This weekend I was suppose to be in Chicago. My time here in Tomahawk Wisconsin was suppose to end on Friday, with a weekend in the Breezy city before flying back to Irlande. Im still stuck here though, because of a last minute request to provide babysitting services. Flights had to be changed, hotels bookings modified, It was all a rather sudden. One more weekend in quiet and simple Tomahawk, population 3770.
Now you think Id be mad under these circumstances, or at least saddened and momentarily depressed. Thats how I normally would react, in a childish way, when a weekend in Chicago is replaced with a weekend in central Wisconsin. However, in a completely unexpected turn of events, I cant help but feel an unexplained buoyancy in my demeanor during this weekend. And really I dont know why, if we are to check the balance sheet, it shouldnt even be close:
Pros
- I get to drive my rental Dodge Charger a few more days.
- I get to listen to Sirius Satellite Radio.
Cons
- I have to drive one hour to hang out at a Walmart
- I need to work this weekend, at odd hours, to check on our installed system. Second weekend in a row by the way.
- I miss my chance to potentially go to Wrigley field and watch the Cubs interleague with the White Sox.
- I wont get a chance to shop the Magnificent Mile.
- I wont get the chance to eat yummy Chicago Deep Dish.
- Im completely all by my lonesome, in a lonesome town.
Nothing against Tomahawk, it is quite charming of a town. People here are unbelievably nice, (its almost spooky), its surrounded by gorgeous lakes and the wisconsin river runs through it, providing free water jumping shows at 8PM. And there is a Dairy Queen.
So why am I happy? I dont know. I wont question it though. Im even smiling as I type this. Usually when Im like this, a girl is involved or at the very least an exotic location. Neither are true is this case, but anyways Ill go with it. Ill now stop typing, walk around, and enjoy the day. 1000% better than being depressed and sorry for myself. I actually wish I could turn this on all the time, it makes for a great day.
This doesnt make any sense.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I like...
I love Ray Ray. Just watch this, its breathtakingly beautiful. I can watch it all day. Go directly to youtube and watch it in high-res. Watch it over and over again like how I do. With only a few seconds left, on the most crucial play of the game, first he waves off Garnett on the planned pick-n-roll, deciding to take on this chump on his ownself. Then Sasha does an textbook job executing the 'Ole!!' defence, Ray Ray blows by, finishes with a lefty layup, sealing the game for the Celtics, and leading Paul Pierce to celebrate like Marty winning Quiz night. I love this scene, just as much as the opening diving scenes in Into the Blue.
I like Kay Gee.
And I dont mind PP anymore.
I dislike Sasha.
I dislike Derek Fisher.
And I despise Japanese Kobe steak.
With such a blend of emotions, especially for a guy that is holding a angry grudge against the NBA (for first killing the Grizzlies, and then the Sonics), its remarkable to say that Im excited that Im in the States to watch the NBA Finals tonight.
Oh yeah Im in Wisconsin... I should try some cheese at the same time. And by the way, no Banana Republic or Abercrombie and Fitch in Wausau Wisconsin. I need to downgrade a bit and go to Hollister. I need underwear though, no brainer.
I like Kay Gee.
And I dont mind PP anymore.
I dislike Sasha.
I dislike Derek Fisher.
And I despise Japanese Kobe steak.
With such a blend of emotions, especially for a guy that is holding a angry grudge against the NBA (for first killing the Grizzlies, and then the Sonics), its remarkable to say that Im excited that Im in the States to watch the NBA Finals tonight.
Oh yeah Im in Wisconsin... I should try some cheese at the same time. And by the way, no Banana Republic or Abercrombie and Fitch in Wausau Wisconsin. I need to downgrade a bit and go to Hollister. I need underwear though, no brainer.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ohare
Im in O'Hare airport right now on route to Wassau Wisconsin. Through a rapid and pannicked turn of events, Not too dissimilar to the standard operating procedures at my work, I was informed of travel then on a plane within 24 hours. Happy days, thats like Superman in the telephone booth type turnover. Not that it was a spot of bother in this instance, mind you, I did have the flexibility this week to go, and really my only concern was that I was running low on the underwear; 3 days worth tops. But hey, its gives me an excuse to buy; and Im going to the States so Banana Republic and Ambercrombie and Fitch, here I come (they have great quality boxers, Ive covered this before).
