tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19233059867374456462024-03-07T00:16:29.361-06:00Things JK Does on the Weekend mostlyIt's blog, it's blog, it's big, it's heavy, it's wood.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-20358853274167833002011-07-19T17:08:00.004-05:002011-07-24T22:27:05.680-05:00Ooops I Did It Again.I played with your heart. Something something the game?<div><br /></div><div><div>It's been brought to my attention that I failed pretty hard on my previous goal/challenge (brought forth by yours truly, in the post below).</div><div><br /></div><div>Oops.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be fair (or to present an excuse), the last few months have been nutso-insane-hectic to say the very least. Planning a wedding 1,200 miles away is not something I recommend for people who like to live low-stress lives. Regardless, thanks to the help of a lot of awesome people (many of which I didn't even meet until the days before the event) things went of (mostly) hitchless, that is to say, without a hitch. Which is a weird phrase. But I digress.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>We'd decided to build a lot of extra time into the trip out for the wedding to make a vacation of it, nearly 2 weeks long in all (including drive time). We should have done three. Or four. Everything went by insanely fast, and all of those details and things that weren't really hammered out solidly beforehand were things that just ate up most of our trip. Juggling families, coordinating people, making trips to the airport, etc, etc. I think I spent more time in the fine malls of San Diego during those two weeks than I have in any city in the country over the past 8 months. Gifts, this, that, the other. On the plus side, San Diego has some nice malls.</div><div><br /></div><div>But let's back up a bit. This was Angelle and mine's first 'real' road trip (to say, more than a couple hours in the car together), and as such, we both wanted everything to go awesome. She was a trooper and a half, putting up with my travel insanity, where I generally worry about every detail of everything, and drive everyone around me completely insane in the process. She even packed for me, which led her to forget to pack socks and some other items for herself. That's love. Sockless, awesome love. (I bought her socks when we got there because I felt bad).</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, on the way out we decided to trek straight west on I70 through the mountains, over to I15 through Vegas, and down the 805 to San Diego. To be brief, the Rockies were incredible, (I'd never been west of Vail), Utah was so much more amazing than I expected, and Nevada is flat and hot. Both riddled with excitement, we rocked out the 1,150 mile trip in 18 hours on the way out, which included stopping an hour for dinner at some awesome diner in BFE Utah, and stopping what seemed like every 5 feet at scenic lookouts in Utah to photograph the scenery.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once there, it felt like absolute pure chaos for 3 days while I met parts of the family I'd never met before, and we got settled into a grove. Being a holiday weekend, we physically couldn't even make it to the beach (due to lack of parking) for those first 3 days. And when we finally did, we had to walk about a mile to the sand, but it was totally worth it. Watching the sun set over the Pacific with the one I love was one of those watershed moments where everything, the stress, the anxiety, all just literally floated away. We wandered up and down the beach for a couple hours, and headed back out to her grandparents completely refreshed. And sandy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, it was back to the rat race. Family functions, more shopping, airport runs, interviews, etc, etc. We made a point to set aside 'us' time when we could, even if it was just her showing me some awesome burrito stand in town. Those were the moments that made everything else not an issue. </div><div><br /></div><div>Worlds finally collided Friday night at her grandparents house. My friends, mom, and her family and friends. While we were both worried, everything went pretty much flawless. Much awesome food was had, much mingling was done, and much beer was drank, which in book, makes for awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday, of course was the big day. Despite all the planning and rehearsing, I felt like things were still in a mild state of disarray for some reason, but I think I was just over-thinking things. All the stuff showed up at the site on time, people were mostly courteous to the parking and permit situation, and despite a traffic jam, the bride showed up on time. We even started early, and it seemed like from that moment on the rest of the day was stuck in turbo mode. The ceremony, which lasted 15-20 minutes, seemed to last 5. An hour or so of pictures afterwards seemed to take 10 minutes. The 30 minute drive to the reception hall seemed like nothing. The reception itself, seemed like it maybe lasted for 20 minutes instead of nearly 4 hours. I didn't feel like I even had time to have a drink, between dancing, and meeting people still, and making sure everything was going smoothly and everyone was having a good time. But they were, and it did. Everything came out perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her grandparents were awesome enough to get us a room at the Westin downtown for the final days of the trip, and that was the single biggest godsend of the whole thing. Having our own space was huge, not having to be on any sort of itinerary after the wedding was the most relaxing thing on the face of the earth. More beach time ensued, breakfast in bed happened, awesome dinners were had, and much chilling was done. The 12-day-long venture seemed like 2 days prior (it was like a week) and then an actual 3 days afterwards. And that made it all worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The final day of our stay in SD, we made our way back to her grandparent's house, crammed all of our new worldly couple belongings in the back of the Subaru, and hit the road east, this time opting to take I8 through Yuma, Phoenix, Albuquerque, and up through the middle of Colorado.</div><div><br /></div><div>The desert is fucking hot, and fucking flat. That's what I learned on the way back. And the middle of New Mexico has hotels that are fully booked on a Tuesday night for ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD REASON. We were both beat after the week+ we'd had, so about 9 hours into things, we decided to cut the trip in half at Gallup, NM around Midnight, eventually finding one single room left available in Red Roof Inn, that was... well, it was a shit hole. I'm surprised we didn't catch any communicable diseases from the bed, to be honest. </div><div><br /></div><div>The remainder of the trip was low-drama, until we got to the last 5 miles of the trip, ready to be home, both having to pee like madmen, when we got stuck in one of the most torrential downpours I've ever had the pleasure of being dumped on by.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spoiler: we didn't pee our pants.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here we are, back amongst the Rockies, starting our life together in earnest. 2 weeks later, everything's finally unpacked, new wedding gifts are in place and being used (thanks everyone!), and we're planning our next move. More on that once we figure out what that move actually ends up being. The future is unknown, and I couldn't be happier about it, because I have the one thing with me that I really need: the love of my life.