WARNING: If you don't care about the UFC, or are looking for additional content in this post, leave now. Nothing for you to see here.
I've enlisted the aid of two friends who are fans of the UFC. I asked them for their picks for UFC 93 on 1/17/09 to take place in Ireland. I hope to keep picking their brains all year and tracking how well we predict the outcomes of what is arguably one of the toughest sports to prognosticate.
Without further delay... here are our picks for the match-ups on the main card for UFC 93::
Chris Lytle v Marcus Davis:
Alan - Lytle by decision
Jorge - Davis by 3rd rd TKO
Roger - Lytle by 3rd rd submission
Jeremy Horn v Rousimar Palhares:
A/J/R - Palhares by 2nd rd sub
Alan Belcher v Denis Kang:
A - Kang by decision
J - Belcher by 2nd rd TKO
R - Kang by 3rd rd sub
Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua v Mark Coleman
A - Rua by 2nd rd sub
J - Rua by 3rd rd TKO
R - Rua by decision
Rich Franklin v Dan Henderson:
A - Franklin by 3rd rd TKO
J - Henderson by 3rd rd TKO (GnP)
R - Henderson by decision
Check back during the later part of Saturday 1/17 for the results (and to see which of us had the better night).
... Until Saturday night, fellow UFC fan...
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My wanderlust has been satiated ... for now
Hello,
You've probably been spoiled rotten by my many posts to start this year. Nevertheless, I've been keeping busy lately and haven't had as much time as I'd like to post this past week.
*sigh* Where to begin...
This past weekend, I had a severe case of wanderlust. I had originally planned out my weekend where I'd spend time with old friends (Saturday) and some family (Sunday). Unfortunately, I had gotten paid on Friday and felt the urge to get away from NY... away from everything and everyone... just get in the car and drive away... despite my plans.
I happened to be chatting with a friend online and told her of my need to getaway. I didn't have a destination in mind at the time and she had been very encouraging offering options for byways. I figured going back up to Boston, MA would do me some good. And perhaps a stop in Providence, RI on the way just to take in the vibe all over again would be refreshing to my soul. Ultimately, I'm not quite sure if it was through my powers of persuasion or simply kismet, she agreed to accompany me on this overnight trip. I grabbed my gym bag and packed it for the 2 day trip and went to her place.
As my friend walks over to the car, I wondered whether she really was prepared for the trip or maybe she just packs really light. When she sees my bag in the back seat, she looks at me and says "Oh, you were serious." Now, I know I tend to be pretty sarcastic, and it is difficult to gauge sarcasm in an IM, but I was devastated. I needed to leave!!
Just minutes ago, I was grateful to have a travel companion. Now this?? I was ready to tell her to just stay home so that I could head off alone. Much to my surprise, after explaining that I really was serious, she told me to give her 5 minutes to get a few things together in an overnight bag. I was back on my travel high and ready to hit the road.
At this point, snow had been falling for a few hours already and the roads were not only covered in dirty snow and slush but they were not salted or plowed yet. We driving in some terrible weather. Making matters worse (in terms of road conditions) was that we did not take the I-95 but rather the Merritt Parkway. Needless to say, we didn't quite make it to Providence on Saturday but we did stopped at an awesome little coffee shop in South Norwalk, CT called Caffeine. If you happen to be in the area, or driving through, take a load off and relax for a few. The decor is wildly clashing IMO but the place is quaint and cozy.
I also had the (guilty) pleasure of introducing my friend to the evil empire known as Ikea when we reached New Haven, CT. She had never been there and I was more than happy to take her inside to the Swedish wonderland. We didn't have time to hit the food court since we got there after they closed (they closed early due to the weather so we would have missed out either way). We did have some very helpful Ikea workers tell us where we could find lodging for the night and some eats nearby.
Sunday's leg of the trip started with more snow and more cleaning of the car (much as it had during practically EVERY stop on Saturday!). Yet this time things were a little different. The car wasn't covered in snow, as it had been the day before. No, on this morning, we had ice covering the entire car. Don't believe me?? See the pictures below.
