Will this day ever end?

Today had just dragged and dragged- and I have come to believe that it will never end. I just hate days like this.

From looking at the day-planner and my outbox on the email- I can see that I accomplished a great deal- however I don't feel like it.

Sometimes I long for a job in manual labor- like mowing grass-- because at the end of the day you can see your physical accomplishments. When I survey my desk now all I see is a flurry of papers and headaches to attack tomorrow!

On a good note- I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow- so at least the stress of office life will be subdued until Monday!

Will this day ever end??

I found the song title-

See the previous post- but the song is "The Girl from Ipanema"

Here are the lyrics-

Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
When she walks, she’s like a samba
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ooh
(ooh) but I watch her so sadly
How can I tell her I love her
Yes I would give my heart gladly
But each day, when she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at me
Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The girl from ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, I smile - but she doesn’t see (doesn’t see)
(she just doesn’t see, she never sees me,...)

Now if that isn't a unique song- then what is???

Sappy Love Songs and the Mid-week blahs.....

The DJ at Megan's wedding playing a song I had not heard in a long time; True Companion by Marc Cohn. I had not really taken the time to listen to the words before the wedding. I looked them up on the internet this morning and was really drawn to the words:

"Baby i've been searching like everybody else. Can't say nothing different about myself. Sometimes i'm an angel And sometimes i'm cruel And when it comes to love I'm just another fool Yes, i'll climb a mountain I'm gonna swim the sea There ain't no act of god boy Could keep you safe from me My arms are reaching out Out across this canyon I'm asking you to be my true companion True companion True companion"

I think it is so funny that I love sappy love songs and Joe has no interest in them as he is such a rocker at heart (Iron Maiden, Kiss, Metallica, etc). Hopefully it is true that opposites do attract.

I think the lyrics really captured my thought and feeling on what I am searching for- a true companion -- someone to be there for me in the good and bad times of life.

I am not going to jump to conclusions at this point as to whether Joe is my true companion- I guess time will tell. We did have a conversation as to what "our song" would be - and he informed me that it is some oldies hit that totally cracked me up- however for the life of me I can't remembe the name- maybe the Girl From Ipo Nema??? I am horrible with song names. I was surprised that he rmembered that on our first date at the piano bar we went to for chocolate martinis that the singer was singing that song when we got there.

Other than that a rainy Wednesday in Ohio as I try to sell insurance- isn't my life riot??

Remodel 2005 Pictures-

You asked for them & here they are- pictures of the home remodeling projects. I will openly acknowledge my home is by no means ready for an issue of Home & Garden, but it has come a long way. If you have visited my humble abode before you will notice the drastic changes (no more yellow countertops, emerald green carpet, etc.) If you haven't visited just imagine the worst 1970's do it yourself home remodeling projects gone bad- Yikes! Please note Trevor was trying to model for you in the pictures.

Pretty much back to normal here- for the time being.

Last time about 10:30 PM I had the opportunity to instant message with my friend Laura in Bangledesh. It was great to be able to chat with her for free from half way around the world. What is weird is that for her it was about 8am on Tuesday morning and she had just gotten into her office and for me it was 10pm at night on Monday and I was getting ready to go to bed. Isn't technology great?


"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything ; but I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." Edward Evertte Hale.

Pictures from the weekend

There is no place like home.

Just arrived home from the great Chicago / Wisconsin trip. First of all I had not quite figured out that this wedding was being held in the middle of God's cheese country on Earth. Megan had told me that it was an hour north of Chicago. From what I had experience with Chicago traffic in the past I figured it would be in the suburbs of Chicago.

The reality was that it was in a delightful little town along Lake Michigan. The room we had at The Best Western overlooked a cheese and bratwurst outlet. How appropriate right?
I had such a good time catching up with Megan, her friend Dawn, and meeting all her college and post-grad friends. To be honest I was a little nervous about taking Joe along as a date to the wedding. Everyone was so welcoming and took us both in. Joe quickly made friends with everyone- I thought the groom's mother might take him home with her and make him pancakes each morning.

The wedding was beautiful- simple and elegant on the shores of Lake Michigan. I was standing with all the rest of the groomsmen and they recited their vows and I could not look over at Megan and Matt without tearing up. So I looked out at the audience where Joe was smiling back at me and then I just lost it and let the tears of happiness rip. I am so happy for Megan and so happy to have Joe in my life.