</div>JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-84181747491389733382011-06-01T15:08:00.002-05:002011-06-01T15:27:50.938-05:00Short and sweetMaybe. I'm giving blogging another shot again by popular request. :P Fact of the matter is, between Twitter, Facebook, and whatever message boards, I just type too much during the day as it is, and I never feel like the 'long-form' babble fest really is needed. Maybe it really is, in spite of all of that other quipping and 140-character-limited thought sharing though. <div><br /></div><div>It's completely possible that I've mentally regressed into some ADD-riddled state of mind, where I have a thought, spit it out, and move on. There's never really much in terms of thinking things through, expanding on that thought, or god forbid, branching out into another, somewhat related, but possibly not, thought process altogether. And that's really double-sided, which you've probably seen on here before, where I go off on ridiculous, rambling, pointless tangents for paragraphs on end.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, on the other-other side, who's to say that's necessarily a bad thing either? It's an odd catch-22, but just as an experiment, and to provide for my fans, I'll give blogging a solid shot again. It may work out well anyway, as there's things I can't really get into on Twitter/Facebook due to exposure to certain elements.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, the goal/challenge... Blog more. I'll set an arbitrary goal of AT LEAST one entry a week for the month of June. That's fair and obtainable, I think.</div>JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-10380202205031598282010-10-18T22:29:00.003-05:002010-10-18T23:06:08.712-05:00I'm leavin, on a jet plane...Yet another business trip. This time just a light, no pressure week of meetings and training in Bloomington. Decided to take the opportunity to drag Angelle to the Midwest and see the country mouse half upraising of our country mouse/city mouse relationship. Figured it was only fair. :)<div><br /></div><div>Landed in Chicago Friday, and spent entirely too little time there exploring. Having spent 20 years in the area, the more I'm in Chicago now as an adult, the more I regret not spending more time in the city when I was younger. It's one of the few places east of Denver I'd consider moving to now, however. Really want to take a long weekend and dedicate it to Chicago sometime soon, just grab a Cubs game, and show Angelle some of the other parts of Chicago that are a bit more representative of the city instead of Michigan Ave's Bentley dealerships and poodles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Headed out of town early to beat traffic. Then it was a quickie tour of Paxton (like there's any other type, again I wish we had more time to poke our heads into a couple stores or something so she could have gotten a better feel for the town), and over to meet Grandma. Grandma gave us some room (and her house), and headed back to Champaign, we freshened up a bit and followed suit. Quickie tour of downtown Champaign and UIUC campus, and then eventually caught up with the remainder of the Paxton crew I still regularly talk to. Had a great time catching up, and some great beers. Headed back to Paxton to crash for the night, and decided to pull off and show her Bridge Out and take in the clear night skies that we can normally only see out in the mountains. It seemed to be the whole theme of the trip for me, I kept wanting to cram as much as possible representing so much of what I grew up with and experienced into 2 days time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, after being up for 20-something hours, we got a few hours of sleep, then had to wake up early and drive out into the middle of nowhere (Saybrook) to meet grandma/mom/aunt betty. Visited with them for a couple hours, hung out with the wild turkeys/cats/chickens/fat pugs, and set off for St. Louis. </div><div><br /></div><div>Leaving from the middle of nowhere totally screwed up my driving plans, but it was sort of fun to roll through the middle of nowhere, IL (ie. Bellflower/FarmerCity/etc) on the way south. </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally made it into the greater St. Louis area (Collinsville), and grabbed a hotel and refreshed a bit again before heading over to CWE to meet the Lammles, which was awesome to see Robdrea and Harper, who I hadn't seen since she was a baby. Had a great time visiting, then it was back across the river to meet up with Lowns and Helen in Cville, and see my old bartenders. Yet another long night, then exhaustedly back to the strange bed and crashed out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday was 'meander around STL' day, with stops at Sculpture Park, City Museum, the Riverfront, and the Arch. I'd sort of planned a bit more time in STL than Chicago just because I'd lived there fairly recently and knew where pretty much everything was, but even I was at a loss for what else to do in the City that wouldn't eat up a whole day (like the zoo or something). Wish I coulda flipped Chi and STL around, but oh well. Another meal, watched the end of some football, then it was a bit of driving around, (which there was a lot of), then up to the airport to see her off on her way back to Denver to work today.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, the trip looked like <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=mdw&daddr=900+South+Michigan+Avenue,+Chicago,+IL+to:Paxton,+IL+to:Champaign,+IL+to:Paxton,+IL+to:Saybrook,+IL+to:Collinsville,+IL+to:Forest+Park,+Saint+Louis,+MO+to:Collinsville,+IL+to:Gateway+Arch,+St+Louis,+Missouri+63102+(Arch)+to:Lambert-St.+Louis+International+Airport,+Saint+Louis,+MO+63134&hl=en&geocode=FTCdfQIdYAfF-ilRbDMPBjEOiDEG5kqWc4SRYA%3BFTXkfgIdnfPG-ikXE_1fmSwOiDGNeKqj9ajslQ%3BFRhgaQIdqMW_-imx6A1ASwMNiDGVKs7k55MU3A%3BFcQgZAIdSYO9-ikbaZfejdAMiDHPv3W0R3j1MA%3BFRhgaQIdqMW_-imx6A1ASwMNiDGVKs7k55MU3A%3BFczcaAIdpTK5-imR648_TpIMiDHyXT6E1XTnBA%3BFfcPTgId3PGi-il1E1rOi_91iDFsfO1DmuwMdw%3BFSWpTQIdYGye-iEP1oNQA9Gdhg%3BFfcPTgId3PGi-il1E1rOi_91iDFsfO1DmuwMdw%3BFaJdTQIdE-Of-iF0YlmdRA5yMw%3BFakoTwIdsyCd-inROAtWTDHfhzGx92NiY2SSFA&mra=pd&mrcr=8,9&sll=40.237605,-89.01123&sspn=6.389689,11.37085&ie=UTF8&ll=40.237605,-88.989258&spn=6.389689,11.37085&t=h&z=7">this</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div>Then today was working in the St. Louis office, and then another 200 mile drive back up to Bloomington, where I'll work (and eat) the rest of the week, then back up to Midway Friday, and back to Denver, which feels more like home now than ever.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was a lot of nervousness and such around the trip, on both sides. There were a bunch of moments I felt like I'd built things up to much and was just letting her down left and right. I was worried myself about a couple of the meetings, but I think things went at least as well as they could have, and in a few instances, really a lot better. Hopefully next time we're in town it's a bit more laid back. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's weird, too. She's barely been gone 24 hours, and in that time I slept, was at work, and drove. And I miss the hell out of her. I remember a time in my life when I actually looked forward to business trips to get away from things. Now, I'm looking back and actually happy that I didn't get the job that would have put me on the road 15+ weeks a year. Funny how things change when your perspective changes. I can't wait to get back home, so much to look forward to the last 10 weeks of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-10663200792432412432010-09-20T23:04:00.002-05:002010-09-20T23:19:26.910-05:00I should blog.Hey, only 4 months between postings this time. :) I'm getting better.<br /><br />Oh, let's see, what's new... Oh, there was that whole eloping in Vegas thing. :P Incredible whirlwind trip, and an amazing adventure with my partner-in-crime-for-life. Not a bad experience for my first time in Vegas, and not really sure how I'm gonna top that. It'll take more than a Carrot Top show, that's for damn sure.