Not knowing what the next step will be is excruciating. We here in Pennsburg send our love and prayers for strength, hope and peace for the days ahead.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
our princess
Sometimes I like to share my bitches and moans of daily life here on Bare Witness. Today I received news that makes my problems embarrassingly microscopic. Three very special people in our family are enduring unimaginable times and I want them to know they are not alone.
Not knowing what the next step will be is excruciating. We here in Pennsburg send our love and prayers for strength, hope and peace for the days ahead.
Not knowing what the next step will be is excruciating. We here in Pennsburg send our love and prayers for strength, hope and peace for the days ahead.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
walk over ya
I am tired of banks and the way they operate. Not the hometown banks but some of those are suspect too. The big national coast-to-coast institutions are sticking in my craw. One in particular: Wachovia.
I am trying to get some much needed business done but how can I? They close at 3 pm.
Note to Wachovia:
Go ahead and hold our money with stupid banking hours. Go ahead and take some of that $270 billion payout from the Bush administration and do what you want with it. What did you do with it anyway? Go ahead and charge my mother, who appeared at one of your branches with no hair on her head and a walker, $80 dollars for a missing key to a safety deposit box and some other small bullshit three weeks before her death. You could've at the very least got the door for her when she left. There are fine-print rules and then there is good business. Every once in a while let go of the fine print and just forgive. Also, get some real hours of operation for hard working people who need to get some stuff done that they can't do electronically.
I am trying to get some much needed business done but how can I? They close at 3 pm.
Note to Wachovia:
Go ahead and hold our money with stupid banking hours. Go ahead and take some of that $270 billion payout from the Bush administration and do what you want with it. What did you do with it anyway? Go ahead and charge my mother, who appeared at one of your branches with no hair on her head and a walker, $80 dollars for a missing key to a safety deposit box and some other small bullshit three weeks before her death. You could've at the very least got the door for her when she left. There are fine-print rules and then there is good business. Every once in a while let go of the fine print and just forgive. Also, get some real hours of operation for hard working people who need to get some stuff done that they can't do electronically.
Monday, June 22, 2009
texting with sue
A text I received last night at work from Sue:
Jun 22, 2009 12:28:06 AM
Just went to check on the boys and the cats are licking their red rockets. Gross
Me: Nice
The things people will text when they are deliriously tired.
Jun 22, 2009 12:28:06 AM
Just went to check on the boys and the cats are licking their red rockets. Gross
Me: Nice
The things people will text when they are deliriously tired.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
it was popular - lets try it again
I watched Gran Torino on Thursday night and for awhile I struggled with the ending. What the eff and why? were a couple of my thoughts when the end credits rolled. I guess Clint made a statement in his last acting role that Dirty Harry, this time, didn't need a 44 to take a bunch of thugs down and out of the picture to protect the public. Atonement for his past comes to mind also. Atonement for the Korean War, his family and his bigoted nature. I enjoyed this movie. If you have any thoughts about this film, let's hear them.
Then I watched the new Incredible Hulk with Edward Norton and it turned out to be a mistake to dwarf all mistakes. Somehow I gagged down 99% of this crap until Ironman walked into the bar at the end and talked of some super alliance with a full-haired William Hurt. I don't remember what happened next but Sue says I immediately kicked in the television and was struck with 120 volts of gamma electricity at which point I turned green and grew 9 feet tall at which point I ran out front and started swinging the Taurus like a lasso until Sue informed me I was naked and a certain part of me hadn't hulked up like the rest.
For the record, I liked Ironman.
Thanks for all the comments, reviews and recommendations on my prior post. Keep them coming.
Then I watched the new Incredible Hulk with Edward Norton and it turned out to be a mistake to dwarf all mistakes. Somehow I gagged down 99% of this crap until Ironman walked into the bar at the end and talked of some super alliance with a full-haired William Hurt. I don't remember what happened next but Sue says I immediately kicked in the television and was struck with 120 volts of gamma electricity at which point I turned green and grew 9 feet tall at which point I ran out front and started swinging the Taurus like a lasso until Sue informed me I was naked and a certain part of me hadn't hulked up like the rest.
For the record, I liked Ironman.
Thanks for all the comments, reviews and recommendations on my prior post. Keep them coming.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
exercising my write to thumb it
I used to consider myself a movie guy. Lately, I'm having trouble getting through most of the latest fare Hollywood 's been feeding us. As I'm getting older, the meter measuring my preference of drama to action is rising. I'd say it currently sits at 5 to 1. The explosions and bullet fire are becoming too much and the techno-laden soundtracks too loud.
