Okay, this will be brief, but I need to write down a few since it's been a while since I have made my list of weekly complaints, so here it goes:
1.) Airlines showing crappy Christmas movies because it's December. I hate this so much!! Every time I fly home for Christmas, I have to sit through a heart-warming Christmas film. They are always boring, kid-friendly flicks that make me want to scream. So, dear Santa, please make it so I don't have to watch Home Alone, Santa Clause III, a Christmas Story or any other festive movie, just show me the latest summer block-buster that has just made it's way to DVD.
2.) (as a suggestion from a friend) Dried cranberries that are flavored like other fruits. If I want to have dried fruit that tastes like cherries, I'll buy dried cherries.
3.) Smoker Neighbors. My whole apartment has a faint hint of cigarette smoke. This does not please me. I have noticed a faint hint from time to time, but at home this past week, I opened my suitcase, and the whole thing smelled of smoke. This isn't right. Luckily, though, my roommate bought an air filter, and this seems to be helping, we've got it to the point that you only smell smoke when the heat turns on, which, because it is winter, is fairly frequently.
That's all I have time to think of tonight, but I am sure I can find some more. I'll post shortly about my trip home. It'll be a lark. Stay tuned, and have a very happy new year.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Smile
Um hello. So I had a hole in my tooth for about two or three months. I figured that it was a filling that had come out and needed to be replaced. You see, I could see the exact shape of the hole sometimes when I chewed gum (I know it sounds gross, but hear me out...), and the hole looked like a perfect square, so I figured it had to have been drilled that way. The reason why I let it go so long is because, I would notice that it hurt every once in a while when I was eating something, and I would say that I need to go to the dentist. However, I would usually floss, and then it would not hurt for a few more weeks.
Then, I was thinking about it at work last Wednesday, and I decided that since we're changing insurance providers at work, I had better take advantage of the coverage that I had before the end of the year. So I found a clinic about twenty feet from my apartment (more like a block) that I had no idea was even there. They told me they had an open spot that afternoon.
Long story short (to this point, at least), I wound up in the chair listening to my least-favorite song of all time, "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. I think this was a sign of the pain to come.
After an x-ray and the nastiest taste ever in my mouth from the equipment used to to obtain said x-ray, it turns out I actually had a cracked filling in one tooth and a hole caused by decay in the other, I found out that I would have to get a crown and a get the filling fixed. Luckily, I don't need a root canal, cause I hear those aren't fun. So anyway, I get the tough news that after insurance, I had to pay $550--this, the good doctor told me, was pretty good insurance coverage too.
So I went ahead with the work. Though I was impressed with his thorough explanation of what was to happen, I wasn't too happy with his skills of administering a shot of novicane. It was seriously the most painful shot I have ever received. He was rubbing the gum and said, "this is going to sting a bit." Holy Crap!! It felt like he took a shoved a shoved a razor blade in a was tinkering around in there. I had to clench my fists and curl my toes. It seriously brought tears to my eyes--okay it was one tear in my left eye, but still it was a tear, I have a pretty high pain threshold too.
Anyway, to make this long story a little bit shorter than it could be, we won't talk about my missing out on the gas (my favorite part of any dentist visit), what looked like smoke billowing out of my mouth while he was drilling, or the bloody stump of a former tooth I could feel when he was preparing the goop to take an impression with, and we leave it with the fact that I am going back next Saturday to have the crown permanently cemented in.
And so, my friends, $550 later, I don't have a hole in my tooth, which, in my humble opinion is good, but would have been much better if it wasn't so pricey. Oh, and I've heard that dentists are the profession most likely to commit suicide. I think it must because they feel guilty about making people feel so much pain.
Then, I was thinking about it at work last Wednesday, and I decided that since we're changing insurance providers at work, I had better take advantage of the coverage that I had before the end of the year. So I found a clinic about twenty feet from my apartment (more like a block) that I had no idea was even there. They told me they had an open spot that afternoon.
Long story short (to this point, at least), I wound up in the chair listening to my least-favorite song of all time, "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. I think this was a sign of the pain to come.
