401a

401a Has Moved!

2008-11-05T01:47:00.003-05:00

401a has moved to a new location! You may follow my blog here.

2008-09-24T15:10:00.001-04:00

International Peace Day, 21 September

2008-09-16T11:48:00.002-04:00

"Hearts for Peace": International Day of Peace Movie

Hanna

2008-09-06T11:12:00.004-04:00

Hanna around 4:00 AM.

Hanna came for a visit late last night / early morning. I was sleeping heavily due to several martinis. I did wake briefly to check the window A/C units as they have a tendency to leak in heavy rain.

This morning it’s still windy and a little rain, but I think she’s moved on. Some flower pots have been knocked over, branches are in the street. Oh and one of the water drains broke free from the side of the building and landed around my car. Apparently it just missed hitting my car. Thankfully, I can’t seem to find any impact spots.

Hanna at 11:30 AM.

Road Trip!

2008-08-29T12:23:00.004-04:00

Yay, I'm heading home for a few days! I am getting a late start, but no worries as it is only a 5 1/2 hour drive. Now, it is time to round up the children.

I hope everyone has a good holiday. Stay safe.

Issa

2008-08-28T11:15:00.008-04:00

Turn your clock back… about hundred thousands years…

It was 1984 and on a family outing driving through Quebec on the Radio was a song “Mimi on the Beach.” The artist was Jane Siberry and she stuck in my head… forever. I love her, I love her, I love her! I place her on the same pedestal as Kate Bush.

Recently, Jane changed her name to Issa. Her recording company, Sheba now sells her work by what she has coined “Self-determined” pricing. You may visit her site here.

What is truly amazing is she has let go of all her worldly possessions. This is something I have dreamed about doing for a very long time, but have not the courage. If I could just let go of even half of what she did it would be truly wonderful and a blessing.

I have included a short news video about her created by the CBC. She explains herself and she inspires me.

Back to the gym!

2008-08-23T16:48:00.003-04:00

Due to the increasing waistline and funky mindset I have joined a gym. The fall semester has begun and my hours have changed back to my regular schedule, which is 1 – 10 PM. I now have the time to return to a gym. ☺

Tarboro Athletic Club

This place was hard to find. As you can tell from the photograph it does not stand out very well and in a way it looks kind of creepy. Destin and I call it the Speakeasy.

You see, the entrance is on the right. You knock on the door, speak the secret code and you will be let in by the strange pair of eyes staring back at you through a little window in the door. Hah! Actually it is a 24-hour gym. There is a keypad where you enter the code to get in.

I did not know what to expect when I went to sign up because I had to call a number on the outside of the building. The owner then drives over to meet you, let you in, shows you around and then you sign up. It’s actually nice inside. It has a loft like feeling and there is plenty of modern equipment, a racquetball court and a great collection of treadmills and stair steppers with which to lift my butt up from its sagging decline.

The best thing is the price. It’s $25 a month! This is better then what I would have to pay to use the facilities at university.

The owner is quite woofy in that muscular, bearish sort of way. Of course he is straight, married and has children. You see like Iran, there are no gay people in Tarboro. I am invisible. Hah! The problem is, they are all married and have children and then hit you up when their wives aren’t around. Sad, very sad.

Anyhow, I am excited about getting back into shape. I worked so hard last year to get back to a size 32 waist and now I am finding it too uncomfortable to squeeze into them. I shall begin my new routine tomorrow morning!

News to Me

2008-08-19T16:26:00.003-04:00

Yikes! This is news to me. I better start making a syllabus.... and learn the subject matter. The Fall Semester begins tomorrow!

Someday

2008-08-08T10:47:00.012-04:00

Asheville

I have not had much to say lately. Granted, I never do. Anyhow, things are going well, I guess though I am itching to get away somewhere. The problem is since I recently started a new job I don’t have any time to take off. For the first year of employment I only get 7 hours and 50 minutes of holiday time a month, so this doesn’t add up much. According to university rules an employee must maintain a minimum of 10 hours for emergencies and if you don’t you could be let go.

I would like to go home, but Savannah is 5 ½ hours away. It’s not quite possible on a weekend because it is practically a day of driving there and back, which does not leave much time for visiting. I would like to visit my friend Gloria in Arizona. She just moved there, but this is way too far for me to go. As well I would like to visit friends in New Jersey, but that too, is out of the question. Hell, I would like to visit my family and friends in the UK and Europe... and while I'm at it I wish to go on a world tour!

Labour Day is fast approaching and I have wanted to go to the mountains and visit friends in Asheville. The mountains are my element. I wish I could be living there again right now, but it is not where the Fates wish me to be. I made plans to go there, but I just found out even though it is a university holiday I have to come in for 4 hours that day. WTF?

It is a state holiday. The university is closed. Why is the library open 4 hours... and only 4 hours? As a socialist I find this very disturbing. It is Labour Day god damn it! So I resigned myself to the insanity and cancelled my trip, but there is the possibility I could arrange for a graduate assistant to cover these hours. We shall see.

I think I will visit Emma in Chapel Hill. I haven’t visited with her in awhile and she is the closest friend I have here in North Carolina. It’s not the mountains, but Chapel Hill... has hills. All my friends live all over the place. We are all so separated from one another and I have moved into exile.

Though it has been over a decade since I lived in Asheville, my heart is still partially there. Someday I will return and hopefully one day, perhaps I will live there again.

Bringing Up Baby

2008-07-22T12:13:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago Destin rescued two baby Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura), which fell out of a tree along with their nest. Using gloves she placed the babies in a basket with the broken nest hoping the mother bird would return, but alas she did not. Destin’s mother took the birds in a few days later, but neglected to keep them warm and feed them properly so one baby died. She eventually brought the remaining bird over to the building and told Destin and myself that we need to try.

I did some research and created a food mixture of dry cat food and birdseed, which I grind up in a coffee grinder. The bird, which is now named Leslie, loves it. We named it Leslie because we don’t know if it is a boy or girl. Anyway, I have placed it on a tight feeding schedule and exercise regiment and she/he has now passed the danger point and will survive.

It has grown considerably and its feathers have grown in very full. The gruel I created is slowly being thickened to the point where we think we may be able to switch to seed. Leslie gets excited when he/she see’s me and loves to perch on my fingers during and after feedings. I also like to take Leslie for walks outside and it is my hope Leslie will learn to fly soon. I have been making it exercise its wings when it is perched on my finger. I simply move my hand back and forth and Leslie has to flap its wings in order to keep balance.

My only concern is she won’t want to leave when the time comes. We really can’t keep her because I have two cats and Destin has a cat, which pretty much has free reign of the entire building.

We shall see.

Leslie loves her gruel.

Its feathers have developed wonderfully.

Mr. Shankly is very interested in Leslie.

Casual Weekend

2008-07-06T23:11:00.007-04:00

This weekend was a rather casual affair. I worked more on my space and sorted through a mound of paper work. I installed fibreglass insulation as well as foam panel insulation.

The studio room, which currently is serving as a living room has sheetrock on the outside. I have no plans to install sheetrock inside the room so I had to use foam boards, which I attached to the outside using Liquid Nails adhesive. The foam looks great as it has a shiny silver coating on one side.

Other then this not much else went on. Destin came over this evening and we drank a bottle of Pinot Grigio, took unflattering photographs and looked at scary personal adds on Craigslist.

Destin being fresh with my computer.

Too much pinot.

A shape shifting alien pussy.

Man, I don't want to go to work tomorrow.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

2008-06-27T20:51:00.003-04:00

Teaser from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on Vimeo.

Yay, I love Joss Whedon! Neil Patrick Harris is looking fine too these days. I am looking forward to seeing these Online musical minisodes. I think it should be quite enjoyable. If Joss Whedon is involved its got to be good!

Special Vanity and Other News

2008-06-20T10:56:00.005-04:00

I received my new Specialty and Vanity tag the other day. :) I miss my Georgia wildflower tag so I decided to find one I like here in North Carolina. The mountains are my favourite part of the state and I love the Blue Ridge Parkway so I went with this one.

Part of the proceeds goes to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, which aides in the upkeep of the parkway and the parks. Speaking of, I never understood why in the USA one drives on a parkway and parks on a driveway.

Anyhow, I also splurged and had the tag personalised and as when I created my blog I did not know what to call it so I gave it the number of my apartment at that time. So I have given my tag the name of my blog. Yes, my creativity is astounding.

In other news I am now domiciled in the loft. It’s a big change from the cottage. The children aren’t happy about it. I think they are a little freaked out right now. Nora-Grace is walking around hissing and growling. Tabitha is whining and pacing the floor. I can’t say I blame them as the current two rooms don’t have all that great of a view and they also don’t have as much space to run around in.

I still have more belongings to move from the cottage, which I will do tonight when I get home from work. It’s amazing how much stuff I had with me in the cottage. I purposely only brought in the minimal or at least this is what I thought, but it seemed to have multiplied.

During this last move I realised I really don’t need all that I have and can get by with very little. I have even more stuff all packed away on the first floor of the building. Some of it is what I put back into storage after I moved out of my apartment and some of the stuff I had in storage for five years back in Savannah. I seemed to have got along fine without it and sometimes I never thought about any of it. Often I would have panic attacks when visiting it because I would open the door to the 10 x 20 storage unit and be confronted with STUFF.

I think I am going to use this time in the warehouse to sort through things and get rid of it. It’s easier for me to write this then actually do, but it’s going to be an ongoing effort and project.

Loft (endless)

2008-06-16T21:54:00.011-04:00

I had too much to accomplish this past weekend. Needless to say I did not finish everything. In fact there still is too much to do before I move in. I could not hire the movers I wanted because I had an unexpected bill come up so the funds ran out.

Destin and I moved my two large armoires as well as the large kitchen cabinet. I lugged the small sofa… or rather large scratch post up the stairs myself Sunday night, which is why my back is off kilter now.

Anyhow, we managed to put the two armoires together fairly quickly, but were pretty much wiped out afterwards. We will be moving my stuff from the cottage on Wednesday evening when I get home from work and I guess that will be my first night there.

The studio room is just about 300 square feet so it makes for a good-sized living room, but I can’t wait to finish the rest of the place. Patience is a virtue in this case… because I have no choice!

