bit o blarney

My new Home

2007-06-13T22:05:00.000-04:00

http://www.drinkingalestellingtales.blogspot.com/

Catchin Up

2007-04-24T22:23:00.000-04:00

Okay so the phone has finally been fucking fixed but it has yet to rain since said fixin' so we'll see.
Jennifer ( my little sister) had yet another surgery. This time they went in to see if they could figure out where she was leaking spinal fluid (don't ask..it's much too late and I'm not sure I could even tell you why she'd be leaking spinal fluid) My mother says things went well so that was good news.
Work is getting zanier by the day. More new people than you can shake a stick at (some you want to hit with the stick) and work is picking up. Promotions are being given out like condoms at a Bill Clinton rally, hours are being flipped and flopped and in the office they are playing musical cubicles. Crazy stuff. I'll be getting a nice fat job from Liz Claiborne tomorrow or Thursday so that will beef up the ol' paycheck..
We spent some time with our groovy neighbors across the way, Keith and Stacey tonight and when I told Keith I wanted to get a little mountain bike he went into his shed and pulled out a shiny red Cannondale and told me to keep it. He scored it form someone somewhere for next to nothing and if I would do the honor of getting it the heck out of his shed, I could keep it. sweet! Thanks dude.
The weather has been beautiful here...gonna change tomorrow though..rain coming in..again.
gonna go listen to some tunes on the ol' iPod..
later..

oh and the Sox swept the Yanks this weekend in Fenway. Life is good

Why Doth Thou Suck Verizon??

2007-04-17T18:25:00.000-04:00

These guys are fucking idiots. I swear to God. We had a prbolem with our phone lines when it rained. We call customer service at least once a week since October. Now, one of the four phones in our house rings when a call comes in. This is progress from yesterday when none of them rang. Now, what the sweet fuck is going on with you morons? You might think a communication giant like Verizon could deal with something such as rain. You would think. It's been raining for how long?? I dunno..the begining of fucking time and you twits can't create a phone line that works when it gets wet?? Mother of Pearl..
Please if anyone reads this blog..please heed these words.drop Verizon like a hot potato. You get crap service for your money and their customer service department sucks like a nine-dollar vacuum cleaner. Fuck..

Saturday

2007-04-14T13:48:00.000-04:00

Hello..two posts in a week? Yowza!...
anyways..The newest news is Jennofer is home from the hospital and resting. She is happy to be in her own bed and more importantly, to be home with her daughter. Another surgery is planned for May and a dose of some new radiation treatment. Let's hope the radiologist is competent enough to administer it to the correct part of her body.
Work is slow..work is busy wehave no inbetween at my place. Feast or famine. We are under going major changes. We have anew unit head and he is gonna straighten us out. He is a really nice guy and he is a Sox fan too..so good luck to him.
We are getting ourselves a new manager for our department on May 1st. Since our old one left in January, some of the guys in my department are taking advantage of the 'while the cat's away' policy...Frustrating but unless it directly affects me, I couldn't care less.
Forecasters are predicting a massive storm to hit us tonight through Monday. A Nor'Easter. Northern Jersey may even get snow! Better them than us.
I went shopping today for stuff for dinners. I haven't cooked for Herself in some time and this weekend I think Ive got a nice menu planned.

Long Time No See Little Man

2007-04-10T19:08:00.000-04:00

yeah yeah...bite me...
since we've spoken last the following has happened. I have fully recovered form my trip to Vegas, Verizon has fucked us up one side and down the other. My boss at work has left (angels singing) and my sister has undergone Brain surgery to remove a tumor.
We have this problem with Verizon. We had DSL and whenever it rained, yes the water from the sky, we could not use our Internet and our phone had such a hum in it you couldn't hear anyone you were talking to. Unless it was Rush Limbaugh. You figure a hi-tech group like Verizon could plan for such a foreseeable thing as rain. But I digress. We called them once a week for three months and they still could not fix our issue. So Herself decides we need to get FiOS. A fiber optic service offered by, umm..Verizon.
The installers were supposed to be here at 9am. My wife took the day off from work. We were first on the list. The knuckleheads didn't show up until 8:10 pm. For a five hour job. I'll give you the shortened version of the events that transpired. They drilled through our outer garage wall into the garage to mount the new box. In doing so they severed our doorbell line. (that story is a whole 'nother entry, believe me..) They were in our attic at midnight, connecting and disconnecting our cable tv service, and when they laid the wire form the road to the house, it came from the underground box and ran ONTOP of the ground to our house. They were supposed to insert said wire into a tube (that was placed underground 6 months ago) and snake it up to our house. The wire is still, a week and a day later, on our lawn and all the wires in our cable box are hanging out. Fuckin' a. Repeated calls to these pinheads have yielded no results. Fuck me.
My little sister Jennifer had brain surgery a few days ago to remove a tumor from her little melon. She had surgery in November to remove one from around her vocal cords and the ass wipes told her it wasn't cancer. We all rejoiced. Then they called her and told her it was indeed cancer. She had to have chemo and eventually, a feeding tube. Recently after an MRI the tumor had come back and spread. The doctor told her not to worry, he was sure it wasn't cancer. So they make her wait TWO MONTHS for her surgery. They get in, remove two-thirds of it and tell her three Pathologists have looked at it and it isn't cancer. We all rejoiced yet again. Guess what?? The fuck-sticks goofed again. It is cancer. And, there is still a mass in her temple encroaching her eye and optic nerves. Fuck... does anybody but me do their fucking jobs right?
ughghhhhh

When The Phone Rings That Early, It's Bad News

2007-02-25T21:01:00.000-05:00

The other morning as I was getting ready for work, the phone rang and because our friends Debbie and Don are early risers we assumed it was Deb. They get up so early, they get the bird that gets the worm. This is not unusual. Deb usually calls at this time because it's the best time to get my wife. My wife and I exchange looks and say in our sleepy voices "Debbie". I pick up the phone and look at the caller ID. I frown and say "My Mom," I hand the phone over to my wife. I am from the school of thought that if the phone rings between 11pm and 8 am, the news is bad.
My baby sister had recently had a cancerous tumor removed and had undergone radiation and had recently even had a feeding tube put in. Her spirits are good though. My wife spoke and then she bit her lip as she was trying not to cry. I looked at her and went back to making my lunch. I had a sick feeling in my gut. My wife spoke to her for over an hour and I went to work. Right before my shift started, my cell rang. I took a deep breath and answered. My wife told me the cancer was back, bigger and stronger. It had spread. I cannot tell you how sick I felt. I sat on a skid of boxes, away from my arriving coworkers. I did my best to not cry.
I cannot believe this is happening. Although all of my siblings have a neurologial disease and this is one of the possible side affects, I never wanted any of use to experience any of them, especially cancer. Cancer killed my Dad. He carried the gene ( and the disease) we all inherited.
I'm slightly numb. My sister is 33, she has a 7 year old daughter. My sister is adorable. Tiny, little hips , big chest, long hair, nice smile and she's a firecracker. It seems unfair. Of course anyone having cancer is unfair. It seems horrible to hear about someone you know having it, or one of their family. But when it hits your loved ones, it's the worse.
On Wednsday, she will have a MRI and meet immediately with two docs, and possibly a neurosurgeon to determine a treatment course. I hope it will be a good one. I hope it's anything that will help her. More surgery, a clinical program, anything. She is remaining positive. She's upbeat and she has talked with her daughter. The little one knows her momy is sick and has told her 'not to be scared to die, because if she dies she can be with her Daddy again'. Pretty heavy coming from a 7 year old.
I'm going to remain an optimist for as long as I can. I know, unusual for an Irishman. I'm also smart enough to know she's in for a fight and I'll continue to pray for some kind of miracle

The Lovely One and Meself in Vegas

2007-02-18T22:09:00.000-05:00

Okay...explain this to me

2007-02-17T09:46:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of a snack vending machine. We have a few at work. Notice the front is glass, you can clearly see what's in it. Right? On the little numbered buttons are the raised braille bumps. Braille...Okay I get that the vendors have to be pc or non-disciminatory or whatever..but, honestly, what good is the braille if the poor bastard can't see what he's selecting??

Mother Nature is a Bitch

2007-02-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

Yes. Yes she is.
For the past, I dunno, month...we in New Jersey and evryone else within a five-hundred mile radius has been in the grips of a cold spell. It has not been above 12 degrees since I don't know when. And it will not get warmer until Saturday when we hit 20. Woo-Hoo! I cannot take this shit any omre. I am not a baby, I grew up in New England. The cold doesn't bother me, but long ong stretches of it does bring one down. From the numb toes to the aches that run up and down my spine....My truck has a good heater so that's a plus. My area of the building is not so fortunate. In the summer we have NO a/c and now it seems, they have cut the heat. The office, is of course, mostly toasty. In our area people are working in jackets and scarves. True story. We all huddle around the heat unit on our high-speed ink-jet printer in the mornings to restore blood flow.
They have named a new warehouse manager. He is a good guy and I've been workign with him since I began their 6 years ago. So good luck to you bud.
I will be assisting the Lovely One this weekend with an open house. Don't know how much help I'll be, but I'm game. If it'll help out, I'm the man....I hope..

Housewifes and Hookers

2007-02-01T20:27:00.000-05:00

Okay I'm back from Vegas. What a town. It cannot be explained to those who've never been there. I did fly and survived. Of course I had a little tranquilizer in me but overall, the flight didn't suck. Except for the fact that the seats were so small they look like they were designed around an anorexic five year-old dwarf spider monkey. Really people. Not comfortable at all.The flight was long and uneventful. Thankfully.
Once on the ground we checked into our hotel and hit the bar. The hotel was of the divey variety and it had a funny stink to it. These places are amazing. Billions of dollars are poured into this city in gambling alone. Not to mention the whores. They were everywhere. Walking the streets and I'm sure I saw a few in the hotels. And when you think hookers in Vegas, don't hink Pretty Woman, think more like 'crap, I hope the power goes out..' Guys stand out on the sidewalks handing out coupons for the call-services. Coupons people. Coupons for fucking blow-jobs. Think about that for a minute.
The city is, aside from that, amazing. When seen from the air it baffles the mind. The desert is pitch black and then all of a sudden, like a spotlight, there it is. Billions of lights in the middle of the desert. Hundreds of people fill the casinos. From the ordinary guy and his wife and kids to the singleguy thinking he's ome to town to bankrupt the place, to the retireees hoping to pad the ol' nest egg. A person who's into 'people-watching' would have a field day here.
We gambled. I won a bit on the blackjack table and the wife won a bit on the Elvis slots, we gave a bit back but in the end we broke even. Had dinner in a four star restaurant. Dig this. The groom's son knew the manager of said restaurant and the kid hooks us up big time. Free wine, free champagne. Free appetizers, and I'm not talking nacho chips and watery salsa here boys, I'm talking freakin' pate and some kind of whipped salmon spread. Dinner was amazing. I had a pan-seared steak that gave my stomach a fucking woody and then the deserts came out. There was six deserts dropped on the table and when they were gone, 6 more came out. We all waddled out of the place. The name of the place is the Bouchon and it's in the Venetian Hotel.
The hotels and casinos are amazing. I'll get into that more in another entry. Anyways. It was freakin' cold today and apparently a big snow storm is coming in this weekend. Great. Take me back to Vegas

That's Just the Vikes Talking

2007-01-13T15:40:00.000-05:00

I awoke early this morning. The cat was mewing somewhere in the house, looking for his breakfast. He suddenly appeared on the bed and slinked up my side and plopped his fat ass right down against me. And started purring. Nice right? How sweeet. No. The cat is huge and when he purrs you can actually feel the vibration in the mattress. Really. Plus he has a genetically wacky purr. his momma 'Timex' had the same thing. So I get up and let the Lovely One snooze, as she has been getting up early every day for school/work. Plus she got up early last Sunday so I could snooze..it's only fair.
I sat in the quiet kitchen enjoying my tea and then flipped the tv on. I'm keeping a close on on the tele looking for news of plane crashes. I said in my last post that I would be flying for the first time ever in two weeks. I'm still pretty fucking scared. My wife is super supportive and has tried to calm me but I think once I've safely kissed the tarmac in Vegas, I'll be a wreck. It has been occupying my mind and I've even lost some sleep over it. But something happened this week that has alleviate my fear. Somewhat. There was a horrible accident in Freehold this week. Three teenagers and a 68 year old woman killed in a car accident. Shit. The wreck has been all over the news and even covered in New York. To see the aerial view of the scene you would think you were seeing the aftermath of a NASCAR wreck. It was sickening. The kid driving the Cadillac STS was apparently fucking flying ( no pun intended) and the big muscle car smashed into a mini-van carrying a 68 yr old woman and a 13 year old student. Everyone in the Caddy was killed. It got me thinking. That could happen to me. Even though the Lovely One tried to comfort me by saying you're safer in the air, it hit me when I saw this. I only drive 8 miles to work each day. But we live in a heavily congested part of the state. There are so many cars on the road compared to planes in the sky. Shit.
I've also read a fear of flying site written from a psychological view point and that has helped. Some. I'll just have to get it over with. Now my dilemma is this. Tranquilizers or beer?..
It will be comforting to know if something, God forbid happens, I'll be with the woman I love and two very close friends.
I'm having some bad pain today. I've just taken my second Vike and it is only 'taking the edge off' . The weird thing is, I didn't 'do' anything to aggravate it. I was simply climbing the stairs. It is awful. It's like having a knife between my shoulder blades. I tried taking the Duffmeister for a walk but he was unusually jumpy and 'pully' today. Plus it was raining. I cannot get comfortable. Crap.
I've spent 99% of my day in front of my 'puter playing POGO. I've downed 5 cups of tea so far and I did something I have not done in years. I'm watching the Boston Bruins. My former favorite hockey team is on NBC.
Since moving to Jersey, I've become a Devils fan. I resisted at first but their awesome style of play has won me over.
It was hard at first. The Bruins, and those of you in New England will agree with me, are like a bad relationship. The girl is pretty, but she never does anything to make herself prettier. She's content being just hot. She wears the same old clothes, make-up is always the same... The girl keeps letting you get closer and closer, stringing you along, but she never 'closes the deal' (my analogy for winning the Cup). Yet you keep hanging on...hoping someday, some way..it'll happen. She drags you along for weeks, years. Your life is slipping away and she still has your heart, and keeps breaking it. Suddenly , you meet a new girl. She's just as pretty and maybe even a little prettier. She cares about you. She lets you know because she's constantly trying to make it happen. She draws you in with her style, her charm and her 'toughness'. She even seals the deal. Often too. 3 times in five years. You are hooked. You can't let go. She's got you and she knows it.
I hope that kinda clears things up.
Back to the Lovely One. She is really enjoying the fact that she is now a Real Estate agent. She worked her arse off and now she has a job that will reward her for all her hard work. She received her open house signs today with her name and cell phone number on them. Very nice. She says she can't believe she did it. I can. She's wicked smaht.

Sooner or Later It'll Happen

2007-01-08T19:34:00.000-05:00

Some time ago, I worte a post I think I titled 'Every time my wife and Debbie get together they try to drown me.' Well, thankfully, the water attemp has failed and now they will be prying on my biggest fear. Flying. Deb and her new beau have decided to get married in Vegas and have super-graciously booked us a package so we can go. Gratis. Super cool right? Yes except for the fact that I have to finally get into one of those metal tubes that defy gravity and catapult myself across the country.
I'm just happy that the flight is planned for 4pm. That way I won't feel too guilty about banging a few back.
God help me.

An Hour Late? It's Cool..This is Rock and Roll Baby

2006-12-15T09:11:00.000-05:00

So last night I come home from work. I find the Lovely One sprawled on the couch looking she had just run the Boston Marathon and in need of a four week nap. She pulls herself to an upright position and relays to me her office party is tonight. Now she's been having some trouble with a few of the bitches (hey. it's my blog I'll use naughty words if I want. Just be thankful I'm not using the word I really want to use) but she must put in an appearance. So she continues by telling me that "Ro", one of her good co-workers is heading to Freehold ( yes Bruce's hometown) for a concert by a musician that is managed by her husband. So I look at my wife and think 'There is no fucking way she can stay awake for all this'..But we decide to make an effort. So we hit the road and go to her office party and are greeted at the door by biotch number 1. She is so sweet, my teeth ached. of course it is all an act and while I smile and say hello, I shoot her a look that says 'I know what you're doing ass-face and I'm not in the least bit cool with it'. So I meet some of her coworkers, including Teresa who is apparently quite a hoot. She left right after we got there though and we sat with Bobcat, the owners husband. He is a pilot and still cannot believe I've never flown. I tell him something so big and heavy ( a jet) just shouldn't, logically, be able to stay in the air. He tells me he'll have me over for a six-pack and he'll explain all the physics behind it. I'm sure that will put me completely at ease...
So after the party we head to the pub/restaraunt Cliftons in Freehold and wait. The show was supposed to start @ 8 but this is rock and roll..so we wait. about a half an hour later the musician comes in. His name is Jody Raffoul and he made his way to the corner of the bar where we were gathered. Ro introduced everyone and he was very nice and smiled and shook hands. He then went to the bar and ordered tea.
45 minutes later we all went to the 'club' on the second floor and settled in with only about 30 or so other people, for what was a fantastic set of acoustic music. This guy is GOOD. If I had any computer savvy I'd put an MP3 on here but that will have to wait until the Lovely One can assist me. Jody performed with a second guitarist whose name I didn't catch. His music is straight ahead rock and roll and he does, indeed rock. He even opened a few of Bon Jovi's shows this summer. If you guys have a chance to catch him locally or anywhere else do it. You will not be disappointed. I'll post his website info later today.

