Post on the Post

I don't consider myself a big environmentalist, so to speak. I don't attend protests and rallies, or give money to Greenpeace. However, I am environmentally conscious and recycle every bit of paper, plastic and aluminum allowed by "Metro Nashville Curby " (our curbside recycling service).

The other day, I opened my mailbox to find it was literally stuffed full. After sorting through it all, there was only one piece...one fucking piece... that wasn't junk. Look at that pile of waste; multiple coupons and deals to places I don't go, unwanted catalogs and mailers that, despite my efforts, won't remove me from their mailing list, and plenty of other pure crap. Of course, it all went straight to the recycle bin, but it made me think...every mailbox in my neighborhood is getting the same shit, and probably only half of them recycle like me and BF. It's awful that so much unnecessary garbage like this has to take up our landfills, just so Joe Blow can get two Whoppers for the price of one, and Wanda Wantmore can get the latest overpriced schwag from Pottery Barn. Multiply my little area with the rest of the city, and one can't miss but see the point. It's quite maddening. So, if you don't already....... please recycle.!!

Quick Reflection

Sometimes you can find beauty in odd places. It just shows up without even looking for it. One evening last week, I looked out my front door to see which neighborhood kid was making so much noise in the street with his skateboard. I recognized him, though I don't know his name. One of those teen kids you can tell will be really hot in about 5 years (*sigh*). I digress. Anyway, I looked at my car and saw the reflection of a beautiful sunset fading from behind a neighbor's tree. I grabbed my cam and got the following. The pics don't do the colors and scale justice, a touch blurry,but I thought I'd post anyhow.

Break's Over!

Well, now that winter has been officially over for a few days, I decided it was time to get back into my routine and head back to the gym. I haven't been since shortly before Christmas, and it shows (10 lbs in 3 months...that sucks). I should not have allowed myself to take the winter off, but alas, the cold makes me lazy and a good beer buzz keeps me warm. That and the fact I spent most of Feb and March redoing the other side of my duplex didn't help either (though the manual labor probably kept a few pounds off).

I had it planned for this week to go at least 4 times, alternating days on upper body and lower body along with a strong dose of cardio with each workout. Yesterday went according to plan. I had a great workout. I still need to get back to where I was 3 months ago, but that should come relatively quick. I can definitely feel it today, though. The thing now is, my sudden schedule for the rest of the week. I found out this morning that I have to do a 6:00 closing tonight 30 miles from home. By the time I get back it will be close to eight, at which time I will have to cook dinner, thus no time to work out today. I just had a 5 o'clock scheduled at the same bank tomorrow (I can still probably get in a good run, at least). BF reminded me last night that we have tix to the Predators/Red Wings game on Thurs. (no time between work and getting ready for the game to get any serious excercise in). And Friday night we have a 7:00 wine/dinner party to go to (again, maybe time for a brief jog). If only I was a morning person, I could fit in a workout everyday. But, I'm not. (I know...excuses, excuses). Luckily, next week isn't looking so hectic. We have only one hockey game to go to (last regular season home game), no late closings scheduled as of yet, and no social events on the calendar, so maybe I'll be back on track then. Look out boys, that winter insulation is going back in the attic.

Tulip Post 3

Well, I don't know what is going on with the tulips this season. They started off promising, but something has stunted them drastically. The bishop tulips are all usually out in full bloom by now. However, as you can see, only one managed to flourish. The others had begun to bud, but the flowers withered and fell off before they even got close to maturity. I want to write it off to a late frost, but that has never affected them in the past 3 seasons. Perhaps it's some kind of disease or bulb rot. The dutch tulips in front of them seem to be on a slow track, but I have noticed some small signs of buddage deep inside. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, as they are very beautiful bloomers. I think after they all die off for the season, I will transplant the bulbs elsewhere and maybe use this space for annuals.

signed & taken

Wow, I just realized I haven't posted in about a week. I've just been so busy, though. I've finally finished the renovation next door, and put it on the market for lease. BF convinced me to advertise it for 50 bucks more thanI was going to, so I did. After just 5 days of showing the place, I received a qualifying application, took a deposit and have a signed 12 month lease in hand. And thanks to BF, taking in an additional 400 bucks a year. The funny thing is, I haven't met the guy in person. The company he works for (one that I know well) is transferring him here from FL. I sent him pics of the place, he had his boss come look at it, and the deal is done. He moves here in mid-April. From first impression by talking to him over the phone and his background, I think he is gay, or so I hope (more on that later). I'd love to have family living next door. Anyway, I just wanted to put up a quick post to let y'all know I'm still alive and things are going well. Hope you are all having a great week.

so be it

Well, they didn't accept our offer on the house. No big deal. I didn't have my hopes up anyway. The Predators lost to the Red Wings last night. Work continues to suck this week. My little toe is feeling much better, though. The weekend can't come quickly enough.

