Monday, December 30, 2013

The week Between the Holidays…


The week Between the Holidays…

Toda’s music trivia is an American Southern Rock band with that familiar sound that could be confused with Lynard Skynard, The Allman Brothers, 38 Special or even the Rossington-Collins Band.  I first saw them perform live at the Summer Blowout held in the LA Coliseum back in 1980 along with five other bands.  With their 4 guitarists all lined up in a row, they certainly rocked the dump that day.  Their big hit were “Whiskey Man, “Gator Country” and their most famous, “Flirtin’ with Disaster” got a lot of airplay, especially during the 80s. Their album covers were all done by the same artist in with a Middle-Earth fantasy theme.  Can you name this rockin’ band?

The week before Christmas, I lost my wallet with all my credit cards, ATM card, Health Care card, Costco Membership, and all the other associated cards.  Needless to say this is a nightmare and I have to stop/cancel all my cards and order new ones.  Some I still have to get new ones.  But losing my credit cards and ATM card all at the same time just before the holidays was terrible. I also have my rent check automatically sent to my landlord, but it somehow sent it out prematurely on Dec 23 (I guess because of the holidays), and I was stuck with only the small amount of cash I had on hand.  I’m talking less than $30 in my pocket until I get those other cards back. 

If I ever claim to have women all figured out, someone please come up and slap the living crap out of me. You know they must be pretty pissed off at you if they even refuse to talk or even text you back.  WTF is a guy to do?

On Dec 23, I finally received my new credit card in the mail so I could at least send my Goddaughter Gina Marie a gift electronically.  There were a couple of more peeps I wanted to al least send a Christmas card to so I could let them know they were especially in my thoughts.  After taking some meds and laying down on the couch to rest my back a bit on Christmas Eve afternoon, I drifted off to sleep and I woke up in the early evening wondering what had happened.  I realized that I drifted off earlier and had taken a three-hour nap, so I decided just to settle in for the evening and hang with Snoopy, totally forgetting about the Christmas cards I wanted to pick up. I guess I really disappointed a couple of people close to me and I apologize for that. I do plan to hopefully make it up to them in the next few days.

A good friend of mine sent me the new iPod Nano for Christmas.  I wonder how do they make them so small and thin?  Those Apple designers really have it going on. It was a very nice thing to do and I really appreciate it very much!  I like it! J

My next-door neighbors brought me over a gift also for Snoopy and me.  I opened it up and it is a mini quilt with Snoopy and Peanuts characters all over it on one side and a black & white checkerboard pattern like a Checkered Flag on the other.  How cool was that? I didn’t even think they liked me that much.  Needless to say I was shocked and pleased!

I did get some Christmas cards from family and close friends.  I felt bad this year due to being so very broke and not being able to send some gifts like I wanted to. I guess I can send some things later after I get some cash back in my pocket.  I hope they understand my current financial situation.  I can’t wait until the day I have all my court fees, attorney fees, and my alimony payments are paid off and completely I am done with this nightmare. Then I get to work on my Visa bill that is well over $18,000.  What happened to the days I used to walk around every day with at least $300 in my pocket for just-in-case purchases?  I really miss those days gone by…

I often wonder, who exactly reads these blog posts?  I usually find out by people who end up commenting in a FB post or maybe by a text or some electronically delivered message.  There are so many ways to do it these days, including E-mails, FB posts, phone texts, FB Messenger, Twitter, etc.  Tell me what you like, and what you don’t like.  Feedback is always welcomed and appreciated.  Please, fill us in… J

I am back at work today after having more that half of last week off.  Not too many people here again today, which is nice.  I like it when most people are not here at work.  It makes it so much nicer not having to deal with them on days like this.  It is just like a little extra Christmas cheer being spread around here today, which is nice!

