Friday, February 28, 2014

Last day in February 2014



1. For What it’s Worth

Some days I just don’t have a clue what is going on in my life. Seriously! I really don’t have a clue. My life 10 years ago was a good life. I had a great girlfriend, I lived in a great location, my job was okay (I guess maybe a little too much business travel), I was pretty happy and healthy all in all.  Ten years later, it is just 7 months until I am eligible to retire and my life is pretty much upside down. There are some positive things such as retirement in sight, alimony payments are done, I am paying off my other debts now, and I have a great dog that gives me, her butler, unconditional love. I have our road trip planning to look forward to, which is nice. We have you readers who every once in a while give us some feedback, which we really like! So these days I try to concentrate on the positive things I do have, rather than dwell on all the great things I have lost recently.

Companionship is a great thing that I desire. I do have that with Snoopy, but I wish I had that with a significant other.  You know, someone to share every day things with. For many years I traveled all over the place for business. I was on flight crew back in my USAF days, and I also traveled for work overseas and here in the US. But when you travel to places and see new and exciting things, it is pretty much a hollow experience when you have nobody to share it with. I have enjoyed my experiences being in a relationship for the most part.  Sure, there are rough times you have to deal with, but I am one of those one-woman kind of guys that only want one woman. I rarely dated more than one woman at a time. When we were exclusive, then I was dedicated to one girl and we were exclusive. Being single and not attached to someone does have its advantages at times, but for the majority of the time I liked being exclusively with one girl.

I am not one much for the dating scene. I have never really mastered the dating process or even understood the process. I still have no clue how it is supposed to work. I have maybe been on twenty “first dates” total in my entire single life. I never liked the process or ever enjoyed the idea of a first date. In fact, I think it is totally stressful. And who thought up this idea of dating?  What a weird process it is.

First, do you begin by talking on the phone or by texting back and forth with her before any first date?

Then after all that, you have to go through the process of trying to ask someone you are interested in out for an activity. What kind of activity will it be? Dinner and a movie? Do I have to pick her up? Where would that be? At the place where see lives?  Maybe in a neutral place such as a restaurant or a bar? Do you wait for her inside or do you wait for her out in front of the establishment? If it is at a bar, do you go in and have a few drinks to calm your nerves a bit?  Do you have a beer, cocktail or do a couple of shots instead? Will she think you have a drinking problem because you started drinking before her? And when she does arrive at the bar, do you offer her a drink or do you immediately head out to dinner?

What kind of dinner place do you go to? Do you take her to a nice restaurant that could cost you a lot of money just to impress her? How about some dive bar for a burger or some pub grub? Or maybe just meet for a quick cup of coffee, tea or just maybe a drink?

Now, with all this figured out, what do you talk about with them? Do you lead the conversation and tell her about you or do you let her lead the conversation and just sit back and soak it all in? Do you just scratch the surface and chit chat about neutral things or discuss current events? What subjects are taboo and should be avoided at all costs? 

We all know not to discuss religion and politics, but in Europe that is exactly what they discuss over dinner. Maybe that is why I did most of the listening when I was over there because you know I like to blast people on both of those subjects, which is not always popular with everyone. I try to be Politically Correct, but for me being PC is not an easy thing for me to accomplish.

I have most likely ruined 50% of my first dates because I knew there would no chance for a second date, just from my choosing. I have met someone before on a first date and within 5-10 minutes I knew this was going nowhere fast. That is a very good reason to just meet someone for a first date for a coffee, tea or maybe a drink. Then you know and be thankful that it can be a short encounter and you are not paying majorly out of your pocket buying someone dinner, etc. 

After a first date, it can go three ways. You really liked them, you did not like them at all, or you kinda liked them. 

If you did not like them, no problem, just move on to another target.

