Cheap toys

They don't make 'em like they used too!. Whew-- never thought I would say that. Over the years I have noticed the lack of the toy surprise in breakfast cereal. For those who do not know me, I am somewhat of a cereal freak. I currently have 6 different types opened and consumed daily. Sometimes for breakfast, at times dinner, or even dessert. And not one box has provided me with a toy.

Now the real surprise is when you actually get one. During a recent meeting I was genuinely excited when my friend tossed the small shrink wrapped package on the table. While the content was a mystery, I knew that this object was a door to the past. When we opened the package you could almost hear the air leaking out of our inflated balloon heads. As advertised on the box this toy has been inspired by the movie, The Dark Knight. WTF!!!!! When does a lame cheaply made flimsy plastic top (which hardly spins) have to do with Batman?? A JOKEr perhaps? After many failed tries we lost interest and my mind wandered to memories of better fun stuff. Well at least I believe it was better. Ill stick to my new toys.
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This is no Toxic Hell*

I am sooo full! This evening I took the challenge of meeting one grilled veggie burrito "enchilada style" at Zona Fresca. Even though I was prepared and quite hungry I lost the battle and could only eat half.

Honestly its hard to find a decent mexican 'rant that doesn't bloat you with sodium but these folks do it right. I do believe that besides being incredibly fresh the salsa bar is my main draw. Gee, this almost sounds like I was asked by the manager to sing their praises. Perhaps a good word for an small exchange. Well I'd never, nope not me!

*Another name for Taco Bell
BTW- by the time I finished writing this I managed to finish the monster. I win!! The VB never had a chance!
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Fay, we hardly met

I remember very little of hurricane activity when I was younger. I do have memories of Andrew in '92 and at that time I was fresh out of school and living with my parents. There has been a few scares while apartment living and even more brushes since owning my own place. Friends would gather for the last beer run being careful to buy drinks that can last at room temperature. While the beer run is still there we now start with the shutter questions. Should we? Shouldn't we? I chose as well as my friends not to put up any shutters. Good choice for now but who knows for a different storm.
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Craving

There is a time for the healthy air popped popcorn and then there is the time for Snacks...Old School Style. 'Nuff said : )
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Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

The "powers that be" of my condo association strongly believe in the power of the sign. Oh, I do too- I believe that this sign will promote door slamming every waking hour of the day. I find it hard to imagine that there are still folks out in this world who thinks a sign will change behavior. If that was the case, then bumper stickers and billboards would dictate most of the decisions that affect of lives. Perhaps I should be the crazy neighbor wearing a full body sign. You know those wit the "End is Near" front and back plates, but without the message of doom.

So let it be written, so let it be done.
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Feeling a bit Red

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "Damm, I never realized...!"? As I stand in front of the fridge this has been my mantra for the past 48 hours. Three days ago I decided to listen to my elder (that's what I am calling my mom today) and make an appointment for my yearly physical. This is not a new experience for me, I've been doing this for a while, and I was prepared for the lab visit to donate the common bodily fluids.

Okay so about now you might be asking what's the fridge connection...and this is where my word choice gets a bit selective. Let's just say that when you reach 40 the lab work includes liquids and solids. Get it?? And to make meals real interesting for the next 72 hours I am not allowed to eat anything red. Please don't ask why. No red sauce, no salsa, no red peppers, no crystal light, no cranberry juice, no strawberry honey bunches of oates, no pizza bites, no peaches (red skin), and no french fries (its a sin to eat without ketchup). All I want to say is, "Damm, I never realized how much red food I have!". Go ahead look in your fridge.
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Honey's Bar R.I.P.

It would be a quick assessment to blame the sluggish economy on the demise of my local neighborhood independently owned bar, however I will yield to Grissoms' advice (from C.S.I.) and just follow the evidence. ...Okay maybe not with evidence but I'll reach with speculation.

The tax on the square feet alone had the owner's leg already in the dirt from day 1. His lack of bar and restaurant experience had the other leg not far behind. Maybe the lights are permanently off since the staff was drafted from another local bar that closed under mysterious pretenses. It should come as no surprise when you draft from a losing team with a rookie coach. Perhaps is was the lack of identity. The walls still projected the failures from the previous two owners. The mix of mexican, all star sports, and Hollywood memorabilia never sat well.
I was always impressed with their 11 wide screen lcd sets all over the place, equally amazed when they were all turned to the same channel. Oh you should have been there when they had game shows on during the NBA playoffs. What a hoot!!!