My Girl's Wicked Smahht

2006-12-05T20:12:00.000-05:00

Yes.Yeas she is. The Lovely One today officially became a liscnesed New Jersey Real-Estate agent. She was as nervous as an Israeli bus-driver when she went in for the test but when my cell rang at work at around 2, I looked at my caller id anmd taking a deep breath, answered her call. She said "Honey?"
"Yes Baby?"
"Guess what?"
"You passed??"
"I passed !!" she shouted.
I'm really very happy for her. She's been busting her butt and wracking her noggin for the last several months and to say she's been stressed out would be a wee understatement.
So congratulations sweety!!!!

Every Time The Lovely One and Debbie Get Together, They Try to Drown Me...

2006-11-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

Okay so the Lovely One really probbaly wouldn't want to see me drown but it's odd that I end up in/on the water 85% of the time these two get together.

A little background first. Yes, I grew up on the shores of Narragansett bay, but I am afraid of water. I had a few bad experiences as a young boy and they have stuck with me.

When I very first me the Lovely One, we went to Debbies home in Cape May. Beautiful house, right on the water. Her then husband Bill says "let me take you out on the Jet-ski" I must've gone white because Debbie says "Bill is very good on that thing. He's never lost anyone. Never even tipped it. You'll be fine...." So wanting to impress the Lovely One I went for it. We got on the jet-ski and while we are still in the dock, he rolls it. I go under but pop right back thanks to my life vest. So feeling the need to impress, I climb back on and we hit the waves. Her was flying on that thing. I was not happy. See....I'm happy moving at a slow comfortable clip. Bill, was feeling the need for speed. Anyways....

This past weekend we drove to Deb and Don's new home. It is right on the Chesapeake Bay. I'm talking right there. They are at the end of a private road in Rock Hall MD and the last house on the road is theirs. AWESOME views. I mean AWESOME. They have views of the Chesapeak bridge and well..everyfreakin' thing across the water for miles....Awesome.

Well anyways..I've always said I'd like to try Kayaking. Refer back to nice and slow...

we got to the house and half-way through my first beer Don says "let's go Rob.." Well I jumped off my stool and followed Don to the launch. He plopped a life-jacket on my wee shoulders and sat the boat on the ground. I sat in and he shoved me into the water. It took a second to get the feel for it, and I was doing okay, when all of a sudden, from behind came the loudest boom. A shotgun fired by some duck hunters over my left shoulder. I thought I would shit and roll the boat. But I maintained my composure and started paddling out into the cove. The water was nice and calm and this suited me fine. Don came up behind me and said "c'mon."
Well I paddled, awkwardly admittedly, around the roacky edge of the property and there facing me was one spectacular sunset. I had a nice calm feeling about me, considering I was on the water....

I sat as the incoming tide gently rocked my little kayak and watched the sun go down. Ithink I may like this kayaking thing..maybe...

Poker?? I Hardly Know 'Er

2006-10-10T22:39:00.000-04:00

Does anyone else want to smack the crap out of WSOP winner Jamie Gold....or is just me? Watch the repeats on ESPN2..he's the goob with the mountain of chips in frot of him and the mouth that won't quit. The other fellas sit and say nothing. Nada. This guy's up and down telling everyone they should fold, that he has a killer hand...ad infintum. Crap man, shut yer fucking cakehole and play cards. I wanted nothing more to see him go down in flames but alas, he won the whole kitandkaboodle. I wanted that Richard Lee guy to win. The 55 year old grandfather from Texas. What a great competitor and most importantly, a great sport. Class act.
Yeah Jamie Gold is taking his 12 milion dollar first prize and he's going to take care of his ailing dad, who has Lou Gehrigs disease and that's admirable. I just wish he'd shut that trap of his.

The Sunday Poll

2006-10-08T22:51:00.000-04:00

At Verizon, We Hate (oops) LOVE Our Customers

2006-10-08T22:23:00.000-04:00

We have Verizon DSL. It is usually a nice zippy way to cruise the Internet. Unless you live in my development. Some time ago, the Verizon knuckleheads were in our area digging holes along our sidewalks and burying cables fo their new fiber-optic thingers. They have done something bad in the process. See all the wiring for our phones and DSL is in a small 'tower'. on the strip of grass betwix me and our neighbor. The tower is solid plastic and seems sturdy at glance. However, the tower doesn't sit flush to the ground and the base of the tower is in a wee bit of a hole. Follow? Good. Now the wiring at the bottom of the tower is exposed. And every. fucking. time it rains our Internet experience is sow fucking awful it would make the Dali Lama scream and kick the dog. Honestly. it is WORSE than dial-up. It took me almost half an hour to download 2 songs from iTunes. Unbelievable. On top of that we have a humming in our pohone line that makes phone conversations near impossible. The Lovely One has called customer service several times in the past two weeks and still we have this problem. A gentleman even came out to "repair" the problem. He lifted the tower, allowed about 20 ounces of water to drain from it and then left. It worked great, Until the next rainfall, and if you follow this crapola blog you know it rains here more than Cambodia. She called the number for DSL cutomer service only to be told the problem was in our phone line. Nice. So we pay for a service we cannot use. Nice fucking scam you guys have going.

66th place. You Poor bastard

2006-10-01T20:13:00.000-04:00

I have been following the World Series of Poker on ESPN and I have to say. I'm kinda hooked. Maybe it's all the great poker faces or maybe it's the way these guys (and some fiesty ladies) gamble with huge sums of cash. Thousand dollar chips are flying around like condoms at a Bill Clinton support rally.
Impressive to say the least. The guy who finished 66th got like 100k. First place is 12 Miilllllliiion dollars. 12 million dollars. Say that, out loud, tou yourself a few times.
I could not play in that because I have no PokerFace. I have been told on numerous occasions, by several different people that I walk around with a look on my face that says 'I'm up to no good...' Imagine. Me. anyways..pocket Aces and I'm sure I'd break into a jig right there. Goodbye twelve million dollars..
Spoke with a former co-worker tonight via AOHell. She is doing well since leaving the Zoo. About to get a nice big raise in fact. As a matter o' fact, I think she may or may not have said something to the effect of buying me a Jag for Christmas. But that could be the Sam Adams talking.
I worked yesterday. We are workign on a huge job for ScrewintheElderly Insurance Co. We get massive jobs dumped in our laps and given half the time we need to get them done. Very frustrating. So frustrating in fact that only MEself went in to work on it. Well my Boss was there and another soul. But the rest of the lads said no dice.
The weekend flies by when you work one of the days. More frustrating is the fact that the Lovely One works every other Saturday and we are on schedules where I work when she's home and she works when I'm home.
Well short entry tonight. Be sure to vote in my poll in the sidebar. New question every week.

2006-09-14T21:23:00.000-04:00

So it's been awhile....yeah yeah..slacker..I know
Today at work we (well, I was busting my tiny arse trying to finish up a job for Saks. My Coworkers were, my supervisor ( who I swore I wouldn't bad-mouth this week because he fixed my Swiss Army watch gratis), The Golden Child and a Chinese girl whose name, appropriately enough, is 'Rong'. Yes pronounced wrong. See, you drop the envelope into the shuttle feed and it is whicked down a conveyor belt, under an ink-jet and printed. The envelope has the Saks logo on the top left corner and can, well, should only be put into the feed on way. Otherwise the address is upside down. We explained this to her several times and each time she smiled, nodded and said 'sorry Joe'. She then proceeded to do the same thing a few more times, ruining approximately 125 envelopes. No biggie I guess. We should be done by break tomorrow morning. It's a good feeling getting one of those big, pain in the arse jobs out the door.
Weather is rainy again and it is affecting the back. not so bad lately, thankfully. I just had my Leprechauns Little Helper refilled just in case.
The Duffster and I were just having a catch. He has little plush soccer balls and I swear he's the reincarnation of Gump Worsley because nothing gets by this pooch. We were out in the yard one day and I really kicked one to (at) him and he snatched it like Billy Clinton picking up coeds at a pro-life rally. He's that good. Better. He rarely misses. I'm impressed. The problem is, he has the energy of seven four year old children. He makes the Energizer bunny look like Cheech and Chong. I wish I could bottle it....
I've been updating my Ipod Shuffle with some new tunes. The Lovely One surprised me the other day with a giftcard. Isn't she swell?

What's Going On?

2006-09-05T22:54:00.000-04:00

Yes I know..slacker is a word I hear often enough so get back Loretta..
Since I've written last, some time ago, my thumb has healed nicely. The Lovely One is amazed at how well it healed. It alnost doesn't look freakish. The lass who stitched me did a swell job and I should have only a minor scar and not the bad-ass mofo scar I was hoping for. Scars build character and they are great conversation pieces. Until I show the one on my hip which requires me to almost show me wee arse. Talk about ending a conversation quick...
The thumb is fine and only hurts when it rains, is windy, I laugh, cry or whack it on the forklift at work. Serves me right for trying to be handy. The good news is I think I may be getting a new food-processor out of it come Christmas.
Work is going well. Busy as Hell but that makes the day go by. We have new temps in evrey freakin' day and unless you speak, Spanish, Kurdish, Pashtu or whatever, have akiller memory for names and/or faces and a photo diary , you're fucked when it comes to rememebering your coworkers.
One the 31st of August the Lovely One and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. We did so by going to the colonial inn in which we were married for a killer dinner. Thanks to Deb and Don for dinner.
It amazes me that the Lovely one has made it this far. I can be trying at times I suppose. She knows me so well she sometimes even knows what I am thinking. And for those of you who don't know me, you can't appreciate how scary this is. So here's hoping we have tons more anniversarys. I love you sweety. I was disappointed becaus eI wanted to make up a little limerick for her but I was stuck..I came up with ...'your life would be as fine..if ya' had a lass like mine..' The hardest part was working in her marvelous breasts into somthing romantic..Ill keep trying tho..
Our 'good' neighbors are leaving tomorrow. Unfucking believable. The twat next door will be here forvere and probably outlive me but the good ones are going. Florida actually. Just in time for hurricane season. Bummer. I wish them all the best as they have been spantabulous neighbors.
It rained like a bitch here Saturday and Sunday was fantastic. So fantastic we headed to Pennsy to see Don and Deb and a splendid time was had by all.
Happy the new season of House is here. Great stuff.
Time to put the pooch and myself, in that order to bed.

Meet Me at the Market

2006-08-12T15:07:00.000-04:00

I was up early today. Not unusual, we are both usually up by 7. So I say to Herself, "I think I'll go to the market thismorning." The market being the Englishtown Auction. It is a huge indoor/outdoor flea market. You can find pretty much anything there and most of the prices are really good.
The weather this morning was ideal walkin' weather so I drove the 2 or so miles, parked about half a mile from the action and headed in.
The one thing I absolutely had to get was a pair of Army issue camo pants. I wear them when I work in the yard because they are so freakin' comfortable. I was assisted by Norm. I told him I just needed a pair of pants, the plain ol' olive drab ones...no pattern. He says, "Nah you don't. Here ya' go" and hands me a pair of camo pants. They were 20 bucks and I think that's a wee bit high so I wander his booth, hoping to find another, cheaper pair. When I was in R.I. the was an Army NAvy Surplus store near my house and I bought used pairs from a little Vietnamese fellow who owned the store. Cheap and they last for years. So anyways I find a pair with a 13.50 price tag and decide I'll get those. I go see his brother at the register and he tells me the price is wrong and should be 16.95. I hand him my Jackson anyways and he mumbles a 'sorry about that pal.' and yells to his brother 'gimme a belt. not that one... cammy!' He nods and says 'I'll give ya' a free belt 'cause of the screw-up.' I thank him and he tells me come back if I have any problems at all. I assure him I will. Then it's off into the crowd. The Englishtown Auction is quite an experience. The dealers and patrons alike encompass, it seems, every race on the planet. A Jamaican selling gospel cd's under a tent by the road, (who Norm didn't seem happy with) a an African woman selling Shea Butter right out of a tub under the summer sun, a man from Ecuador selling footbal jerseys. They are spread out on tables, hanging on racks, and stuffed into suitcases. I wanted one but he didn't seem to have much from the EPL. Lots of teams from Central America, Mexico and the Bundesliega. The price is fair, 15 bucks. It's not the 'authentic' team issue but hey, it looks exactly like the real one. The eldery,weathered American couple selling fresh produce thatsa stuffed into wicker baskets...it's all there.
Many women walk with parisols and umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. Men hoist their kids up onto their shoulders so their little feet won't burn on the hot pavement, or stub their toes in the outdoor area of the market that is basically rocky, dirt paths cut through the grounds.
There are many outdoor and indoor food stands and the smells all mingle together and it makes you want to eat.
After strolling for an hour I deceide it's time to go home and relax and enjoy the rest of my Saturday.

Ouch

2006-08-10T20:02:00.000-04:00

This is the result of my run-in with the food processor. Hey, when I fuck myself up I do it right.

Welcome Back Lefty

2006-08-09T21:14:00.000-04:00

Well I went back to work today with my wounded hand. I was put to work doing inventory. It was nice. I was driving a 'picker'. This is a neat device that can cruise down the narrow isles in our warehouse and the platform rises up to (I think) 55 feet. It doesn't bother me now, I do wear a safety harness, but the first time you go up the basket starts to sway to higher you go...phewww..So anyways I was given about a dozen or so locations to check. It was easy and it didn't bother my hand much at all. The Big Guy said if I wanted to work he'd find something easy to do. Thanksfully. The idea of aweek off was tempting and if I had a ton of loot in the bank, I'd do it. But I was informedby our HR gal that getting your check could take weeks. So while I'm bummed that I've had to use 2 off my precious and quickly fading PTO days, I did that.
Many people were shocked that I had come to work at all.
The wound looks nasty...all the stitches and the swelling....but Monday the stitches will come out and soon I'll be back to normal. Well..maybe not normal..but you know what I mean.
I had a nice quick, painless dentist visit today. A tiny cavity. So small I didn't even need Novacain. Thankfully. I've had my fill of shots this week thank you....
Is any else excited about the upcoming return of the show House MD? What great show. It is one of the few shows the Lovely One and I actually sit down to watch every week.
Monday I had my stess test and to prepare me nurse Lorraine shaved off approximately 9 of my 14 chest hairs so she could apply the little electrode thingys. I did good. 13 minutes on the treadmill. Yeah me. Good news is the doc says he doesn't see any problems. With my heart. My cholesterol, however is another story. I have to go on a 'diet' to try and lower it. Great. Thank God I can have up to two beers (12oz. servings) a day..can I get an AAAmennn ??!! Anyways....
Last night the Lovely One and Meself had dinner at a littleplace our neighbor Jenn told us about. It's in Brick, here in Joisey, and it was easy enough to get to. It's called Carrabbas. What a great place! The place is really nice, the decor and lighting, etc. The food was fantastic and the waitstaff couldn't have been better. If you're in the area I suggest you check them out.

