25 Years Ago

25 years ago today, I was sitting in my small 4th grade classroom in the southeast corner of the second floor in Maples School. I haven't set foot in that classroom in more than two decades, but I remember the room well because it played a very important role in my childhood for many reasons. The Challenger explosion is one of those reasons.

I remember the television being wheeled into our class that morning so we could watch the launch and witness the first school teacher ever traveling into space. By today's standards, the TV wasn't much....but at that time having this "big" TV in our room was rather exciting. I don't remember if our teacher, Dr. Bingham, was there that day or not, but considering how important it was to him for us to watch this event and how instrumental he was in securing one of the "big" TVs for us to watch this on, I can't believe he wouldn't have been....although because it's very hard for me to remember at what point of that school year he took his leave of absence, I can't swear that he was.

Actually, there are plenty of details I cannot remember from that day. Not only can I not remember if my teacher was there or not, I can't remember who I sat next to....or which of my elementary school friends were even in my class that day, or that year. I remember there was more than one adult in the room with us, but I can't remember who or how many. What I do remember is watching the shuttle take flight, imagining what it must be like inside the shuttle. I was obsessed with space flight and aviation overall at that age, and always wished I was on one of those shuttle flights. Hell, I still wish that nowadays.

Watching the shuttle go up was absolutely awesome, and I can still FEEL the smile I had while I watched. Unfortunately 73 seconds into the flight, my smile disappeared and this state of confusion just hit me. After a while the realization of what we were seeing set in to all of us. I felt a profound sadness I never remember feeling before that day. One that still resonates with me today when I think about the Challenger explosion. Over time I have learned that death is a part of life and have fully accepted that, but part of my innocence vanished in an instant that day. I like to say that I will never fully grow up, because I am just a big kid at heart, but looking back on it today, it sure seems as if that was the first big step I took toward being a grown up.

I was nine years old when the Challenger exploded. My father was a day away from turning 14 when Kennedy was shot. The times I have heard him talk about that always sounded a whole lot like what I felt watching the Challenger 25 years ago. I guess I am not so different from my old man as I would choose to believe....but that is something you'll never hear me complain about.

Three Sixty Three

Not too long after reading a blog post from Wil Wheaton today titled Technology Makes you Stupid, I wondered aloud what time it was, considering I had to nap at some point this afternoon so I wouldn't be dead tired at work overnight. I glanced down at my phone and saw 3:36 PM on the display. In keeping with my 'aloud' theme for the time, I actually answered myself out loud by reading the time....and saying "three sixty three".

Needless to say, it wasn't long after hearing that come out of my mouth that I decided it was time for my pre-work nap, but before any of that happened, I had a wonderful day. LM and I headed downtown first thing this morning to check out the North American International Auto Show. This was the first NAIAS for either of us in over ten years, and it was definitely different than we remembered. It was cleaner and nicer than we remembered, and I'm not sure if it's my immaturity or what....but I also remember it being a little more fun. Other than the guy doing card tricks near the Ford exhibit, it seemed like one giant show room with a ton of car salesmen. I understand that is the bottom line for most car companies nowadays, but I've been in a LOT of dealerships the last few years shopping for cars and was hoping for a little more. I didn't see too much there that was really eye-catching. I remember lots of concept cars and a little more theatrics back in the day.

While it was a different experience than I remember, it didn't take away from us having a great time....neither did having to turn around and head back after getting more than halfway there the first time, because I forgot the tickets at home. Thankfully I have an understanding girlfriend. :-)

After walking just about every inch of Cobo, we hit the People Mover and headed to Greektown for lunch at PizzaPapalis. The lunch was very good, but maybe a little expensive at $140. Well, ok....the restaurant only charged me $20 for the food, but that $120 slot tax was tough to swallow. Especially since I never got to spin the wheel. Not once dammit!

As a matter of fact, the lack of luck on the slots wasn't even the most annoying part of the casino visit. While we were checking out one of the new lounge areas at the casino which looked somewhat cool, but kind of reminiscent of a divey Vegas lounge trying to go upscale, one of the employees there came out from behind the velvet rope, waited for a minute or so until we worked our way over to her, then felt the need to tell us the lounge was closed after giving us a snotty "may I help you?" Unless we were blind or severely retarded, we would obviously realize this before making our way to her, making her actions completely unnecessary and somewhat offensive. Then again, it's just another reason Greektown is widely regarded as the worst of the four casinos in the area.

