2012 Came in with a Blast

I may be a few days late with this, but better late than never. And after almost a full year without posting here I, again, thought this would be a good place to put down my year's end thoughts.

My goals were simple and attainable last year:

1. Stay alive. A staple first in all of my goals. At this point it should be understood, but I may be a little superstitious about keeping it here. I don't want to leave it off and that year be THE year.

As you might imagine I completed this one. Couple of close calls throughout the year, but I finished in one piece and better than before.

2. Make it through broadcasting school. I will not fail.

I did it! I didn't get any sort of high honors, but I did graduate. It was an amazing experience, and one that will have a sister this year. In May I head back for an advanced course. It should push me into becoming a much better broadcaster.

3. Get married to The One. We have a beautiful wedding planned.

We had a beautiful ceremony. We are thankful for all those that attended from far and wide. And most importantly we are still together and happily married.

4. Make the most of our time in Germany. There is plenty to do, and I do not want to miss out.

This is more a long term goal as we still have two and a half years here at least. We are off to a reasonable start and will be looking to explore even more this year.

5. Make it back for my sister's wedding. I am going to do everything in my power to make it back.

I am incredibly happy to say that I did make it back for her wedding. She looked absolutely beautiful, the ceremony was perfect, and the reception was rocking. I wish the two of them a blessed marriage and I hope in fifty years the two of us will celebrate our anniversaries in style.

Over the last year and a half, most everything seemed to break my way. Other than a few things I really haven't had to deal with adversity. While I don't plan on seeking trouble out, what I do plan is to actively pursue improvement and not just hope my luck continues.

My goals for the year 2012:

1. Stay alive.

I might need to reduce my speed on the Autobahn, but if I get out of 2012 alive it will be worth it.

2. Travel.

The One and I were talking this morning about going to someplace new at least once a month. I think that is a perfectly reasonable goal. There isn't anything saying we can't travel more than that, what it allows is for us to have some flexibility with our other goals.

3. Bike 1000 kilometers.

I want to ride my bicycle. With a busy schedule, weather related problems, and down right laziness I don't want to put the goal any higher than that. Though, I can see myself pushing well past this goal if I start biking to work on the days we have good weather. It's roughly 30 km round trip; one month of biking to work nearly puts me at my goal.

4. Make a good size dent in our debt.

The One and I have a plan in place to end our debt and put us in the green permanently. We both have to make a few sacrifices, but in the end we both know it will be worth it. We both know that eating our own lunches instead of eating out will be well worth it as it allows us to travel more and more.

5. Get the Promotion I've Wanted

Third times the charm.

I hope this time next year I'll be looking at another completed list.

Happy New Year,

Skate

Winter Weather and the Driving Experience

As you may or may not have read from Blu, it's snowing. It snowed just enough last night to cover the roads, but not enough that schools and other places would shut down. I took this week off from work, but still woke up early to take The One in to work for her. That started my thinking on the two types of drivers there are in winter weather. People of two varying thoughts and styles, but of the same coin. People who will swear up and down that it is the other that does not know how to drive in these conditions.

The first side is that of caution. The drivers that go just fast enough to keep the car moving. sometimes cutting speed limits in half. The ones that start slowing for their turn at least a quarter mile out. And when they get to the turn they treat it as if they are trying to park the USS Enterprise in a compact car parking spot. They start stopping well before a light turns from green, just in case. Their blinkers that they might not otherwise ever use become their best friend. Turning their blinkers on a full ten seconds before merging into another lane. When driving behind some one there will be enough space and reaction time between them to watch the entirety of Avatar.

The other side is that of apathy or wanton abandon. Speed limits were posted for a reason, and they will continue to follow them or break them as they normally would on clear days. They will weave in and out of lanes to avoid the now suddenly scared drivers that mimic old ladies in their Buicks. They speed through intersections just before red lights appear. They refuse to stop any sooner than right before they need to stop. Drifting becomes an appropriate way to make a turn, never mind the fishtailing that occurs on the back end. When driving behind someone, it is best to be near their bumper in case they need a push.