OUTSIDE:
INSIDE:
Snow was no longer in the forecast for the day and after clearing off the car, we returned to Ikea for breakfast. Before you cast judgment, it was close by and the price was pretty good for the meals we got. The next stop was Mystic, CT. A fairly small town but one that my friend wanted to see so I showed her around as best I could (which, naturally, means we got somewhat lost... lol). Her love of anchors was rewarded as she managed to get a picture of a decent sized anchor on display near the harbor. After driving over the drawbridge over Mystic River, we made our way to Providence. (For those of you wondering, it wasn't JUST the name of a movie. It DOES actually exist.)
Providence is a city I happen to love dearly despite having only been there once before. Something about the small city vibe that seems to invigorate me. I'm not one to consider leaving NYC but if I ever did... Providence would be on my VERY short list of destinations. I wish I could tell you why. There isn't one specific thing. It's just the overall feel of the city. It's like a node of revitalizing energy emanates from the ground when I'm there. It's very strange but I love it. I applied to Brown for grad school in the hopes of entering their Demography program. After walking through the campus and visiting the local area, that desire extended to the entire city and not just that school. I almost felt like I needed to be there.
Now here I was a few years later... and I felt like I was back home.
The weather was not conducive to walking around but there really doesn't seem to be much to do in Providence but walk and admire the mismatched architecture. At least this was the case for us who arrived without an itinerary or destination in mind. There were no list of tourist attractions. Just Google Maps and an iPhone. An iPhone that needed to be charged!!
After walking down Benefit Street (and back on South/North Main St.), we decided to find a charger so that my navigator could have a functioning phone. Throughout Saturday, it proved to be indispensable and I was willing to go the extra mile to find a place where a car charger could be purchased (preferably one with audio playback capabilities). I was sure that we would need the phone on the ride back home.
To quote my friend: "Providence is all anchors and hills and bliss and NO FUCKING SIGNS but hey is that too much to ask for?"
After a few futile attempts at purchasing the charger at Radio Shack, Staples, and FYE, (not to mention futile attempts at FINDING the freaking strip mall where these stores were located!) we gave in and went to the Apple Store at a mall in Providence. With charger in hand and a rumbling in our bellies, we made our way to a restaurant on the other side of town. By now, we had driven back and forth often enough to know our way around the city already. We had dinner at a Portuguese restaurant - a Madeiran restaurant for those of you requesting more details.
On the ride home, we vibed to a variety of good music courtesy of the charging iPhone. We returned home much the same way we made it up to this area: down the I-95 until we could hop back onto the Merritt Parkway. Though the ride wasn't completely without incident.
My friend had to pee pretty badly... and when she mentioned it to me, I agreed to stop at the next rest area. I missed the exit... of course I did. What else would I do on this trip?? The next chance I had to get to off the highway... I got out one exit early. *SIGH* I should have expected something like that would happen.
We eventually made it to a Dunkin Donuts where you will find the worst men's room door in the history of any public establishment!! It starts easy to open, then it gets really hard to open. By the time you exert extra pressure to open the door completely, it loosens up again. It's a cruel practical joke on the customers of that Dunkin Donuts. I was looking around for the video cameras.
That's where the final pics in this photo set were taken and where I bought my final cup of coffee for the day. That coffee cup would only be half full by the time I managed to get a sip out of it because my travel buddy felt it was her prerogative to help herself to my coffee. Madness!! It was getting late on Sunday night and she dares deprive the driver of his coffee?? Someone has a death wish.
We made it back without incident (other than dodging two fools who decided to play a hybrid of chicken and leapfrog with their cars in the passing lane!). My friend had to pee yet again and she managed to get back upstairs with her Ikea booty and overnight bag in hand.
As for me... I came back relieved, revitalized, and refreshed. I had an amazing weekend and will be eternally grateful that my friend went with me. It wouldn't have been the same had I gone alone.
For the people I upset that day by flaking on our plans and for ignoring your phone calls and texts, I apologize. I needed this time to disconnect from everything that kept me grounded in NY. If you know me and care about my well-being, I know you will understand.
This was truly one of the best road trips I've ever had!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I bid you farewell for now. Until next time, faithful reader...
You've probably been spoiled rotten by my many posts to start this year. Nevertheless, I've been keeping busy lately and haven't had as much time as I'd like to post this past week.
