Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Looney Tunes and Dwarfs
When I was in my teens and twenties, giving gifts was my talent. I listened to everyone about things they wanted, what caught their eye, and what was going on in their life. It became my badge of honor to give "the gift". It didn't have to be big, just memorable and thought out.
On one side of the family, there are 13 grandchildren in my generation. The first 6 were boys, then 5 girls, a boy and lastly a girl. With the last seven, I started giving themed, unified gifts for the group. There's 11 years between the oldest and youngest, but at the time I could get away with it.
As with many shopping stories, it started with a trip to the mall. Wandering around looking for a gift at Christmas for kids 15-26 years younger than yourself can be a challenge. Considering I'm doing the shopping, it shouldn't be a surprise, I ended up at the Warner Bros. store. Laid out on one of the tables are white t-shirts with character faces printed on them. At the time, I only had the 5 girls needing gifts. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Tweety, and Road Runner. Perfect!! The five girls were each given their own character. After the other two were born, Wil E Coyote and Speedy Gonzalez were added to the mix. Because a touch of thought went into it, the characters were appropriately matched up with siblings. Bugs and Daffy were sisters. Road Runner and Wil E Coyote were sister and brother. Bugs, Daffy and Speedy were sisters. This last group may not seem an appropriate match with Speedy in the mix, but since Speedy popped out after about 15 minutes in labor, quite appropriate.
Being the gift giver required year round shopping. The 5, then 7 characters required consistant awareness about what was available. Anytime I saw a Looney Tune character, I checked to see if the other six were present. If so, was it a good gift for kids. Over the years I was able to do t-shirts, mugs, ornaments and a couple of other things. The year I gave mugs, I obtained them while on a trip in NY. It turned out not only did the mugs have all seven characters in the picture, but they were also personalized with each kid's name. I found six on the shelf at the store. The seventh required a call to the company that would personalize if the name wasn't available. Eventhough the company had ended the promotion, I was still able to get the seventh mug thanks to a very nice lady at the company.
After a few years of Bugs and gang, I was looking for other options. You only need so many t-shirts and beverage containers. Plus when you need seven variations, challenges increase. I thought about going the Disney character route but that seemed a little like cheating. Plus which characters? The original five Looney Tunes were picked on chance and fate. Too many preconceived thoughts and missing the perfect thing can happen.
While Mickey and Donald might have been my initial thought walking into The Disney Store, it didn't take long for me to find seven fellows who'd end up fitting the bill perfectly. It might seem like a no brainer, but it wasn't until I started looking at a bunch of figurines that I stumbled upon them. Once I found them, how do I match up the characters with my cousins? With the Looney Tunes it was a bit by chance and logic. Bugs with Daffy and Sylvester with Tweety were matched pairs. I gave my favs Sylvester and Tweety. Easy enough to split. The dwarfs were challenging because each one had a personality quirk. Who got Happy? Who was Doc? Even harder who was Dopey?
By this time, the kids were definately showing their own personality quirks. I started matching them up. The oldest got Doc. Happy and Bashful were fairly easy to match. Grumpy was a breeze. The last three, well, that's when I got a touch evil. Actually, I'd already crossed that line with Grumpy, but Dopey was there with the final three. I chose the kid who resembled him and Dopey, they got. Next came the hard part, how do I explain how each kid got which dwarf. I couldn't exactly tell the truth on Christmas day. Between the parents and kids, I was bound to hurt someone's feelings. I called in the reinforcements....Mom. A 15 minute conversation later and "Each kid was matched up by pulling names out of a hat". That's the story and I'm sticking to it. I think only 3 people know the truth.
For the dwarf year, I started the kids off with a 9 inch stuffed dwarf. Can't think what has followed, but soon Looney Tunes and Dwarfs have gone by the wayside and Gap/Abercrombie/Banana Republic have come to the forefront.
I've got a list of each of the kids and which character they are matched up with. I figure at some future date I'll do another themed holiday gift. Until then, there is still the Tiffany keyring with engraved initials on their 16th birthday. Nothing like a little blue box in a little blue bag. Four down, three to go.
When I was in my teens and twenties, giving gifts was my talent. I listened to everyone about things they wanted, what caught their eye, and what was going on in their life. It became my badge of honor to give "the gift". It didn't have to be big, just memorable and thought out.
On one side of the family, there are 13 grandchildren in my generation. The first 6 were boys, then 5 girls, a boy and lastly a girl. With the last seven, I started giving themed, unified gifts for the group. There's 11 years between the oldest and youngest, but at the time I could get away with it.
As with many shopping stories, it started with a trip to the mall. Wandering around looking for a gift at Christmas for kids 15-26 years younger than yourself can be a challenge. Considering I'm doing the shopping, it shouldn't be a surprise, I ended up at the Warner Bros. store. Laid out on one of the tables are white t-shirts with character faces printed on them. At the time, I only had the 5 girls needing gifts. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Tweety, and Road Runner. Perfect!! The five girls were each given their own character. After the other two were born, Wil E Coyote and Speedy Gonzalez were added to the mix. Because a touch of thought went into it, the characters were appropriately matched up with siblings. Bugs and Daffy were sisters. Road Runner and Wil E Coyote were sister and brother. Bugs, Daffy and Speedy were sisters. This last group may not seem an appropriate match with Speedy in the mix, but since Speedy popped out after about 15 minutes in labor, quite appropriate.