Because I havent been to the USA in over 2 years, its a bit wierd for me. Its weird in a way that a flight there introduces a awkward dissimilarity that normally used to be similar. Clear as mud? Let me explain. When I approach the gate of a flight to the USA, for example and I hear a dominating American accent everywhere, I get wierded out. You see, after even just a month back in Ireland, I quickly get used to the speech and mannerisms, and it quickly becomes all I know. Also hearing other European accents, English, Scottish,Italian, Spanish, French, German, Eastern European... they are normal too, its what I hear every day and naturally get accumstomed to. American and Canadian accents immediately pop out to me now in busy crowded streets, and I cant help it but its like a dog whistle. Now put me on a flight with loads of that kind of talking, and I get taken aback. It just takes a while to get used to again.
Its also wierd being in Ohare for the first time in ages. And to be honest I dont know if I like it. Terminal 1 and 2 anyways, are bunk. Small gates, not many shops, too much 'not good for you, but tastes SO good' food to tempt you. At least I cleared Immigration in Dublin before arriving, otherwise my opinion could maybe be more venomous. One thing that was good though... I discovered this new drink called Vitamin Water. I tell you what, its my new drink. Its the new Ice Tea. And thats a helluva thing to say.
So tomorrow Im in Wisconsin for a week, which should be uneventful. I will be back in Chicago though next weekend, I hope. Unleash me on some shopping.
Because I havent been to the USA in over 2 years, its a bit wierd for me. Its weird in a way that a flight there introduces a awkward dissimilarity that normally used to be similar. Clear as mud? Let me explain. When I approach the gate of a flight to the USA, for example and I hear a dominating American accent everywhere, I get wierded out. You see, after even just a month back in Ireland, I quickly get used to the speech and mannerisms, and it quickly becomes all I know. Also hearing other European accents, English, Scottish,Italian, Spanish, French, German, Eastern European... they are normal too, its what I hear every day and naturally get accumstomed to. American and Canadian accents immediately pop out to me now in busy crowded streets, and I cant help it but its like a dog whistle. Now put me on a flight with loads of that kind of talking, and I get taken aback. It just takes a while to get used to again.
Its also wierd being in Ohare for the first time in ages. And to be honest I dont know if I like it. Terminal 1 and 2 anyways, are bunk. Small gates, not many shops, too much 'not good for you, but tastes SO good' food to tempt you. At least I cleared Immigration in Dublin before arriving, otherwise my opinion could maybe be more venomous. One thing that was good though... I discovered this new drink called Vitamin Water. I tell you what, its my new drink. Its the new Ice Tea. And thats a helluva thing to say.
So tomorrow Im in Wisconsin for a week, which should be uneventful. I will be back in Chicago though next weekend, I hope. Unleash me on some shopping.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
random thoughts out loud
The return of the bullet point, the often used device for written out thoughts without care for transition or structure... Im watching Euro 2008 right now, so with my attention wandering in between, its kinda easier for me. That being said:
- Watching Sweden vs Greece right now. I cant help but think that the Greek dressing room smells like Tsatsiki (and I had a hard time trying to figure out how to spell that)
- Also Id lay down good money that the benches in the Sweden sidelines are from Ikea.
- Im backing Espana. Again. They always choke though. But not this year. In dedication to the loonie in center ice at the Salt Lake City Olympics, and the Ortiz jersey buried in the new Yankee stadium concrete, i "sneakily" snuck some serrano ham into my dinner Bratwurst. Tastes better. Now its their year, Germans be damned.
- It must be working too, the Spanish just beat the Russians 4-1.
- Apart from willowy, one of my new favorite words is "Saloperie". Only because swear words in other languages are funny.
- I admire music artists who make it in the industry even though they didnt really have a chance before it started, through no fault of their own, mind you, but solely for the burden of their name. You know kinda like, say... Ryan Adams. "Hey Ryan! Play Summer of 69!!" Like that joke will NEVER get old. If you think about it, Ryan had everything going against him, and only because he came out in 2000 instead of the 70s. Youd think the powers at be would force him to go the John Cougar route. Say for example you were an amazingly gifted singer-songwriter with a unique voice and a great sound. But your name is Dustin Timberlake. See, not a hope in hell...