After an x-ray and the nastiest taste ever in my mouth from the equipment used to to obtain said x-ray, it turns out I actually had a cracked filling in one tooth and a hole caused by decay in the other, I found out that I would have to get a crown and a get the filling fixed. Luckily, I don't need a root canal, cause I hear those aren't fun. So anyway, I get the tough news that after insurance, I had to pay $550--this, the good doctor told me, was pretty good insurance coverage too.
So I went ahead with the work. Though I was impressed with his thorough explanation of what was to happen, I wasn't too happy with his skills of administering a shot of novicane. It was seriously the most painful shot I have ever received. He was rubbing the gum and said, "this is going to sting a bit." Holy Crap!! It felt like he took a shoved a shoved a razor blade in a was tinkering around in there. I had to clench my fists and curl my toes. It seriously brought tears to my eyes--okay it was one tear in my left eye, but still it was a tear, I have a pretty high pain threshold too.
Anyway, to make this long story a little bit shorter than it could be, we won't talk about my missing out on the gas (my favorite part of any dentist visit), what looked like smoke billowing out of my mouth while he was drilling, or the bloody stump of a former tooth I could feel when he was preparing the goop to take an impression with, and we leave it with the fact that I am going back next Saturday to have the crown permanently cemented in.
And so, my friends, $550 later, I don't have a hole in my tooth, which, in my humble opinion is good, but would have been much better if it wasn't so pricey. Oh, and I've heard that dentists are the profession most likely to commit suicide. I think it must because they feel guilty about making people feel so much pain.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
...Enter Steve Carell and Hilarity Ensues
I like waking up to the smell of bacon. Sue me!
Okay, the latest addition to my blog, as you may have noticed is a couple of new songs on my player. The first of which is the theme song from The Office. This is pretty much my favorite show these days. I was watching the second season last night--at least a couple of episodes. I think my favorite episode, other than the Insurance episode from the first season has to be "The Injury." This is the one where Michael Scott clamps his foot in his Foreman Grill while making bacon in his bedroom, and of course, hilarity ensues. I can't describe it well enough to do it justice. I would have posted a video clip, but cannot find one. I would suggest that you find it at watch. Just know this, it's great. Oh, and PS, if anyone wants to make my Christmas extra-super special, I would really like the third season of The Office (hint hint to my sister who has my name this year--even though I don't think she reads my blog).
'Tis the Season
Along with the song by the Scrantones, I have added a couple of my Christmas favorites. I really am not the biggest fan of Christmas music--work four holiday seasons in retail, and you'll be cured of any affection that you may have had for Christmas music. However, there are a couple of songs that I do like. Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan sing my favorite, and I don't know why, but I have always liked Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is you--who are you to judge me? And though I really like the songs that were first in line, they have been bumped to change things up a bit. You know, I aim to please my audience, and I am sure you get sick of the same songs over and over :^)
Okay, the latest addition to my blog, as you may have noticed is a couple of new songs on my player. The first of which is the theme song from The Office. This is pretty much my favorite show these days. I was watching the second season last night--at least a couple of episodes. I think my favorite episode, other than the Insurance episode from the first season has to be "The Injury." This is the one where Michael Scott clamps his foot in his Foreman Grill while making bacon in his bedroom, and of course, hilarity ensues. I can't describe it well enough to do it justice. I would have posted a video clip, but cannot find one. I would suggest that you find it at watch. Just know this, it's great. Oh, and PS, if anyone wants to make my Christmas extra-super special, I would really like the third season of The Office (hint hint to my sister who has my name this year--even though I don't think she reads my blog).
'Tis the Season
Along with the song by the Scrantones, I have added a couple of my Christmas favorites. I really am not the biggest fan of Christmas music--work four holiday seasons in retail, and you'll be cured of any affection that you may have had for Christmas music. However, there are a couple of songs that I do like. Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan sing my favorite, and I don't know why, but I have always liked Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is you--who are you to judge me? And though I really like the songs that were first in line, they have been bumped to change things up a bit. You know, I aim to please my audience, and I am sure you get sick of the same songs over and over :^)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Today's Things That Must Go
1). Children on leashes--this should qualify as some sort of child abuse. Yes, kids are prone to wander off, but I don't think there is any need to treat them like you would your family pet, Scruffy. It's just mean, and as such, it must go.