<br /><br />There was a short stint of job-hunting, which culminating in me spending about 5 weeks and almost as many interviews with a company for a job that would have been an amazing experience, but probably too much travel. I was pissed that I didn't give the job (once I heard the reason), but in retrospect it was probably for the best. The travel, despite the amazing locations and frequent flier miles, would have gotten to me and affected the home life eventually. Decided to stay put for a bit, work on finally getting this effing certification I've been putting off forever, and then set the goals for points west eventually.<br /><br />There was a slew of short and sweet getaways, just completely random adventures, up in the mountains mostly, but even around town. Great shows taken in, bitchin' rafting, plenty of street festivals, and just one helluva summer overall. <br /><br />I broke down and joined a gym, which is something I was always against for some reason. It's much easier and enjoyable when you have a workout buddy, and it's easier when that workout buddy is a live-in. There's that mutual motivation, and that's awesome. As much as I love biking, it's hard to do here in Denver with the schizoid weather, which has been trending towards 'constantly hot as hell' mostly as of late. <br /><br />My oddball side project, http://www.omeglechats.com has actually taken off to some level out of nowhere and turned into almost a job, complete with income that's just past the 'beer money' level, which I'm good with.<br /><br />We signed a lease on "our" place today. It's a change of venue (about 10 miles south) and a change of scenery (mountain views, what?), and a change of life. It's a big deal, and a fresh start for us both, literally and figuratively. I can't wait.<br /><br />It's also our 1 year "first date" anniversary. I've said it a million times, but it's amazing what can happen in a year. We had a short discussion on the way back from the lease signing about where we'd look to live next year if the rent went up, and decided there were entirely too many things that could happen between now and then that we could plan something so far out. :)<br /><br />Life, she's good.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-56831018539041027192010-05-14T21:44:00.004-05:002010-05-14T22:27:41.891-05:00You don't call, you don't write...Yeah. So, been over 5 months since my last post. I suck at blogging. I'm actually convinced that all blogs eventually turn into a diatribe about how the blogger sucks at posting. Sorta like this.<br /><br />But, I digress.<br /><br />How's about an update? Sweet, cuz I'm doing that anyway.<br /><br />Life, as the kids say, is... well, it's fucking awesome. \oo/<br /><br />In terms of personal goals, I'm finally out of the "200 Club" again, have been for a month or two. Last weigh in was 194, and that's been with me being fiendishly off the workout/diet wagon, which I will reprimand once the weather and travel schedule allows. It feels awesome, I haven't been here since 2000 or so, ironically enough, the last time I lived in Denver (see the post below about that whole trifecta effect).<br /><br />Also been almost 7 months since I quit smoking. I think I've cheated a grand total of twice, and neither time was a full cig, just a couple puffs, and I immediately regretted it.<br /><br />I've taken my life-long lack of any sort of spirituality and/or base stated philosophy and thrown it out the window. I own a couple distinctly different translations of the Tao Te Ching, and while I'm still working on the other volume, my first run through really opened my eyes. Taoism really speaks to me on a lot of levels, and is really how I've -wanted- to live my life this whole time, and I think I have to a degree, but no I'm really more inpspired than ever to actually work on practicing what I think and read. This goes hand-in-hand with my whole exploration of Translucency. Both are really more philosophies and spiritual paths than 'religions', per say, and that's really the big draw for me.<br /><br />So those are my biggies...<br /><br />Oh. Wait.<br /><br />Yah, I'm engaged. :)<br /><br />I asked Angelle to move in with me... well, I bugged her about it incessantly for probably 2 months while she was trying to find some place to stay after her lease was up in January. The original intent was for her to move in until she was done with school, and then we'd take it from there. I think I re-asked her to move in with (on a permanent basis, after she'd already moved in of course) a month later. <br /><br />It's impossible to describe, but it was right. Everything, since the first time I talked to her, to our first date has just been 'right'; natural, easy, and fulfilling. That sounds like a beer ad. But it's applicable here, too. Even after knowing her a month, I was losing sleep about the prospect of her possibly moving back west. I can't explain why either, there was just -something- that I really wanted to work to preserve, and I didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to have this amazing person in my life, no matter what capacity. There literally hasn't been a day since we first met, where we haven't talked on the phone, in person, texted, or IM'd. And it's been amazing. Even in the midst of the day-to-day routine, I still get a shit-eatin grin on my face when I see the phone light up with her face or a message from her. She's an amazing woman, and really makes me happier than I've ever been.<br /><br />I asked her to marry me a little over a month ago. Again, very, very hard to explain, but I just had spent the weeks prior just going nuts. I knew it was something I wanted, I knew it was absolutely, completely beyond right, and for a while before I popped the question, my heart would literally ache sometimes when I was around her. Partially in nervousness, partially in anticipation. It was completely nervewracking, and while I still think I was a complete and utter doofus for my initial delivery and approach, she didn't seem to care, or even mind the $8 placeholder (which has been since properly corrected, don't worry). Of course, that's part of her charm; her roll-with-the punches, low maintenance attitude, and chilled out approach to life. <br /><br />I think I've done a total of 3 proposals now, she keeps saying yes, so I'm pretty sure I'm in. :P <br /><br />It's fun to say, but if you would have asked me <i>x</i> months ago if I would be in this position, I would have told you it was the farthest thing from my mind. Hell, I think Angelle and I had a discussion encompassing as much on our first date. But, here we are, and I wouldn't have it any other way.<br /><br />And while I'm excited for her in her career and spiritual growth, and her being on the cusp of great things as an individual, I'm thrilled for the both of us, and myself. The future, as Tom Petty says, is wide open. Life, while still being life with it's ups and downs, is amazing. And all the more amazing knowing you have someone to share that with.<br /><br />So yah..there's my semi-annual update. :P Heading to San Diego next week to meet her friends and fam, and excited/nervous/excited. Should be awesome.<br /><br />Peace,<br />JKJKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-27782951350518405382009-12-27T12:08:00.003-06:002009-12-27T12:54:55.245-06:00"Nothing is permanent except change"Yep, sorry. Still a few days left in 2009, which has been officially dubbed 'The Rollercoaster Year' by the Naming of Years committee (me).<br /><br />With that in mind, I have to get some more poignancy and reflection in still. So, apologies.<br /><br />Aaaanyway.<br /><br />I was dead-set on getting the title of this post tattooed on my arm, even as recently as a few weeks ago. I changed my mind, though, and I'm glad I did. While I think the quote rings completely true on so many levels, I think it's a tad dark, and doesn't really reflect my outlook on life. Yes, change is inevitable. If you don't accept that change, you're destined to be miserable. Change MUST be embraced, because, while it's important to lay claim to, and nudge your own direction in life, it's not all in your hands. There will always be external influences to your path. Some for the better, some for the worse. <br /><br />In short, shit happens. But conversely, awesome also happens.