Aside from the two annoyances at the casino, one of which I completely brought upon myself, I had an absolute blast today. Just going places and hanging out with LM, even if it's local and not for that long, makes everything 10 times more enjoyable. Now I just need to get the ball rolling on teaching her Craps so we can avoid that slot tax in the future.

Almost 100 Questions

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.

The line doesn't make sense alone, so here is the entire sentence that contained line 4: "The godswood there was a garden, bright and airy, where tall redwoods spread dappled shadows across tinkling streams, birds sang from hidden nests, and the air was spicy with the scent of flowers."

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can, What can you touch?

Two remote controls and a set of keys.

3. Before you started this survey, what were you doing?

Texting with my mom, girlfriend, and room mate.

4. What is the last thing you watched on TV?

Currently watching the New Orleans/Seattle wild card game. Seattle just tied it up at 17. I too New Orleans -10.5. Go figure.

5. Without looking, guess what time it is

5:44

6. Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?

5:43

7. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?

The annoying announcers on NBC....but they are doing the worst game of the playoffs (or what was supposed to be the worst anyway) so you can't blame them. NBC only has one football crew normally....I'm kinda surprised they didn't hire the homeless guy with the Golden Voice for this.

8. When did you last step outside? What were you doing?

Other than driving to or from work, it was about 5 hours ago to shovel the snow.

9. Did you dream last night?

Yes

10. Do you remember your dreams?

Not usually, but I do remember one from last night/this morning because I has something of a epileptic seizure because of it. At least I didn't swing a fist, leg, or my head this time.

11. When did you last laugh?

5:22 PM

12. Do you remember why / at what?

Yes....thank you autocorrect

13. What is on the walls of the room you are in?

WAY too much to list. Lots of pretty lights.

14. Seen anything weird lately?

Yes, the Seahawks just went up 24-17 on the Saints....WTF?

15. What do you think of this quiz?

So far so good....just having a formatting problem.

16. What is the last film you saw?

What About Bob? It was a lot better than I thought it would be, even this many years after it came out.

17. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Well, there aren't many places in the world I couldn't live....and I still haven't left the Detroit area yet. Not sure what that says about me. That being said, I feel drawn toward the ocean and historical places. Anywhere near either or both of those things would be great....but it would have to be the right situation in more ways than one.

18. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?

Lots of "little" things. Those closest to me would get some pretty nice gifts.

19. Tell me something about you that most people don't know.

Sorry, there is a reason most people don't know these things. If you don't know, you aren't going to know.

20. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?

Population control. Out of anything, I really believe overpopulation will be the undoing of man.

21. Do you like to dance?

I'm not what you would call a dancer, but I have my moments and am open to anything....except the hustle.

22. Would you ever consider living abroad?

Definitely.

23. Does your name make any interesting anagrams?

I don't know....you tell me.

24. Who made the last incoming call on your phone?

The Red Cross. I am ignoring them lately though, so the last one I answered was from Denise.

25. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

Computer? Who needs one of those anymore. Did I mention I have a smartphone I really like. It was an AWESOME birthday gift.

26. Last time you swam in a pool?

Over the summer. It was small and the water didn't seem all that clean.

27. Type of music you like most?

Rock

28. Type of music you dislike most?

Country

29. Are you listening to music right now?

No. I don't get enough of that anymore.

30. What color is your bedroom carpet?

I have this amazing brown, woodgrain carpet in my room....wait, that's not carpet.

31. If you could change something about your home, without worry about expense or mess, what would you do?

Rearrange the layout of the house and/or the size of the rooms.

32. What was the last thing you bought?

A sketch/drawing book for S. I can't tell you how happy I am that she dove right into it last night.

33. Have you ever ridden on a motorbike?

Once or twice.

34. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?

I hope to eventually. Just need to convince someone to go with me.

35. Do you have a garden?

No, but Marq and I are talking about making one in the spring.

36. Do you really know all the words to your national anthem?

Yes.

37. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?

That really depends on the day....but most often I wonder what time it is.

38. If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?

I think Christopher Walken would be a great choice.

39. Who sent the last text message you received?

LM

40. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

Best Buy is the first one that comes to mind....

41. What time is bed time?

Another one that depends on the day, but I am hardly ever tired before midnight.

42. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?

Plenty of fashion shows, but never a beauty pageant.

43. How many tattoos do you have?

None. I plenty planned....just need to figure out which arm gets the first one.

44. If you don't have any, have you ever thought of getting one?

I have plenty planned....just need to figure out which arm gets the first one.