During the past couple weeks I found some time to get some movies in. Along with visiting our local Redbox, Sue has been diligent about recording some movies on the DVR before our grace period for Starz, Showtime and HBO runs out. I will be renewing HBO for the long haul because their original shows are just too damn good. TrueBlood being one of them and that starts season two tomorrow night.
Anyways, here's a short list of recently seen films:
Slumdog Millionaire - I realize I am possibly the last person on the planet to have seen it. A heartbreakingly triumphant story where the boy wins the money and gets the impossibly gorgeous girl. While the movie is obviously much more than that, flashbacks tied all the loose ends together perfectly explaining the lead's life and knowledge. From the time his mom was killed when he was very young and all the muck he and his brother had to go through I found myself glued. I even watched the dance at the subway station during the end credits. I need more movies like this one, plus, I don't know why, but I dig subtitles.
Freedom Writers - I am usually wary of Hilary Swank movies (exception: Million Dollar Baby) but Sue asked me to watch it with her after the kids went to bed. I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed this movie but it definitely did open my eyes to the plight of minorities and gang violence and I must give it a favorable review. Hilary plays a teacher who learns that most of the kids in her class don't expect to live to graduation because of gang wars and the color of their skin. The movie depicts an LA in the early nighties where the Mexicans, Blacks and Chinese shoot each other on sight for respect and to protect their own. Hilary asks them to write in a diary and somehow ties their plight with Hitler's campaign against the Jews. I suppose the movie was a history lesson for me but I was disappointed in the end when everyone got along, but I guess this is the only way this movie could've ended.
Twilight - I couldn't finish this movie. Possibly the worst movie of all time. I have to report that I've read the book and this movie takes the wishy-washiness of Bella and the vampire Edward's teen love and angst ten times further than the book did. As penance for choking down 75% of this crap movie, I punched myself in the face 75 times. I will also mail cat shit to the studio heads of this production with explicit directions to smear it in their own faces and eat it.
Hotel For Dogs - Eric loved it. Not me. Note to Don Cheadle: Don't you ever do a movie like this again. Ever. How could you agree to do a movie after reading a script that says you will be reading the names of dogs who then appear and sit and bark at the end!? And then adopt the kids? Garbage. I want my money back. So I can buy it for Eric.
Milk - I had a semi-hard time with all the openly graphic man-love going on but found this movie satisfying errr, uh good. True story.
Harold and Kumar 2 Escape From Guantanamo Bay - The guys smoke weed with President Bush. I don't know why but I liked this movie.
Movies on the queue:
The Visitor - Don't know the long and short of it but Sue says I need to see it.
Let The Right One In - Movie about a young boy who befriends a young girl. And she's a vampire. Subtitled.
If anyone has anything to add to my reviews or recommendations I can pick up at Redbox and watch this month, I'd appreciate it greatly.
During the past couple weeks I found some time to get some movies in. Along with visiting our local Redbox, Sue has been diligent about recording some movies on the DVR before our grace period for Starz, Showtime and HBO runs out. I will be renewing HBO for the long haul because their original shows are just too damn good. TrueBlood being one of them and that starts season two tomorrow night.
Anyways, here's a short list of recently seen films:
Slumdog Millionaire - I realize I am possibly the last person on the planet to have seen it. A heartbreakingly triumphant story where the boy wins the money and gets the impossibly gorgeous girl. While the movie is obviously much more than that, flashbacks tied all the loose ends together perfectly explaining the lead's life and knowledge. From the time his mom was killed when he was very young and all the muck he and his brother had to go through I found myself glued. I even watched the dance at the subway station during the end credits. I need more movies like this one, plus, I don't know why, but I dig subtitles.
Freedom Writers - I am usually wary of Hilary Swank movies (exception: Million Dollar Baby) but Sue asked me to watch it with her after the kids went to bed. I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed this movie but it definitely did open my eyes to the plight of minorities and gang violence and I must give it a favorable review. Hilary plays a teacher who learns that most of the kids in her class don't expect to live to graduation because of gang wars and the color of their skin. The movie depicts an LA in the early nighties where the Mexicans, Blacks and Chinese shoot each other on sight for respect and to protect their own. Hilary asks them to write in a diary and somehow ties their plight with Hitler's campaign against the Jews. I suppose the movie was a history lesson for me but I was disappointed in the end when everyone got along, but I guess this is the only way this movie could've ended.
