Yet another reason why ChaCha is so incredible. She has her own blend of coffee.
If you're a coffee snob like we are, then get the Yin & Yang blend at Chaos Roasters.
It's Caffeiney Goodness, sprinkled with awesomeness. Porn in a cup.
If you ever use non-dairy creamer in this coffee, let me know where you live so I can come stab you in the face.
I have now officially entered the organization that includes such members as Sigmund Freud, Maynard G. Krebs, uh... Jack Sparrow, Lenin and...er... Lenin. Ok, even with as popular as the 'tee is now, I can't think of too many. Regardless, it has now bridged that gap between "homeboy needs a shave" and "growing that out on purpose."I couldn't tell you for certain at what point it crossed that line.
So it's official. I have facial hair. I'm THAT guy.
It's funny how I've already become a little defensive about it. It has a bit of gray in it, and there's a small bare patch under my chin on the left-hand side that I can come up with all sorts of stories for (none of them true).
But it does look pretty good on me, IMHO. A bit scraggly, but getting close to the point where I can use a trimmer. I guess that would be the final turning point to "Goatee Guy." Buying products to maintain. I'll pick one up tonight.
Perhaps that's another reason I never got this far before. I'm lazy. It's easier to shave than shape & trim. It's a good thing I didn't apply the same logic to my hair, or else I'd have been bald long ago.
Pics soon to follow.
P.S. ChaCha likes it, so it stays.
I work with a bunch of men, mostly middle-aged to dead. Needless to say, there are quite a few aromas emanating around the office.
Ok, I'll be blunt. I had to take a crap. Upon entering the bathroom, I almost got knocked down by the smell of someone already in there "using the facilities." Right away I knew it was our president. Little guy, pretty nice. I wouldn't say he's old, but his diploma's on tree bark.
As I was saying, the air in the bathroom was thick. Anyone that's ever smelled a bathroom after an old guy's used it knows the smell I'm talking about. I'm talking about eyes-burning, paint-peeling, whatthehelldiedinhere smell. Word of advice to anyone that might meet my Dad: Go before he does, or hold it.
Anyway, I took a deep breath and proceeded to do my business and get in/out of there as quickly as my bowels would let me. Corpsy McDougal left shortly after I started. So I got done in record time. Still holding my breath, I bolted for the door, opened it up, and came face to face with...
the two guys in the office I actually get along with.
Then it occurred to me. Well, the look on their face as the door opened was obvious. It smelled like three-week-old mustard omelet in there, and I'm the only one in there. As I left, they entered, and as the door closed I heard them bust out into laughter behind me.
Gawd, it'll take me a while to get over this one.
-Tenacious "Swampass" B
I've been inspired today.
There are so many demons in our lives that we ignore, we try to avoid out of fear. When I see someone stand up and take charge it makes me aware (again) that we have control over our Universe.
The Dragons will not go away without a fight. We must stand up and face them. Only then will they be gone for good, and peace will settle across the land.
There will always be adversaries. There will always be those that try to seize power. What I was reminded of today was that we CAN fight for what we believe in. Each of us are in control over our own universe.
I forget that sometimes.
I'm proud of you.
In my email today...
Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary
8:00am Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30am A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40am Walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00pm Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00pm Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00pm Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00pm Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00pm Wow! Watched TV with my master! My favorite thing!
11:00pm Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary
Day 683 of my captivity : My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape... In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.
The audacity! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released --and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded! The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. The captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.......for now.
I'm turning into more of a Texan every day. Granted, born and raised here, in the country no less. But I've always viewed myself as a "New Texan," the cultured, yuppie techie-type.
COMMA
This morning alone I've caught myself saying the following phrases:
Fixin' to
Chompin' at the bit
You best not
I'll tell you what
Chunk it over there
Dagnabbit
Y'all (multiple)
It's not that I'm adverse to becoming that guy. After all, I'm proud of my Texas heritage (4th generation). But for real? "Chompin' at the bit?"
SHHHEEEEEEEEEEIIIITTTTTT...
My heart goes out to those that have been affected by the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, to those both directly and indirectly. My words may offer little consolation, but know that the human spirit goes on. To those walking away from this, I can say that you have been changed forever. No question there. Just decide what it means to you. Thoughts and feelings are things. The energy created by those things can be focused and molded to make a positive or negative change in the world. Choose wisely.
There are no bad emotions. It's ok to cry, to be angry, to be frustrated. It's ok to yell, scream, curse, and lament. Those actions release the pressure. But never lose sight of those around you. Take a look around. See the faces of those others affected. Be with them, share with them, hold them close and let those feelings fly.
Easier said than done, I'm sure.
It's been several days now, and fingers are already being pointed. Stop it. "What if's" solve nothing. What has happened, happened. There was no way to predict human nature. Our biggest strength is our biggest weakness.
My advice: Take what has happened, and become a better person. Anger and recrimination solve nothing. Fear and anger root you. Make a difference. As harsh as it sounds, something like this will happen again. But you are strong. Take those feelings and change the world.
"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."
-Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)
Waking up in your arms, bringing you your coffee. I sit on the edge of the bed, looking at your beautiful face. My hand caresses your cheek as your eyes open slightly, and your lips curl into a sleepy smile.
"Get out. You'll be late."
I smile.
I kiss you softly and leave, now prepared to take on the world.
Reality is perception. Actuality is what we focus on.
The sage says, history repeats itself. That's true, but only if you never take your eyes off of it.
Remember the past. Remember the good bits, the love, the laughter, the wonderfulness that is your memories. Just as you throw away something broken, discard the things that no longer work in your present. But hang on to the things that do work, the happiness in the past. That'll ensure that only the good history repeats itself.
If you focus too much on how dark the room used to be, you end up failing to see the candle burning there with you right now. See the flame. See the light. I'll keep it burning.
We all choose our memories. Make sure they're the memories that set you in flight, that free you rather than bind you. The world is ours. Come enjoy it with me. Love with me.
We are making new memories today, at this very second.
How I perceive life is dictated by one thing. I constantly ask myself, "Later in my life, will I look on this as a good memory?" If the answer is no, then I look for a way to change either my perception or my procedure. From my life now forward, there are only good memories being created. Everything else is forgotten.
Let's make a wonderful life together. And years from now when we're old, sitting on our porch yelling at kids to get off our lawn, we'll remember these times as the best moments of our lives.