I'm So Happy You Gave Me That 14th Stitch...13 of Anything is Unlucky You Know

2006-08-06T14:42:00.000-04:00

Well. For weeks I have been wanting to do an entry on those stupid warning labels you see on products. You know, the one on the block of fresh cheese..."please remove seal before serving.." The one on the curling iron .."Do not insert iron into any body orifices..." the one on a say, I dunno.... food processor.."don't operate without saftey lid in place.."...Today I count myself lucky to still have my digits and the use of them and I add myself to the list of stupid people these warnings are made for.
Yesterday I was cleaning the garage, making room throwing out stuff we didn't want...you know, a late spring cleaning..I was near the end when I dropped our mini food processor, breaking off the little piece of plastic the acts as the safety. See, the tab catches inside and disengages the safety. I attempted to see if I could salvage the device. So with one hand on the top of the blade-post and one hand poking a knife into the catch.....well...it was ugly. The blade engaged, rose up the post and slashed my little hand. I immediateyl knew I was in trouble. Luckily, the Lovely One was home. Right in the kitchen with me as a matter of fact. I grabbed my hand and howled. She whipped around. All I could say was "I need stitches." She composed herself, grabbed her keys and drove me to our local hospital. Fortunately they took me right in. I had to explain four time what I did. I wish I could have made something up but I think the blood lose affected my creativity, never mind crushing my pride.
I was put in a bed and a pretty L.P.N. came in and said "Let's have a look." she didn't flinch as I showed her my horrible gashes. She said "could you get up and gop to the sinnk and rinse it?" I nodded and got on my jelly legs and walked to the sink. When the water hit the open wound I thought I would pass out. She kindly told me that was good enough after four seconds and led me back to the bed. She said she had a little one to stitch up first and she'd be with me in about an hour. The Lovely One and I spent that hour watching a Chris Rock movie which helped. If laughter is the best medicine that guy would be a great fucking doctor. After 45 minutes a nurse came in (finally)with a pain pill ( disappointingly it was only Tylenol3 with codein) and a Tetanus shot. I offered it to Herself but the nurse smiled and promptly stuck me in my right shoulder. She then told me the LPN would be in to stitch me up.
Now honestly , stitches don't bother me. I even watch. However. There is a small porcedure which is horrible. Terribly horrible. The shots of Lydocane. The LPN, Diane was her name, came in and said she would rinse the wound. And she did. Twice. Once with Iodine ?, then with Saline. Each time was excruciating. I finally came down from the ceiling and she told me she would give me some Lydocane and it may hurt. Hurt. No. It FUCKING hurt. And if you've never had stitches let me tell ya', the shot of Lydocane is the worse part. She gave me about 15 shots. Most of them into the open wound, deep into the meat of my hand. I was up off the matress each time. Maotherfucker that hurt. The Lovely One was kind enough to offer to hold my hand and I'm thinking she regretted doing it. Once Diane started to suture me we realised the Lydocane either hadn't kicked in or she a spot. Either way it meant 3 more hits with the Lydocane needle. Once that was over she started her stitching. And I must say she did a splendid job. Once I was settled I watched her finish me up and I was sent on my way.
Funny thing is, when I was laying there waiting for the stitchlady, all I was thinking was the thing is still plugged in and I was worried the cat would get up on the counter and hurt himself. So the Lovely One called Tomcat and he rushed over to dispose of the maiming machine (which he said had alot of blood on it) and he was even so kind as to mow the lawn for us.
After that our groovy neighbors across the street Keith and Stacey and Skyler invited us over for dinner. A lovely meal prepared by Stacey and Skyler and cooked by Keith on the grill. They are the best. I've done and entry about how cool my neighbors are and there's another in the works. The microwave story. Hopefully in a day or two.
So here I sit feeling like an ass for making the Lovely One spend her first Saturday off in three weeks in the ER with her dumbass husband. So I leav you with this. When an appliance, especially one with sharp blades on it, has warnigns please heed them.
My thanks to Diane Occhipinti and Sandra Sandoval at CentraState Medical Center for fixing me up.

Hot Stuff ! (Thank You...)

2006-08-02T13:11:00.000-04:00

It is hot here. It will be 104 today with a heat-index of 112. What is going on? And don't give me any of that El Nino shit either. It is not air-conditioned in my area of the building. Factor in the meatl roof and the fact that we ruyn hi-speed printers that have a heating unit attatched to the end of them to dry the ink (which runs at 100+ degrees) and you get apretty uncomfortable work space. So uncomfortable in fact that dozens of 8oz bottles of Gatorade were purchased for us and we gotan extra 5 minutes for break. Woo-woo....It was a nice thought but when it's 90 plus in your work area, you need about 20 minutes more...
Many folks were totally dead by 4pm. Several fans are running but all they really do is blow the hot air around....I cannot wait for fall. It's still warm enough for shorts back there into December. I remember one day last November I went to work in shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt. It wasn't bad, about 55 degrees (I'm from New England remember.) and when I came out of work and we had about 4inches of snow on the ground and it was falling like a son of a gun. That was a chilly ride until the heater kicked in.
So, in regards to the heat. I took a PTO day today because I ddin't think I could handle the heat. I'm so glad I have ajob where I have paid days off. Although this year I've really been burning them up. I need two half-days next week too.
We had to shit can our old microwave adn we've been on the hunt for a new one. Today I found the elusive creature at Lowes. (sp?) A blcak, GE Spacesaver, over the range something or other. Now the hard part will be getting our neighbor over to install it for us. He said he would, that's not the problem. The problem is he works long hours and often, two jobs. We're hoping it can be done this week.
Slag next door has started putting up her fence and I cannot tell you how happy we will be not to have to see her dump of a yard anymore.

Now We Wait For The EPL

2006-07-20T18:40:00.000-04:00

The EPL kicks off a new season on Aug 19th and I can't wait.
If you've followed the World cup as I did, you may be dissapointed, as I was with the officiating. If you're living in some fantasy land where the streets are paved with loli-pops and the skies are blue with big fluffy cotton-candy clouds and you thought there was nothing wrong with the refs in this go round of the biggest tourney in the world, then, well then you suck as bad as these referees. Sweet Jesus I haven't seen this much of the color yellow since Lance Armstrongs run in last years Tour. I mean are these guys watching the same games we are? Fuck me.
Not only did the ref's fuck the US in their game against Italy, but they handed Ghana the match on that fateful Thrursday. Apparently you were not allowed, in the 2006 World Cup to challenge your opponent for the ball. You should let the ball fall gently to the ground and civily discuss who should take it. Fuck me again.
It is not a rumor but solid truth that the President, King, Supreme Ruler, Great Big Head or whatever the leader of Ghana is called, has declared the 22 of June to be Markus Merk day in Ghana and the next four hundred babies born in Ghana, be it boy or girl must be named after the ref. Not only that; whenever the ref comes into town, he will be given the suite at the town's Hilton and a fistful of coupons good for free blowjobs from the local whore house. For life. Motherfucker. Hey, the USA team wasn't exactly tearing it up this time around but the PK awarded in extra-time of the first half was the final nail in the US's coffin.
We all know that Italy disposed of Francein the shoot-out and what's up with Zidane and that massive headbutt?...Yikes! And then we have Wayne Rooney stomping on some guys crotch in the Portugal match. What the fuck dude? Yeah you're pumped, your countries pride is on the line but man, you stomped his prick. Sure, he'll save a ton of loot on hookers until the swelling goes down but man, i'm not sure tht will exactly be a great comfort.

How Cool Are My Neighbors??

2006-07-19T20:15:00.000-04:00

I should have written this up tow weeks ago when it happened but one thing and one thing alone stopped me. Laziness.
One morning, sometime ago, (which to an Irishman can mean anywhere from five minutes to several years) I awoke to the sounds of Faithful Dog scampering in the kitchen with the missus and Big Head, our cat, whining for his breakfast. It seemed to be a bit hot in our bedroom. I thought nothing of it as we have been hazy, hot and humid here for the last week or so. I am fully awakend by the wife calling me to the kitchen. I stumble downstairs like a zombie and hear an odd buzzing. Electrical. The motor to our a/c unit is humming away but there is no cool air. No air is moving. Fuck. "I think the motor is toast," says my pretty little wife. My brain is not in working mode yet. It usually takes me an hour and two cups of good, strong Irish tea. I tilt my head to the HVAC unit. The motor whirrs and whirrs...no air comes out of the vents at all. "Piss," say I. "Maybe we froze over. Let it warm up outside and maybe it will thaw," I offer. Well the wife waits five minutes and tries again. Nothing. She goes to our bay window that faces the street to look for Kenny or Shirley. They are our neighbors up the road. Kenny does HVAC and plumbing work. She spots Shirley walking their monster doggie Rascal and walks out to her. I am on my way to work so I have to wait for news.
I'm at work firing up my printer when my cell rings. "Are you ready for this?" says my better half. "No." And I'm not being a prick, I'm really not ready. We just replaced our water heater in April and just, just fucking paid it off. Matter o' fact, were just talking over tea two mornings ago about how next week we will be ahead. Finally. I await the word. Dr. Kenny has examined the patient and confirmed our fears. The motor is dead. But, there is good news. Jeff around the bend owns a business and he designs cooling systems for commercial businesses. His brother owns a supply store. He tells my wife he'll get back to her. Well the brother has a motor, and he overnights it to Jeff! So that night we slept without our a/c. It wasn't bad. We had some nasty thunder-boomers roll through and the torrential rains that came with it accomplished two things. A: it wiped out most of the humidity and drooped the temp about ten degrees and B: the sound of the rain lulled me to sleep.
So that night, Kenny comes home from working all day, stops into his house for a quick Dorito fix and then comes to our house and installs our new motor! He even refuses payment for his labor! He only charges us 20 bucks for the freon charge he put in. (Yeah we needed freon too) How cool (sorry) is that??
So two big thank-yous to our wonderful neighbors Kenny and Jeff. Thank you guys. We really appreciate this

Yes, it is hot enough for me.

2006-07-17T19:17:00.000-04:00

Okay, someone's got to get hold of that Mother Nature bitch and tell her to knock her shit off. Enough already. Today the temperature in New Jersey reached a brutal 137 degrees. Yes. well...okay..it was only 100 but still, what the Hell's the difference at these temps?
Lately in Joisey we have had the following three weather patterns. Monsoon rains for days on end. Extreme, sack searing heat and brain melting humidity, and sack searing heat accompanied by rain and brain melting humidity.
The heat will continue and be worse tomorrow. 108 with the 'heat index'. For those of you fortunate enough to not experience a 'heat-index', here's what that is. The heat index is apparently what the temperature will 'feel' like if you roll 11,070% humidity into your 101 degree temperatures. The air is like a curtain. You can actually feel it parting across your face like a damp, smelly mop when you walk outside. It is killing us. The Lovely One doesn't really care for the heat, her bad ticker and all...and me fuck me it is killing me. I'm constantly tired and all I want to do is sleep. Plus, my section of the building is NOT air-conditioned. Not to mention I work on a hi-speed printer and the dryer is basically an open sided oven that reaches over 150 degrees on it's own. In the winter it's super, but now...crap on toast...
I cannot wait for Fall.

Happy Birthday to Gang

2006-07-16T15:50:00.000-04:00

Today is the 94th birthday of the lovely lady you see pictured here. This is Gang, the Lovely One's grandmother. Doesn't she look great? I hope I look this good when I'm 65 never mind 94.
My grandparents have long since passed away but when I married the Lovely One, Gang 'adopted' me as one of her grandkids. She is thoughful and kind and has awonderful personality.
She also, incredibly still drives, cooks and works in her garden every day! Amazing right?
She is in town and we have been spending some time with her. I wish you could all meet her. She is incredible.
Happy Birthday Gang. We love you.

2006-07-12T19:09:00.000-04:00

Raining again..big fucking surprise eh?
Work is going okay. we're in our 'lull'. The second two weeks of each month we sit around half-asleep picking bugs off of each others backs and pray for a tornado to rip the roof off so we can get some fresh air in that place.
Tomorrow I go to visit Dr. D, my wife's cardiologist. Well, not her's exclusively, she shares him with other folks, but not of her choice. If it were up to the Lovely One he'd be here in our guestroom on call full time. He is a really nice guy and on more than one occasion I've heard other docs call him brilliant. So I've been having this thing going on, usually after sex, but sometimes at work. My heart races like crazy, I get sweaty and a little dizzy sometimes. Yes, I know that's what supposed to happen after sex but not like this. And what about when it happens at work? So I received a twenty-seven page questionnaire from the CardioMan to fill out prior to my visit and I anticipate seeing him. My mother has a bad ticker and wears a pacemaker so maybe it's a genteic thing or maybe not. I'm sure it's nothing major....okay, I'm hoping it's nothing major. We'll see.
How 'bout those Italians?? the World Cup is over for another 4 years and of course there had to be controversy right until the end. if you missed it, the great French soccer hero Zidane rammed his big, bald head into the chest of Italian player Masserati after and insult from the Italian. This guy, the Italian has been suspended a few times in Italy's tough Serie-A division and even at International level. I thought only hockey had goons?
Well, you have to know that if you insult Zidane (who has kind of a rep for being a bad boy himself), who grew up on the tough streets of Marseille, you will be on the receiving end of something. I just wish it was agoal in the extra-time to sink the Italians rather than a head-butt that got him sent off with a redcard in his final pro football experience.
the Italian, according to one of many 'expert lip-readers' who were handily at the match Sunday, said to Zidane "I wish an ugly death for you and your family Go fuck yourself." Geeeeez maybe a head-butt wasn't so awful after all...

Happy Birthday to The Lovely One

2006-07-08T15:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday today to me lovely wife. I've picked upa cake from Mendokers in Jamesburg and we may go to dinner.
My family though, continues to piss on my parade, and they're 300 miles away. They never called or sent a card or made any effort to remember my wife's birthday. It would be bad on it's own, but my wife is the most caring and thoughtful person I know. She always remembers people's birthdays and recognizes them. Especially people in my family. She is thinking about what she's getting people for Christmas in July for fuck's sake. She goes above and beyond for everyone she knows and this often happens.

Like a Blowjob from Karma

2006-06-21T19:32:00.000-04:00

This week the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Edmonton Oilers in 7 games to become this years Stanley Cup Champions. Hockey, people. The Stanley Cup is the oldest of sports trophies to be awarded, starting in 1892 awarded to a certain team from Montreal. It was just a wee bowl back then and now it is a tower of shiny metal, emblazoned with the names of every man whose team has achieved this greatness.
Although I was disappointed the Devs were not in contention, I am truly happy for the 'Canes. Not too long ago they were the dreadful Hartford Whalers. I was happy Glen Wesley finally got his crack at it. He toiled for the even more pathetic Bruins for years without a championship. He played hard and was a true team player so he's due.
Even happier though, for Mr Rod Brind'Amour. Rod is a fantastic player, a true leader and although I would have been happier to see him inn a Devils uniform, I think he is most deserving.
Many years ago Herself was on the board of the Chidrens Cancer Institute when she learned of Rod. A young cancer patient named Steven Reid confessed his love for the Flyers hockey club and his Fave-o' player, Rod Brind'Amour. Rod spent many hours working with the foundation donating his time and to the childrens charity. He appeared at events and had sent jerseys, sticks, tee-shirts and other Flyers goodies to Steven and even gave him ducets to the games and invited him to team practices. This thrilled Steven beyond words. Sadly, Steven lost his battle with cancer but Rod gave him and his family much happiness in their troubled times.
He, like the rest of the team, including by the way, Peter Laviolette who coached the Baby B's in Providence R.I. (Congrats Peter!), support many charites in the Raleigh area.
One of them is Kids 'N Community Foundation, which raises funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Eastern North Carolina Chapter. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and melanoma, and to improving the quality of life of patients and their families. Check 'em out

So anyways, where I was going with this mess is that when you do good things, good things will happen to you. So, Rod, here's looking at you man.

2006-06-19T19:24:00.000-04:00

Get Back

2006-06-17T14:38:00.000-04:00

Well, like the other 80 billion people on the planet, I'm in my WorldCup mode. I've watched all the games I possible can. Even catching them on Univision, our local Spanish channel. To her credit, Herself has been very patient and has caught some of the action with me. She did, however, put her foot down when I thought I'd rename the cat 'Figo'....just until July 9th of course.
Today saw a HUGE upset when the lads from Ghana put the foot to those pesky Czechs. They looked like they were playing against six-year olds. No offense to my local six-year olds. Great game..I now eagerly await the start of Italy and USA. Let's go boys, you can do it!

My Neighbor Sucks. Can I Mace Her?

2006-06-11T07:30:00.000-04:00

Another work week is in the books and I'm almost enjoying my weekend. I say almost because again, we were awake before 5am. Usually the cat, but today, there was someone in the road revving a car engine and it sounds like they were throwing an empty garbage can around. Nice.
The slag next door, Gretchen Ganky, went to the Township and filed complaints against three of her neighbors. One of them being yours truly. In her statement she claims we are throwing 'refuse'(charcoal/burnt food) from our grill into her yard and then, this is the best part, "hair from the cat after grooming".
Okay, firstly, we don't use charcoal, we use Lava rocks. Secondly, I am Master of the Flame, I don't fucking burn food. If anything gets "burnt" it is a hot dog I'll char up for the Lovely One who likes her doggies wellll done. And as far as the cat fur, God knows....Maybe she has the "Little Whore DNA and HIV Testing Kit." God knwos with her.
She said Wendy, who lives behind her, is washing the poop from her dogs kennel into her yard. She (the Slag) of course, did not tell the woman at the Township that she has a dog who happens to be tied up right behind Wendy's pooches pen. And we never see Bitchface cleaning up crap.
I truly hate the woman. it's not nice, I know, but the gowl brings it out of me. I almost wish a big hunk of frozen waste would fall from a 747 right onto her fucking melon. I say almost because she does have three kids and, hey, you can't help who your mother is. I mean the woman is just awful...ugghhhh..
On another note, the weather was awesome yesterday. About 75 degrees and a nice strong breeze...kinda like a fall day..love it. Today is supposed to be the same.
Remember the co-worker I mentioned a few entries ago? Well, she got her new job and is on her way out. Too bad...Apparently her boss nearly dropped over when she told him. Oh well, treat your people good and they won't bail on you. Now there will be four people in that department. When I started in 2000 there were 15. Yikes!