New Years Eve (NYE) has never been a big deal to me over the years.  During most of them I have been pretty melancholy often reflecting upon the prior year and the events that had transpired.  Most NYE I really don’t go out partying like some big celebration because I feel like it is amateur night out with all kinds of people drinking in excess.  Even last year when I was back home in Chicago I think I went to bed about 10:30 PM just because I was tired. Unless I am with someone special I really don’t care to be out in public.  It is a time to reflect and I am usually not in a great mood, so I choose to stay at home.  I am not sure what I’ll be doing this NYE, since I have not really decided as of yet.  Maybe I’ll go to the tavern or maybe I’ll just stay at home with Snoopy.  I am still undecided.  Any suggestions?

I am actually working all week except on NY Day as it is a holiday. I would probably work on it if they would allow us to come in on that day.  The only reason I would need that day off is if I was hung over, otherwise I would not mind spending that day at work and using that day for a vacation day later during the year.

So, was Santa good to you all?  I hope so.  I’m kinda glad the holidays are almost over. They are usually a little depressing to me and I usually look forward to them being over.  I do enjoy how people decorate except those that go way overboard.  There is a fine line between classy and trashy and a little less is always better. If it takes you weeks to decorate, you have gone way overboard! Just a little holiday decorations is probably the best way to go overall.

As Snoopy says… Bark Less ad Wag More!

Until next time… Be Good!

- cb 

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

My favorite day of the year, Christmas Eve…


My favorite day of the year, Christmas Eve…

Today’s music trivia is not really a rock band, but they are an American ska-core band from Boston recording their debut album in 1989. I came across this band in the mid 1990s and really liked their music.  Some of their more memorable songs include, “The Rascal King”, “The Impression That I Get”, “Numbered Days”, and one of my favorites, “Another Drinkin’ Song”.  Their most popular album, “Let’s Face It” was released in 1997.  Can you name this ska-punk, ska-core band?

I have been told by several of you readers that I should do more writing, maybe even a novel.  Well, I have thought about it and a couple of months ago I began putting down some words to paper, per se, to maybe consolidate into some kind of written collage or essay. I guess it is sort of like an autobiography or a timeline of my life. The different chapters are actually different chapters in my life.  The time I spent with someone or doing this or that.  My time performing some kind of job or task or even recapping time I spent with a friend or girlfriend.  I’ll probably have to change the names to protect the innocent and the guilty. 

All of these experiences in life make up the person that I have become, good & bad.  I have been lucky in love, probably more lucky than I ever deserved, and self-destructive just as well. I have sabotaged myself at times and look back and wonder why the hell did I do this or that. Why did I have to be a complete ass to someone that I really cared about? Why did I break up with someone because I feared and was afraid of commitment?  Why did I push people away that just wanted to help me? Why did I choose just to walk away from this person at that time in my life?

Towards the end of the year, I tend to go through the process of a self-examination of myself and my life.  Where am I?  Am I really in a place that I want to be?  Has the past year been a good one?  What can I learn from the experiences I have been through recently?  What mistakes were costly and did I benefit from that blunder?  Am I ashamed of any behavior I have put out there in the cosmos?  Is karma treating me right or am I getting my just desserts? Are my negative actions doing a full circle and coming back to me?  Did I treat my fellow man with respect and kindness?  Did I forgive my enemies for their negative actions upon me?  Was I good to myself?  I always seem to ask a lot of questions.

Well, this is another Christmas holiday that I’ll be here all alone, not counting Snoopy, the Wonderdog!  I really have no vacation time saved up to go anywhere anyways and I am very broke at the time, so I really had no choice in the matter. My Christmas gift giving this holiday season is severely restricted due to attorney fees, alimony payments, auto registrations due and various other bills that have been haunting me.  I don’t think I have ever been this broke, but, as the Beatles said, all I really need is love.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!

Snoopy says, as always, Bark Less and Wag More!

Until next time… Be Good… and love your fellow man!

- cb and Snoopy too!

Monday, December 23, 2013

The Day Before Christmas Eve…


The Day Before Christmas Eve…

Today’s music trivia is a very talented artist, singer and songwriter who got her start playing in lesbian bars around Los Angeles.  Discovered by Island Records in about 1985, she actually contributed background vocals to Don Henley’s album, “The End of the Innocence”.  Her mainstream breakthrough album, “Yes I Am” released in 1993, featured the hit songs, “Come to my Window” and “I’m the Only One”, which got plenty of airplay.  Winning multiple Grammy awards, can you name this female heartland rock performer?