*sigh* Where to begin...
This past weekend, I had a severe case of wanderlust. I had originally planned out my weekend where I'd spend time with old friends (Saturday) and some family (Sunday). Unfortunately, I had gotten paid on Friday and felt the urge to get away from NY... away from everything and everyone... just get in the car and drive away... despite my plans.
I happened to be chatting with a friend online and told her of my need to getaway. I didn't have a destination in mind at the time and she had been very encouraging offering options for byways. I figured going back up to Boston, MA would do me some good. And perhaps a stop in Providence, RI on the way just to take in the vibe all over again would be refreshing to my soul. Ultimately, I'm not quite sure if it was through my powers of persuasion or simply kismet, she agreed to accompany me on this overnight trip. I grabbed my gym bag and packed it for the 2 day trip and went to her place.
As my friend walks over to the car, I wondered whether she really was prepared for the trip or maybe she just packs really light. When she sees my bag in the back seat, she looks at me and says "Oh, you were serious." Now, I know I tend to be pretty sarcastic, and it is difficult to gauge sarcasm in an IM, but I was devastated. I needed to leave!!
Just minutes ago, I was grateful to have a travel companion. Now this?? I was ready to tell her to just stay home so that I could head off alone. Much to my surprise, after explaining that I really was serious, she told me to give her 5 minutes to get a few things together in an overnight bag. I was back on my travel high and ready to hit the road.
At this point, snow had been falling for a few hours already and the roads were not only covered in dirty snow and slush but they were not salted or plowed yet. We driving in some terrible weather. Making matters worse (in terms of road conditions) was that we did not take the I-95 but rather the Merritt Parkway. Needless to say, we didn't quite make it to Providence on Saturday but we did stopped at an awesome little coffee shop in South Norwalk, CT called Caffeine. If you happen to be in the area, or driving through, take a load off and relax for a few. The decor is wildly clashing IMO but the place is quaint and cozy.
I also had the (guilty) pleasure of introducing my friend to the evil empire known as Ikea when we reached New Haven, CT. She had never been there and I was more than happy to take her inside to the Swedish wonderland. We didn't have time to hit the food court since we got there after they closed (they closed early due to the weather so we would have missed out either way). We did have some very helpful Ikea workers tell us where we could find lodging for the night and some eats nearby.
Sunday's leg of the trip started with more snow and more cleaning of the car (much as it had during practically EVERY stop on Saturday!). Yet this time things were a little different. The car wasn't covered in snow, as it had been the day before. No, on this morning, we had ice covering the entire car. Don't believe me?? See the pictures below.
OUTSIDE:
INSIDE:
Snow was no longer in the forecast for the day and after clearing off the car, we returned to Ikea for breakfast. Before you cast judgment, it was close by and the price was pretty good for the meals we got. The next stop was Mystic, CT. A fairly small town but one that my friend wanted to see so I showed her around as best I could (which, naturally, means we got somewhat lost... lol). Her love of anchors was rewarded as she managed to get a picture of a decent sized anchor on display near the harbor. After driving over the drawbridge over Mystic River, we made our way to Providence. (For those of you wondering, it wasn't JUST the name of a movie. It DOES actually exist.)
Providence is a city I happen to love dearly despite having only been there once before. Something about the small city vibe that seems to invigorate me. I'm not one to consider leaving NYC but if I ever did... Providence would be on my VERY short list of destinations. I wish I could tell you why. There isn't one specific thing. It's just the overall feel of the city. It's like a node of revitalizing energy emanates from the ground when I'm there. It's very strange but I love it. I applied to Brown for grad school in the hopes of entering their Demography program. After walking through the campus and visiting the local area, that desire extended to the entire city and not just that school. I almost felt like I needed to be there.
Now here I was a few years later... and I felt like I was back home.
The weather was not conducive to walking around but there really doesn't seem to be much to do in Providence but walk and admire the mismatched architecture. At least this was the case for us who arrived without an itinerary or destination in mind. There were no list of tourist attractions. Just Google Maps and an iPhone. An iPhone that needed to be charged!!
