavor, Colgate can copy them in weeks – as can every other manufacturer. So these companies find themselves in a never ending develop-something-new cycle and we end up with a “new” version of toothpaste on a regular 30 day cycle.
Now the question that will now haunt me in the minutes that fill my mind between awake and slumber is - When will it all end? Will toothpaste eventually need its own aisle in the supermarket? Will we need to have toothpaste boutiques to hold all the choices? Will the government need to step in and solve the toothpaste crisis? A national toothpaste? Oops…sorry socialism rearing its ugly head.
The problem with capitalism is that it preys on the natural stupidity of the masses. If you market something differently, then the public is dumb enough to believe that it is different no matter how mundane the product is. Toothpaste hasn't changed in decades. They just repackage their product and we try it because it is new. They come out with a new flavor and we try it because it is new. In the end, it is still just toothpaste. Hey, Joe the Consumer, try picking a toothpaste and sticking with it. It is a simple concept, stop buying what is “new” and they will stop making new things. Then maybe capitalism will work as it should and we can get rid of some of these toothpaste choices and eventually some toothpaste companies.
So, now that the toothpaste mystery has been solved, I guess I can focus on some of the other nagging question I have, like:
What was the best thing before sliced bread?
If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?
Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?
It is going to take me a long time to fall asleep tonight. Have a nice weekend.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Fly USA
Warning: My socialistic tendencies will be showing themselves in this post.
I am seriously concerned about the state of the airline industry in this country. I flew to Key West over the Labor Day weekend and I experienced a delay on every flight. This included four flights over two different airlines. My flight never left on time nor did it ever arrive on time. And not one delay was due to weather, every delay was due to a technical malfunction with the plane. Doesn’t that make you feel comfortable when you are boarding a plane?
I was also reading in one of the airline magazines on the plane how the industry in general has formed a coalition to try and get the government to do something about the high price of gas. Apparently, 45% of your airline fare is just to cover the gas costs. This is up from 12% in 2001. Yeah, we really need to come up with an energy strategy in this country and I don’t think the answer is drilling for oil in Alaska or off shore. How about coming up with alternatives for electricity since fossil fuels are used to produce about 70% of the electricity used in the US. But I digress, that is a completely different rant.
Back to the airline industry. I don’t know how long many of you have been traveling, but I have been flying for a long time. And I can tell you that the airline industry has changed a lot over the years. I remember a time long ago when I missed a flight on American and they gave me a voucher on United to get home. That never happens today. There are fewer flights and much higher costs. United had only two flights all day on Monday from Miami to Dulles (Dulles is their hub for those of you not familiar). Two flights to a major hub all day. And both flights were oversold. So there weren’t even enough seats to accommodate all the passengers. Do you remember when there used to be open seats on a plane? Now airlines can’t afford to operate many flights so our travel schedule is at their mercy. Airlines are being killed by gas prices and competition amongst themselves.
Well, I have a solution. Why don’t we create a national airline? Why do we need so many airlines? Let’s have a single airline for the United States – many countries do this. It may seem a little counter intuitive, but fewer airlines could actually mean more flights. Think about it. There were 2 UA direct flights to DC from Miami on Monday, there were also 3 AA direct flights and those are just the ones I checked on. Who knows how many more there were. This is because each airline has to have a minimum number of flights to a location despite the demand. If there were just one airline, then they could manage the number of flights between locations based on demand. So the 12 total flights between Miami and DC could be reduced overall, but you could get on any of them. First benefit – fewer overall flights and more travel options for consumers.
They could also run the “USAirline” as a not for profit business. This is similar to how the government runs the commissary stores in the military. The stores are designed to break even. Therefore, they do not need to mark up their food as much as your typical grocery store. So a gallon of milk in the commissary is only $2.00 and not $4.00. The airline could operate in a similar manner. Make enough money to cover the cost of doing business and return anything over that as a surplus to the people. Next benefit – flights would be cheaper.
I believe there are certain industries that the government should manage as our society has gotten to a point where these industries might crumble under the pressure of capitalism. Transportation is definitely one of the industries that would benefit from a lack of competition and a little more regulation. You see, transportation is one area where we can’t afford to just let capitalism take its course and have airlines go out of business. We need to be able to travel across the US and not by horse and buggy.
If we can’t ensure that every American has health care in this country, can we at least make sure they can fly from Miami to Dulles on a holiday weekend?
Now I am sure that many of you immediately laughed at this idea. And I am sure you can come up with 100 reasons why we the government shouldn’t run the transportation industry in the US. But remember that you scoffed at this idea the next time your tax dollars are used to bail out an airline in bankruptcy. As a matter of fact, I would suggest that the next time an airline files bankruptcy, the government should step in and take over the company. Then they could systematically drive the other airlines out of business with lower prices, taking over each airline as they go. I don’t see how that would be anti-capitalistic…the US government would just become another competing airline…and maybe then the government would really care about the oil prices.
I am sure some of you are wondering how bad my travel was this weekend. Not to worry, my travel experience was not that harrowing. I missed a connecting flight in Miami and had to spend an extra day lounging on the beach at a Marriott Resort in South Beach while drinking pomegranate mojitos. I was also forced to have a really nice dinner at a Cuban restaurant. Yeah, I got it rough.
Just a couple of notes concerning this particular rant:
I have noticed over the years that whenever someone talks of concepts such as universal health care or national transportation, there are always a couple of reactions. First you will get people who will tell you why change is impossible. Don’t just let them tell you why we can’t change, ask them what they think we should do. Should we wait for the system to collapse on itself before we act? What can we do to fix the system today? Ask them to be solutions oriented and not just accept that change is impossible. I am not suggesting that a national airline would be perfect, but shouldn’t we develop a long term strategy before we can’t afford to fly anywhere.
And I would argue that for those people who can’t afford health care, universal health care WOULD be a perfect solution. Remember that just because the issue doesn’t affect you today, doesn’t mean it won’t someday. I mean I guess those of us that can afford health care are happy with the current system. That is until we get sick and can’t afford to pay our share of the medical bills and our health care gets cancelled. Then we may feel different about this issue.
Secondly, I would implore you to not fall prey to those people who use the media to spread fear about these issues. Don’t listen to those people who only want to tell you how your life will be ruined if we change. I can guarantee you that anyone who has the money to put together one of these campaigns of fear, does not have your best interest at heart. That is unless you are the CEO of a pharmaceutical or insurance company. I guess what I am really saying is do not let them condition you to automatically dismiss these ideas with their rhetoric. Changing these systems may be hard, but doing nothing will eventually be a lot worse. Maybe we can learn a lesson from the way we handled global warming. We stuck our head in the sand on that one and all we got was a sunburn on our ass.
Rant over.
I am seriously concerned about the state of the airline industry in this country. I flew to Key West over the Labor Day weekend and I experienced a delay on every flight. This included four flights over two different airlines. My flight never left on time nor did it ever arrive on time. And not one delay was due to weather, every delay was due to a technical malfunction with the plane. Doesn’t that make you feel comfortable when you are boarding a plane?
I was also reading in one of the airline magazines on the plane how the industry in general has formed a coalition to try and get the government to do something about the high price of gas. Apparently, 45% of your airline fare is just to cover the gas costs. This is up from 12% in 2001. Yeah, we really need to come up with an energy strategy in this country and I don’t think the answer is drilling for oil in Alaska or off shore. How about coming up with alternatives for electricity since fossil fuels are used to produce about 70% of the electricity used in the US. But I digress, that is a completely different rant.
