Hmm...we're in one of our "slower" periods at work, so I thought I'd write a bit. This affords me an opportunity to take a break from the copious amounts of online crossword puzzles that I've been doing during the last few days at work. (It's a tough job, but someone's got to...hey, wait, it's not a tough job!)
So here I sit at my computer terminal, staring at the screen while listening to David's cd that he gave me to check out (see, David, I AM listening to it, finally) and am trying to figure out some sort of topic or theme about which to write. It's tricky, you know...these things don't always present themselves to me in such a normal way.
I suppose I could go on and on about the Bears, but I'm not feelin' it so much after last week's heart-breaking loss. (HOLD ON TO THE BALL, OLSEN!!!) It would've been easier a week ago after The Beloved knocked off the Colts in a game that caught most by surprise...maybe even me.
Still, I don't really feel so much like writing about the Bears right now, so I turned to my Red Hot Chili Peppers Friend, Frank, and asked him about what I should write. He suggested the following:
"the effect of rising gas costs on the various animals that WOULD have lost their lives to large SUVs but are now happily bouncing off smaller hybrids"
Interesting idea, RHCPFF...interesting. A little creepifying, but interesting.
Gas prices are pretty high, as everyone is well aware, and not everyone has a Party Prius. As such, getting to and fro has become rather expensive for some of us. (The sheiks on the other side of the world are probably getting around just fine, though.) For example, if someone were to drive from, oh...I don't know, Schaumburg to Springfield for some reason, it ain't cheap.
So here, without any real thought to long-term effects and repercussions to the economy, nature, or regard for human life are my solutions to the current gas price crisis: (say that three times quickly...) gas price crisis, gas price crisis, gas price crisis
1) In light of the recent rainfall, we need hydro-powered cars. Clearly we have an abundance of the stuff and there could be a handy straw protruding from the steering wheel for whenever the driver gets thirsty.
2) Skunks. There are far too many of them by my house. If we could use them to generate power to run automobiles, not only would we have a wonderful new fuel source, we could rid the Schaumburg area of them as well. Possums would make an acceptable substitute or, failing that, mosquitoes (when they're in season).
3) Windpower. No, I'm not talking about setting up those giant propellers in the middle of nowhere and using them to steal energy from the wind. I propose that we use the current political state of our country to capture a generous portion of the hot air being spewed from the left and right. All this political commentary wears upon my soul and could potentially propel our cars instead.
And that's just off the top of my head. (Evident by the lack of thought put into each idea, for certain.) I'll have to contact some engineers and they can tell me how foolish I sound.
I suppose it could be worse, though...I could still be doing crosswords at work instead of writing this...
Much luv,
Rob
_______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Blues Before Sunrise" by Eric Clapton
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Life between eight and ten...
Hmm...how 'bout that weather, eh? Normally, I don't comment on the weather much, but I've got a point to it, today, so hang in there.
It's been raining for about two straight days, and everything is soaked, including my new Chicago Bears window flag that flies proudly from my rear passenger-side window. (That window doesn't work quite right anyway, so why not support The Beloved from it?)
The sky has been gray, cloudy, and dreary lately due to all of the rain. According to what I could find on the internet (which must be right because ANYONE can write on it, right?), rain clouds are known as Nimbus (Greek meaning "yucky or rainy") and can be either Cumulus ("poofy") or Stratus ("like a pancake"). Ok, so I may have stretched things a bit there, but that's the basic idea.
Turns out that there are ratings for clouds, too. Some big fluffy clouds can reach as high as 30,000-40,000 feet and have the look of big, beautiful white mountains in the sky. These clouds are some of the brightest and most breathtaking. These fall into the classification known as "Level Nine," hence the expression "on cloud nine."
You see...that's where I feel I've been lately...cloud nine. The last month has seen more things go my way than I truly deserve, culminating with meeting a wonderful, wonderful woman.
Yes, readers, if you didn't already know, I've managed to find myself in a (gasp!) relationship...
And it's been great. We're struggling a bit with the 200 miles that separate us, but we're getting by. We have so much in common, most importantly our love for Jesus Christ. So far, the only thing we've managed to argue about is who will be the first to find something to disagree upon. (Vegas has me as the heavy favorite, though.)
Anyway, life's been unfairly good to me, but I'm not complaining. Not complaining at all.
Although I wish it would dry up outside...