After walking down Benefit Street (and back on South/North Main St.), we decided to find a charger so that my navigator could have a functioning phone. Throughout Saturday, it proved to be indispensable and I was willing to go the extra mile to find a place where a car charger could be purchased (preferably one with audio playback capabilities). I was sure that we would need the phone on the ride back home.
To quote my friend: "Providence is all anchors and hills and bliss and NO FUCKING SIGNS but hey is that too much to ask for?"
After a few futile attempts at purchasing the charger at Radio Shack, Staples, and FYE, (not to mention futile attempts at FINDING the freaking strip mall where these stores were located!) we gave in and went to the Apple Store at a mall in Providence. With charger in hand and a rumbling in our bellies, we made our way to a restaurant on the other side of town. By now, we had driven back and forth often enough to know our way around the city already. We had dinner at a Portuguese restaurant - a Madeiran restaurant for those of you requesting more details.
On the ride home, we vibed to a variety of good music courtesy of the charging iPhone. We returned home much the same way we made it up to this area: down the I-95 until we could hop back onto the Merritt Parkway. Though the ride wasn't completely without incident.
My friend had to pee pretty badly... and when she mentioned it to me, I agreed to stop at the next rest area. I missed the exit... of course I did. What else would I do on this trip?? The next chance I had to get to off the highway... I got out one exit early. *SIGH* I should have expected something like that would happen.
We eventually made it to a Dunkin Donuts where you will find the worst men's room door in the history of any public establishment!! It starts easy to open, then it gets really hard to open. By the time you exert extra pressure to open the door completely, it loosens up again. It's a cruel practical joke on the customers of that Dunkin Donuts. I was looking around for the video cameras.
That's where the final pics in this photo set were taken and where I bought my final cup of coffee for the day. That coffee cup would only be half full by the time I managed to get a sip out of it because my travel buddy felt it was her prerogative to help herself to my coffee. Madness!! It was getting late on Sunday night and she dares deprive the driver of his coffee?? Someone has a death wish.
We made it back without incident (other than dodging two fools who decided to play a hybrid of chicken and leapfrog with their cars in the passing lane!). My friend had to pee yet again and she managed to get back upstairs with her Ikea booty and overnight bag in hand.
As for me... I came back relieved, revitalized, and refreshed. I had an amazing weekend and will be eternally grateful that my friend went with me. It wouldn't have been the same had I gone alone.
For the people I upset that day by flaking on our plans and for ignoring your phone calls and texts, I apologize. I needed this time to disconnect from everything that kept me grounded in NY. If you know me and care about my well-being, I know you will understand.
This was truly one of the best road trips I've ever had!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I bid you farewell for now. Until next time, faithful reader...
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Playlist # 6 (Freestyle Follow-up) + Driving Pet Peeves (the short list)
Hello there,
I've gotten bit by the "list" bug... so for today's entry I'm offering you the follow-up to my Ultimate Freestyle Playlist and a few selections from my list of Driving Pet Peeves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I took you back with the original list of Freestyle songs... this one revisits some of the freestyle songs we all vibed to when they were out. These artists didn't stay on the scene long and essentially these songs were their only hits. Some you may know by song title, some you may know by artist (but I doubt it), but they're all freestyle hits...
This is Playlist #6.
These are your Freestyle One Hit Wonders:
Dzyre - Forever Amor
Laissez Faire - In Paradise
Linear - Sending All My Love
Taana Gardner - Heartbeat
Jaya (featuring Stevie B.) - If You Leave Me Now
Jellybean (featuring India) - Dancing on the Fire
Nyasia - Who's Got Your Love
Shana - I Want You
Stacey Q - Two of Hearts
Denise Lopez - Sayin' Sorry Don't Make It Right
Information Society - Running
Amoretto - Clave Rocks
Hanson & Davis - Hungry For Your Love
Nocera - Summertime Summertime
Company B - Fascinated
Pretty Poison - Catch Me I'm Fallin'
Seduction - Two To Make It Right
Rockell - In A Dream
Jocelyn Enriquez - Do You Miss Me?
Lina Santiago - Feels So Good
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I know there are many MANY M-A-N-Y that set me off when I'm on the road. Stupid behavior, bad decision making, and general idiocy make up the list of my pet peeves. I will not list them all here but I will pick off items from my list and post them as I see them. There is no ranking or order importance to them so don't over-analyze and misinterpret the #'s of the pet peeves.
