Housekeeping! Want me Fluff Pillow!?

So just some random housekeeping.  First, found this link on the Digg (one of my all time favorite web sites) and I thought it tied in nicely with the "That Guy" post from a couple weeks back.  I guess I'm the writer one...or was for 1 day.  Lame huh?

Also, voiceinmyhead made a great point about the "The Myth...The Legend" post.  You are absolutely right.  That "I don't need advice from strippers" was pretty much a horrible thing to say, and honestly, I didn't even think about it at the time.  I know a lot of people would sit here and further badmouth strippers to make themselves not look like a jerk, but I really tend to agree with you on this one.  I guess I am a bit judgmental in that post, and I will work to try not to be.  Thank you for the post.  This is totally what I started this blog for.  If not for voiceinmyhead's post I wouldn't have thought twice about that, so again, thank you.

Also, with regard to the work post, it seems dress codes are the craw in everyone's collective

 paw.  Except you, average girl in average world.  I can't disagree when you say that wearing nice clothes makes you feel good, but what I will say is that the kinds of clothes that I think I look good in are not what my dress code will allow.  Honestly, I think I have far more

 confidence and feel much better about myself in a pair of jeans than a pair of khakis.  (Random Tangent:  What the F is with pleated pants?  Are they the stupidest looking things ever?  I don't own

 a pair, never will, and every time I see someone in pleated khakis I just feel bad.  FLAT FRONT PANTS GENTLEMEN!!! I'm no slave to fashion, but even I know pleated pants are a big fat no no.)  Anyway, thank you all for your comments and PLEASE keep reading and commenting.

Oh!!!!!  So, today is the day that I'm going to call The Girl From The Bar (also known as Kaitlyn).  Honestly, I'm not nervous.  I don't know what I am, but I know what nervous feels like, and this is not it.  I'm trying to think of how to do this without it turning into a weird awkward phone conversation that lasts longer than it should.  I'm thinking my best bet is to stop thinking and just do it.  I may put it off till tomorrow....I'm a serial procrastinator, but I won't be able to hang out with her till Saturday night anyway, though I guess I should probably get my hand in there before she makes other plans.  Eh, we'll see.  I'll keep you all posted.

Jerry and Don

Not in the mood to type, and don't really have anything to write, so I'll just leave you all with some entertainment from Boston's own Don Orsillo (Northeastern grad like myself) and Jerry Remy.

Teddy K

Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor today.  This is not a good thing for a 76 year old man, and probably means that he will pass on soon.  Now, Ted has been a polarizing figure in American politics for many decades, but no one can argue that he has had influence in the way the government has been run since 1962, and people in Massachusetts in particular, whether they agree with everything he stands for or not, should be grateful for all of the things he has done for this state.  For the last few years Ted has been among the most outspoken critics of the war in Iraq, and the Bush administration in general.  He is also an advocate for gun control and for taking responsibility for the health care of citizens of this country who can't afford it.  He has always been a man of the people.  He has flaws, as all of us do, though in comparison the scandals of recent years his transgressions seem a bit trivial.

In the end, to me, Ted Kennedy seems like a man who realizes that the U.S. Senate should work for the will of the people that elected them and should work every day to make their lives better.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Ted, and his family that has already known such tragic loss.  Just one more time Ted, for me, walk on to the Senate floor, and remind all of these self aggrandizing, self righteous fools in the congress that they are there for and because of us, the people of the U.S. who voted them into office.  And that they are responsible and accountable to us, not lobbyist or campaign donors.  This could and should be the legacy of you and your family, and I know that you can do it.  Make us proud, as you have for over 40 years.  Lay it all out there one last time.  You have nothing to lose.  God bless you.

The Myth....The Legend

All of you people who have played golf will understand parts of this post.  Others will not, but parts they will....but there are parts of this post that are not at all golf related, so if you're not a golfer, skip the first paragraph and read on.