I have been writing a lot lately.  A lot of my writing never makes it out there because I have been trying hard to censor myself, especially what I write for public viewing.  I’ve been told that I put a lot of myself out there, maybe too many private things, which I have been trying to limit lately in my writing.  I also seem to piss some people off at times when I write certain things, which is totally unintentional. Like I have said before, when I write it usually is auto pilot writing, it just comes out as I think of it.  Sorry!  I apologize for any insensitive things I may write unintentionally.

Last night I found out that one of our residents here has breast cancer.  People were showing their support for her by getting their heads shaved in a show of unity and support.  I thought about doing it also, but decided not to because my head does not look good shaved, plus I have a lot of scars on my head.  Oh, I have done it in the past, but I just wasn’t feeling it, so I declined.  Also, if I shaved my head people will find the Jack O’Lantern drawn on my head from that one Halloween many years ago!

Today at work it is very slow and quiet here because most people are gone for the holidays.  In my organization, there are only three of us out of twelve or so here today and tomorrow.  It sure makes the atmosphere here a lot more tolerable than normal.  So today I am surfing the web on my own Apple laptop and also penning my blog post you are now reading.   

On You Tube, I am watching a video with Dan Ackroyd and he is talking “Unplugged” about UFOs.  He is very articulate in science as well as comedy.  His knowledge is astounding and he really seems to know what he is talking about.  He is an intelligent, well-spoken individual with his own UFO experience.  I myself think we would be quite a arrogant species to think that out of all the billions and billions of galaxies out there that we are the only intelligent beings alive.  What a narrow-minded planet of people we would be thinking we are the top of the food chain in all of the heavenly bodies out there.  I, for one, believe we are not alone!

The other day a friend of mine had her cell phone stolen when she was shopping at K-Mart.  Someone took it right out of her cart while she was looking at something on a shelf.  She was pretty broken up about it and I know money is tight, so I gave her my old iphone4 that I was planning on selling to someone else.  It felt good to do something nice for someone during this holiday season. Her little son, Zachary is a cute little guy and he reminds me of myself what I was a kid. He is blonde with a round head like mine was, and he resembles Charlie Brown. So I call him CB-3. He is such a cutie and we have a good time with him. He also loves Snoopy, appropriately!

Tomorrow is my favorite day of the year, Christmas Eve.  The anticipation of the next day is always the best feeling in the world.  Anticipation!  It is a powerful feeling.  That is why I like the day before Christmas much better than the actual day of Christmas.  On Christmas Eve, all the gifts are still wrapped under the tree. People are full of joy and good cheer. Kids are on their best behavior. There is lots of love for others being spread by people.  It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
So, go out there and spread the holiday cheer to someone who desperately needs it.  You just may make their holiday more tolerable.  Many people are depressed and lonely during the holiday season and it is one of the highest seasons for suicides, so love your fellow man. You just might save someone from an unthinkable act.

Love your fellow man!  Love one another!

Bark Less and Wag More!

Until next time… Be Good!

- cb

Friday, December 20, 2013

Phil Robertson... and WWJD?


Phil Robertson

I did not hear exactly what Happy, Happy, Happy, Phil had to say, but I guess it brought on a storm of various opinions from people.  First of all, everyone has the freedom of speech in this country.  But that does not mean you are exempt from the repercussions of what you say, especially if you say it in public.  I heard he said some things about the gay & lesbian lifestyle, probably quoting directly from the bible. 

Are you aware that the bible was written by men (not any women writers back then) who never even met Jesus?  WWJD?  Do you think Jesus would say these G&L people are not his children? Do you think he would say they have no right to enter into heaven?  When he said love one another, what do you think he meant?  Only love those you approve of?  I believe he meant to love everyone, even those much different than you.  Love one another, such an easy concept, but maybe hard to do at times.  I know it is hard to love that driver who just cut you off and flipped you the finger.  But he meant love that idiot too. The impatient or rude person Christmas shopping that basically grabbed the item you were going to buy right away from you or took the parking space at the mall that you were waiting for.  Yeah, he meant love that dumbass too.  He said love one another, even and especially if it is hard to do.