The road trip was a unique experience for Joe and I- it was definitely an adventure. If you want to truly get to know your significant other my suggestion is to spend 12 hours in a car together- the good the bad and the ugly will all get out in the open. My favorite memory was driving from Ikea in Chicago to Wisconsin. I was driving and Joe had fallen asleep in the passenger seat. I was approaching the toll booth and thought the sign said $.50-- and I found 2 quarters and steering into the exact change lane. When I threw it in the collection box and the gate didn't open I saw the sign said $1.50 exact change only! Holy crap - I shook Joe awake and within seconds he jumps into the back seat of the Jeep and is rummaging through every piece of luggage we had on board. As I dig through the glove box. It was CHAOS but looking back it was hilarious.

OK- time for bed. I will try to write some more tomorrow.

Good night.

Hit the Road Jack-

Ready or not here we come Chicago! The car is packed and full of gas. Now if I just don't kill anyone at work today all should be smooth sailing from here.

Joe and I went to our final CAPA classic movie series film of the summer. It was a Hitchcock thriller called Vertigo. I really enjoyed it- a classic mystery film. I must say the ending was not at all what I had planned, didn't see that twist coming from any angle.

It was lonley around the house this morning as I had taken Trevor over to stay with Russell. They get along really well and even have a play date set with Trevors friend Katie for Saturday in the park.

I've been thinking alot lately about how quickly life passes by. It seems only yesterday that I was a kid planning out all my grand adventures of life. Here I am facing the big 30 this December and I think about what has all transpired in my time here on Earth. I don't want to world famous or have a page in the history books, but I do want to contribute to the world and make it a better place.

Quote for the day: "Everything has been figured out except how to live." -- Jean-Paul Sartre.

Mid-Week Catch- Up

Don't you just hate waiting for something that you know will be wonderful? It is like a kid waiting for Christmas morning so that you can finally see what Santa has brought you. That is how I am feeling about the big trip to Chicago / Wisconsin this weekend for the wedding. It should be lots of fun. The plan is to leave Columbus right after work tomorrow and drive straight to Chicago. Upon arrivals the plan is to down a Red Bull energy drink and hit the town for the night. Joe is all excited as he has never been to Chicago. The rest of the weekend is pretty much the routine wedding stuff (rehersal dinner, pictures, reception, etc.). The hotel is adjacent to the reception site- so there is no worries about driving home after a drink or two.

Last night was just bogged down with chores; laundry, grocery shopping, packing, paying bills, grooming the dog, etc. I wish that I could afford to hire someone to do all that crap that clogs up life. It is so tiring some days to come home from a long day at the office and realize how much work you have left to do.

I still have not yet figured out how to post pictures in this silly web log. I am thining of just getting an on-line photo album from some site (I think Yahoo has a service like that). Has anyone used a good one in the past? My plan is to get that up and running so that I can just publish the web link in here.

Today is wonderful outside- the perfect day outside- too bad I am a good employee and show up to work instead of calling off sick.

Have a great day.

Goodbye Emerald City-

The emerald green carpet that has glared its ugly face for 5 years and it is now gone! This means the home remodeling for 2005 has finished and life is slowly returning to normal. If there is such a thing. I need to wash the baseboards in the entire first floor and clean the new floors to get construction dirt and grime off of them. I am very happy with the results and can't wait to have friends and family stop by for a visit.

I just received good news from Megan in Chicago regarding her Hodgkin's disease. Apparently she is in stage 2- which is better than what she thought. Her health coverage through the University of Illinois will cover her treatments. So things are looking up.. now we just need to celebrate her wedding this weekend.

Last night was very busy with putting the living room back together, attending a meeting at chruch to select a new organist, and then I helped Joe move a piece of furniture out of the house & then to the Salvation Army donation site. Tonite is all about laundry and packing for the trip.

I am worried- nobody is posting any comments on my blog- I hope that my life ins't so boring that you are asleep by the end of my entries!

Have a great day.

"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich." - John F. Kennedy.

The Simple Life-

Paris, oh Paris-- where is the Simple Life??? I don't believe Paris Hilton and Nicole Rithcie succeded in finding the simple life and neither have I. I keep wondering when this this whirlwind of chaos and madness that I call my existence slow down. Here it is July 18th and I still have the 2 books I purchased for "summer reading" and I have not even cracked them yet. I dream of a summer like the ones in those Countrytime Lemonade commericals. You know, lounging in a hammock under a large oak tree with an ice cold glass of fresh lemonade and a good novel in hand.