Back to the airline industry. I don’t know how long many of you have been traveling, but I have been flying for a long time. And I can tell you that the airline industry has changed a lot over the years. I remember a time long ago when I missed a flight on American and they gave me a voucher on United to get home. That never happens today. There are fewer flights and much higher costs. United had only two flights all day on Monday from Miami to Dulles (Dulles is their hub for those of you not familiar). Two flights to a major hub all day. And both flights were oversold. So there weren’t even enough seats to accommodate all the passengers. Do you remember when there used to be open seats on a plane? Now airlines can’t afford to operate many flights so our travel schedule is at their mercy. Airlines are being killed by gas prices and competition amongst themselves.
Well, I have a solution. Why don’t we create a national airline? Why do we need so many airlines? Let’s have a single airline for the United States – many countries do this. It may seem a little counter intuitive, but fewer airlines could actually mean more flights. Think about it. There were 2 UA direct flights to DC from Miami on Monday, there were also 3 AA direct flights and those are just the ones I checked on. Who knows how many more there were. This is because each airline has to have a minimum number of flights to a location despite the demand. If there were just one airline, then they could manage the number of flights between locations based on demand. So the 12 total flights between Miami and DC could be reduced overall, but you could get on any of them. First benefit – fewer overall flights and more travel options for consumers.
They could also run the “USAirline” as a not for profit business. This is similar to how the government runs the commissary stores in the military. The stores are designed to break even. Therefore, they do not need to mark up their food as much as your typical grocery store. So a gallon of milk in the commissary is only $2.00 and not $4.00. The airline could operate in a similar manner. Make enough money to cover the cost of doing business and return anything over that as a surplus to the people. Next benefit – flights would be cheaper.
I believe there are certain industries that the government should manage as our society has gotten to a point where these industries might crumble under the pressure of capitalism. Transportation is definitely one of the industries that would benefit from a lack of competition and a little more regulation. You see, transportation is one area where we can’t afford to just let capitalism take its course and have airlines go out of business. We need to be able to travel across the US and not by horse and buggy.
If we can’t ensure that every American has health care in this country, can we at least make sure they can fly from Miami to Dulles on a holiday weekend?
Now I am sure that many of you immediately laughed at this idea. And I am sure you can come up with 100 reasons why we the government shouldn’t run the transportation industry in the US. But remember that you scoffed at this idea the next time your tax dollars are used to bail out an airline in bankruptcy. As a matter of fact, I would suggest that the next time an airline files bankruptcy, the government should step in and take over the company. Then they could systematically drive the other airlines out of business with lower prices, taking over each airline as they go. I don’t see how that would be anti-capitalistic…the US government would just become another competing airline…and maybe then the government would really care about the oil prices.
I am sure some of you are wondering how bad my travel was this weekend. Not to worry, my travel experience was not that harrowing. I missed a connecting flight in Miami and had to spend an extra day lounging on the beach at a Marriott Resort in South Beach while drinking pomegranate mojitos. I was also forced to have a really nice dinner at a Cuban restaurant. Yeah, I got it rough.
Just a couple of notes concerning this particular rant:
I have noticed over the years that whenever someone talks of concepts such as universal health care or national transportation, there are always a couple of reactions. First you will get people who will tell you why change is impossible. Don’t just let them tell you why we can’t change, ask them what they think we should do. Should we wait for the system to collapse on itself before we act? What can we do to fix the system today? Ask them to be solutions oriented and not just accept that change is impossible. I am not suggesting that a national airline would be perfect, but shouldn’t we develop a long term strategy before we can’t afford to fly anywhere.
And I would argue that for those people who can’t afford health care, universal health care WOULD be a perfect solution. Remember that just because the issue doesn’t affect you today, doesn’t mean it won’t someday. I mean I guess those of us that can afford health care are happy with the current system. That is until we get sick and can’t afford to pay our share of the medical bills and our health care gets cancelled. Then we may feel different about this issue.
Secondly, I would implore you to not fall prey to those people who use the media to spread fear about these issues. Don’t listen to those people who only want to tell you how your life will be ruined if we change. I can guarantee you that anyone who has the money to put together one of these campaigns of fear, does not have your best interest at heart. That is unless you are the CEO of a pharmaceutical or insurance company. I guess what I am really saying is do not let them condition you to automatically dismiss these ideas with their rhetoric. Changing these systems may be hard, but doing nothing will eventually be a lot worse. Maybe we can learn a lesson from the way we handled global warming. We stuck our head in the sand on that one and all we got was a sunburn on our ass.
Rant over.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I Hate Always Being Right
Has anyone noticed that gas has almost reached $4.00 a gallon – and likely has in some parts of the country? Is my post from March 22 starting to resonate with you? Once we get used to $4.00 a gallon, then they will slowly raise the price to $5.00 a gallon. This is the same thing they did to get from $2.00 to $3.00 and now $4.00.
I would also like to point out something else that most of you might have missed. I saw the list for the fortune 500 companies and probably to no one’s surprise, Wal-Mart is number one. But guess what company was number two? Yep – Exxon-Mobile. But here is the rub of it. While Wal-Mart pulled in a little more in revenue for 2007 – $351B to Exxon’s $347B, guess which company was most profitable. Yeah, Exxon. They made $40B in profit in 2007. In case you missed that let me say it again –that is FORTY BILLION! Wal-Mart only made $11B in profit. I am not sure, but I think Exxon could afford to lower the prices of gas just a bit.
Oh and let’s not forget the other gas companies – Chevron is number 4 on the list and made $17B in profit. Conoco Philips (76 Stations) is number 5 on the list with $15B in profit. Even the little known Valero Energy was 16 on the list and made $5B in profit in 2007. Please don’t tell me that these petroleum companies need to make this much money in PROFIT every year. Don’t worry, I am sure that they use these profits for the good of all mankind. I am sure they will spend most of it on lobbyist and politicians to ensure that any clean air or alternate fuel legislation never gets enacted by Congress.
I am really starting to wonder why this is not regulated by the government. Talk about taking advantage of a situation. They really have us over the barrel.
I would also like to point out something else that most of you might have missed. I saw the list for the fortune 500 companies and probably to no one’s surprise, Wal-Mart is number one. But guess what company was number two? Yep – Exxon-Mobile. But here is the rub of it. While Wal-Mart pulled in a little more in revenue for 2007 – $351B to Exxon’s $347B, guess which company was most profitable. Yeah, Exxon. They made $40B in profit in 2007. In case you missed that let me say it again –that is FORTY BILLION! Wal-Mart only made $11B in profit. I am not sure, but I think Exxon could afford to lower the prices of gas just a bit.
Oh and let’s not forget the other gas companies – Chevron is number 4 on the list and made $17B in profit. Conoco Philips (76 Stations) is number 5 on the list with $15B in profit. Even the little known Valero Energy was 16 on the list and made $5B in profit in 2007. Please don’t tell me that these petroleum companies need to make this much money in PROFIT every year. Don’t worry, I am sure that they use these profits for the good of all mankind. I am sure they will spend most of it on lobbyist and politicians to ensure that any clean air or alternate fuel legislation never gets enacted by Congress.