<br /><br />And as long as you're a human, a social creature existing on this earth with other humans, and interacting with the world around you, you leave yourself subject to those happenings, for better or worse.<br /><br />You form friendships and relationships with other humans also existing on this rock. And those invariably end. Be it through a natural occurrence, an external influence, or your own choosing, it's bound to happen sooner or later. And depending on the situation, those endings are either going to be a source of devastation, elation, something in the middle, or even a combination sometimes. But no matter what, after the dust settles, you have the opportunity to rebuild; rebuild yourself, help rebuild those around you.<br /><br />And that's the beauty of it. If we want to stay on the construction metaphor for a minute, you learn from your engineering mistakes. You know what worked, and what didn't, so you can rebuild stronger the next time around. If you help someone rebuild, you can offer input to help them rebuild stronger as well. And even if you're unable to help in the rebuilding process, at least you can help with cleaning up the mess left behind from a sudden demolition.<br /><br />While the first half of 2009, was, for the most part, completely uneventful, the 2nd half was insane, especially in comparison. And not just for myself, either. Being helped by those close to me was amazing. Being able to help those close to me... Also amazing. Allowing new people into my life, who I was able to help, some just a tiny bit, some more than that, and who also helped me... Amazing as well. <br /><br />It's a continual journey, and if you're aware that it's actually happening, it's all the more rewarding. And knowing that this is all so fragile and fluid, really allows you appreciate those moments even more. So I guess if I take nothing else out of the year of 2009, it's to be aware, to allow and to act. The 3 A's, I guess.<br /><br />As far as 2010, I don't know I've ever looked forward to a New Year as much as this one. Sure, I have my material goals. Get a couple certifications. Lose that last 8 pounds I wanted to get rid of before the end of the year. Keep working out. Keep on track with the non-smoking (2 months now). Work on rebuilding my credit which took some pretty massive dings between the move and the divorce. <br /><br />Beyond that though, I want nothing more than to move forward with my new knowledge, my new outlook, the new people in my life, and actually <span style="font-style: italic;">experience</span> a full New Year.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-3090813149485396632009-12-04T09:27:00.001-06:002009-12-04T09:46:02.249-06:00Dive! Dive!206.6 this morning. Apparently not working out as much and just eating less is a good plan for weight loss, who know?JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-22753320086722247492009-11-25T09:04:00.003-06:002009-11-25T09:06:18.124-06:00Few things1. 1 year anniversary of moving (again) to Denver. Interesting. See other post for reflections.<br /><br />2. I didn't even realize it, but I blew by my 1-month smoke-free point. Cheated once. Hated it, worthwhile cause.<br /><br />3. 209.6 this morning, which only confuses me since I haven't done an ounce of cardio in almost 2 weeks.<br /><br />4. Coldplay sucks.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-49375697036686737892009-11-17T21:42:00.003-06:002009-11-25T09:07:28.830-06:00Year in Review?LOL.<br /><br />I normally wait until the end of December to do a post like this (when I remember to actively blog), but I figured this was close enough to a landmark date to just take up with one now.<br /><br />This time last year, my (ex) wife, myself, and my (ex?) dog were in Collinsville, IL preparing to abandon our house we had up for sale since August, but no solid bites on. Yah, brilliant, trying to relocate at the lowest point in the real estate market... Ever. Oh well. We would have set out on the road for Denver, CO about 3 days later. Sold the majority of our worldly belongings, bringing along only what we could fit in the back of my truck, and a U-Haul trailer.<br /><br />Ironically, it was a drive we had made before. In 2000, I made the same Midwest-t0-Kindawest trip, moving from Champaign, IL to Denver that time. She was with me then as well, so the 2008 trip rang familiar. Except this time, instead of putting her on a plane a week after we arrived, she was staying. This was supposed to be our "fresh start", after getting into quite a rut in the St. Louis area the previous 6 years, and having some rocky moments in our marriage that year. The timing couldn't have been better. We moved into our apartment the day before Thanksgiving. Denver, having the schizophrenic weather it's known for, blessed us with a nice 60 degree day to move in during. The day prior, within 10 minutes of checking into our hotel in Denver for the night, she got a call and phone interview with a job she eventually took, and our realtor called saying we had an offer on the house, which we eventually took.<br /><br />Things were good.<br /><br />You know, for a while, anyway.<br /><br />Fast forward about 7 months later (actually, almost to the day), the (ex) wife walks out on me. World=chaos, etc, etc, and so forth. It's those remaining months where my life really changed though.<br /><br />I already went through all of that in a previous posting or two, but the point is, it's completely amazing how much your life can change over the course of a year (357 days in this case, but whatever). I'm truly happy... With my mindset, my body (mostly, 211 today yay), the people I have in my life... Really truly happy with the entire picture for the first time in... Shit, I don't even know. Possibly ever. Sure, I've always had a piece of the pie... when I moved back to STL from Denver in 2001, I was probably about the thinnest I've been since 8th grade. But, I didn't know anyone aside from a couple close friends, and I wasn't thrilled with the prospect of being back in the Midwest, despite the nice raise and the ability to help salvage my relationship at the time. (Yeah, put that in the pile of things I obviously kinda regret now).<br /><br />Near the end of my stay in St. Louis, I was very happy with the people in my life, but nothing else... I was fatter (again) and in a complete mental rut.<br /><br />Last time I lived in Denver, my mind was clear, my body was en route, but I didn't have a lot of people to share that with.<br /><br />Now? My mind is more clear than it's ever been in my life, I'm more open, more aware, and more present than ever. Physically, I'm probably near my previous peak, give or take 10-15 pounds, but I'm stronger by a fair amount than I was before, which also applies to the mental state as well. And I have a great network of people that I care about to share all this with.<br /><br />Ask me a year ago what I thought my life would look like, it's nuts. And ask me what I think my life will look like in another year. I'll laugh at both questions now. I have no idea. I'm really looking forward to it, though. All aspects. Some prospects scare me; going through feelings, emotions, and sharing things that I've only done with one other person in my life before. Some prospects excite me; figuring out more of who -I- am, which was something I never really took stock of in my adult life thusfar. Being more outgoing, and using my newfound mental self to do things I never would have before.<br /><br />And even those prospects that scare me... They also excite me. And the fact that they excite me... well, that scares me a bit. Which makes me more intrigued, excited and anxious to see what happens. It's cyclical.<br /><br />The truth is, I'm honestly excited about my life and the future, on the whole, for the first time ever I think. And that, my friends, is all sorts of fucking awesome.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.”</span><br />-W. M. LewisJKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-7656198041486574762009-11-07T23:10:00.004-06:002009-11-08T01:50:15.409-06:00On beer and reflectionBut mostly the second part.