I was on the run go all day yesterday- I left the condo at 8am and got home at 12:00 midnite. Yikes! First was off to the good ole baptist church - where I only get more and more frustrated. Let me open this by saying that I attend a Reconciling United Methodist Church here in Columbus. We welcome ALL regardless of race, sex, or sexual orientation- we truly embrace the Methodist theme of Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors. Ok- that being said- the deacon of the Baptist church gets up to talk about a vote they are having on July 31st- apparently the American Baptist Conference is trying to being an affirming and welcoming church for Gay and Lesbians (that's right folks- Baptists welcoming Gays and Lesbians???-- did Hell freeze over?). With that being said he states that the Kenton Church does not agree with this and if the denomination does welcome Gays and Lesbians that they will sever their association with them and become independent. I have livid from behind the organ. I realize that they are very conservative and mostly republican, but I didn't realize how homophobic they truly were. It was an upsetting moment for me. Later in the afternoon my dad was helping me wash my Jeep and we had a good conversation. I expressed my dislike for the direction of the church and explained how my church is welcoming to all and how wonderful it is. I also expressed my frim belief that we are all sinners and it is not for us as humans to judge which sins can be forgiven through God's grace and which can't. I was surprised when he agreed with me and told me that didn't like the direction that the church was going and was concerned. All and all it proved to be an interesting day.

After having a birthday dinner with my sister (her birthday is tomorrow) I can back to Columbus. Joe and I the went to the best drag show on the planet- Mary Ann Brandt. If you have never seen her shows you should go. I laughed until I cried and then laughed some more. It was just what I neeed after the Baptist ordeal earlier in the day.

Last night at the show Joe and I were talking about the week ahead and our trip to Chicago, about the Baptist ordeal, and my emotions dealing with Megan's recent diagnosis and I realized how lucky I am to have him in my life for support. I am a lucky guy!

Well- hopefully by this time tomorrow the new floor should be in living room- so the remodel will be done for 2005.

Saturday update.

It is hot and steamy in Ohio- summer has really arrived. I was just out sweeping my patio and it is so humind you practically tast the water on the air. NO FUN!

Trying to get the house together after all this remodeling is not fun- I will be very happy when this is all done and I can just have my home in one piece again. Today I loaded all the dishes back into the china cupboard. I didn't realize how much wine I had- a dinner party with lots of wine will be on the to-do list for sure!

I just talked with Megan from Chicago and she is so upbeat and full of life - even with the diagnosis of Hodgkins disease. If it can be beat Megan will do it. I have always said that I want Megan and I to enter the Amazing Race TV show (where you race around the world as a team to win 1 million dollars. Other that just being a great person to spend all that time with- Megan is out there to win and to her best. My prayers are still very much with her- but for now I am just focusing on making sure she has the best wedding possible next weekend.

Has anyone had any luck posted pictures to their blog?? I have tried and tried and tried with no luck. So if you want any recents pictures send me your email and I will be happy to provide.

Hope your weekend is going well.

Life- a funny thing.

Last night about 5pm as I was logging of the PC at work I got an email from one of my best friends in the entire world. She has been diagnosed with adult hodgkins lymphoma (aka hodgkins Disease) a week before her wedding in the Chicago area. I know that this disease is truthful and from the small amount of reading that I have done so far it sounds like the cure ratio is high with new technologies.

When something like this happens it really makes you stop and think about life and what is really important to you. It also brings to surface how much we are not in control of our lives, God is. It really emphasizes my quote of the day from yesterday, "Enjoy life- there are no re-runs."

Please keep my friend Megan, her fiancee Matt, and their family in your thoughts and prayers.

In other news- the home remodeling is on the home front- kitchen is done, bathroom is done, now the only remaining job in the laminate floor in the living room. So far it looks incredible.

Last night was very uplifting and fun for me. The Emmaus group from my church got together and prepared some supplies for the upcoming Emmaus women's walk at the end of July. I was mildly stressed because I was repsonsible for the project and securing enough supplies. The fellowship of good friends and the wonderful food was just what I needed.

TGIF- tonite Joe and I are going to the CAPA summer movie at The Ohio Theater to see a classic James Dean film "Rebel Without a Cause" - also know as the story of my life (ha ha ha). Tomorrow is pretty much going to be putting the condo back together and then moving everything out of the living room for Monday's flooring installation. Sunday my patio garden is on my condo community's garden tour- so I need to pull a few weeds and get that looking all spiffy. I also am playing the organ Sunday at First Baptist in Kenton, Ohio-- so it will be a whirlwind weekend once again.