I am really starting to wonder why this is not regulated by the government. Talk about taking advantage of a situation. They really have us over the barrel.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
MBA Final Exam
I have a scenario for all of you MBA types. Let’s see if that $50,000 in tuition was well spent or not.
Imagine you are a C-level executive at a petroleum company. Your company is and has been doing very well over the last few decades with the huge dependency that the US has on gasoline for our everyday lives. But a few years ago the price per barrel of oil started to go up and gasoline began to hit record high prices. Now most of the overindulgent American citizens didn’t pay much attention, but you did.
Then Al Gore got on his Global Warming soapbox and started to point out the negative effect we are having on the planet. Couple the rise in popularity of the global warming bandwagon with the ever increasing oil prices and all of a sudden the public decides that 20 MPG is not good enough.
Next thing you know the auto industry is developing more fuel efficient vehicles and the suddenly popular hybrid. There is even talk that the government will mandate that all vehicles get 40 MPG by the year 2012. So here is your final exam question. Which of the following do you think those C-level petroleum executives would do next?
- Would they look at the revenue they currently generate, which is in the billions, and decide that, if ALL cars got 40 MPG instead of 20 MPG, it would be OK to generate half the revenue they generate today because it will be better for the country, the environment and the planet? Or…
- Would they think they need to generate the same revenue once ALL cars get 40 MPG instead of 20 MPG and the only way to do that would be to DOUBLE the price of gas? Would they double the price of gas over night? Or would they gradually increase the price of gas over a span of years to make it more acceptable to the public?
Which one did you choose?
Mark my words…when all cars get better gas mileage, a gallon of gas will cost $6.00 to $8.00 a gallon. We live in a greedy, capitalistic society and there is no way that a large company looks into the future and thinks it will be OK to make half the money they do today. It is not as if this is unprecedented. If you have ever visited a country in Europe, you will notice that gas prices in Europe are much higher and, guess what, cars get 50 MPG. You probably just didn’t notice the price of gas because they charge by the liter – sneaky bastards!
As a recent hybrid owner, I wanted to acknowledge my part in causing the increasing gas prices in the US. It is people like me that have caused the petroleum companies to consider new revenue strategies. So for my part in the ridiculous gas prices, I apologize to you all.
I wonder if we all went out and bought monster trucks instead, would gas prices drop back to under a buck? Owning a monster truck would be fun and it sure would make traffic jams more interesting.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Defining Life Moment #5
So I am down to my final defining life moment. Unlike Charlie on Lost, I am not facing impending death. Well I guess we are all facing death, but unlike Charlie, I am not sure when it is going to happen. With that in mind, I am going to say that I have no idea what my fifth defining life moment is. I am hoping it hasn’t happened yet. I am hoping there is still a moment in my future that will change my life forever.
I don’t know what that moment will be, maybe the day I come up with the right idea and can start my own company, maybe the day I win the lottery, maybe the day I finally finish my book (The Next Revolution), maybe the day I meet the next love of my life, or maybe the day I become a grandfather. Any of these things are potentially defining moments in my life.
I would hate to think that my most important defining life moments are behind me. If that was the case, then I should just give on my life now. And I never give up. So all I can say about number five is this, I am looking forward to it.
I don’t know what that moment will be, maybe the day I come up with the right idea and can start my own company, maybe the day I win the lottery, maybe the day I finally finish my book (The Next Revolution), maybe the day I meet the next love of my life, or maybe the day I become a grandfather. Any of these things are potentially defining moments in my life.
I would hate to think that my most important defining life moments are behind me. If that was the case, then I should just give on my life now. And I never give up. So all I can say about number five is this, I am looking forward to it.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Defining Life Moment #4
My defining life moment number four is the day I met her. I remember that it was a spring day during my senior year of high school. I was hanging out over at a friend’s house with the usual bunch of guys. We were in the front yard, which is more like an orchard, just messing around. That is when one of my friends introduced me to her. Her being the wonderful game of golf. That day marked the beginning of a love affair with the game that has spanned more than 20 years.
He had gone to his car and came back with some golf clubs. We then began hitting balls across the orchard. I had never hit a golf ball before. I had never even seen golf played. I remember thinking how hard it really was just to hit that ball. I had always been very good at every sport I had tried and there I was struggling to even make contact. After quite a few attempts, I finally made solid contact and sent the ball flying right into the apartment building next store. I was hooked right there.
A few weeks later, we all snuck onto the Orinda Country Club and played about 7 holes before we were caught and chased off the course. I remember during the chase, I ran through a creek and caught poison oak. Ahh, good times.
I began to play the game a lot once I entered the Navy. The course on the base was cheap and I had no idea how truly bad I was at the game. I played for the next five years or so before I ever took a lesson. This is not the approach I would recommend to any beginner. I spent the next five years unlearning all the bad habits I had taught myself the first five years.
I have worked hard for ten years now and my game is, well better than most. At one time I used to play about 250 rounds a year. Back then I wanted to be good enough to compete in amateur events, like the US Amateur and US Mid-AM. I never made it into those events, but I have not completely given up hope.
Golf was also the introduction to some of my best friends today. I have played golf in many different states and even in other countries. My best vacation ever is still the 10 days I spent in Ireland playing golf with 19 other guys. The camaraderie of that trip will never be surpassed in my eyes. I only knew one guy when I got on the plane and I still talk with many of the participants today from that trip.
I am down to about 30 rounds a year now, but I still very much enjoy the game. The golf course is still a place for me to go and relax and forget all that life throws at me. It is my time to think and reflect. There is still nothing as nice a walking down the middle of the fairway with three friends on a Sunday morning.
He had gone to his car and came back with some golf clubs. We then began hitting balls across the orchard. I had never hit a golf ball before. I had never even seen golf played. I remember thinking how hard it really was just to hit that ball. I had always been very good at every sport I had tried and there I was struggling to even make contact. After quite a few attempts, I finally made solid contact and sent the ball flying right into the apartment building next store. I was hooked right there.
A few weeks later, we all snuck onto the Orinda Country Club and played about 7 holes before we were caught and chased off the course. I remember during the chase, I ran through a creek and caught poison oak. Ahh, good times.
I began to play the game a lot once I entered the Navy. The course on the base was cheap and I had no idea how truly bad I was at the game. I played for the next five years or so before I ever took a lesson. This is not the approach I would recommend to any beginner. I spent the next five years unlearning all the bad habits I had taught myself the first five years.
I have worked hard for ten years now and my game is, well better than most. At one time I used to play about 250 rounds a year. Back then I wanted to be good enough to compete in amateur events, like the US Amateur and US Mid-AM. I never made it into those events, but I have not completely given up hope.
Golf was also the introduction to some of my best friends today. I have played golf in many different states and even in other countries. My best vacation ever is still the 10 days I spent in Ireland playing golf with 19 other guys. The camaraderie of that trip will never be surpassed in my eyes. I only knew one guy when I got on the plane and I still talk with many of the participants today from that trip.
I am down to about 30 rounds a year now, but I still very much enjoy the game. The golf course is still a place for me to go and relax and forget all that life throws at me. It is my time to think and reflect. There is still nothing as nice a walking down the middle of the fairway with three friends on a Sunday morning.