I myself was pretty narrow-minded when I was younger about this lifestyle, until I actually met someone who was. In the music industry and dealing with artists, if you throw a rock, you are going to hit someone who is gay or lesbian.  That’s just the way it is.  Most of them are very talented artists who are loving and caring individuals.  Those people who are prejudiced against the G&L community probably never actually met or know anyone who is. It is like travelling, the more you travel the more you are eyes are open and you become more accepting of those around us.  

It’s all about freedom.  Phil has his right to say what he wants.  A&E has the right to broadcast shows they want.  Gays have the right to boycott Phil’s duck calls in the store.  (I think it would actually be pretty funny to see a gay guy duck hunting.) I would like to see a gay redneck.  That would be hilarious!  I can say I know some G&L people and I consider them my friends.  If you don’t like it, then that is your problem that you need to deal with yourself.  I don’t have a problem with it. You do!

In twenty years from now this discussion concerning prejudice will be as absurd as back in the 60s with Blacks and Hippies, or way back when with the Irish, or even now with the Mexicans trying to come to this country. Do I want to see G&L couples making out in public?  Of course not, just as I don’t want to see straight couples making out in public. What you do in your own domicile is your business and nobody else’s.  Rodney King, a victim of a horrible crime said it best, “Can’t we all just get along”.  I think we can. 

Maybe we should try to take care of each other instead of focusing on our differences?  Isn’t it our vast differences that makes us all unique as individuals?  I believe too many people are much too busy trying to put labels on each other.  They are trying to individuals into categories.  For example, did you know that Abercrombie & Fitch don’t make extra large garments? You know why? They don’t heavy people wearing their garments because they think they would be representing their company.  I am not one for wearing anything with a label, let alone wearing a sweatshirt with their name across it. I would never wear an A&F garment just because I don’t like paying to advertise their company. Who gives a damn who manufactures what you wear?  I just don’t get it.

In summary, love one another.  I figure the hippie generation is now coming into power.  Maybe they can remember the goodwill and love they felt back when they were young and promote that through positive actions?  I know we all dreamed of changing the world back then, maybe they can now fulfill that dream.

This holiday season, try being a little more tolerant of your fellow man.  Let that driver into traffic. Let that driver take that parking spot. Let that person with one item to pay for cut in front of you. It won’t cost you that much time, will it?

Love one another!  Isn’t that what it is all about?

Bark Less… and Wag More!

Until next time… Be Good

- cb

A Christmas Message


To my family and friends…

This year I won’t be able to travel back home to Chicagoland for the holidays. I really don’t have any vacation time saved up currently, and I am also pretty broke now. I do hope to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy & Prosperous New Year!  2013 was not one of my best years, so I say goodbye to it and hope 2014, my last year of my being active in the workforce, is smooth sailing and I can depart happily knowing I did my best to be productive serving my fellow man.

On another note, this year on December 21 marks the 10-year anniversary of the passing away of my Mother, Janie.  To all that knew my Mom, she was one not to mess with.  She was a firm but fair individual who had a lot of patience and understanding, especially if she raised some of us younger kids.  A few of us kids were a handful but she managed pretty well, if you ask me.  I miss my folks every single day and I do a lot of talking to them hoping for some guidance or some advice to leak through to me, because lord knows I could use some help some days.  My Mom gave me pretty much all she could while she was here on Earth.  When she passed away, I could not go see her and say my goodbyes to her.  That would have been too much for me.  The last time I physically saw her at her 70th birthday, she was in pretty poor shape.  I did not want my last remembrance of her to be more tainted than it already was.  So, I elected to stay behind all alone when the remainder of my family went to the funeral home to say their goodbyes. I spoke to her in my own way and said goodbye.  I know she is still watching over me.