Twilight - I couldn't finish this movie. Possibly the worst movie of all time. I have to report that I've read the book and this movie takes the wishy-washiness of Bella and the vampire Edward's teen love and angst ten times further than the book did. As penance for choking down 75% of this crap movie, I punched myself in the face 75 times. I will also mail cat shit to the studio heads of this production with explicit directions to smear it in their own faces and eat it.
Hotel For Dogs - Eric loved it. Not me. Note to Don Cheadle: Don't you ever do a movie like this again. Ever. How could you agree to do a movie after reading a script that says you will be reading the names of dogs who then appear and sit and bark at the end!? And then adopt the kids? Garbage. I want my money back. So I can buy it for Eric.
Milk - I had a semi-hard time with all the openly graphic man-love going on but found this movie satisfying errr, uh good. True story.
Harold and Kumar 2 Escape From Guantanamo Bay - The guys smoke weed with President Bush. I don't know why but I liked this movie.
Movies on the queue:
The Visitor - Don't know the long and short of it but Sue says I need to see it.
Let The Right One In - Movie about a young boy who befriends a young girl. And she's a vampire. Subtitled.
If anyone has anything to add to my reviews or recommendations I can pick up at Redbox and watch this month, I'd appreciate it greatly.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
adrian! i love you rocky! adrian! i love you rocky!
After fielding thousands of comments doubting the reality of my plans to get to 200 pounds by August 1st, I have decided to respond to one of these non-believers.
This fan cited Dolph Lundgren in Rocky 4 (IV, eye vee) with the fact that muscle weighs more than blubber. I agree 100%. But, you see, when I visited my physician for the all important disclaimer of please visit your physician before starting any exercise regimen they found my cell structure to be 98% barbecue potato chip and 2% Coke Zero. I know you see where I'm going but I will expound further.
Dolph laid waste to Apollo Creed because he was 6'6" and 260 pounds of pure muscle. His pure muscle was a product of 1) eating metal and aluminum siding (iron does a body good) and 2) working out by lifting cars, buildings and Brigitte Nielsen. If Apollo Creed knew these facts, he wouldn't have been so cocky I'm sure.
The argument I'm about to present to the jury about my case is simple. I'm a 6'2" (now 218 pounds!) sack of potatoes (literally) who is involved in a cardio-intensive workout plan. The bulk of my plan is the treadmill, where I walk at an ever increasing speed with a 4.6% incline for 45 minutes. Unlike Dolph, who lifts bulldozers and buses for building mass, I do my work with 20 pound free weights for tone. I don't need or want to look like a body builder. I want to be fit. In addition to my exercise plan, I am working to replace the chips and Coke with unprocessed, natural foods and water. I am drinking so much water at this point that I'm thinking about donning a diaper so I don't have to get up and do my business 17 times during sleeping hours. I am confident this weight will fall off or melt away. Change.
Before I am convicted of grand douchebaggery by the jury, I hope I have clarified my weight loss endeavor enough to make the non-believers believe. All doubters are fuel for the fire, baby.
I will loop the awesome instumental soundtrack of the Rocky films during my treadmill sessions as a dedication to Rocky Balboa, a man who demonstrated that you need not move mountains or lift buildings to slay your demons (or that nasty Russian-Swede Ivan Drago). Sometimes you have to chase chickens and have the heart to believe.
This fan cited Dolph Lundgren in Rocky 4 (IV, eye vee) with the fact that muscle weighs more than blubber. I agree 100%. But, you see, when I visited my physician for the all important disclaimer of please visit your physician before starting any exercise regimen they found my cell structure to be 98% barbecue potato chip and 2% Coke Zero. I know you see where I'm going but I will expound further.
Dolph laid waste to Apollo Creed because he was 6'6" and 260 pounds of pure muscle. His pure muscle was a product of 1) eating metal and aluminum siding (iron does a body good) and 2) working out by lifting cars, buildings and Brigitte Nielsen. If Apollo Creed knew these facts, he wouldn't have been so cocky I'm sure.
The argument I'm about to present to the jury about my case is simple. I'm a 6'2" (now 218 pounds!) sack of potatoes (literally) who is involved in a cardio-intensive workout plan. The bulk of my plan is the treadmill, where I walk at an ever increasing speed with a 4.6% incline for 45 minutes. Unlike Dolph, who lifts bulldozers and buses for building mass, I do my work with 20 pound free weights for tone. I don't need or want to look like a body builder. I want to be fit. In addition to my exercise plan, I am working to replace the chips and Coke with unprocessed, natural foods and water. I am drinking so much water at this point that I'm thinking about donning a diaper so I don't have to get up and do my business 17 times during sleeping hours. I am confident this weight will fall off or melt away. Change.