On a happier note, the World Cup has started. I was,at first, happy to see that all the games would be available on the telly. All the games, that is, if you have a HighDef TV, and subscribe to ABC High Definition. Fuckers! So what the poor folk will actually see are games carried on ESPN2 and the local Spanish tv station. They do a great job, I mean, I don't have a clue what they are saying but they're excited! I can tell when someting is going on or about to go on. I caught a few games yesterday. Really, you don't need play-by-play anyways. It is the beautiful game after all.
Hopefully today will be restful.

News From Da' Hood

2006-06-04T09:37:00.000-04:00

Sunday is here and instead of sleeping late, we were up at 530 because of the cat. I blocked his kitty door to the house with a half a case of canned soda. He pushed it out into the kitchen and made his way upstairs. He wailed and carried on and when he was sure we were awake, he jumped on the bed laid across our foreheads and went into his 'chainsaw' mode. He purrs so loud, knick-knacks rattle on the shelfs.
Speaking of knick-knacs rattling. A neighbor two doors down was having a party for his twins and they were in the street playing basketball and one of the fuckers had their car stereo POUNDING. I mean, shit people. Our windows were shaking. That was, I think, in retaliation to the Slag (who is between us and the neighbor in question.) One of the kids that she accused of breaking into her home was the birthday boy. So this goes on for hours until the police roll up. This does no good because A: the cop tells the kids turn it down, and they do..for all of 2 minutes until they are sure the copper is gone and B: because father of birthday boy is friends with a couple of the cops. The stereo pounding started at about 3 and at 6 I told Herself I could not take it. So we drove on over to the new Wal-Mart and picked up a few little things and when we got home around 915 the little fuckers were still playing basketball in the road. And they did so until almost 11. It's dark you little pricks.
On Tuesday, Captain CrazyPants across the street is taking our neighbors to court over their outdoor fireplace. He doesn't like the smell. Apparently, the smell from his charcoal grille doesn't bother him when he's standing right over it, but the smell from a completely contained fireplace over 50 feet away does. Jaysus, I can't believe the court will even allow this. Imagine this guy trying this with our forefathers? "Excuse me Mr. Jerfferson, I don't like the smell of your burning wood and I want you to stop." Ol' Thom would have him in a headlock, dragging him to the woodshed, kick the snot out of him and not even be in violation of his civil rights.
But now we, unfortunately, live in a country where all we care about are people's feelings. What is next? "I'm allergic to your flowers, take them up out of your flowerbed?" "Don't wear your Devils t-shirt to school Tommy, you may offend the Catholics." "Dear Fox executives, I don't enjoy Family Guy, please take it off the air?"
I am praying the judge who hears this throws it right out of court.
We caught 'Brokeback Mountain' last night. Pretty good movie.
I want to mow the grass because due to the twelve inches of rain we have had in the last three days, the grass is almost three feet hig. We've lost the dog twice already. okay, it's not that bad. I exxagerate now and again.

Never a Dull Moment

2006-05-24T19:15:00.000-04:00

So we sit down to watch our Tuesday night fare. Idol and House. When we hear the DuffMeister going absolutley and completely apeshit in the back yard. We decide to check it out because even though he barks for 22 hours a day, there is something in his voice that says "Feck Off! Feck Off!"
We go to the door and a police officer is walking between our house and the slag's house. He has a flashlight and is obviously looking for something. Or Someone. We corral the wee beastie and we find that a police car is parked at the bend in the road. Lights off. Another arrives. And soon a third. We peek out and see Mamma Slag and her three offshoot standing on the sidewalk whilst the good officer enters the home, hand on holster. Shite! Why doesn't this happen in the daylight hours?? So without being obvious, or so I hope, I peek out the blind every commercial break. So after an hour, the cops split and as soon as they do, slag-o-matic loads the brood into the mini-van and heads off into the night.
Tonight we discover that, apparently, three of the little feckers in the 'hood have broken into her house and robbed her. I say apparently because nobody knows for sure. Yet. The three 'suspects' are kids from the immediate area. Teenagers. Early teens. And whilst they do piss me off at times, playing basketball in the road until near 11, I'm not jumping on the guilty train just yet. They are, in my opinion decent kiddos. One even interrupted his quality "chillin-time" to help Herself and I find our fatso cat when he saw me looking in the hedges for the escaped SmokeMeister. And to boot, the woman in question is about 23 cards short of a full deck so we'll see...
I'm currently nursing a badly infected finger. I'm takin the anti's and soaking in red-hot water. The doc says he didn't think he need to lance it and that made me happy. So we'll see. Herself was afraid 'twas a flesh eating bacteria. Yikes! Glad twasn't. The bad news is it's on my right hand. The dart throwing hand. Good news is it is finger number 3. I only use my pointer and middle finger to grip the ol' arrows so even if they had to remove the bad one down the road, I could still throw...
This weekend will be a good one. See, we are entertaining Debbie and Don. I will be preparing a dinner of Veal Picatta, with a salad and some French Onion soup & who knows what else. Herself is quite handy in the kitchen also and we may whip something other tasty morsels together. I really like Deb. She's very nice and she's a fine cook also. Don is a really nice guy too so it should be a fun weekend.
My friend and co-worker is on the hunt for a a new job. She works in the office as a CSR and let me tell you guys. She knows her shit. When I was a Super and had a problem, she was the only one who could fix it. The Powers that Be keep increasing her workload and give her no more loot. She was passed over for a position she was well qualified for but someone else, less qualified and notso smartso got. Office politics I 'spose. I'm glad that doesn't happen in government...
Nothing else going on. The Devils are golfing right now so I'm pulling for the Oilers and Hurricanes. If they both make it to the finals I'm gonna be torn.
Looks like a quiet night at the Leprechaun Inn. Watch the finale of Idol ( Go Taylor!!) and go to bed for a (hopefully) good nights sleep.
Leprechaun out..

Thanks Boys

2006-05-15T19:32:00.001-04:00

A big thank you to the Devils for a great season. They were, unfortunately, bumped fromt he playoffs last nigth by the Carolina Hurricanes. Who the fuck watches hockey south of Jersey anyways?? I though NASCAR was their thing..oh well..drive fast, turn left, whatever...It was a great season and I applaud our team and wish them well for next season.
Weathers been nice all weekend. Today it poured. At work we have a flat roof and although it is a fifty foot ceiling, the building is, well, cavernous. The sound of the rain hitting the roof was deafening. Kinda cool actually.
The thunder clouds are gathering outside now and the thunder is rolling in. It's getting closer by the minute. I can tell because the knick-knacs are rattling...
Well, I guess this entry will be cut short..
Stay dry.

Thanks Boys

2006-05-15T19:32:00.000-04:00

My Weekend in a Nutshell

2006-05-08T07:06:00.000-04:00

I've been awake since 3 am so I'll do my best to get through this without too many errors.
On Friday night, we brought dinner to a coworker of mine who had emergency open-heart surgery. He had like his fourth bypass. His poor wife had Zombified since Tuesday when they rushed him in. So the Lovely One called and asked if she would like a nice hot meal for her and her two kiddos. So after working all day, the Lovely One came home and made her deelish Mac and cheese. And a batch of brownies. We delivered them and spent a few minutes chatting then came home.
Once home we spotted our groovy neighbors across the street. They often sit on their patio and often, we join them. Stacey came running over adn invited Herself over. I had afew little things to do and I joined them after. We were sitting having some drinks, listening to some music, basicall winding down after a long work week with friends. Well Keith and Stacey have aneighbor who's a bit a bit, well, how can I say this nicely??...He's fucking coo-coo. Keith has a chiminea and he burns it quite often. Captain CrazyPants next door screams and yells becuase he doesn't want Keith to burn it, saying it affects his childrens asthma. To which Keith replies, a: quit smoking around them and/or b; close your windows and run your a/c. Crazy says, no that doesn't help. He has 'soot' around his vents in his home and it's all because of Keith's chiminea. He has really caused alot of problems for our friends
This night we saw the Captian pull up and we immediately extinguished the fire. Well, he runs over and starts screaming at Keith calmy tells him, 'we extinguished it for you. It's out' The guy insists it's not and anways, that's not good enough. Keith, still calm at this point, God knows how, tells the guy to pound sand. We put it out. Leave us alone. The guy continues and now Keith's calmness is gone. They are now yelling across the fence. Stacey kindly offers to adjust the Captains attitude for him but he refuses. He says he will call the cops so Keith says "no. I will." and he does. The police tell him he's doing nothing wrong and will send someone out. Well, noone ever came. So the saga of the chiminea continues. We thought we (all the neghbors around Captain, would buy chimineas and light 'em up on the same night...hee-hee..After a late night we head home to bed and crash.
On Saturday we head out to the lush country side of PA to see the Lovely One's childhood best-friend. Debbie (Bat1)is a wonderful person and has been going through a bit of a bad spell lately. She has met a new man and gotten new digs (which are by the way fabulous and the best thing is they are in an adult community. NO KIDS!!) and thigns are starting to turn around for her. And that makes us happy. We had a great day and traffic wasn't too bad. On our way Herself had the thought that maybe Debbie wouldn't have beer in the house. After I regained control of the car I simply said I'm sure she will. When we arrived Debbie hugged me and told me to go into the kitchen and get myself a beer. She said "Would I not have beer if I knew you were coming?"
So whilst Herself and Deb played catch up, Don and I sat out on the patio shooting the breeze. Don's a really nice guy and he seems to genuinely care for Debbie. Don got the fire going and we had a great dinner. Steaks, some chicken and salads. All served out side on the big glass patio table. The table was packed with food, drink, candles and lots of laughter. As the night wore on we moved indootrs for more merriment. About 12 Herself and Meself decided to hit the road. Well, we got a wee bit lost. See, route 76 and 276 (PATurnpike) are one road for a brief bit heading west. Returning east, they are two very different roadways. I got onto route 76 and realised immediately, to both our chagrin, we were heading in the wrong direction. Well, in western PA the eits are really, really far apart..so after a lost 20 minutes I hit the first exit I saw and before getting off the roadway, did an illegal u-turn and got back onto 76 and finally we were on our way. We got home at almost 2 and were both immediately in bed.
Sunday Herself had errands to do and I did some little things around here. The sun was starting to fall behind the trees when I sparked the grill and we had a lovely dinner on the patio.
We then caught our Sunday night shows, Sopranos Cold Case, Big Love..and went to bed exhausted. Today I may take a personal day and sleep all day...if I'm lucky.

Patrick Could You Pass Me The Broom? Thanks Man...

2006-04-29T20:09:00.000-04:00

This has so far been a lazy weekend here at the Leprechaun Inn. The Lovely One has been very much under the weather last couple days. In fact she has missed the last two days of work. Today I am feeling like I may also be getting sick. I actually went back to bed at noon and slept until almost 230. I woke up just in time to see the Devils complete the sweep of the much hated New York Rangers. The Devs have been on quite a tear latly. Winning 15 straight. They won the last 11 of the regualr season and the first four games of the play-offs. I put in a pic of superstar Patrick Elias. He's leading the team in playoff points and had a total of 45 points in 38 games this year. Big deal say you? Well consider he had missed the first 44 games this year with Hep-A. He got that while playing in Russia during the strike last year. The rest of the guys are on really on their games and I anxiously await their next round opponents. Things are getting interesting in Philly and holy crap on a stick , the Edmonton Oilers look like they are going to be giving the big boot in the arse to the red-hot Detroit Red Wings and, I have to be honest, I wouldn't mind seeing that. I kinda like Edmonton.
I grew up in New England and always cheered for the Bruins but over the years, bad management and horrible trades ( Joe Juneau for Al fucking Iafrate?)have turned me away. The day they traded Ray Bourque was the final straw. But hey, this is the team that traded Bobby Orr. Hmm..maybe they just don't want to win the Stanley Cup again....Anyways, Herself has always been a huge Devs fan and her enthusiasm was contagious. After my frist season in Jersey I could see why. Great players, topnotch management and superb coaching. Lou was actually running the hockey program and Providence College during the late 70's and early 80's. So there's my little Rhode Island connection to the Devils..lol.
Hopefully this year the boys will bring the Cup back to Jersey.

I Hurt My Back Twenty Years Ago..Who Can I Sue?

2006-04-25T18:56:00.000-04:00

I came home today form work and immediately fired up the grill. Herself had prepared patties and I partook in my almost favorite summertime activity, grillin'! I enjoyed the springlike evening with Duffy running in circles around my ankles in his attempt to herd me. He is a sheepdog after all.
Anyways, over dinner, Herself tells me she was listening to the two braindead twits on our local talk-radio station. I mean these guys are dopes...they are rude, crude and offensive. They make fun of everyone though, so at least they don't discriminate...and the knuckleheads are talking about a young lady, well she is about 20 now..she was playing high-school basketball..about 6 years ago and she ran to the end of the court and fell into those pads that hang on the walls? Like the big cushions?? Coach ran over, helped her up and asked her if she was okay. She said yes and like a responsible adult, he told her to sit down and relax. She shook him off and said the following "No. I'm fine. I want to play." "I want to play. I'm fine." Okay say it aloud a few times. She told coach she's fine. So the guy's like "Okay get back in there sporto" Probably all proud because he's got such a tough cookie on his side. Yeah? Well guess what? The girl is 20 now and she is suing the fucking coach. Five years later. Yes. I got so mad but then I figured, well there's always some dirt-bag lawyer out there looking for his next peep-show who will take a case like this.

How do people get away with this crap? Hopefully it will never even reach a court-room and it will go the way of the lawsuit brought to Mickey D's doorstep by the two steamers in New York who ate twenty pounds of fast food a day and were mad because MacDonalds didn't tell them ground meal worms fried in animal lard were bad for them. Duh! Come on people...but ya' know what? There was a lawyer waiting to take that case. His punishment should be having to take the girls to MCD's for a week. Ouchy...
Hopefully the slag suing her coach gets her just deserts...like maybe she'll have to go golfing with O.J....

My Week to This Point

2006-04-20T20:37:00.000-04:00

Monday at work I started two fires on the Scitex (our hi-speed ink-jet printer) withing three minutes of each other. See, our printed materials pass via speedy conveyer belt, under a heater. The heater gets hot. Super hot. Red hot. As it has to dry a blob of printed ink in the approximately .4 seconds time in which it passes under the heater. Sometimes the piece gets hung up. And when the piece gets hung up, especially these nice high-gloss invites I'm printing, they go up quick. Very quick. So naturally, I reached under the heater, pulled the flaming cards out and dropped them into the 'fire bucket'.
After my second fire, one of our supers, an Indian gentleman looked over and laughed saying, "Too early for Bar-B-Q buddy.." I guess it's funny to hear it in person...
I'm now currently a month ahead of schedule. Which is good.
Tuesday night I walked outside to lock up my truck and I saw a tiny cat nosing around near the sidewalk. I figured him to be a 'sewercat', one of the many strays we have in our developement that lives in the storm drains. I made a little noise and he/she/it came charging over and rubbed all over me purring madly. I scooped the wee beasty into my left hand swung open our front door and held him up for Herself to see "Can we keep him?" I asked jokingly. She came out and even though she doesn't like cats (eyeroll) she came out with a little bowl of dry food for him/her/it, which was eaten rather quickly. Later in the evening when I was putting out the trash I went out to look for him/her/it and didn't see it. I made that little sound and I see this little head poke out of the storm drain across the street and here he/she/it comes charging across the road, meowing like he/she/it's being poked with a cattle prod. I scooped it up for a little more attention and noticed that the ears are roughed up,and there's a scratch across it's nose. I'd hate to see the other guy. The wee beastie is apparently a scrapper. Maybe not by choice. When you're a wild cat you gotta do what you gotta do. You want that mole for lunch, you gotta duke it out man...anyways...I haven't seen the wee one lately but I hope he/she/it is okay.
Last night we wrapped up the darts season. We took 7 gamnes but needed 9 to move up to 3rd from 5th. Oh well. Next year.
Tonight I decided to mow the lawn. Last and this year we have had a mice problem in the shed. And last year the little fuckers built a nest in the tube of my leaf blower. Tonight I try to start the mower and three adult mice shoot out of the engine compartment. It was kinda funny, I mean I didn't chop them up or anything.They ran for the cover of the tall grass. So after I mow I take the leaf blower out behind the shed and hold the tube upside down and bang it on the ground. To my chagrin a nest falls out and in the nest are two baby mice. I mean, days old. Now I feel like a dick. However, when I start the leafblower I feel worse. The rest of the nest and the mother shoot out of the tube like they are being shot out of a cannon. Great. I scoop up the babies in their nest, place them in an old container and bring them deep into the woods. I make sure they are beneath a thick cover ofgrass clippings and pricker bushes. Hopefully protecting them from any predators that may be lurking. And I'm hoping momma mouse finds them.
Now here I sit, relaxing, listening to some tunes...Hopefully the weekend is less eventful....

