50 ODD Things about you! Now that you are reading - you too have
to fill it out!Learn 50 things about your friends and family, and let
them learn 50 things about you!
1. Do you like blue cheese? Don't like, love!
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? Yes.
3. Do you own a gun? No. I don't .
4. What flavor do you add to your drink
at sonic? None, I like it straight.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor
appointments? No, not even when I had skin cancer.
6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Dodger dogs or Kosher works for me.
7. Favorite Christmas movie?
It's a Wonderful Life. Any of those claymation ones from the 60's! Ok... I like Christmas
Vacation too.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the
morning? Coffee with cream.
9. Can you do pushups? Yes with considerable cheering.
10. Age? I'm in the 45 - 54 age group demographic. Hee Hee
11. What's your favorite piece of
jewelry? My wedding ring. It means the world to me.
12. Favorite hobby? Writing. Reading. Having my kids call me out:)
13. Favorite Actor? Not many current ones. They tend to suck.
14. Do you have A.D.D.? Nope.
15. What's one trait you hate about
yourself? Suspicious, guarded, shy.
16. Middle name? Robert
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact
moment? The kids are finally slowing down, I got sunburnt, I hope I get laid tonight:)
18. Name 3 things you bought
yesterday/today: Lindens and multiple items from Schwans
19. Name three drinks you regularlydrink? Smartwater, Coffee, Diet Coke/Pepsi
20. Current worries? Bills.
Logistics. Will the twins ever sleep in their own beds?
21. Current hate right now? Morons. haters. People who do not respect boundaries.
22. Favorite place to be? There is
no place like home :)
23. How did you bring in the New
Year? With a big RL hoo!
24. Where would you like to go?
Greece or Ireland
25. Name three people who will complete
this ? Parker, my two alts
26. Do you own slippers? Good lord no, summer baby you go barefoot!!
27. What shirt are you wearing? A t shirt from the ventura Surf Shop.
28. Do you like sleeping on satin
sheets? I can sleep on anything at this point of the game.
29. Can you whistle? Yes, from years of playing the outfield during Little league on up :)
30. Favorite color? Blue
31. Would you be a pirate? No, I've read about RL Pirates, very skanky people. However, I would have no objections to playing for the Pittsburg Pirates.
32. What songs do you sing in the
shower? Soft porn soundtrack/background music.
33. Favorite girl's name? Rachel and Kimberly
34. Favorite boy's name? Simon,
Zachary and Noah and Ryan, Russell and Rory.
35. What is in your pocket right
now? not a darn thing
36. Last thing that made you
laugh? The kids
37. Best bed sheets as a child? My Mom made some with a Hawaiian print thing going.
38. Worst injury you've ever had?
Tagging a guy out at home in College, he crashed into my knee, dislocated so my kneecap was turned to the back off my leg. Held onto the ball and we beat USC. God, I hate those guys. Sorry Am.
39. Do you love where you live? If I'm around the fam, it's all good.
40. How many TVs do you have in your
house? 4
41. Who is your loudest friend? My
5 year old Simon
42. How many dogs do you have? 1
big lug named Feliz
43. Does someone have a crush on
you? Me. no way....
44. What is your favorite book(s)?
The Kite Runner is great, My fav is The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie
45. Where were you born? Downey, California
46. What is your favorite candy?
Peanut M and M's
47. Favorite Sports Team? Diamondbacks, Dodgers, LA Rams ( I know....I know)
48. What song(s) do you want played at
your funeral? Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
49. What were you doing at 12AM?
Staring into the Abyss
50. What was the first thing you thought
of when you woke up? Mr. Yellowhair
OK - Parker and Lizz you are NEXT!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Career Decisions
I've been toying with the idea of getting more consistent SL work. I need something a little more involved to occupy my time in SL. Clubbing is fun and will continue to be, but perhaps its time to change things up just a bit.
Lo and behold, opportunity comes a knocking. Through an acquaintance at a club, she informed me that they are looking for uniformed and undercover security at a free sex island. The blogging opportunities alone boggle the mind. So i have to send a notecard to those responsible indicating my interest. I intend to do just that.