Tomorrow night I’ll work on the place some more. That’s really the last night I have. I’ll have to do the rest once the cats and I are settled. They’re not going to like this because they have become quite accustomed to the cottage and its screen porch, as have I.

More of the same, knocking out the old glazing.

Oh, I came to the conclusion that window glazing is not my friend. Actually, I hate it. I ended up using silicone on the other window panes I replaced. It worked so much better and faster.

It was way too hot without A/C, but this is what I was preparing the window for. Sweat was just pouring off my face. (Bleh!) This is such an unflattering picture.

Cutting out an iron pane so to make room for the A/C.

Piecing the large armoire. It's like a puzzle.

Destin, The Fabulous.

I'm in shorts. It's rare occurrence.

Completed.

It's kind of weird having two large, heavy armoires in a bedroom, but I don't have any closets so I am grateful I have these. The bedroom is roughly 280 square feet so I think it won't be too crowded. However, I still have to move the bed in.

The kitchen cabinet, which weighs too much.

The large door on the cabinet folds down to reveal an enameled table top, which lifts up for linens. Also inside, behind a glass door that lifts up and retracts back, there are compartments for ice trays, eggs and salted meat. (Bleh!) Essentially this is the British version of a Hoosier cabinet. I am grateful for this storage space as well... even though it weighs a couple hundred pounds.

Busy Weekend Ahead

2008-06-13T11:52:00.009-04:00

This week my friend Gloria was in town visiting her family. We went out to eat one night and had a great time. We also met for lunch on Wednesday. She left for New York City for a wedding and then she heads back to LA. I shall miss her. We always have the best time.

Every night after work except Tuesday night I have gone to the loft and worked on it some. The bed room walls, ceiling and trim have been painted. Last night I painted the first coat on the floors in the bed room and studio room. Tonight I have to apply the second coat to the floors as well as paint two doors. Oh, and its laundry night. Yes, my Friday nights are full of excitement!

On Saturday I will be installing the A/C in the studio and replacing 16 panes of glass. On Sunday I will be putting together a kitchenette of sorts... and I am not quite sure how and what I will do. I have taken Monday off because I will be moving into the loft.

I recently found out I have to be out of the house I am staying at because the owners are coming to work on the house on the 19 June. They didn’t say I had to leave, but I would feel awkward having them and workers coming in and out while I am at work all day. As well, they have a dog and Nora-Grace and Tabitha would not approve.

This is why I have been rushing to get the loft partially finished. I will set the studio up temporarily as a living room and kitchen. The bedroom will be just fine. I will work on the rest of the space while living there. Ultimately I believe this will push me to move faster on having it completed especially since the cats and I are about to be confined to 500 square feet. We are all going to miss the wonderful screened porch and I know Tabitha is going to be quite vocal about it.

Walls have been painted.

Bedroom: First coat of floor paint.

Studio: First coat of floor paint.

Hot!

2008-06-08T21:42:00.005-04:00

This weekend it was my intention to stay focused and work on the loft, but it was too damned hot. On Saturday I managed to use the paint sprayer and painted the studio/junk room. It was 100F degrees outside and inside on the third floor it was way over that. I thought I would pass out.

Today the temperature was 104F, which made the third floor damn near 110F! My poor little bedroom air conditioner barely could keep up. I was planning to work on the windows too, but as stated it was too hot.

This week I will need to work on the space a little everyday after work because I am a little behind schedule. I finished one coat of the wall paint in the bedroom, but ran out of paint. The paint was a mixture Melissa and I made before I left Savannah.

It was created after a wonderful bottle of merlot... or was it Pinot Noir? Anyhow, I went to True Value to see if they could match it, but it came out a wee bit lighter. So now I am not sure I have enough of the new paint. Ugh!

In other news my friend Gloria has come home to visit her family in Greenville and we will be having dinner one day this week. She also said she may stop by campus one day for lunch.

Gloria lives in Los Angeles now. I don’t get to see her often so it will be nice to catch up.

Priming the bedroom ceiling.

Studio/Junk room painted.

French & Saunders

2008-06-04T22:17:00.007-04:00

I love Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. I have been watching them for years and they always manage to make me laugh. I never grow tired of them.

This is a year old, but I still enjoy it. It's a parody of Alanis Morrissette's song, "Thank You".

Loft (continued)

2008-06-01T20:19:00.008-04:00

This weekend I managed to finish priming the studio room. I also primed most of the bedroom. The big project was knocking out the opaque glass and cutting the iron bars out to make room for an air conditioner.

Grout Removal

The grout on these windows is over one hundred years old and it’s very solid. It’s a testament to the way they constructed and the materials they used back then. I had to use a flat head screwdriver as well as a chisel to break up the grout. Then I had to use a rubber mallet to smack out the glass. Of course the glass broke.

Thankfully it is a safety glass so it did not shatter everywhere. I will have to repeat the process for every window because I want to replace the panes with clear glass. That’s only 81 times!

Cutting Iron

Constructing A/C Frame

Mission Accomplished

The electrician comes tomorrow to install some power for the heavy duty A/C, which is for the large room as well as a couple other sockets.

Next weekend I would like to begin painting the ceilings, walls and the floors.

Loft

2008-05-25T21:20:00.005-04:00

Thanks for all the well wishes. I am feeling much better. This weekend I worked on the loft, which was in dire need of attention, as I have not done a thing to it for sometime.

I finished laying the sub floor in the studio room and framed out a door between it and the bedroom. As well I repaired some wall damage. Then I started priming the studio room with stain blocker. I have gone through one gallon on the ceiling and it looks like it will require one or more gallons. Ugh!

The electrician comes on the 2 June to install the power for the three window air conditioner units needed. Then I need to lay another sub floor in what will be a foyer outside the bedroom and main living area. As well I will need to construct two new walls, install a door and then paint. Slowly it is coming together.

I hope to have the loft livable come July or August. This is not to say it will be completed because I have to replace every pane of glass in the windows, build eleven storm windows, insulate, have the electrician come back to install more power and start planning for the Winter.

Destin and I spoke about the possibility have having a gas line brought in to the building for heating. I have no idea as to what this will cost or if it is possible. We shall see.

Tomorrow I have the day off so I shall continue with the painting.

Sick, Allergies and a Surprise

2008-05-16T19:05:00.005-04:00

I have been sick with some funky cold this whole week and on top of this I am having an allergy attack. Bleh!

However, a real sweet surprise this week was a certain Mr. HappySad of All Things But None sent me a birthday card with a Target gift card. He's such a sweetie. I went out and got me some 600 thread count bed sheets. Wooo!

Another Year

2008-05-09T18:48:00.001-04:00

As of today I am now 39.2. Bugger, it came upon me out of nowhere!

Pleasant Surprise

2008-05-02T00:30:00.001-04:00

This afternoon at work the Access and Delivery department at the library had a farewell gathering for a coworker and myself. There was a cake with both our names on it and ice cream.

I was not expecting it at all. I say, not bad for only being there one month, eh?

Onion Radio News

2008-05-01T01:17:00.006-04:00

I love The Onion and I truly enjoy Mr. Redland's broadcasts.

"Mr. Redland"

Check out his report on Researchers Discover Massive Asshole In Blogosphere. You will be glad you did. :)

Florida Nonsense

2008-04-24T10:46:00.003-04:00

Here we have yet another reason I can’t stand the State of Florida. An article on CNN this morning informs us the state is considering a new “I Believe” license plate tag for all those Christians who wish to express their belief on other people.

“Rep. Edward Bullard, the plate's sponsor, said people who "believe in their college or university" or "believe in their football team" already have license plates they can buy. The new design is a chance for others to put a tag on their cars with "something they believe in," he said.”

Yet again we have fundamentalists, the American Taliban trying to infringe on the separation of church and state. I have nothing against people and their beliefs, but no religion should be sanctioned by the state. I believe this is completely inappropriate.

Decision Made

2008-04-22T17:20:00.000-04:00

I have decided to take the position at East Carolina University. It truly is a no brainer when you consider what I am spending a month in fuel just to get to work. I will have less wear on my car and my nerves and more money in the bank.

The music library at ECU is small so I won’t be constantly bombarded with unimaginable personalities on a massive scale. I found myself very drained at the end of my day having to deal with the shear numbers at NCSU.

Also I noticed the ECU music library has more streamline procedures, which will make for smoother operations. As well there are only five of us working in the library and the work-study. As it stands here at NCSU there is something like 200! So I gave my two week notice today. My last day is the 3 May.

Funny thing is my supervisor also handed his resignation at the same time because he can’t bear to be without me. Ha! Actually he got a great internship at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. He is about finished with his Masters. … My turn next!

Work and a Decision

2008-04-17T18:04:00.003-04:00

This is my second week at the new job. So far so good. There is quite a bit to learn and it does keep me very busy. I like the people I work with and the environment is nice too.

However, there is a nagging issue… and that is my drive to work. I have an hour and ten minute drive to Raleigh. This translates to 75.6 miles, one-way or 151.2 miles a day. Let us take this a few steps further. That is to say, I drive 756 miles a week and 3,024 miles a month or 36,288 miles a year.

So far, I need to fill up the tank every two days. Currently in this region, gas is $3.40. I have a 16.9-gallon tank. This translates to $57.46. Therefore, I spend $172.38 a week on fuel for getting to work. This does not include any other type of driving. The yearly fuel cost for just getting to work is, at the current gas price, $8,274.24.

You know, I think I am spending well over 12 hours a week in commuting hours. Before my moving to North Carolina my carbon imprint was very little. Now, it is the complete opposite!

When I was job searching I had interviewed for a position at East Carolina University after I interviewed for the current position at North Carolina State University. Well, ECU called me today and offered me a position. It figures I would get this offer after I start at NCSU and already been through orientation, been issued keys and am in heavy training!

I know one might think why not move to Raleigh. The answer is I really cannot afford to at this time. I probably could later, but I come to realise I have an awesome living situation here in Tarboro, which could help me pay down my debt. If I stay here, I am certain I will be debt free within two years, maybe less. Now that is brilliant.