Cancer Blows

2006-04-17T20:08:00.000-04:00

Today was the usual Monday. Blahhh. I did not-so-much at work and when I came home, the Lovely One was at her computer. I gave her a small kiss on the top of her head and she spoke quietly. "Guess what?" I asked what. She then told me Pam had died. Pam was a woman Herself had gotten to know through her journal. Pam had cancer and fought a good fight. She posted when she could on her journal and many people followed her story. She sadly lost her battle today. She was at home with her son who had come home from college to care for her. I'm glad she was at home. Home is where the heart is after all.
Herself had put a little car package together for her. Pam was very pleased with the little token of love and friendship Herself had passed along and posted a pic on her journal.
It hurts me when I hear of good people dying so young. Pam had just celebrated birthday number 50 last week. I remember my dad who has, amazingly been gone 6 years now. I say amazingly because it seems like only yesterday we lost him. And if you read this rag you know I lost my good bud Marc to cancer last year. He had just turned 25. 25. I am 37 and when I think about where I was 12 years ago and to think about 'going' then...
Herself had her bout with cancer when she was in her 20's. I have trouble thinking about that. But she is tough as nails and she beat it. Her son the Tominator also had cancer. Luekemia. He beat it and he's now as big as a house and strong like bull. I'm certainly happy for that. It seems cancer finds all the best people and triesd to kill them. Proving my point that cancer is evil. It isn't fair. Sometimes life sucks like a 4 dollar whore.
I can grouse about it but it will do me no good. I sometimes sit and think of Dad and Marc. How they both died so very young. Each one would give you their last dollar or the shirts off their backs. When I start to get down I take comfort in the fact that I have a really good life. I have a wonderful little home, two (most of the time) great pets and the best wife in the known universe. My in-laws are very good to me, and I have a decent job. And aside from my back being a bit wonky now and then, good health. And I take comfort in the fact that they were both a good and happy part of my life.
I hope Pam is at peace now. Her suffering is over and that is a good thing. Her family will miss her as will everyone who knew her. Please keep Pam and her kids in your prayers.

Has Anyone Seen My Bunny?

2006-04-16T18:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter all. Or passover, or whatever itis you celebrate today.
We got up this morning and went ot church for Easter. Although we had a bit of a todo when Herself couldn't find an outfit to wear. Well ,she did have one together but apparently the shirt she wanted to wear had an unnoticed stain on it and this created a small problem as she had no back-up plan. She tried on several outfits and what she finally chose did look very good on her. She is a cutie and she looks good no matter what she wears.
I picked up a couple of new shirts yesterday. I think they are called linen shirts?...They are sooo comfortable. I let Herself pick the colors. Yes, my wife is my fashion consultant. For two very good reasons. A: I'm color-blind and B: She has great taste and knows what looks good on me. She would never steer me wrong. So I think I looked good today.
Work is still somewhat slow but that's good. Let's me get ahead on a job we are doing for one of our biggest customers. Maybe we'll pick up this week.
I got a lovely gift of chocolate and an iTunes gift card for Easter so now I must decide what songs to purchase. I've got a few already.
The weather is really nice. A bit cooler today that yesterday but I'll take it. I fertilized the lawn last weekend and the other day Herself noticed I have two huge bright green stripes in our front lawn. Apparently the fertilizer took better to these spots than the rest of the lawn. It looks silly so I applied some fertilizer to the 'lighter' spots and I'm hoping that does the trick.
That's all. Happy Easter.

2006-04-13T19:28:00.000-04:00

Here we are. Thursday.
Last night was, what I thought, our last night of darts. It is, in fact, next week. We are still wallowing in 5th place. We're not a bad bunch of shooters, we just have a hard time hitting all at the same time.
After next week we'll have our banquet and then a 'Cricket' tournament and that will be it until September. I'm hoping I'll be throwing better next year. I almost feel like I'm getting some of my old form back. I had a good night last night. Winning both of my singles 301 matches. I'm tough to beat in 301.

I came in and dropped into bed at around 11. Unfortunately, I awoke at around 2
with pain. I flipped about for a minute and of course, woke up Herself. She wasn't to thrilled so I got up and went downstairs for a drink. I sat in the throne for about an hour and when I felt like I might be able to sleep I went back up to bed. Herself was still awake and her moon was entering the house of cranky. She asked what was wrong and I told her. She asked if I took anything and I said yes, just waiting for it to kick in. So, now, the cat is in the room. Why she lets the wee beastie in the room at night is anyones guess. She feels badly for him. That's all. But he doesn't sleep in the bedroom because he wakes us up all night. Now, it's after 3 and he starts making a ruckus and I get out of bed to cat-apult him from the room and Herself says' Let him stay. He'll get on the bed and go to sleep.' Well he got on the bed alright. But he starts purring. And when he purrs it's like being next to a bulldozer. He has the loudest puurr. Now herself shoots out of bed and goes into the guest room. She slams the door and the cat bolts upright, looks at me and then hops off the bed to follow her. I follow him closely and when he is out of our room I shut the door.
The guest room bed has a loose headboard and while Herself is flopping sround, trying to find the position that will bring slumber, the headboard is crashing against the wall. I told her tongith it sounded like she had company in there..hahah..she laughed and said who would I have in there? and at the same time we both said 'Spiderman'...meaning he'd have to have climbed up the side of the house to get in there...oh well..
Tonight I'll take something before bedtime to knock my little arse out. So hopefully we can both sleep more than 4 hours tonight.
Work has been unusually slow. I took half a day today. Came home, mowed the inside of the yard where the Duffster hangs out, did laundry and got dinner together. Well, it was together, in the crock-pot, I just added the last ingredient to it. I think something in there wasn't right because I now feel a bit squeezy. I hate this feeling. I hope it passes.

I was kinda surprised with Idol this week. I thought for sure Kelly would mangle any Queen song she tried but I was kinda impressed. It was weird hearing her squeeky, southern twang doing Bohemian Rhapsody but it wasn't bad.

How Many Irish Guys Could There Be in Cambodia?

2006-04-03T19:07:00.000-04:00

I work with several temps. Many Hispanics, some Vietnamese and a few Cambodians. One day last week I was on one of our hi-speed ink-jet printers and I had a Cambodian woman 'feeding' the machine. Another young lad was with us, opening the boxes the material was in and settign up the feeder. She was looking at me smiling and prattling on in Cambodian. They went back and forth for about twenty minutes before my curiousity got the better of me. I looked at 'dave' and asked him what hell was going on. He said something to her and she came over and put her hand on my shoulder and motioned to my face. And laughed. Dave finally told me she says I remind her of her brother. I'm just like him apparently. Interesting. How many pasty white Irish guys could there be living on the equator? Interesting. Now she greets me with 'hello brother.' Better than 'hello ass-monkey' I guess.
So I'm sitting here listening to some tunes I got from iTunes. A little old Santana, some Soulive, Ray Lamontagne, SteelyDan, David Grey..etc..
It's been a long day.I did nothing today. This morning when she woke up, the Lovely One felt really crapola so I took a sick day and hung out with her here at home. Thankfully she had a nice long nap this afternoon. As for myself I divided my day with playing GTA3 and watching the RedSox open the season against the Texas Rangers. Thankfully, they won! Yeah!We're one and oh. A nice way to start the season.

The weather here is nasty. It's cold and rainy. Miserable. The kind of weather that aggravates my back. It's supposed to be really bad tonight. High winds, thunder hail..yikes...

I took the Duffster for a nice long walk after dinner. He's getting really good about the leash. Cars still spook him and when the freight train rolls by, look out! He does not like that.

The darts season is wrapping up. Thankfully. We are wallowing in 4th place and to me the season can't end soon enough. Don't get me wrong, I love to play and the guys are great. I just feel that the night runs too late. I usually get home near midnight and I hate to sound like an old man, but good Lord, that is just too much for me anymore. There is a meeting at the begining of the new season and I'm going to run some ideas by Freddy who is running the leauge, to shorten the night. Fewer games. Shorter night. I hope.

That's all for now. Stay warm.

2006-04-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

Saturday is finally here.
Today I raked. I know, do it in the fall dumbass....yes. Well, I did do it in the fall. The problem is the slag next door did not. and her crap, includiong feathers from her two ducks, made its way into my yard. I have been saying I'm going to do it and today was the day. I even put down some fertilizer and later, before the rain, I'll throw some seed down.
It is simply beautiful out there. It's warm. 60ish, and a killer breeze. it's a 'high' wind. meaning, the tops of the trees are really swaying and on ground level, the breeze is just enough to keep me cool as I work and to sound the bamboo wind chimes in Herselfs Zen Garden. Enjoyable. I, of course, overdid it again, and now I need a hot shower and something for my back. joy.
Herself is hard at work at the moment and I'm enjoying some quiet time meself. The dog is napping.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Oh and btw, check out waiterrant.net. Great blog.

Pass the Guinness.

2006-03-17T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today is, as we all know, the finest day observed by the American public. Saint Pat's Day. All I can say is thatnk goodness we are observing it in America as the pubs in ireland are closed on holy days. phew.
I decided to take today off from work. Work is sheer chaos right now and I've worked enough overtime that frankly, they didn't need me today.
The day started early. I got up with the wee beasties adn had me tea. The day doesn't begin until the tea is consumed. I have been told I can be slightly cranky in the early hours ( any time before ten a.m. I guess ). So today we spent the day together. We went early to the hospital for Herselfs bloodwork and then to get my hair cut. It looks okay but a tiny bit short for my taste. Oh well, it will grow back. Herself says not to worry, she'll just bag my head until it all comes back.
The biggest problem plauging me these days is how the feck has that little bastard Kevin lasted this long on Idol? I mean, is there that much great weed out there and more importantly, where is mine?? Please. Gideon is gone and Chicken Little is still with us? Melissa wasn't the best crooner in the bunch but Kevin is still with us?? Good Lord. And poor Stevie had to sit and listen to him butcher one of his songs. All the time thinking to himself " Where on Earth did they find this crazy little white boy". It was torture. It was all Herself could do to keep me from removing my ears with a cheese grater.
Anyways. For the rest of today I spent aome time in the yard with the Duffster playing ball. He.never.gets.tired. He has the energy of twenty three four-year olds after a breakfast of CocoaPuffs topped with Pixie Stiks. The boy could run for hours. Amazing.
The History channel had some great specials on the Irish today. Great viewing. it makes me proud to be Irish.
Tomorrow Herself works. I will not./ I will have a Saturday off for the first time in three weeks. Yeah me. I will probably just sit around and watch soccer until dinner time. I will be cooking for Herself this weekend. I have been neglecting her. I used to cook more often and this weekend she is going to be cooked for. I'm still workign on my dinner plans but I've got solid foundation. Just thinking of sides and such.
Happy Saint Pat's Day tom you.

You Must Watch This

2006-03-14T22:24:00.000-05:00

2006-03-05T18:19:00.000-05:00

Here we are.. a week later..or should I say weak? The work week is done. I put in almost 60 hours 54 to be exact. A record for me. I am still not getting through the night. This morning it was the Duffster @ 530. am. I was so frustrated. I know he has to go and he needs to go, but man....So I rolled out of bed and dragged my ass downstairs and let him out. He promoptly did his biz and I brought him in and gave him a little treat and put him in his condo. He then started to bark and whine. I was getting angry. And as you know, the angrier you get, the less chance you have of sleeping. Fortunately the Lovely One introduced me to a frined named Adavan (sp?) I took it at 605 and by 620 I was dead to the world. Thankfully. I slept until 1000. In still feel like I need another 24 hours of sleep but I think I may be finally catching up.
I washed the truck today. It looks so much better.
After that I did nothing. A load of laundry and then later in the day cooked dinner. The Lovely One has dinner ready for me every night so I feel like I'm neglecting her by not cooking like I used to.
Tonight should just be relaxation. And then tomorrow , it starts again....

Leprechaun Turns Into Zombie!! News at ...zzzzzzzzzzz...

2006-02-23T21:17:00.000-05:00

A quickie tonight. In the last 48 hours I've had about 11 hours of sleep, worked 19 and spent the rest bumbling along...
After a poor night of sleep on Tuesday night, I put in 9 1/2 hours at work and then went to darts. Last night was good. We won 11 games out of 14! I played well, but something scarey happened. I walked to the line, aimed my shot and threw and the dart 'fell' out of my hand like it (my hand) was made of rubber! I shook it off and accepted the god natured ribbing of both team-mates and opponents. It happened again, and once more. Now I was concerned. The guys were very helpful with suggestions. Johnny Hardcore suggested lettign my arm hang by my side to let more blood flow get into my hand. Freddy, our captain felt I had either had too much to drink or not enough, and my buddy Keith suggested surgery for my imminent attack of carpal tunnel. The match lasted until after 12 and when I got home I had a surprise. One of the wee beasties had disembowled one of our couch cushions and it's wooly entrails were alll over the living room. Duffy naturally blamed the cat, and the cat of course, didn't care. I then had about 5 hours of sleep, awoke with a headache that felt as if two dwarfs were in my head pounding out the Todd Rundgren song "I don't wanna work, I just wanna bang on my drum all day" with lead mallets on my skull. I then worked 10 hours. The Lovely One had a nice dinner ready for me when I came into the house and fell into the chair. I watched Idol on the couch and now here I am......
I am in a complete stupor. I cannot belive I'm trying to do an entry and if Blogger doesn't cancel my blogging privileges for missspelled words it will be a miracle.
I have another ten hour day ahad of me tomorrow and then, hoorah, the weekend. I hope I can at least stay awake to watch some of the Olympics or something....
Whjatever..
Good night

Blah Blah Blah

2006-02-19T16:11:00.000-05:00

I'm not so sure what to title this entry, it's just a ramble I 'spose.
Yesterday our oven decided to die. Yes. Dead. I was making one of Herself's fave deserts, Creme Brulee, and I noticed, after letting the oven pre-heat for ten minutes, the oven was, well, not pre-heating. I placed my oven mitt on to place the desert in the oven and there was nothing but cold air coming out. I was unhappy to say the least. I called Herself and explained this to her and she said we'll check it out further when she got home.
In the meantime I had to run to the market and while in line got into a conversation with the elderly gentleman in front of me and the girl working the register. We talked about the weather, which is cold cold cold. He says it hasn't been so bad. I agreed, telling him this has been my kind of winter. He smiles and says, "Summer will be here before you know it and then you'll want the cold." The look on my face told both he and our cashier I disagreed. "bring on summer," says me. He smiled, "it's not so bad." Might I mention the temperature was about 30 and he was wearing just a sweatshirt. But I digress.
Our oven is kaput. My father in-law came over the instant he heard to try and help us out. He is very good to us like that. If we ever have ahousehold type issue, he grabs his coffee can of tools ( Chock Full O' wrenches? )and drives over. He examined it and felt it could be repaired but not by him.
So today my lovely wife calls one of her co-workers because she thinks he mentioned he used to do appliance repair. He did and said he was working but would be over toda to check it out. He assured her we would be cookin' by Tuesday. She mentioned money and he must have refused because I could hear her fussing about it. A little background. The man is goign through a horrible divorce and his psycopath wife is finding every way she can to get all of his money and to make his life a living hell.
The man has nothing. He can't even get his winter jacket because Captain Crazy has changed the locks on the house they once shared. He hardly has money and he is coming to help us,out of the goodness of his heart.
It amazes me and makes me feel good knowing people like this. I also spoke with Keith across the street and he also said not to worry, he has a buddy that is a Sears tech. He'll be able to help.
So within less than 24 hours, we've had three people offer their help. Kinda makes ya' feel good about people doesn't it?
More good news. The slag next door is going to put up a 6 foot privacy fence. This means I can sit and have my tea in the morning and look out my lider and not see the 'Little Barrio Starter kit' she calls her back yard.
Today is Sunday and the animals were up early but oday the Lovely One got up and I was allowed to sleep in! Thank you sweety. kisskiss. Once I was awake and somewhat functioning, I told her to go back to bed as she hasn't been feelign so hot. She was, fortunately, able to get another couple hours in. Once she got up I thought I'd go back..LOL..this is awful. She says 'I feel like we're sleeping in shifts'
I tried to sleep but back pain kept me from getting comfortable. So here I am.
The Olympics are going well, eh? Poor Apolo though. I was hoping the lad would get a gold last night. Next time kiddo.
Well, this entry has truly been a babblefest. Sorry..
Stay warm...

