So, you're telling me that the Chicago Cubs lost two games today by a combined score of 23-7?

I can already feel that it's going to be a long season for all Cub fans...This one included.

Tread lightly Mr. President, tread lightly

When reading an article written by David Paul Kuhn for the LA Times (which also appeared in the Albany Times-Union), I stumbled across an interesting quote concerning President Obama, his liberal agenda, and the outstanding support he once had from white male voters which has all but disappeared.

 

"Think about the average working man. He has already seen financial bailouts for the rich folks above him. Now he sees a health care bailout for the poor folks below him. Big government represents lots of costs and little gain.

Meanwhile, like many women, these men are simply trying to push ahead without being pushed under. Some once believed in Obama. Now they feel forgotten."

My take on this: Right on the money. In my honest opinion, Democrats need to start treading lightly. I understand this health-care issue is being cast as a decided victory which gives them more political capital, but these issues are severely dividing the country. The tight margin by which health care was passed does not provide a mandate for the liberal agenda laid out by the President and Congress. If the President and his side of the aisle continue to ignore the wishes of the electorate and continue to abandon those that voted for him (especially those that were on the fence about him to begin with), the results will be apparent this fall in the mid-term election. That election emotion could very easily spill over to the next Presidential election.

Read the entire article: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=915922&category=OPINION&TextPage=2#ixzz0jUNler0Y

Decisions, decisions...

Ever made a decision that wasn't popular, but you knew it was the right thing to do? I think the hardest part about making a life-altering decision when you're married is that it doesn't only affect you. It has an effect on your spouse too. It's not easy, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But, if you truly feel in your heart it's what is best, stick to it. Don't allow yourself to be talked out of it. And plan, plan, plan. Because nobody is going to pull you up by your bootstraps. You have to make your own in life.

I can't wait.

I can tell you that time is passing. Time away from home is never easy. I'm not an alcoholic, and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night either. But, there are just some things you have to do in order to make your situation tolerable.

I think I'll just keep walkin'.

I've noticed

that most of the public reaction from healthcare comes from VERY different sides. Those that dislike it are typically those that have good jobs with health insurance, have a fairly decent amount of money (not especially well-off, but comfortable), and are generally from the South. Those that are typically in favor of it either do not have a job, or at least not a very good one. Their job doesn't offer benefits or health insurance (or they don't work enough hours to receive insurance benefits), they don't have a lot of money, and they are generally NOT from the South.

 

I'm not really trying to prove any type of theory, this is just an observation.

Bespoke dress shirts from Brooks Brothers

 

 

Not that I would ever have such a use for this service, yet I still find it awesome. You can completely custom-make your very own Brooks Brothers dress shirt here. Brooks Brothers clothing is classic, conservative, and a definition of American style. Whether dressy or casual, you'll find it online at the Brooks Brothers store.

 

God, that sounds like a commercial. But, I really like their clothes. I'm thinking a navy blazer/sport coat when I get home. Something nice so I can dress up some khakis and a dress shirt. You know, in case I need to go somewhere that requires a jacket, but I don't want to wear a suit. That'll do it.

 

 

Seriously, people still use Myspace?

I thought the headline was a joke when I read it, yet here it is:

Cops: Burglar Logs Into MySpace On Store Computer

According to the AP, a 17-year-old broke into a business, stayed in the building for FIVE HOURS, checked his Myspace, looked at some porn, and even tried to sell some of the goods he was still in the process of stealing, all while on the business computer.

Yep, you're a dumbass. And you still use Myspace. Seriously, who does that?

Bill, not killed.

Congress just passed a bill to overhaul the current health care system in the United States. I honestly cannot form an opinion on whether or not this bill should have been passed because I do not know exactly what it says. However, I've also said in the past that the current condition of health care in the US is unsustainable, and something needed to be done. Will this be the "right" something, we'll definitely be along for the ride to find out.