The servers always tried their hardest with what little they had. I do believe any negative energy that they shared was a plea for change. Too bad it was not the change they were probably looking for.
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3 and 45

Staying up late and getting up early does not get better over time. This disproves the theory that practice makes perfect. Years ago my nights started at 11:00, now I am lucky if I have one eye open before the late edition news. Last night was a miracle for I was still up at 12:30 or maybe the miracle is that I answered the call of my alarm at 4:30 or I am managing to key this into my crackberry as I wobble down the street walking my dog avoiding the early morning drivers. Nope the miracle was actually finding the end to that run on sentence! I cannot even claim a full 4 hours sleep. The trip to the fridge for water and the eventual bathroom stole 15 minutes from my beauty sleep. What's really f'd up is that I still choose to start my day at this ridiculous hour even when all I have is 3 and 45 in my bank. Wish me luck...zzzzzzzzzzz
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Wrestling for all

Last week I realized how my oldest nephew and I are alike. With a 25+ year difference, we like the same shows- Go Figure! Growing up while my folks were watching Dallas, Falcon's Crest, and Dynasty, my soap opera of choice showcased body slams, sleeper holds, and figure four leg locks. This was and still is perfect entertainment for male teenagers. Every week I tuned into my favorite Pro Wrestling shows. Back then every Saturday morning there was Gordon Solie calling the moves at Florida Championship Wrestling and Monday night featured the best from the WWF in Madison Square Garden. Currently my nephew watches WWE wrestling every Friday and Monday night (when he is not grounded) while following with the latest 'raslin news online. I enjoy his text messages of who pinned who and occasionally recognize a name. The real kicker is that he can recite every match from opening bell to the final 1-2-3, too bad his science and spanish classes are taught without body slams.

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Dropping By

On the nite I decided to crash early, and that means bed before 11:00, I get a phone call from a few friends who greeted me on with a "We're coming over." Believe it or not but I actually protested their request. Twenty years ago my hesitation would have been replaced with sounds of Pomp and Circumstance (the "Macho Man" Savage version of course). I gave in and within 5 minutes the doorbell was singing. As much as I enjoyed their company (2 hours worth) all I could focus on was my alarm set to go off at 4:30. Well it's almost 24 hours later and I'm waiting for another phone call.
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A little trim

About once every few weeks I roleplay and fantasize that I need a haircut. Let's just say that I have become a firm believer that at times LESS IS MORE. I have also developed a fondness for the barber shop culture. Where else can one disappear for hours, have access to every sport magazine ever published, and hear dirt about the local crazies?
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Square Peg, Round Hole

This represents the constant struggle that I experience, try to avoid, and attempt to lean from on a daily basis. At times I am not sure what is best. Should I:
A) force the square peg into submission,
B) shave, sand, and lube the peg for a snug fit, or
C) toss it and find a better matching piece?

Besides, do you remember the "Square Pegs" tv show? Man, SJP was sooo much cuter as a geek! I'm afraid to ask if there was a "Round Hole" tv series.
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Summer might be over

This is my second day back from summer break and not a moment too soon. Now I can enjoy the rain from the comfort of my office and not worry about getting soaked. Sorry Stanlee, I love ya, but the afternoon walks were killing me.

Even on Day 2 we still enjoy getting together and sharing stories (even the not-so interesting ones). I feel that I almost had a real vacation.
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I don't melt

This is what I said to my friend when she surprisingly stated, "It's raining out." Granted I am the first to hurdle towards the bed and sink deeply into the darkness, so I am not sure why I was shocked by her comment. For some the world comes to a complete stop when it rains, other dance, and some sleep. Tonight I choose to do something different and head out for sushi.
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Oil in Florida

As if survival in a recession isn't enough to worry about these days, I now need to worry about surviving in my own backyard. Yet this does bring a glimmer of hope for the distant future with these present day dinosaurs. The debate of offshore oil drilling can finally come to a rest. The return of Godzilla should move off shore drilling to lake front a possibility. There is a future with Florida's version of Texas Tea.
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Signpost up ahead

Seeing this made my day. It appears that the potential solution brought on another potential problem. The condo board has placed these signs throughout my community hoping that the message will change behavior. It looks like it worked. You so know that some idiot will suggest placing additional signs to keep litter in the trash.
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I Rock!