Defining Life Moment #3
I can look back at my next life moment and say that it was the best thing that ever happened to me. However at the time, I didn’t think I would live through it. My defining life moment number three is the day my wife told me she loved someone else.
It was a time in my life when I was still innocent in the ways of life. I was 20 years old and had been married for about two years. Nick had just turned one that month. We were living in a small town in the central valley of California. I was in my third year into the Navy and I thought my life was good. I had no idea that my ideallic world would soon come to a crashing end.
We lived a few hours from both of our parents and my wife had gone home for the weekend, taking Nick. I looked at the weekend as a good time to get on the golf course with some of my buddies and have some fun.
My wife came home on Sunday night from her weekend. We said hello the way most young couples do when they spend time apart. When we were done, she started to cry. I asked he what was wrong and that is when she told me. “I can’t do this anymore. I am in love with someone else and I want to move in with him.”
My world came to an end at that moment. I didn’t know what to say, or what to do. I wasn’t prepared or mature enough to deal with those words coming from the woman I loved. I think we were both quiet for a while. Then I did what I always did, I went into fix it mode. I told her that whatever the problems were we could get through them. That we would work on our relationship. That it wasn’t over. This is the naivety that only a 20 year old can have.
She didn’t leave right away. We spent a few weeks pretending we were trying to work things out. But our relationship was doomed the moment those words came out of her mouth. Within a month, she had moved out and was living with the other man.
I never thought I would get over that day or the devastation of those words. In that moment I lost both my wife and my son. I was very bitter and went into a downward spiral of self destructive behavior. I drank to much, slept with women randomly and my work was terrible. If I had a regular job, they would have fired me for sure.
It took me a long time to trust a woman again. But I did meet one and her unconditional love brought me back. Our timing was not always good, but she did help me heal and move on with my life. I wrote a three part post about her and out five year turmoil a while ago (parts one, two and three).
So why do I look back and say that this moment was the best thing that ever happened to me? Until that moment, I had always been burdened with a lot of responsibility. And my life would have continued that way. It was that moment that set me free. It allowed me to be the kid I was never able to be growing up. I was able to focus on me for a while. I was able to be selfish. To have fun. To grow and understand myself. It may have been the hardest time in my life, but I really did come out the other side a better person.
Oh and as for my ex, she is still with that same man. They have been married for over 15 years and have two children, so I say that things worked out for her as well.
It was a time in my life when I was still innocent in the ways of life. I was 20 years old and had been married for about two years. Nick had just turned one that month. We were living in a small town in the central valley of California. I was in my third year into the Navy and I thought my life was good. I had no idea that my ideallic world would soon come to a crashing end.
We lived a few hours from both of our parents and my wife had gone home for the weekend, taking Nick. I looked at the weekend as a good time to get on the golf course with some of my buddies and have some fun.
My wife came home on Sunday night from her weekend. We said hello the way most young couples do when they spend time apart. When we were done, she started to cry. I asked he what was wrong and that is when she told me. “I can’t do this anymore. I am in love with someone else and I want to move in with him.”
My world came to an end at that moment. I didn’t know what to say, or what to do. I wasn’t prepared or mature enough to deal with those words coming from the woman I loved. I think we were both quiet for a while. Then I did what I always did, I went into fix it mode. I told her that whatever the problems were we could get through them. That we would work on our relationship. That it wasn’t over. This is the naivety that only a 20 year old can have.
She didn’t leave right away. We spent a few weeks pretending we were trying to work things out. But our relationship was doomed the moment those words came out of her mouth. Within a month, she had moved out and was living with the other man.
I never thought I would get over that day or the devastation of those words. In that moment I lost both my wife and my son. I was very bitter and went into a downward spiral of self destructive behavior. I drank to much, slept with women randomly and my work was terrible. If I had a regular job, they would have fired me for sure.
It took me a long time to trust a woman again. But I did meet one and her unconditional love brought me back. Our timing was not always good, but she did help me heal and move on with my life. I wrote a three part post about her and out five year turmoil a while ago (parts one, two and three).
So why do I look back and say that this moment was the best thing that ever happened to me? Until that moment, I had always been burdened with a lot of responsibility. And my life would have continued that way. It was that moment that set me free. It allowed me to be the kid I was never able to be growing up. I was able to focus on me for a while. I was able to be selfish. To have fun. To grow and understand myself. It may have been the hardest time in my life, but I really did come out the other side a better person.
Oh and as for my ex, she is still with that same man. They have been married for over 15 years and have two children, so I say that things worked out for her as well.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Defining Life Moment #2
My friend Jeff came up to me one day after school let out and said “I am going to talk to a Navy recruiter, you want to go?” This is my defining life moment number two.
I was a senior in high school and Jeff was only a junior. We were part of a gang of five or six guys that didn’t seem to fit into any of the normal clicks in high school. We weren’t jocks or geeks or stoners. None of us were overly popular, but we were all known in school. Maybe that is why I am not your typical guy today as I was never typical growing up. Of the gang, Jeff and I were the closest of friends.
Well, I immediately said no as I was not interested in joining the military. I didn’t know what I was going to do after high school. I hadn’t taken high school very seriously, so my grades sucked. I basically did just enough to get out of high school, so it wasn’t as though college was a real option.
I agreed to go with him and we met with a Navy recruiter. He talked with us about the opportunities in the Navy and training you could get. He talked us both into taking the pre-test they have to see what jobs we might qualify for in the Navy. We didn’t see any harm in it so we made the appointment and took the test.
Both of us scored very high on the test. You see I was intelligent, but not motivated during high school. In fact I scored so high on the test that I qualified to go to any school I wanted in the Navy. They even asked me to a second test as they wanted me to go to Nuclear training schools. Can you imagine, I couldn’t get into a community college, but they would let me be in control of nuclear missiles. Doesn’t that scare you a little? I declined the nuclear program, but I did agree to look through the rest of the schools and see if something interested me.
I settled on Electronics Technician. I didn’t know much about electronics, but the training seemed like something that would translate to the real world and might allow me to make a decent living when I got out of the Navy. At least it would keep me from working for the railroad my whole life like my dad did.
Now I was only 17 years old and in order to sign up, I needed my parent’s approval. Needless to say, my parents were not thrilled. My dad could not understand how I could say I did not want to go to college because I was tired of school, but was willing to go into the Navy and go to a training school for 18 months. I will admit he had a point, but I think the decision was more about the opportunity to go experience something other than the ghetto I had grown up in. My parent agreed and they signed the papers.
I wasn’t even out of high school and I was already committed to going into the Navy. It turned out to be a good decision. My Navy training gave me the career I have today. Not to mention that I matured in the Navy. I learned leadership, if you can learn that. It is more likely I always had it, but they helped me develop it.
When I hear people talk about college, I often wish I had gone for the experience, but I can’t imagine my life today if Jeff hadn’t asked me that question after class one day. As for Jeff, well he didn’t want to wait for another year to finish high school. He took his GED as a junior and joined the Marines. I saw him after boot camp and we laughed about high school and looked to our futures. I never saw him again.
I was a senior in high school and Jeff was only a junior. We were part of a gang of five or six guys that didn’t seem to fit into any of the normal clicks in high school. We weren’t jocks or geeks or stoners. None of us were overly popular, but we were all known in school. Maybe that is why I am not your typical guy today as I was never typical growing up. Of the gang, Jeff and I were the closest of friends.