If you kinda liked them, you ask to have another date to feel them out some more.  It seems like the second time you meet someone face to face, you tend to notice more things that you did not see maybe the first time. Plus, their guard is a bit down more and they may be a bit more relaxed. On first dates, it seems that people try to put their best foot forward and be on their best behavior. They really are not acting like themselves, which can be a tricky situation when you are trying to feel things out. Second dates are much less stressful than first dates.

Now, if you really liked them after the first date, that in itself, can be a tricky situation. You are generally excited that you met this nice person and you can see a possible future relationship with this person. You wonder and are uncertain about does she like me the same way as I like her? You harbor this feeling of uncertainty where you stand. How do you size up the situation? Where do you stand? What kind of activity do you plan for a second date?

I think this last scenario is the hardest one to go through, because it has the possibilities of a future. It also has the highest degree to end up failing or disappointing yourself.  You want more, expect more and have more to lose if it fails.

So, as you can see, this process is so much more complex than someone would believe.  Can you see why I hate it and I am terrible at it?  I find it better to be friends with someone and later it could blossom into something more possibly.  I think we all could use more friends, ya know?  Who agrees with me? Who thinks I am afraid to date? Does anyone have an opinion?  Good grief, I am doomed!
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2. Today’s Music Trivia

Today’s music artist is an English band out of London that I discovered during the 1970s that was actually formed in 1968 by bass player Chris Squire (the only member to be with the band throughout their entire history), and Jon Anderson, lead singer. Members also included Tony Kaye and later Rick Wakeman and Patrick Moraz on keyboards, drummers Bill Bruford and later Alan White, and now lead singer Jon Davison. Many other members have been a part of this band, but to list them all would take quite some effort. Known for their progressive and symphonic rock songs, their lengthy compositions and often complex instrumental and vocal arrangements, this group has also distinguished themselves with their use of cosmic and mystical lyrics. With their number one hit single, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” in 1983, can you name this symphonic and progressive English rock band?

Yesterday’s Music Trivia Answer = Van Morrison

Wednesday’s Music Trivia Answer = Van Halen
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3. Alternate Band Name Game

Clue: = Thrifty Magic       Answer:  ???


Yesterday’s Alternate Band Name Game

Clue: = Appreciative cadaver         Answer = Grateful Dead

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Snoopy says, “Bark Less and Wag More!”

Until next time… Be Good!


- cb

Last Wednesday in February 2014

1. For What It’s Worth

I took yesterday off of work so I could run and do some errands I had to do during the week, so we did not post a blog. Thanks again to Will C for his help yesterday. He is a good friend and always helps me out. We even had Church’s Chicken for lunch/brunch, which was good.  I had not had that for a very long time.  The side order of mashed potatoes and gravy sucked really bad, but otherwise it was all good. It actually put me in a serious nap mode after I got home and later laid down on the coma couch. I was out for a 2-hour nap.  It was nice, and what a beautiful day it was to run around and do errands.  It was an enjoyable day all in all. Snoopy enjoyed me being home most of the day, taking her own nap by laying her head down and resting it on my legs, as usual.  She really is a good puppy dog!  Snoopy thinks I am very lucky to be her cherished “dog butler”. J

We are having a going away luncheon for Nick, one of our annual interns, today at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, a little family run place in Manhattan Beach.  Strange place to have lunch but I know the breakfasts have always been good when I have been there before. Not sure what they have to offer for their lunch menu. I guess I’ll catch a ride with someone with a car since I rode my bicycle into work, as usual.  I heard we might be getting some rain soon, so that will kinda suck for bike riding. I guess I won’t be riding it in on those days.  I guess we really need the rain now here in California.

Good grief, have you ever seen the “Reality show” called, “The Devil’s Ride”?  It is supposedly about these 2 motorcycle clubs/biker gangs in the San Diego area that are at odds with each other.  All these losers are worried about is their so-called loyalty, respect and their reputations amongst each other. Hey guys!  Get a grip! You are all losers wasting your lives away worried about crap that has no purpose, unless you are concerned about who controls what areas for drug selling, intimidating people who are not as strong as you are (or think you are), etc.  They say they are in the gang  to belong to a group. Camaraderie among “Brothers”.  What a bunch of BS it all is.  Haters hating is what it is.  Nothing more than that. Beating down others because they’re in a different gang and belong to a different group. 