2). The over-use of the word awesome--This is particularly abundant in my personal (read religious) circle. We do it a lot--myself included--but we shouldn't. There are things that are truly awesome, works of art and architecture, natural beauty in the world and great speeches, etc. But to say something like a mediocre performance or a decent meal instills awe is just ridiculous. I think it takes away from the power that this word can have.
3). Jewish performers who make Christmas albums--Babs, maybe you have a "voice like butta," but I think you are exploiting my Lord and Savior by making money off of his birth when you don't even belive in him. The same can be said of Neil Diamond or Kenny G. or a whole slew of others.
4). "Moderates" who will never vote for a Democrat--this probably only bugs me, but there are plenty of people I meet who claim to not be a member of either party, and assert neutrality, but it all reality, would never vote for a Democrat. I don't feel like going off and explaining all of my feelings on this now, so I won't. But if you do it, you must go.
5). Mormons who think Mitt Romney is going to convert America, and the world--Sorry kids, he may be pretty, but I don't think that this politician's politician is the way to spread the best ideals of the Church and it's teachings. I don't like him--I'll probably post why shortly, but this could be at least a small part of the reason. Maybe I could be wrong, maybe he'll win the whole think (I don't think that will happen) and he'll be a great president. We'll see what happens when we get there, but for now these super fans of Mitt's within the Mormon church irritate me, and they must go.
2). The over-use of the word awesome--This is particularly abundant in my personal (read religious) circle. We do it a lot--myself included--but we shouldn't. There are things that are truly awesome, works of art and architecture, natural beauty in the world and great speeches, etc. But to say something like a mediocre performance or a decent meal instills awe is just ridiculous. I think it takes away from the power that this word can have.
3). Jewish performers who make Christmas albums--Babs, maybe you have a "voice like butta," but I think you are exploiting my Lord and Savior by making money off of his birth when you don't even belive in him. The same can be said of Neil Diamond or Kenny G. or a whole slew of others.
4). "Moderates" who will never vote for a Democrat--this probably only bugs me, but there are plenty of people I meet who claim to not be a member of either party, and assert neutrality, but it all reality, would never vote for a Democrat. I don't feel like going off and explaining all of my feelings on this now, so I won't. But if you do it, you must go.
5). Mormons who think Mitt Romney is going to convert America, and the world--Sorry kids, he may be pretty, but I don't think that this politician's politician is the way to spread the best ideals of the Church and it's teachings. I don't like him--I'll probably post why shortly, but this could be at least a small part of the reason. Maybe I could be wrong, maybe he'll win the whole think (I don't think that will happen) and he'll be a great president. We'll see what happens when we get there, but for now these super fans of Mitt's within the Mormon church irritate me, and they must go.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Over the River and through the Woods to Kade's House I went
It's been two weeks now, so I had better get on the ball with this posting about my Thanksgiving. Since my best friend and I were too poor to fly back to Utah, we decided to stay on the east coast (I actually consider North Carolina the South, even though it is on the coast) and have Thanksgiving. To add to the fun, our favorite 5th-grade school teacher from Tucson, AZ, Cammie Jan. Flew out to meet us. So, the day before Thanksgiving I headed south, down I-95, with about one million other people. Traffic was miserable until I got past Richmond, but ultimately I made it to Raleigh on Wednesday evening.
Cammie Jan wasn't set to get in until Thursday night, so this meant that our dinner wouldn't be held until Saturday. So I had a very traditional Thanksgiving feast on Thursday that consisted of a breakfast from Bojangles (bo-berry(sp?) biscuits of course). That afternoon, Kade and I went to the gym, while I was running, Kade futzed around, listening to his "Gospel Walking" CD and "worked out" on multiple pieces of equipment. By work out, I mean rode the bike for three minutes, used his hand as a fan complaining about the heat, and got some water, then repeated a similar routine on the eliptical trainer and the other treadmill. All that exercise served us well for our dinner, which consisted of Sweet and Sour Chicken, and General Tso's Chicken from Chinatown Express for Kade and me respectively. For dessert, hot fudge sundaes from McDonalds. See what I mean--traditional. Cammie Jan arrived safely that evening. And the next day, she and I went running in the moring while Kade went to his place of employment. That afternoon, we attempted to take advantage of Black Friday sales. I bought the least, purchasing two ties from Belks.On Saturday, after Kade and Cammie got up around noon, we got to preparing out meal. In true southern style, Kade and I donned our mullets and got to work--however, if it were true southern style, the mulleted men would be on the couch the entire time watching football and drinking beer--but I digress.