So I played 18 holes with my co-workers at a gorgeous private golf club.  I've never really played on a course this nice before.  And I sucked.  I've been playing golf since I was 15 years old, so about 10 years now, and in 10 years I've NEVER played 18 holes worse than the 18 I played today.  I'm not kidding.  Even when I was a 15 year old who had really never played before I could at least hit the ball right.  Maybe not where I wanted it to go, but straight and in the air.  Today, I couldn't hit anything right.  It fucking sucked.  I just wanted to get off the golf course, when in reality I should have been having a great time playing on a great course.  Those who have played this horrible game will know what I'm talking about.  Some days you're just horrible, and there is nothing that you can do about it...that was me today.  Other days you hit the ball beautifully and you love it...its a mystery....

In other news, on the way home I went to a strip club with some co-workers.  Now, I'm not generally a strip club kind of guy.  It's not that I really have anything in particular against s

trip clubs.  If guys want to pay to see naked women, and women want to get naked for money who am I to tell them they are wrong.  I mean, I don't really overtly enjoy strip clubs or strippers, and I don't NOT enjoy them.  To me going to a strip club is more about a social experience than seeing women with no clothes on.  Like there should be a special occasion, a bachelor party, birthday...etc, as a reason to go to a strip club.  People who just go to strip clubs on a random afternoon because they have nothing to do kind of bug me out.

Anyway, We get into the strip club, get a few beers, watch a few strippers dance.  Now, most women don't understand the type of "relationship" that I personally have with strip clubs and strippers.  I don't go to strip clubs to get jollies or thrills or to find a date.  It is a social thing.  I never go with less than 3 or 4 other people.  I'm not the guy who sits next to the stage sticking my tongue out and licking my lips, and honestly, no lie, I don't get lap dances.  It's about going out with the guys.  Is that objectifying women?  Well, yes, I guess you can't treat a woman more like an object than if you're throwing money at her to take her clothes off, so that I am guilty of.  But honestly, if these particular women had a real problem with it they wouldn't be doing it, and lets not pretend like there are no male strip clubs that women frequent and objectify men.  But my point is, strippers are strippers.  It's not like me seeing your best friend taking her clothes off, it's not like seeing anyone I would ever be interested in taking their clothes off.  It's just a random girl on a stage with no clothes on.  If it were up to me, I would pretty much never go to a strip club, but sometimes it's just what happens.

So, while at the strip club with the work guys one of the strippers asked me how old I was, I told her, she said "Wow, you're young."  Apparently 25 is young in stripper years??  Even though she couldn't possibly have been older than 25 herself.  Another stripper told me I was handsome....I mean, thank you sweetheart and all, but you understand that coming from you it seems a little less than genuine.  Yet ANOTHER stripper asked me if I was ok (yes, this many strippers actually spoke to me in the 30 minutes that I was in the club, why I don't know because they never spoke to any of the other guys I was with).  I said "I'm fine, why?"  She said I should smile more....

I don't mean to be rude or anything, but umm....I don't really need advice from strippers.  I left the place feeling like a dirty old man, as I always do after leaving a strip club.  The thoughts going through my head pretty much went like this:

-  Do these women have boyfriends or even husbands?  And if so, who are these men who are just fine with the women that they supposedly love taking their clothes off for money?

-  Does it make me scummy that I was just at a strip club?

-  How would I feel if the girl I was dating was at a male strip club?  (Note: I answered this question pretty much as soon as I asked it:  I really don't think it's a problem because I assume women see strippers the same way as I do; entertainment and a social occasion, not anything to be taken seriously.)

-  If I weren't single, would I actually tell the truth about this whole situation to my significant other or would I lie?

This last question wasn't so easy to answer.  I mean, honestly, it would be a LOT easier to just lie or not mention it because then there is no guilt trip about it.  But that is kind of horrible, and when I think about it, I will try as hard as I can not to do something like that.  Though there are no guarantees, I hope someday I can find a girl who I could say "I went to the strip club with the guys from work today."  And she could say something like "Eww gross" and that would be the end of it because she knows what its like...

Maybe some day...or maybe I should just not go to strip clubs...