Being the gift giver required year round shopping. The 5, then 7 characters required consistant awareness about what was available. Anytime I saw a Looney Tune character, I checked to see if the other six were present. If so, was it a good gift for kids. Over the years I was able to do t-shirts, mugs, ornaments and a couple of other things. The year I gave mugs, I obtained them while on a trip in NY. It turned out not only did the mugs have all seven characters in the picture, but they were also personalized with each kid's name. I found six on the shelf at the store. The seventh required a call to the company that would personalize if the name wasn't available. Eventhough the company had ended the promotion, I was still able to get the seventh mug thanks to a very nice lady at the company.
After a few years of Bugs and gang, I was looking for other options. You only need so many t-shirts and beverage containers. Plus when you need seven variations, challenges increase. I thought about going the Disney character route but that seemed a little like cheating. Plus which characters? The original five Looney Tunes were picked on chance and fate. Too many preconceived thoughts and missing the perfect thing can happen.
While Mickey and Donald might have been my initial thought walking into The Disney Store, it didn't take long for me to find seven fellows who'd end up fitting the bill perfectly. It might seem like a no brainer, but it wasn't until I started looking at a bunch of figurines that I stumbled upon them. Once I found them, how do I match up the characters with my cousins? With the Looney Tunes it was a bit by chance and logic. Bugs with Daffy and Sylvester with Tweety were matched pairs. I gave my favs Sylvester and Tweety. Easy enough to split. The dwarfs were challenging because each one had a personality quirk. Who got Happy? Who was Doc? Even harder who was Dopey?
By this time, the kids were definately showing their own personality quirks. I started matching them up. The oldest got Doc. Happy and Bashful were fairly easy to match. Grumpy was a breeze. The last three, well, that's when I got a touch evil. Actually, I'd already crossed that line with Grumpy, but Dopey was there with the final three. I chose the kid who resembled him and Dopey, they got. Next came the hard part, how do I explain how each kid got which dwarf. I couldn't exactly tell the truth on Christmas day. Between the parents and kids, I was bound to hurt someone's feelings. I called in the reinforcements....Mom. A 15 minute conversation later and "Each kid was matched up by pulling names out of a hat". That's the story and I'm sticking to it. I think only 3 people know the truth.
For the dwarf year, I started the kids off with a 9 inch stuffed dwarf. Can't think what has followed, but soon Looney Tunes and Dwarfs have gone by the wayside and Gap/Abercrombie/Banana Republic have come to the forefront.
I've got a list of each of the kids and which character they are matched up with. I figure at some future date I'll do another themed holiday gift. Until then, there is still the Tiffany keyring with engraved initials on their 16th birthday. Nothing like a little blue box in a little blue bag. Four down, three to go.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
WHAT'S YOUR FINE?
My Fine is $560.60
Here’s how it works: You don’t have to confess your answers, just the amount of your fine. (Not per incident!) Tally up your score and post it on your blog with the title… "My Fine Is…”
Smoked pot — $10
Did acid — $5
Ever had sex at church — $25
Woke up in the morning and did not know the person who was next to you — $40
Had sex with someone on MySpace — $25
Had sex for money — $100
Vandalized something — $20
Had sex on your parents’ bed — $10
Beat up someone — $20
Been jumped — $10
Crossed dressed — $10
Given money to stripper — $25
Been in love with a stripper — $20
Kissed some one who’s name you didn’t know — $0.10
Hit on some one of the same sex while at work — $15
Ever drive drunk — $20
Ever got drunk at work, or went to work while still drunk — $50
Used toys while having sex — $30
Got drunk, passed out and don’t remember the night before — $20
Went skinny dipping — $5
Had sex in a pool — $20
Kissed someone of the same sex — $10
Had sex with someone of the same sex — $20
Cheated on your significant other — $10
Masturbated — $10
Cheated on your significant other with their relative or close friend — $20
Done oral — $5
Got oral — $5
Done/got oral in a car while it was moving — $25
Stole something — $10
Had sex with someone in jail — $25
Made a nasty home video — $15
Had a threesome — $50
Had sex in the wild — $20
Been in the same room while someone was having sex — $25
Stole something worth over more than a hundred dollars — $20
Had sex with someone 10 years older — $20
Had sex with someone under 21 and you are over 27 — $25
Been in love with two people or more at the same time — $50
Said you love someone but didn’t mean it — $25
Went streaking — $5
Went streaking in broad daylight — $15
Been arrested — $5
Spent time in jail — $15
Peed in the pool — $0.50
Played spin the bottle — $5
Done something you regret — $20
Had sex with your best friend — $20
Had sex with someone you work with at work — $25
Had anal sex — $80
Lied to your mate — $5
Lied to your mate about the sex being good — $25
If you're talented, experienced, and/or depraved and have done it all, your fine would be $1,090.60. I'm not sure if I'm jealous or appalled.
Oh, and yes I've pee'd in a pool.