My Driving Pet Peeves
#1 - Seeing anyone on the road that validates my Three Group Theory! Just the fear of being around bad driving behavior gets me on edge with these folks. (Granted any of these other behaviors may - and typically - are exhibited by drivers in this category)
#27 - Signal blinking but not changing lanes or turning anywhere!! Seriously?? You don't hear the click-click-click-click inside your vehicle? Either put down the phone or turn down your music because you're being a real douche to the rest of us out there behind you!!
#18 - I certainly cannot and should not expect others to speed (as soon as I pass you, I will. You can count on it!) but can we at least COME CLOSE TO THE FREAKING speed limit when driving on local roads!! WTF is up with driving straight down a street at 18mph in a 30mph zone!!! I'd get it if you were turning at the next intersection but if not... move aside, grandma! You're keeping us from our destinations over here!!
#9 - Drivers who cut you off so that you can't pass them... only to see said vehicle passed by about a dozen cars that were behind you!!
#11 - Hiccup drivers. You know who they are. They hesitate and drive as if their car was hiccuping. Are they going to take advantage of the space I'm giving them on the highway so they can change into my lane? (e.g. There they go... oh no... false alarm. Let me speed up then and let them get behind me... WTF... you almost hit me you crazy hippie!!! Oh sorry... little old Asian lady!! Watch where you're going!)
#6 - Drivers that cannot stay in their God-forsaken, mother-f***king lane!!! The lines really are there for a reason!!! Pick a freaking lane!! (Sometimes these folks are also guilty of #9)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*sigh* OK. I feel better now.
Thanks for stopping by again. I appreciate you taking the time to visit my little digital hole in the wall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time, faithful reader.......
I've gotten bit by the "list" bug... so for today's entry I'm offering you the follow-up to my Ultimate Freestyle Playlist and a few selections from my list of Driving Pet Peeves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I took you back with the original list of Freestyle songs... this one revisits some of the freestyle songs we all vibed to when they were out. These artists didn't stay on the scene long and essentially these songs were their only hits. Some you may know by song title, some you may know by artist (but I doubt it), but they're all freestyle hits...
This is Playlist #6.
These are your Freestyle One Hit Wonders:
Dzyre - Forever Amor
Laissez Faire - In Paradise
Linear - Sending All My Love
Taana Gardner - Heartbeat
Jaya (featuring Stevie B.) - If You Leave Me Now
Jellybean (featuring India) - Dancing on the Fire
Nyasia - Who's Got Your Love
Shana - I Want You
Stacey Q - Two of Hearts
Denise Lopez - Sayin' Sorry Don't Make It Right
Information Society - Running
Amoretto - Clave Rocks
Hanson & Davis - Hungry For Your Love
Nocera - Summertime Summertime
Company B - Fascinated
Pretty Poison - Catch Me I'm Fallin'
Seduction - Two To Make It Right
Rockell - In A Dream
Jocelyn Enriquez - Do You Miss Me?
Lina Santiago - Feels So Good
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I know there are many MANY M-A-N-Y that set me off when I'm on the road. Stupid behavior, bad decision making, and general idiocy make up the list of my pet peeves. I will not list them all here but I will pick off items from my list and post them as I see them. There is no ranking or order importance to them so don't over-analyze and misinterpret the #'s of the pet peeves.
My Driving Pet Peeves
#1 - Seeing anyone on the road that validates my Three Group Theory! Just the fear of being around bad driving behavior gets me on edge with these folks. (Granted any of these other behaviors may - and typically - are exhibited by drivers in this category)
#27 - Signal blinking but not changing lanes or turning anywhere!! Seriously?? You don't hear the click-click-click-click inside your vehicle? Either put down the phone or turn down your music because you're being a real douche to the rest of us out there behind you!!
#18 - I certainly cannot and should not expect others to speed (as soon as I pass you, I will. You can count on it!) but can we at least COME CLOSE TO THE FREAKING speed limit when driving on local roads!! WTF is up with driving straight down a street at 18mph in a 30mph zone!!! I'd get it if you were turning at the next intersection but if not... move aside, grandma! You're keeping us from our destinations over here!!