This TV show reminds me of British hooligans at Soccer matches. One of their new guys, called a prospect, did not even have a motorcycle before he wanted to join up.  It is truly laughable and a waste of time and energy.  Hey guys, trying doing some good for your community instead of  becoming future guests of hospitals, prisons or morgues.  We really got better things to do besides taking care of your future needs, no matter what institution you will be heading to, it will cost society more money in the long run.  Grow up, you Losers!  You give motorcyclists a bad reputation.  Maybe we should beat all your asses for doing that to our reputation?

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2. Today’s Music Trivia Contest

Today’s musical artist is a 4-member American band that formed in 1972 and their self-titled album debuted in 1978, which was a monster commercial hit and with fans.  The band formed in Pasadena, California, but the two main members are brothers who were actually Dutch born. With numerous hits, sold out concerts and many albums produced, this band has had a turmoil-filled off stage persona. Switching lead singers multiple times and also changing their long time bass player, this band has suffered and also enjoyed the change in personnel giving each phase a different and evolving artistic flavor. Even though the lead member has been in and out of rehab a few times, and has also dealt with a couple  of surgeries, this band still is putting out music that sells. Can you name this mega-popular American 4-member rock band?


Yesterday’s Answer to the Music Trivia Contest:   Artist  =  UB40

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3. Alternate Band Name Game

Clue: = Appreciative cadaver         Answer:  ???


Last Alternate Band Name Game

Clue:  Not the King       Answer:  Queen

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Wise words to live by… Snoopy preaches, Bark Less & Wag More! 

Until next time… Be Good!


- cb

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Last Thursday in February 2014





1. For What It’s Worth

Yesterday we received some feedback via Facebook concerning my writings and my tributes.  Our peeps, we write straight from the heart.  What you see is what you get. Sometimes it may infuriate people, or make you laugh or even make you cry. If there is an emotional reaction from you, let me know. Did we piss you off?  Did you have some fond memories of someone that put a tear in your eye? Did you laugh so hard that tears ran down your leg?  Well, tell us. I appreciate the feedback I received from Katrina R P, Tammy R, Dawn R-N, Tom G, and of course Kelly S-S. It makes me feel good that peeps read our blog and with such positive feedback, we are encouraged to continue to do so. When you write and get nothing back, it is a hollow existence we live. We appreciate all the feedback!  Snoopy gives you guys two wags and an arf, which is quite rare indeed!

I have a few more tributes to write for dear friends that have passed away.  Some of them most of you won’t know, but they were still close to me and I feel compelled to say my goodbyes to them, so please bear with me. Just know that they were great people if I took the time to write about them.

Good grief, yesterday my supervisor finally gave me a project to work on, so I will have less time to pen our blog.  I will try to do it first thing in the morning when I arrive here at work, but it may be sporadic due to the nature of my project assigned to me and the short deadline. Snoopy told me she would help out more, but since she has trouble typing and she fat-paws it a lot (similar to our fat-finger mistakes), her help is limited. I need to get her a new keyboard I guess. J

Have you visited some place and still have fond memories of it?  Was your honeymoon at some great destination? Did you ever run across a hidden treasure on some back road while traveling? Well, we want to hear about it from you. Let us know so we can put that place on our travel itinerary.  I would hate to have missed some place awesome to see or visit when we were basically right in the area already. This is a once in a lifetime chance to see all we can see.  We have waited all our lives to do this, and we need all of your help. Please help us find those hidden treasures of a destination we so badly want to see.