A question to those more experienced with the art of orbiting. Do you just zoom them out or do you have an individualized catch phrase? You know, like those guys at the airport who send jets on their way?
I have been cautioned by a brunette of some distinction, that what kind of quality can there be when the sex is free? You get what you pay for was is one of my Dad's mantras. BTW, I don't think Pops ever went to a free sex island:) We will see and time will tell.
Will I partake? Naw, I highly doubt it. That wouldn't be professional. I'd probably lose all objectivity along with my pants. However, I must admit to you that blogging about sexual spastics might increase my readership. Reflections of a sex cop...... I Like it:)
Lo and behold, opportunity comes a knocking. Through an acquaintance at a club, she informed me that they are looking for uniformed and undercover security at a free sex island. The blogging opportunities alone boggle the mind. So i have to send a notecard to those responsible indicating my interest. I intend to do just that.
A question to those more experienced with the art of orbiting. Do you just zoom them out or do you have an individualized catch phrase? You know, like those guys at the airport who send jets on their way?
I have been cautioned by a brunette of some distinction, that what kind of quality can there be when the sex is free? You get what you pay for was is one of my Dad's mantras. BTW, I don't think Pops ever went to a free sex island:) We will see and time will tell.
Will I partake? Naw, I highly doubt it. That wouldn't be professional. I'd probably lose all objectivity along with my pants. However, I must admit to you that blogging about sexual spastics might increase my readership. Reflections of a sex cop...... I Like it:)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thank You
I just want to briefly thank all those that swung by yesterday for the rezz day festivities for Kimala and myself. It was a great time and I was touched by your well wishes and your participation. I've met some incredible people in SL. I been through the range of emotions in SL. It's been quite a year.
I would be remiss to not give a major kudo to Kimala. She is alot of things to me in both worlds. She is always there to help me out, which happens quite frequently:). She is the reason for staying in SL to this point. I'd be kidding myself if i didn't acknowledge her presence yesterday as the major draw:)
So again thank you. You all made yesterday a tremendous amount of fun and quite memorable. I hope your upcoming year is filled with love and excitement and maybe some serenity too.
I would be remiss to not give a major kudo to Kimala. She is alot of things to me in both worlds. She is always there to help me out, which happens quite frequently:). She is the reason for staying in SL to this point. I'd be kidding myself if i didn't acknowledge her presence yesterday as the major draw:)
So again thank you. You all made yesterday a tremendous amount of fun and quite memorable. I hope your upcoming year is filled with love and excitement and maybe some serenity too.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
As my family was visiting my parents and my sister yesterday in Prescott, AZ I had no idea that my 10 year old son would unfold a blog topic on Memorial Day for me. Life can do that for you, give you something from a source that you really don't expect on a topic you hadn't planned on writing about.
My Dad is a member of that rapidly dwindling club, WWII veteran. His piece of hell was on three islands scattered throughout the Pacific. Kwajelin, Pelilu and Okinawa to be exact. He was age 17 - 19. He was and is a Marine. He doesn't brag or fondly remember those days. He will just say he had a job to do and just did it.
Part of the celebration for my twins belated birthday with my folks and my sis was my sister giving the kids poppers. Those confetti spraying devices that contain a small amount of gunpowder and emit a small flash. So the kids were pumped up to say the least, and shooting those things off.
I really didn't think anything out of the ordinary until I looked at my father. he had this peculiar pained expression on his face. Not overt mind you, but something I could read with him being my father. It was the look in his eyes, those same eyes that have meant so many things to me over the years, that really shook me. it was like he was looking back in time. Looking back some 60 odd years.
My father has shared some stories of the hell he and others endured in the Marines. There are quite a few that I intend to put in a book some day. I'll share two with you that somehow seem to capture the essence of Memorial Day for this writer.
He was hung up on a reef during low tide while invading Pelilu. He made jokes to his nervous tank crew, after all he had been through this before and they hadn't. He was a combat veteran. He was 18. They had to wait for the tide to rise for their amphibious tank to lift off that damn reef. All the while the Japanese were shelling and mortaring his tank and two others. At last the tide obliged and the tanks headed towards the shore.