- I am inherently opposed to jerks. Not because they are societal wankers (they are), but really because of the simple fact that things seem to come easy to jerks. Its as if the world revolves around jerks. I dont know why, it doesn't make sense at all, no matter what rules you care to use in the world, its like the opposite of karma; and this subject irritates me so much that it probably deserves to be discussed in a whole seperate blog post all together. But anyways.. back to the point... jerks... so there is this jerk at work. I call him wonder boy. And I got SO giddy recently at his expense. What happened? He walked into the mens bathroom just seconds after I dropped the foulest duece of like ever (you know how when you smell your own, and it doesnt smell as bad cuz its yours? Well this one, even I was knocked, it was that offensive. Thats what happens when I only eat vegetables for day). I am so immature, but whatever, it soooo made my day, because that duece did not go to waste. The only way the experience could of been any better was if he paid my rent.
- Watching Sweden vs Greece right now. I cant help but think that the Greek dressing room smells like Tsatsiki (and I had a hard time trying to figure out how to spell that)
- Also Id lay down good money that the benches in the Sweden sidelines are from Ikea.
- Im backing Espana. Again. They always choke though. But not this year. In dedication to the loonie in center ice at the Salt Lake City Olympics, and the Ortiz jersey buried in the new Yankee stadium concrete, i "sneakily" snuck some serrano ham into my dinner Bratwurst. Tastes better. Now its their year, Germans be damned.
- It must be working too, the Spanish just beat the Russians 4-1.
- Apart from willowy, one of my new favorite words is "Saloperie". Only because swear words in other languages are funny.
- I admire music artists who make it in the industry even though they didnt really have a chance before it started, through no fault of their own, mind you, but solely for the burden of their name. You know kinda like, say... Ryan Adams. "Hey Ryan! Play Summer of 69!!" Like that joke will NEVER get old. If you think about it, Ryan had everything going against him, and only because he came out in 2000 instead of the 70s. Youd think the powers at be would force him to go the John Cougar route. Say for example you were an amazingly gifted singer-songwriter with a unique voice and a great sound. But your name is Dustin Timberlake. See, not a hope in hell...
- I am inherently opposed to jerks. Not because they are societal wankers (they are), but really because of the simple fact that things seem to come easy to jerks. Its as if the world revolves around jerks. I dont know why, it doesn't make sense at all, no matter what rules you care to use in the world, its like the opposite of karma; and this subject irritates me so much that it probably deserves to be discussed in a whole seperate blog post all together. But anyways.. back to the point... jerks... so there is this jerk at work. I call him wonder boy. And I got SO giddy recently at his expense. What happened? He walked into the mens bathroom just seconds after I dropped the foulest duece of like ever (you know how when you smell your own, and it doesnt smell as bad cuz its yours? Well this one, even I was knocked, it was that offensive. Thats what happens when I only eat vegetables for day). I am so immature, but whatever, it soooo made my day, because that duece did not go to waste. The only way the experience could of been any better was if he paid my rent.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
White boy can write
Ill tell you another thing that can inspire me to get off my ass and write (which is not technically correct, writing on a keyboard inherently requires one to be on his ass, sitting down, even in most able bodied circumstances). Waking up at 1am after a 5 hour mis-timed nap. Of this, I am fairly frequent practitioner. Its the bane of my existence. Like right now for example, its currently 3am (coincidentally, i just recieved a few mocking texts from westcoast canada, probably thinking thatd id be sleeping and couldnt respond. Well Ill show them a trick or two) Devising my own lemonade though, it does create a worthy lull period, if one does not feel like doing absolutely nothing at all, staring at the ceiling. Make use of the tools and resources at hand, Im sure someone successful has said in some sort of way... and most likely more eloquently, I would gather.
And Ill tell you one other thing again, one more. Reading somebody's else column with overflowing appreciation. Yes this too often inspires me to write. Its like being introduced to one of your friend's girlfriend for the first time, and youre like wow how the hell did he score her? If my dumb ass buddy can get a lovely girl like that, then why cant I? Confidence doubles. When it comes to reading an article or a passage in a novel I enjoy, it does happen often enough, and each time I end up thinking "this is really good, yet simple and everyday common. I should be able to do this. Great ideas on structure, form, wit, and storytelling tact... I could maybe do something like this". You get influenced and its infectious. This is why people who read excessively can usually do a decent job writing: Its like subconscious studying or reviewing old game tapes. Of all the great writers out there, of all the entertaining writers, there is always one definite common denominator: they also read a lot.