Anyhow, here is the situation. ECU is located in Greenville. It is a 29.1-mile drive from Tarboro. Therefore, it would take me something like 40 minutes to get to work. It is quite a bit less driving a year (13,968). I am certain I would not have to fill the tank up as much either.

However, the position pays $300 less then my current position. I pay more for gas a month driving to Raleigh. There is also a part of me that feels a little guilty for leaving a job that I only started a week ago. So … what do you think? What would you do?

Car Stuff

2008-04-08T20:41:00.001-04:00

Today I got my North Carolina driver’s license. I passed the knowledge exam with a perfect score. It cost me $32.

The other thing I had to take care of was the tag, title and registration. In Georgia, we call them tags, but in North Carolina, it is called a “license plate”. So I go down to the tag… err, license plate office and I discover something interesting. The registration office is not located in a state run building. It is a privately run office located in a tanning salon! Yes, I could have got a tan while I waited for my paperwork to be completed. ‘Tis very odd. Anyhow, this cost me $218.

The next thing I have to do is have my car inspected. We do not have automobile inspection in Georgia except in Atlanta and that is only emissions. So I do not know what to expect however I do know it will cost me another $30. Therefore, for me to have my car legal in North Carolina it has cost me $280. Bleh!

Could you imagine if I had Steve’s Bentley or Jim’s Jaguar… or even Kevin’s Audi? So, it could have been worse.

On the bright side of things, I start my new job tomorrow at North Carolina State University. Yay!

Spring Time

2008-04-03T21:15:00.009-04:00

This morning I walked down to the Calvary Parish Episcopal Church and the Old Town Cemetery. It was such a wonderful gloomy day! It made me want to dwell with the dead for an hour or so. Ever since I was a child and much to the chagrin of my parents, I would spend quality time with the dead. I would spend hours laying in the cemetery. Anyhow, the weather is gone cool again, but the flowers and trees are blooming. I got some great images.

The Calvary Parish grounds are amazing. The design of the churchyard and its original plantings are the work of Joseph Blount Cheshire, rector of Calvary from 1842 until 1889, who collected plants from all over the world to create an arboretum here on the church grounds.

Some of the greenery featured is Saucer Magnolia, China Fir, American Holly, Carolina Cherry Laurel, False Holly, Bald Cyprus, Sweet Bay, Willow Oak, English Yew, Yaupon Holly, Incense Cedar and Eastern Redbud. There is much more!

The Old Town Cemetery, by contrast is disappointing. I am not sure as to what happened, but most of the gravestones are missing. There are a few Confederate markers as well as some rather well worn stones.

Here are a few images. If you wish to see more click on the Tarboro Cemetery link.

Employed

2008-04-02T19:58:00.001-04:00

The search has ended! I am now an employee of the DHL Library at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

I received the telephone call late this morning. When they told me the salary, I was disappointed and slightly offended. They asked if I am interested in the position and I asked a little time to think about it.

The salary is less then what I made at SCAD so I first felt like it was an insult, but then after mulling over it for an hour I changed my mind.

A friend reminded me of the job security you have with the state as well as the state benefits. Another friend reminded me SCAD is a private institution and NCSU is a state institution so there is bound to be a difference in salaries and yet another friend reminded me that in times like a recession it is not wise to pass up an offer.

Sometimes one needs to take a step back before going forward.

My first day is next Wednesday.

2008-03-29T12:59:00.003-04:00

Slender beams of moonlight enter this darkened place as I kneel,  always somber, always silent, frozen here, waiting.   

Haloed forms wrought in panes of glass loom as dust dances in the air,  forming an image in my mind, sparing not my exposed soul.   

A reflection on a mirror's face.   

I raise my head, now defying this callous light.

Too Familiar

2008-03-24T09:31:00.002-04:00

I am heading back to North Carolina today. I am leaving a day later because of the martinis. That is all I am going to say about that.

The above picture is all too familiar lately. I believe I have almost everything, but there are a few more items I will need to come back for at some point. However, this should be the last UHaul I will need to rent. Yay!

It was fun to be back home and see everyone. We had a swell time. ☺

Heading Home

2008-03-20T06:29:00.006-04:00

I am heading home today for three days. My family and friends wish me to visit and I need to pick up more of my belongings. I really cannot afford to be doing this, but I figure I had better do it now in case I end up with a new job soon.

Apparently, my references are being checked because one of my references telephoned me to let me know. Yay, I may be employed again! It will be a bit odd not working for myself anymore, but then again actually having a regular salary, well that is just too sweet.

I guess I should pack a few things and get ready to leave a little later. It is a 5-½ hour drive and I do not wish to be getting to Savannah too late. I am a little dazed now because I woke up around 4:30 this morning. Tabitha, the destroyer, the annoying one, the NQR, was hurling herself against one of the bedroom windows making the freaky noises she often does.

Anyhow I kicked her out the room and closed the door and tried to go back to sleep, but to no avail. I finally got out of bed around 5:30. This should prove to be an interesting drive.

(*NQR= Not Quite Right. This is a term I use often to describe all sorts of things.)

Cast Iron Tub

2008-03-19T17:35:00.007-04:00

Today I helped Destin move her claw-foot cast iron tub up to her loft on the second level. She just had to have a cast iron tub!

My arms feel… no, I cannot feel my arms. My back well that I can feel. Oh, can I!

We then proceeded to play plumber and attached shower/tub fixtures. We also cut plastic pipes and reattached them to other plastic thingies with purple glue like substance that made us high.

Ebay and Other News

2008-03-13T12:37:00.013-04:00

I found some rather neat things to sell on ebay lately. I am not sure I will get much for these things, but they are sure interesting, if not a little amusing.

The pamphlet I believe is from around 1960. As you can see, they used the “R” word! I remember growing up you would hear kids calling other kids that name. A teacher or parent would politely say that it was not nice to call someone that because it is not fair to those who really are “that way”.

So times change. When I was at university and in art education the word of choice was "mentally deficient", MD for short. Ha! That’s great. We figured it was a less offensive word because children would be less likely to run around and call one another mentally deficient.

It just does not have the same ring to it. Anyhow, I am not sure what is PC now, but the last I heard was “Special Needs”. Of course, this is all in jest, but when I found this pamphlet, it did make me laugh. Times have changed, indeed.

I also found these dated materials on how to discus certain growing up issues with your children. They too, are very amusing.

Apparently in 1943, the key to getting the proper amount of iron in your diet was to eat mass quantities of molasses. Below is a small recipe booklet by a molasses company called, Grandma’s Old Fashioned Molasses.

You too can look like these kids, jacked up on sugar!

In other news, I received a telephone call from NC State yesterday. They would like to hire me for a different position than the one I applied. It has better hours as well as more interesting duties to perform. However, since it is a State institution I have to go through all the hoops with the application process. Which means the position has to be listed for a certain period. Then they are required to interview a certain number of applicants, etc.

I was grateful and told them thank you and that I would apply immediately. I took care of it as soon as I hung up the phone. I noticed the position being listed for less than a week. The listing closes on the 14th and the proposed hire date is the 15th. Usually they list openings for two or three weeks. Also they stated they wanted me for the position. We shall see.

What Did You Do Today?

2008-03-06T21:57:00.004-05:00

Today I cleaned up pigeon shit and dead pigeons.

In other news, I recently completed my first sales on eBay. I made $240 selling off bits of my life! Then this afternoon I come to find out I sent two bidders the wrong power cords to go with the computer equipment they purchased. They each got the other’s power cord.

Now I have pay for the return shipping on the power cords and then ship them back to the correct people. Ugh!

Interview

2008-03-03T23:49:00.005-05:00

The interview went well today and it did not take place in the coffee shop. We only met there. Everyone I met was nice and the meeting was very relaxed. I got a good vibe from the experience. The librarian I met with wanted to know if I was planning on going to library school. I mentioned have thought about it, but at this point the thought of adding more to my already outrageous student load debt makes me cringe.

She added employees receive three free classes an academic year and she would not be against me wanting to get a MLIS degree. She said she wants everyone to be happy working in the library and not feel as if they are stuck doing what they are doing. This made me feel positive about the environment.

After the interview, I met with a benefits coordinator. She went over some of the benefits briefly. I also had to give her a form I filled out for a background check.

It is odd. The state requires you to deduct 6% every month to go into a mandatory retirement fund. However, the money just sits in an account and earns no interest. What is up with that? I still think it is a good idea though. At least it is something.

Payday is monthly on the last working day of the month. That will take some getting used to and some very strong budgeting skills!

The drive into Raleigh was not too bad as was the return drive, but I can see where at some point the drive will probably get to me. It is an hour and ten minutes. However I have to look at the fact if I do get the position it's an evening shift so I will be driving reverse traffic.

We shall see.

Outer Banks

2008-03-02T23:53:00.016-05:00

Today Destin and I took a road trip to the Outer Banks. I think we both needed to get out of town and see the mighty ocean. We ended up driving to a rather secluded beach area on Nags Head. It was cold, but we had a good time and we took many photographs some of which are below.

Well, I would write more, but I am exhausted and I have a job interview tomorrow. Do you think I will get to sleep tonight? Ha!

The fabulous, Miss Destin.

Dynamic Duo

Moonscapes on the beach!

I love the macro setting on my camera.

We came across an abandoned hotel that was being buried by the sand. It must have been destroyed by one of the many hurricanes of two years ago. It is amazing how quickly nature is consuming this place. Destin and I have decided to move in.

Job Interview

2008-02-27T10:36:00.003-05:00

I have a job interview at NC State in Raleigh Monday afternoon at 4:00 PM. It has been awhile since I have been to one of those and I am not sure what I should wear. I guess people still wear suits to such things. On the other hand, has that formality gone the wayside too? We are meeting at a coffee shop located next to the library on campus. Very odd.

Anyway, I am financially wiped out so my own business, KAJC Designs has now become a part-time venture. During the end of last year, it just fizzled out. Like a great desert, my clients dried up. Now that I moved to a new state I need to build clients around here and this will take time and so it's back to being under the thumb of someone else. Sigh.

Oh well, it is actually the best way to get out and meet people. Oh my, is that a glimpse of a bright outlook? Wow and it is coming from me!