My Fine is $560.60
Here’s how it works: You don’t have to confess your answers, just the amount of your fine. (Not per incident!) Tally up your score and post it on your blog with the title… "My Fine Is…”
Smoked pot — $10
Did acid — $5
Ever had sex at church — $25
Woke up in the morning and did not know the person who was next to you — $40
Had sex with someone on MySpace — $25
Had sex for money — $100
Vandalized something — $20
Had sex on your parents’ bed — $10
Beat up someone — $20
Been jumped — $10
Crossed dressed — $10
Given money to stripper — $25
Been in love with a stripper — $20
Kissed some one who’s name you didn’t know — $0.10
Hit on some one of the same sex while at work — $15
Ever drive drunk — $20
Ever got drunk at work, or went to work while still drunk — $50
Used toys while having sex — $30
Got drunk, passed out and don’t remember the night before — $20
Went skinny dipping — $5
Had sex in a pool — $20
Kissed someone of the same sex — $10
Had sex with someone of the same sex — $20
Cheated on your significant other — $10
Masturbated — $10
Cheated on your significant other with their relative or close friend — $20
Done oral — $5
Got oral — $5
Done/got oral in a car while it was moving — $25
Stole something — $10
Had sex with someone in jail — $25
Made a nasty home video — $15
Had a threesome — $50
Had sex in the wild — $20
Been in the same room while someone was having sex — $25
Stole something worth over more than a hundred dollars — $20
Had sex with someone 10 years older — $20
Had sex with someone under 21 and you are over 27 — $25
Been in love with two people or more at the same time — $50
Said you love someone but didn’t mean it — $25
Went streaking — $5
Went streaking in broad daylight — $15
Been arrested — $5
Spent time in jail — $15
Peed in the pool — $0.50
Played spin the bottle — $5
Done something you regret — $20
Had sex with your best friend — $20
Had sex with someone you work with at work — $25
Had anal sex — $80
Lied to your mate — $5
Lied to your mate about the sex being good — $25
If you're talented, experienced, and/or depraved and have done it all, your fine would be $1,090.60. I'm not sure if I'm jealous or appalled.
Oh, and yes I've pee'd in a pool.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Where Were You When....?
Growing up I heard people talk about different moments that had occurred and what they were doing as it happened. Usually it was "Where were you when Kennedy was shot?" or "Where were you when Challenger blew up?". For Kennedy, I was still 8 years away from being born. For Challenger, I was shy of my 15th birthday, at school. I had to look up to see when was the Challenger accident, that's how little I remember that day. I do have a "Where were you?" moment though:
9/11/01
Today is the 5th Anniversary and I can remember that day/week in vivid detail.
Monday 9/10/01
I flew to DC that morning to begin an audit of the first of two companies being visited that week. The company was a small public relations agency that specialized in crisis issues. If a client called, it wasn't to share good news. The client needed help to get their issue/story out of the news or shown in a more positive light. In getting background on the agency, we found out American Airlines was one of their clients. 18 hours later, this bit of info was going spur a grim remark.
Being in DC is a special wonderful thing for me. It is one of two cities/areas I'd consider living in were I to leave Chicago. The other is the San Francisco area where George Lucas's media empire is based. Five months earlier, I celebrated my 30th birthday with trip for B and I to DC. Having fallen in love with the city in the 8th grade, it continues to hold a special place in my heart. Being able to come back so soon was wonderful. I had plans to meet up with new friends and expected to share a book and time with an old friend, Abe.
Tuesday 9/11/01
The morning started as usual. My co-workers and I went to the second office where we would spend the remainder of the week. We walked in just before 9:00am. As we pass one of the conference rooms, we see a few of the staff watching tv. We get to our conference room and put our things down. Our contact at the office comes in shortly. We find out that a plane has hit the World Trade Center. Like many people around the country, I'm surprised at the news and wonder how a little Cessna plane hits the WTC. Not much is really thought about it. Shortly thereafter, we hear a second plane has hit the WTC. My co-workers and I quickly find the first conference room and begin to watch the news coverage that would last for a very long time.
Watching the replay of the second plane hitting the WTC was numbing. You question the situation, but in reality nothing makes sense. You just sit there and watch. It was at this time that I looked over to Josh and Henry, my co-workers, and say "I guess we know who got a phone call this morning". Morbid and completely inappropriate, but accurate.
I was still thinking the fires in the two towers will be put out and the damage repaired. My co-workers and I spend time going back and forth between conference rooms trying to get work done, but still drawn to CNN, trying to work through the shock. We finally give up all pretense, pick up our computers and move into the conference room with the tv.
Of this entire week, I can remember almost every detail in exact order, except for three things. The office I'm visiting gets evacuated because a fire alarm goes off, CNN announces the Sears Tower has been evacuated, and the North Tower collapses. I know I looked at my watch at 10:28 thinking I'll remember this minute forever. 5 years later I'm fairly correct. I remembered the time, not the reason.
The office getting evacuated due to the fire alarm was a bit surreal. It was around this time rumors, gossip, and mild paranoia started spreading. While outside waiting to be able to go back inside, I over hear a woman on the phone repeating that the Pentagon has been hit and the Capitol has been bombed. One turned out correct, the other incorrect. We get back inside a few minutes later, resuming our vigil around the tv. CNN confirms the Pentagon has been struck by an airplane.