Before I am convicted of grand douchebaggery by the jury, I hope I have clarified my weight loss endeavor enough to make the non-believers believe. All doubters are fuel for the fire, baby.
I will loop the awesome instumental soundtrack of the Rocky films during my treadmill sessions as a dedication to Rocky Balboa, a man who demonstrated that you need not move mountains or lift buildings to slay your demons (or that nasty Russian-Swede Ivan Drago). Sometimes you have to chase chickens and have the heart to believe.
Monday, June 8, 2009
damn it part 2
Although the fifteen days I just spent away from work was not considered a vacation, I got used to not being there. It will be hard to go back tonight and resume my title as press crew leader and provider for my family. While I know my family needs me, I'm hoping my crew hadn't learned to exist without me.
I've seen it happen before. Ask Sue.
I've seen it happen before. Ask Sue.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
damn it
After all the big talk of Friday's post I have managed to break my string of consecutive gym visits. Even though I used my time to play in a cancer benefit golf tournament on Saturday I have no excuses for today.
I guess golf can be considered exercise and it helps to know I've minded what I've put in my mouth.
My punishment: A deadline. 200 pounds by August 1, 2009 or I will throw myself off the Pennsburg Pier into The Great Pennsburg Ocean after I grow a handlebar mustache and buy billboard time for candid pics of my own very large birthmark.
It is written.
I guess golf can be considered exercise and it helps to know I've minded what I've put in my mouth.
My punishment: A deadline. 200 pounds by August 1, 2009 or I will throw myself off the Pennsburg Pier into The Great Pennsburg Ocean after I grow a handlebar mustache and buy billboard time for candid pics of my own very large birthmark.
It is written.
Friday, June 5, 2009
you gotta walk b4 u run... again
Middle age and recent events in my life have made me take inventory of things I need to change about myself. Waking up in the morning and rolling out of bed with aches and pains is not an option anymore. Even though I'm not disappointed by what I see in the mirror, I know my 220 pounds could be 200 and my chest, back and shoulders could be broader. Screw arms. Arms will follow the other stuff.
Many a gay gentleman have told me they wouldn't change a thing about my appearance and my narcissistic nature appreciates that (I'm not gay, father of two, married to a woman etc). Even though I'm drop-dead gorgeous, I have decided that putting some effort into change could be fun and this week my new endeavor has turned into an addiction.
Going to the gym and seeing the same familiar faces everyday provides me with the motivation I need. I see the ladies from Sue's club, huffing and puffing on a treadmill, performing a healthy exorcism of their demons or last night's half cookie. Whatever their reasons for change, they are there and doing something about it. I will change too.
This week, for the first time in history, I have been to the gym five straight days and walk/ran 2-2.5 miles each day on the treadmill. I followed that with some iron pumping and sit-ups. Not much, but enough to notice a change in how I feel and the way my shorts fit.
I will be going back tomorrow and the day after. Can't stop now. Even though my goal is 200 pounds, maybe I can get to 190. Maybe I'll be fit enough to bang out 25 pull-ups or dunk a basketball again or run a 5k and compete. Or maybe I'll gain the stamina to chase my small boys around after a hard day's work. All realistic goals that can be attained. 40 be damned.
I am well on my way. I am the star of my own Biggest Loser show and come hell or high water, I'll get there.
Many a gay gentleman have told me they wouldn't change a thing about my appearance and my narcissistic nature appreciates that (I'm not gay, father of two, married to a woman etc). Even though I'm drop-dead gorgeous, I have decided that putting some effort into change could be fun and this week my new endeavor has turned into an addiction.
Going to the gym and seeing the same familiar faces everyday provides me with the motivation I need. I see the ladies from Sue's club, huffing and puffing on a treadmill, performing a healthy exorcism of their demons or last night's half cookie. Whatever their reasons for change, they are there and doing something about it. I will change too.
This week, for the first time in history, I have been to the gym five straight days and walk/ran 2-2.5 miles each day on the treadmill. I followed that with some iron pumping and sit-ups. Not much, but enough to notice a change in how I feel and the way my shorts fit.
I will be going back tomorrow and the day after. Can't stop now. Even though my goal is 200 pounds, maybe I can get to 190. Maybe I'll be fit enough to bang out 25 pull-ups or dunk a basketball again or run a 5k and compete. Or maybe I'll gain the stamina to chase my small boys around after a hard day's work. All realistic goals that can be attained. 40 be damned.
I am well on my way. I am the star of my own Biggest Loser show and come hell or high water, I'll get there.
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