It may surprise some, including Mother, that I lean more towards the first group than the second. I drive defensively. I slow my pace, leaving earlier than I normally would to ensure that I will make it there in time. My car is clear of snow and ice. I slow well before the point in which I wish to stop or turn. I change how I take turns; no longer do I continue through the turn at the same speed in which I entered, rather I slow down for a complete controlled turn. I make the adjustments that are needed to ensure that my car is not the one in the ditch at the side of the road.

Now the question is, which side of the coin are you?

Skate

A Year of Yes and No

Oh my, what a year. It has been customary for me to have a year's end write-up for some time. And even though I haven't written anything here since July, I figured this would be a great place for new beginnings.

2010 was marked by yes and no. There were no gray areas or questions that were left unanswered. The first and most important yes or no I received was a yes from The One. I didfulfill my resolution to propose to her, and I didn't even drag it out for as long as she feared. We have been planning her illustrious dream wedding ever since. After that I was stricken with a couple of nos. I did not make the Tour I was pining for. Nor did I make the promotion that I worked for. Disappointing for sure, but I decided that both dreams will just have to wait until I can try again.

In August a beautiful thing happened; I was given my final yes or no of the year and it was a resounding yes. I was given the opportunity to change career paths and boy oh boy did I jump at that. Not because I dislike my current job or career, because I have always wanted this type of career. I will be leaving for school in January to become a TV and Radio Broadcaster! Just recently some of our questions were answered when we were told where and when we will be going after my school. My first job as a broadcaster will be in Germany! A dream location for both The One and I. And an excellent honeymoon area as we will be leaving shortly after getting married.

Yes, 2010 was a good year. And the future will only get better tomorrow.

Last year I set some modest goals.

My goals for 2010:

1. Stay alive. It might seem like a silly goal to have, until you are dead and then you should have thought of it. I will tie-in the live well goal for this one as well. I intend on doing both.

You will be surprised to hear that I did in fact make it here alive. I didn't go unscathed unfortunately, as I did break the first bone ever in my body: the last knuckle in my pinky finger.

2. No matter what happens regarding the tour, keep moving forward. There are a lot of opportunities out there for me and still have a lot to offer. It is time I stop wavering and just start walking.

As I have detailed before, I did not make The Tour. I did receive feedback and I will continue working myself to be better prepared for the next time I audition. With the wedding and new career I did not try again this year and next year is looking iffy. I will again, in time, try again. I certainly did not waver when it came to changing career. From the moment the opportunity presented itself I jumped in with both feet.

3. Smile through everything. There is no telling what will happen with anything this year, regardless of what it brings I will chose to be happy.

I certainly do not have to work so hard to smile. Life is good.

4. Work on myself personally. While I like to joke that I am perfect, I still hold some (very few) character flaws. I need to work on those.

No major overhaul personally. Thankfully I learned from the mistakes I made this year.

5. Propose to The One. I know, you know, she knows I love her. It will happen in 2010.

I did in only a way that I could.

My goals for 2011:

1. Stay alive. A staple first in all of my goals. At this point it should be understood, but I may be a little superstitious about keeping it here. I don't want to leave it off and that year be THE year.

2. Make it through broadcasting school. I will not fail.

3. Get married to The One. We have a beautiful wedding planned.

4. Make the most of our time in Germany. There is plenty to do, and I do not want to miss out.

5. Make it back for my sister's wedding. I am going to do everything in my power to make it back.

My life continues to look up and I am thankful for that!

May your new year be your best yet,

Skate

This Day Next Year

On October 10th, 2008, I took a beautiful young woman that I barely knew to a Michael Buble concert two hours away. I felt time pressed and did not go to the door to meet her, instead I sent a text. To be fair I did tell her that we needed to get moving as soon as possible and to be outside waiting for me. During the drive up, we refused to let there be an awkward moment of silence by nervously talking and asking questions. In that two hour span we went from hardly knowing each other to having a good idea of who we were spending time with.