By the time North Tower collapses, I will have spent 90 minutes within 5 blocks of the White House. Not for one second does this give me pause nor do I question about my safety. I am easily in the debris zone should something occur at the White House. I have seen one airplane hit the WTC and watch both towers collapse. I'm not phased other than shock. When I see CNN announce the Sears Tower has been evacuated, I go into my own personal panic. At that moment I start grabbing phones trying to get a hold of anyone in Chicago. I nearly assault one of the DC employees over a phone code because my cellphone isn't working and the office phones require a code to dial out. I finally am able to reach my mom in Chicago. Hearing her voice calms me down. (It's 5 years later and this memory still affects me. I was scared.) I give her B's phone number and tell her to call him and let him know I'm fine. I was able to reach him myself soon thereafter, but I didn't know. Except for those few minutes, I'm calm the remainder of the week. Able and willing to step in and support those around me.
It is only after looking up various timelines that I'm able to put things into actual order. Otherwise those three events are a haze as to the order they occurred. I'm not sure why.
While I can remember the entire week, those 100 minutes remain the strongest and most impactful in my memory.
The rest of the day and week are spent trying to maintain some normalcy. Josh was supposed to attend a wedding on Saturday for a good friend of his. The bride has family coming in from India. I try to reassure him things will be fine, the family will be able to fly in and the wedding of his friends will occur. Henry and Josh end up taking a train back to NYC later in the week since the airports are still shut down. Renting a car and driving back is nearly impossible.
I spend the week in DC. My visit with Abe gets cancelled as all the monuments are closed. I go out to dinner Thursday with friends. We bar hop too. Any of my expectations for the evening while achieved in some manner, don't have near the intensity or energy.
Saturday afternoon I board a train that will get me to Chicago 18 hours later. I spend most of the time in one of the social cars. I sit on the upper deck looking out the windows, enjoying the sun hitting me through the skylights. I talk to a couple of people. Sharing our experience as many do around the world. I avoid my assigned seat as much as possible. Being the middle of summer I'm wearing short sleeves. The "gentleman" in the seat next to me is also in short sleeves. He has very hairy arms. His lack of spatial awareness causes him to continually brush up against me. The feel of his hair on my arms creeps me out. Trying to sleep and keep him from touching my arms is a challenge.
At this point in my career, I had been traveling regularly for over 2 years. My family and friends knew I was flying around the country, but rarely where I would be until after I returned. For some reason this trip was different. Practically everyone who knew me, knew I was in Washington DC. My parents and B got numerous emails and phone calls asking about me. This was a phenomena that would never repeat.
We all have our "Where were you when moments". This is mine. I hope my next one is more joyous. I don't expect it to be. Joy doesn't seem to unite the world as much as sadness. I'm going to do my best to change that.
Growing up I heard people talk about different moments that had occurred and what they were doing as it happened. Usually it was "Where were you when Kennedy was shot?" or "Where were you when Challenger blew up?". For Kennedy, I was still 8 years away from being born. For Challenger, I was shy of my 15th birthday, at school. I had to look up to see when was the Challenger accident, that's how little I remember that day. I do have a "Where were you?" moment though:
9/11/01
Today is the 5th Anniversary and I can remember that day/week in vivid detail.
Monday 9/10/01
I flew to DC that morning to begin an audit of the first of two companies being visited that week. The company was a small public relations agency that specialized in crisis issues. If a client called, it wasn't to share good news. The client needed help to get their issue/story out of the news or shown in a more positive light. In getting background on the agency, we found out American Airlines was one of their clients. 18 hours later, this bit of info was going spur a grim remark.
Being in DC is a special wonderful thing for me. It is one of two cities/areas I'd consider living in were I to leave Chicago. The other is the San Francisco area where George Lucas's media empire is based. Five months earlier, I celebrated my 30th birthday with trip for B and I to DC. Having fallen in love with the city in the 8th grade, it continues to hold a special place in my heart. Being able to come back so soon was wonderful. I had plans to meet up with new friends and expected to share a book and time with an old friend, Abe.
Tuesday 9/11/01
The morning started as usual. My co-workers and I went to the second office where we would spend the remainder of the week. We walked in just before 9:00am. As we pass one of the conference rooms, we see a few of the staff watching tv. We get to our conference room and put our things down. Our contact at the office comes in shortly. We find out that a plane has hit the World Trade Center. Like many people around the country, I'm surprised at the news and wonder how a little Cessna plane hits the WTC. Not much is really thought about it. Shortly thereafter, we hear a second plane has hit the WTC. My co-workers and I quickly find the first conference room and begin to watch the news coverage that would last for a very long time.
Watching the replay of the second plane hitting the WTC was numbing. You question the situation, but in reality nothing makes sense. You just sit there and watch. It was at this time that I looked over to Josh and Henry, my co-workers, and say "I guess we know who got a phone call this morning". Morbid and completely inappropriate, but accurate.
I was still thinking the fires in the two towers will be put out and the damage repaired. My co-workers and I spend time going back and forth between conference rooms trying to get work done, but still drawn to CNN, trying to work through the shock. We finally give up all pretense, pick up our computers and move into the conference room with the tv.
Of this entire week, I can remember almost every detail in exact order, except for three things. The office I'm visiting gets evacuated because a fire alarm goes off, CNN announces the Sears Tower has been evacuated, and the North Tower collapses. I know I looked at my watch at 10:28 thinking I'll remember this minute forever. 5 years later I'm fairly correct. I remembered the time, not the reason.