Job Perks

Instead of work tomorrow I get to play 18 holes at a private country club, on the company.  Yes, I have that kind of job.  I know, i seem like a real douche bag for complaining about it so much.  Honestly, I do like my job sometimes.  Sometimes I love my job.  But there are also times that I hate it.

In other news, I met a girl this weekend.  We started talking for a really random reason.  I was in a 6+ year relationship that ended nearly 4 years ago.  We have  a lot of friends in common (as tends to happen when you date that long) so when I go home to visit my parents we sometimes cross paths.  Well, this weekend I popped in on my cousin to drag him and his future wife out to see a band, and wouldn't you know it the ex (two exes ago at this point I guess) was there.  Well, she ran from me like the plague.  I mean, I don't mean to be rude, but isn't it weird to run from someone you haven't dated in 4 years?  After she was gone everyone made excuses why she left, but the only honest answer I got was from my cousin's future wife "she thought it would be awkward."  Awkward?  Know what's awkward??  

When you literally run from a house because I've arrived, and feel that you can't even be seen in the same crowded bar as me.  THAT is awkward.

Anyway, I was speaking to another mutual friend of ours about this at the bar later, and she was absolutely dumbfounded by the whole situation which made me feel better.  While talking to her I saw an absolutely stunning girl kind of looking/listening in to our conversation.  She was tall, with wavy brunette hair, light blue eyes...beautiful.  So I thought, fuck it. "Had an experience like that?" I asked her over my friend's shoulder.  "Actually yes" she answered and we proceeded to talk about how she had a 5+ year relationship that had ended and the guy was just as awkward as my ex even months and years later.

Well, she left to go inside (we were on the deck) but I said I'd see her later and she said "I hope so."  That was all I needed.  I played it cool.  Hung out with my friends, talked to a few people I haven't seen in a while.  Then an old friend from high school asked me to come dance with her up by the stage.  I oblige

d (yes, I had a pretty good buzz on, which explains my willingness to dance).  No sooner am I at the front of the stage than I catch the eyes of the same beauty I had spoken to before.  We danced, chatted, but I made no move to be physical beyond dancing.  At the end of the night we were headed in different directions, and she was talking to friends as I was rounding up mine to depart.  I walked over, asked if I could pull her away for two seconds, pulled out my cell, handed it to her and said, "If you give me your phone number I will be here every weekend to see you if that is what you want."  

Now, that is hanging it out there, and I would NOT have been surprised to get a big fat "hell no!" but she seemed excited!!  And quickly typed her name and phone number into my phone.  This, needless to say, made my night.  So, Kaitlyn, I will call you.  I am playing it cool right now, because I guess that's what I'm supposed to do, but you will hear from me, and if my luck holds up, I will see you again this weekend.

Now I just have to hope that she actually gave me her number, and not that one that a machine answers and says "dude, she gave you a bad number because she doesn't like you."  

Cross your fingers.

:)

Office Blogging

So, for the first time I'm writing a blog entry at my office. I feel guilty, but at the same time, if I had a ton of stuff to do, I would be doing that instead. Does anyone else work in an office where you're expected to look like you're working even if you have no work to do? I mean, honestly, if I have work, I do it. If not, what, should I sit here and stare at a spreadsheet that I'm not doing anything to? If you want me to look like I'm working, give me some F-ing work to do, otherwise don't give me crap because I'm reading CNN.com on my work computer. It's not like I'm checking out porn or arranging to overthrow the government.

Furthermore, what is with the whole 8-5 thing? I can appreciate it in some situations, like if you're in customer service, or have meetings or something, but honestly, if I'm not in the office, I won't be missed. And if I am missed, I have a cell phone and a laptop, so it is not as if I am unaccessable. The way I see it is this: If I do my job, do it well, and accomplish everything, and more than is what is expected of me, WHY do you care when I am or am not in the office? It's truly aggrivating.