Take care- and just when you thought you were safe - here is today's Quote;

"We have learned that power is a positive force if it is used for positive purposes."- Elizabeth Dole

Almost like Christmas

Coming home from work last night was so much fun- when I walked into the condo I was greeted by beautiful new countertops and a tile backsplash in my kitchen. I had dreamed of doing this project for over 5 years now (since I bought the place). Seeing it all done was like a dream come true. I guess it is just hard for me to believe that my 1970's era ugliest kitchen in America could look so good!! I am so happy that I decided to get all this remodeling done.

Then I visited two Lowe's stores trying to find more tile so the workers could finish the job today. Oh well- I stopped at UDF and had the most delicious non-fat peach froozen yogurt-- it was yummy to say the least!!!

I have a meeting tomorrow with the Vice- President of Life Insurance operations for Nationwide Insurance to discusss my career path. One side of me wants to VENT like no other and let him know how much lying, cheating, inside deals, and pure evil goes on in this organization (of course- when I got back to my desk I am sure I would be greeted by security and escorted from the building). So I have to focus on the positives and look to the future.

Berkley and Stella are shopping today at Tuttle Crossing Mall- so I will have lunch with the family- hopefully this will satisify their needs for parent/ child bonding for the week-- with the added bonus of a free lunch...

On the domestic side- I actually prepared some delicous homemade fat-free potato salad-- I was so impressed with myself- perhaps my inner- Martha Stewart is emerging!!

Quote for the day, "Enjoy life- there are no re-runs." -- Shirl Lowery (whoever she is- but i like the quote).

Make it a great day.

Is it Wed. already??

Is it just me or does the week go by incredibly fast?? Yikes. Home remodeling continues to go well (no surprises last night). The new hard wood (laminate) floor is installed in the dining room and I love it. The new tile floor in the bathroom is also great- I can't wait to get all the work done and enjoy the new digs! I will hopefully figure out how to post pitures on here soon so that you can see all the progress.

Other than that a fairly quiet night- attended a finance committee meeting at church and then ran to Lowes to get some supplies for the contractor.

Just about a week until the big trip to Chicago and I can't wait! Seeing Megan and getting a Jamba Juice smoothie all in the same weekend-- could life be better? I honestly don't know that they put in those things- but their smooties are AWESOME.

OK- here is your quote for the day:

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shooting "Holy Shite... what a ride!!"

Have a great day!!!

Home remodeling- What fun-- NOT!!
Yesterday my contractor started to lay the new tile floor in the bathroom- and guess what he found-- rotten sub-floor. This equals a more expensive job than I expected- oh well I don't want to fall through my bathroom floor after I take a shower some time!!!
The tile laid so far looks really nice. In the kitchen the dishwasher has been relocated and I can already tell that the floor plan of the kitchen will be much more user friendly. I just hope that I don't get my place so nice that I don't want to leave and move downtown in a few years.

Joe was over for dinner last night- I made bbq pork chops using a chipotle lime marinade- they turned out really good. We also had farm fresh sweet corn and green beans. Very healthy and delicious!

Just Another day here at good old Nationwide- I hope I figure out what I want to be when I grow up soon.

Weekend Update-

What a delightful summer weekend- The weather was perfect here in Ohio- warm but not too hot. I enjoyed the pool and relaxing in a deck chair both days. My painting project for the carport roof is complete.

Berkley and Stella (aka the parents) came down yesterday... why can't my family be drinkers??? Some alcohol would surely help the situation of dealing with the stress of family togetherness. Don't get me wrong I love them dearly - but they get on my nerves.

The great home remodel of 2005 is underway- right now I have workers at the condo putting in new tile floor in the bathroom, new tile backsplash in the kitchen, relocating the dishwasher, new kitchen counters, and new floor in the kitchen and dining room! I'll post some pictures when I get it all done!

Joe was out of town all weekend- so I got some some needed "me time"- He is coming over for dinner tonite- Pork chops on the BBQ.

Here is quote I liked-
"Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing."--- Oscar Wilde

Ok- I did it- I am on Blog-

Hello everyone- I have done this. For good, for bad- you can now read all about my life and adventures!

I look forward to sharing with you all.