Incredibly sad...

I am a bit obsessed with mtv's Run's House. Last season ended with the family being notified that a new addition would be arriving. Today, the news was released that the baby came prematurely and did not survive. I was overcome with a feeling of empathy for this group of people that is probably one of the best testaments to family on t.v. right now.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Rev. Run released this statement:

On Sept. 26, 2006, Victoria Anne Simmons for some unknown reason chose to come early and unfortunately did not survive. We must accept whatever is there and once you accept unconditionally, then everything is beautiful. Every pain has a purifying effect. So whatever comes your way, just be thankful. We see life in death and believe in the celebration of life in death.

I really should get out of the house...

I was reading somethings online and decided to read techeblog. I came across this story on information rings.



They carry all your personal information and when you shake hands with someone also wearing an information ring, your information is transferred. I guess it's a good alternative to carrying around business cards. It would also cut down on embarrassing situations where you forget a person's name, since you have the information saved. It's just a bit weird to me.

I'm such a baby...

I didn't go into work again, today. Although this was more an office decision than mine. I called in and (stupidly) asked if there was anything that needed to be worked on today...response: "look these rules up, write a memo, find the proper forms, make sure it's the proper venue, find out what the filing fees are, draw up the petitions, find local counsel and email it to me." I think that's code for stay the hell away from us until you're no longer contagious.

I hate feeling like I can't breathe, and my eyes won't stop watering.

Since I haven't left the house in 2 days, I've watched way too much television. I am officially in love with Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. I don't know which character I like most, Matthew Perry's, Bradley Whitford's, or Sarah Paulson's.

I am also loving How I Met Your Mother, just as much this season as last. I'm drifting away from Prison Break...my ability to accept the gaping holes in logic is diminishing. I do still enjoy Vanished, though I found myself flipping back and forth between it and The Adventures of Old Christine.

Gilmore Girls is back on tonight, and it's on a short leash. I think House will win out.

How I love Bob Schneider...

Confession: I have yet to buy The Californian. However, I have not been missing out, because everyday (yeah, everyday) I got to Bob Schneider's web site and listen to the entire cd and his commentary.



I don't know if any of you listen to or frequent his site much, but I highly recommend it. He has the Bob Schneider daily radio show, in which a 'robot' is the dj (you just gotta listen). He's the guest on the Wednesday show, which is my favorite. I have pretty much memorized his commentary to the previous cds he has up on the playlist. His take on some of the songs, the backstories and just random things he spouts are very entertaining.



This latest commentary is funny and covers such things as gansta rock, house parties when your parents leave town, pimp my ride and his sleep-deprived ramblings on superheroes. You definitely get a sense of his personality and humor when you listen (and when you see his live show).



I have only had the chance to talk with him once after a show. He could not have been a nicer or more gracious guy.

So, if you're bored at work or just want something to listen to in the background, check out his playlists...I'm sure you will find something you love.

just have to get something out of my head...

No one directly involved in this story reads or even knows this blog exists...so, I don't feel bad airing my frustrations. I have known the person who's the focus of this for about seven years. I have never considered this person a friend, but they somehow are always around. I have never had this person's telephone number, email address, or even known where they live. I have always known them via others in my social circle.

I have never pretended to be anything more than an acquaintance of hers. I know the basics of what's going on with her and am able to make small talk, if it becomes necessary. I try to avoid all contact with her if at all possible. She has caused too much drama and pain to people that are like a second family to me. I have no interest in what she is doing. I have no interest in sharing any personal information with her, because based on past experience, she will use this information to weasel her way into my friends' lives or use it against them in some way.

I do not consider myself to be even remotely rude or disrespectful to other people. I hate seeing other people being treated that way, and if any of you see me acting like that, I'd like you to call me out on it. I haven't been hateful towards her, but I have not extended myself to her, either. I would never intentionally hurt someone. I guess that's what bothered me the most about what happened...

Being informed by two dear friends that she relayed a story to them in which I supposedly ditched her and acted like a 'middle-school' aged kid earlier in the afternoon just really aggravated me. My friends both told her that it certainly didn't sound like me. First, I am never anything but civil to her when I have to be in the same place as she. Second, I would never voluntarily agree to spend more time with her than I have to...much less invite her out somewhere. Sorry. There are some people that I do not want to spend my weekends with. I refuse to subject myself to someone that will just try to get details of my friends' personal lives from me to use as ammo later.