1 Minute Post

It's late for a Monday, so I'm Just gonna make it quick. The weekend was good. Went by too fast. Went to the hockey game Sat. night. Nashville won. We increased our lead in the NHL as the #1 team. Going again tomorrow night against arch-nemesis Detroit Red Wings. We better win. Was on my feet too much Sunday. Got a blister on my little toe. It hurts. Dammit. Next door is 99% complete. Started marketing it today. Already have 3 people interested in renting. No cute boys/hot men yet, unfortunately. Oh, well I'm in it for the green, not for the eye candy. Due to a lucky opportunity out of nowhere, BF and I are putting an offer in on a new house tomorrow. Offering less than the asking price, but keeping our fingers crossed (more on that later). Work sucked today. Thinking about looking for a new place to hang my hat. I'll get over it. Hope everyone has a great week. Mine is only going to get better. Thanks for reading my speed post. I'll try not to do it often. Peace!!

Fun Night @ the Bee

BF and I had fun at the show last night (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). It wasn't the best musical I had ever seen, but it was funny and very enjoyable all the way around. I thought the cast did a great job for a touring production. The audience seemed to have a really good time, as well .

After the show, we went to a late dinner @ Sunset Grill, a stalwart among Nashville restaurants. They have a good and affordable late night menu after 11:00 so makes it well worth it. We got their 20 minutes before 11, so sat at the bar and had a couple of drinks prior to taking our table. The food and wine were great, equally was the crowd. Afterwards, we came home, watched Survivor, 30 Rock, and Scrubs on TiVo, finished off a bottle of merlot and went to bed. Needless to say, I was cursing myself when the alrm clock went off at 7 a.m. Thank God it's the weekend!!

early bloomer

The tulip bed is enjoying life. Due to a very warm week, one of my two returning hyacinths bloomed this week. It's kind of retarded for some reason (in the literal sense). Its not very full and it bloomed too early. I think maybe the chipmunk got hold of the bulb earlier this winter but never took it out of the ground. Its too bad, because its a very pretty pink. The other one looks like it should be a much better specimen and a deep purple from what I can tell from the buds. It has grown quite a bit in one week from when it looked like this (click here to see one week ago).

B-O-Y-F-R-I-E-N-D, boyfriend

I have such a great boyfriend. When he got home from work yesterday he handed me a Ticketmaster envelope. At first, I thought they were just hockey tix, but when I opened it up, it was two tickets to the Tony award winning 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee which opened last night here in Nashville. I'm not a huge Broadway musical fan, but I'll admit I've never been to one that I didn't enjoy. And this is one that I've actually been wanting to see. I've read only great reviews over the past couple years, and hear that it's quite humorous. I haven't been to a show since last year in NYC when I saw Spamalot (funniest thing I've ever seen), no wait, I did see The Lion King when it was here back in November. Anyway, I can't wait. It should be alot of fun. I'll have to take BF out for a really nice dinner.

Goodbye, Old Friends

No, I'm not going anywhere. Will's Way continues on. I guess part of being active in the blogosphere is enjoying the other blogs you read, while accepting the fact that many will not last forever. Ive had to de-link a few due to their closing (and so I'll stop clicking on them only to find the same farewell post over and over). Goodbye to Micifus (he's been gone for a while now, but I was hoping for a surprise post). Adios to The Accidental Activist (I'm glad he reached a point where he was wanting to get to). And, Aufwiedersehen to Uncut and Unadulterated (he simply just vanished after not posting for awhile). Oh well, that's the way it goes.

On the plus side, seeing them go allows me to fill their time with other blogs that I never had time to read. Tim referred me to one that I think I'll like, and I'm looking for a few more to get to know. If anyone has any they may think I'd enjoy, let me know.

a few trace memories

OK, so Ive been sitting here for five minutes trying to remember anything that happened this past weekend, and all I can remember is working a little next door (I swear the remodel is almost done). All I lack is having the new vinyl and new front door unit installed. My floor guy keeps putting me off.

Oh yeah, I lost $200 in poker. That kinda sucked. If you know what a bad beat in poker is, well, I was cursed with it over and over again Saturday night.

BF and I ate out at a couple of restaurants, but I honestly don't remember where. Ive been drinking too much again. My memory is very hazy. I often don't think about or even notice where I am, I just act accordingly and have a good time.

I do remember fantasizing about throwing a pail of acid on Ann Coulter's ugly face, then handing her over to Al Qaida in Iraq so they could make one of their lovely home videos if you know what I mean. (ahhh..happy thoughts).

Tulips Are Better Than No Lips

During a very unseasonably warm January, my 3 year old tulip bed awoke a bit early for the season. Since then it has been quite cold and they've remained idle in their growth. March is here now, and I think they are aware of it. It has already started warming up in Nashville and I swear I think they have grown a little since yesterday. Unfortunately, it looks like only two or three of the hyacinths are returning this year. They were decimated by a ravenous possum and his chipmunk buddy who dug most of them up for breakfast last fall. Apparently, tulip bulbs aren't as tasty, as they all appear to be intact. I think the possum met his fate on the road a few months back, but I occasionally catch sight of that pesky chipmunk. I hope to keep the tulip growth documented here until they bloom and die off, so everyone can enjoy their beauty.