Two Entries in One Day? You Crazy Man!

2006-02-12T16:04:00.000-05:00

Here I sit. Rocking out to some great songs I got from the iTunes store. The house is warm against the howling wind and blowing snow outside and the Olympics play on the tv in the bedroom. The combination of the two bring back memories of watching the Olympics with my father.
I guess it was sometime back, which to an Irishman could be a few minutes or several years. It was several years. It was the 1980 Olympics. The Miracle on Ice. The boys from the USA, under the guidance of the great Herb Brooks, beat the feared Russians. The boys from the US were intense, happy, younthful, tough as nails and a hell of a hockey team. The Russians wore scowls and seemed to be unhappy in general. Of course if you played for the Red Army team. You were a) in te Russian Armay and b) training year round, never seeing your families. I'd be unhappy too.
My Dad loved hockey and I can still, and hopefully always will, see him in his spot at the end of the couch. A cold Molsonm Golden in one hand and a small dih of cheese and crackers on the end table next to him. His favorite hockey viewing snack.
I was called in for the games at nightfall. Until that point I was out in the street, going down the hill on my Flyer on my back doing my best luge run. The weather was bitter and the warmth of the house was great.
We sat next to each other and watched the winter games. Dad was a big fan of the winter games. He liked hockey and the luge. He would tease my mother when she watched figure skating. He'd often say to the male skaters "grab a hockey stick!"
I enjoyed the gentle ribbing. I remember being at our kitchen table, which was in the living room for some odd reason. Remodeling the kitchen I guess. My Dad had ventured to MacDonalds and we sat around the table cheering our countrymen to victory.
I am older now and Dad is gone. I now watch the Games with my lovely wife. We both love hockey, as you know. I prefer the luge and speed skating. I always thought I'd like to try the luge but after just watching these guys hurtling down the track at speeds near 90mph ( or 141kmh for you metric nerds) I've rethough that.
And now that I'm older I see that there is much more to figure skating and maybe the men don't have it so easy. I still think they should grab a hockey stick though.

Crap. It's still snowing

2006-02-12T15:16:00.000-05:00

Hi all. Here we are almost twenty four hours later and the white stuff is still falling. I think right now there is about 18 inches on the ground. I went out and dug us out with the neat little snow blower my step-son Tom was kind enough to get for me. It made snow removal sooo much easier on my back. So thnak you thank you thank you to Tom. I thank you, my back thanks you.

Something really wonderful happened 6 years ago today. I met the Lovely One for the first time. Yes it's true. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago, but hey time flies when you're having fun. From the moment I saw her in person I got the vibe. I knew she was special from talking to her for countless hours online and later, on the phone.
We had dinner at one of the best restaurants in Rhode Island and over dinner we had great conversation intermingled with small bits of quiet nervousness. She was just so cute and easy to be with. Funny thing was we both had no interest in getting married at all. Uh-huh. We all know how that turned out... We had a drink or two and then we went to my friends house. I was dog-sitting for three insane dalmations and we sat on the couch and spent the next several hours just talking. Okay there was some smoochin' going on too, but I digress.
She stayed for the next couple of days and got to meet my Dad. I'm so glad she got to meet him before he died. I just wish she could have met the 'real' him. Not the once strong man who had been battered by cancer. He was tired and weak but managed to have a pleasant but brief conversation with the Lovely One.
After she left I decided to make a trip to New Jersey. This was also the farthest I've ever driven alone and it was interesting to say the least.
After that we spent the next several months commuting back and forth, visiting.
In October we decided to try living together. I packed up my belongings and moved to New Jersey. Then, in 2002 we were married. Yes, the two people who weer never going to be married...It has been a wonderful ride. Herself is a wonderful, caring wife and I couldn't be happier. I hope we have many, many more happy years together. I love you baby.
And in case you're wondering. It's still snowing.

Crap. It's Snowing

2006-02-11T15:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Saturday Edition of Bit O' Blarney. As you can see by the title, or if you're one of the few people who read this journal freely, and not under threat of physical harm, you will know the Leprechaun hates snow. Hate. I don't even know if hate is strong enough a word.
The last forecast I saw called for 6-12 inches of the white stuff. Thankfully it is Saturday and we have food and beer. Dinner is already planned, I'm making a sausage and pepper dish, and the house is nice and warm. Cozy,even.
Thursday night we ventured to Best Buy to find a small case for my iPod Suffle. They had none and I'll have to wait a week or so or I could go to the mall when the Apple store finally opens. Methinks, however, I'll pay alot more at the mall.
We did happen to get a little case for my cell and the Lovely One got me a card for the iTunes store and I've been busy poring through the extensive library. I've already gotten a few and have a few more left. It's tough to decide.
On Wednsday, as you know, I was sick as a dog. I called across the street to let my buddy Keith know I would not be going to darts. He was still at wrok but his wife Stacey said she'd relay the message. About two hours ago the doorbell rang. We were expecting Tom, my step-son, but I looked out and his car was not there. I figured it was one of the little girls next door. They always ring the bell when their ball goes into our yard and they need to retrieve it. I opened the door and there was Keith and Stacey. I invited them in and Keith handed me a little cloth bundle. "A get-well-soon gift." says he.
I'm pleasantly surprised. Not that they would do this. They are two of the nicest people we know. Great neighbors...But I know they are having abit of financial trouble. Still, they thought of me. What a nice feeling. I take it and usher them in and offer them a beer. I undo a small rubber band that has 'Guinness' (my favorite brew) printed on it. The rubber band holds a Guinness hat and wrapped into the hat is a Guinness T-Shirt. A very nice surprise indeed. They stay for an hour or so and we enjoy their company. They may come back later.
Where was I going?...oh yes snow..I hate snow.
Better news is, my former state Rhode Island is under a Blizzard watch! Yes. We know what happeneed last time Rhode Island got a blizzard. Blizzard. Brian make sure you eat your Wheaties and are in condition to shovel for Mom.
We were up early again today. Our cat is involved with some evil universal kitty plot to kill their owners soley by sleep-deprivation. The Lovely One got up early so I could go back to sleep. No dice. I got up and watched a bit of Olympic hockey. Womens teams were playing and I was in such afog I couldn't tell you who it was. We will try to catch some of the events. The Winter games are so much more exciting than the Summer games. Except for curling. Which is ..well.. I really don't know what curling is. But then I'm not from Canada.
Stay Warm.

2006-02-09T11:23:00.000-05:00

Well. I'm still alive. Which is good news for most. I have seemingly recovered from my bout with whatever evil was living in my body. I still feel like I could use four or five hours more sleep but I think I should put in an appearance at work today.
I have just returned from the dentist where I had the following done. A small cavity, for which my dentist asked me if I wanted a little novacain or not?, to which I said 'hell yeah whatchoo craazy boy??'. No I really didn't say that. But I did take the shot. In all honesty, the shot was the worse part of it. Of course I'll feel like Gumby from the chin up until noon but that's okay. I also had a loose crown plucked off and repaired. All in under an hours time.
My plan was to go around the corner and get a hair cut but the barber shop didn't open until ten a.m. 10 a.m?? Who are you serving, the alcos?
I have just finished preparing dinner for tonight. We are having a beef stew cooked in the slow-cooker. I diced the onion, chopped tatoes, added the wine...so in 8 short hours we will be good.
My Lovely wife has gotten me into American Idol. It is interesting to say the least. Some of the young kids that go out there have some great pipes on them. But others...well..stick to your day job kid. I mean I can't sing for anything but hey, alot of these other folks...yikes! Tough on the little ears. Some of them I think are just there to get there mugs on t.v. Gotta love crazy Dave. And the dude with the grey hair is impressive. Although I'm not to sure he has the 'look'. Who knows.
Our friend Jennifer has a great idol journal. journal. Check her out.
That's all for now. I hope things are going smoothly at work. Well how can they be??I'm not there..lol.

No Pictures Please

2006-02-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

If any of you saw a picture of me at this very moment you'd all be out in your yards screaming looking for a stick to poke your eyes out with, and frankly I couldn't live with that.
I'd start by saying 'good morning' but it isn't. Well, it is morning but there's nothing good about it.
I apparently have (or had) something evil living in my intestines and it decided to start it's new life of evil on Earth at 11pm. The first innocent victim was going to be me.
I spent the next 4 hours exercising the demon. It was not pretty. There is nothing I hate more than throwing up. Delivering street pizza. Calling O'Rourke. Talking in Technocolor..whatever... You choose. It was awful and I guess maybe you don't want to hear this so I apologise. Just know I'm feeling not-so-hotso. A bit run down (wink). I'm actually missing darts tonight. The first time since I started playing over 15 years ago that I'll miss darts because of illness.
I took today off from work. And Monday. And I'm taking half a day tomorrow for a dentist appointment.
My boss, who has been out for like 5 weeks returned on Monday. And I am told he was wearing his Cranky Pants. I was not there. I am not there today. I will be going in at 1 tomorrow. He'll have a complex soon I'm sure.
This is the first job where I've had paid days off. Imagine. I've been working since I was 15 and this is the first time I can call out. And. get. paid. sweet.
I have been playing chess with a co-worker. And I'm beating him on a regular basis.
Which is good. He isn't a bad player so I must be doing something right.
I'm hoping I can go back to bed for an hour or two. I need some sleep.....

Before the Lights Go Out Part Deaux

2006-02-06T18:50:00.000-05:00

Here is a shot with me and my cake. It was purchased by my in-laws from Mendokers Bakery. A fantastic bakery just down the road from us. It has been voted best bakery for several years and folks come from as far away as New York and Pennsy for their fine goodies.
And yes the cake was tasted as good as it looked.

Quick! Before the Lights Go Out!

2006-02-06T18:44:00.000-05:00

Okay so the BlogMeisters are shutting down at 7 for whatever. I just thought I'd do a quick entry and show you the great birthday gift the LovelyOne got me.
It is the finest BristleBoard available. It is the Caddilac of dartboards. It'll make practicing morew enjoyable. So thanks sweety !

Glad I'm a Man in My Family

2006-01-30T19:01:00.000-05:00

Okay Lucy, let me 'splain. Nothing sexist here. Just read on. About two weeks ago my youngest sister Hazel was hit by a car. Yes. Hit.By.A.Car. She's okay. I think. The worse part of all is not one memebr of my family called us to tell us this. I think Herself was talking to my mom and the conversation was like this. I can only guess becasue I only heard the Lovely One's end of it. I'll do my best.

Herself : So how's the weather there? (My Family is in New England)
Mother O'Malley : oh it'll be the death of me for sure..I have arthur-itis and my bones..oh sweet Jaysus me bones..I think it has rained for thirty-seven days straight. I've lost count....
Herself: Well it's been beautiful here...sorry you haven't...
Mother O'Malley: Sure go on and gloat...
Herself: Work is going okay?
Mother O'Malley : Ahhh they're going to kill me. Workin' my fingers right off my hands. Mind you I have artur-itis..And to top it all off, none of me sisters will have lunch with me....the ungrateful, no good...I've got ot eat all alone. Or I eat with that weird aul fellar Frank. You know, the one who has the wooden eye..
Swiftly changing the subject is Herself : So how are the kids?
Mother O'Malley: Well Bernice is doing fine considering the man she's married to and those chidren of her's ahhh the poor poor chidren..tsk tsk...Sean is just a pleasure..wonderful boy..bowling four nights a week and still he finds time to have tea with me on Wednsday morning..such a wee cherub he is..
Herself:How about Hazel and Banshee (my little neice) Banshee is grand...going to make her First Communion this year, praise Jaysus..oh and Hazel was hit by a car...
Herself: WHAT???!!!!
Mother O'Malley: Oh sure enough. Did't you know that?
Herself: How would we ever know that??
Mother O'Malley: Well, I 'spose you wont. If that son of mine called me once a month 'twould be a small miracle.
Herself: How is Hazel??
Mother O'Malley: Ahh she's fine. A bit of a bruise on her arse but thank the Lord the car that hit her was made of Nerf. Rolled right up onto the hood and then off. The girl driving never stopped. (thus the being hit by said vehicle)
Herself: Did she go to the hospital??
Mother O'Malley: Yes the rescue took her. Scared us to death. Xrays are okay. She's expected to recover fully in a year or so..She'll be laid up I'm afraid the poor wee thing. Might get a fine settlement. Maybe get us a new automobile..or maybe a trip to...ahh anywhere but here..this weather is killing me love...

And just two days ago my oldest sister was run over by a car. Her own. And of course noone called to tell us. Nice huh? I told Herself that I'm hoping a piano or safe doesn't fall out of the sky onto my brother. Keeping my fingers crossed.

A Little Off the Toes and Could You Remove My Ear Jam Please

2006-01-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

Today I took the DuffMeister to our local PetSmart. He did really well in the truck and didn't puke at all this time! Yeah Duff!
I think he actually enjoys the truck. He can see out the windows at what the heck is going on. And past. We got there around one and apparently everyone in Momouth county was shopping in this particular plaza. At the same exact fucking moment we were. I did get lucky and got a spot only about a mile away from the store. Duff has had problems with crowds and cars, so taking him to the store fills both of us with anxiety. Me more than him I think but I'm just a nervous Daddy I 'spose. After some coaxing and the promise of many cookies we got into the store. There were approximately ten other dogs in the store today. They all wanted to sniff my dog's ass but Duff was having none of it. We got into the salon and I requested the nails and a ear cleaning. I have to say 99% of the people who work in the grrrooming section are realy good. Only one woman seemed a bit impatient. But maybe she had been working on cats all day .
There was a BullMastiff behind the door that seperates the grooming area from the waiting area and I must say I have NEVER seen such a big head on a dog. This thing was the size of a golf cart. Gigantic. I mean I'd love to have that thing full of freakin' nickels. Enormous. The dog walked over to me and I thought she would eat Duff and I in one bite but she wanted only to lick my hand. A taste-test I'm sure.
So without much more ado we went to the parking lot and found the truck. Duff is good because now he'll stand at the dor and wait for me to lift him into the truck. Whereas before he would jump up and try to scratch his way directly through the door.
Once settled in the shotgun seat we enjoyed a nice ride home. The weather was spring-like so we had the windows down. He seemed to like that.

Tomorrow we will (hopefully) have a kitty door put into the door from our kitchen to our garage. The cat loves the garage. Don't ask me why. He's weird. And the good news is, his litter box will now reside in the garage. This cat has the stinkiest ass I swear. Anyone can stink, but he could knock a buzzard of a shit-wagon. It's torture.

After the door thing I'm going to wash my truck. Maybe.....we'll see. I don't wanna bust up this good weather because once I wash my truck it will rain. We'll see.

2006-01-26T22:05:00.000-05:00

Work has been going pretty smoothly lately. Not alot going on but we're busy. Our senior man-on-the-floor Thom has been unofficially running the show. He's a great guy and knows his shit. Between the two of us. There have been no problems. Clockwork. Smooth as silk. As cool as the other side of the pillow...you get the point. Work is enjoyable. For the first time in a long time.
Another one of my co-workers who has proved, difficult, to say the very least was out for the last month tending to an ill parent. He isn't a bad guy but he likes to work at one thousand miles an hour and he tries to get the people around him to do the same. He has gone to my supervisor and the head of the site to complain that I'm too slow. Yes I have a bad back and there are days when I cannot work at full-tilt but I alwasy give a honest 8 hours. He pushed me to the point that I told my supervisor if he didn't remedy this, I would break my little Irish foot off in his arse. My supervisor looked at me and said "Fasir is a pacifist. He wouldn't even hit you back."
"Even better," replied Myself.
He looked shocked "You'd hit a pacifist knowing the guy wouldn't hit you back?"
I was in quite a state and replied "You're fuckin' right I would." Well cool heads ( mine actually) prevailed and I went about my biz.
Needless to say, nothing was done. I threatened to go to HR but I figured it would blow over, and it did. When he left a month ago. Now he's back. Its only been a day so we'll see what happens.
I came home tonight to a fantastic meal. A tasty piece of chicken parm, side of linguini and a salad. Serevd with a cold Sam Adams.
That wife of mine...She worked her butt off all day, went shopping and then came home and prepared me a killer meal. She's the best thing since bottled beer I tell ya'.
Im going to the Optomotrist tomorrow to have my eyeballs checked. I apparently have 'freckles' on the backs of my eyes ( Irish inside and out ) and they will take photos and make sure they are not growing or multiplying (as freckles are wont to do) so I don't go freakin' blind. That would blow.
The Devils are on a nice little tear winning 9 of their last 10.
Speaking of tears, our darts team is doing nicely, winning 16 of our last 28. A hair over 50% but that's really good for us.