<br /><br />Very pointless post, I'll preface that now. And it will be a bit philosophical and rambly, so preface #2. You've been warned.<br /><br />As of today, I'm semi-officially not married any more. Semi-officially in the sense that while the statute regarding any judgments on our divorce case has expired today, I don't have a piece of paper in my hand from the court stating my marriage is non-existent yet. But that's really more of a formality at this point. And has been for a quite a while.<br /><br />Colorado has a 90-day "waiting period" for lack of a better term, before a divorce is finalized. So, if you want to look at this in the form of a timeline, it's been 3 months since we filed for divorce. This happened roughly 3 weeks after she left me. I started dating about a week before we filed.<br /><br />When you put it strictly in terms of absolute time, that seems completely insane. That gave me a solid two weeks of the most insane emotional, mentally exhausting period of my life thus-far. And even that isn't complete, because I was completely unable to register anything... any emotion or feeling of any sort for at least 3-5 days following the initial events, just due to complete shock. But I look back on the events and the emotions of that time with a certain degree of interest, and almost fondness, as sick as that sounds. I know now, that I had to go through what I did to get to where I am today.<br /><br />I had to completely shut myself off from the world. I had to go be a complete emotional wreck in front of people I'd known only a short time, be completely vulnerable and open with them, to help myself. I had to quit eating, quit sleeping, miss a week of work and wallow in my own perceived ineptitude and lament my abilities as a partner, and question what was wrong with me. I had to accept love and help from people I've known almost my whole life... people I've always been there for on some level or another, but could never accept any reciprocal help or emotional response from, because I was too strong, and too unwilling to make myself available. I had to let my mind wander into places and conjure thoughts I'd never in a million years consider myself capable of. I had to picture what it would be like to ram my truck into a guardrail at 90 when I got a scathing text message, I had to consider what my 'out' options were, in my darkest moment. I had to call emergency counseling services at 2am in an absolute moment of desperation. I had to admit to myself that I couldn't handle an issue on my own, admit that I wasn't too much of a man for therapy, and have a complete, sobbing breakdown in front of a total stranger.<br /><br />I had to start reading relationship and self-help books. I had to actually sit... and think. About my life, about myself.<br /><br />I had to do all these things, because without having had those experiences, those thoughts, those pains and those emotions, because without them, I would have never been able to get where I am.<br /><br />As corny as it sounds, amidst all of that pain, all of that emotion, despair, and whatever else, I had a singular moment that changed me. I was laying on the floor, reading a 'coping with divorce' book my therapist had recommended. I don't remember what the passage was, what the story was, or any of the words on the page. I just closed the book, felt this... I can't even describe it.... I felt this peace come over me, and started laughing. Then I started crying. But it was tears of joy. I laid there on the floor, alternately laughing and crying, hugged my dog, and in that moment, knew that everything was going to be OK. I was done. You see it in movies all the time; the lead character has this 'snap' moment. Everything changes. I drank a $20 bottle of amazing beer in celebration, because I didn't know what else to do. I woke up the next morning... I can't even describe it. From that point forward, I carried myself differently. I talked differently. I form my words more carefully, I don't mumble, I make eye contact, etc. I'm infinitely more aware of my surroundings, both personal and environmental. I'm just generally more present. And I fucking love it. I'm more confident, I'm more outgoing, I'm more honest and direct. People notice it. People I haven't seen in however long comment on it. My ex-wife talks about it every time she sees me.<br /><br />A new friend who I've had the extereme honor of getting know very well over the past couple months or so was the first person I've talked to since my 'change' that was able to completely and utterly identify with it and help me put a label on it (I hate the term "label", but it's applicable): Translucency. Having this 'awakening', and still carrying on a completely normal life, but with these new eyes, new attitude, and new aura, and presenting it underneath the person you are day-to-day. Reading a book on it now, and it completely speaks to me, which I'm really digging.<br /><br />Again, in terms of absolute time... From the initial... Incident, through everything above, that turmoil, etc, to the point where I reached self-realization, acceptance, and began moving forward in my life: 14 days. Two fucking weeks. My therapist said, throughout our sessions, that she'd never ran across anyone with my coping skills before, and was amazed every time we'd talked. Which I guess if you're going to be a freak of any sort, you could do worse. For all of my misgivings during my initial coming-to-terms, I went through an entire 6 counseling sessions before determining I'd received everything I currently needed from the process. I'm definitely open to it still, but I just don't see the value/need for it currently. And since my 'moment', I've been waiting for a meltdown. When I look at things critically, and in absolute values, because that's how my mind works day-to-day for a living, there's NO WAY I should have been able to run through everything that quick. But honestly, there hasn't been the slightest hint of any emotional regression. I'm embracing the 'new me' (god that sounds corny still), and re-learning...everything in life.<br /><br />I listen to music differently. I've been going through my entire collection, just re-listening to everything, and it's all completely different. They lyrics all have different meanings to me now, the arrangements are more profound, the beats are more pronounced.<br /><br />I interact with people differently. I interact with people, period, actually. I used to make a point to avoid random contact with people, and be withdrawn, just to save myself from having to deal with things, I guess. Now, I embrace those awkward, random moments, because for every one of those, I get 10 awesome interactions with complete fucking strangers, and I love it. And people I actually know? Forgetaboutit. I'm more open and present in all of my relationships with people I know. Maybe to a fault, even. I know I've pissed off a couple people I know since everything, just through virtue of extreme, unfiltered honesty, but it's for the best. I can move forward having a clear conscious. And those I haven't pissed off, I still get to have a clear conscious knowing that everything I have on my mind is on the table. I don't hold back feelings or thoughts now. I'm waiting for it to bite me in the ass in some regards, but again, it makes me feel good to have that level of honesty with others, and with myself.<br /><br />Seriously... Everything in my life. Completely different. And it's amazing. It was scary at first, like any change is, but I've come to completely embrace it at this point. And as little 'real' time as it's taken me to come through everything, I think it's been a very natural, and 'right' experience. I'm completely comfortable with where I am now in life; time lines, societal judgments, and textbook cases be damned.<br /><br />I typed too much. I think I lost my train of thought a bit. And I'm not drunk. Oh well.<br /><br />Go ahead, ask me at the beginning of June what I thought my life would like like come Thanksgiving... Or hell, even the 4th of July. Then ask me what I think my life will look like in another 3 months. I'll laugh at you. Probably borderline hysterically.