Just who is the target audience for Guitar Hero (GH)? When else can a 40 year old shred a guitar, run around banging out chords, and sing "Sweet Emotion" all the while feeling like a Guitar God? It's a trick question since a) Joe Perry is 58 and Steve Tyler from Aerosmith is 60 and b) my nephew also spends his free time playing GH. Either he is quite mature for his age or I am refusing to let go. It doesn't matter since I am off for my world tour. ENCORE! ENCORE!
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Serenity Now

A few weeks ago I was introduced to Rescue Remedy by a friend who tried this stress reducing spray on her children (you can read her tale by visiting www.floridagirlinsydney.blogspot.com and search for it- quite a fun read). Since then my pocket rescue has not left my sight and at 27% alcohol it won't. I later leaned that my mom has been using this spray for her DOG - go figure - once again I am the last to know. Well the timing was perfect and a trial run was provided to my 12 year old puppy who is afraid of thunder and fireworks. After a few shots...oops I mean sprays he didn't freak out all nite. By the way our first AA meeting is Monday.
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Need 2 hurry

I left with Stan for a walk 20 minutes ago and since that time the dark clouds have rolled onto the area. This is being typed as I race back home to avoid the rain and more importantly the lightening. In case we don't make it, Mom, don't sell my comic book collection- give it to the nephews.
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Home-made Mmmmmmmm

With all of my extra time this summer in between writing papers, digging holes in the sand, and avoiding thunderstorms I have discovered the fun of pizza making. Whole Foods Market sells fresh whole wheat dough; a steal at $1.50 to make a 16" pie. Throwing the dough can be quite fun and I do recommend buying more than one. My first attempt landed on the floor with no chance of recovery and you can see that the second came out G.B.D.!! I'll never order out again, well...at least until the Fall.
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In Heat

This is Stanlee on a Saturday morning. The mean lookin' laser eyes indicates that he is tired of waiting for the air conditioner repairman. Yep, its already 85 degrees at 10 am. I hope he gets here soon, for his sake.
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Back in time

Yesterday can be officially classified as an anomaly. For the first time in a year I avoided my computer. While some actually celebrate this feat and others wonder if this will continue, I at this time can not confirm or deny any duplication. Quite honestly most of my day was spent staring at my ceiling. For I understand that while at 40 I aspire to behave like I am 21, my body is telling me a different story. Last nite, nope the nite before last was spent drinking and playing until 4 a.m.. Twenty-four hours later my body, mind, and spirit are once again aligned. Now just because I understand an outcome, will this keep me from its path?

The pic is a snapshot of my bedroom ceiling fan; just how I saw it- blurry.
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Location, location, location!

This is why I don't bitch too much about the amount of reading I have each semester. Wake me in a few....
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Summer Lovin'

The South Florida summer brings a few different elements into the daily lifestyle. Let's first address the adjustment to the 88% morning, afternoon, and evening humidity. Where else can you test the effectiveness of your deodorant while checking the mail? There have been days where 3 showers have been normal (clean is good) and this will be one of them..

Summer not only brings the heat but the daily rain, thunder, and monsoon storms (Yes, I know there is a relationship between heat and rain. Feel free to post your explanation in the comment section). Having a dog (with Kidney issues) only increases your awareness of when these storms approach. My timing was off for the first week of summer we were caught in 4 storms before we made it back home. I now rush to make it inside before another drop of water lands on my crackberry only to head for the shower.
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Back to School! Part Deux

I have committed to completing my masters degree meaning I have enrolled full time back at school. That actually means 4 papers every week for the next 40 weeks. Shoot me...please. Not sure why I returned, I hated school growing up. Maybe hate is too strong a word here (maybe I'm just a masochist); I just did not care to attend. School distracted me from learning. Now at 40, I just figured that I might as well get a degree for something I will probably do anyway (perhaps with less writing).

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Last Cup

The nagging...ooopps I mean concerns from my Mom regarding health and high blood pressure has gotten to me. This morning was my last cup of caffeine laced coffee. We had great times together, you will be missed and never forgotten. Sniff.
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Me vs. The Bird

What you see here is my dog lost in his own fantasy world. He was clueless that I just saved his candy-ass tail from the dodging, darting, and vicious Mockingbird. I diverted his dog day afternoon from a disaster by actually needing to pop (insert Hulk Smash noise here) the crazed foul in mid air. No need to try and play "Where's Mocky" in the pic, he went squawking back to the nest. My dog will thank me later.
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What will not happen here

As the better part of the day is in the tub (see earlier post) I come to develop an understanding of what can happen in this tub, what might happen, and what definitely won't happen while in this tub. See if you can figure this out:

1) The chance of getting a great buzz while having a few cocktails while soaking.
2) Entertaining a girlfriend, everyone gets happy!
3) Actually getting clean.

I think I need a shower.
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40 during the Weekend

While I turned forty a few weeks ago it was not until recently did I realize what this meant -- I have turned into my father. This normally would not be a bad thing and its not, yet by looking at the picture, this is how I spent my Saturday and Sunday.

The only reason why I am soaking in the tub is because at 40 and for the first time in my life I developed a case of "pain in the ass" (the events leading to this is for another time). I have also learned from Mom that this condition was common with her dad. Just f'in great!! So today on Father's Day, I celebrate by at least acting like my father - mine or my mom's. And yes, I plan to spend the entire day in the tub.
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