Here is another thing about the office that bothers me: When co-workers arrange "drink night" and get offended when I don't participate. I'm sorry, it's not that I don't like you, but honestly, 40 hours a week is more time than I would really like to spend with even my closest friends let alone co-workers, and if I have something, ANYTHING to do that isn't drink night with you, I'm going to do it. It's not personal, so don't take it personally. And it's not like I'm the anti-social type, or that I NEVER go out with co-workers, but all you have to do is say no to someone once and you're a jerk....

One more thing, then I'm done. Dress codes. WHY? Ok, I mean, to some extent you need to enforce some type of dress code, as in you can't show up to work in a hoodie and sweat pants, but honestly, who gives a crap if I'm wearing jeans or khakis? What F-ing difference does it make? If I know I have an important meeting with an important cleint, I dress up. Otherwise, why are you giving me a hard time about wearing a buttoned shirt and a pair of jeans that costs three times more than the damn khakis I'd otherwise be wearing? And what if I had piercings or tattoos or something? Is that unacceptable? Well, legally it can't be so why is it legal for you to tell me what I'm allowed to wear? When I hear the phrase "business casual" my head just about explodes.

Wow, I just complained A LOT. Sorry for the rant ladies and gents. Just needed to get it out there.

Violence is not the worst thing on TV

So, I'm not a Democrat.  I'm not a Republican either.  Frankly, I think George Washington was right when he said that a two party political system would spell disaster for this country.  I refuse to believe that the feelings and opinions of every American can be summed up by one of two groups.  I would call myself a "liberal conservative."  I know, it's an oxymoron, but the point is, I like the idea of a small government and I'm pro death penalty, but I also think a woman's right to use birth control or get an abortion is none of my damn business.  Further more, as Common said: 

"Who am I or they to say to whom you pray ain't right?"

Honestly, if you want to pray to the ants scurrying around your kitchen floor I could really care less as long as you live by the proverbial "golden rule."  Which brings me to people like Bill O'Reilley and the dear departed reverend Jerry Fallwell.  First Fallwell.  For a guy who is so anti-radical Islam, you did an awful lot of religious exploitation to gain power and money for yourself.  But I'm sure you've been dealt with on the other side so I won't waste my words.

(Full disclosure:  I was raised and confirmed Catholic.  I wouldn't say I'm a practicing Catholic, and in fact, I would say I disagree with a great deal of Catholic Dogma.  i.e. you need to confess your sins to a priest.  Why is it "holier" to confess to a pedophile what I've done wrong than to pray directly to God, and to actually feel remorse and try to make myself better?  I will say, however, that I do call myself a Catholic because it feels good to belong to something, and I think that when you dig through all the bullshit, having religion and belief isn't a bad thing.  This is a whole other post on its own...)

Now, Bill O'Reilley....Few people on the planet can get me fired up as much as O'Reilley can.  It's not that he's a loud mouth, or even that I disagree with 95% of the crap that he spews, but mostly because he is so WRONG most of the time that it is appalling that he's allowed night after night to spew his hate speech on American television.   For example:

You are wrong Bill.  Admit it.  But he can't.  And what's worse, he, on his own show, is a dictator on the order of the ones he rails against on a regular basis.  If you disagree, he shouts louder.  If your point is better, he mutes you.  The man is a blusterous MORON, and yet, he is still on TV.  Now, I'm not a conservative, but anyone with a half a brain can NOT think that this man could possibly represent them or their views.  What is worse, O'Reilley is a BU grad.  If I were BU, I would keep that fact under wraps....his ignorance is not something I would use to sell my school....Now, tarnishing, no, trivializing (none of these words seem strong enough) the memory of long dead American heroes is bad enough, but this is where I draw the line....

The old "she was asking for it."....Open letter to Bill O'Reilley:

You aren't a patriot.  You aren't a hero.  YOU represent everything that is wrong with this country.  A young woman gets raped on the street and it was her fault for wearing revealing clothing?  Am I in the United States or Saudi Arabia?  You Fascist douche bag, I would never wish on ANYONE that they or anyone close to them get raped or murdered, but for one second I would like you to know how it feels to be that person, or someone close to that person, and then maybe you would pull your head out of your own ass and realize how dangerous and ignorant the vomit of words coming out of your mouth is.