The office getting evacuated due to the fire alarm was a bit surreal. It was around this time rumors, gossip, and mild paranoia started spreading. While outside waiting to be able to go back inside, I over hear a woman on the phone repeating that the Pentagon has been hit and the Capitol has been bombed. One turned out correct, the other incorrect. We get back inside a few minutes later, resuming our vigil around the tv. CNN confirms the Pentagon has been struck by an airplane.
By the time North Tower collapses, I will have spent 90 minutes within 5 blocks of the White House. Not for one second does this give me pause nor do I question about my safety. I am easily in the debris zone should something occur at the White House. I have seen one airplane hit the WTC and watch both towers collapse. I'm not phased other than shock. When I see CNN announce the Sears Tower has been evacuated, I go into my own personal panic. At that moment I start grabbing phones trying to get a hold of anyone in Chicago. I nearly assault one of the DC employees over a phone code because my cellphone isn't working and the office phones require a code to dial out. I finally am able to reach my mom in Chicago. Hearing her voice calms me down. (It's 5 years later and this memory still affects me. I was scared.) I give her B's phone number and tell her to call him and let him know I'm fine. I was able to reach him myself soon thereafter, but I didn't know. Except for those few minutes, I'm calm the remainder of the week. Able and willing to step in and support those around me.
It is only after looking up various timelines that I'm able to put things into actual order. Otherwise those three events are a haze as to the order they occurred. I'm not sure why.
While I can remember the entire week, those 100 minutes remain the strongest and most impactful in my memory.
The rest of the day and week are spent trying to maintain some normalcy. Josh was supposed to attend a wedding on Saturday for a good friend of his. The bride has family coming in from India. I try to reassure him things will be fine, the family will be able to fly in and the wedding of his friends will occur. Henry and Josh end up taking a train back to NYC later in the week since the airports are still shut down. Renting a car and driving back is nearly impossible.
I spend the week in DC. My visit with Abe gets cancelled as all the monuments are closed. I go out to dinner Thursday with friends. We bar hop too. Any of my expectations for the evening while achieved in some manner, don't have near the intensity or energy.
Saturday afternoon I board a train that will get me to Chicago 18 hours later. I spend most of the time in one of the social cars. I sit on the upper deck looking out the windows, enjoying the sun hitting me through the skylights. I talk to a couple of people. Sharing our experience as many do around the world. I avoid my assigned seat as much as possible. Being the middle of summer I'm wearing short sleeves. The "gentleman" in the seat next to me is also in short sleeves. He has very hairy arms. His lack of spatial awareness causes him to continually brush up against me. The feel of his hair on my arms creeps me out. Trying to sleep and keep him from touching my arms is a challenge.
At this point in my career, I had been traveling regularly for over 2 years. My family and friends knew I was flying around the country, but rarely where I would be until after I returned. For some reason this trip was different. Practically everyone who knew me, knew I was in Washington DC. My parents and B got numerous emails and phone calls asking about me. This was a phenomena that would never repeat.
We all have our "Where were you when moments". This is mine. I hope my next one is more joyous. I don't expect it to be. Joy doesn't seem to unite the world as much as sadness. I'm going to do my best to change that.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Surprise
Today is my 35th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! Over the weekend B threw me an almost, almost surprise party. For the past month B has been planning the party. He enlisted George and DJ as his co-hosts. Interestingly, the two of them approached B on their own about doing something for my birthday. He brought the two together and the three of them split up the responsibilities. All was going well, B even talked to my mom to let her know why he wasn't going to be participating in Saturday afternoon family celebration. He had told me he was going to the Liza Minelli dvd signing instead. That so didn't go over well with me.
As I said, all was going well, until Wednesday. B spent the day with George getting things together for the party. That night we were having pizza for dinner. George invited Luke, another dancer, over also. As we are sitting around, B is getting a drink for Luke when he asks Luke if he wants to come to the party on Saturday. The room went dead quite. B and George knowing the cat was out of the bag. Luke thinking over his response. I'm thinking I don't know of any party happening on Saturday. Unable to recover, B spills the rest of the story. In an effort to make him not feel bad, I let him know I'll play along and not tell anyone I knew about the party.
The party turned out great. About 50 of our friends showed up. I know I had a good time, yet much of the evening was a blur as I bounced from person to person throughout the evening. Everyone I've talked to has said they enjoyed themselves. I feel guilty for not having spent more time with everyone. B says to let it go, everyone understands you can't have big conversations when you're the host or guest of honor.
It was a great almost, almost surpise party!
Today is my 35th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! Over the weekend B threw me an almost, almost surprise party. For the past month B has been planning the party. He enlisted George and DJ as his co-hosts. Interestingly, the two of them approached B on their own about doing something for my birthday. He brought the two together and the three of them split up the responsibilities. All was going well, B even talked to my mom to let her know why he wasn't going to be participating in Saturday afternoon family celebration. He had told me he was going to the Liza Minelli dvd signing instead. That so didn't go over well with me.
As I said, all was going well, until Wednesday. B spent the day with George getting things together for the party. That night we were having pizza for dinner. George invited Luke, another dancer, over also. As we are sitting around, B is getting a drink for Luke when he asks Luke if he wants to come to the party on Saturday. The room went dead quite. B and George knowing the cat was out of the bag. Luke thinking over his response. I'm thinking I don't know of any party happening on Saturday. Unable to recover, B spills the rest of the story. In an effort to make him not feel bad, I let him know I'll play along and not tell anyone I knew about the party.