<br /><br />If nothing else, this entire experience has taught me that our time here on this rock is more short and volatile than any of us realizes. So embrace that shit. Grab onto the good things, push out the bad, and live that fucking life.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-79641422512097965772009-10-27T10:04:00.002-05:002009-10-27T10:06:37.521-05:00I quit! (again)I'm officially on day 4 of being smoke-free.<br /><br />Think I've pulled through all my normal triggers successfully:<br /><br />Driving (boredom/ritual)<br />Drinking (not while driving)<br />Work crap (hour+ conference call with dimwits yesterday)<br />Ex crap (talked to her for the first time in 3 weeks yesterday, pulled a bunch of crap (pics, etc) off the computer for her last night... while drinking.)<br />Mad Men (40 people lighting up in every scene just makes me want one)<br /><br />Doin it cold turkey, smoked about 6-7 in a row Friday on the drive back from IL to polish off a pack and ruin the taste for me. Mission accomplished. Got news while I was home that my grandfather, who I'm not exactly fond of, but regardless, was diagnosed with emphysema and a secondary terminal lung issue, he'll be the 2nd smoker in the family to go from emph.<br /><br />Also, I decided my life has stabilized enough I don't need the emotional crutch anymore, I'm more worried about the 2nd one than the 1st right now. But, we'll see. Ex is coming over tomorrow, that will probably be the true litmus test.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-21708075081941796242009-10-14T11:40:00.001-05:002009-10-14T11:43:39.265-05:00In light of everything, dug this up about a really awesome guy.PAXTON -- Dr. Robert Basler walked up to his front door, collected his mail and let in a visitor.<br /> He threw the mail on the table. No worries about receiving any more "famous" letters -- not at 86.<br />Basler's first famous letter came at age 22 from Adolph Hitler, inducting him into the German army.<br />About a decade later -- after immigrating with his family to the United States -- Dwight D. Eisenhower extended an order for Basler to serve the stars and stripes.<br /> There aren't many who can claim such a dual role.<br />Today, Basler remains active in medicine and looks back on a life that has seen the horrors of war in Europe and the most prosperous period in the world's richest country, the United States.<br />A native of Austria, Basler began his medical education in Prague, Czechoslovakia, but after one year took a planned trip overseas to visit relatives in Michigan in 1938. "I fell in love with this country and everything it stood for," Basler said. "I said, 'That's where I'm going to live,' but I only had a visitor's visa."<br />As he was returning home to medical school, "the ship newspaper announced the Czech-German border had been closed and war was eminent," Basler remembers. Unable to return to Prague, Basler went with his mother to Vienna and enrolled at Vienna University to further his medical education.<br />After basic training, Basler was relegated to the medical corps. "I was put in charge of a refill battalion (that sent replacements to the front lines)," Basler said.<br /><br /> To the Russian front<br /><br /> The draftee soon was packed into a cattle car and sent to the Russian front, a trip that took about a week. Basler said. "On our arrival in Orel the temperature was minus-32." Basler doesn't have to watch The History Channel. He lived it.<br />"The troops on both sides as well as the people endured the hardship of the hardest Russian winter in years," ended up at Orel, about 75 miles south of Moscow.Basler<br /> The mercury would plummet to as low as minus-58 during his stay.<br /> "German soldiers were utterly unprepared for the hardship of the Russian winter," Basler said. "They had no lined overcoats, knitted gloves instead of mittens, inadequate hats and shoes. Comparatively speaking, the Russians were well-prepared."<br /><br /> Medical studies<br /><br />After three months in the Soviet Union, Basler was ordered back to Vienna to continue his medical education, but he had to return in the summer of 1943.<br />"Next to the railroads, all the forests were deforested for 200 yards to make it less possible to blow up the trains," Basler said. "I experienced one of the blowups myself."<br />The Germans were retreating near Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine. Basler again returned to Vienna; air raids threw everyday life into a panic.<br /> Peace came April 11, 1945, when the Soviets took control of Vienna.<br />Basler worked in a Viennese military hospital. The Soviets made him an interpreter because he spoke Czech, which is close to the other Slavic languages. Afterward he became an interpreter for the U.S. Administration of the Inter-Allied Command.<br /><br />A long voyage<br /><br />After receiving his doctorate in 1948, he worked as a physician in a U.S. field hospital in Vienna. He and his wife and two children immigrated to the United States on Feb. 1, 1950, and he found a job in a Michigan hospital.<br />Six months later, Basler secured an internship in Chicago, passed his state boards and settled in Gifford, where he set up his medical practice.<br />He received his U.S. draft notice in 1954 and was assigned to the Air Force, where he was commissioned a captain. Basler served in the Strategic Air Command and was stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base.<br /> "In those days I had to participate in base command briefings, which had a lot of confidential secret papers," Basler said. "At one of the meetings I mentioned it was kind of strange to be reviewing these papers when I am not a (U.S.) citizen." The statement left everyone present stunned. Within three days he was in St. Louis and was sworn in as a citizen.<br /><br />His Air Force duty interrupted his Gifford practice for two years. He returned to the Champaign County community, where he resumed his medical practice. In 1960, he also opened an office in Rantoul.<br />Basler and his family moved to Champaign in 1964, where he has maintained a practice ever since. He continues to maintain an office in Urbana on a part-time basis and is medical director of Asta Health Care Center, Paxton.<br /> Basler has four children from his first marriage. He and his second wife, Renate, also from Austria, have one son, Chris.<br />His outside interests have changed -- he once liked to fish, bike, play tennis and ski -- but now is interested in stamps, chess, reading, history and languages.<br /> He also is working on an autobiography.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-52475945918969103112009-10-12T13:00:00.001-05:002009-10-12T13:01:11.658-05:00wait, baby wait212.4 this morning.<br /><br />What this means is my weekend diet of turkey, gravy, and Taco Bell is working wonders. Maybe I should move up to that full-time. <br /><br /><br />What?JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-45311102995760201982009-09-25T03:42:00.003-05:002009-09-25T03:46:04.541-05:00Oh, weight.Yah. So, before Ellen left, I was up north of 230. I obviously stopped documenting it, because... I was nort of 230 again. I'd reckon 235, to be completely honest. That was the end of June.<br /><br />As of today, I'm back down to 215. I feel amazing though. I have TONS more muscle/definition than I have at any point since (maybe even before) highschool football. I'm biking like mad. It feels great, I feel great, and I still have a ways to go still. I honestly feel healthier at "this" 215 than i ever did at the 195 I was at the time I lost "all the weight" when I came back to St. Louis from the first transfer to Denver. It's weird, and I love it.<br /><br />Anyway. I rock. Fuck you. :PJKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-73964968731919092702009-09-25T03:07:00.003-05:002009-09-25T03:36:21.819-05:00Wow.Dude. So, for, whatever reason, I stumbled upon my own blog. Which means I suck at updating it. Also, it's 2am on a Thursday.