Mondays Tales

2006-01-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

This morning I had a dentist appointment. It wasn't awful. I, in genreal, hate going to the dentist. My dentist is a great guy, don't get me wrong. He's funny, has a great personality, and he's very good at what he does (eg. he gives me plenty of novacaine when I need work done) and he works fast. These two things have cemented him firmly as my second favorite dentist. So it's not that I don't like him...I am just not a fan of the 'dental procedure'.
My favorite dentist is in Rhode Island and he's great. If anyone living in the Warwick area actually reads this rag and would like his info, I'll be happy to provide it. Just don't tell him you found it on the internet, he's liable to whack me with a five-iron next time I see him.
The dentist I saw before I found him was not nice. At all. He had the personality of a dishrag and he was a shitty dentist. He never gave enough novacaine and got mad when I screamed in horrible pain. I even had a pet-name for him. It was Doctor Fuck-Face, or something along those lines.
So I have a loose tooth, or is it my crown? I'm not sure, but the good news is, I have no pain in it. I told the hygenist that it was loose and she took my word for it after she wiggled it for about two minutes. She then took four sets of xrays. Just to be sure..or something...
Bad news is I have a small cavity and have to go back. At which time they will decide what to do with my loose tooth. Cap. Crown. Whatever.
After my trip to the dentist, we took the Duffster to Jackson, which is almost an hour away, for a vet appointment. He was a brave little boy and got two shots and had blood drawn. Never flinched. Herself however, got woosy when they drew the Duffsters blood. Generally, Duff does not do well in the car. But he went almost the whole way without getting sick. He had a little pukey but I caught it with his puke-towel. Yeah me.
After lunch we tried to nap and only one of us was successful. We live in the noisiest neighborhood. Well, it's not the bazaar in Sri Lanka but still...
I skipped work today because of the above events. I did, however, take care of all the paperwork for the stuff that is shipping today. Why? Because I'm a good employee of course. I wrote it all up, logged it into our 'shipped' book and gave everyone who needed copies copies on Friday. Go me. So there should be no issues with me being out today.
Should there??

Sunday Edition

2006-01-15T10:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday
The weather here has been wonderful. I mean springlike. My kind of winter...temps in the high 40's and 50's. Yesterday was close to 60! Of course it has rained for three days but the warm weather has been wonderful. That is until last night.
With a gust of wind, a howling wind coming from fucking Canada ( where else?), the weather changed dramatically. It went from rain and 60 to snow and 20 in about an hours time. Not good. And it snowed. Not alot but still...it made the Lovely One happy but as you know, the Leprechaun hates snow.
We started yesterday at the market, stocking up on foodstuff. After we came home I made a big pot of French Onion soup for lunch. After the groceries were put away we relaxed. We are still being deprived of sleep by the pets. I surfed for a while and at about 2 I started dinner. I made a Pot Roast Provencal. I started by chopping the baby red tomotoes and onions and the one stick of celery. I then seared the roast. Once that's done I throw the veggies in the pan, then add the garlic, then the wine ( woo-hoo) and then the beef broth. Once thats all simmering I return the roast to the pan and then it's into the oven for 2 1/2 hours. It smelled sooo good.
We had Herself's parents and Grnadmother over for dinner and they enjoyed the meal quite a bit so that was nice.

Work is still slow but I have a feeling we will be picking up this week. My boss has been out all week with a bad dose of shingles. I'm considering called him Georgia-Pacific when he returns but I'm not sure how that will fly. He's a good guy so maybe I'll just not. He'll have enough to deal with upon his return.

Darts is going okay. I am still not at the form I was when I 'retired' fives years ago but hey...I'm also thinking this may be the last year I play. For this big reason. Everyone but me smokes and the smoke is killing me. Not only can I not breathe for half of the next day, but I stink to high heaven when I come home. It's terrible and I feel like hell for the next day. So it's time I 'spose.
I don't know if I would do anything esle for entertainment. Maybe start playing chess again. I really like chess but here's the biggest problem for me. In darts, you need only worry about your next turn at the line. You go up knowing exactly what you have to do and exactly what your opponent has to do. You're prepared.
In chess, you must be able to think far, far down the road. Your opponent can do anything at all and you have to be prepared. This requires concentration. I don't think I've got that much concentration. In my school days one of the comments most found on my report card was "easily distracted by others." Hey, I'm just a social guy. But when it comes to concentrating I'm like the monkeys at the zoo. I can be content to pick bugs off my brothers back or stare at the pool for hours in deep concentration, but once something shiny is thrown into the pen, I'm screwed...We'll see.

Today will be a day of relaxing. I've shoveled and filled the birdfeeders. I have a hot cup of tea in front of me so all is well.

Enjoy your Sunday

Five Weird Things....

2006-01-06T20:11:00.000-05:00

Okay so I've been 'tagged'.
The Tagger wishes me to jot down five weird things people may not know about me. I pondered this and whilst lying in bed one evening I tunred to the Lovely One and said. "Are there five weird things about me??" It was said with all seriousness and the result was an eruption of laughter equal to the time one of the Bush wingo's told us "read my lips.." I mean, knick-knacks were shaking off the shelves like a bad day in Tokyo.
Once the crocodile tears were dryed, she looked at me and said "You only need five??" Yes I guess..
So here we go..

#1 I am a burrower. What is a burrower you might ask. I start the night at the top of the bed, head on pillow comforter around my neck...like any normal person would..and sometime during the night I burrow down to near the middle of the bed. Under the covers. I think I even take my pillows with me. Not sure as I'm asleep. It was so bad once, Herself said my feet were actually sticking off the end of the bed.

#2 I used to own ferretts. Three of them. Ringo, Theo and Kodo. I guess that's weird. I only named Ringo tho. After Ringo Starr. He rocks.

#3 I enjoy traveling by train. in this world of hurry-the-f*ck up and get there, get it done now, I enjoy the leisure of the train. The train travels mainly between 75-90 miles an hour. I enjoy watching all the little towns pass by. That's weird to most people.

#4 My spider-disposal system. I, like most of America, don't like the little buggers. Anything with eight legs and fifty eyes has got to be evil. I do however, feel it is one of Gods creatures and refuse to smash them with a spatula. What I used to do was to scoop the evil little bastard up in my cupped hands and shake him around. Thereby making him dizzy and confused. I would then run down the road and throw him from my hand, hoping to confuse him to the point he doesn't know where he is and make him want to forget about our house and just invade the closest house to him. That's what I used to do. Now I just flush.

#5 I watch movies alot. Let me rephrase that. I watch certain movies alot. Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Kill Bill 1 & 2, Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption. Almost to the point I know the script. I also enjoy reciting certain lines from these movies at work. It usually amuses my co-workers. But mostly they think I'm weird.

This n That

2006-01-03T22:19:00.000-05:00

Hello all and Happy New Year...
It's been a rainy past few days here.I don't mind the rain in genreal except it aggravates my back. Well, the dampness that accompanies the rain does. Last night it was bucketing and the rain hitting the windows helps lull me to sleep. Unfortunately it does the opposite to Herself. When we have crap weather I always immediately am thankful to have a roof over my head, a nice warm bed to sleep in and a q.t. to wake up to. Unlike me, who is not so cute upon waking. And Im occasionally Grumpy dwarf until I've had my first full cup of tea.
I went back to work today after a much needed three days off. I spent most of my free time adding songs to my iTunes program. Why? you may ask..because the Lovely One bought me and iPod Shuffle for Christmas! If you don't know what it is, it is an Apple Ipod the size of a pack of Wrigleys gum and weighs like half an ounce.... Yes. It is supremely cool. I am a lover of music and my tastes range from Freddie Hubbard to the Kinks, to Miles to Buddy Guy to Pink Floyd to Little Feat. And between Meself and Herself we have quite the collection. Back to my Ipod. This little bugger will hold sevearal hours of music. I think so far I've got 10 hours of music on it and I'm still updating my listening list.
Itunes also offers an online music store where you can buy songs for .99 cents a peice. A super deal considering you don't have to waste 14 beans on acd for just one or two songs.
Work wasa calm today but we will be getting zany over the next week. I worked in the 'bindery' today with Thom cutting forms. Interseting stuff, but lots to pay attention too.
Darts night is coming up tomorrow night. I love the game and have resumed after a 5 year hiatus. It is true what they say, "If you don't use it, you lose it." I used to be good but, now, I'm struggling. I did have a good week last week so that's nice. Keeps my confidence up. I'm gettign ready to order some new flights. The bad thing about grouping your darts well is that if you hit one thta's in the board with an incoming dart, you shred the flight. Thankfully they are cheap.
I have started to ( try anyways) train the Duffster. I did one thing called 'touch' where he touches my hand with his nose and he got it in like twenty minutes! Too smart...and yesterday was his first birthday!! The time just flew.

Well, time to get ready for bed. Leprechaun out.......

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T08:47:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone...
Another calendar in the trash and anw one on the wall.
The approach of the coming new year gives us all time to think about what we did the past year and what we want to do in the New. Or what we should do is the proper way to phrase that.
The past year was diificult if not interesting for us here at the Leprechaun Inn.
My Dad-in-Law had open heart surgerythis past year to replace a defective heart-valve. Ironically, the same exact valve Herself had replaced a year earlier. Being the tough old guy he is, he was released from the hospital in about a week and was actually riding his John Deere lawn mower two weeks after coming home! Mind you he is 83 years old. Amazing..Lately he has been abit under the weather and spent a few days in the hospital this past month. He says he feels he's starting to slow down. Geez, I hope I'm that slow at 83.

Herself had a wee bit of surgery again. Having a small growth removed. On the flip side, she isback in the workforce and going to school! She is doing well with her classes and she is learning alot at her new job. Her health is steadily improving and we're both happy about that. She is still pretty as a picture and the sweetest gal I know.

As for Meself I'm hanging in there. Aside form my two week bout with the hiccups and some back pain, I'm in good shape. At my job I gave up my Supervisor position and I'm now a regular employee. I've learned alot more new stuff but I do not have the daily aggravation and stress that comes freom being responsible for twelve people. Maybe this year will bring new opportunities for me in the way of a decent raise or maybe a new , better paying job. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

2005 was, sadly a bad year for our furry friends. In January we lost our beloved Sheltie Sandie. Sandie was a wonderful pooch who lived a nice long life of almost 16 years. It was very hard to let her go but we are thankful for the time we had with her and the love she gave us.

The Lovely One's Grandmother, Gang, lost her pet this year also. Tiffy also lived a nice long life, being almost 15 when she passed.
My in-laws lost their dog Wendy just two days ago. Wendy was also 15 years old.

My brother in-law lost his cat Timex, who is actually Chainsaws mother.

And finally, my wife's cousin lost her two shelties.

The long lives these pets lead are nothing but a tirbute to the love and care that was given to them by their owners. I have married into a family of true pet lovers.

On a happier note, we have a new member of Clan MacLoughlin. On a rainy, chilly day in March we brought a new puppy into our home. His AKC name is Bradach Solas MacRie. "Bradach" meaning wee one full of mischief ( you all will never know how appropriate that is) , "Solas" meaning comfort and joy. and "MacRie" meaning son of the King. His dad, a champion, is named 'Midnight in Memphis', relating to Elvis. So there you have it.
He is full of energy and keeps us evry busy. I only wish we could rent some sheep so we could see him in action.

Chainsaw will be turning four this year. He himself is a handful. Opening doors in the house and eating everything in sight.

In 2006 the only thing I really want is good health for the Lovely One. She's been down for too long and she deserves to feel good. If that were accomplished, than it will be a good year.

Merry Christmas

2005-12-24T20:50:00.000-05:00

Hello all in JournalVille.
I'd like to start by wishing everyone a joyful, happy and above all, a peaceful holiday season. I won't say Christmas because a lot of folks are celebrating other holidays. Kwanzaa, Hanukkah etc. So being pc the Leprechaun will just say Happy Holidays.
Yesterday we ventured to Wall township which is about 45 minutes from here to a shoe store the Lovely One likes alot. She got a bonus and wanted some dressy boots and she scored a very nice pair. They look great on her but the downside is they have a heel. A big heel and she will now tower the Leprechaun. Of course the ten year-old next door is towering me now so I guess that's not a big deal after all. My wife works her arse off and she deserves to get Herself something nice. So I'm happy that worked out.
All year my wife does for everyone. She is the most caring and giving person I have ever met. I wish I made more money so I could buy her something really nice. Like a freakin' Acura or a house at the shore. Maybe someday.
The said darts I mentioned in my previous entry have been purchased. I made a stop at our local Dicks Sporting goods and they actually had them! The set I got is a bit heavier than what I'm used to throwing but they were so much cheaper than going online that I could not resist. I have practiced a bit with them and they seem real nice. So thanks Laura for that.
Today we ventured over to see my step-son TomCat. He lives in an old town called Allentown. Once we entered his apartmen I was greeted by Tinny, his bird. Tinny came into our lives last year. I was having dinner and my seat faces the sliding door and I saw something bright fly by. I jumped out of my seat and walked to the patio and this beautiful bird lands on my shoulder! We tried to find the owner but nobody seemed to know where the little fellow came from. So after we held onto him for a few hours, Tom came to get her and she ( Tinny that is) is now living La Vida Loca. Why didn't we keep her you may ask?? Well let's just say Chainsaw had a great interest in ther bird, as cats will do.
After Toms we stopped in a couple of funky shops that are housed in a historic mill. Cool stuff.
The we ventured to this great little pizzeria for lunch. When I say little I mean little. 5 booths. They have the best food man.... Enzo and Anna and the staff are great.
Then it was on to Jackson to see Herself's brother Bob and his family. They are the best let me tell ya. His wife and two kids are super and the kids have grown like freakin' weeds since I've first met them. And they have always been very good to me. Always making me feel like I'm part of the family.
Tonight we are going to try and make Midnight Mass. We have done it for the last 3 years and we would hate to miss it. However, Chainsaw had us up at 530 again today. He is slowly killing us. He isn't a bad cat. He just wants to be fed on demand at all hours. I'm searching the phone book for a vet who will do a staple job on his gut. No luck so far.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday..
Leprechaun out.