As all three tanks felt solid ground beneath them there was a blinding flash to his right. The tank adjacent to them had taken a direct hit killing all of its occupants. One of the occupants of the tank was a brother to one of my fathers crew members. My dad cradled that young, hysterical man in his arms while his other crew members literally collected what they could of the people that were in that tank. The image of my very young father offering solace to someone also so young and in so much pain who could only keep repeating, "I want my Mom, I want my Mom......", will stay with me today.
Wars build and reinforce hate. It is a by product of such a horrifying event. My last story is not about hate in action but of hate diminishing. My Dad drew, much to his ire, occupation duty as Japan was defeated. He thought he should have been shipped home after his combat experience. His combat experience secured him a spot for occupation duty since it was a big unknown going into Japan. Need less to say, he wasn't in the best of moods.
As they set up their camp, they noticed there were no civilians around. None. He figured they had been told that they would be killed so they were laying low. The next day he saw a small figure near some deserted military installation. He kept an eye throughout the course of the day as the figure drew closer. It was a small boy, perhaps 6 or 7 years of age.
The boy drew closer. He was very slight and solemn. My dad figured this young boy was in charge of finding food for what was left of his family and was determined to do just that. My dad gathered up some extra C rations and walked over to the little boy and kneeled down and gave them to him. The boy took them and walked back the way he had come. This continued for some days.
With the passage of time, the boy became a fixture at their camp. He would often sit on my Dad's lap and eat the chocolate that he would give him.
When you talk about war you also talk about hate. My dad has told me that the hate drained out of his soul as he helped that little boy and his family also survive the aftermath of war.
So this Memorial Day take a brief part of your day and remember those whose lives ended in a blinding flash and otherwise. They gave so much. They gave all of their tomorrows.
My Dad is a member of that rapidly dwindling club, WWII veteran. His piece of hell was on three islands scattered throughout the Pacific. Kwajelin, Pelilu and Okinawa to be exact. He was age 17 - 19. He was and is a Marine. He doesn't brag or fondly remember those days. He will just say he had a job to do and just did it.
Part of the celebration for my twins belated birthday with my folks and my sis was my sister giving the kids poppers. Those confetti spraying devices that contain a small amount of gunpowder and emit a small flash. So the kids were pumped up to say the least, and shooting those things off.
I really didn't think anything out of the ordinary until I looked at my father. he had this peculiar pained expression on his face. Not overt mind you, but something I could read with him being my father. It was the look in his eyes, those same eyes that have meant so many things to me over the years, that really shook me. it was like he was looking back in time. Looking back some 60 odd years.
My father has shared some stories of the hell he and others endured in the Marines. There are quite a few that I intend to put in a book some day. I'll share two with you that somehow seem to capture the essence of Memorial Day for this writer.
He was hung up on a reef during low tide while invading Pelilu. He made jokes to his nervous tank crew, after all he had been through this before and they hadn't. He was a combat veteran. He was 18. They had to wait for the tide to rise for their amphibious tank to lift off that damn reef. All the while the Japanese were shelling and mortaring his tank and two others. At last the tide obliged and the tanks headed towards the shore.
As all three tanks felt solid ground beneath them there was a blinding flash to his right. The tank adjacent to them had taken a direct hit killing all of its occupants. One of the occupants of the tank was a brother to one of my fathers crew members. My dad cradled that young, hysterical man in his arms while his other crew members literally collected what they could of the people that were in that tank. The image of my very young father offering solace to someone also so young and in so much pain who could only keep repeating, "I want my Mom, I want my Mom......", will stay with me today.
Wars build and reinforce hate. It is a by product of such a horrifying event. My last story is not about hate in action but of hate diminishing. My Dad drew, much to his ire, occupation duty as Japan was defeated. He thought he should have been shipped home after his combat experience. His combat experience secured him a spot for occupation duty since it was a big unknown going into Japan. Need less to say, he wasn't in the best of moods.