Keyboard Grossness

2008-02-18T08:02:00.003-05:00

Clean your keyboards! This weekend I decided to clean. One of the items was my iMac’s keyboard. The above picture shows you exactly how gross your keyboard can be.

Anyhow, I truly live an exciting life. Clean your keyboards!

Bleak, Bleak, Bleak

2008-02-11T12:14:00.000-05:00

I went to the Main Street Café this morning to have coffee and visit the Internet, BUT they were out of coffee and the Internet was non-functioning! WTF?

I’m Here

2008-02-08T11:03:00.000-05:00

I made it to Tarboro this Monday past. I left a day later the expected so I had very little help unloading the truck. So I moved everything all myself except at the very end when Miss Betty (aka StillMa or Destin and Emma’s mother) graciously offered to help with boxes and the beastly bedstead, which ways about the same as a Smart Car. She also provided constant pep talks. ☺

The next day I could barely move about, but I did my best. I did lose 3.6 lbs though! The house I am staying in while working in the loft is rather nice. So I have been trying to make it comfortable for a temporary stay without going overboard. Today I am still unpacking some items and searching for other items. It’s weird how things disappear when you move even though everything was clearly marked.

Last night I received an invitation from Robert Whitehead to attended a social function at the Blount-Bridgers House, a historic home directly across the street from where I am staying. Mr. Whitehead has some of his personal collection of African, Caribbean and African American art and memorabilia on display.

I met a few people and handed out my business card. It was quick little event, but I didn’t get to see much of the house. I will have to visit it some time later.

As far as Internet access goes I don’t have it at the house where I am staying, but there’s Internet access at the Main Street Café where I am currently writing this. Also I will be setting up a wireless system at the building where I will be living in soon.

You know it’s funny being new to such a small town. The people here are just so intrigued as to you who you are and where you come from. I mean just walking down the street people just stare. It’s a little unsettling, but amusing at the same time. I guess this is the closest thing to how a celebrity must feel like when out and about in daily life?

Moving Day

2008-02-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

The day finally has arrived! I was supposed to have left yesterday, but it turned out I could not fit everything into the truck so I had to pull stuff, rearrange and decide what could be left behind for me to pick up at another time. This was an all day affair.

Now here it is almost noon and I'm still not ready. Ugh! It's time to adopt the Doris Day attitude. Ka Sera Sera, what will be, will be. The truck doesn't have to be turned in until 1:25 PM tomorrow so I have decided not to worry about it.

I am exhausted. I was up at 2:30 AM, 3:15AM, 4:40 AM and then I finally go out of bed at 5:00 AM. Now it's time for a 5 1/2 hour journey.

Well I must dash. I have a few more things to gather up and then I need to round up the cats. Oh, joy!

Middle-Aged?

2008-02-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

I just realised I'm considered middle-aged. Apparently to some I have been middle-aged for five years now. I am not sure as to how I feel about this or if it should matter. Should I dress differently? Should I quit World of Warcraft? Should I begin taking Geritol?

I'm always the last to know.

Last Minute Stuff

2008-01-29T15:50:00.001-05:00

Wow, the moving day is fast approaching. I have plenty of last minute stuff to take care of and everyone seems to want to do something with me before I leave so trying to squeeze everything in is a bit daunting.

I was able to pay for two extra days for storage and this has pushed the moving day back to this Saturday. If I did not do this then I would be loading the truck myself. Now I have several friends who have offered to help. Yay!

However, I have so much to do in such little time, ahhhh!

The Tarboro Chronicles

2008-01-25T19:05:00.000-05:00

This morning was freezing. I could not paint because it just wouldn’t dry very well and the paint probably was near frozen. The patches I did to the walls were still wet as was the caulk around the windows. I think my breath was freezing as it left my mouth and then fell to the floor and shattered. It was that cold.

Basically I cleaned everything up. I put all my tools away. I stared at pigeon shit. I paced the floors. I started thinking as to where all the furniture will go. I tried to light a kerosene heater, but all I got was soot… in my face. I thought about would my heaters be able to heat this place. I thought about how I will install air conditioners into the iron industrial windows.

I am heading home tomorrow. I have to figure out the move. Do I move everything now or do it later? There is so much stuff in the way of me getting my own stuff in I may need a month or so to clear things out first. Then I can return to Savannah and get the rest of my things.

The best news is I may stay in the house I am crashing in until May if I would like to. I think I am going to take them up on it for now. This means the cats and I will have a warm clean place to dwell. I can now work on the loft space at a more leisurely pace.

A few months ago I was so certain about this move, but not anymore. I’m still feeling disconnected from this whole thing. I am not sure why. I used to pick up and move all the time and not think twice. This time however I am so indecisive and removed.

Fortunately everyone here has been rather nice. Destin has helped me with moving things around and giving suggestions. Betty brought me lentil stew last night for dinner and a sandwich for lunch today. She’s such a mum!

Perhaps when the whole moving process and construction process and finding a job / clients process is over with I will feel much better about this.

The Tarboro Chronicles

2008-01-24T22:55:00.000-05:00

This morning I could not get out of bed, as my back would not cooperate. I have a back issue, which I never have bothered to have fully checked out. Apparently it’s a slipped disc. Anyhow I wanted to get up and out of bed, but my body would not cooperate so I stayed in bed ‘till I couldn’t any longer.

It was pathetic I had to roll myself off the air mattress and then get on my knees. I then proceeded with some Yoga exercises. With the aid of a wall and fireplace mantle I managed to stand up. I took a nice long shower and then proceeded to shave. That was an interesting experience! I had to spread eagle, slightly bend forward, prop myself up with one arm while using the other to wet my face!

I then made breakfast and hurried on out the door. I went to a hardware store to pick up a few items and then headed to the hellhole. When I got up to my level those two pigeons where hanging out in the area I just cleaned. You can imagine my distress.

I shooed them away and managed to get them out an open window. I then proceeded to close all the windows so they could not return. I feel a little sad for having to evict them from the building. They were paired together and I believe pigeons, like love birds mate for life. I don’t think they built a true nest nor did they lay any eggs yet because it is winter. However I am keeping my ears out for any peeping sounds. If I hear them the windows are going to be opened again. My love of animals and nature runs strong. I’m extremely empathetic. Yes, this means I am a sap.

However, I know it is for the best because I just can’t live with all the shit. Literally!

Today I managed do some repair work on the ceiling in the temporary living room / kitchenette. I patched several holes in the drywall. I hope it will all be dry tomorrow because I would like to get both rooms painted.

Working on a ceiling patch.

I managed to butcher a door, but I did get it hung. What can I say? The jig saw went right when it should have gone left! I also caulked the windows and added some weather stripping though I think it’s not going to be too effective. The windows are old iron industrial windows.

I also need to replace each pane of glass because they are currently opaque, which is to say you cannot see through them. There is one window that has a few panes of glass, which are clear, but I would like them all to be the same. I also think it’s important for the cats to be able to see outside.

Having this view has been keeping me going.

My plan was to head home tomorrow, but it looks like that’s not happening. I have way too much to do so I will stay until Saturday if I must. Like I mentioned before I still need to paint.

The weather has been progressively getting colder since I’ve been here. Tonight it’s supposed to go down to 22F and tomorrows high is only going to be 35F. This should prove interesting since the paint can states you should not paint below 50F. I have to paint anyway because this all needs to be completed before I leave.

I miss Nora-Grace and Tabitha. ☹

The Tarboro Chronicles

2008-01-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

Today was my first day working on the space. The loft, the studio, the HELLHOLE! What the bloody hell am I doing? Why am I here? WTF?

No, no. I know why I am here. I know what I have to do. It’s just not sitting right with me. Perhaps it’s all the work I must do to get this place habitable. Perhaps it’s because I am in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps it’s because it’s all unfamiliar. I think it’s all of these things. Though when I was younger I would not have thought twice about it.

The face of trepidation, anxiety & exhaustion.

Okay, let me take a sip of my bourbon and water. Ah… that’s good. When I got up this morning I had to return the U-Haul trailer. The return place was in what more or less I would describe as “The Hood”. It is a storage place and there are a few U-Haul trailers outside in the parking lot. There was no sign of an office. I had to enquire in a fuel station where a rather large, pregnant looking teenager with stringy greasy hair and acne greeted me.

“You’re not from around here”. I replied; “No mam, I’m from Georgia.” Georgia? What you doin’ here?” I finally get a word in … “Yes, Savannah, Georgia and I am relocating here.

“Why you moving here? No one moves here. Everyone leaves.” She starts to cackle, “Get out while you can!” I finally get to inquire as to where the U-Haul office is located and she points across the street. This “office” is located in the rear of a house and it had no signs. Anyhow I returned the damned thing late, but the smoking lady with the no smoking signs did not charge me extra. However I did have to drive back across the street and unhook the trailer myself.

So today I began working on the space, but I did spend about an hour freaking out about why I am here. Seeing the space now for the second time I discovered some more “issues” that are going to make it more of a challenge. I started to think about actually moving to Florida instead! Y’all know my opinion on Florida.

There are two pigeons flying about on my level. Now how do I get them out? At one time there were quite a few pigeons and so there is quite a bit of pigeon shit EVERYWHERE!

I spent a fair part of my day cleaning up pigeon shit and tomorrow I shall do the same and probably the next day too. Don’t worry I am wearing a mask. Those nasty droppings have particles that can cause blindness and I don’t want that. Who ever heard of a blind interior decorator?

Insulating the windows is going to be a bit of an issue too. Temporarily I intend on using that stick on plastic, which you shrink with a hair dryer, but I am not sure it will stick to the iron frame of the windows because there is very little frame to begin with.

My intention is to build storm windows out of wood and Plexiglas, but this is too expensive for me now. I may have to figure out away to do it anyway.

Ah, satisfaction!

I did manage to cut an entrance between the two rooms I will be living in. It was quite rewarding using a reciprocating saw. I actually lost myself in it and didn’t think about my insane life for about 30 minutes. I also was able to vacuum years of dirt, dust and cobwebs.

This will be the temporary living room/kitchenette.