Funny thing is, the article I just read on NOLA.com has the headline that reads GOP: Dems Have "failed" America. Right next to that article, there is a non-scientific poll on the website which begs the question: "The House passed a landmark healthcare reform bill, giving coverage to 30 million uninsured. Is this what you wanted?" The results, you ask? 67% say yes, 33% say no.

Obviously this is a non-scientific poll in a city where a substantial amount of its citizens live below the poverty line, so you can take the results of that poll however you want. I still think that you can develop polls and questionnaires to achieve whatever ends you want. I think Fox News does the same thing. I think every news agency that wants to get their point across will find a poll that says what they want it to say in order to persuade the viewer. Pure propaganda 101.

The main issue with sweeping legislation like this is that it will take years for the true effects of the bill to be felt across the nation. It's not as if tomorrow all 30 million uninsured Americans will be able to go to the doctor on this new Government-funded health plan. That's just not going to happen, and I don't think that anyone feels as though that's the case.

However, I will admit that I do find this bill to be interesting, considering my aspirations to enter the health care field when it is time for me to leave the military. I'm almost positive this bill will create a huge need for specialists in the field which I am preparing to enter. This could turn out to be a very good thing. Nothing like a guaranteed job when I get out and get my education.

Well, I'm off to check out what is actually in this bill, since nobody really seems to know.

If you held a gun to my head,

and forced me to choose a favorite band...I'd most likely answer Emery. This is one of my favorite songs of theirs.



The Q & A after the song is pretty awesome too.

Aspirations for growth

I think I've always wanted to have a garden of some sorts. A friend told me pretty recently that even though some people see it as kinda girly or stupid, there is a true sense of accomplishment that comes with having your own garden. I think there's something very paternal about having your own garden. Like the fruits of your labor (no pun intended) go straight from your backyard to your kitchen table. I find that pretty cool.

 

Maybe when I get home I'll start scouting an area to dig up and plant something. If there isn't time to plant something, I'll just prepare the area and start a compost. That in itself will be a task I'll be ready to tackle.

Just to clarify,

I honestly do try to get along with everyone that I know. I don't go out of my way to hurt people's feelings, degrade them, or make them feel less of themselves. It's not in my nature, nor do I believe it should be in anyone's nature. As I've said before, I don't have space for that kind of negativity in my life. I think that every human being has good qualities about them, it is merely up to them to let these good qualities shine through their personality. It's what makes someone a likeable, easygoing, happy-go-lucky person, as opposed to a negative person with a general distaste for everyday life.

I will admit however, there are people that have qualities that are proportionally opposite of what you are. These people are just different than you. You can almost call them your exact opposite. Occasionally we come across them in our day to day existence, and sometimes they stick around. Sometimes you work with a person like this. Sometimes it's a significant other of a friend of yours. Sometimes it's just a guy that works behind the counter where you buy gas.

Sometimes, it's someone you used to be married to.

I wonder if there are people out there that just do the opposite of someone else, just for the sake of. I think there are a certain quality of people out there that just thrive on anger, thrive on argument, thrive on being a malcontent. At least towards a certain person. It's just in their genetics. I'm sure you know someone that you could be standing outside with, and you could say, "The sky is blue today," when in fact the sky is blue, and they would find a way to challenge what you said. It's just their nature.

I guess you could say that I'm flattered that I have that kind of effect on someone. I'm a little disappointed it's such a negative effect, but it's kind of intriguing that there's someone out there that is just hating my guts merely for existing. That we see things SO differently that a simple, adult conversation cannot take place without typical defamatory remarks, raising of voices, and dredging up of the past.

I am more than willing to admit that what I did to sever my previous marriage was wrong. I've admitted that to several people, and even told this to my ex. It doesn't make any difference. She will hold it against me for the rest of my life. Or at least until my daughter turns eighteen and leaves her house. Once that happens, we won't have anything to say to each other.

Then, and only then, will I achieve some peace and quiet.

