It's Gonna Be A Good Day

You know how it's gonna be a good day?

Plenty of sleep, lots of coffee while watching a Paul Newman movie, and the sun is shining.

And oh yeah, meeting up friends later to see the new James Bond movie.

On my way to get the last Stephanie Plum book out of the library, and then maybe a pedicure. Just because it's been a long week. And I can.

All this before 11 a.m.

Oh Boy.

Don't Say You Know If you Don't

Over this past weekend, I ventured to Brooklyn in NYC to visit some friends. Specifically, my old art director partner and his family.

Had an awesome time. They really made me feel welcome in their home, and I felt very at ease. New York, I have visited a few times, but it seems I was always just in the Manhatten area. It was nice seeing some different things.

Went to a dive bar called the Patriot, where you can get a $9.00 pitcher of beer and a decently stacked jukebox full of old country.

Visited another bar called, Chocolate Bar where all they serve is chocolate, desserts and wine to accompany both.

Did some shopping. And a little napping. Ate some authentic Brooklyn pizza by the slice.

Went out for the night and came home and 5am.

Spent a day at Coney Island which was crazy wonderful. We had drinks in this closed up bar with a bartender who asked me my sign, told me stories about Mitch Ryder, Jackie Wilson, and Al Capone. All the while, I sipped free beer.

All in all, a wonderful escape. A great trip. I can't wait to go back.

Unfinished

Kook almost died,
Born to early.
Too small-that’s what everyone said.
It’s better to let go.

But Brian and Susie prayed on.
And put Joe in Charge
Of God-fathering.
Full of light and jokes,
Joe kept Kook laughing.

As the years passed, Kook got healthy
But Joe got sick.

There was still laughter and light
That was Joe’s way.
Kook couldn’t help him.
She could only hug him.

It’s better to let go.
Tell him good-bye-

And pray that isn’t the last time,
Kook and Joe
will see eye to eye.

New Day

I'm proud and hopeful this morning, for a new dawn in America.

John Mccain, I felt gave a very classy concession speech.

And Obama proved that one man can move a nation.

And I lost weight after a month of see sawing back and forth on the scale.

Good things lie ahead.

November 4th

Voted. Vaccinated.

Check and check.

No matter who wins, a change is coming.

And for that, I'm thankful.

To Do

Sad wave is still crashing.

Alas, Monday is almost over. And tomorrow is already turning into a busy day: Voting, flu shot, lunch with a friend from out of town.

Man.

Hope I'll be able to get my work done sometime in between there. :)

Fear not.

Fat Tastic

I feel like I've been swallowed whole by my inner fat girl today.

Haven't wanted to leave the couch all day, and I didn't except for a quick stop to the grocery store.

What's wrong with me? Having a sad day, I guess.

Maybe thinking about eating cookies. But I didn't.

Perhaps the gym in the morning will shake me up?

What Do You Think?

Red Riding Hood or Unabomber?

Thursday

Lots to do today, so I will keep this brief. Trying to get back to my usual steadfast morning gym routine. Score 1 for me. I did it this morning.

My goal is to go for the next 15 or 16 days in a row, because that's how long my gym membership is paid up until then. My plan is by then to have my momentum back. I'll be armed and ready for the new gym.

Mad Men Season Finale on Sunday didn't disappoint. It was quite good actually. But, I will say no more in case you haven't had the chance to catch it.

Still reading, Lean Mean 13 from Janet Evanovich.

Supposed to go to a networking party tonight, which usually just means I visit whomever came with me, but we'll see how it unfolds.

I'm out.

Whirl Weekend

What a whirlwind weekend.

A concert in Ann Arbor on Friday. A folk singer that my cousin Shannon introduced me to, named Melissa Ferrick. Good show. Some funny banter. I really enjoy when musicans seem to appreciate the crowd they are playing for. It makes it so much warmer to watch.

Then a family wedding on Saturday, for my cousin John. Such a great guy. I'm so happy for him. His new wife, Amanda has a son, Dakota and John is now a dad.

Couldn't ask for a better one. John lost his dad when he was just a baby, but I'm sure his dad would be so proud of the man, his son has become.

The wedding was quite a party, but when there's a shuttle bus and no worries about drinking, all you have to worry about is your liver.

I'm always humbled and honored to be part of such a large, loving family so full of Irish pride that it's truly amazing.

We are blessed, despite recent sad events. We shall heal and grow stronger still.
We are family.

Apples to Apples

The good news?

I ate an apple with my lunch.

The Bad news?

It had Carmel and nuts all over it.

But, in the grand scheme of things, it's still better than a slab of cheesecake.

Misc. Musings

Can't wait for the weekend and it's only Tuesday. Heading up north on Friday with Connie, for some relaxation. And it'll give me the perfect venue to deliver my mom's birthday present.

On the off chance that she's reading this, I won't mention what I got her. But I'm sure she's gonna love it.

Feeling very sleepy today. Although I did drag myself out of bed this morning and headed to the gym. I'm trying hard to get back to my morning routine. Going walking after work too. Figured it couldn't hurt to get some extra exercise.

Trying to start a revision of a story I started a while back. I'm inspired again, after quitting my writer's group. It feels liberating in a way. It's back on me to get myself writing.