2. Today’s Music Trivia Contest

Today’s musical artist is a solo artist who during the mid sixties was a former member and lead singer of the Northern Irish R&B band titled, “Them”.  His many hits include, “Domino”, “Have I told you Lately”, “Gloria”, “Brown Eyed Girl”, “Baby, Please Don’t Go”, and of course “Moondance”.  At the ripe age of 68, he continues to sing, even though he may have lost an octave or two. Can you name this musical Irishman artist?

Congrats to Mike R for getting the other day’s Music Trivia answer which was UB40 and Tim B for getting the other day’s Alternate Name Game Answer which was Queen.

Answer to the Other Day’s Music Trivia Contest:   Artist  =  UB40

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3. Alternate Band Name Game

Clue: = Appreciative cadaver         Answer:  ???

Previous Alternate Band Name Game

Clue:  Not the King     Answer = Queen


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Snoopy says, “Bark Less and Wag More!”

Until next time… Be Good!


- cb

Monday, February 24, 2014

Last Monday in February 2014

1.  For What It’s Worth

I sometimes write narratives when the creative juices are flowing naturally and later paste them into one of our blog posts.  Some days I can write forever for hours on end, and some days I got nothing. Some days I write so much that I can’t put it all in one day’s post, so I keep some in a library that I can access additional data when needed. 

I took Snoopy for a little walk yesterday, which I have not done for quite some time. I know I should do it more often, but walking does not make my back feel too good to tell you the truth.  Maybe I can hook her up to my bicycle somehow and she can run alongside me?  That could work out okay for both of us.  Anyway, she keep pulling on her leash, which I had her pretty much broke of that bad habit when I walked her often. I guess my laziness is not to blame on her, so I gotta do more exercise with her I guess. It will be good for us both I believe!

This weekend I did some work on Linus, specifically some corrosion control.  Linus has a rusty front plate at the lower edge of the windscreen.  This is prevalent in bay window buses due to the design of the rain gutter which drains only in the front of the bus and the water flows right down onto the windshield’s lower seal area and rust tends to form there. Linus also has some rust issues below the copilot’s door on the lower part of the cab body. This is the area I was mostly working on and also some other areas located at various places on his body.  I used a wire brush to remove dead material and then used some acid, which actually neutralized the rust.  I then used some really good primer to cover the bare metal areas. The rust at the lower area of the windscreen actually needs the whole front panel replaced and welded into place.  I’m not sure when I’ll get to that project, but when I do I will go ahead and replace the whole windscreen which also is cracked. I probably won’t even get to that project until after my road trip because I’ll need to repaint the entire bus a different color.  I am not a big fan of the Avocado Green exterior color to tell you the truth.  But I don’t want to get a new paint job when I plan to go off road to camp at some remote places and I really don’t want to have to worry about scratching the new paint job doing so. Good grief, that would kind of defeat the purpose of it all, wouldn’t it?

Well, the Winter Olympics have ended and now all the countries can go about and bicker with each other once again.  How come we don’t ever see Iraq or Iran participate in the Olympic Games? I can understand why for the winter games, but what about the summer games?  Do they participate in those games? I mean, if Jamaica can play in the winter games, these countries could also, right?  Maybe I am asking for way too much out of these countries, I don’t know? What the heck do I know?

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2.  Today’s Music Trivia

Today’s music trivia is a British band I first became aware of sometime during the early 1980s performing mostly cover songs with a reggae twist.  With a mix of ethnic musicians including English, Scottish, Irish, Yemeni and Jamaican parentage, this band’s initial lineup lasted for 30 years from the band’s formation in 1978 until 2008. Their hit songs include, “Food for Thought”, “Red Red Wine”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “Kingston Town”, and “Here I am (Come and take Me)”. Can you name this multi-cultural membered British reggae band?

Yesterday’s Answer to the Music Trivia Contest:   Artist  =  U2

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3.  Alternate Band Name Game

Clue:  Not the King   Answer:  ?



Last Alternate Band Name Game

Clue Temperamental Sadness       Answer   = Moody Blues

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Snoopy preaches, Bark Less & Wag More!

Until next time… Be Good!


- cb