Much luv,
Rob
_____________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
It's been raining for about two straight days, and everything is soaked, including my new Chicago Bears window flag that flies proudly from my rear passenger-side window. (That window doesn't work quite right anyway, so why not support The Beloved from it?)
The sky has been gray, cloudy, and dreary lately due to all of the rain. According to what I could find on the internet (which must be right because ANYONE can write on it, right?), rain clouds are known as Nimbus (Greek meaning "yucky or rainy") and can be either Cumulus ("poofy") or Stratus ("like a pancake"). Ok, so I may have stretched things a bit there, but that's the basic idea.
Turns out that there are ratings for clouds, too. Some big fluffy clouds can reach as high as 30,000-40,000 feet and have the look of big, beautiful white mountains in the sky. These clouds are some of the brightest and most breathtaking. These fall into the classification known as "Level Nine," hence the expression "on cloud nine."
You see...that's where I feel I've been lately...cloud nine. The last month has seen more things go my way than I truly deserve, culminating with meeting a wonderful, wonderful woman.
Yes, readers, if you didn't already know, I've managed to find myself in a (gasp!) relationship...
And it's been great. We're struggling a bit with the 200 miles that separate us, but we're getting by. We have so much in common, most importantly our love for Jesus Christ. So far, the only thing we've managed to argue about is who will be the first to find something to disagree upon. (Vegas has me as the heavy favorite, though.)
Anyway, life's been unfairly good to me, but I'm not complaining. Not complaining at all.
Although I wish it would dry up outside...
Much luv,
Rob
_____________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Bleedin' Orange and Blue...
So the olympics have come and gone. Michael Phelps is likely a robot, Chinese gymnasts are likely jr. highers, and synchronized diving is likely the worst sporting event ever created.
I mean, seriously...Synchronized. Diving.
Still, the olympics were fascinating and the opening ceremonies spectacle was amazing. I'm scared to think of what Chicago might do to compete with that presentation. What have we got to compare to that? I think our best bet is to just offer italian beef sandwiches and deep dish pizza while ushering people down pot-hole riddled highways and tapping their Ipass for money. It's just crazy enough to work.
Something else is holding my attention, though. Several things, actually. Right now, though, as September draws near, it's the time of year when a young man's thoughts turn to that one special thing...
Football.
I love my Bears. My love for The Beloved has been documented throughout this blog. This year it looks like we're putting Sexy Rexy on the backburner and turning control of the offense over to the one, the only, The Neckbeard. I'll be honest, I've always thought Rex had more potential. There was that six game stretch in '06 where he looked like and MVP candidate. Something went wrong after that, though, and he hasn't been able to regain that top notch form since.
Now Kyle Orton running the show, though, and you know what...he's looked pretty good. If the defense can step up and the special teams can continue to dominate, we just may be able to call The Beloved division champs this year.
I, for one, am excited.
And it has nothing to do with gold medals.
Much luv,
Rob
______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Compadre'" by Insyderz
I mean, seriously...Synchronized. Diving.
Still, the olympics were fascinating and the opening ceremonies spectacle was amazing. I'm scared to think of what Chicago might do to compete with that presentation. What have we got to compare to that? I think our best bet is to just offer italian beef sandwiches and deep dish pizza while ushering people down pot-hole riddled highways and tapping their Ipass for money. It's just crazy enough to work.
Something else is holding my attention, though. Several things, actually. Right now, though, as September draws near, it's the time of year when a young man's thoughts turn to that one special thing...
Football.
I love my Bears. My love for The Beloved has been documented throughout this blog. This year it looks like we're putting Sexy Rexy on the backburner and turning control of the offense over to the one, the only, The Neckbeard. I'll be honest, I've always thought Rex had more potential. There was that six game stretch in '06 where he looked like and MVP candidate. Something went wrong after that, though, and he hasn't been able to regain that top notch form since.
Now Kyle Orton running the show, though, and you know what...he's looked pretty good. If the defense can step up and the special teams can continue to dominate, we just may be able to call The Beloved division champs this year.
I, for one, am excited.
And it has nothing to do with gold medals.
Much luv,
Rob
______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Compadre'" by Insyderz
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
At first I was afraid, I was petrified...
I survived!
No death-avenging required, folks, but I know that you were ready should the need have arisen. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.