<br /><br />And, I'm drunk.<br /><br />So, I should probably catch y'all (anyone?) up.<br /><br />So, Ellen left me about 2 weeks after that previous post. So, now I'm semi-divorced. That's neat. I'll spare y'all the sordid details, but.. They're sordid.<br /><br />Anyway, our divorce should theoretically be final in about 6 weeks, and I honestly can't wait to move on with my life at this point.<br /><br />"Oh my gosh" you say. "Seriously, he can't wait?". Yah. Fucking seriously. I can't wait. It's been the weirdest 3/4 months of my life, hands down. The first 3 weeks of which I will NEVER deal with again in this life. I will never let myself feel that much pain, and I will never deal with it in the ways that I did. Between 3rd party therapy and self-exploration, I've learned more about myself in the last 3 months than I have in the last 30 years of my life. This isn't an exaggeration of any sort. I am absolutely, without a doubt, a different person than I was before any of this happened. And it's really fucked up that it took what happened to make me realize that, but I get it, to a certain degree. Darkest before the dawn, etc, etc. You need that kick in the ass to make you awake sometimes. <br /><br />I've said this to her, and I'll say it again, it's a damn shame we couldn't reach this point we're supposedly both at together. But, the situation is how it is, and honestly, after seeing what I've seen, I honestly believe I'm better off without that (her) in my life. <br /><br />Yes, callous, but fuck.<br /><br />There's nothing I'm saying here that I haven't said to her. And that's my new outlook, which is simple, and will probably bite me in the ass in the years to come; dead, complete, fucking honesty. Let me know where I stand, I'll do the same. Life is too short (considering I'm 1/3+ the way through) for this bullshit.<br /><br />That sounds entirely too emo.<br /><br />But dammit if it isn't true.<br /><br />Shortly after she left, and with the blessing of my therapist, I started 'dating', which led me to the online gig, since I'm in IT and that's the environment I function best in. Resultant, I've been sort of 'serial-dating' as a knee-jerk reaction. I figure I've got 12+ years (I'm considering the fact that I wouldn't have starting adult 'dating' until 18) of life/dating/women experience to catch up on in as little time as possible. I'm not sure I gave myself any sort of deadline, or any sort of goal in light of everything. And that's absolutely a good thing, in my eyes. I've met some incredible people, and had some very worthwhile experiences throughout everything, none of which I'd ever give up. <br /><br />On the whole, it's been amazing. And maybe that's because of where I'm coming from, where I never had that experience... Like when the Amish send their children out for Rumspringa, I feel like I'm on my own little catch-up rebellion. I'm experiencing things I never got to before because of my situation. I'm meeting new, interesting people. I'm having completely screwed-up experiences, that are completly out of the norm for anyone, much less someone in my situation. And I'm LOVING IT. It's pure, unadulterated chaos, and I'm embracing it.<br /><br />But... I'm also winding down on it already. The Playboy lifesyle isn't one for me. I don't think, anyway. I've already hurt people in the short course of time I've been doing my 'new' thing. I have more people I have to hurt in some capacity because of circumstances. And I don't like doing that. It's just not in me. I'm a very compassionate person, and not a player (I just crush a lot) (but I don't). And that's part of the bigger issue on this. My hand was forced into this lifestyle I always thought about in the back of my mind, but really never wanted to deal with.<br /><br />BUT, on the opposite page, I've seen what happens when a relationship seems to go amazingly, and the blows up in your face ultimately through.. well.. I know I mis-stepped, but ultimately I did nothing 'wrong', in the traditional Lifetime Movie sense of a relationship. So, I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I don't know that the Playboy lifestyle is for me, but I also am scared shitless to let myself be back in situation I was 3-4 months ago. It's interesting. And scary. And confusing.<br /><br />And honestly, I love it. I normally hate not being in control, but this controlled chaos is perfect for me at this point in time. I want to be able to embrace it, experience it, and figure out EXACTLY what to do with it.<br /><br />The biggest issue is, ultimately, I know that no matter what I wind up in, if there's another person involved, I lose control over the situation to some degree. I'm not sure what to do with that, honestly. I can't allow myself to be hurt like I was before. BUT, on the same breath, I know that I'll never be able to be hurt like that again. Not because I'm putting up guards and defenses, but because I'm capable of learning from mistakes, and learning to be more aware of my surroundings. Which may, or may not, be similar to a proverbial wall. <br /><br />Regardless, I've reached my pinnacle. I know what I'm capable of withstanding, I know what I'm capable of giving now, and I know what I'm NOT willing to do again.<br /><br />And I think that's the best possible starting point any person can ever have.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-56007124304662052882009-06-15T11:36:00.002-05:002009-06-15T11:46:25.127-05:00It's 106 miles to Chicago. We've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.Hit it.<br /><br />And actually, it was like 1000+ miles.<br /><br />Thursday:<br />Went to a geek conference downtown. In a basement. It was horrible, so I left early to go back into the office. Then I realized I left my laptop at home, so I went home and worked from home the rest of the day. Went up to the apartment bar for "a few". Wound up closing the bar down at midnight, and heading to an establishment of questionable morals until 2. Burritos, and more beer and bullshitting until 4am or so.<br /><br />Friday:<br />Day off thankfully. Got breakfast, took nap. Went to DIA to wait for a plane which was perpetually delayed. Drank beer and watched the Wings bite it hard. Plane which was supposed to leave at 7 or 8 wound up leaving at like 10ish. Wound up drinking for free on the plane somehow. Checked into the hotel at Chicago at 2am.<br /><br />Saturday:<br />Met the in-laws at the lobby at nine. Walked around in the rain looking for the red line. Passed it twice. Took train to Wrigley, drank beer at the Cubby Bear prior. More beer during, and obligatory dogs. Love Wrigley. Cubs lost, seats were covered though, so it was still ok since we weren't further soaked. Back to the Cubby Bear after the game for more beer. Back to the hotel to freshen up, drinks at the hotel, then over to Kinzey Chop House for some awesome-ass dead cow and other food lovin. Cab back to the hotel, hung out some more.<br /><br />Family went to bed mostly, Chet, Ellen and I continued on against our better judgement. Found a Tilted Kilt, watched some crappy UFC fights, then wandered around looking for Miller's Pub. Eventually found it. Found they were open until 4. Damn. Drank a lot. Went to 7-11 and bought tacquitos. And dropped them. Then bought more. Took cab back to the hotel. Fell asleep.<br /><br />Sunday:<br />Woke up at 10, ate some breakfast, and went back to Midway. Flight back got stuck in a holding pattern for about an hour due to tornadoes in Denver (again). Landed, made a b-line for BW3. Went home, in bed by 9. Still tired.<br /><br />Just assembled my new work chair. This makes me happy since my old one was literally about to dump me out. This one has memory foam. It feels like heaven. We'll see how it holds up.<br /><br />I love chair.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-73238189329362188522009-05-28T13:23:00.002-05:002009-05-28T13:37:53.355-05:00Blog? What's this blog thing you speak of?Heh. Oops.<br /><br />Let's see. Does anyone read this? Or did they? Will they again?