My Blog

TV and real life

Flamingo — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:52:45 GMT

Last night Jen and I watched our favorite show, Boston Legal. For those who don't know the show it is a show about a bunch of quirky and unique lawyers at a firm that handles many types of cases. As a show it tackles many issues and does so straight forward, without apology and (this is my favorite thing) it isn't a political one sided show. Usually there are 3 to 4 cases going on in one episode and hands down my favorite character is Alan Shore (James Spader). If you dont' watch it do so one time, you will thank me. Last night one of the cases involved Shirley Schmidt (Candice Bergen). Here is from the web site and the episode recap: "After her father -- who is in the late stages of a debilitating fight with Alzheimer's -- injures himself and lands in the hospital, Shirley Schmidt wants to end his suffering and asks Alan Shore to argue in court on her behalf." The way she wants to end it is to have him hooked up to a morphine drip. The shows talks about how the "morphine drip" is a way used (quietly) to end a suffering persons life or human euthinasia(sp?). Well yesterday I talked with my Mom again and she told me that they are starting my Father on Morphine due to the pain. My mother (tho acting strong) is torn up, I can hear it in her voice. She is glad I am coming and says to be emotionally ready for it. In my mind I know what is happening but in my heart I am so at a loss. I will be going with my Mom to look at burial plans for both her and my Father and also ( I found this out a long time ago) they have made me the executor to their estate. I was so touched that they trust me so much when they told me but now it is starting to sink in. As in the show Shirley talks about her father and how he was a man larger then life, strong and someone you took for granted will always be there. For those who know my family that is my Father. Amazing how TV (at it's best) can touch real life and help us. For me it brought tears to my eyes and also helped me to accept what is inevitable. Jen asked me if I thought this might be coming. I told her that it IS coming. My family comes from Yugoslavia and they came to make a better life for themselves and their family. It is your typical "American Dream" story and I lived it. Come from a foreign land with $20 and the clothes in a small suit case and to build a business and be his own boss and to a very successful degree. HE has given all of us a good life with no compromise and no apology. He fought for it hard and he was a champion in that respect. Respect doesn't even begin to say what I think of this man. Integrity abounds in him. Now my Dad isn't a man of many words. HE has only said "I love you" to me once in my life but ya know what...... he didn't even have to say it that one time because day after day he showed us how much he loved and cared for us. A stubborn man and sometimes a man of short temper but THE man I want to be when I grow up. I have a long way to go to match all that he is but what a role model I have had. All this to say, Dad I love you more then anything in this life can show and I will never be able to express how you made me and shaped me. For 20 years we worked side by side and you drove me hard and taught me more in your silence then anyone did with their opinions, words or advice. You will live on much longer then your body allows you to and I will never, ever forget what you mean to me....Father, mentor, friend. I am one lucky son of a bitch to have been born to you.

Pets

Flamingo — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:18:24 GMT

Today we went back to 2 dogs. The owners of "Buddy" (whose name I found out is Bear) our latest came to claim him today. I am glad we could take care of him and make sure he is safe but I am gonna miss him something terrible.

Visiting Next week

Flamingo — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:42:39 GMT

I will be in San Jose from Monday Thru Friday the 25th. I am staying close to home for the week but if anyone would like to meet up at anytime in San Jose I would love and cherish it. Let me know.

Latest update

Flamingo — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:02:58 GMT

I jsut talked with my Mother and my Father has taken a turn for the worse. I will be heading down very soon to visit him, probably for the last time............God that hurts!!!!

Jen and Dragi's Kennel service.

Flamingo — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:01:53 GMT

So for those of you who do know we have 3 dogs and 3 cats. 2 dogs came to us from the street (literally) and one cat is a rescue. We so love our family but tonight I am wondering what is going on. You see most days the dogs are outside (rain or shine) and when we let them in we bring them around to the laundry room for them to dry off. I walk in and low and behold there is a dog in our laundry room......not one of ours mind you but what looks to be some sort of small hound mix. The door was a jar and he was sitting in there. He is the cutest little thing but why our house and to top it off he really ahd to come looking to get in our laundry room.