45. What did you do for your last birthday?

The night before I had a great dinner with a group of my friends, then had an amazing one on one dinner on my birthday, followed by a night out with three of my closest M's. It's the best birthday I have had in a long time, maybe ever.

46. Do you carry a donor card?

My license counts as one.

47. Who was the last person you ate dinner with?

LM, S, and K....even though one of them waited til after the rest of us were eating to dig in.

48. Is the glass half empty or half full?

I am nothing if not an optimist....but I can see both sides. :-)

49. What's the farthest-away place you've been?

Mount Charleston just outside of Vegas.

50. When's the last time you ate a homegrown tomato?

Probably a couple decades ago.

51. Have you ever won a trophy?

I have several....and these are EARNED trophies, not the ones they pass out to every kid in a sport nowadays. I'm still bitter I didn't win either FFL trophy this year, considering I had the best team in both leagues.

52. Are you a good cook?

I bake better, but I can cook very well....I'm just too lazy to do it all the time.

53. Do you know how to pump your own gas?

Yes, I don't live in New Jersey.

54. If you could meet any one person (from history or currently alive), who would it be?

Plato

55. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school?

No, but I have learned to like school uniforms.

56. Do you touch-type?

For the most part I do, especially when I am at work.

57. What's under your bed?

A little bit of dog hair and a sword.

58. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes, but I also believe you can love someone before you ever even see them.

59. Think fast, what do you like right now?

The fact that I am not currently coughing. It's been an annoying few days with that.

60. Where were you on Valentine's day?

Well, it's a little more than a month away....but I have a few ideas for it. Just gotta narrow it
down before I can tell you.

61. What time do you get up?

All different times nowadays.

62. What was the name of your first pet?

Duchess was the first dog that was MY dog.

63. Who is the second to last person to call you?

Denise....but I explained that earlier

64. Is there anything going on this weekend?

NFL Playoffs begin this weekend

65. How are you feeling right now?

Iffy. Trying to hold off this cough.

66. What do you think about the most?

Nothing seems to really stick in my head lately, aside from a song getting the best of me from time to time, but I'd probably say the future is what I think about the most....and I like thinking about it.

67. What time do you get up in the morning?

Sigh, see number 61.

68. If you had A Big Win in the Lottery, how long would you wait to tell people?

I'd try and keep it quiet for a long time....unfortunately, the two biggest ones don't let you claim it anonymously.

69. Who would you tell first?

LM. We'd carry out my devious plans in secrecy from there on out. MWAH HA HA.

70. What is the last movie that you saw at the cinema?

Tron Legacy. I enjoyed it.

71. Do you sing in the shower?

Not usually. I listen to the news or a game when I am showering.

72. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

Answered this already too.

73. What do you do most when you are bored?

Sleep.

74. What do you do for a living?

I am still a corporate thug....just in a different capacity these days.

75. Do you love your job?

That would be stretching the truth.

76. What did you want to be when you grew up?

A marine biologist.

77. If you could have any job, what would you want to do/be?

I can't tell you that.

78. Which came first the chicken or the egg?

The egg. Plenty of reptiles were walking the earth well before chickens appeared.

79. How many keys on your key ring?

Not too many....I have more rings than keys.

80. Where would you retire to?

Somewhere I don't have to worry about these stupid sinus infections anymore.

81. What kind of car do you drive?

Jeep

82. What are your best physical features?

My smile.

83. What are your best characteristics?

My patience is the first thing that comes to mind, but it can work against me too.

84. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would you go?

Rome

85. What kind of books do you like to read?

Anything interesting will keep me reading.

86. Where would you want to retire to?

This was JUST asked....

87. What is your favorite time of the day?

Whatever time I leave work. Lol.

88. Where did you grow up?

The D.

89. How far away from your birthplace do you live now?

About 10 miles.

90. What are you reading now?

These questions....more than the author it seems, since they keep effing repeating.

91. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Night owl

92. Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

No, my talent lies not within my length.

93. Can you close your eyes and raise your eyebrows?

I do both very often. Not sure I'd ever tried to do both simultaneously before, but now that I
have....I can confidently answer yes.

94. Do you have pets?

Yes

95. How many rings before you answer the phone?

Whenever I get to it

96. What is your best childhood memory?

Would it be bad if I said skipping school in the first grade?

97. What are some of the different jobs that you have had in your life?

I've only had a few. I ran a small company, then moved on to an employer that was as giving as it could possibly be, then moved on to one that is as greedy as it could possibly be, before settling in where I am now.