#9 - Drivers who cut you off so that you can't pass them... only to see said vehicle passed by about a dozen cars that were behind you!!
#11 - Hiccup drivers. You know who they are. They hesitate and drive as if their car was hiccuping. Are they going to take advantage of the space I'm giving them on the highway so they can change into my lane? (e.g. There they go... oh no... false alarm. Let me speed up then and let them get behind me... WTF... you almost hit me you crazy hippie!!! Oh sorry... little old Asian lady!! Watch where you're going!)
#6 - Drivers that cannot stay in their God-forsaken, mother-f***king lane!!! The lines really are there for a reason!!! Pick a freaking lane!! (Sometimes these folks are also guilty of #9)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*sigh* OK. I feel better now.
Thanks for stopping by again. I appreciate you taking the time to visit my little digital hole in the wall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time, faithful reader.......
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Failed Blog Topics... or The Unpublished Posts of 2008
Greetings friend,
I sincerely hope this entry finds you in good spirits in this "New Year" 2009!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the several weeks that I have been blogging, I have come up with many ideas while away from a computer that I would scribble on Post-Its, napkins, or any other surface that would accept ink from a ballpoint pen (except for my skin... that's so 6th grade!). The ideas have ranged from the deep and profound to asinine and nonsensical. Some have been published and others have laid dormant in my "Drafts" folder.
I am about to unveil a few of the ideas from 2008 that didn't make it to the "Published" phase of my blog. Enjoy!
-- writing about New Yorkers' negative attitude towards... well... just about everyone!
This idea was proposed by a friend of mine when I was struggling with a bout of writer's block. I wasn't particularly moved by the idea since I know NYers get a bad rap when it comes to how we deal with strangers. But we're not nearly as bad as we're reputed to be.
Before you start demanding my head on a platter, understand that I am fully aware that the majority of us are, in fact, jerks. Most of us wouldn't lift a finger to help another in need and would snicker at someone who is asking for directions and go about our day (either that or guide the person in the opposite direction). All in all, we're really not that terrible. At least, not terrible enough for me to write about.
-- Excerpts from the insecure man's diary
I had this idea of starting a "diary" that would describe the actions and thoughts of an insecure young male. Some of the stories would be taken from personal experiences (exaggerated, of course) but mostly it would just be a reflection of typical "shy guy" behavior.
However, I didn't think I really had enough to work with. Also, though I had some setups for a few passages, I just didn't care enough about the "insecure man". I might revisit this but I sincerely doubt it.
-- Anything related to my father
I'm sure that there will be a future post that will be related to him in some capacity or another. But, to be honest... I've given too much time, energy, and thought to him throughout the majority of my adult life and I just need a break from him for a while. For those who don't know, I haven't had any contact with my father since my senior year of high school... by choice. If you want to know why... Let's just say he was not a nice man to my family.
-- Rewriting lyrics to popular holiday songs
This was a sure-fire blog abortion waiting to happen. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Alkie, Frosty the "Snow"man, etc.
I can keep going but let's just leave this idea buried and forgotten forever. We shall never speak of this again! lol.
-- The breakup of my engagement
For some fairly obvious reasons, I chose not to write about this.
It's not so much because it's a painful memory to revisit or because it was a terribly sad moment of my life. On the contrary, it was huge relief to have such a mature, rational conversation with a well thought out resolution to our relationship. It propelled me to continue full throttle into the new credo I had adopted of seeking out people, things, and activities that make me happy and bring joy to my life.
The two main reasons why I didn't write about the break-up are:
(1) it's a very personal experience and it's not MY story to share. It's OUR story. For as much as I love opening up on this blog about many topics, there are some things I feel should be kept close to the vest. This happens to be one of them. Also...
(2) everyone else has reacted pretty badly to our break-up. Some took it so hard that I almost felt bad that I even mentioned it after seeing how heartbroken they were with the news. Others refuse to believe that we really are OK with our decision to split. They keep insisting that we are simply hiding our true feelings and that they will erupt one day despite repeatedly reassuring them that we know this is in the best interest of us both.