We arrived to the concert with a moment or two to spare. We take our seats and courteously try not to invade each others space. As the pre-show comedian tried to warm us up we gave out half laughs and avoided guffawing in front of each other. This cutesy nervousness continued when Mr. Buble hit the stage. We would stand, and clap, sometimes let out a cheer. Mostly we would watch what the other one did so we would not embarrass ourselves. As the crowd danced around us, we might have swayed our hips. As couples held each other during love songs, we excused ourselves when we accidentally bumped our hands, shoulders or feet. At the end of an amazing show, we were both pleased. On the way back to the car the October cold breeze chilled her. I was without a jacket, because I thought it was warm enough, so I extended my arm across her shoulders to keep her warm.

We were in such a rush to get to the concert we did not eat. At eleven at night our choices were limited and could only manage a Chili's. We continued to get to know each other while we barely touched our food. Our nerves were getting the better of us and showed as we continued chattering. Our nerves were focused on the next part of the night: the overnight stay in a single bed hotel room.

In my hurry to pick her up I did not think to pack sleepwear. I asked her if that would be a problem if I were just in my boxers and shirt. Thankfully it was not. When we slid under the covers we placed a throw pillow in between us to make sure the boundaries were known. By the morning the pillow was gone. That night we did nothing more than talk and sleep. In the morning, it was talking and holding one another.

The drive back was only slightly quieter than the rest of trip. I think we were beginning to feel comfortable. I dropped her off; this time getting out of the car. As we said our goodbyes, I leaned in for a kiss but masked it with a hug for safety. She immediately went for the hug and did not even offer a cheek for the kiss. This would be something we would laugh about over and over again.

On June 22nd, 2010, I took the same woman to another Buble concert. This time as my fiancee. This time without the cutesy nervousness. A planned mini-vacation. We took two days off. Drove out to where the concert was being held and traveled the town. Checked into the single bed hotel, this time without need for throw pillows. We ate dinner beforehand; we chose a Japanese grill as part of a tradition we started on our first year anniversary. We went to another amazing concert by Buble. We even found the song we want to have our first dance to. It was warm out this time, so I settled for holding her hand as we walked to and from the car. It was a wonderful night.

It is amazing to think that this very day next year, July 9th, 2011, we will be getting married. In fact, as I am writing this, this very moment next year I will be standing next to her in front of everyone we know. I will be in my tux; she in her wedding dress. Both prepared to further promise ourselves to each other and reassure each other of our love. This moment next year I will be looking at my bride in all her beauty and thinking of all the adventures in front of us.

31,536,000 seconds until we are cutesy nervous about saying "I do." 525,600 minutes until we are to be joined in marriage. 8,760 hours until we make our lives one. 365 days before we say "I do." 1 year before we begin the rest of our lives together.

The day next year might seem a distance away, but I can already tell it is going to be the best day of my life.

Until next time, may you find happiness in another person's arms.

Skate

Restless

Calm, collected

I slide into bed.

Eager for the morrow,

Wanting, waiting

for the day to begin.

Right side, left side,

back, stomach.

Sleep eludes me.

Toss, turn, flop.

A stubborn mule,

rest relentlessly refuses

to come to me.

12, staring out into the darkness,

the day begins shape in my mind,

1, eyelids are heavy,

but pinned upright,

2, eyes are bloodshot,

mind is racing.

3, deep breaths and

counting sheep are failing.

4, bargaining with God,

just one hour of rest.

5, accepting the day,

it will begin.

6, sleep.

My eyes rest, heart slows,

my body slumbers

as easy as it can.

7, the morning comes.

Once eager, now I pause.

Snooze, just ten more minutes.

The day can wait.

Snooze, just ten more minutes.

I can wait.

8, I should have been awake an hour ago.

The day begins,

I am ready, not rested.

Whatever it holds,

I am prepared.

Until next time, may you sleep well.

