Ben

This is my departed friend, Millie. She was a good cat for 18 years. Here’s hoping she finds happiness in the next world.

I said goodbye to someone who has been with me since I was 12 years old today. I’ve had Millie since I was 12 years old – one of my oldest friends, if one considers pets to be friends. I’m one of those people who does. They aren’t able to comfort in the same way a human friend can, and they can’t console you with words. But, they can sometimes sense when you’re upset before a human friend is able. And they always find a way to get around the words and find the way right to your heart.

Pardon my sappiness for a moment, but I feel it is due. She was there for me when I didn’t have a friend around. When I was living on my own, striking out and finding my way after college, she was there. Moving to Texas and starting my life over from scratch, Millie was one of the pieces of my past who followed. And, when that life fell apart and I needed someone to talk to – she always listened. Friends like that are tough to find, and 9 times out of 10, they can be pets.

So – if you knew her or if you didn’t – raise a toast to Millie and wish her well in the beyond. She led a long, adventure-filled life and I hope it’s just the beginning of her wonderful journey.

I’ve finally gotten into my own place…well, sort of. I have a roomie this go-around. I shall call him Da Cheat or The Chort from here on out. So, now you know. Anyhoo – Da Cheat is an excellent roommate. He comes with lots of computer equipment and drinks coffee and Shiner. These are all preferred qualities for someone with whom I share space. I’m still living mostly out of boxes, and have much of my stuff in storage, but that problem will hopefully be resolved by the end of next week. Then….sweet cuppin’ cakes! I’ll be rockin’ the hizzy with my phat beats. Er sumthin.

Enaway….

So, my girlfriend (or as she will be referred to for the time being, Lamp Lover) and I are doing quite well. She’s making the rounds of meeting friends still – this last Monday we had a sizeable gathering at The Saucer, and she met a few people she had heard me make reference to, but had yet to meet. We got together for inexpensive beer and dominoes. What a great combination. There has been a trial run at what is being called “beercasting” while we were there. I’m not sure how successfully it was carried out, but from all reports coming from Canada, it was good.

…and in the news….

Apparently, there are 7 men in Florida who are getting their lawsuit on. These men, who are of middle-eastern descent, claim that while patronizing a Denny’s in the area, they were called “bin Ladens” and then, after having waited for service for an hour, were asked to leave. When they protested, two local police officers told them to leave or they would be arrested. They are now suing for 4 million dollars each. Let me repeat that. Four. Million. Dollars….. Each. I believe racist/prejudicial behavior should not be tolerated….but $4 mil?? EACH?? I’m not against people being litigious when they have a legitimate reason, and I even believe that this case is warranted. If this Denny’s manager said these things to these folks, and they were denied service because of their race, then Denny’s deserves to be the focus of a lawsuit. But 4 million dollars in damages is ridiculously excessive. Just IMHO….

…now, back to your regularly-scheduled surfing.

I’m alive. I haven’t had a chance to update the blog for a week and a half now for various reasons. Some have to do with the whole “being smitten” scenario…I’ve been spending as much time with my girlfriend as possible lately, but I can’t blame it all on that. I had all weekend while she was out of town visiting family to update the blog. Mostly, it’s just been that I haven’t been on the computer as much lately. That can be a good thing.

T-minus 3 days until I am finished with the Claridge work assignment. I’m a bit sad about that because it’s been an enjoyable job. It didn’t pay well, as I have mentioned before, but it was a good job. I’m still chasing after OfficeTeam to place me without interruption – we’ll see how that goes.

Other than that, I have nothing. Oh – here is where I’ve been hanging out lately: Dunn Bros. Coffee. Great little coffehouse.

Not much to tell in the middle of the week – well – almost the middle of the week…

There’s new fun to be had out at Homestar Runner’s site…would you like a CHALLENGE?!?!?! It kind of reminds me of the old MegaMan games. Which, I think, is kind of the point.