<br /><br />So, it's been like... a while since I wrote something, an update is in order. I'll just address things from the last few posts:<br /><br />1) AM weigh-in, post vacation - 221. Oops. This is despite (or due to) me working out a buttload lately, etc. I feel much better than I did at 213 though, and think I look better too, so we're going to work on the muscle/water retention theory here.<br /><br />2) We live in Denver now. Moved in the day before Thanksgiving. It's fucking awesome. Closed on the house in Collinsville 12/30/09. Lost our asses on it. Living in an awesome apartment complex now. No intentions on buying anything anytime soon.<br /><br />3) Sold the S10 finally before we moved. Lost my ass on it.<br /><br />4) Went to Jacksonville last weekend to see awesome people. It was awesome. I'll defer to Liz's blog for details, since she was there, and actually writes stuff.<br /><br />5) In reference to 4, Delta eats balls.<br /><br />6) There is no six.<br /><br />7) Lori is flying in from Collinsville tomorrow. That should be interesting.<br /><br />8) We're going to Chicago next weekend.<br /><br />9) I quit smoking the day we closed on the house. I just had one at lunch though. Ellen says it is, or can be, a seasonal habit. I disagree, but enjoy beer and cigs by the pool. So I'll play ball.<br /><br />Maybe I'll update this again since I did it once.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-34184424281110414222008-09-18T08:19:00.002-05:002008-09-18T08:21:08.078-05:00fee fi fo fum213.0.<br /><br />Ugh. Granted, this is after living out of hotels and eating out every meal with a corporate card for the past 3 weeks, so I was honestly expecting worse.<br /><br />Back on the wagon next week.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-66481294162936367042008-09-05T12:34:00.002-05:002008-09-05T12:34:59.736-05:00grrWhat sucks: getting your first check and realizing how much of your raise is going towards health insurance premiums and other such BS, then doing the math and realizing what your 'real' raise is.<br /><br />Doh.<br /><br />Coldplay still sucks.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-48939235610115231982008-09-02T15:01:00.003-05:002008-09-02T15:07:38.959-05:00weekend update: delayed versionFriday: Drove down from BMI in the morning. Worked at the STL office all day. It was weird. Went home... Ate...somewhere. Uh... Seriously. Don't remember. Wow. Maybe we just stayed in. I seriously don't remember. Weird.<br /><br />Saturday: Helped Davies move into their new house, it was awesome and quick. Done by noon I think. Went home, mowed, worked on the yard, etc. Met up with Davies at BW3 for the Illini suckfest... er.. game. Split at halftime, and went back to casa de Davie for cheaper beer. After the suckfest, we headed back to Cville, closed down Johnny's cuz we're cool like that. I'm apparently their bouncer.<br /><br />Sunday: Woke up at like 11. Some guy came by at 1 to look at the house, doubt he'll buy. Hung out, had some gyro love at Fazzi's. Some other shit went down, I think. Oh, watched Harold & Kumar, crashed early.<br /><br />Monday: Woke up at some point, made breakfast. Spent most of the day compiling apartment list for denver, and hacking up basement doors to work properly. Cookout @ Mike & Elise's. Good shit.<br /><br />Leaving for BMI again tonight. Come back Friday afternoon. Fly out to Denver Saturday or Sunday or something. Ellen comes back that Wednesday, I'll stay till Saturday. Or sunday. I should probably look at itineraries. Lot of i's in that word.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-865702666609075782008-08-18T08:18:00.002-05:002008-08-18T08:26:52.515-05:00asfasdiy23o87243ajsdf + foodFriday: Drove up to Loda. Stopped for Wendy's en route. Had pizza and beer upon arrival. Hung out with Ward fam, fell asleep.<br /><br />Saturday: Woke up, hung out, went over to my Grandma's, had Just Hamburgers. visited Ellen' grandma for a bit. I split and visited mom. Went back to Wards for a little more fam time and cookout. Hit the road at 8. Home by 11. Bed.<br /><br />Sunday: Woke up, had McD's for breakfast, Home Depot, massive house repairs. So much. Taco Bell. More repairs. BW3, hot tub, sleep.<br /><br />Buy my house.<br /><br />Buy my truck.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-63480419951996572672008-08-11T07:50:00.002-05:002008-08-11T07:58:18.498-05:00death becomes himFriday: Came home, went into the city to negotiate trades and shit. Attempted to get a hold of Ellen to sign papers, but happy hour loudness prevailed. Went home, she and her friend from work followed later. Attempted to show her Cville love, but it was apparently bizzarro night, and failed horribly. Passed out around 1.<br /><br />Saturday: Woke up, went back into the city, bought <a href="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r63/jgk1979/truck08001800x600.jpg">this blue thing.</a> It's awesome. Went back, hit HD, bought supplies, went home, finished deck repairs, stained both decks. Got showered, hit Mexican with Davies since Aaron and his buddy were in town. Went back to the house to pregame, but Rock Band, 3 Man, and Beer Pong prevailed, so we never left. Fell asleep around 2 or 3.<br /><br />Sunday: Woke up at like noon, hit BW3. Hit Ultimate Electronics for stereo shit, mall for new sunglasses, kohls for some shorts. HD again, 15 bags of mulch and 5 bushes for the flowerbeds around the garage. Rented a tiller, fun toy. Beat the flowerbed into submission, looks awesome. Returned tiller, had food, went over to lowns to give them bounties of firewood and help him move furniture. Went home, hit the jacuzzi, watched Venture brothers, (fucking awesome season) and passed out hard around 10:30.<br /><br />I'm still sore. And tired. a;lskfjasd.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-53796252144743017192008-08-04T08:18:00.003-05:002008-08-04T08:20:04.082-05:00weekend in as few words as possibleFriday: Worked, drove, sweated, drank, slept<br />Saturday: Woke, floated/drank, sweated, gave up, left, slept<br />Sunday: Panera, drank, Rock Band, Hacienda, drank, airport, sleptJKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-189106343178144032008-07-29T14:24:00.002-05:002008-07-29T14:27:58.284-05:00viva the midwestMore specifically, Granite City. <br /><br />Scene: Walking into a gas station<br /><br />dude: <to> "Go Nazis!"<br />me: <huh><br />dude: <points> "White power, man"<br />me: <uh>.. "nah, man."<br /><br />I've been sporting the bald look for like 2+ years now, and this is the first time someone's tried to identify with me as a white supremacist of some sort. Knowing the type of person I was dealing with, I decided against engaging the dude any further, since I'd probably get my ass kicked or really confuse the guy.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1923305986737445646.post-61350350847986012922008-07-28T08:08:00.003-05:002008-07-28T08:16:55.998-05:00recoveryFrom vacation, that is.<br /><br />Friday: Played some Rockband, met up with Eric, hit Esperanza for the mexi-love, then the Friday's/Johnny's routine, with a smattering of "new" bar, 5th Quarter. Neat. Plowedness ensued. Jed bought pizza for the bar.<br /><br />Saturday: Slept in stupid-late. Ellen made French toast. Went to Carlyle Lake. Came back, took shower, met up with Rob and Eric @ Hooters, then did some mosquito-infested night golf at the Par3 course. Wound up switching over to best ball by the 4th hole, and plowed through 18 with the quickness. Home and in bed by 11:30.<br /><br />Sunday: Slept in kinda stupid-late. After much debate and lolly-gagging (hello from the 40s), we decided to start on the basement redeux in earnest. Home Depot, etc. LOTS of concrete patching, general cleaning and purging from the hellhole took place. Painting will be eventually. Not sure if the project is worthwile, but it needs to be done, and it'll only happen once, so whatever. Long-overdue BW3, and then back to the house to watch 21.<br /><br />I still hate Coldplay.JKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11819990094972725606noreply@blogger.com0