Skate

Yolanda

I want to introduce someone who has a recurring role in these writings but never gets mentioned out right. She plays a vital role in my life; often carrying me from moment to moment. When she breaks down, I make sure she gets back to her usual self. She can be a bit stubborn at times, often forcing me to put my foot down. She can be very responsive, though she is either hot or cold. She has kept me on the road to success and has taken me down some questionable paths. She moves when I move, you can say we are attached at the hip. She lights up my world when it is dark outside and serenades me whenever I ask. She is not jealous of The One; they share a mutual bond by taking care of each other. Having her around reminds me that I have places to go; she is quick to remind me how far I have come. She lets me know if I am going too fast, though more often that I am going too slow. She has endured my abuse for far too long and deserves better.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Yolanda the Honda. My trusted companion on the road. Far more important than just a car.

Until next time, may you take care of those that take care of you.

Skate

Productive Saturday

Thanks to TOM and TOD who came out with a trailer and chainsaw. We were able to take out a couple of trees and a lot of mess. It was quite the busy morning hauling back in forth. The One and TOD tore down the trees; TOM and I took the loads off to the dump. Our teamwork allowed us to be finished with the trees in the afternoon. The One and I bed farewell to them after all that and then we continued to work. I cannot wait for the grass to grow in the back yard.

As we were finishing up around five, not surprisingly, our neighbor popped out with a chainsaw to trim his bushes and then mowed his lawn. An all to funny experience we get to enjoy every time we do yard work.

Until next time, take a break.

Skate

Marriage Well Wishes

For my beautiful youngest sister, her new husband, and their two lovely children:

With warmest wishes for the best in life, as you all look forward to a shared future of love, friendship, and the wonderful closeness that is family.

Congratulations.

Skate

What Cheer

I like places that have interesting names. What Cheer, Iowa would be one of those towns. A quick look at Google and you pop up with Jot 'Em Down, Texas and Bird in Hand, Pennsylvania; West Virginia has a Star Trek theme with Tribble, Vulcan, and Enterprise.

A few more favorites of mine:

Hoop and Holler, Texas

Hoot and Holler Crossing, Texas

Knockemstiff, Ohio

Spunky Puddle, Ohio

Whynot, Mississippi

Ynot, Montana

Neverfail, Tennessee

Hobo Station, Mississippi

Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky

Bat Cave, North Carolina

Half Hell, North Carolina

Little Heaven, Delaware

Tick Bite, North Carolina

Shoofly, North Carolina

Dead Woman Crossing, Oklahoma

Goodnight, Oklahoma

Until next time, may you find your own little crazy town name.

Skate

Broke Down

I did, not the car. It did not take much. I talked myself into stopping before The One even came home. I liked the idea that we would not get tired in the middle of the night while driving. I liked the idea that it would be a small drive in the morning that would be easy to make. She liked that we did not rush getting to where we are going.

We Pricelined a hotel on the way up and landed a Holiday Inn for $50. The room is wonderful and the internet is free. The only problem: resteraunts are not nearby. We had to travel to find a few closed joints before giving up and just going to McDonalds.

Now it is time for bed.

Until tomorrow, sleep well.
Skate

Long Day Behind and Ahead

I tried to get yesterday's post in, but never managed to get a break. I woke up at five to hit the gym; came home to shower and dress for work, then drove to work; work went longer than expected and ended up being late for rehearsal; after rehearsal, The One and I enjoyed a dinner together; by the time we got home it was past ten and the internet was down. It was quite the long day. But it was my last long work day until next Friday. Pardon me while I do a little happy dance.

Today will be a long driving day. The One and I are heading up to Iowa for my youngest sister's wedding. We will be there for until Sunday morning. I have made this drive many times. It is not the most exciting drive as most of it is just up 35. The One is on her way to convincing me that we should break it into two parts and not rush. The idea behind that is we do not have a hotel until tomorrow night and we are projected to get there early morning if we drive straight through.