As they set up their camp, they noticed there were no civilians around. None. He figured they had been told that they would be killed so they were laying low. The next day he saw a small figure near some deserted military installation. He kept an eye throughout the course of the day as the figure drew closer. It was a small boy, perhaps 6 or 7 years of age.
The boy drew closer. He was very slight and solemn. My dad figured this young boy was in charge of finding food for what was left of his family and was determined to do just that. My dad gathered up some extra C rations and walked over to the little boy and kneeled down and gave them to him. The boy took them and walked back the way he had come. This continued for some days.
With the passage of time, the boy became a fixture at their camp. He would often sit on my Dad's lap and eat the chocolate that he would give him.
When you talk about war you also talk about hate. My dad has told me that the hate drained out of his soul as he helped that little boy and his family also survive the aftermath of war.
So this Memorial Day take a brief part of your day and remember those whose lives ended in a blinding flash and otherwise. They gave so much. They gave all of their tomorrows.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Thoughts on impending Rezz Day
Being on SL for a year has been a real mixed bag. I've met some fantastic people that I consider to be friends. I've met some people that were/are ruthless opportunists that only serve their own selfish needs. I've seen incredible sights. I've done some good things and a few crappy things. Mostly good though. I can say with a confident degree of certainty that I've never hurt anyone's feelings. That makes me feel pretty good.
SL itself, not the people in any way, is starting to become a bit boring. There are some nights when I think to myself, why did I log on? To quote that trite saying, it's not you it's me. It just isn't like it was at first, nothing ever is after all.
These sentiments could be coming up after the inevitable let down of the school year. Going cold turkey from constant adrenaline high is a bitch. I dunno...
At this juncture, I can't see another year of SL. I don't know if I have another year of coping left in me. Hell, maybe some resolution will come after rest and rezz day...
SL itself, not the people in any way, is starting to become a bit boring. There are some nights when I think to myself, why did I log on? To quote that trite saying, it's not you it's me. It just isn't like it was at first, nothing ever is after all.
These sentiments could be coming up after the inevitable let down of the school year. Going cold turkey from constant adrenaline high is a bitch. I dunno...
At this juncture, I can't see another year of SL. I don't know if I have another year of coping left in me. Hell, maybe some resolution will come after rest and rezz day...
Close the books, thats 14
Yet another successful close of a school year. Deranged parents 0, me 1. I won again. I still like my job. Look forward to doing it again next August:). Sure, I'll relax a bit before my summer job starts.
I'm going to be mentoring preservice teachers to better prepare them for what lies ahead. Fill their heads with lame theories and impractical requests? Hell no. Just espouse this theory and sit on my ass? Doubtful.
I plan on teaching groups of kids with them watching and then invite them into a dialogue where their voice is equally as important as mine. Me be a sage on the stage? Not in my nature.
They will see the whole gauntlet of what works for me: humor, rapport, genuine interest in the life of teenagers and anything else I can pull out. Hell, I might even go into the world is flat rap that I do! Can I share it with you? I knew you would say yes:). It really works like a charm.
A little background first, whenever I am dealing with an audience that seems to be dissociating from reality and their role in future times I do the following: show them a picture of my 4 kids and say, "I want to show you a picture of four ppl they may be working for in the future." Insert shocked looks here. I relate to them that I got four individuals who are motivated, push themselves and want to give directions rather than take them. I tell them all this stuff about competition is bad is crap because in the global economy they are competing with people in India, China, and all other points on the compass.
Competition is not bad. Making people fearful of competition is horrible. Not giving people the tools to compete is a total disservice to that individual and our society in general. Lack of support for education reference would fit here:).
If you ever enter the realm of parenthood and if you might be there already, I sincerely hope you work your ass off in conjunction with your childs teacher. If you get a teacher that just seem to be going through the motions, future 33% blog here, demand accountability. I don't care if you are tired, if you had a hard day, if going on SL is more appealing: tough shit. Sit at that table or couch with your kid or kids and compete! If you can multi-task, you are a far more evolved being than me. Show them that you value their education and their future. It is not only a worthwhile endeavor it is a responsibility you undertook when you decided/created a new life on this planet!! Just do it!!