Well, I immediately said no as I was not interested in joining the military. I didn’t know what I was going to do after high school. I hadn’t taken high school very seriously, so my grades sucked. I basically did just enough to get out of high school, so it wasn’t as though college was a real option.
I agreed to go with him and we met with a Navy recruiter. He talked with us about the opportunities in the Navy and training you could get. He talked us both into taking the pre-test they have to see what jobs we might qualify for in the Navy. We didn’t see any harm in it so we made the appointment and took the test.
Both of us scored very high on the test. You see I was intelligent, but not motivated during high school. In fact I scored so high on the test that I qualified to go to any school I wanted in the Navy. They even asked me to a second test as they wanted me to go to Nuclear training schools. Can you imagine, I couldn’t get into a community college, but they would let me be in control of nuclear missiles. Doesn’t that scare you a little? I declined the nuclear program, but I did agree to look through the rest of the schools and see if something interested me.
I settled on Electronics Technician. I didn’t know much about electronics, but the training seemed like something that would translate to the real world and might allow me to make a decent living when I got out of the Navy. At least it would keep me from working for the railroad my whole life like my dad did.
Now I was only 17 years old and in order to sign up, I needed my parent’s approval. Needless to say, my parents were not thrilled. My dad could not understand how I could say I did not want to go to college because I was tired of school, but was willing to go into the Navy and go to a training school for 18 months. I will admit he had a point, but I think the decision was more about the opportunity to go experience something other than the ghetto I had grown up in. My parent agreed and they signed the papers.
I wasn’t even out of high school and I was already committed to going into the Navy. It turned out to be a good decision. My Navy training gave me the career I have today. Not to mention that I matured in the Navy. I learned leadership, if you can learn that. It is more likely I always had it, but they helped me develop it.
When I hear people talk about college, I often wish I had gone for the experience, but I can’t imagine my life today if Jeff hadn’t asked me that question after class one day. As for Jeff, well he didn’t want to wait for another year to finish high school. He took his GED as a junior and joined the Marines. I saw him after boot camp and we laughed about high school and looked to our futures. I never saw him again.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Defining Life Moment #1
I was reading Becky's site today and she stole and idea from Janet, who stole it from, well you get the idea. The reality of it is the idea originated with Charlie on Lost. I think it is very tough to boil your life down to five defining moments, but I will give it a try. Since I don't want to write a book, I will post them one at a time.
If I told you that my dad and I have the great relationship we have today because he hit me once with his fist, would you believe me? It is true, my first defining life moment is the fight with my dad.
As I have written many times, my “dad” is actually my stepdad. He is the only father I have ever really known and I have always thought of him as my dad. That is not to say that our relationship has always been great. I am sure this is the case with most kids and their parents, but I think it can especially be true between kids and step parents
I don’t have many memories of my childhood, at least none I choose to remember. But the fight with my dad is very vivid. It was a crucial turning point in our relationship and in my life. It happened one morning during the summer in my junior year of high school. I was sixteen, I was always a year younger than everyone else, and had done something teenager like the night before. I had told my parents that, after I got off work, some of my friends and I were going to the drive-in movie, back when they had drive-in movies. In reality, I was going to a party at a friend’s house. Well, I ended up in a bad quarter’s game and got so drunk that I passed out and never called home. This was not the first time I did not come home at night, but it was the first time my parents had no idea where I was.
I remember waking up in the morning and thinking I was in big trouble. My friend told me that my parents had called around 4 AM looking for me. They had apparently been frantically calling everyone I knew. I didn’t go home right away as I was trying to avoid the inevitable. When I got home later that morning, only my dad was home. I walked into the dining room and he met me there. I was greeted with a fist to the face. And then a lot of yelling about how I had worried my mother to death and I better never do that again.
Now this wasn’t the first time my dad had ever hit me. It was the first time he had ever hit me with a fist. I know he didn’t hit me as hard as he could, but it was still shocking and to be honest, really pissed me off. I remember standing there with my fists clenched ready to throw down.
As I stood there, angry, I looked into his eyes. He was still yelling, but I wasn’t really listening. You see, for the first time ever, I saw something in his eyes that I had never really seen. I saw love. I saw his love for me. I saw that it wasn’t only me worrying my mother that he was yelling about. I saw the same worry in his eyes, in his face.
Our relationship had been very rocky since I was about 8. This was maybe the first time since I was a child that I didn’t just see my dad as an angry bastard. I had to do something stupid and he needed to get my attention before I could see that despite all of his anger and all the problems we had, that he loved me.
He had stopped talking and we stood there looking at each other. He saw that I had been ready to hit him. I think he was waiting to see what I would do next. I think he also knew this was a defining moment in our relationship. I unclenched my fists. He didn’t say anything, he just hugged me.
It took some years after that for us to really grow to the relationship we have today, but I always think back to that one moment as the turning point for us.
If I told you that my dad and I have the great relationship we have today because he hit me once with his fist, would you believe me? It is true, my first defining life moment is the fight with my dad.
As I have written many times, my “dad” is actually my stepdad. He is the only father I have ever really known and I have always thought of him as my dad. That is not to say that our relationship has always been great. I am sure this is the case with most kids and their parents, but I think it can especially be true between kids and step parents
I don’t have many memories of my childhood, at least none I choose to remember. But the fight with my dad is very vivid. It was a crucial turning point in our relationship and in my life. It happened one morning during the summer in my junior year of high school. I was sixteen, I was always a year younger than everyone else, and had done something teenager like the night before. I had told my parents that, after I got off work, some of my friends and I were going to the drive-in movie, back when they had drive-in movies. In reality, I was going to a party at a friend’s house. Well, I ended up in a bad quarter’s game and got so drunk that I passed out and never called home. This was not the first time I did not come home at night, but it was the first time my parents had no idea where I was.
I remember waking up in the morning and thinking I was in big trouble. My friend told me that my parents had called around 4 AM looking for me. They had apparently been frantically calling everyone I knew. I didn’t go home right away as I was trying to avoid the inevitable. When I got home later that morning, only my dad was home. I walked into the dining room and he met me there. I was greeted with a fist to the face. And then a lot of yelling about how I had worried my mother to death and I better never do that again.
Now this wasn’t the first time my dad had ever hit me. It was the first time he had ever hit me with a fist. I know he didn’t hit me as hard as he could, but it was still shocking and to be honest, really pissed me off. I remember standing there with my fists clenched ready to throw down.
As I stood there, angry, I looked into his eyes. He was still yelling, but I wasn’t really listening. You see, for the first time ever, I saw something in his eyes that I had never really seen. I saw love. I saw his love for me. I saw that it wasn’t only me worrying my mother that he was yelling about. I saw the same worry in his eyes, in his face.
Our relationship had been very rocky since I was about 8. This was maybe the first time since I was a child that I didn’t just see my dad as an angry bastard. I had to do something stupid and he needed to get my attention before I could see that despite all of his anger and all the problems we had, that he loved me.
He had stopped talking and we stood there looking at each other. He saw that I had been ready to hit him. I think he was waiting to see what I would do next. I think he also knew this was a defining moment in our relationship. I unclenched my fists. He didn’t say anything, he just hugged me.