I have two problems though. One, I do not like making unnecessary stops. If we were to stop in Des Moines we would only be three hours away and that is easily drivable. The second problem is that I do not want to wake up and drive for another half day which is what we would do if we stopped outside of KC. I know of a few places just inside the Iowa border but then I run into the first problem.

I am certain that we will discuss this on the road.

Expect a catch-up post later today while we are out on the road.

Until then, enjoy your days of work.

Skate

What a Trip

A huge thank you to TOD and TOM for having The One and I tag along on a camping trip. It was a load of fun.

The One and I made it out there just after six on Friday. We checked out the camper and the area before supper was ready. The meals that TOD cooked and TOM worked for were amazing the whole trip. They have a nice camper. It can sleep five normal size adults and one large size adult. Taking care of business was an adventure for me that involved one of my legs resting in the shower. I am amazed that I did not break anything in the trailer. I did however on the first night push The One right up into the camper wall while sleeping. After the first night I made an adjustment and I do not think she had any more bumps. I was really pleased with the camper as a whole and think I might get something like it when I retire.

We did a lot of fishing and I caught my first fish there with The One's pole. I was both excited I had caught one and disappointed I did not catch one with my pole. Not too long after though I caught my first fish with my own pole! The One was the fishing champ while were there; overall she had just one less fish than TOM over the course of the trip with TOM getting a three day head start. It must be the pink pole.

I think my favorite thing by far was The Big Dog. The Big Dog is what TOD calls the big spring at the park. The water is frigid. The sign puts the temperature at anywhere between 56 and 60 degrees. It feels a lot colder when you stick your head under the fall. The ritual we performed over and over was to stick your head under the fall and yell "BIG DOG!!!" after you yell you let out a few whoops and barks. I pushed the limit each time we went. The first time I went under and counted to ten. Then the next time I went for twenty. And even further the last time with thirty. Each time I yelled and whooped then counted and then yelled and whooped again. So in actuality I spent about another ten seconds each time.

While we were packing up I started to do the math for how much it would cost to just stay out there. When I retire, between my pension and money saved, I could just live out there. I think that is kind of cool. It might be an idea for retirement when I get there.

Until tomorrow, and even after that, enjoy your day off and think of those that lost their lives for our great country.

Skate

Camping

This weekend should be a lot of fun. I will camping with TOD, TOM, and The One. Lots of fishing, swimming, golfing, and just being lazy planned for this weekend. I look forward to basking in the sun, tossing out a line, and drinking a cold beer for most of the day.

As far as I can recall, this will be my first camping experience. When I was younger I did have a one week outdoors experience but we stayed in a cabin. There were no showers there so it might count. This time round I take a step closer to camping by being in a camper. TOD is overly worried about where I will fit when sleeping. I have two options, and while neither are as large as my king size bed I will manage.

Someone was explaining the golf course that we will be whacking balls at. I will have to remember not to take myself to seriously as the course is no joke. I can foresee a lot of lost balls in my future.

One thing we cannot forget is why we have the long weekend. While you are out camping, at home, work, or just out and about take the time to remember the men and women of our Armed Forces who have given their lives for our country.

Until next time, may you enjoy your weekend.

Skate

Lead Foot

While I follow most laws of road, I will not argue that I do not always obey speed limits. I often treat them as guidelines. An idea if how fast one should go in clear weather. The road rager in me rages when the car in front does not meet what he looks at as a minimum.

I also will not argue the speeding ticket I received today. The young enforcer of the road clocked me at 22 in a 15. His lights twirled just as I entered the new zone and was slowing to meet the new speed. My car does not even register 15; it starts at 20. I will have to figure a way to feel 15.

Luckily, as I was on a complex, it will not cost a thing. It will take one of my six points in the next year.