2005-12-22T20:57:00.000-05:00

Long time no post..
Here we are on thursday and Im happy to report I'm out of work until next Tuesday. Yeah me. I need the break.
Work has been nutty but that's nothing new. I made my boss some of my French Onion soup and he was pleased. I went into the market this mornig for just 4 slices of cheese from the deli and I stood there for what seemed like an eternity while the older woman behind the counter discussed my choice of cheese with another older lady employee person. I stood just watching. It was early and my brain had just started to awaken and I still found this a bit odd. After meaningful discussion and a quick lesson in how to make said soup I was on my way. A quick stop at the bank and then into work.
After work I came home to a nice hot meal and of course, a cold beer. Tonight we are just going to realx as the Lovely One has had a rough couple of days. Couple of weeks actually. Her Dad has not been feeling well and has actually spent some time in the hospital. He's a tough cookie and he's home now resting. I hope he's feeling better soon. Tomorrow I will bring him some of my French Onion soup.
I got an unexpected surprise in acard from a friend of ours yesterday. A nice little cash amount and I'm debating hat to do with it. There is a set of darts Ive had my eye on for a couple years and the price has come down considerably since they first came out so I debating. We'll see.
I'm done shopping and it's a good feeling. I hope I done good. I think I did.
AOL has pissed off the Lovely One and Meself to the point we cancelled our account. Today we received a letter saying theyb will give us the next three months free....go figure..
More later

2005-12-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

Okay. This has to stop. I'm still hacking and hiccuping. It's now officialy not funny. I had Tuesday and Wednsday out of work and faithful (stupid?) employee that I am, I ventured back to work. I don't think that was a good idea. Thursday night we went to the Timberland outlet and I got some goodies with Christmas money given to me by my mom-in-law. Of course the Lovely One says I may not enjoy said goodies until Christmas.
Herself felt I may be getting worse so she said I might want to go to our local hospital e.r. I was reluctant as I am a Yankee. And Yankees don't need no stinking emergency rooms. We'd rather be stubborn and tough it out. I have felt though, I was all toughed out and I agreed.
I must say the staff at Centra State hospital in Freehold is pretty darn good. I was taken right in and the nurse who took all my info was very kind and answered all Herself's questions in a manner which made you believe she cared about us. (Unlike a hospital in Rhode Island I won't mention.)
I was taken in and given a little gown (opening in the back) and was seen by a cranky little Ukranian or Bulgarian or whatever she was. She started off kindly enough as I explained my malady to her and she had me do the deep-breathing thing and told me she would have bloodwork done and a chest xray. She was slightly less patient and I made her night when she asked me to do the following. Stick out my tongue and say 'ahh'. Well I did and as soon as I did she proceeded to jam a tongue depressor into my throat. This made me do two things. A: recoil in horror because I was being gagged and B: pull my tongue back. This happened about four times and I must say she was quite annoyed. I guess it's like rubbing your tummy and patting your head. Sue me. Now I'm genreally a very nice guy. But when I get sick I tend to get..well...cranky. She said in her accented English "I trying to help you you not cooperating."
And I believe my reply was something along the lines of not trying to choke me..I don't remember. To make the whole situation worse, Herself was standing there covering her mouth, suppressing her laughter. When we finally got the whole tongue-out-ahhhh-thing done and the crazy Ukranian left, we both had a good laugh. Herself more than me saying 'that was like watching a Monty Python skit'. Which was a high compliment.
My next visitor was nurse2. She plopped a speciman cup in front of me and demanded a sample.
I told her there was nothing in the tank and she said 'well we need it if you want to get out of here soon.' Wow! I now have to pee!
Nurse3 arrived soon after and was by far the best of the bunch. She was friendly, smiley and really seemed to have her shit together. She got my goldstar award. She said I would be going for my xray soon.
Return of nurse 2 who stuck me twice and took several vials of blood and put an IV port in me. "Just in case." And by the way, once I loosened up and started kidding around, she saw I was a good sport, she spent a good deal of her time busting my ass.
So I had my xray and the tech was cool. He noticed my bars and said" got some hardware, there huh bud?" Yeah a little...
So to end this ramble, I have an upper respiratory infection. On top of pneumonia? Well, hard to say says Dr Cranky-Pants. Just stay on your anti-biotics.
So finally, after two hours, the good one comes back and reads me all the info I need and tells me on more than one occasion if I continue to feel like poop, she wanted me to come back immediately. I'll do just that......not.

Today I did some more shopping for the Lovely One. I got a few little things and there is one or more things I want to pick up but that will have to be done next weekend.

The Devils played a great game last night and were fantastic in the shootout (well, Marty was fantastic) but lost when Colorados 8th shooter scored. Next time boys.

Tomorrow will be low-key. On tv tomorrow FoxSports will show drats. Yes darts. I wish it were on more often like in Europe but America hasn't embraced it yet. Exciting stuff. I should practice more. Many years ago I was pretty good but alas, darts like anything else, if you don't use it, you lose it.

It Had to Happen

2005-12-06T22:45:00.000-05:00

I have bad news and worse news. The bad news is, I have 'walking pneumonia'. The worse news?? It snowed last night. Yes snow. The evil form the sky. We only got about four inches but still...
On Sunday I had a well deserved day off. I had worked almost 60 hours last week, including a full day Saturday and was ready baby. Ready to slip into a 22 hour coma so I'd be refreshed for Monday. Well, that was not to be. The Lovely One was kind enough to secure the wee beasties downstairs so I could sleep in a bit but when I awoke something was awry. I have had this nagging cough for..I dunno..three weeks or so but finally it got to a point where Herself said maybe I should see the doctor. So I agreed and spent the day doing alot of nothing, relaxing and made a trip to the attic for some Christmas decorations which Meself and herself put outside. The day went well and after dinner I noticed I had the hiccups. I still have the hiccups and my cough is worse. PLease don't laugh, the hiccups are not funny. Well, wait. Okay its funny. So Herself brings me to the doctor today and I describe my symptoms and he even gets a demonstration of my lovely cough. He puts his tiny, chilly stethescope on my chest, then my back and nods.."Uh-huh. Just as I thought. Walking pneumonia." It is in my lower lobe or some thing in my lung and he suggests a antibiotic and an inhaler. So on my way out I stop at the desk and request a note for my employer. Not my boss, no he's cool and understands human beings actually get sick. For the uppers and for HR.
I asked at the desk for this note and Zakeeha asks me "for just today?" I hesitate and she smiles and peers over the tops of her glasses. A look that speaks clearly. It says "little man, I'm offering you some time off.." I read the vibe and say weakly.. "well...." and hold up two fingers. She gives me the "now you're talking" smile and prints me my note. Thanks you Zakeeha!! And thank you also for squeezing me in. I do appreciate it. The office staff there, primarily Wanda and the aforementioned Zakeeha are just wonderful. And they have been great to me and especially to Herself. So thank you ladies.
I speak to my boss who called to check on me and he says not to worry about the time out. Thank you Pai Mei.
So anyways today I have started the arduous task of mailing all me favorites from my AOL account to my MSN account. AOL is being cancelled and they will not be making any more money off Mr and Mrs Leprechaun. SO affective on the 18th you can email me at ZamBoni831@hotmail.com.
Tomorrow will be a day of rest. I will be home with the boys and do nothing. Rest.

2005-11-26T18:27:00.000-05:00

Well I must say, I'm pretty pleased with myself. I have ventured into the scary worl of HTML codes and it has been, interesting...to say the least. A little tweak here or a tweak there and you've got new colors and a different font...sweet.
The font on the title of my blog is actually beautiful Celtic knot letters. The big let-down is this. Unless people have that font in their computer, they will not see it and it will appear as dopey ol' block letters. Bummer. If anyone wants the font I'd be happy to send it along. Just click the little celtic button and email me.

Last night the Lovely One and Myself watched the Devils game. Hockey has always been my favorite sport. Ever since I was old enough to watch tv I got into hockey. It is fast, physical and exciting. My parents were both hockey fans. My dad played when he was younger. No college or anything, just shinny with his friends. He was a Montreal Canadiens fan and my Mom likes the Bruins. I watched the Bruins from day one but as I got older ( and wiser) I realised sadly that the game was more about money than the love of playing or actually putting a competitive team together. If you're a Bruins fan you will understand this more than any other fan of any other team. To say the Bruins are cheap is a grotesque understatement.
When I was younger, as a treat on school nights, I'd get to stay up to see the first period, maybe second of a Bruins game. My Dad was always willing to let me stay up later than my mom was and one night it bit me in the arse. In Catholic school I had a teacher named Sister Ann. And one day the whole lot of us failed a test miserably. Well ol' Sister Ann felt the need to dish out a little Catholic School Justice. She demanded we all be in bed at 8 o'clock that night and that she would be calling to make sure we were. Yeah right.
Well at 813 the phone rings. I am cuddled up on the couch between my parents enjoying the game immensely. What follows is my Dad's half of the conversation. " Oh hi there. How are you?" "No. He's right here." now almost annoyed "He's watching the hockey game with my wife and I." and then, fake seriousness for this next part. "Ohh..I see..Well, yes I will right away. Goodnight Sister."
He looked at my mom then me laughling. "Are you supposed to be in bed?"More laughing. I explained the whole thing and my Dad laughed. "Don't worry about it. Just tell her I sent you right to bed." While my mother didn't like that, and protested to the fact I was instructed to lie to a nun and that I'd surely burn in Hell, or at the very least spend a good amount of my time in the afterlife in Purgatory... it forever cemented my dad's image of the good cop.

Back to the money thing..........
My first encounter with an NHL work stoppage occured in the early 90's. I was on a bus trip to see the Bruins play the hated Montreal Canadiens. A bus ride from Rhode Island to Montreal is about ten hours. Although there was onboard entertainment. A group of folks ( some of whom were actually policemen) were sauced by 9am. Or, roughly Worcester Massachusetts. We were even pulled over in Vermont for speeding. Our bus driver, a tiny Frenchman from Woonsocket, whom we dubbed 'Frenchy' for the trip told us, "okay you guys, I do the talking. Nobody of you say nothing." Well, Frenchy got nailed by a Vermont State Trooper for speeding. He explained we were all Bruins fans on our way to the Forum, but to no avail. Well he comes back onto the bus, stomping his feet and holds up a ticket. There is a collective groan from the group and then silence. We were about a mile down the road when one of the guys from the back said quietly "Don't worry Frnechy. I gave him the bird for you." Laughter rustled throught the bus and Frenchy raised his head and look into the rearview mirror with a slight grin on his face.
We were at a lunch stop in White River Junction when the tour leader told us the news. "Okay guys. It's official. There is alock-out." Well the boos that we gave shook the poor man to the core. HE looked abit worried and tried to appease us. "But don't worry, we can get you guys tickets to the Expos (baseball) pre-season"
"The fucking EXPOS!!?? Tell us you're kidding." Well that was as close to a riot as I ever hope to be. Thankfully the alcohol that had soaked into the brains of most of the group was clearly steering logic. "S'okay, there's some good stripclubs downtown." And the crowd rejoiced again.
I sat thinking of the unfairness of it all. No hockey and two days in a foreign country with nothing to do. Hell I wasn't even old enough to get into one of those strip clubs!

Flash foward to last year. A full season cancellation. You are shitting me right?? No hockey for a YEAR??? The news was so traumatic that one the day in question, the Lovely One came home work to find me in the corner, curled up in the fetal position, twitching & chewing on a puck.
Don't ever tell me it's NOT about the money. I'm too old and too smart for that.
This year, though, I have really started to enjoy hockey again. The league made several changes, 90% of them for the good, although I'm not crazy about the 'kinder,
gentler' NHL. The new rules regarding hitting have made it nary impossible the just clean someones clock as they pass through center ice or to put them into the first row of seats. A defenseman can no longer ride a speedy foward away from the net, even if he does it clean using the body.
I mean, nowadays if you pass gas next to someone you're going to the box for two.
The league has greatly improved a poor product and now if they could just tweak a few little things, the NHL will be the supreme package it was many years ago.

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T11:25:00.000-05:00

Good Morning and Happy Turkey Day.
The day started early enough, as most days do at the Leprechaun Inn. Thanks to Chainsaw. I have been awake since around 5. It was the cat who woke me up and back pain that kept me up. I finally got out of our nice warm bed at around 630 or so. I was in a sleep-deprived fog so I can only guess what time it was. The Duffster was ready to roll so I let him out so he could pee and bark at the sky.
Today is a day for giving thanks. To reflect on what we have and be happy about it. Here are some of the things I'm thankful for. First and foremost will be the LovelyOne. It's a wonderful thing to share your life with someone wonderful. She is smart, pretty, a great cook and has amongst other things, a great smile, pretty eyes and a wonderful heart. She has helped me to grow into the person that I am today. Well, I was a person when I met ehr, but I was lacking. She has made my life special and for that I am thankful.
I'm thankful to live in a country where I can say, read and do what I want. I can bad-mouth the President without fear of retribution, I can listen to any music I want and I can watch what I want. I don't have to get permission to drive out of state and I can get on a plane and leave the country. I'm thankful for the bravest men and women in the world, our US armed forces who put their lives on the line every day to keep me safe from those religious zealot, wing-nut, camel-humping terrorists.
I'm thankful for our cozy little home. It may be small in size but it's big on comfort. Alot of folks don't have the comforts I do. Some don't even have a home for the holidays. So I'm thankful for the comforts we have.
I'm thankful for my pets. Even though they make me want to pull out my hair at times they are ( mostly) a pleasure to have. Yes, Smoke, even you.
I'm thankful to have a job. My job, like my pets, makes me crazy at times, but I'm thankful I'm employed and keeping food in the fridge and the heat running.
I'm thankful for my health. Yes, my back hurts sometimes and is a nuisance most of the other times, but overall I'm in good shape.
I guess that's all...there aer other things I'm suer, but at this moment those are the biggies.
Everyone enjoy your holiday.

The Devils of New Jersey

2005-11-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Last night the Lovely One and I ventured north for my first Devils game. The ride wasn't too bad but we parked in the Giants stadium lot, which is about half a mile away. Yes. And it was freakin' chilly. We got in and found our seats. Which required, two llamas ( of the Dahli variety,) an oxygen tank, an two sherpas to reach. The view wasn't bad really, but I would have enjoyed the game more if it weren't for those pesky pigeons. I was also somewhat disappointed Alexander Mogilny was a scratch.
The Devils played a good hard game and Marty made some big saves and they beat the hated Montreal Canadiens 5-3. We sat in an area that held three people who knew hockey. Myself, Herself, and the young lass in front of us. She was I'd guess late teens and sporting a Brodeur home jersey. Everyone else may have been at a curling matchjudging by the looks on their mugs. I mean, some of these people had a look on their faces like an 80 year old man who orders a Tapioca and has a bowl of Jell-O slid under his nose. Complete and utter bafflement and disdain. Really people. Stay home. There was the eejit three rows over who demanded Brian Gionta be sent to the minors for not scoring. As the night wore on, he had the bus to Albany filled with everyone but Larry Robinson. Beer and stupid people do not mix well. All that aside we had a great time and hopefully we can go again. This time we'll get seats a wee bit lower.
Today will be somewhat busy. Food shopping and then I will ventuire out and pick up one of the Lovely One's Chirstmas presents. Maybe two if I can find what I'm looking for.
The animals have done it agian. There is a furry little conspiracy going on in this house. They will not let us sleep past 6 a.m. I'm thinking sedation is the key. Just a little to get them ( or us rather ) through the night.

2005-11-17T18:55:00.000-05:00

Here it is Wednesday. The week is winding down. Thankfully. We have been fekking busy at work and I've put in lots o' overtime. Tomorrow night the Lovely One and Meself are going to see the New Jersey Devils. This will be my first Devils game. I'm pretty excited. I have been to alot of hockey games and I was fortunate enough to see a few in the old Bahhston Gahhhden, the Montreal Forum and the Colisee in Quebec.
One thing about Quebec. All the people there suck. They are rude, arrogant, ignorant and if they know you are an American, they won't even talk to you. Not to mention they want to secede from Canada. What is that all aboot? Yes they want to be a seperate...I dunno...colony?? Country??.Who knows. I guess if you spend enough time living that close to the freakin Arctic circle eating goose patee your brain will start to misfire.
But I digress.
I havent been to a game here in the swamps of Jersey yet but it should be fun. The Lovely One and I went to a AHL game when I was living in Rhode Island. The Providence Bruins. We had great seats too. Right behind the net about ten rows up. Sweeet.
The weather is getting colder and you know what that means. The Leprechaun will beome increasingly crankier and crankier as the winter months drag by. Grrrrrr..
My darts team had another rough week. We lost 10 of 14. Ouch. We're not bad players, we just have trouble getting hot all on the same night. I love to play so I'm not super concerned. The great thing about this league is the guys are all cool. Nobody freaks out and screams or stomps their feet when you play bad. We bust balls, of course. But that's what guys do. It's our job.
Tonight the Lovely One is out getting anew do' and I'm home with the boys. Who are both, mercifully, sleeping.

We have a cat and a dog. They both get along well and at times I'm certain they are conspiring to kill us. They get between our legs all the time and one time I am going to fall ass over teakettle and bust my little melon open. I can see it now, they'll look at me and then high-five each other and the start the plotting on the Lovely One. Nice huh?

The pic at the top is of our 20 pound bruiser cat. His given name is Smoke. But since I've had his teeth sunk into me on a few occasions and he has the loudest purr in the history of cats I call him Chainsaw. He's quite the kitty and can even open doors. Yes. He gets on his hind legs, wraps his front arms around the knowb and works it 'til it pops. Now if I could only treat him to get me a beer from the fridge....

My New Digs

2005-11-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

Greetings fellow AOL Expats. I'm thinking about setting up residence here at Blogpsot. The good folks here have decided to let me have acrack at Journalville in this neck of the woods and we'll see how it goes. As you may or may not know. the folks at aol have decided to stick 'banners' at the tops of everyones journals. There is much unhappiness.
As a matter o' fact, Jennifer @ still randomly rambling... is here also. Check her out. You'll like her.
I found out about the newest aol debacle from her journal. Apparently they stuck an ad for Cialis chewing gum on the top of her blog. Right there is nice big green letters. Cialis Chewing Gum. Longer...Harder...Sweeter... or something to that effect. She wasn't thrilled. Can't says I blame the woman.
Anyways. I'm hoping this works out here. The controls seem easy enough.
So enough for now. More later.

You're forced to watch another movie starring Kevin Costner as a washed up, sad and lovelorn ball player. Do You??
	Grab some Kleenex and you're teddy bear.
	Jump off the roof.
	Appreciate the melancholy and be happy you're not a washed up, sad and lovelorn ball player
	Remove your face with a cheese grater
	Drink more beer
	Wish it were hockey season

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