The party turned out great. About 50 of our friends showed up. I know I had a good time, yet much of the evening was a blur as I bounced from person to person throughout the evening. Everyone I've talked to has said they enjoyed themselves. I feel guilty for not having spent more time with everyone. B says to let it go, everyone understands you can't have big conversations when you're the host or guest of honor.
It was a great almost, almost surpise party!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
A Death
As we all know, I love comic books. B has even accused me of seeing myself as a superhero. But that is inaccurate. I may share qualities of a superhero, but I know the difference between fantasy and reality. Or at least I did before last week.
About 10 years ago, Superman died. Dead and buried. In the wake of his death, four characters appeared to take his place fighting the good fight. One of them was a teenage boy who called himself Superboy. He was a cocky, brash kid with a penchant for leather bike jackets, spikey 80's hair and sunglasses. It turns out he is a clone with 50% Superman DNA and 50% human DNA. Over the course of the years, he'll have numerous adventures, his own comic book and a few costume changes. Jump forward to 4 years ago.
Superboy is now a confident teenager who dreams of succeeding Superman. His costume is now a black t-shirt with a red S-shield, blue jeans and black biker boots. A relaxed costume for a relaxed kid. He's part of the Teen Titans team with Robin, his best friend, and Wonder Girl, his girlfriend. He's experiencing what we've all gone through as a teenager, only he has superpowers to deal with too. Oh, and he's found out the 50% human DNA comes from Lex Luthor... yep, that Lex Luthor. What a twist. Am I a good guy or a bad guy? Who's DNA is stronger? Like Luke Skywalker, he has his dark side period but ends up on the side of good.
Its during this whole period that I tap into his character. Of course it helps that he's drawn incredibly buff and beefy. In Illinois I'd get arrested, in Kentucky it's okay. A really hard thing for me to deal with. I get past that and start seeing him as someone who I want to be. He's the brawn for his nerdy best friend. He's considerate towards his girl friend. He wants to protect people. He struggles to keep is dark side in check. Here is a character that represents me. Finally after 10 years of collecting comics, I found someone I relate too.
The past few years have been a joy reading Superboy's adventures. I've purchase comic art with him shown. I've got his action figure. His S-shield symbol is my AIM avatar. Sounds kind of "obsessive" but its not. More like reminders of who I want to be.
Everything is going great until last week. Last week Infinite Crisis #6 comes out. One of the villains of the series needs to be stopped. Superboy jumps into the fray. The villain has previously kicked Superboy's butt. This time the gloves are off. Superboy is going to stop the villain. Superboy does what he intended to do, at the cost of his life. He died saving the universe. He died a hero. A part of me died too.
Here is where fantasy and reality is blurring for me. I've read tons and tons. I've watched tons and tons of tv and movies. I've been impacted by a characters death, but not still feeling it a week later. It is almost a week later and I have a mini hole in my heart where Superboy used to live. Operaboy sent me a text message after he read IC #6 saying he was thinking of me. I let him know I was sad (and hopeful). This is unnerving. I've heard of people becoming attached to fictional characters. Never thought I'd be one of them.
Not sure what's next. Guess as with all deaths, I'll grieve and then remember the memories. Although there is some hope. At the end of Teen Titans #34, Robin is in his lab below Titans Tower when the computer inform him cloning experiment 96 failed. Robin then tells the computer to initiate #97. Who knows maybe we'll see Superboy again.
As we all know, I love comic books. B has even accused me of seeing myself as a superhero. But that is inaccurate. I may share qualities of a superhero, but I know the difference between fantasy and reality. Or at least I did before last week.
About 10 years ago, Superman died. Dead and buried. In the wake of his death, four characters appeared to take his place fighting the good fight. One of them was a teenage boy who called himself Superboy. He was a cocky, brash kid with a penchant for leather bike jackets, spikey 80's hair and sunglasses. It turns out he is a clone with 50% Superman DNA and 50% human DNA. Over the course of the years, he'll have numerous adventures, his own comic book and a few costume changes. Jump forward to 4 years ago.
Superboy is now a confident teenager who dreams of succeeding Superman. His costume is now a black t-shirt with a red S-shield, blue jeans and black biker boots. A relaxed costume for a relaxed kid. He's part of the Teen Titans team with Robin, his best friend, and Wonder Girl, his girlfriend. He's experiencing what we've all gone through as a teenager, only he has superpowers to deal with too. Oh, and he's found out the 50% human DNA comes from Lex Luthor... yep, that Lex Luthor. What a twist. Am I a good guy or a bad guy? Who's DNA is stronger? Like Luke Skywalker, he has his dark side period but ends up on the side of good.
Its during this whole period that I tap into his character. Of course it helps that he's drawn incredibly buff and beefy. In Illinois I'd get arrested, in Kentucky it's okay. A really hard thing for me to deal with. I get past that and start seeing him as someone who I want to be. He's the brawn for his nerdy best friend. He's considerate towards his girl friend. He wants to protect people. He struggles to keep is dark side in check. Here is a character that represents me. Finally after 10 years of collecting comics, I found someone I relate too.