Go ahead. Do it. I'll wait...
See? Don't you feel better now? How's the self-morale? Elevated, no?
I thought so...
What a weekend! It all started with a circus attempt to rent a convertible from the good people at Avis rental. There was a slight problem with our coupon, so it was going to end up costing more than the Primrose boys had thought, so we walked. (Not to West Virginia, mind you, but out of the Avis rental office.) Ready and willing to bail us out in our attempt were the Bruchmans. Big thanks to them for letting us use their Sebring. There's nothing quite like the wind in your face as you cruise down the highway at ridiculous hours of the night while rocking out to music from just about every genre imaginable. Good times.
Rolling in at 4:30 a.m. was just the beginning...
Saturday brought a day at the beach (complete with giant iceberg and trampoline!), some cricket, and (of course) delicious s'mores around a campfire. More good times.
Cricket was a new experience. It's a great game that can be played (seemingly) by any number of people. It'll be even better to play it someday on a flat surface that is less rock-riddled. I'm sure that there's got to be a better way for setting up the "wicket" (I believe that's what it's called) each time after the top pieces get knocked to and fro, though. Something akin to the pinsetters in bowling, perhaps...
Still, I feel like I learned something new, and despite what has previously been said about the dangers of learning something new, this was great! A classy game for the ages and one that I will certainly play again!
Sunday was the big day, though, whitewater rafting was on the schedule and nervous tension was on my heart. Not having ever done it before, I wasn't really sure into what I was getting. I believe my exact words, as I headed toward my boat and the on-site cameraman put his camera in my face, asking, "What's your name?" were, "You can call me nervous."
I was. (Although my calm, cool, unflinching demeanor wouldn't show it...and if you believe that I've got some land to sell you.) After signing, what seemed to be, a 1,300 page waiver you can't help but feel a little uneasy.
So we hopped into our raft, drifted out to the calm waters and began to practice following our guides directions. It all seemed easy enough. Then we were off...
Now, my mind is racing with analogies that might shine a light upon that which is whitewater rafting. I was going to compare it to football because it's on my mind. I thought that maybe I'd compare it to a movie because, well, my mind just tends to work that way. Perhaps I'd compare it to gas prices, because that talk is all the rage lately...
I think, though, that I'd like to relate it to a great spanish song of my liking. It's called Malaguena Salerosa. (Just ignore the video, listen to the music. Or watch the video for all of its cheesy glory, I don't care.) I don't have a clue as to the meaning of this tune, but it has a special place in my heart because it is...well...awesome. The song starts off pretty briskly, maintains for a while, has a guitar explosion around the 3:27 mark, and then calms back down. I feel like that song captures how I felt throughout the trip down the river rather well. (The Class V "Double Z" section of the river coinciding with the guitar eruption at 3:27.)
Yeah, I'm a strange person. I know this. You know this. Let's just move on.
Seriously, though, the rafting was a lot of fun, and I encourage any of you "I haven't ever gone whitewater rafting before" types to get out there and try it. If you're lucky, you'll end up in a raft full of awesome people (I was lucky!) who will make the experience even better...be it somehow managing to keep yourself in the boat "Chuck-Norris-Style" or grabbing onto the water cooler for dear life while screaming, it's a joy for your fellow rafters either way. Morale in our boat couldn't have been higher due, largely, to the frequent "paddle high-fives."
If you find that it is not to your liking, I'll...well, I won't do anything for you. Still, though, I'm fairly certain you'll enjoy it. You're reading this on the internet...the internet wouldn't lie to you, would it?
All in all, an awesome weekend. Great trip up...fun time there...awesome trip back...and I even learned a valuable lesson while there:
"Words mean things."
Think about it. Simple. Elegant. To the point.
Woah.
Anyway, that's my story from this weekend. I could go on and on and on and on and on...but I won't.
Not now, anyway.
In the meantime, you should learn the "Pirate Dance." (Draw the sword, drink the rum, walk the plank, kick the shark. Repeat.)
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Hey Jude" by The Beatles (nothing beats belting this one out at the top of your lungs with your boys while cruising down highway 65 with the top down...obeying all posted speed limits, of course.) (Although the techno remix of "Listen to Your Heart" comes pretty close.) (There's a lot of info in this "Song of the Day" part today, no?) (I like parentheses.)
No death-avenging required, folks, but I know that you were ready should the need have arisen. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.