Im not saying that I read that much however. On the scale of scales, the good old 1 to 10, Where 10 would be a Conan the Librarian (reading 16 hours a day, then sleeping the rest), and 0 would be a typical NBA Basketball player (reading magazines. For the pictures), I would consider myself a 7. Not that impressive. Its a C. Hence, my underwhelming composition skills. I can, however, recognize when a certain bundle of words congregated together becomes notably exceptional. So this particular skill helps, it creating a watermark, a guideline and standard for me to follow.
So the article Im talking about was written by Paul Shirley, who wrote an Article over on Deadspin.com. You can read it here.
Paul Shirley Column
And please understand, what he wrote about is exactly what I went through just yesterday. That article perfectly describes my life here in Europe regarding North American sports and I couldnt possibly put it any better.
And just to note, heres couple of neat things that I share with Paul that are quite interesting. We share the same birthday. He went to University and took Mechanical Engineering. He is a traveling nomad. With the slight exception of course that he is a 6'10" white dude with NBA level basketball skills. Yeah, Im so not that.
Okay lets see if this level of activity can now wash me back to some wonderful sleep.
And Ill tell you one other thing again, one more. Reading somebody's else column with overflowing appreciation. Yes this too often inspires me to write. Its like being introduced to one of your friend's girlfriend for the first time, and youre like wow how the hell did he score her? If my dumb ass buddy can get a lovely girl like that, then why cant I? Confidence doubles. When it comes to reading an article or a passage in a novel I enjoy, it does happen often enough, and each time I end up thinking "this is really good, yet simple and everyday common. I should be able to do this. Great ideas on structure, form, wit, and storytelling tact... I could maybe do something like this". You get influenced and its infectious. This is why people who read excessively can usually do a decent job writing: Its like subconscious studying or reviewing old game tapes. Of all the great writers out there, of all the entertaining writers, there is always one definite common denominator: they also read a lot.
Im not saying that I read that much however. On the scale of scales, the good old 1 to 10, Where 10 would be a Conan the Librarian (reading 16 hours a day, then sleeping the rest), and 0 would be a typical NBA Basketball player (reading magazines. For the pictures), I would consider myself a 7. Not that impressive. Its a C. Hence, my underwhelming composition skills. I can, however, recognize when a certain bundle of words congregated together becomes notably exceptional. So this particular skill helps, it creating a watermark, a guideline and standard for me to follow.
So the article Im talking about was written by Paul Shirley, who wrote an Article over on Deadspin.com. You can read it here.
Paul Shirley Column
And please understand, what he wrote about is exactly what I went through just yesterday. That article perfectly describes my life here in Europe regarding North American sports and I couldnt possibly put it any better.
And just to note, heres couple of neat things that I share with Paul that are quite interesting. We share the same birthday. He went to University and took Mechanical Engineering. He is a traveling nomad. With the slight exception of course that he is a 6'10" white dude with NBA level basketball skills. Yeah, Im so not that.
Okay lets see if this level of activity can now wash me back to some wonderful sleep.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Seinfeld; stuck in a moment
Last week I was lucky enough to tour the English southcoast, lucky because it was unexpected yet attained last minute through work related circumstances. And fortuitous in a completely different way all together, since it was actually sunny. Sun in England! On the very week you visit the beaches of the south... when does that happened? Almost never actually. Not when you plan for it anyways. Its the reason why the English, even though owning quite decent beach fronts that fan their southcoast, still flock to more surefooted locals like Mediterranean Europe for annual excursions. At least down there, the guarantee of enveloping heat and regular sun is like the guarantee of a billion people in China. Ireland is infected in this same way.
During the tour I made visits to Kent, Dover, Brighton and Bournemouth (pronounced Born-smith, I didnt get it right the first time, myself, to let you know, and maybe to save you from the same future embarrassment) And spent another weekend up in London, with a short trip over to Oxford for a bit of the old fashion combo of Rowing and Comedy. Its like, what else is there to do in Oxford except higher learning.