Time will surely prove them wrong and they'll learn to accept our decision. But I certainly won't be blogging about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well those are the failed blogs of 2008. I hope you enjoyed them. Rest assured that it was better to digest these ideas in this form rather than reading the full blog version! Trust me!!
Until next time, faithful reader.....
I sincerely hope this entry finds you in good spirits in this "New Year" 2009!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the several weeks that I have been blogging, I have come up with many ideas while away from a computer that I would scribble on Post-Its, napkins, or any other surface that would accept ink from a ballpoint pen (except for my skin... that's so 6th grade!). The ideas have ranged from the deep and profound to asinine and nonsensical. Some have been published and others have laid dormant in my "Drafts" folder.
I am about to unveil a few of the ideas from 2008 that didn't make it to the "Published" phase of my blog. Enjoy!
-- writing about New Yorkers' negative attitude towards... well... just about everyone!
This idea was proposed by a friend of mine when I was struggling with a bout of writer's block. I wasn't particularly moved by the idea since I know NYers get a bad rap when it comes to how we deal with strangers. But we're not nearly as bad as we're reputed to be.
Before you start demanding my head on a platter, understand that I am fully aware that the majority of us are, in fact, jerks. Most of us wouldn't lift a finger to help another in need and would snicker at someone who is asking for directions and go about our day (either that or guide the person in the opposite direction). All in all, we're really not that terrible. At least, not terrible enough for me to write about.
-- Excerpts from the insecure man's diary
I had this idea of starting a "diary" that would describe the actions and thoughts of an insecure young male. Some of the stories would be taken from personal experiences (exaggerated, of course) but mostly it would just be a reflection of typical "shy guy" behavior.
However, I didn't think I really had enough to work with. Also, though I had some setups for a few passages, I just didn't care enough about the "insecure man". I might revisit this but I sincerely doubt it.
-- Anything related to my father
I'm sure that there will be a future post that will be related to him in some capacity or another. But, to be honest... I've given too much time, energy, and thought to him throughout the majority of my adult life and I just need a break from him for a while. For those who don't know, I haven't had any contact with my father since my senior year of high school... by choice. If you want to know why... Let's just say he was not a nice man to my family.
-- Rewriting lyrics to popular holiday songs
This was a sure-fire blog abortion waiting to happen. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Alkie, Frosty the "Snow"man, etc.
I can keep going but let's just leave this idea buried and forgotten forever. We shall never speak of this again! lol.
-- The breakup of my engagement
For some fairly obvious reasons, I chose not to write about this.
It's not so much because it's a painful memory to revisit or because it was a terribly sad moment of my life. On the contrary, it was huge relief to have such a mature, rational conversation with a well thought out resolution to our relationship. It propelled me to continue full throttle into the new credo I had adopted of seeking out people, things, and activities that make me happy and bring joy to my life.
The two main reasons why I didn't write about the break-up are:
(1) it's a very personal experience and it's not MY story to share. It's OUR story. For as much as I love opening up on this blog about many topics, there are some things I feel should be kept close to the vest. This happens to be one of them. Also...
(2) everyone else has reacted pretty badly to our break-up. Some took it so hard that I almost felt bad that I even mentioned it after seeing how heartbroken they were with the news. Others refuse to believe that we really are OK with our decision to split. They keep insisting that we are simply hiding our true feelings and that they will erupt one day despite repeatedly reassuring them that we know this is in the best interest of us both.
Time will surely prove them wrong and they'll learn to accept our decision. But I certainly won't be blogging about it.
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Well those are the failed blogs of 2008. I hope you enjoyed them. Rest assured that it was better to digest these ideas in this form rather than reading the full blog version! Trust me!!
Until next time, faithful reader.....
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Is it nauseous or nauseated?... and all about the "Friend Zone"
Hello everyone,
My apologies for those who have relied on my words to carry you through your dull and sometimes unfulfilling work days. For those of you in that category, I fully expect you to be able to recite my last 5 entries verbatim and without peeking. ;) I'll call you later tonight to quiz you.