The past few years have been a joy reading Superboy's adventures. I've purchase comic art with him shown. I've got his action figure. His S-shield symbol is my AIM avatar. Sounds kind of "obsessive" but its not. More like reminders of who I want to be.
Everything is going great until last week. Last week Infinite Crisis #6 comes out. One of the villains of the series needs to be stopped. Superboy jumps into the fray. The villain has previously kicked Superboy's butt. This time the gloves are off. Superboy is going to stop the villain. Superboy does what he intended to do, at the cost of his life. He died saving the universe. He died a hero. A part of me died too.
Here is where fantasy and reality is blurring for me. I've read tons and tons. I've watched tons and tons of tv and movies. I've been impacted by a characters death, but not still feeling it a week later. It is almost a week later and I have a mini hole in my heart where Superboy used to live. Operaboy sent me a text message after he read IC #6 saying he was thinking of me. I let him know I was sad (and hopeful). This is unnerving. I've heard of people becoming attached to fictional characters. Never thought I'd be one of them.
Not sure what's next. Guess as with all deaths, I'll grieve and then remember the memories. Although there is some hope. At the end of Teen Titans #34, Robin is in his lab below Titans Tower when the computer inform him cloning experiment 96 failed. Robin then tells the computer to initiate #97. Who knows maybe we'll see Superboy again.
Friday, March 17, 2006
2 Years & Presents
Today is the 2nd Anniversary of Blade's Dad. I've been a little lax recently in updating the blog. Life gets to you, plus I seem to read more than I write. If it's any consolation, I regularly remind myself to write something. It's not like the palm pilot isn't collecting ideas or anything.
Since today is the birthday of the blog, then a birthday story is appropriate.
My little brother, Terror, is 12 years younger than me. He was the planned child. I was more of the surprise... aww heck I was a big surprise. Having your son in the audience as you graduate high school isn't probably how our mom envisioned that day.
When the family discussions were held prior to my brother's conception, I voted for a baby, my dad voted for a baby, Mom voted for a puppy. To say I wanted a sibling is an understatement. While being an only child does have benefits, I always wanted a sibling. Who cares if I have to share.
While having such an older sibling usually meant a 3rd parent, it also meant more presents for Terror. I probably spoiled him more than our grandparents did. If there was something he wanted and I could afford it, it was his. (Side note: B gets the same treatment too. He's actually had to modify his comments in my presence for concern I'll get it for him. Just because he admires something doesn't mean he needs to have it. He's such a spoil sport.) Not only did I get him the stuff he wanted, I usually did it in large numbers too. On more than one occasion the number of presents I gave him equaled the number the P's gave.
Having spent his entire life 11+ years at that point under such a situation, the kid knew he was going to rake it in when his birthday came. Well I decided to have some fun. Some time in June before his July birthday, I told him I was giving him only one present. His reaction was his "Yeah Right!!" His skill with this phrase was talented even then. Fast forward a few weeks.
When Terror's b-day arrived, the pile of gifts was arranged. As he looked at the pile, he couldn't believe it. There sitting in a much smaller than usual pile was a large, paper box sized package. That box was the only gift from me. Thankfully looks can't kill, otherwise I'd be less than dust. 11 birthdays and tons of packages. Number 12 and only one.
While I like to torture Terror, I'm still can't help but spoil him. Inside the box were 12 individually wrapped gifts. Feeling dejected as he opened the box, to realize that he'd been had was almost too much to bear. A second time I was thankful looks couldn't kill.
I look forward to the time I can pull stunts like this on my nieces/nephews. To be able to see my brother experience it through their eyes is going to be a huge present for me.
Happy Birthday Blade's Dad.
Today is the 2nd Anniversary of Blade's Dad. I've been a little lax recently in updating the blog. Life gets to you, plus I seem to read more than I write. If it's any consolation, I regularly remind myself to write something. It's not like the palm pilot isn't collecting ideas or anything.
Since today is the birthday of the blog, then a birthday story is appropriate.
My little brother, Terror, is 12 years younger than me. He was the planned child. I was more of the surprise... aww heck I was a big surprise. Having your son in the audience as you graduate high school isn't probably how our mom envisioned that day.
When the family discussions were held prior to my brother's conception, I voted for a baby, my dad voted for a baby, Mom voted for a puppy. To say I wanted a sibling is an understatement. While being an only child does have benefits, I always wanted a sibling. Who cares if I have to share.
While having such an older sibling usually meant a 3rd parent, it also meant more presents for Terror. I probably spoiled him more than our grandparents did. If there was something he wanted and I could afford it, it was his. (Side note: B gets the same treatment too. He's actually had to modify his comments in my presence for concern I'll get it for him. Just because he admires something doesn't mean he needs to have it. He's such a spoil sport.) Not only did I get him the stuff he wanted, I usually did it in large numbers too. On more than one occasion the number of presents I gave him equaled the number the P's gave.
Having spent his entire life 11+ years at that point under such a situation, the kid knew he was going to rake it in when his birthday came. Well I decided to have some fun. Some time in June before his July birthday, I told him I was giving him only one present. His reaction was his "Yeah Right!!" His skill with this phrase was talented even then. Fast forward a few weeks.
When Terror's b-day arrived, the pile of gifts was arranged. As he looked at the pile, he couldn't believe it. There sitting in a much smaller than usual pile was a large, paper box sized package. That box was the only gift from me. Thankfully looks can't kill, otherwise I'd be less than dust. 11 birthdays and tons of packages. Number 12 and only one.