This, in one form or another...

will be my next tattoo. I'm fully aware it resembles the State Flag of Louisiana, but when it makes a permanent indentation on my skin, it will look more like a tattoo. It will be a representation of the flag, but with that "good ol' tattoo style". I'm looking forward to it, because it will probably be the last one, at least for quite some time. Not that I'm running out of ideas, I'm just running out of good places to put these ideas. I love my tattoos, but I also realize there is a fine line between having tattoos and looking like a circus freak. I'd prefer to stay on the more conservative-looking side of that line, at least for the time being.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you...Shawarma!

That's right; say it with me...شاورما‎. I'm told it is chopped up chicken (although lamb is the most typical ingredient) and vegetables rolled up in a pita-like bread, also referred to as lafa.

Upon closer inspection, this odd concoction also contained picked cucumber, some kind of pepper and onion combination that made it somewhat spicy (not spicy to me, but I will admit it gave it a nice kick), and potato. Since by the time I got to this shawarma it was several hours old, it didn't cast the same spell on my that my other housemates fell victim to. Some of these guys eat three and four at a time. Possibly because they actually think these things taste good. Or, it could be that with the exchange rate, they cost about 50 cents apiece. Either way, these colleagues of mine buy in bulk and there are always massive amounts of leftovers.

I'm thinking tomorrow I'll unravel one of these Middle-Eastern masterpieces and see what is beneath the bread. I'll probably even scramble it with a couple of egg whites for a nice little breakfast, unless I'm appalled at what is actually in these things (which is a possibility I'm willing to accept).

Until then...

Taking off the mask, but just for a second.

Move along folks, nothing to see here...

Seriously, if you happen to stumble upon this cave where I sock away my private (well, not quite so private) thoughts; move along. I don't mind if you read, occasionally stop by to point and laugh, or whatever your motivations are to see what goes on in my head. As you'll find out by reading or even asking me point blank, I don't particularly enjoy writing for an audience. I just got done doing it for a college class, and it was not enjoyable. The topics were uninspiring, and therefore my output was unimpressive, at least to me it was. I got an A in the class, and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if I actually got the best grade in the class considering how many absolutely dreadful papers I peer-reviewed, but I digress.

Getting back to the subject at hand...Don't confuse the purpose, or the premise behind this small space of information superhighway. I do this for me. I was taught at a young age that getting your thoughts out of your head and on to a piece of paper (screen, since we're moving this into the 21st century, thank you very much) can be very therapeutic. They were right, and I'm taking full advantage of that. I actually had my very own Tumblr (different blogging website for those not in the know) account, and I deleted it because I wasn't sure I was thrilled about those that were reading what I was writing on a nearly daily basis. So, I took my ball and went to play somewhere else. I landed here.

Believe me, there are enough bloggers out there that are dying for people to read and care about what they say and think on a daily basis. It should be obvious by now that I'm not one of those types of bloggers. I don't want to scare anyone away, I just don't want the wrong people taking a peek inside of what I feel about everyday life. People that already have their minds made up about me, good, bad, or indifferent. I can't have them seeing me for what I am. I'd just as soon let them keep their prejudices or first impressions concerning me. It's really better off for everyone involved.

Funny thing is, I'm most likely viewed by someone that wears their heart on their sleeve. What they don't know is that I don't even say half of what is actually on my mind. Quite amusing, at least to me it is.

Bracket-busting madness

Now, this isn't an image of MY bracket. Especially considering this is a bracket from a couple years ago. I just thought I'd share my new once a year addiction. I never really thought I'd be into college basketball enough to partake in the insanity that is making a bracket for the NCAA Men's Tournament, but I was wrong. Never underestimate what boring surroundings will do to you. Not that college basketball is boring to me, I was just never really into it. I didn't put too much thought into my bracket, but I did take chances in choosing underdogs and evaluating talent on some of the teams I think have a real shot. I have watched a few games throughout the year, which doesn't give me a leg up, but it probably had influence on which teams I favored in certain situations. I'm looking forward to see how it turns out. I wish everyone else luck in their brackets.