And I find emotional pain a good source of inspiration. No excuses left. Not even a dog to eat my homework.

UScan-We All Do

Does anyone else think that those automatic check out machines at the grocery store, are handy but sad?

Let me explain. Personally, I find them useful and quick. But I have to wonder if the cashiers feel the same way? Now, they don't really ring you up, but are still forced to stand by and watch you do it.

I'd imagine it was a boring job before that somehow managed to get just a little more coma inducing.

And a side note: If you don't know how to use said machine, you sir should go wait in line for a human. I don't want to wait half an hour for you to figure it out.

Cool Hand Indeed

Butch: You know, when I was a kid, I always thought I'd grow up to be a hero.
Sundance Kid: Well, it's too late now.
Butch Cassidy: What'd you say that for? You didn't have to say something like that.


I was at a post funeral luncheon at the Elks club for my Uncle Joe when I learned about the death of Paul Newman. And even though we never met, I loved him.

I was first introduced to Paul Newman shortly after my parents divorced. My dad took me and my brothers on Sundays. And what do you do, with three kids? Watch Paul Newman movies of course. He was a man's man. And a woman's man. One look at him in his heyday and that's pretty clear.

But what I love about him, had little to do with his good looks. I loved to watch him act. He's one of the great ones. Able to act in a character role, and his adherence to privacy allowed the movie viewer to believe whatever role he was immersed in. Even in roles like Hud, where the main character was let's face it, a bastard, when played by Paul Newman, he was still like able.

And in an age where Hollywood marriages last about as long as a trip to the local drive thru, it was amazing he was married to the same woman for 50 years.

Long before charity seemed like a publicity stunt, he decided to give back and never sought out publicity unless it was benefiting other people.

An amazing actor and a great philanthropist, he will be missed. He represented all that was good in the world and we are all better for having him in it.
Butch Cassidy: Then you jump first.
Sundance Kid: No, I said.
Butch Cassidy: What's the matter with you?
Sundance Kid: I can't swim.
Butch Cassidy: Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you.

Don't Be That Guy

Fun with Joe

I'm Sorry

Dear Uncle Joe,

I'm so sorry that you had to leave us on Saturday. I've seen your kids and Nancy. They are sad, strong, and we had some laughs on Sunday. Sugar Bear and I visited.

My dad called to tell me that you were gone.

You've been a wonderful uncle and god-father to me, and I can't even begin to fathom how much I'll miss you. I loved watching you and my dad. Loved when you called him Tubby, and got him in line. I'm thankful you had each other to help each other when you both got cancer. I'm happy that my dad had somebody that truly understood how much it sucked.

I'm hopeful that you're with Butch, Hope and Bill, Gary and Carol. And that you guys are having a drink and playing music. I'm looking forward to gathering on Saturday to honor your life. Me and all your other nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters.

Thank you for all that you did for each of us.

We will honor you, love you, and cherish you.

Today and every day.

I love you-

Kook

Joe and Tubby

You chose your friends. But you don't choose your family. But sometimes you're lucky enough to have a family that feels instead like a bunch of friends?

I'm lucky enough to have that sort of family. One large extended family that I truly enjoy. And one of them, My Uncle Joe who is also my Godfather is very sick with cancer right now.

And it is fucking unfair and horrible. And what else can I say? I feel awful for my aunt and for my four awesome cousins who call him dad. Growing up with my Uncle Joe was a trip like no other. And the only thing I can really relate it to, is growing up with my dad. I'd say the two of them are the most similar in their sense of humor and depth of carrying.

And they both share the Vietnam experierence. And cancer. WTF? Uncle Joe used to make us have GI parties where we'd basically all clean up the house, but he somehow convinced us that it was fun. And he calls my dad Tubby, his childhood nickname, but my dad is sadly way too thin these days.

But they've always been there for each other and I know no matter where the other one travels, they will still be together.

If you've got any prayers or well wishes, please send em our way. We're not ready for our soliders to march on.

5 Years Already

Today marks the 5th Anniversary of the death of the great musical icon, Mr. Johnny Cash.

You can listen to his radio show, hosted by his friend Bill Miller.

http://www.johnnycashradio.com

5 years ago today, I was home from Atlanta for the weekend, to celebrate my best friend Connie's wedding, and I graduated from Portfolio Center the following weekend.

Full of a giant case full of giant size ads, that I dragged around till I landed my first job as a copywriter.

To all my fellow PC Alum, especially my writer class. Many memories of the Clairmont Lounge, the Waffle House, and of course Central City Tavern.

It wouldn't have been the same without you guys.

Yeah

The new 90210? Why did I even try? To say I watched it, is a stretch. It was on and occasionally, I looked toward the moving light and sound that is the marvel invention of television, but I have no idea what was happening. Nor did I care.

I'll just go back to my fond memories of the original. I'm not in high school like I was during the original run. It seems, "I'm just not into it."

No sleep again last night. Makes me feel surly and crazy. It's stress-related. I have high hopes for tonight's bed regime.

Tonight, I'll be making my last batch of Glop, that veggie heavy dish my Grandma Gotshall invented. I've got to do something with all the vegetables I bought at the produce stand this weekend.