For those of you "normal" folks... welcome back to the next installment of my ramblings here inside my thought repository:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I recently came across an interesting rant on the misuse of the English language, specifically, the difference between 'nauseous' and 'nauseated' (http://phrogz.net/nodes/nauseous.asp). Essentially, the argument is that we have misused these two words so often that it has become an acceptable error in the popular vernacular. Most people aren't even aware that they are misusing the word 'nauseous'.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary (and many other reputable dictionaries), nauseous is listed as an adjective meaning:
(1) Causing nausea; sickening: "the most nauseous offal fit for the gods" (John Fowles); (2) Usage Problem Affected with nausea.
Nauseated is an adjective that means to feel, or cause to, feel nausea.
So the next time a roller coaster ride (or a cab ride after a night of drunken revelry) makes you feel queasy, remember that the ride was nauseous but you, in fact, feel nauseated. Interestingly, even scholars who criticize the misuse of nauseous to indicate 'feeling nausea', they themselves are guilty of classifying things that make people nauseous - such as roller coasters and cab rides - as nauseous and NOT nauseating.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For some reason, I have had several conversations lately with my friends about friendships, hooking up, general dating, and the dreaded "friend zone" that "nice guys" tend to find themselves in. In the spirit of offering sage advice and general feedback, I refer you now to the online men's magazine Womopo
(What is Womopo? Womopo is an online men's magazine with one simple mission: help men become better men in every way. The site delivers weekly content helping men improve their skills and knowledge with women, money, and power.)
For my insecure male friends (or just the ones who feel they're always put on the back burner when talking to girls only to find themselves as "just friends") and to my female readers, here's some food for thought:
"Top 5 Ways Guys End Up in the Friend Zone"
"How To Tell You're in the Friend Zone"
"How To Get Out Of The Friend Zone in 3 Steps"
I wonder if this will spark conversations among you and your friends. If so, feel free to comment and sound off on what you agree with what you disagree with. Or just let me know how you (and others) reacted to this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well... It has been a long week first week of 2009 (in a good way) and I need to get back to my normal sleep patterns... lol.
Until next time, faithful reader....
My apologies for those who have relied on my words to carry you through your dull and sometimes unfulfilling work days. For those of you in that category, I fully expect you to be able to recite my last 5 entries verbatim and without peeking. ;) I'll call you later tonight to quiz you.
For those of you "normal" folks... welcome back to the next installment of my ramblings here inside my thought repository:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I recently came across an interesting rant on the misuse of the English language, specifically, the difference between 'nauseous' and 'nauseated' (http://phrogz.net/nodes/nauseous.asp). Essentially, the argument is that we have misused these two words so often that it has become an acceptable error in the popular vernacular. Most people aren't even aware that they are misusing the word 'nauseous'.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary (and many other reputable dictionaries), nauseous is listed as an adjective meaning:
(1) Causing nausea; sickening: "the most nauseous offal fit for the gods" (John Fowles); (2) Usage Problem Affected with nausea.
Nauseated is an adjective that means to feel, or cause to, feel nausea.
So the next time a roller coaster ride (or a cab ride after a night of drunken revelry) makes you feel queasy, remember that the ride was nauseous but you, in fact, feel nauseated. Interestingly, even scholars who criticize the misuse of nauseous to indicate 'feeling nausea', they themselves are guilty of classifying things that make people nauseous - such as roller coasters and cab rides - as nauseous and NOT nauseating.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For some reason, I have had several conversations lately with my friends about friendships, hooking up, general dating, and the dreaded "friend zone" that "nice guys" tend to find themselves in. In the spirit of offering sage advice and general feedback, I refer you now to the online men's magazine Womopo
(What is Womopo? Womopo is an online men's magazine with one simple mission: help men become better men in every way. The site delivers weekly content helping men improve their skills and knowledge with women, money, and power.)
For my insecure male friends (or just the ones who feel they're always put on the back burner when talking to girls only to find themselves as "just friends") and to my female readers, here's some food for thought:
"Top 5 Ways Guys End Up in the Friend Zone"
"How To Tell You're in the Friend Zone"
"How To Get Out Of The Friend Zone in 3 Steps"
I wonder if this will spark conversations among you and your friends. If so, feel free to comment and sound off on what you agree with what you disagree with. Or just let me know how you (and others) reacted to this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well... It has been a long week first week of 2009 (in a good way) and I need to get back to my normal sleep patterns... lol.
Until next time, faithful reader....
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