Therapy

Flamingo — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:47:54 GMT

As of late I have felt very lost. What I mean is that I have lost who I am. The person I enjoyed and respected is not there.....not right now. I liked who I am, well who I feel like I was. Today was interesting. I borrowed a friends pressure washer to clean off the vw bus and get it ready for the next stage of restoration. After finishing the van I washed the entrance to our house and part of the front deck. It was so theraputic to just do......not worrry about anything but to just work. This brought me to a realization. I am so driven to make the company work that I have lost the person I believed I was. I want to be that person again and I know that I can be but it's time to get back to MY basics (we all have our ways and to be very honest one of mine is the bible). Integrity is the single most important thing to me and I hav elost alot of that. I have people to apologize to and I have to recapture that journey I love so much. I dont' like who I am right now but that is going to change. One thing I love is all of you!!!!! You all are so very important to me (and Jen). I love you and I mean I REALLY love you all....some of you dont' even know what you mean to me. I attach and when I do so I do it hard. Friend is not a word I throw around easily. Friend means alot to me and I have had few in my life til I met many of you. Thank you Kristie and Burningman, if it wasnt' for both I would very well be a very lonely man. Don't worry, I am not gonna be going back to youth pastoring or even being a "born again" but I am going to get back to the teachign that made me beleive in you all and myself. Love never asks, it only gives and I am going back to that. I lvoe you all more then you will ever understand, thank you.

Interesting watch

Flamingo — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:30:29 GMT

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1656880303867390173 It's a length video but worth the watch. America: Freedom to Fascism

RSVPing events

Flamingo — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:06:35 GMT

About 6 weeks ago I posted an event. A private one that is an invite to my birthday this weekend (if you didn't get invited it was my mess up and please mail me to fix it). There are 103 people on the list and so far 446 people have viewed it. It was made private so only those on the list could view it. That means that on average each person viewed it 4 times. Do you know how many people have actually RSVP..........22!!!!! What is so hard about punching in a yes, no or maybe?

Swing Dance comes to.....Centralia?!?!?!?!?!!

Flamingo — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:02:28 GMT

So I'm at Starbucks this morning and what do I see in the advertisement window but Starting in April there will be a regular swing dance held in (of all places )Centralia. This is gonna be fun to see.

A wonderful way to wake up

Flamingo — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:31:14 GMT

So I wake up this morning at the terrible hour of 3:45am and go out to the kitchen to make my morning coffee and what do I find? A little something from the most wonderful wife in the world. A card with 2 flamingos shaped in a heart and a bottle of Porterhouse Wresslers XXXX Stout. In the card she writes the love she has for me and what I mean to her. What a way to wake up. For you brew lovers below is a description of the brew: "Dark ruby black with a nitro tan head and thin lacing, the Wrasslers is undoubtedly Porterhouse’s most attractive beer. A step up from the Oyster Stout, Wrasslers features a deeper dark chocolate nose that pairs remarkably with rich noble hops and a hint of Roquefort. Balanced on the palate, its agreeable coffee and hop bitterness shares the tongue with a hint of orange peel. A relatively one-dimensional stout but that dimension is quite enjoyable, and surely the most full-flavored of Porterhouse’s offerings. An elegant ale and at 5% one that I could drink several pints of." (Side note: So I look up the brewery and find they make a stout that is brewed with Oysters.....interesting)

Cheesy

Flamingo — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:12:07 GMT

Cheesy but touching story: One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. " They really should get lives. " He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! " He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. " Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others. You now have two choices, you can: 1) Pass this on to your friends or 2) Delete it and act like it didn't touch your heart. As you can see, I took choice number 1. "Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly." There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends

Birthday weekend

Flamingo — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:53:46 GMT

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! As the time grows closer I am getting more and more excited. So far 10 people from CA. are coming up plus our Portland friends also. For those of you who haven't checked out where we will be celebrating it, we will be at a place called the Edgefield. Here is a blurb from the home page (keep reading afterwards cause I have more to say): "THE WORLD OF EDGEFIELD Historic Edgefield is one of the truly remarkable destination resorts of the Pacific Northwest. It is a world of relaxation that seamlessly blends Oregon's natural beauty with McMenamins' signature whimsy: historic buildings of all sizes artfully restored and rich with cozy interiors, tranquil ponds and dazzling gardens, great food and drink, plentiful entertainment and surprising recreations. Encompassing a lush 38-acre parcel of farmland at the mouth of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, Edgefield is a 15-minute car ride to or from the center of downtown Portland. Edgefield Logo Tee Shirts The stately main Edgefield building (circa 1911), with over 100 European-style guestrooms and hostel accommodations, is a national historic landmark. Each spacious room is furnished in charming turn-of-the-century decor. There are no televisions or telephones in the rooms, encouraging tranquility as surely as do the rocking chairs on our verandas. In the morning, join us in the Black Rabbit Restaurant for breakfast. On the grounds, you will find a plethora of diversions. Enjoy our fine-dining restaurant, classic pub, numerous small bars and colorful summertime grill. For liquid refreshment you will enjoy handcrafted ales, wines, spirits and aromatic houseroasted coffees created by McMenamins. Sports lovers will appreciate the golf course and onsite massage. Everyone will love the extensive gardens, onsite glass-blower and pottery maker, extensive artwork everywhere, recent-run movie theater, live music concerts and the Edgefield Gift Shop abundant with treasures from the Pacific Northwest and the world over." This place is sooo much fun!!!!! There is soo much to do there, or not to do. 9 resteraunts and bars on grounds Pool Hall Movie Theatre Live Music every night Spa (make reservations if you want a manicure, pedicure, massage) A soaking pool with natural salt water A Brewery A Winery A Distillery A golf coarse Artist Shops ( there is a glass blower) And the nights are simply wonderful. Outside, under the stars (well we hope anyway) by a fire drinking a great brew, or spirit or a glass of wine just sitting with friends. http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=3&id=30 This is gonna be such a great weekend!!!!!!! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Tomorrow is the big day

Flamingo — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 04:49:47 GMT

Well tomorrow is the day I actually quit smoking. So far I have been taking my meds and doing my exercises and homework and it's been nice. Seems that maybe the meds are working cause I can feel less cravings over the past couple of days. Time of truth now.

AUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flamingo — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:35:57 GMT

So my elbow has been bothering me on and off for about 9 years and today I found out I have arthritis in it. Not a good thing when you're main work is using your arms to chuck metal.

Finally dancing again tonight.

Flamingo — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 21:11:53 GMT

YAY!!!!!! There is a big swing dance tonight in Portland. I am sooooo excited.

This guy is my new hero!!!!!

Flamingo — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:34:58 GMT

Marathon hopeful, 101-year-old , training hard LONDON (Reuters) - Already Britain's oldest employee, 101-year-old Buster Martin now aims to become the world's oldest marathon runner by completing the London Marathon and celebrating with a pint of beer and a cigarette. ADVERTISEMENT Sprightly and bearded, he completed a half marathon at the weekend in five hours 13 minutes. The former Army physical training instructor works three days a week for a London plumbing firm and says he has trained for the April 13th race in his spare time. "I've said I'll attempt it," he told Reuters by telephone from his workplace at Pimlico Plumbers. "I haven't said I'll complete it. If I do make it, all the better. I hadn't thought of doing it before but someone asked me and the money goes to charity so why not?" His sponsorship money will go to the Rhys Daniels Trust, which provides temporary accommodation for families of patients in specialist children's hospitals. Martin, who had 17 children and returned to work at the age of 99 saying he was bored after two years of retirement, would beat the previous record for world's oldest marathon runner by eight years. "If I finish, I'll do what I always do and have a pint and a fag," he said. "People ask what is my secret but I haven't got one. They say fags and booze are bad for you -- but I'm still here, aren't I?"

Smoking update. I should explain a little

Flamingo — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:33:32 GMT

OK So I made the decision to quit smoking and talked with my Doctor and she prescribed Chantix for me. This is how it works. The first week I am taking the pill (started today) I don't actually stop smoking. I am letting the medication build up in me. What is this stuff doing you ask? Here ya go: "CHANTIX may reduce your urge to smoke. It contains no nicotine. You may wonder how a non-nicotine pill could help you quit smoking. Well, first, you have to know how nicotine works. There are receptors for nicotine in your brain. When you smoke, the nicotine you inhale attaches to these receptors. This sends a message to a different part of your brain to release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine gives you a feeling of pleasure. But it does not last long. That's why your body craves more nicotine. This can become a vicious cycle. Based on research, it is believed that CHANTIX helps keep nicotine from reaching key receptors in the brain. It's the only prescription treatment of its kind." After the first week I quit. My quit date is March 10, 2008. Along with the medication I aslo am signed up with a support plan that Chantix has set up called GETQUIT. I have daily exercises and a support group to call if I need and all kinds of things to help out wiht this process. This support lasts for a year if I need it. Thanks for everyone who has written and is supporting me..... I WILL NEED IT!!!!! Jen may also when my crankyness comes so don't forget her. For those who don't know I have been smoking for the better part of 30 years. I quit for 3 years in middle of it...well sort of. I used to smoke regular cigs and once I quit them I smoked cloves in social settings but not regularly. Well it became regular and now I smoke about a pack a day. Funny thing is that I can't put a regular cig to my mouth (even unlit) without gagging. OK so now you all have a litte more info about what I am doing and how it works. Keep the messages coming, You all play a more important roll then you think.