Until tomorrow, may you slow down and enjoy life.
Skate

Splashes

Every now and then I get an idea or dream that runs through my disconnected brain. The dreams are flashes of what could be or what could of been. The ideas are splashes. Here are a few splashes from the past:

It wells up inside you, Eager to find it's way out.
You hold it to you as strong as you can,
and the harder you hold the more it bursts out.
You are unable to contain it as it eats you alive.
You're imprisoned in your own wealth of emotion.
You'll give in only to find yourself unable to stop.
It takes over you and has no plan on letting you go.
You hate it, you love it, you're thoughts collide.
A mesh of feelings thrust their will upon you,
and you are unable to control your inner thoughts.
You become overwhelmed and have lost
all that you held onto that made you who you are.
And you are still okay.

-----------

I have more to offer than looks,
I am a man of personality.
I have likes and dislikes,
I have my moments,
I am who I am.

I have more to offer than a smile,
I am full of laughter and hope.
I am smart enough to dream,
I am not just a face,
I am who I am.

I have more to offer than hugs,
I am a man of inner warmth.
I hold you for safety, to not let go,
I will not just be a moment,
I am who I am.

I have more to offer than a man,
I offer a unique person,
I offer laughter, hope, dreams,
I offer hugs, warmth, safety,
I offer me.

--------

So strange the feeling
of frustration
as I pour out
these strained words.

------
My mind echos
the empty beating
of my desperate heart.
----------
The stillness of the room
suffocates me.
----------
Fastened to my thoughts
of hope; of dreams unfilled.

--------------

Until tomorrow, may you find a poet in you.

Skate

Why I Relay

For those that do not know, the name on my donation page is that of my late uncle on my Bdad's side. He died before I had a chance to meet him. I relay for him.

I relay for all the people I have known, that I know, and that I will know that have cancer. I relay to save lives. I relay for hope. I relay to spread knowledge. I relay for a cure.

It's amazing to think that millions of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Somebody close to us may be one of them.

It is amazing what just a small donation can do. A small amount is all that is needed from an individual, it is a group of individuals that make that large amount. Think about just donating $5. If you can get you and 10 people to donate just that amount that is $55. If each one of those can get 10 other people to donate we can raise over $500. If you want to know what your money goes to this is how it can help:

$25-$45 - The cost of an interpreter for a 10-minute call to 1-800-ACS-2345

$30 - 1 pair of gloves for the Polyp Man costume

$60 - 1 case of latex gloves

$100 - 2 give coupons for the tic catalog that provides women battling cancer with a complimentary wig, bra or other personal care item

$120 - 1 case of 144 Petri dishes

$150 - 1 case of 500 test tubes

$150 - 6 glass Erienmeyer flasks, which allow researchers to mix and/or store different substances, including potentially beneficial drugs, to discover their cancer-related-effect

$200 - 1 package of 50 sheets of X-ray film

$250 - 83 hours of toll-free access to the NCIC

$312 - 8 round-trips for 1 patient via the Road to Recovery program

$350 - 1 Gel Box, which researchers use to isolate DNA and identify differences that may impact cancer diagnosis or treatment

$500 - Reach to Recovery visits to 5 women

$700 - Cost of annual training of staff who help prepare volunteers to facilitate the Man to Man program

$800 - Cost of Look Good...Feel Better consultations for 4 women

$1,000 - Hope Lodge - Expenses for 1 patient for one day

$2,000 - 1 new microscope

$3,000 - Expenses for 1 patient in an American Cancer Society funded clinical trial

$5,000 - Dividing DNA taken from 1,200 cases during the American Cancer Society's Prevention Study II, which helps researchers understand the genetics of cancer

$10.000 - Develop and produce 1 new web cast story for the Cancer Survivors Network

$24,000 - Tell A Friend Materials translated into 4 Asian Languages

$88,000 - One issue and postage for CA: Cancer Journal For Clinicians, the most widely circulated oncology journal in the world, which provides cancer care professionals with the latest on cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention

$100,000 - Behavioral Research Center - 1 study

• Helping people stay well by helping them take steps to prevent cancer or detect it early, when it’s most treatable
• Helping people get well by being in their corner around the clock to guide them through every step of their cancer experience
• Finding cures by funding groundbreaking research that helps us understand cancer’s causes, determine how best to prevent it and discover new ways to cure it
• Fighting back by working with lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and rally communities worldwide to join the fight

Even if you do not know someone with cancer, chances are someone you know knows someone with cancer. Help them out by making a small donation for the cure. Each donation provides hope for everyone out there. Together, we have the power to help create a world where cancer can no longer claim another year of anyone’s life.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=14418441&pg=personal&fr_id=23950

May you find it in your hearts to donate.