Go ahead. Do it. I'll wait...
See? Don't you feel better now? How's the self-morale? Elevated, no?
I thought so...
What a weekend! It all started with a circus attempt to rent a convertible from the good people at Avis rental. There was a slight problem with our coupon, so it was going to end up costing more than the Primrose boys had thought, so we walked. (Not to West Virginia, mind you, but out of the Avis rental office.) Ready and willing to bail us out in our attempt were the Bruchmans. Big thanks to them for letting us use their Sebring. There's nothing quite like the wind in your face as you cruise down the highway at ridiculous hours of the night while rocking out to music from just about every genre imaginable. Good times.
Rolling in at 4:30 a.m. was just the beginning...
Saturday brought a day at the beach (complete with giant iceberg and trampoline!), some cricket, and (of course) delicious s'mores around a campfire. More good times.
Cricket was a new experience. It's a great game that can be played (seemingly) by any number of people. It'll be even better to play it someday on a flat surface that is less rock-riddled. I'm sure that there's got to be a better way for setting up the "wicket" (I believe that's what it's called) each time after the top pieces get knocked to and fro, though. Something akin to the pinsetters in bowling, perhaps...
Still, I feel like I learned something new, and despite what has previously been said about the dangers of learning something new, this was great! A classy game for the ages and one that I will certainly play again!
Sunday was the big day, though, whitewater rafting was on the schedule and nervous tension was on my heart. Not having ever done it before, I wasn't really sure into what I was getting. I believe my exact words, as I headed toward my boat and the on-site cameraman put his camera in my face, asking, "What's your name?" were, "You can call me nervous."
I was. (Although my calm, cool, unflinching demeanor wouldn't show it...and if you believe that I've got some land to sell you.) After signing, what seemed to be, a 1,300 page waiver you can't help but feel a little uneasy.
So we hopped into our raft, drifted out to the calm waters and began to practice following our guides directions. It all seemed easy enough. Then we were off...
Now, my mind is racing with analogies that might shine a light upon that which is whitewater rafting. I was going to compare it to football because it's on my mind. I thought that maybe I'd compare it to a movie because, well, my mind just tends to work that way. Perhaps I'd compare it to gas prices, because that talk is all the rage lately...
I think, though, that I'd like to relate it to a great spanish song of my liking. It's called Malaguena Salerosa. (Just ignore the video, listen to the music. Or watch the video for all of its cheesy glory, I don't care.) I don't have a clue as to the meaning of this tune, but it has a special place in my heart because it is...well...awesome. The song starts off pretty briskly, maintains for a while, has a guitar explosion around the 3:27 mark, and then calms back down. I feel like that song captures how I felt throughout the trip down the river rather well. (The Class V "Double Z" section of the river coinciding with the guitar eruption at 3:27.)
Yeah, I'm a strange person. I know this. You know this. Let's just move on.
Seriously, though, the rafting was a lot of fun, and I encourage any of you "I haven't ever gone whitewater rafting before" types to get out there and try it. If you're lucky, you'll end up in a raft full of awesome people (I was lucky!) who will make the experience even better...be it somehow managing to keep yourself in the boat "Chuck-Norris-Style" or grabbing onto the water cooler for dear life while screaming, it's a joy for your fellow rafters either way. Morale in our boat couldn't have been higher due, largely, to the frequent "paddle high-fives."
If you find that it is not to your liking, I'll...well, I won't do anything for you. Still, though, I'm fairly certain you'll enjoy it. You're reading this on the internet...the internet wouldn't lie to you, would it?
All in all, an awesome weekend. Great trip up...fun time there...awesome trip back...and I even learned a valuable lesson while there:
"Words mean things."
Think about it. Simple. Elegant. To the point.
Woah.
Anyway, that's my story from this weekend. I could go on and on and on and on and on...but I won't.
Not now, anyway.
In the meantime, you should learn the "Pirate Dance." (Draw the sword, drink the rum, walk the plank, kick the shark. Repeat.)
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Hey Jude" by The Beatles (nothing beats belting this one out at the top of your lungs with your boys while cruising down highway 65 with the top down...obeying all posted speed limits, of course.) (Although the techno remix of "Listen to Your Heart" comes pretty close.) (There's a lot of info in this "Song of the Day" part today, no?) (I like parentheses.)
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