I love you Mom and think about you and Dad every day!  Thanks for giving all you gave to such an insecure kid.  Your patience and understanding with such an inquisitive and hyper kid molded me into the person I am today.  Before I go down some path in life, I now think to myself, “What would my Mom do in this situation?” You infinite wisdom rings true in my ears on a daily basis and your fairness make me want to be more of a good human.  Thanks for opening my eyes to the possibilities life has to offer, and I know that I don’t always do or say the right things, but I do have the wisdom to later know my mistakes and try to change for the better.  You were/are the best Mom in the world, especially to me.  I am thankful for that every day of my life.  I hope that I made you proud! I hope to see you in heaven some day and I can again be graced by your presence.  I love you!

Your son,

- Michael Joseph

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Six days and counting until Christmas…


Six days and counting until Christmas…

Today’s music trivia game is an artist who actually considers himself more of an actor than a singer who got started playing the character Eddie in the original performance of, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.   His music is specifically written by his partner Jim Steinman, who never really gets his due. His actual name is Michael Lee Aday, but is known worldwide as his stage name, which was given to him as a child by his father. His many hits include, “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad”, “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” and, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”. His albums, “Bat Out of Hell” and “Bat Out of Hell II – Back Into Hell” both have achieved worldwide popularity. Appearing in over 50 movies and TV shows, he has established himself as an accomplished actor as well.  His three-octave range always captures an audience’s attention with over 50 million albums sold, can you name this rock opera and rock and roll musician, singer and songwriter?

Lately I have been writing separate narratives and then cutting and pasting them in.  I try to write when the moment hits me rather than trying to struggle and write when it is not just flowing out naturally.  I sometimes get on a roll of rambling and realize I have pages of narratives. The subject I most like writing about is our upcoming 2015 US Backroads Tour. When I say our, I am referring to Linus (my VW Bus), Snoopy (my pooch) and whoever decides to travel with us at the time. I have had a few friends who have showed some interest in travelling with us but nobody has been officially scheduled or inked as of yet. I guess I’ll have to break the trip into sectors and begin scheduling folks in.  I really don’t expect many people to join us along the way since they would need to arrive at a location and then we would have to meet them there. It could be a logistical nightmare.

Below is a list of Points of Interest that I plan on visiting on our back roads trip in 2015.  Please let us know of any other places we might want to check out along the way…


Road Trip Points of Interest along the way

California
Sequoia Nat’l Park
Kings Canyon Nat’l Park
Yosemite Nat’l Park
Lassen Volcanic Nat’l Park
Whiskey Town – Shasta Trinity Rec Area
Lava Beds Nat’l Monument

Oregon
Klamath Falls
Crater Lake Nat’l Park
Cascade Mountain Range

Washington State
Mt Rainier Nat’l Park
Seattle (visit friend Vernon)
Olympic Nat’l Park
North Cascades Nat’l Park

Montana
Glacier Nat’l Park

Wyoming
Yellowstone Nat’l Park
Grand Tetons Nat’l Park

Montana
Bighorn Canyon Nat’l Rec Area

North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt Nat’l Park (North Unit)
Theodore Roosevelt Nat’l Park (South Unit)

South Dakota
Black Hills
Wind Cave Nat’l Park
Badlands Nat’l Park

North Dakota
Fargo (Visit friend Kent)

Minnesota
Voyageurs Nat’l Park


UP Michigan
Pictured Rocks Nat’l Lakeshore

Wisconsin
Pattison State Park (Superior, WI)

Illinois
Chicago

Ohio
Cincinnati (Visit friend Jim Woolfolk)
Cuyahoga Valley Nat’l Park

Route Along the Great Lakes to New England

Maine

Mass
Boston (Visit friend Karl)

Appalachian Mountains

North Carolina
(Visit Cousins living there)

Florida
Summerfield, FL (Visit Coach Dale Kadlecek)
Key West

Back to Chicago, Illinois

Visit family and friends near Quincy, Illinois

Drive Old Route 66 back to Santa Monica


Please provide us some feedback and maybe some points of interest to visit.

Bark Less and Wag More!

Until next time… Be Good!

- cb