It took some years after that for us to really grow to the relationship we have today, but I always think back to that one moment as the turning point for us.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Kansas...Really?
Who knew that the most beautiful woman in the world lives in Overland Park. In Kansas no less. I mean I would never have thought to look there. I pretty much stay away from the Midwest as a general rule, but I had to go there for business and there she was. A woman has not totally enchanted me that way in a long time. I can't say for sure that she is one of the 13 in 3 billion, but who knows. At least it is a good reason to go to Kansas and that is a very rare thing.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Let's Catch Up
So I haven’t written much in the last week or so. I have been a little busy. So here is the reader’s digest version.
I became an adult again this weekend…yep I bought a condo. So now I owe more money than I could make in 3 years. Of course one of the companies I was talking with about moving to Europe contacted me Monday after I singed the contract. Should I still take the interview?
I finally got out on the golf course last weekend. The weather has really turned here and summer seems to have begun. What is your favorite Summer pastime?
The Jag spent the last few days in the shop. Nothing major, but I needed the head lights changed as well as the cooling system flushed. Speaking of the Jag, I have it on Craig’s List for sale right now. I am just seeing if I get any takers. I only have one parking spot in the new condo, so I am thinking of selling both and buying something new. What should I get?
K comes into town this weekend so we can go to the Nats/Mets game on Saturday. It is the first of my 12 games this season. I bought into a season ticket package. Do you have season tickets to anything?
One of my friends was very sick all last week – stomach virus. She spent 7 hours in the emergency room getting fluids. I sent her some flowers and chicken soup. Someone told me she might take that as though I am interested in her. I think she knows I am not, but what do you think?
Work has been tough this week as the project I have been working on got delayed at the last minute. I am very frustrated with the whole thing. How do you deal with frustration at work?
My cell phone company, and former employer, can’t seem to get my bill correct. They charge me an extra $50 a month which causes me to spend an hour on the phone to get it straightened out. Same thing for 4 months now. How long do I have to put up with it before I can say screw employee loyalty?
I sold my first thing on Craig’s List this week. Some golf equipment I won in a tournament. Now I need to get rid of a lot of things. I figure I will get rid of things rather than move them in June. You want to buy any of my junk?
Some girl from Mexico has been emailing me on Match. I get about one email a week from someone who is not in the US from places as far away as Egypt and Russia. Apparently my profile screams “I am looking for a mail order bride.” How far is too far for a long distance relationship?
I got all the ingredients so I can start my Detox in a Box next week. Anyone want to do this torture routine with me?
I will be in NJ for a day next week and then Orlando for most of the week after. After that Seattle and Los Angeles for a week. Going to be a busy month of May. You headed anywhere soon?
That’s about it. Enjoy the rest of the week.
I became an adult again this weekend…yep I bought a condo. So now I owe more money than I could make in 3 years. Of course one of the companies I was talking with about moving to Europe contacted me Monday after I singed the contract. Should I still take the interview?
I finally got out on the golf course last weekend. The weather has really turned here and summer seems to have begun. What is your favorite Summer pastime?
The Jag spent the last few days in the shop. Nothing major, but I needed the head lights changed as well as the cooling system flushed. Speaking of the Jag, I have it on Craig’s List for sale right now. I am just seeing if I get any takers. I only have one parking spot in the new condo, so I am thinking of selling both and buying something new. What should I get?
K comes into town this weekend so we can go to the Nats/Mets game on Saturday. It is the first of my 12 games this season. I bought into a season ticket package. Do you have season tickets to anything?
One of my friends was very sick all last week – stomach virus. She spent 7 hours in the emergency room getting fluids. I sent her some flowers and chicken soup. Someone told me she might take that as though I am interested in her. I think she knows I am not, but what do you think?
Work has been tough this week as the project I have been working on got delayed at the last minute. I am very frustrated with the whole thing. How do you deal with frustration at work?
My cell phone company, and former employer, can’t seem to get my bill correct. They charge me an extra $50 a month which causes me to spend an hour on the phone to get it straightened out. Same thing for 4 months now. How long do I have to put up with it before I can say screw employee loyalty?
I sold my first thing on Craig’s List this week. Some golf equipment I won in a tournament. Now I need to get rid of a lot of things. I figure I will get rid of things rather than move them in June. You want to buy any of my junk?
Some girl from Mexico has been emailing me on Match. I get about one email a week from someone who is not in the US from places as far away as Egypt and Russia. Apparently my profile screams “I am looking for a mail order bride.” How far is too far for a long distance relationship?
I got all the ingredients so I can start my Detox in a Box next week. Anyone want to do this torture routine with me?
I will be in NJ for a day next week and then Orlando for most of the week after. After that Seattle and Los Angeles for a week. Going to be a busy month of May. You headed anywhere soon?
That’s about it. Enjoy the rest of the week.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Tick...Tick...Tick
I was in bed last night thinking that maybe it is time for me to make a commitment. Settle down. No, I am not talking about marriage, hell at times I am not even sure I want a girlfriend. I am talking about committing to a place. Planting some roots. I have spent the last few years moving. Running really, and maybe it is time to decide to live someplace for a while. Time to decide to buy a house. Time to make some permanent friends. Begin to live life and not just cruise through it. Who knows, maybe this might be the initial step required to get to a real commitment, or at least a girlfriend.
My lease is up soon and I know I am going to move. I am just trying to figure out where. I have many options, and to be honest, that may not be the best thing. I could probably move to NYC or London without even changing jobs. My boss would love if I agreed to move to Seattle. I could also stay here in DC and just move about 15 miles into a more vibrant neighborhood. Someplace that is more Blue than the pseudo urban mall life I lead now. Add in the fact that I have to decide whether to lease again or buy a place and the decisions are beginning to pile up. Can you hear it? The clock is ticking and it keeps getting louder.
My lease is up soon and I know I am going to move. I am just trying to figure out where. I have many options, and to be honest, that may not be the best thing. I could probably move to NYC or London without even changing jobs. My boss would love if I agreed to move to Seattle. I could also stay here in DC and just move about 15 miles into a more vibrant neighborhood. Someplace that is more Blue than the pseudo urban mall life I lead now. Add in the fact that I have to decide whether to lease again or buy a place and the decisions are beginning to pile up. Can you hear it? The clock is ticking and it keeps getting louder.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Settle in cause this could be a long one
OK settle in cause this could be a long one.
I went to the wine festival last weekend in DC. Now this was not the same as many of the festivals I have been to since I moved to VA. First off this was indoors. It was at the Ronald Reagan building, which is about a block from the White House. Although being indoors sounds like a great plan, it was extremely crowded. There was little room for the 3000 plus people to move. The really scary thing is that I went on Sunday, which wasn’t even sold out. They tell me that the crowd on Saturday, sold out, was much worse. I was also told they had nothing really to eat on Saturday. On Sunday, they had bread and cracker stations. Very smart since I heard they had some sick people on Saturday.
Secondly, there were very few local wines. The wineries were from all over the world. There were sections from CA as well as France, Portugal, Italy, etc. It was kind of nice as not once did I have to try a wine that was made from a fruit other than a grape. That’s right girls, no Mango Madness anywhere. This explains the price tag to this event as well ($80.00 a ticket). My biggest complaint about this type of event is that you end up with the big wineries or distributors and very few of the smaller wineries or boutiques. So it is great if you want to try the BV Cabernet or the Sterling Merlot, but you can get those anywhere. You don’t get the little gems you do at most festivals.