Right now, I'm stuck in a situation where it appears I will have to see her on a fairly regular basis if I want to continue seeing/visiting a friend. I don't want to let her have that much power over whether I continue spending time with a friend, but it does factor in. I don't think we should all applaud her when she's on 'good behavior.' I'm with one of my guy friends in wondering "why the hell is she still around all of us?" Not one of us has been spared from being the subject of her gossip. I was sure I'd be able to sever all ties after eighteen months...but there she was again.

Seems like yesterday...

So, it's been five years and I avoided all news coverage, but for a 3 minute story this morning on the Today show. It was the story of a young boy and the memories that remain with him from that day, and his first visit back to Ground Zero.

I had no desire to relive the original coverage on CNN. I had no desire to watch the 9/11 documentary on CBS last night. I've heard it was phenomenal and that I should watch it online. Yet, I feel like I've reached a sort of saturation point. I don't feel like there's been a day since the attack that we've (collectively) gone without thinking about it/been reminded of it/felt the ramifications of it. It can be as simple as seeing the opening credits of a late night rerun of Mad About You or Sex and the City with the towers still there, reading about the implementation of travel restrictions, or learning of a plan thwarted by a governmental agency. It will never be a question with me of not remembering. I still have the pictures from my visit to the city, and the shops underneath the WTC. I remember exiting the subway into what truly was a mini-city. I remember taking the express elevator up to look out at the amazing view. I remember watching in a daze when that all changed.

The music blogs I frequent had their own nod toward remembering 9/11. As it turns out, I shared some of the same memories. The U2 cd out at the time kind of defines that period for me, especially "Walk On." As does hearing Bruce Springsteen sing "My City of Ruins." Here are the links to the blogs...The first is a first-person account of what he saw that day with a touch of humor toward the end of the entry. The second is a reflection of someone looking in from the outside, but was just as affected.

Earfarm

I am Fuel, You are Friends

I love a good cover...

I ran across this cover a few days ago by Obadiah Parker, and can't get it out of my head. They pretty much make it their own, and that's what I love about it. Although I was never a big Outkast fan, I always liked the song...even heard Pat Green sing it a few times. Mat Weddle's voice completely changes the feeling I get from the song. Anyway, here's the video. If anyone wants the mp3, email me.

Mat Weddle of Obadiah Parker -

Life's alot of trade-offs in the end...

This weekend didn't really go as planned. I had planned on going to DFW for the Red Dirt Roundup, but that changed. I had planned on doing laundry and actually going to the grocery store, but that changed, too.

This weekend, instead, ended up being one of surprises. Not good ones, either. Saturday night, an uncle had a heart attack. Then tonight, my mom and dad came home (I spent Saturday and all day Sunday at their house), to tell me that while visiting my uncle, they ran into the father of one of my jr high/high school/neighborhood friends. Apparently, Casey's in the hospital with 3rd degree burns to the lower half of his body. It's insane how it happened. I can't say when they relayed the story, I was shocked. He and his brothers have always been "those" guys. I plan on going to see him sometime this week. I hope he's doing alright...I hope his mom's doing alright.

That was the second time this week that an old friend from school has popped back up, for one reason or another. Neither time has been for particularly good reasons. I hope that trend doesn't continue.

____________________________________________________

This weekend wasn't all doom and gloom. Becky, Brady, Elvira, Christy, Samantha and I all had a great time Saturday at the Blue Light. Carrie and Tamara made an appearance as well (I'm gonna say they had a good time, though it's doubtful that they remember).

Mancy was fun, and I got the Charlie sighting I'd hoped for, although not on stage...maybe I'll make it out Thurs night to see the band.

After closing time, we went to a keg party. Immediately after stepping over the threshold, I knew it was time to go home. There was a sixteen year old boy passed out on the couch! SIXTEEN! Anyway, it was good to see Terry and Lance.

I've got to thank Heather and Sara for the calls this weekend...the next best thing to being there. The commentary was entertaining inbetween songs, as well. ;)