It turns out I don’t have to stay in the building while I am working on it. My friends’ mother has a sister who purchased a house next to hers. It is a renovation project as they live in Florida. You see, I just can’t get away from Florida people! Anyway I am staying in this home. It is a wonderful house. It has a fabulous wrap around porch with Corinthian columns. The original house was built in 1895 and there was an addition added in 1915. It has been completely renovated with new wiring, windows and kitchen. The hardwood floors have been refinished too and there is an instant hot water shower, but most importantly there is HEAT!

Well, I’m off to bed. I believe tomorrow should prove equally interesting.

North Carolina

2008-01-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

Today I am heading to North Carolina with a load of stuff. I have a rather large armoire in the trailer, but most of the items are for creating a habitable space in the “warehouse” area of the building.

Of course, this is the week of cold weather in N.C. It supposed to warm up a bit after I return home! I truly prefer cooler weather to warm or hot, but I like to be personally warm with the cold around me. Therefore, this should be interesting.

Also according to the directions on the paint cans, it states one should not paint when the temperature is below 50F. That’s just great. It’s supposed to stay below 50 degrees until Saturday. I have to get the painting done so I am going to do it anyway. I need to get as much completed as possible before the bigh move on the 31st.

I have my tent, sleeping bag, and blankets, camp stove, etc. all packed. Yes, I will be camping… in a tent… in a warehouse. Heh, heh, this should be fun!

Moving

2008-01-18T18:33:00.000-05:00

This past month has been an emotional rollercoaster, but no more! I am tired of it and quite done with it. Thanks to all for the kind words and support. It is appreciated.

Anyhow, I am about to make a big change. I have decided to definitely move to North Carolina at the end of this month. I have been busy trying to get things together for the move.

One of the best things I have done is to have let the people in charge at the storage place know I will be moving my belongings out at the end of the month. I have had the storage unit for over five years!

I will be moving to the town of Tarboro, population 11,138. The town is an hour east of Raleigh. I will be living on the third floor of a 19th century former Belk department store building. The mother of my friend, Emma, owns the building. She said I could do whatever I wish to third level. Therefore, I shall.

I will be turning part of the 3,000 + square feet into an incredible loft! It will take a long time, but I am up for it. I still miss the loft I had in Atlanta many moons ago so this is rather like reliving it.

The only thing is it is a bit rustic. Perhaps that is an understatement. It truly is rustic. Yes, I will have to admit that. Essentially, it is going to be rather like camping for a while, but I enjoy camping!

I will be heading to Tarboro next Tuesday to prepare the space for habitation. Much needs to be done to make it livable. Therefore, I will be spending a few days working on it. Then I will head back home and finish gathering the rest of my belongings for the final move on the 30th.

I am going to try to document the process with pictures and possibly video. In addition, there is a chance I will be moving this blog to my .Mac account because I can utilise all the services I am paying for.

Below are some photographs of the place I am heading to.

Enjoy!

This is the side I'll be living in. The top row of windows are mine.

This will be the main living space. Ceiling is low, which will be best for heating.

Taken from another angle. I need to construct a wall in the open space and create a door.

Looking through and back into the large open space. Oh look, there's Emma.

This old office will become my bedroom.

This is looking out one of my windows.

Fighting The Funk

2008-01-09T00:13:00.000-05:00

I have been in such a funk far too long. I have been fighting it and with the help of good friends, I have begun to feel better.

It is amazing how life's little quarks, which are totally out of ones control can mess you up. The best thing to do is go with the flow, bend like the reed in the wind. However, it is not always easy to do so. Our nature or at least my nature is not to budge. I dig those heels in, those hoofs and will not move. Ah, to be a Taurus.

Anyhow, I finally release it all to the Universe. It is out of my control. It will take care of itself. I decided to take a Doris Day attitude. Kay Cera Cera, what will be, will be.

Melancholy

2007-12-17T22:39:00.001-05:00

Heading Home

2007-12-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

I can’t take this realm called Florida no more! I’m heading home in a couple hours. Again I am leaving later then usual, but such is life. It was good to see my mum again, but we are starting to bicker.

I love her and we accomplished quite a lot, but my work here is complete.

Hello (Turn Your Radio On)

2007-12-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

I love this song. The video is great too. It's from one of my favourite bands, Shakespeares Sister. This song is from their most gothic album. I guess this is why I enjoy it so. It's a shame the two of them are no longer together.

Florida Continued

2007-12-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

Today I scrubbed my mothers drive. Apparently around here no one may have a drive that looks as if it has been used. They are a bunch of lunatics, these people!

Florida

2007-12-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

I arrived around 8:30 PM last Wednesday. The drive took me 9 ½ hours to get to Fort Myers! I left Savannah later then normal and ended up in end of the day rush hour traffic in Tampa. It was bumper to bumper for quite awhile. Then it all came to a standstill in Sarasota.

Apparently there was an accident somewhere far up ahead on I-75. It caused traffic to come to a complete stop for a while and then it would start up again. Traffic only managed to go roughly 10 MPH, then stop, then start again, then stop.

This went on for an hour or so. By the time the traffic moved freely the accident was all cleared up and gone.

I have been rather busy since being here. I have been helping my mum de-clutter and get rid of things. I have removed all items from the garage attic. She may no longer use the attic. Recently she fell down the drop stairs. My siblings and I in a rare moment of solidarity declared the attic off limits.

One of the chores I have lined up is to clear out the garage and re-stain the floor. I never could understand why some people stain or paint their garage floors. My mother thinks it keeps the floor cleaner. I beg to differ. Her garage floor is messy like an unfinished floor. However since she chose to have hers stained she created extra maintenance because it requires to be refinished every couple years or so.

On Thursday I removed everything out of the garage and went through a bunch of things such as forty years of paperwork from my father’s corporation. Mind you my mum sold my fathers business 17 years ago. Apparently she is under the impression she must hold on to such items because something legal may come back to bite us in the ass. I think the legal threshold has passed.

On Friday I essentially had to clean the garage floor with some kind of noxious solvent and then I had to hose it down with water and let it dry. I had to use a large squeegee thingy to pull the water out of the garage. Later in the day we worked on more paper work. … So much paperwork!

Saturday morning I was up and early preparing the garage floor to be re-stained. You would think it would be easy, but NO! I was told I had to seal the cracks on the cement floor. What the hell! Goddess forbid our floors shows any signs of history. Essentially there is this stuff, which is rather like caulk. You squeeze it into the cracks and then use a putty knife to smooth it out. I had to do this to all the cracks and nicks in the cement!

I spent about a 1 ½ doing this and finally was able to start the staining process. My gods what an obnoxious odor that stuff has! It took me several hours, but I finished and it looks nice. If I do say so myself, but you know what? I can still see those damned cracks!
I was reunited with my wonderful scooter. I gave it to my mum when I moved here briefly after I lost my last mindless job. When I lived downtown it was the perfect vehicle to use, but now that I am Southside it just won’t do.

My scooter isn’t as pristine as it was when I gave it to her. Unfortunately my mum “crashed” it a few times. More or less she would fall off of it or knock it over with her car when pulling into the garage. It’s all scratched up now and both mirrors are broken and it also has two flat tyres.

She said I may have it back now. Wow, thanks mum! I won’t bring it back with me this time because I forgot to bring the hitch. So I shall be returning one more time before moving to North Carolina.

Today is Champagne Sunday … all by myself, but hey someone has to do it! It’s not all pleasure though because I did manage to caulk around a bedroom window and clean out a closet.

Now I am looking at replacement pieces of silver and china online while enjoying champagne in a Marie Antoinette glass. Life is good.

Florida

2007-11-28T10:31:00.000-05:00

I am leaving later then expected, but I keep telling myself it is okay. There’s no rush. I am leaving a day later because I was not feeling 100% and my mum was still in Seattle. This morning I'm dragging my heels too.

I’ve got the car all packed and now it’s time to crab the children and toss them into the car. Oh the joy! Claws are going to flail and I’m going to be bleeding in a moment. Once Nora-Grace and Tabitha are in the car they usually calm down in about 30 minutes. It’s usually at this point they realise they aren’t on their way to veterinary and then they know they are on their way to grandmas.

Eight hours from now I’ll be in Fort Myers. I really don’t like Florida… pray for me!

Well I’m off like a prom dress!

It's Going Around

2007-11-24T15:00:00.001-05:00

I brought a wicked cold back from North Carolina. The above image is how I have been dealing with it. In fact this was my Thanksgiving. No Tofurky this year! However I did manage a bottle of Champagne and NyQuil. What a wonderful combination.

Here it is Saturday and I'm still sick. I hope I get well soon because I leave for Florida on Tuesday. Ugh!

Change

2007-11-19T12:02:00.000-05:00

Tarboro Court House

I have returned from a wonderful time in North Carolina. My friends and I had a blast. It looks like I will be moving back to North Carolina next year! My friend Emma is planning on opening a nightclub in Durham and she wishes for me to design the interior. I am excited for the possible project as well as moving my business up there and hopefully getting some new clients in the Raleigh area.

The triangle area is much larger then Savannah and I believe my business will thrive better in that region. I am also excited about experiencing the four seasons once again and cold weather... and the variety of trees... and hills... and FRESH AIR!

If I do go through with this move I already have a great place to live. I would live in Tarboro, which is an hour outside Raleigh. Emma's mum has a business in an old 19th Century Belk department store building. I was offered the upper level to convert into a loft. The whole idea is just too awesome!

Now I have a lot of thinking to do.

Home Away From Home

2007-11-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

I’m off on a road trip to North Carolina for a few days. I need to take care of some business and future possibilities as well as visit with Emma and David.

Money and Banks

2007-11-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

I would like to take this moment and let y'all know I hate money and I'm really not liking my bank at the moment. That is all.

Brilliant

2007-11-03T23:01:00.001-04:00

Being a child of gothic persuasion and sensibility I find this most amusing. This is exactly how I envisioned Mary Poppins when I was a wee lad. That and any other Disney movie and now someone has put it to visual. Brilliant!

Halloween

2007-11-01T11:59:00.000-04:00

Jimmy, Erin and the children drove down to Savannah last week. I got to have breakfast and tea with them last Sunday before they continued their journey to Florida. Jimmy needed to pick up some parts for an electric car he is building.