And yet, he is still on T.V., and even worse, people watch.  Want to save America Bill?  Shut the fuck up and get off of T.V.  God saves a special place for people like you, and lets just say it will be warm and toasty, and you won't be comfortable.

I'll step off of my soap box now....but I'd like to know how others feel.  Comment if you will, it would be much appreciated.

I'm not a poet

I float, endlessly

with a wanton disregard for myself.

All I think of is you,

whoever you are, wherever you are.

I know you are out there somewhere,

just waiting for me to discover.

Is it a fools errand,

to believe that the perfect person could possibly be?

Am I kidding myself?

Have I already thrown away "as good as it gets?"

How can I know if you even exist?

Or am I doomed to failed relationship

after failed relationship,

holding out for the perfect one that isn't there?

Until I find you I will wander,

like a drifter without a home,

and you on the back of my mind

as a hopeful memory of what could be.

Filthy Savages!

My car got hit while parked on the side of the road.  AGAIN.  This is the second time in two months that some dickless piece of trash has smashed into my car while it was parked and driven away without so much as a letter.  Quite frankly, it is getting pretty old.  As Vincent Vega said in Pulp Fiction "You don't fuck with another man's vehicle....It would have been worth him doing it if I could have just caught him doing it."  Note to anyone who happens to read this blog, when you smash into someone, at least have the courtesy to leave a note and take responsibility for your fuck up.  There are few things lower than trashing someone else's ride and then just disappearing into the night like a gutless weasel.  This is turning into a HORRIBLE week....someone help me!!!!  I'm not saying anything...but just watch....

Work...it's FAAAANTASTIC!

Disclaimer:  I have a good job, so I really shouldn't complain, but I'm going to anyway.

I am an engineer by trade.  I design the things that keep society running that no one thinks about, for instance, the plant that makes the water that comes out of your faucet drinkable. 

(Random side tanget:  It is bizarre to me that America spends billions of dollars a year treating drinking water, yes "drinking" water, to such an extent that it is clean enough, you guessed it, to drink.  Then, they buy a Brita and pour the water into a pitcher that they wash, wh

at, every 3 months or so?, and take out all of the things that keep the little gross things from growing in it.  Or buy bottled water which, for the record, is COMPLETELY unregulated and ma

y contain things like arsenic and other heavy metals.  Full disclosure, I use a Brita because there is the very real chance that your water service lines have lead in them, but for god sakes, wash the things will you?!)

Sorry, where was I, oh right.  My job is interesting, stimulating and quite frankly I go home at night feeling like I've contributed to society in a good way.  The problem, though, is the fact that even as an engineer you can't escape the bullshit that is office politics.  The engineering version goes like this:  Senior engineer guy comes up with an idea, you, the young junior engineer, come up with an idea that is more effective and cheaper to build, but you are completely discounted because, you guessed it, you're young.  But the worst part comes a few weeks later when Mr. Senior Engineer realizes that his idea is shit and yours is better, and then passes your idea off as their own to the person above them.  This happens.  A lot.  Now, I know this happens to everyone.  I understand that sooner or later I will be in a position to stop this, but right now, what the hell am I supposed to do?  I come up with a good idea, get shot down, only to have the person above me pawn it off as their own.  Do I rat them out?  How does it sound when junior engineer goes to big boss "That idea that senior engineer just gave you, that was mine and he stole it."  Would I be believed?  Worse, would it turn into one of those uncomfortable confrontations where senior engineer calls you a liar?  I mean, I would like to think that people in a senior position are above that, but they quite obviously are not if they're not above passing off someone else's work as their own.

Along these lines, I'm seriously considering a career change.  I think I may want to teach.  Yes, it would be a massive pay cut, but a student taking your idea and calling it their own is your goal isn't it?  And aren't you essentially responsible for your own destiny as a teacher?  I know, all careers have their downsides, but I look at myself and where I am, and think, if I'm doing this same thing 20 years from now, I will not be a happy person.