Skate

First Fish!

After rehearsal today I put a few lines in the water with Blu while our ladies talked idly by. We had been relaxing for a half hour when I had the idea to get ice cream. Everyone liked the idea and a plan was made. I cast my line out one last time before we were to head out.

I had wasted a nibble earlier. The novice fisher in me reeled in a quickly as possible instead of letting the fish take the hook. This time when I go the nibble I was patient. Possibly too patient, as Blu and The One yelled at me to reel the fish in.

I just saw the bobber go down and thought it was just nibbling. Apparently if it goes down in the water for more than just a dip it is a bite. I was so excited I did not know what to do. Finally I started to reel it in. The One warned me not to snap my line. I wanted to reel it all the way to the top, which I was told I was wrong. I got it close enough that I was told to take it out of the water.

There it was. A little catfish. I was so excited; the little kid inside of me was giddier than could be.

Until tomorrow, may you catch what you are looking for.

Skate

The Return of Monopoly

The One and I played our Monopoly game tonight as we ate our dinner. The version we played has an electronic banking system. While it is neat and orderly, I find it hard to keep track of how much I have. The One was often aggravated when I asked her to check my balance. Normally I would be able to count my own stash that I keep unorganized so no one can truly tell how much I have. I do like the electronic bank, I just which I could readily see my tally.

For those that have not played with me, I am an aggressive purchaser. Very aggressive. In the beginning of the game I buy any and everything I land on. I am sure I am not the only one who does this. The one difference is I have seen people stop when they run out of cash; I continue. I mortgage properties left and right to purchase new ones. At one point tonight I had more mortgaged properties than I did un-mortgaged. My goal is to control the board and the only way to do that is to have property.

About my fourth pass around the board I had already received a concession from The One. We were about ten minutes into the game and I owned at least one piece of property from each set and managed a full set as well. The One sat with a full bank account and a few properties. She knew her chances of pulling this one out were slim. I convinced her to continue and the dice continued to roll my way. I bought out the rest of the properties, save Boardwalk. I started up with houses and paying off mortgages.

With the writing on the wall, The One conceded. I am very proud of her for not kicking and screaming like she did last year. She took it like a champ and I am sure the dice will be more friendly next time. For now I hold monopoly.

Until next time, may you have the monopoly on your own happiness.

Skate

Toga Form

As you know I will be playing Mark Antony in the upcoming production of Julius Caesar. The director will have us all traipsing around in togas. She informed me yesterday that for a portion I will only be half covered. I am not shy and will have no problem walking around the park half naked. I even joke that I will be going commando underneath the toga, or at least the director hopes I am joking.

While I am not shy, I am very arrogant and have a beautiful picture of myself. Unfortunately that picture of myself does not quite match actual reality. I see handsome stud muffing with a great physique; the world sees a gangly body that has taken in too much alcohol. As such, I will be focusing on those body parts that will be prominent in hopes that they will be somewhat toned by the time I am half naked running through the park.

Until the next one, may you wear your toga well.

Skate

Rural Hospitality

One of the things I like about living in smaller towns is that people seem to be friendlier. Over the last month I have paid more attention to this while driving. It is always pleasant when the people in the other car wave while we cross paths. The waving puts a smile on my face. We do not know each other but we make contact with just a friendly toss up.

The first time I can remember that waving put a smile on my face was the town I graduated in, which is much small than where I am now. If I were walking or driving vehicles of all sizes would wave a friendly hello. When I was walking those were especially nice to see. I imagine those felt more special as it gave me time to really think about how nice such a simple act is.

Until the next one, may you be friendly to those you cross.

Skate