Another quick pointer on the web – check out the website for Guy Forsyth. His music is pretty fantastic. He also has one heck of a guitarist in his band by the name of Seth Walker. These guys seem to be on the forefront of Texas Blues, and rock out Austin on a regular basis. Hopefully they straggle up here to the ‘Big D’ a bit more often. Zen and I went and caught a show at Deep Ellum Blues last weekend and were very satisfied with our findings. We shall definitely be seeing more shows in the future.

Oh yeah – I took the same test as Zen showed on his blog – I didn’t fare as badly as my poor, heretic friend…but still. I just don’t like the whole idea of being down there at all…

The Dante’s Inferno Test has banished you to the Second Level of Hell!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Take the Dante’s Inferno Hell Test

“God, I hate being poor…”

That’s one of the most idiotic statements I’ve ever heard myself utter, I admit. I mean, when one stops to think about it, when was the last time anyone ever heard someone expound on the happy wonders of being penniless? It’s a small, masochistic group, if it does exist. I don’t think there are any people who really enjoy being without money, so saying this was obviously pretty stupid of me. But, nonetheless, I caught myself saying it last week. And just because it’s obvious doesn’t make the phrase less pertinent in my life.

My recent bout of unemployment, and the subsequent acquisition of a low-paying temp-to-perm job has reminded me that I’m not past the days of having to watch my pennies. Somehow, after graduating college and getting involved in a long-term relationship that developed into a marriage, I figured I was past the days of eating Ramen and skipping the occasional dinner. Well, if you do happen to come over and join me for dinner, keep in mind that “picante shrimp” and “oriental” flavored noodles may be an option.

Regardless, I’m not very disappointed with this turn of events. It’s actually been a fairly enlightening development in my life. I’ve found time to appreciate the things that I do have. Going out for dinner is a treat once again, not just “grabbing something to eat”. I’m happy in my job, which is something I haven’t been in a long time. I’ve spent some quality time with friends, when I’ve had the opportunity at least…and have remembered that I should book more time just to hang out, because there’s lots to be done without spending money. Not every rendezvous needs to involve bee….ummm…..Get-togethers don’t need to have liq….errrr…. Well, hey, we can be hang out without alcoh…..damn it, I just can’t say it. I’m working on that thought process though.

So, skip this next part if you wish, but an editorial addendum follows:
I had a comment made in one of my posts the other night that hit home a bit. I’m sure it may have been meant to be more insulting to me than I actually took it, but that’s okay. I really don’t mind all that. I had commented on having a bout of blog envy of late, and some of my thoughts on the subject. Well, you can read it if you like. The anonymous poster mentioned that perhaps my dissatisfaction with life, etc., and dismal tone to my “posts” were the reason I wasn’t enjoying the online success I craved. And then he said something that I wholeheartedly agree with and didn’t realize:

“I wonder if your friends are offended by the comment about having no love in your life. I would be. Not one of the things you’ve mentioned has anything to do with being happy.”

Very true, Mr. Anony Mous. And I do great disservice to my friends by not saying how much I treasure their support and love (pardon the sappiness if you can here, but it is heartfelt…). They’ve been the rock I’ve leaned on all my life, and over the last few months especially. And, while I don’t agree with all of Mr. Mous’ statements, I do agree that there’s no reason why I shouldn’t have something to offer people who take the time to read my blog. Try to share a bit more of the happiness, if you will. So, I am going to make a very conscious effort to provide stuff that, if not cheery, at least makes you feel like you’ve read something interesting, and not just moping. This blog doesn’t exist to SOLELY entertain you good folks though. I hope that is the main product of it, but I do want to explore my own life a bit too. So, I can’t promise it won’t have a melancholy post here and there, but I’ll do my best to provide compelling content. I guess I’ll continue with the introspection…the slices of life…humorous events from my days when they happen…funny things I find online….I guess, basically anything I want. But, I’ll try to warn you before the rants come, so you can scroll down the page if you want to miss them. Thanks for coming and thanks for reading…