Need all your help

Flamingo — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:40:36 GMT

So tomorrow morning I begin a new journey in life. I am attempting to quit smoking. I will be on Chantix (basically, a nicotine blocker) for the next 12 weeks. It has shown incredible results. My Doc has prescribed it to 40 people and only one has not quit. This is exciting and somewhat nerve racking. All you lovelies out there......... Hold me accountable!!!!! Call me, mail me, talk to me, make sure I am sticking with it. Most of all keep contact with me on aa VERY regular basis. I need you all alot to help me thur this. Lots of love,

I wanna know!!!!

Flamingo — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:23:05 GMT

Copy, Paste and fill in. Then make a blog for yourself out of these questions so I can answer them. 1) Are you currently in a serious relationship? A. 2) What was your dream growing up? A. 3) What talent do you wish you had? A. 4) If I bought you a drink what would it be? A. 5) Favorite vegetable? A. 6) What was the last book you read? A. 7) What zodiac sign are you? A. 8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where. A. 9) Worst Habit? A. 10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride? A. 11) What is your favorite sport? A. 12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude? A. 13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me? A. 14) Worst thing to ever happen to you? A. 15) Tell me one weird fact about you. A. 16) Do you have any pets? A. 17) What if i showed up at your house unexpectedly? A. 18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!) A. 19) Are you monogamous, or non-monogamous? A. 20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? A. 21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? A. 22) What color eyes do you have? A. 23) Ever been arrested? A. 24) Bottle or can soda? A. 25) If you won $10,000,000 today, what would you do with it? A. 27) What's your favorite place to hang at, outside of your home? A. 28) Do you believe in ghosts? A. 29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time? A. 30) Do you swear a lot? A. 31) Biggest pet peeve? A. 32) In one word, how would you describe yourself? A. 33) Do you believe/appreciate romance? A. 35) Do you believe in God or a higher power? A. 36.) Do you like to be touched? A. 37.) What is your top trouble spot for bodily aches and pains? A. 38.) What do you like to talk about? A. 39.) Describe a great evening or outing. A. 40) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you? A.

It's Official

Flamingo — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:32:59 GMT

My iPod is unfixable. :(

Birthday weekend

Flamingo — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:53:02 GMT

For those who want to come but are second thinking it because of Edgdfield being booked there are 4 other hotels in the vacinity. http://hotel-guides.us/oregon/troutdale-or-hotels.html Troutdale is small so maybe this will help.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

Flamingo — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:22:45 GMT

My iPod is dead!!!!!!

My Birthday party

Flamingo — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:11:36 GMT

Just a note about my upcoming birthday in March. The Edgefield has no rooms available anymore. You can get on a waiting list OR they also have a Hostel where you can stay for like $30 a night (or something like that). If you are reading this and didnt' get an invite it is because I am a butthead and spaced........ love ya all!!!!!

Animals area amazing

Flamingo — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:55:13 GMT

Now Jen is sick and I just walked into the bedroom to check on her. She is sleeping and Del is in bed with her (usually he would be whining to get outside), Missy is at the foot of the bed and when I tried to get to Jen she stood in my way, Beast is at Jens feet. The sensitivity our family feels amazes me. While I was sick Del and Missy stayed next to the couch I was laying on and wouldn't move and the cats would circle me on occasion and be near by pretty much all the time. I'm feeling better now but still weak but Jen is down now.

AUGH!!!!

Flamingo — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 01:25:31 GMT

Man what a week!!!! So we went for a visit to CA. and it was wonderful seeing all our friends at the party. Apart from that it was a very hard weekend. Won't get into it too much but it was hard. When we got home we found out a friend had died in a car crash. I have been VERY sick since our return. My whole body aches like I have never felt before......uncontrollable coughing, eyes burning,....I can't even begin to list all that I am feeling. Even typing this hurts. love ya all lots.