While I like to torture Terror, I'm still can't help but spoil him. Inside the box were 12 individually wrapped gifts. Feeling dejected as he opened the box, to realize that he'd been had was almost too much to bear. A second time I was thankful looks couldn't kill.
I look forward to the time I can pull stunts like this on my nieces/nephews. To be able to see my brother experience it through their eyes is going to be a huge present for me.
Happy Birthday Blade's Dad.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
211, 185, and 26
Almost two weeks ago, the 2006 Olypmics held it's Opening Ceremony. Due to a series of events, I ended up watching the Opening Ceremony instead of seeing a play. While I wasn't happy at missing the play, it turns out I ended up seeing the better show and probably had a much better night overall.
DJ called me as I was on my way home. He and Vortex were at Crew having some food, drinking some booze and watching the Opening Ceremony. He said I should join them as my other plans fell through. Having nothing else to do, I did.
Crew is the local gay sport bar. All the boys with athletic apirations hang out there. Amazingly, the cheerleaders do not. While we are athletes, we're more into our social pursuits than athletic. That said, Crew is a fun place. I'm still learning the crowd and have a good time whenever I go.
I met up with DJ and Vortex and joined them at the small bar where they had taken space. I'm not a big winter sports fan. Summer sports I get into. DJ is the opposite. He's all about the winter activities. During the pre-show, they focused on a snowboarder, Shaun White (I think). He's 19 with flaming red hair. DJ knew all about him and was greatly excited. They showed one of Shaun's runs down the half pipe. The boy floated in the air. WOW. He is worthy of the attention.
The ceremonies finally started. Have to say the whole "Fire and Ice" theme is tired already. I know the fire is supposed to represent Passion for the games. Still don't like the overall theme. I did enjoy the cloaked performers forming a skier. Watching the skier appear and then move as if it was jumping was really impressive. Towards the end, there were 28 performers in white doing a "dance" while climbing on a cargo net. It was an interesting performance that ended with them forming a dove. Beautiful and innovative way of symbolizing the element of Peace the games are based upon.
During the entrances of the teams, we had a great time commenting on the outfits of the various teams. I kept noticing the population size of the various countries. It is amazing at the number of countries participating with a total population smaller than Chicago. Of course, we were also noticing how many competitors each country sent. The US has 211 competitors. The largest of any country and IIRC the only country over 200. Towards the end of the entrances, a guy came up to us and asked if we'd like to participate in a pool guessing the size of the Italian team. Being the host country, they were to enter the stadium last. It was $2 to enter, so I guessed 175. A few minutes later Italy entered. 185 partipants. Whoopee! I won! The pot was $26, just enough to cover a round of shots for our group.
The next morning as I'm taking my shower, the numbers nerd in me appeared. I realized that 211-185= 26. US less Italy equals Winnings. Weird and I need to get a life.
Almost two weeks ago, the 2006 Olypmics held it's Opening Ceremony. Due to a series of events, I ended up watching the Opening Ceremony instead of seeing a play. While I wasn't happy at missing the play, it turns out I ended up seeing the better show and probably had a much better night overall.
DJ called me as I was on my way home. He and Vortex were at Crew having some food, drinking some booze and watching the Opening Ceremony. He said I should join them as my other plans fell through. Having nothing else to do, I did.
Crew is the local gay sport bar. All the boys with athletic apirations hang out there. Amazingly, the cheerleaders do not. While we are athletes, we're more into our social pursuits than athletic. That said, Crew is a fun place. I'm still learning the crowd and have a good time whenever I go.
I met up with DJ and Vortex and joined them at the small bar where they had taken space. I'm not a big winter sports fan. Summer sports I get into. DJ is the opposite. He's all about the winter activities. During the pre-show, they focused on a snowboarder, Shaun White (I think). He's 19 with flaming red hair. DJ knew all about him and was greatly excited. They showed one of Shaun's runs down the half pipe. The boy floated in the air. WOW. He is worthy of the attention.
The ceremonies finally started. Have to say the whole "Fire and Ice" theme is tired already. I know the fire is supposed to represent Passion for the games. Still don't like the overall theme. I did enjoy the cloaked performers forming a skier. Watching the skier appear and then move as if it was jumping was really impressive. Towards the end, there were 28 performers in white doing a "dance" while climbing on a cargo net. It was an interesting performance that ended with them forming a dove. Beautiful and innovative way of symbolizing the element of Peace the games are based upon.
During the entrances of the teams, we had a great time commenting on the outfits of the various teams. I kept noticing the population size of the various countries. It is amazing at the number of countries participating with a total population smaller than Chicago. Of course, we were also noticing how many competitors each country sent. The US has 211 competitors. The largest of any country and IIRC the only country over 200. Towards the end of the entrances, a guy came up to us and asked if we'd like to participate in a pool guessing the size of the Italian team. Being the host country, they were to enter the stadium last. It was $2 to enter, so I guessed 175. A few minutes later Italy entered. 185 partipants. Whoopee! I won! The pot was $26, just enough to cover a round of shots for our group.
The next morning as I'm taking my shower, the numbers nerd in me appeared. I realized that 211-185= 26. US less Italy equals Winnings. Weird and I need to get a life.