On the way back to North Carolina they decided to stop back in and visit with me again, which is a pleasant surprise. Iris and Mezmer wished to go trick or treating. So we did! I wasn’t intending to dress up so I had no planned costume so I dug out last years Harry Potter costume. We had a good time. The kids got a ton of candy. They’re going to be wired for months!

Afterwards we went to Sakurra’s for sushi. It was a quick, but nice visit and again I shall miss them.

The Gang

Erin, Pina and Mezmer (I think he's coming off a sugar high!)

Me and Iris

Jimmy and Iris

I've lost my mind!

Cooler Weather

2007-10-30T09:47:00.000-04:00

FINALLY cooler weather has descended upon Savannah. I can feel human again!

The Stench and A Thought

2007-10-26T21:38:00.000-04:00

I have been waiting patiently for cooler weather and finally it has arrived. BUT the damn paper mills figure people in Savannah don’t open their windows in cool weather so they are pumping out the stench full force.

It started last night. I awoke with an itchy nose and watery eyes. I had to get up and close the windows. I had the windows open today, but now I had to close them because the stench is creeping over the land.

Most Savannahians don’t complain about it because they accept it as a way of life and besides they have all their windows painted shut. You see to most people here you need to have your air conditioner on for seven to eight months out of the year and then switch to heat.

They also have the windows painted shut out of fear. You know, for security reasons and then for allergies. Savannah is always blooming so people are suffering with sinus infections quite often.

I believe many of these allergies and sinus infections come more from a closed up home then what is outside. If they would allow their bodies to acclimate more to their natural surroundings it probably won’t be so bad. ...That and they need to learn to fart more.

It’s true! There are way too many sickly, pale people walking around this town. It’s because passing gas is considered a no-no. It’s all backing up in their systems and poisoning their bodies. I am not advocating uncontrolled flatulence in the face of social responsibility, but I mean come on. It’s okay to do so when one is alone.

However I have met people who are uptight about it even when they are alone. What a crazy way to live your life!

Okay I am finished with my nonsensical rant.

Crazy Weather

2007-10-22T14:39:00.000-04:00

The weather has been rather crazy of late. My state is in the midst of the worst drought of its history. Eighty-five of our 159 counties have been declared a disaster zone.

The capital, Atlanta is having a severe water shortage. Lake Lanier, which is more or less Atlanta’s water playground, is all but about dried up. I have never seen the lake like that before. Our governor has asked for Federal assistance and would also like to shut off the water to Florida and Alabama.

Georgia, Florida and Alabama have had “water wars” for years. Most of the bickering is over water which keeps certain eco systems stable down stream as well as drinking water for smaller communities. Atlanta has grown so monstrous over the years it really sucks up more then it’s share of water. Just thinking about all those foolish people purchasing McMansions with humongous lawns. So much water goes to keeping them green. It’s sad.

I believe it’s just a glimpse of the future when we will have real wars over water resources.

I think water desalination should be made more available. There is the argument it’s too expensive, but I don’t believe this. I am certain the up keep is expensive, but isn’t war more expensive. I mean, look at Bush’s folly in Iraq. Do you realise how many desalination plants could be constructed and maintained with those funds?

In a capitalist society war is an industry like any other, but can’t there be profit in an industry, which brings the gift of life? Think of all the development and opportunity around an area such as a desert that would spring from desalination.

Here in South Georgia the weather is different. We too have had a touch of drought, but it’s still wet here. We have had less rain, but it’s still horribly humid and there is water everywhere. Everything is very green as usual. It’s amazing because only four hours away in Atlanta everything is parched.

For Emma

2007-10-12T15:38:00.000-04:00

Emma, perhaps come this February it will all come to fruition!

Marshall Continued

2007-10-09T13:50:00.000-04:00

On Monday Jimmy had a project to work on so Erin, myself and the kids went on a picnick up river on some land they recently purchased.

Running our errands in Marshall to prepare for our picnic.

We ate good food and enjoyed the fresh air while the kids played in the river.

Erin, Pinatuba and Mezmer enjoying the water.

Iris and Mezmer in the river.

Mezmer was being like an otter. He stripped down to practically nothing and was just splashing around and having a grand ol' time. Iris was a little more cautious, but enjoyed it just the same.

North Carolina is experiencing a drought and so the French Broad River is extremely low right now. Iris kept trying to go out further and further. We had to keep reeling him in.

Later that night we went into town (Asheville) and stopped in to one of my favourite book stores, Malaprops. Then we went for sushi.

Jimmy and Mezmer

Erin and Pinatuba

Me and Iris

The whole gang

Afterwards we went for a walk and pickeup some tea and coffee. I really miss Asheville. :( It was nice to see everything and everyone again.

Heh, heh...

Someone has a good sense of humour. What a great name for a band!

Leaving North Carolina was difficult. I really didn't want to return home to Savannah. It was rather sad because Iris really didn't want for me to leave. He became rather upset and difficult. He actually packed a bag of all his favourite books and said he was going with me. He tried to hide from his parents so they would not know what he was up to and then when it came time for me to go things got dramatic.

Needless to say there were a lot of tears from everyone. When I got into my car to leave Iris grabbed hold of one of my car door handles and would not let go. Erin had to pry him off. It was a tearjerker!

Anyway I'm home now and I'm kind of sad.

Marshall

2007-10-07T13:54:00.000-04:00

Downtown Marshall

I arrived in Marshall safely. It's wonderful to see Jimmy and Erin again as well as their two son's Iris and Mezmer and their new daughter, Pinatuba.

Jimmy's expression say's it all about my arrival. (mobile phone image)

Erin, Pinatuba and Mezmer.

Iris running circles around me.

After settling in we went over to the island that sits in the French Broad River and visited the farmers market. We talked with friends and local farmers and purchased some food stuffs for our evening meal. We also purchase a bunch of beautiful flowers.

Later Erin made a wonderful meal. We sat around and talked about things and just got caught up on our lives. We ended the evening lying out on the deck counting planets and shooting stars. Iris and I kept count on the satellites and alien spacecraft and watched out for fiery bird poop falling from the sky. You know, from the occasional passing phoenix.

Mountains

2007-10-07T11:59:00.000-04:00

The drive from Chapel Hill to Asheville takes about four hours. Then it's roughly another 25 minutes to Marshall. Driving on I-40 and seeing the mountains begin to rise on the horizon is very exciting to me. I start to feel my soul lift because I am returning to my element.

It's been almost ten years since I lived in Asheville... and I still miss it.

Good Friends

2007-10-06T19:25:00.000-04:00

David and Emma

I arrived in North Carolina safely yesterday. Emma and David were happy to see me as I them. We went out last night to the opening of the Eccentrik Festival art exhibit in Raleigh. It was fun. We drank wine and ate cheese. You know, the normal stuff at a gallery opening.

At the gallery opening.

Then we ended up at a nightclub called Flex. It’s full of big burly gay men. I was fresh meat, but Emma protected me. When we arrived the music was really good, but then about and hour and a half later… it sucked so we went to the Hibernian for food.

This is a mirror picture. That is to say the picture is taken of us in a mirror at Flex.

The Sarah look.

David and Emma at the Hibernian eating some kind of meat covered home fries.

Kara, Joe, Sarah and Mike at the Hibernian.

Me and Kara. For some reason she is clutching Emma's purse real scary like.

Sarah and cute Mike. ;)

Today Emma had a radio interview at NC State University. I went along to the studio and laughed at her. ;) The rest of the day we hung out with her friend Leech and ate Mexican.

Emma, Leech and myself speeding down I-40.

This evening we are laying low because Emma has a migraine and I have to be up early in the morning. I have decided to head up to the Asheville area and visit with my friends Jimmy and Erin.

Road Trip

2007-10-05T06:41:00.001-04:00

I’ve been feeling slightly "postal" these days so I am getting away from here for a little while. I’m heading to my beloved North Carolina. I’ll be visiting with my good friends Emma and David in Chapel Hill for a couple days. We will have great fun.

I’m certain the paparazzi will hunt Emma and myself down like before!

Wonderful Art

2007-10-02T15:27:00.000-04:00

I met with Scott Griffin today. He's a fantastic painter. His paintings are of mix media. He uses photography, oil paint and resin, building layers and dimensions within the painting. I am using real art for the sales office and model home at Hidden Pointe Town homes. I think it's important to support local artists.

We were at college together around the same time, but never hung out or knew one another. We both agree we remember seeing one another during that time because of the familiarity. He seems like a nice guy. Anyway here are some examples of his work. If you have the time check out his web site.

Lifescape No.26

Lifescape No.30

Photo of The Moment

2007-09-29T19:21:00.000-04:00

Today while at the Gallery a wedding reception was happening next door. Then the newly weds arrived... on the back end of a fire engine.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan

2007-09-19T22:58:00.000-04:00

I found this neat site where you can create animated avatars of yourself. It's called Meez.com. I practice T'ai Chi Ch'uan, a form of martial arts, which promotes health and longevity. It's also great in managing stress as well as bringing balance into ones own life.

Anyhow I decided to create my animated avatar based on this. You may also select various backgrounds. I chose a painting by Van Gogh.

I just realised when posting your Meez image the animation is shortened due to the size of the file. When I chose the T'ai Chi animation it looked like I was doing a strange dance. So I changed my selection to a Wushu animation, which has similar moves to T'ai Chi. Wushua is type of martial arts that focuses on self-defense. T'ai Chi is the path of least resistance, but when force is applied it too becomes a method of self-defense.

However it now looks like I am doing the Safety Dance! Oh well, you can dance if you want to ...

* 1 October. Apparently when you go into Meez.com and make changes to your animation it changes the original so that is why I no longer have a Van Gogh background.

Inner Geek

2007-09-18T11:13:00.000-04:00

Well this morning I am channeling my inner geek. See how this image captures my geekiness? We moved out of the BOC (Box of Chaos) and into our new sales office, the UFH (Unit From Hell). Actually calling it that is not fair because the space is very nice and a definite improvement upon the BOC. There are some issues which need to be worked out such as the cabinets are still a mess and the second bedroom has no power and I have run an extension cord down the hall to run the computers and such.