That weekend, I shared that Oxford trip with a few friends and experienced my first true Seinfeld moment. There were five of us, Huong, Val, Becs and Becs boyfriend Jianni who I just met. Jianni was a truly funny and witty guy with an impressively quick mind. You see it turns out, he is a comedian; and not as in the "Im just sayin" euphemism kind of way, but in the professional kinda of way. The comedy show that we would be attending that night was one he would be MCing; he is going to be on stage. So here's the thing; hanging out for the day, how is one suppose to act in a group like that when a real life comedian is involved? Like really, comeon, you cant even pretend to compete. And if you try to even be funny, it'll likely fall flat and inferior, and most importantly seem transparently forced. In that light, you start becoming George. So why even try? What are you to do? Laugh at everything and enjoy the ride, thats what. Id make small remarks here and there, but nothing too ambitious, I kept it simple. Jian was going to do all the work, and lets face it, he's really good at it. Thats why he gets paid money for it, even.
The show itself? I laughed myself silly. And it was wierd having pseudo VIP status, being friends of the comedian on stage. Didn't get free beer or anything, but I was able to bring in left over Nando's chicken despite the bouncer blocking me. "Sorry youre not allowed to bring food in" "Oh. But its not for me. Its for Jianni, the comedian tonight" "Alright, go ahead, mate.." Such a empowering feeling, Im going to have to keep that line in my back pocket for the future, even though it would be an outright fib next time. And during the show? He even cracked a few jokes that referenced banter from earlier in the day and only made sense to us. So wicked... in-jokes with the comedian on stage. Thats a level of enlightenment few ever achieve... hahaha.. (I jest cuz only now Im allowed to be funny)
Pics of the English southcoast.
Margate, Kent, UK
B/W The White Cliffs of Dover
White Cliffs of Dover
Some random tourist
Brighton
Brighton Pier
Brighton Donut?
Brighton Boardwalk
Stone beach
Brighton Beach Volleyball
Bournesmouth Baywatch
Bournesmouth Beach
During the tour I made visits to Kent, Dover, Brighton and Bournemouth (pronounced Born-smith, I didnt get it right the first time, myself, to let you know, and maybe to save you from the same future embarrassment) And spent another weekend up in London, with a short trip over to Oxford for a bit of the old fashion combo of Rowing and Comedy. Its like, what else is there to do in Oxford except higher learning.
That weekend, I shared that Oxford trip with a few friends and experienced my first true Seinfeld moment. There were five of us, Huong, Val, Becs and Becs boyfriend Jianni who I just met. Jianni was a truly funny and witty guy with an impressively quick mind. You see it turns out, he is a comedian; and not as in the "Im just sayin" euphemism kind of way, but in the professional kinda of way. The comedy show that we would be attending that night was one he would be MCing; he is going to be on stage. So here's the thing; hanging out for the day, how is one suppose to act in a group like that when a real life comedian is involved? Like really, comeon, you cant even pretend to compete. And if you try to even be funny, it'll likely fall flat and inferior, and most importantly seem transparently forced. In that light, you start becoming George. So why even try? What are you to do? Laugh at everything and enjoy the ride, thats what. Id make small remarks here and there, but nothing too ambitious, I kept it simple. Jian was going to do all the work, and lets face it, he's really good at it. Thats why he gets paid money for it, even.
The show itself? I laughed myself silly. And it was wierd having pseudo VIP status, being friends of the comedian on stage. Didn't get free beer or anything, but I was able to bring in left over Nando's chicken despite the bouncer blocking me. "Sorry youre not allowed to bring food in" "Oh. But its not for me. Its for Jianni, the comedian tonight" "Alright, go ahead, mate.." Such a empowering feeling, Im going to have to keep that line in my back pocket for the future, even though it would be an outright fib next time. And during the show? He even cracked a few jokes that referenced banter from earlier in the day and only made sense to us. So wicked... in-jokes with the comedian on stage. Thats a level of enlightenment few ever achieve... hahaha.. (I jest cuz only now Im allowed to be funny)
Pics of the English southcoast.
Margate, Kent, UK
B/W The White Cliffs of Dover
White Cliffs of Dover
Some random tourist
Brighton
Brighton Pier
Brighton Donut?
Brighton Boardwalk
Stone beach
Brighton Beach Volleyball
Bournesmouth Baywatch
Bournesmouth Beach
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