Oh what a feast we had. The menu (prepared by Kade), consited of:
Appetizers:
Blue Cheese-Ricotta Dip with Apples and Crackers
Seasoned Oyster Crackers
Bread:
Whole Wheat Yeast Rolls
Sides &Vegetables:
Orange Cranberry Sauce
Orange Scented Green Beans
Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Sweet Potato Casserole
Mashed Red Potatoes with Brown Gravy
Main Course:
Peach Glazed Cornish Game Hens with Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing
Turkey Cutlets with Pan Gravy
Desserts:
Miniature Lime Curd and Meringue Tarts
Too much food for all of us, but hey, that's what Thanksgiving is all about right?
This posting couldn't be complete without a mention of our little furry friend, Matza. She was our very needy helper in the kitchen.
So, that's that. I spent Thanksgiving with some of my favorite people, and had some tasty vittals--only a couple of days late. It would have been nice to be with my family, but in my humble opinion, having Thanksgiving with your best friends when you can't make it home is almost as good (and in this case, maybe even tastier).
P.S. I will make a mention that I did watch a football game during the meal preparation. However, I did my part to help out.
Another Case of the Mondays--Today's Things That Must Go!!
1). Kids with headphones turned up so loudly that the whole train can hear--True the signs say that you must have headphones to listen to your music, but if I can hear whatever hip-hop crap you're listening to, you must go. I don't force you to listen to my music, and I would appreciate it if you didn't force me to listen to yours--especially when it sounds so tinny through your little headphones, 20 feet away.
2). Skinny people who take up more than half of the Metro seat--I am a big guy. As such, when I have a chance to sit on the Metro, I opt to sit by a smaller person, and I do all I can to not encroach upon his or her space. There is a distinct line as to what 1/2 of the seat is, and it shouldn't be crossed. That being said, the past two times I got a seat on the way to work, my bench-mates did not adhere to this rule, while I did more than my fair share of not squishing my neighbor (i.e. sitting sideways with my knee smashed into the bench in front of me). As a result, I was elbowed in my ribs (unduly) for the extent of my ride to work. As such, the little lady in the red coat today simply must go!!
3.) People who smell like curry in the morning--or any strong smell for all that matters. It's very pungent, and when I want Indian food, I'd like it, but on my bus ride from home to the metro at 7:30 a.m., I don't want to smell that.
4.) Stupid Shoppers--I don't know why, but it seems that the Friday after Thanksgiving ushers in a month-long stint of absolute stupidity of shoppers. Not only are they out in droves, but for some reason, they move like snails while I am very precise in knowing what I need to pick up, and as such, want to get in and out quickly. That is not a possibility at this time of year. Case in point, Target on Saturday: I have to wait behind the old lady who takes one of the last two carts, while at the same time, setting a screen to not allow me to get the other when she's backing up. Meanwhile a feisty Asian lady moves in and grabs the only other cart. What do I do, but go find an abandoned cart, empty its belongings, including a small child, and claim it as my own (some lady started yelling at me, but I was rounding the corner and couldn't quite tell what she was saying)--okay so not quite, I did find an empty cart on one aisle, but I digress. So attention shoppers, if you're stupid, slow, or can't keep your bratty children from crying because they can't get a stinking toy, you must go!! Yes, that means you, Little ole' Lady with the ugly hat with the funky bow.