Daily Losses Update

Seriously...Yesterday, the Dow and S&P 500 go up, my portfolio goes down. Today, the Dow and S&P 500 go down, my portfolio goes down...WHATTHEFUCK?!?!?!

One of my mutual funds is called a "Balanced Strategy"...NOT looking too balanced right now.

Don't these toolbag mutual fund managers realize I'm trying save to fund a college education, and dream house in NOLA, and a retirement too??? Get it together, already.

New Kitties!

My wife with one of our new kittens. The other one is a little too young to be handled, I suppose, so we won't get them until April 1st. Very exciting news indeed. It's been so long since I've had pets, this is a very exciting time.

I can't wait to get home now.

NSTR

In laymen's terms, or civilian-speak, the above acronym stands for "Nothing Significant To Report." It seems as though I could write that everyday since I've been in this awful existence of humankind.

I already carry a lifer-pad with me at all times (a small green notebook with which to take notes and write down significant happenings related to work), and I've done nothing but write personal things in them. For example I've averaged all of my bills for the year of 2009 and figured out what my "emergency" savings account should be if it were to hold one year's worth of expenses.

I've diligently taken notes on possibilities of nursing schools in different regions, their prerequisites, and approximate cost of tuition and fees for the first year.

Yes, I'm that bored. Yes, this place is that boring.

At least today I printed out two CLEP study guides, college-level algebra and US Government. Maybe I can turn this four-month debacle into 6 college credit hours. That would be boss.

Looking at my previous posts, it should be obvious I procured a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch. It's going to take some serious will-power to NOT hit that thing up every night.

Could possibly be the two newest additions to our family! I'm very excited. This will be a great "welcome home" present for me. Now, what to name them...

GPOYW, three fingers of Johnnie Walker Black edition.

Just thumbing through my pictures,

Oh, happy days.


And in my head, there's a Greyhound station
where I send my thoughts
to far off destinations
so they may have a chance
of finding a place where they're
far more suited than here.

A little story of ambition.

One day, this guy that was in the Navy (still is to this day) told me that there was really no point in just 'being in the Navy' for 20 years in your current role, whether it be enlisted or officer. What he was trying to tell me is that everyone that is in the Navy should attempt to use it as a "jumping off" point for the rest of their career, for the rest of their life. Whether that means using contacts that you met while in to land yourself a better job, using the education benefits to get yourself a great job when you get out, or something completely different, his point was that you need to DO SOMETHING. Don't just be complacent in your current job, because if you are then everyone else is going to pass you by. Someone that is hungrier than you is going to show their potential, and you're going to look stagnant.

He's right.

He may have been taking this time to tell me what his plans were for the next few years or so, but that was fine with me at the time. Sometimes people just want to be heard, they want their life plans and ideas to be heard. They want to be told their plan is foolproof, perfect. They want the person listening to aspire to something similar, even if it's something they're not even remotely interested in.

Whatever the case, whatever his motivations were at the time, I'm glad his advice hit home for me sooner than later.

Hmmm,

Do I have what it takes? I'm not even exactly sure what "it" is. I'm sure I could find out if I asked. I think I could have it.

Either way, I'm going to give it my best shot, and let the chips fall where they may.

I'll live here one day if it kills me. There's truly no place like home.

I still consider myself conservative/libertarian,

well, at least I DON'T consider myself socially liberal. I wouldn't like to start this off being political, but this has been on my mind the past couple of days. I don't like the idea of a "Government takeover of health care" like what is being portrayed as our current President's plan, but SOMETHING has to be done. The status quo is no longer an option, and it is no longer sustainable. As little as I agree with our President, he's correct.

Something else: Fox News has been making me nauseous lately. It's like I can't even watch it. I hope they'll still let me shop at Brooks Brothers and enjoy going to church and shooting guns. I won't get ostracized for not liking Fox News, right?