However it is a wonderful place. I mean it's a house. We have space AND most of all we have working TOILETS! Right now I am trying to get the computer systems hooked up. After this I will then get to the decorating. Yay!

The weather is actually cool this morning. Currently it’s 68 degrees and we will have a high of 85. Finally cooler weather! Well I guess I better get back to work, but first I need to run to Starbucks and deal with the Starbitch.

Starbucks & the Starbitch

2007-09-15T13:25:00.000-04:00

I have been frequenting the Starbucks in the Kroger out by the Savannah Mall lately because I am often at the construction site, which is right next to it. Generally I won’t frequent such a place because I prefer independently own stores such as Gallery Espresso, but when I need a fix, I need a fix.

There is a new barista at this location that has taken it to a whole new level with me. She is now known as the Starbitch of Starbucks. She really yanks my chain. This is the second time she has rubbed me the wrong way.

What did she do you ask? Well, I always get iced soy mocha without whipped cream and she always refuses to stir the damn thing. I asked her why she doesn’t stir it and she told me it was corporate policy! WTF?

Okay everyone else stirs it for me. Heck when I go to the Gallery they stir it, and pour it into another cup twice so all that chocolaty goodness is mixed quite well.

Starbitch tells me that the chocolate and coffee is supposed to sit at the bottom of the cup and the milk on top. I said this is ridiculous. It’s supposed to be a mixed coffee drink. She went on to tell me (with attitude) she had worked in a Starbucks in two other locations and this is the way they were told to do it.

I asked her to stir it anyway and she told me it would be easier if I stir it with my straw and handed it me my cup! WTF? What kind of customer service is this?

Clear The Air

2007-09-10T23:49:00.000-04:00

Today I received a somewhat annoying post to an earlier post of mine, entitled People (Part 2) accusing me of being an angry person. I originally responded to this person within that post, but I got to thinking I need to explain myself better and add a couple things and re-post it here for all to see.

This person goes by “Anonymous”. Here is their reactionary post to my rant.

“Even though someone did arrive, you still condemn them.

Did they arrive casually, seemingly upset that there was an argument over jurisdiction, or did have concern?  
Ever look at the times the police were dispatched, or just simply cast a stone because you were upset? CAD records are available under the Open Records Act.  
Call the MPC, you'll find out that the roadway is Metro responsibility, and the car dealership is Thunderbolt's. It has been that way for YEARS.  
Who showed up first though? 

I think you would have condemned ANYONE who showed up because you were angry to start with.”

Dear Anonymous,
I don’t think I condemned anyone. It was merely an observation as to when the police arrived. No, I don’t think I need to telephone the MPC or look into CAD records because I was there as were two others involved in the accident.

I was not the only one to say it took the police some time to arrive. In fact the two young men that were in the accident with me commented the same thing as did the individuals in the dealership.

As far as the roadway being the responsibility of Metro and the dealership Thunderbolt this really means nothing to me. There isn’t a sign on the roadway. “In case of accident on Victory Drive please call Metro, but if it happens in the car park, please call Thunderbolt”. I am certain it probably has been this way for YEARS and there probably is some logical reason for it, but I am a civilian and would not know this. It’s not in the driver manual!

As far as me being angry at the situation this is further from the truth. I am someone who rarely gets angry. I do tend to get annoyed easily and fed up easily. Perhaps it’s a character flaw. I try to be aware of it and quite often I am critical of myself because of it. Ask anyone who knows me and they will say I am rather easy going. Sometimes it has been said too easy going. In certain situations they have been amazed I don’t get angry when they would have. I tell them I just don’t see the point and I rather not waste my energy. Anger leads to disease and shortens the life span. I certainly don’t want any part of it.

The family members of the two who were in the accident stated to me they were grateful I was so calm. I basically said accidents happen and I am happy everyone is okay. Perhaps it may have seemed I was angry in my posting. I was recently rear-ended and was without my car for some time. I envisioned having to go through the whole process again and I was also on my way to an important client.  
Again there was no real anger. I stood there chatting, joking and laughing with the other two guys in the accident. One guy was nervous and not sure how to go about things. I helped him out. I joked with their families while we waited for things to finish up. An angry person would not have done this.

If you actually took the time to read anything in my blog you will be hard pressed to find signs of real anger.

Your response makes me think you may be an officer or perhaps related to one or just well versed in obscure police jurisdiction information. In all honesty when the officers did arrive they were quite nice and helpful and I mean both Thunderbolt and Metro officers. AND for the record it was Thunderbolt who arrived first. (I think this is what you really want me to clarify) They did their job professionally and I am grateful.

Life happens. We move on and I certainly have.

Morning Drive

2007-09-07T09:04:00.001-04:00

Driving out to the site seems like it takes forever, but in reality it's only 15 minutes. I guess it's the drive on the Veterans Parkway that make it seem this way. It cuts through the marshes so there is nothing around. It's nice to see open spaces like this in city limits. Sometimes you can see an alligator or wild boar frolicking about. (Actually wild boar frolick and alligators just kind of sit there.)

It makes for a relatively peaceful journey, though I still think downtown is much better.

This image was taken on this crazy bridge that goes out over the marsh and practically corkscrews back around onto highway 80. Sometimes people tend to drive too fast on the extreme turn and flip over.

OH.MY.GOD!

2007-09-06T22:32:00.000-04:00

"The Love Machine"

Chaos

2007-09-05T15:18:00.000-04:00

Things are a little chaotic right now. We are finally nearing completion of Unit #14 which will be our sales office. However there are some things, which still need to be completed before we may move in and I have some issues. Such as the kitchen!

Here the backsplash is being installed. It should have been done last week.

Oh look! The refrigerator is too short and where the hell is the stainless steel panels. Oh and while I'm at it why is my double oven laying on the floor in the breakfast area and not installed in the wall? AND don't get me started on the cabinets. They look like crap!

Wait is that furniture delivery? OH.MY.GOD.

Quick clean the floors! They were filthy. The plaster and dry wall dust got through the paper covering the floors and then ground in. On top of all this the painter’s tape that was used to keep the paper down has stained the floor. The floors may need to be replaced!

My wonderful dinning room selection. WHAT THE HELL! Why is there a toilet in my dining room? Oh I see it's for convenience and extra seating.

There is no electric, no A/C and no running water as of yet. I'm losing my mind and I need a drink!

Goal Achieved

2007-08-31T12:49:00.000-04:00

I am happy to report I have reached my goal of returning to a size 32 waist! I have not been in a size 32 since 1993. Woo! My diet and exercise has been paying off.

I just treated myself to two new pairs of trousers in celebration. It’s the simple things that make me happy. ☺

People! (part 3)

2007-08-30T15:11:00.000-04:00

Yet again my theory that people suck has been reinforced. I was just sitting in traffic on DeRenne Avenue on my return from North Jacksonville, aka Southside Savannah. I'm minding my own business waiting patiently for the light to turn green when out of nowhere three young heathens hurl a large cup of coffee at my car from the side of the road!

As I was reaching for my gun to shoot them they ran off. Bastards!

People! (part 2)

2007-08-28T13:53:00.000-04:00

Last night after several cups of Chamomile mint and Kava tea I finally chilled out from the day’s events. I got to thinking that people really SUCK! Yes, it is true.

It dawned on me that not one person stopped to see if we were all right from the accident! It was a three-car pile-up and there were plenty of witnesses, but they all pulled out from behind us and drove off. How rude and if I dare say, illegal. The idea that the South is full of polite people is just as myth. We can be just as inconsiderate, rude and selfish as any Yankee or anyone from anywhere else for that matter.

After the accident we pulled our cars off the road into a car dealership parking lot. This process took a little time because people were being inconsiderate and would not let us move our cars to free up the road. They kept driving on by gawking. Once we got into the parking lot the owner came out and asked if everyone was okay and mentioned he called the police. I thought this was nice. At least someone cared, but then he tried to sell us new cars! I'm totally serious.

A half hour later the Thunderbolt police arrived with sirens blaring. A half hour later! The officer jumps out of his cruiser and says; "Is everyone alright?" We all looked at him in disbelief. I said to someone if there were injuries we would be dead by now. It took a half hour for them to arrive because the two police stations were arguing over who had the jurisdiction. Savannah or Thunderbolt?

The dealership address states it's in Thunderbolt. Duh!

People!

2007-08-27T16:23:00.002-04:00

I have had too many car accidents in my 40 years of life upon this earth plane. I have had enough! In all these years not one has been my fault, not one have I been held accountable for. I have a perfect driving record and it has been said by someone that I drive like an old woman. Frankly I don't find this fair since many old women here in Savannah drive horribly and for that matter so does this certain 40 something year old living in Ardsley Park. (Oh!)

Yet again I'm rear ended (y'all, need to bite your tongue) in traffic, which wasn't even moving! This is always the case, I'm usually not even moving. People just seem to see me and hurl their vehicles at me! WTF?

Stop it stop it STOP IT!

Suckety, Suck, Suck!

2007-08-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

I'm in a mood! It looks as if I may not be able to go back to graduate school. Apparently I can't get all the funding I need. I have to try another option now, but I am not sure I'll get it. Perhaps I should consider a State school, but this means I'll have to go for an MFA. I want an MA because it will only take a year to complete and it's less money.

I guess I could look at UGA again, but if I go there I'll have to move to Athens and I would have to move my business too. I have many contacts here, which has been great for business. I would have to start all over again. Ugh!

This SUCKS!

Unexpectedly Busy

2007-08-22T20:15:00.000-04:00

Business is rolling along. My biggest client is taking up a fair amount of my time though. As stated once before this client is a builder. I have a contract with them to decorate their model home. The only problem is it's taking a very long time to complete construction on the model. There have been some "issues" which I really can't write about, but needless to say it's holding everything up. In the mean time I don't get paid for the contract.

Things aren't too bad though because in the interim they had hired me in as a part-time "designer" for their spec houses and some design related office work. I am learning a lot and there has been so much to do that it's becoming more then part-time. So all in all it's working out.

Currently I am designing a new website for my business because the current one is rather boring and uninformative. I originally threw the damn thing together rather quickly so I would have something out there, but it's time for something more professional.