Lastly, I have never been at a wine festival where you actually could not buy wine. That’s right, I could not buy any at all. You had to go home and order it. It seems like they lost a lot of business.
Next topic. Now pay attention because this one will require audience participation. First I would like to throw a shout out to my sister for performing magic with my taxes this year. I am getting a pretty good return for a change. Thanks Sis…you rock.
I am trying to figure out what to do with it. Now my initial urge is to just spend it, but I am trying to be more responsible. This is where you all come in. I have a few things that I am thinking about here. First off I think that in order to fully understand the situation, you will need to know at least a ball park figure as to what I am getting back. I will say this, as I think you can relate, it is about the same as my take home pay for three paychecks. So think about what you would do if they gave you three paychecks all at once.
So of course my first inclination is to go on an impromptu vacation. Maybe I should get a first class ticket to Aruba or Bermuda and sit on the beach and do nothing for a week. Then I thought, I could use it to get new rims and a new stereo for my Jag. I have wanted them and it could be a good time with spring approaching. I could also get a few things off my want list (I say want because I don’t really need anything), like a new chair for the living room and a wine storage system. Then of course there are the practical things. My Ex D (Dex from now on) would be proud that I am even considering this at all. So I could pay bills. Well one bill, because I recently paid off everything except one bill. That one should be gone by the end of the year leaving me with no debt except my indulgences (cars). I could buy some more 6 month CD’s. I have been trying to buy them recently as they seem safe way to save and keep from spending money. I could put the money in a new IRA or in my 401K account. Or I could do the very responsible thing and just save it for when I decide to buy a new condo. Not sure if that will be this year or next, but who knows. So there they are, my options. I know everyone wishes they had these troubles. ;)
Please help me with this decision. Tell me what you think by voting.
I went to the wine festival last weekend in DC. Now this was not the same as many of the festivals I have been to since I moved to VA. First off this was indoors. It was at the Ronald Reagan building, which is about a block from the White House. Although being indoors sounds like a great plan, it was extremely crowded. There was little room for the 3000 plus people to move. The really scary thing is that I went on Sunday, which wasn’t even sold out. They tell me that the crowd on Saturday, sold out, was much worse. I was also told they had nothing really to eat on Saturday. On Sunday, they had bread and cracker stations. Very smart since I heard they had some sick people on Saturday.
Secondly, there were very few local wines. The wineries were from all over the world. There were sections from CA as well as France, Portugal, Italy, etc. It was kind of nice as not once did I have to try a wine that was made from a fruit other than a grape. That’s right girls, no Mango Madness anywhere. This explains the price tag to this event as well ($80.00 a ticket). My biggest complaint about this type of event is that you end up with the big wineries or distributors and very few of the smaller wineries or boutiques. So it is great if you want to try the BV Cabernet or the Sterling Merlot, but you can get those anywhere. You don’t get the little gems you do at most festivals.
Lastly, I have never been at a wine festival where you actually could not buy wine. That’s right, I could not buy any at all. You had to go home and order it. It seems like they lost a lot of business.
Next topic. Now pay attention because this one will require audience participation. First I would like to throw a shout out to my sister for performing magic with my taxes this year. I am getting a pretty good return for a change. Thanks Sis…you rock.
I am trying to figure out what to do with it. Now my initial urge is to just spend it, but I am trying to be more responsible. This is where you all come in. I have a few things that I am thinking about here. First off I think that in order to fully understand the situation, you will need to know at least a ball park figure as to what I am getting back. I will say this, as I think you can relate, it is about the same as my take home pay for three paychecks. So think about what you would do if they gave you three paychecks all at once.
So of course my first inclination is to go on an impromptu vacation. Maybe I should get a first class ticket to Aruba or Bermuda and sit on the beach and do nothing for a week. Then I thought, I could use it to get new rims and a new stereo for my Jag. I have wanted them and it could be a good time with spring approaching. I could also get a few things off my want list (I say want because I don’t really need anything), like a new chair for the living room and a wine storage system. Then of course there are the practical things. My Ex D (Dex from now on) would be proud that I am even considering this at all. So I could pay bills. Well one bill, because I recently paid off everything except one bill. That one should be gone by the end of the year leaving me with no debt except my indulgences (cars). I could buy some more 6 month CD’s. I have been trying to buy them recently as they seem safe way to save and keep from spending money. I could put the money in a new IRA or in my 401K account. Or I could do the very responsible thing and just save it for when I decide to buy a new condo. Not sure if that will be this year or next, but who knows. So there they are, my options. I know everyone wishes they had these troubles. ;)
Please help me with this decision. Tell me what you think by voting.
| How should I spend my return? 1) Vacation 2) On the Jag 3) Want List 4) Pay Bills 5) CD's 6) IRA 7) Save for Condo View Results Make your own poll |
Thursday, March 08, 2007
A Complete Turn Around
When I woke up this morning the disc jockey on the radio announced it was 27° outside, but not to worry, it only felt like 12°. We have fresh snow on the ground and the roads are a bit icy…what could be better. Oh, I know…how about 75 degrees with breakfast on the beach and an 11:30 AM tee time. Yeah, that would be better. Isn’t it about time for me to take another vacation? Was I complaining yesterday about not being home much? I am fickle, what can I say. One of the many fantastic traits of a Sagittarius. Who is ready to go with me?
I guess I officially live in Virginia now. I put Virginia plates on the Jeep this morning. Yeah I know I have lived here for almost a year. And I know you are supposed to register your car within 30 days, but come on my CA tags were good until Feb. And yes I know it is March 8 already. If it makes you feel any better, I did register the Jag when I got here. Of course those CA tags expired the very next month.
I can sometimes be a procrastinator. Not on the things that are important, well important to me, but on the superfluous stuff…like car registration. I mean I pay my bills on time, I get my job done, I am just more of the do the dishes in the morning kind of guy. Is that wrong?
I guess I officially live in Virginia now. I put Virginia plates on the Jeep this morning. Yeah I know I have lived here for almost a year. And I know you are supposed to register your car within 30 days, but come on my CA tags were good until Feb. And yes I know it is March 8 already. If it makes you feel any better, I did register the Jag when I got here. Of course those CA tags expired the very next month.
I can sometimes be a procrastinator. Not on the things that are important, well important to me, but on the superfluous stuff…like car registration. I mean I pay my bills on time, I get my job done, I am just more of the do the dishes in the morning kind of guy. Is that wrong?
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The enigma that is my life
Nothing in life seems to be easy for me. I am sure many of you can say the same thing, but right now we are talking about me.
I am sitting in this tapas bar eating really good food served on bread and drinking wine and I started to wonder something. Before I forget, did you know they charge you by the toothpick here. All the food has one in it and you are charged by how many you have on your plate.
Anyway back to my riddle. Why is it the one country I have visited where I am totally enamored with the culture, is the one place I have the biggest language barrier? I seem to struggle here the most. Maybe that is why I like it? I always love a challenge.
Is it the struggle I love? No, I am pretty sure I just love the people, the relaxed culture, the naps during the day and the women. Oh yeah, did I fail to mention them.