I'm going to be mentoring preservice teachers to better prepare them for what lies ahead. Fill their heads with lame theories and impractical requests? Hell no. Just espouse this theory and sit on my ass? Doubtful.
I plan on teaching groups of kids with them watching and then invite them into a dialogue where their voice is equally as important as mine. Me be a sage on the stage? Not in my nature.
They will see the whole gauntlet of what works for me: humor, rapport, genuine interest in the life of teenagers and anything else I can pull out. Hell, I might even go into the world is flat rap that I do! Can I share it with you? I knew you would say yes:). It really works like a charm.
A little background first, whenever I am dealing with an audience that seems to be dissociating from reality and their role in future times I do the following: show them a picture of my 4 kids and say, "I want to show you a picture of four ppl they may be working for in the future." Insert shocked looks here. I relate to them that I got four individuals who are motivated, push themselves and want to give directions rather than take them. I tell them all this stuff about competition is bad is crap because in the global economy they are competing with people in India, China, and all other points on the compass.
Competition is not bad. Making people fearful of competition is horrible. Not giving people the tools to compete is a total disservice to that individual and our society in general. Lack of support for education reference would fit here:).
If you ever enter the realm of parenthood and if you might be there already, I sincerely hope you work your ass off in conjunction with your childs teacher. If you get a teacher that just seem to be going through the motions, future 33% blog here, demand accountability. I don't care if you are tired, if you had a hard day, if going on SL is more appealing: tough shit. Sit at that table or couch with your kid or kids and compete! If you can multi-task, you are a far more evolved being than me. Show them that you value their education and their future. It is not only a worthwhile endeavor it is a responsibility you undertook when you decided/created a new life on this planet!! Just do it!!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Running on a Spot
Towards the end of the year, school year it is, strange things happen. People are more appreciative and say and share thnigs that aren't usually forthcoming during the long 9 month grind. This is very true of a segment of my clientile.
Many young men , ages 14 - up, have no dad at home. It is just part of the landscape of contemporary American society. I think by default, in some fashion, I fall heir to this defacto position. Among my "sons" are African-Americans, Chicanos, other sundry Hispanics, Anglos, Asians and blends of all the aforementioned. My "sons" are athletic, musical, depressed, lost, etc. They can walk or they can be confined to a wheelchair.
They desperately need a male figure in their life. They aren't too demanding really. They want to talk about sports, movies, music and even if they feel safe, their feelings. But they just need that contact and that sense that they are ok, and an older male sees value in them. I see value in them.
You can sense anxiety mixed with relief this time of year. Relief that it is all about to end for another year and anxiety that we will not see each other for about 10 weeks. It is not said out loud but we both know it is on the table. I'll tell them to be safe, have fun but don't get crazy. They'll nod and some will shake my hand. Some will even hug me.
Even though it is the close of another school year, I look forward to the start of next year. Not for idealistic, fresh start reasons but just for the simple fact of my "sons" filtering in to say hello and connect once again. Have a safe and sane summer boys.....
Many young men , ages 14 - up, have no dad at home. It is just part of the landscape of contemporary American society. I think by default, in some fashion, I fall heir to this defacto position. Among my "sons" are African-Americans, Chicanos, other sundry Hispanics, Anglos, Asians and blends of all the aforementioned. My "sons" are athletic, musical, depressed, lost, etc. They can walk or they can be confined to a wheelchair.
They desperately need a male figure in their life. They aren't too demanding really. They want to talk about sports, movies, music and even if they feel safe, their feelings. But they just need that contact and that sense that they are ok, and an older male sees value in them. I see value in them.
You can sense anxiety mixed with relief this time of year. Relief that it is all about to end for another year and anxiety that we will not see each other for about 10 weeks. It is not said out loud but we both know it is on the table. I'll tell them to be safe, have fun but don't get crazy. They'll nod and some will shake my hand. Some will even hug me.
Even though it is the close of another school year, I look forward to the start of next year. Not for idealistic, fresh start reasons but just for the simple fact of my "sons" filtering in to say hello and connect once again. Have a safe and sane summer boys.....
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