5.) Last, but certainly not least, austin collie must go!! austin is a receiver for byu, the religiously(Mormon)-affiliated rival team of my college, the University of Utah. Last week was the big rivalry game, and byu won, in part because mr. collie caught a long pass (one that most certainly should have been stopped--boo Utes!) which gave great position, and allowed them to score the winning touchdown two plays after. When asked about it, the aforementioned receiver said this..."Obviously..., when you're doing what's right, on and off the field, I think the Lord steps in and...plays a part in that." Not only is he saying here that the Almighty picks sides in a football game (like God gives a hoot in hell about sports, and if that were the case, why does Utah still lead byu in these match-ups 52-33-4?), but more offensively, he, in his own pious, self-righteous way, is saying that his team is more holy, because they "live" under their "honor code." I take offense to that because there are many fine students at my Alma matter who live good lives, probably more strictly adhering the "honor code" than many at the School Down South. However, we did it, and continue to do it without signing a peice of paper. I don't want to say that all students at that school are like mr. collie, in fact some of my best friends are byu alum, but this holier-than-thou attitude exists in many and mr. collie's exhibiting it is the embodiment of my hatred (yes, hatred) for that institution. As such, mr. collie, you must go!!
Those are my humble (and fairly heated today) opinions. Take them as you will. I am still a Utah man, sir, and will be 'til I die!!
2). Skinny people who take up more than half of the Metro seat--I am a big guy. As such, when I have a chance to sit on the Metro, I opt to sit by a smaller person, and I do all I can to not encroach upon his or her space. There is a distinct line as to what 1/2 of the seat is, and it shouldn't be crossed. That being said, the past two times I got a seat on the way to work, my bench-mates did not adhere to this rule, while I did more than my fair share of not squishing my neighbor (i.e. sitting sideways with my knee smashed into the bench in front of me). As a result, I was elbowed in my ribs (unduly) for the extent of my ride to work. As such, the little lady in the red coat today simply must go!!
3.) People who smell like curry in the morning--or any strong smell for all that matters. It's very pungent, and when I want Indian food, I'd like it, but on my bus ride from home to the metro at 7:30 a.m., I don't want to smell that.
4.) Stupid Shoppers--I don't know why, but it seems that the Friday after Thanksgiving ushers in a month-long stint of absolute stupidity of shoppers. Not only are they out in droves, but for some reason, they move like snails while I am very precise in knowing what I need to pick up, and as such, want to get in and out quickly. That is not a possibility at this time of year. Case in point, Target on Saturday: I have to wait behind the old lady who takes one of the last two carts, while at the same time, setting a screen to not allow me to get the other when she's backing up. Meanwhile a feisty Asian lady moves in and grabs the only other cart. What do I do, but go find an abandoned cart, empty its belongings, including a small child, and claim it as my own (some lady started yelling at me, but I was rounding the corner and couldn't quite tell what she was saying)--okay so not quite, I did find an empty cart on one aisle, but I digress. So attention shoppers, if you're stupid, slow, or can't keep your bratty children from crying because they can't get a stinking toy, you must go!! Yes, that means you, Little ole' Lady with the ugly hat with the funky bow.
5.) Last, but certainly not least, austin collie must go!! austin is a receiver for byu, the religiously(Mormon)-affiliated rival team of my college, the University of Utah. Last week was the big rivalry game, and byu won, in part because mr. collie caught a long pass (one that most certainly should have been stopped--boo Utes!) which gave great position, and allowed them to score the winning touchdown two plays after. When asked about it, the aforementioned receiver said this..."Obviously..., when you're doing what's right, on and off the field, I think the Lord steps in and...plays a part in that." Not only is he saying here that the Almighty picks sides in a football game (like God gives a hoot in hell about sports, and if that were the case, why does Utah still lead byu in these match-ups 52-33-4?), but more offensively, he, in his own pious, self-righteous way, is saying that his team is more holy, because they "live" under their "honor code." I take offense to that because there are many fine students at my Alma matter who live good lives, probably more strictly adhering the "honor code" than many at the School Down South. However, we did it, and continue to do it without signing a peice of paper. I don't want to say that all students at that school are like mr. collie, in fact some of my best friends are byu alum, but this holier-than-thou attitude exists in many and mr. collie's exhibiting it is the embodiment of my hatred (yes, hatred) for that institution. As such, mr. collie, you must go!!
Those are my humble (and fairly heated today) opinions. Take them as you will. I am still a Utah man, sir, and will be 'til I die!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)