The only good news is that this might be the easiest language to learn. Time to start listening to pimsler on the ipod.
Well I have to get back to my glass of wine. Buenas noches.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Temptation By Moonlight
Sometimes when I close my eyes, I still see her silhouette in the moonlight. I see the curve of her hip as she lay with her back to me in that outfit that was definitely designed with temptation in mind. It is a great memory, but one that evokes many questions in my mind.
We were friends, but I am not sure any man could resist those form fitting panties and that small top. Why would she wear this outfit to my bed? Couldn’t she throw on an oversize t-shirt so that I couldn’t see the perfect curve of her body. So that I couldn't see how the moonlight made her skin glow. So that I wouldn't feel like reaching out and grabbing her. Was this some kind of cosmic test? Or simply her way to test our friendship? Or does she truly not realize the affect she can have on a man? Well, nothing happened. But to be honest, I am not sure if I passed or failed the test.
I think about that night when the moon shines just right into my room. I wonder if I had acted, what would have happened. Would our relationship be different today? Would we still be friends? Would we be more than friends? Maybe this is all part of my own personal cosmic test. I wonder how I am doing.
We were friends, but I am not sure any man could resist those form fitting panties and that small top. Why would she wear this outfit to my bed? Couldn’t she throw on an oversize t-shirt so that I couldn’t see the perfect curve of her body. So that I couldn't see how the moonlight made her skin glow. So that I wouldn't feel like reaching out and grabbing her. Was this some kind of cosmic test? Or simply her way to test our friendship? Or does she truly not realize the affect she can have on a man? Well, nothing happened. But to be honest, I am not sure if I passed or failed the test.
I think about that night when the moon shines just right into my room. I wonder if I had acted, what would have happened. Would our relationship be different today? Would we still be friends? Would we be more than friends? Maybe this is all part of my own personal cosmic test. I wonder how I am doing.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Your Spouses Ex
One of my married friends got me thinking this weekend. You see, she is still friends with quite a few of her ex boyfriends. That doesn’t seem strange to me as I am still friends with my exes, but the strange part is that her husband is also friends with one of her ex boyfriends. As a matter of fact, I would say he is closer with her ex boyfriend than she is. Now this strikes me as a bit odd. I have to admit, I have met the guy and I like him too. However, as a joke, I have told her husband that he should wait until the day he catches this guy looking at his wife and lean over and whisper:
I think it would be hysterical and I am quite sure the response would be priceless. I would do it myself, but I don’t know the guy that well.
I am not sure I could be really close friends with someone who has seen my wife naked. What do you think? Could you become close friends with an ex of your spouse?
“You are picturing her naked right now aren’t you?”
I think it would be hysterical and I am quite sure the response would be priceless. I would do it myself, but I don’t know the guy that well.
I am not sure I could be really close friends with someone who has seen my wife naked. What do you think? Could you become close friends with an ex of your spouse?
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Lost Opportunity
Another morning commuting to work on the subway. The train is crowded, standing room only for me. It’s quiet on the train. A few people are holding conversations, but most of them are just sitting, or trying to get in a nap, or like me, listening to music. I have nine stops before I get to the city. I stand with my eyes closed, listening to the haunting horn of Chuck Mangione in my ears. I am holding onto a rail and just flowing with the movement of the train. Two stops down and seven more to go.
At the third stop, my eyes open and are immediately drawn to the door closest to me. She enters. A stranger, someone I have never seen before, but I can’t seem to stop looking at her, or am I now staring. She is beautiful. A brunette with straight hair and captivating eyes. Her makeup is perfect. There are no seats so she is forced to stand as well, and only a few feet from me. She is not tall enough to reach the overhead handrail, so she hangs onto one of the seats. Her back is to me and I can see that she either takes very good care of herself or is just blessed with a great figure. Her perfume invades my senses and I am forced to close my eyes and just take a deep breath. In that moment, I am totally enamored with this stranger. This beautiful stranger.
The car stops at the next stop and she almost looses her balance. I reach to catch her, but she recovers and never even notices me. I start to wonder where she is going? Where is her final stop? Does she work downtown like me? I’m suddenly aware that I have not taken my eyes off this stranger. Has she noticed? Has anyone else? How long have I been staring at her?
Stops come and go, my thoughts aren’t on them. My mind is totally occupied with this beautiful stranger. Should I talk to her? Do people really meet on the subway? Can it be that simple?
The train is to crowded. More people have boarded and now she is farther away. She is now out of reach. No chance to talk with her. No chance to explain the effect she had on me this morning.
We are under the Bay and I know my stop is next. Maybe she will get off with me. Maybe I will get my chance then. The train stops. The doors open. I move toward them. She doesn’t. My heart sinks a little. I walk across the platform and head toward the exits. Up the steps, out onto the street and into the crowd. I will be at work in five minutes, breakfast in hand with another opportunity lost.
Is it an opportunity lost? I don’t think so. At least I try not to think about it that way. I like to think of it as fifteen beautiful minutes on the train. Fifteen minutes filled with possibilities. Filled with hopes. Filled with dreams. Fifteen minutes of knowing that there is someone out there who can totally turn my world upside down. Someone who can make me feel the butterflies in my stomach. Someone who can make me dream of a time when I’m in love again. Fifteen minutes that will stay in my memory, forever.
At the third stop, my eyes open and are immediately drawn to the door closest to me. She enters. A stranger, someone I have never seen before, but I can’t seem to stop looking at her, or am I now staring. She is beautiful. A brunette with straight hair and captivating eyes. Her makeup is perfect. There are no seats so she is forced to stand as well, and only a few feet from me. She is not tall enough to reach the overhead handrail, so she hangs onto one of the seats. Her back is to me and I can see that she either takes very good care of herself or is just blessed with a great figure. Her perfume invades my senses and I am forced to close my eyes and just take a deep breath. In that moment, I am totally enamored with this stranger. This beautiful stranger.
The car stops at the next stop and she almost looses her balance. I reach to catch her, but she recovers and never even notices me. I start to wonder where she is going? Where is her final stop? Does she work downtown like me? I’m suddenly aware that I have not taken my eyes off this stranger. Has she noticed? Has anyone else? How long have I been staring at her?
Stops come and go, my thoughts aren’t on them. My mind is totally occupied with this beautiful stranger. Should I talk to her? Do people really meet on the subway? Can it be that simple?
The train is to crowded. More people have boarded and now she is farther away. She is now out of reach. No chance to talk with her. No chance to explain the effect she had on me this morning.
We are under the Bay and I know my stop is next. Maybe she will get off with me. Maybe I will get my chance then. The train stops. The doors open. I move toward them. She doesn’t. My heart sinks a little. I walk across the platform and head toward the exits. Up the steps, out onto the street and into the crowd. I will be at work in five minutes, breakfast in hand with another opportunity lost.
Is it an opportunity lost? I don’t think so. At least I try not to think about it that way. I like to think of it as fifteen beautiful minutes on the train. Fifteen minutes filled with possibilities. Filled with hopes. Filled with dreams. Fifteen minutes of knowing that there is someone out there who can totally turn my world upside down. Someone who can make me feel the butterflies in my stomach. Someone who can make me dream of a time when I’m in love again. Fifteen minutes that will stay in my memory, forever.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)