98. Any new and exciting things that you would like to share?

Not really....some things I like to keep to myself. :-)

99. What is most important in life?

Family and friends. Keeping the ones you love close and making sure they know it.

100. What Inspires You?

Seeing people who haven't been blessed with the same abilities or socioeconomic status accomplish things I would never even dream of. It inspires me, then makes me feel like a jerk for not doing more myself.

No Obstacles, Only Challenges

RULES:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
Within a Mile of Home- Flogging Molly

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
High Hopes- Pink Floyd

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
A Million Miles an Hour- Eastern Conference Champions

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Sick Boys- Social Distortion

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
When You Were Young- The Killers

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Kill You- Eminem

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Reach for the Sky- Social Distortion

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Black Dog- Led Zeppelin

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Sam's Town- The Killers

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Resistance- Muse

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
The Dirty Glass- Dropkick Murphys

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
State of the Union- Rise Against

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
We Believe- Good Charlotte

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
Look in My Eyes- The Chantels

WHAT WILL/DID YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Rape Me- Nirvana

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
In Chains- Depeche Mode

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Until We Fall- Audioslave

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Anarchy in the U.K.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Breathe- Angels and Airwaves

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
I've Got You Under My Skin- Frank Sinatra

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Live Forever- Oasis

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
No Obstacles, Only Challenges- Wish FM

Tell Him About the Twinkie...

Nothing about the Twinkie is good. The cake part of the Twinkie is terrible, the crust part at the top (or bottom depending on how you hold it) probably has the most taste in it....but it's still crap, and the filling is downright awful. I can't remember the last time I wanted one, much less had one, until tonight.

I don't normally walk by any of the vending machines at work. There isn't anything in there worth getting aside from a pop every now and again, but I can bring the pop I like in with me, and pay a lot less for it. Well it just so happens that I was forced to walk by the vending machines tonight on my way in. Pretty much any time I go by them, I get a quick craving for something in there I like, maybe a Kit Kat or a Crunch bar or something like that. Tonight I craved a Twinkie as soon as I saw one in there. I damn near stopped in my tracks, wondering what that was all about, but kept on walking because nothing good could come out of having a Twinkie while sitting on my butt at work. The only thing that could, and did, come out of this was elimination of any doubt in my mind that I am, in fact, sick....because I'd never want one of those things if I wasn't.

Resolute

I always fight against using the word 'resolution' for anything I want to accomplish in a new year, but I don't know why I bother....it's all the same regardless of what I call it. Now I haven't given too much thought to these, but here are a few of my resolutions for 2011 off the top of my head.

First and foremost, I need to drop some weight and get in better shape. My diet is horrendous, I don't do much in terms of physical activity, and am slowly becoming a ticking timebomb here with my family heart history.

Next I want to return to blogging. 2010 was second in terms of my post count for any year, with 2009 being the top. But both of those years still fell short of the goal I have always shot for here, which is at least three posts per week. I always think that I have to wait until I have something profound to say before I start a post, but this is my effing blog....I can put anything and everything up here that I want. I don't think upping my post count with things I wouldn't normally post will take anything away from what I currently do, and I might actually surprise myself and come up with something TRULY profound when I am just babbling about something mundane. Hopefully we will see.

Another one kind of goes hand in hand with that last one. I want to make sure that I write at least 10-20 minutes every day. With access to plenty of computers on a daily basis, an awesome phone with e-mail/text/notepad capabilities, and my iPod which always has the notepad option and can email (better than my phone currently does) if I have a wi-fi connection. I just need to keep putting virtual pen to paper and see what comes out. I'd hate to think that my creativity could ever suffer, but I worry it might without regular exercise.

Speaking of regular exercise....my first two resolutions are a little more related than I first thought. I have a minimum number of gym visits I want to make this year, which is about 150. Basically three times a week, like my blog post goal. Truthfully, I'd like the number to be a lot higher than that, but it's a very obtainable goal to start with.

Another thing I really want to do is organize my house. I got quite the jump a couple weeks ago when I cleaned up the basement a bit so the AT&T installer could hook up our Uverse. Plenty of stuff down there got moved or thrown into a garbage bag. Unfortunately, more than half of those bags are still in my garage because only a couple can fit into my trash bin every week. It's gonna take another month or so to throw that all out, or to recycle all the damn cardboard I have down there....especially since recycling is only every other week now. No matter what, a lot more will be getting done around here now.

Well, that's all for now. Maybe I can come up with a few more to add here in the near future. Until then, I'll do what I can to make sure I don't fall behind on these.

2011

Don't waste your time,
or time will waste you.