On top of all this I am working on getting together a new portfolio. Some of you know this from conversation, but for you that don't I have decided to return to graduate school to finish my master’s degree. It's been a very long time since I originally began my masters and quit in disillusionment. Now I am returning to classes at age 40 and I think I finally have my head on straight, figuratively speaking that is.

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Painting and a minor in Art History, Graphic Design and Photography. Yes, that many minors. I took 10 years to get my bachelors!

Do I paint anymore? No. Do I dabble in graphic design? Not really, but perhaps a little web design is related to that. Do I still photograph? Sure I do, but not in the manner I was trained.

What career do I have? I'm an Interior Decorator. Yes, I know ... how gay. I finally embraced what I enjoy doing and have enjoyed for most of my life. Many, many moons ago I almost went for a degree in Interior Design, but I decided against it for what I perceived as too linear and ridged a degree for such a free flowing individual, such as myself. ;) I am more concerned with the decorating aspects then the drafting. You see I really don't like drawing straight lines. I always looked at Interior Design as "Architecture Light", but I have decided to bite the bullet and return to graduate school for my masters in Interior Design.

I have to make certain this new portfolio is brilliant because I would like to avoid as many prerequisite classes as possible. Since my bachelors degree is in a completely unrelated field I need to show I understand the basics in Interior Design such as elevations, electrical drawings, terminology and the like.

I think I will be okay. My business is related and I have a certain process I go through in every project, which is similar to that of an Interior Designer. I have a tremendous amount of resources at my fingertips via the builder I work with. They are excited for me and said they would help me out. So why not? In the end I'll be able to expand my business.

So here I am unexpectedly busy!

A Good Weekend

2007-08-19T16:32:00.000-04:00

The above image of Jeremy pretty much sums up this weekend. It was a good time had by all! I am finally over the funk and thank you everyone for the kind words of support during the past week and a half.

We went to Lu Lu's Chocolate bar and met up with friends. I was feeling so good I ended up having three chocolate martinis!

Afterwards we went to Venus De Milo for a change of atmosphere where I had another martini. Then we decided to head over to Club One where for some reason I had a gin and tonic. Then we got a wild hair and decided to drive out to Tybee Island.

On the way there we stopped at the Huddle House on Whitemarsh Island and consumed mass quantities of food. I don't normally frequent such places because it's not the most vegetarian friendly environment, but I was happy to get something in my stomach.

Then we headed to Tybee. We pulled into North beach and found a wonderful spot to sit and watched the ships that were lined up to enter the Savannah River. The stars were really beautiful too and we got to see several shooting stars. We spent a fair amount of time talking and just having a really good time.

I eventually crawled into bed at 5:15 AM!

Cheney in 1994 on Iraq

2007-08-16T09:56:00.000-04:00

Unbelievable! Every news station should run this and Fox News should be forced to run it every two hours. Thanks be to Steve for forwarding this to me.

Summer Funk

2007-08-13T15:20:00.000-04:00

I haven’t been in a mood to post much lately because I have the summer funk. It’s some kind of flu. I have never been in sick during the summer months before. People have said to me that being sick in summer is the worst. It seems to last longer. Currently I am inclined to believe such statements because I just can’t seem to get better.

I think I am starting to heal though because it seems to have left my lymph glands and throat and has moved to my head. However I developed a horrible cough at night. Last night I woke up out of a deep sleep because I started to cough. I had to sit up in order to get some air. The coughing would not stop and I thought I was going to cough out a lung!

Then I continued to cough on and off for the rest of the evening. It was awful.

I think it’s my own fault though. You see two weeks ago I decided to go out and live a little. Several of my friends have this misguided view that I am uptight because I don’t sleep around. When I explain to them that I have tried it and it’s just not me they still insist I am uptight.

Anyhow it had been over a year since my last sexual encounter so I decided that perhaps it’s time for me to “live” a little.

The outcome? Well, I did meet someone and went home with him. NOW I’M SICK!

Whenever I “live” a little I end up getting sick. This is one of the reasons I don’t do it often. It’s like the gods have something against me. They’re fine as long as I don’t enjoy myself. If I enjoy myself too much they send out the fates to get me.

I have had some crazy things happen to me for having random sex. I am not going to post about it because it’s embarrassing. Thankfully it has not been life threatening or require ongoing treatment. I am clean, healthy and strong, but it’s been enough for me to consider becoming a Buddhist monk or at least retreat back into my shell, which I find more comfortable, then a messy one-night stand.

I think I am good for another year. Well, of course if I were to find the right mate then I will reconsider, but I am not keeping my fingers crossed. I mean I do live in the Vortex of Goo.

Memories

2007-08-03T20:56:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken in 1998. I was living in Atlanta and my friend Jimmy found my Polaroid camera (remember those?) and snapped this surprise picture of me. The crazy expression is because I was attempting to tell him to stop, but it was too late. You see I had plans for that last piece of film though almost ten years later I can't remember what for.

Anyway I just came across this image in a folder of scanned photographs on my computer. It made me laugh and remember fondly the times I spent with my friends in Atlanta.

This Saturday Past

2007-07-30T23:06:00.001-04:00

It was Melissa's 50th birthday party. I'm still in recovery!

Something Strange

2007-07-27T16:51:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have the feeling something very strange is lurking around the corner?

Yet another image appropriated from my friends at Fabulon!

Photo Of The Moment

2007-07-26T16:09:00.001-04:00

Grasses at the edge of the marsh.

New Ad Campaign

2007-07-22T15:22:00.000-04:00

Thanks be to my friends over at Fabulon for the idea!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-07-17T21:33:00.000-04:00

I have been really busy with work these days. It’s good though, but it’s not my own business per sae that is keeping me busy. I currently have only one active client. My client pool is kind of drying up like the Ariel Sea. I am however, working part-time for one of my clients, the people who are building the town home development so it is related and a continuing learning experience.

This part-time situation is turning out to be a little more like full-time at the moment, which is good since it’s my only main source of income at the moment. I am pulling together all the details on the spec houses. This is to say I am making decisions on the type of floorings, cabinets, countertops, plumbing and lighting. I also get to do some design work, which means I get paid my design fee.

This morning started out at a Bath and Kitchen showroom where I got to ogle and caress quite a few extraordinary vessel sinks. This showroom had a fully functioning sok® overflowing bath for two with effervescence and chromatherapy. It was amazing! I almost stripped down and stepped in.

Tomorrow I have a meeting with our cabinet company to discuss the final details for the model home. We have decided to change direction on the interior design and so I have to come up with a whole new design. After lunch I have to meet with two of our tile suppliers at their locations. This means I will be let loose upon two fabulous showrooms of state of the art tiles.

I’m so excited!

Who Might You Be?

2007-07-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

Your results:
You are Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)

Medicine and physical healing are your game, but wooing women isn't a strong suit.

Click here to take the Serenity Personality Quiz

Wooing women isn't a strong suit? Well, duh. I am okay with this pairing though because I have always admired this man's sense of style.

Thanks to The Other Andrew for the link to this site!

Lost Items

2007-07-09T18:40:00.001-04:00

Have you ever lost some thing you still wish you had? At the moment I wish I still had these glasses. I loved these glasses. Yes, they are silly, but I loved them. It was 1992 and I was 25 years old. I was living in Athens, GA attending university.

I had some crazy times in Athens. I attended UGA, was part of an experimental band, The Vomits. I created a tremendous amount of art, explored bisexuality extensively (oh!) and just had a blast.

Anyway where was I? Oh yeah, I lost these glasses while me and some friends were visiting Ricky Wilson’s grave. The cemetery caretaker was a mean, nasty old man (probably my age now) who used to chase people away from Ricky’s grave. He would come after you with a pitchfork.

One day while paying homage we were chased away by this man. We panicked and ran up the railway embankment which was covered with kudzu, crossed the tracks to the other side of the embankment. What we didn’t realize at the time is the other side of the embankment was much steeper. The kudzu grew up at such an angle over old bushes and trees we didn’t know we were going to be swallowed up alive by impenetrable kudzu!

Now I must admit we were all rather stoned. So we took a tremendous fall and tumbled down the embankment, much like Buttercup in the Princess Bride. The good thing about this situation we vanished out of sight from that horrible man with the pitchfork.

My glasses disappeared when all this happened. So I am thinking some where in that kudzu are my glasses.

Perhaps I need to make a trip to Athens.

Too Much

2007-06-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

Stupid me. I believe I drank an entire bottle of wine. Too much, too much, TOO MUCH!

The evening started at Steve and Jim's house when I popped in for a quick visit. I was offered a glass of wine. Then I met Nicholas, Calvin and Jeremy at Gallery Espresso where I had a glass of wine. Then we ended up at Lulu’s Chocolate bar where I had two glasses of wine. Oh, and then we popped in next-door at Venus de Milo where I had two more glasses of wine!

Actually I don't think I finished that last glass of wine and now that I think about it I probably drank more then a bottle. Some of those glasses are like two normal size glasses. Anyhow I had to spend the night at Nicholas's apartment and ended up sleeping on his most uncomfortable settee. Now my back hurts.

I think this is going to be a rather lazy day. Though I will say we had a swell time.

My Dead Body

2007-06-28T12:00:00.000-04:00

$4575.00

Hey Lewis, apparently my body is also worth more then yours! Ha, ha!

Gallery Opening

2007-06-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

Last night Calvin, Nicholas and myself went to a gallery opening at the Telfair Museum of Art’s Jepson Centre. I’m afraid I can’t remember the name of the artist the opening was for. There was an unimpressive installation piece of painted clay babies that ascended the stairs in the museum. It dealt with race and such.

At one point I was expecting Nicholas to fall and roll down the stairs in one of his uncontrolled spiritual possessions by Anna Nicole Smith, taking out the installation on the way down. Thankfully he managed to ward off her spirit long enough until we left the museum.

During our walkabout I was more impressed by the works of Hilary Brace. What an amazing artist! Her work is small, mystical and painstakingly tiny. I don’t know how she does it. The images I viewed were in charcoal on polyester film. Very cool.

Below are some photographs taken inside and outside the museum for your enjoyment.

The baby installation.

Looking towards the reception area.

Rome?

The old post office tower.

It was a lovely evening.