Deep In The Forrest

There wasn't a particular reason that I named the post "Eat My Shorts", I just felt like saying it. So there... Aunt Jackie doesn't have to apologize for anything. Normally, Aunt Jackie doesn't refer to herself in the 3rd person, but somehow that slipped in there. She isn't going to apologize for that either. Well, the anniversary is over, it went well. We had our little anniversary dinner (thanks to a coupon for a complimentary dinner when you buy a full-priced dinner at Texas De Brazil). Even with a coupon it is a splurge, but not too bad. That's all I wanted for my anniversary anyways, to go out for dinner. Throughout Christmas and that, I have maintained there was nothing I really needed for a gift. I'm good with that. I just like to enjoy myself. For my Bizarro friends, please not that I have posted there... It's Been A While I know. I might start updating more over there because it's time to let off some steam. I enjoy that. It's not...

Eight (8) years ago today, we hit up 201, tied the knot and afterward had our post-wedding eats at The Bar-B-Q Shop . Ain't love grand? In my opinion, it really doesn't matter how you did it, or where, or how much money you spent making the nuptials fancy, but rather how well it stands the test of time, and how much you enrich each others' lives. Relationships are work... Love is the easy part, respect is a must. Two people, individuals, still need room to grow as their own person, but still grow together. But if it's worth it, and it's meant to be it will flourish and live on and on. Love is eternal. Here's to many more "Mr. J"... You Rock in so many ways, and I love you. Happy Anniversary!!!

For a few days, I have been gone and lost in thought... some about what the future holds from here on out, some about everything that needs to be done, and some about nothing because I simply needed to empty and relax my mind. I began December with my own personal challenge to myself to complete the December NaBloPoMo , but I didn't make it. Each of you have your own opinions about doing certain things and forced blog posting, which is fine. Contrary to BBC's opinions, I wasn't doing the posting to impress anybody, I was just doing it because I wanted to see if I could. I didn't make it through, that was due to nobody but myself and my tired soul. Well, I do hope that your holidays have been great. The fog of my holidays is over, except for New Year's Eve, which is destined to get more uncomfortable for me than I like, because I don't like crowds of people and too much chaos at one time, but this is not just my trip, so there are other forces that I must endure ...

Well, I just couldn't make the posts over the weekend to keep up with my December NaBloPoMo. Geez, this has been rough. I tried though. I don't think I should go back and make-up Friday and Saturday just to keep it clean. I failed, I will take the hit. The weekend has been hum-drum and very cold, especially today. If it decides to snow, I think we're in business! But I doubt it will snow. Since we are nearing the holiday week itself, the story will be a special holiday treat for you all. I am still working to have time to post the story. I will be putting it up this week for sure so check back and read it, hopefully it will entertain you. :) Meanwhile, here is a consolation video since I am lazy. It's Four Banned Commercials , so kids don't click. :)

Haven't had time to finish my story idea... I know, Blasphemy, right?? Long day at work today, big meeting, then Band Practice. So I have not had time to post. Speaking of blasphemy, gotta leave you with one funny photo. Sorry, but this just made me lol, I can't help it. :)

Arrgggs!! (Or in Programming, Args? I dunno lol). Work has been kicking my butt this week, and I haven't been able to spend much time to myself to think clearly. Thanks you guys for the comments on what type of story to write about, It's helping out a lot please keep em coming. I'm working on that cool post so when I write it you better be back, don't you wanna see what parts of your suggestions I use anyway?? So check back soon, hopefully tomorrow I will be writing the story. But for today, I just want you to check out one of the coolest photographers I have seen in a while. The man still uses film, and nearly everything that he puts out here, or he states ALL of it is untouched by any Photoshop. It's merely his shooting skills, and lighting and effects he creates himself with the camera. That's pretty cool. Check it!! His Name Is Jamie Harmon . I've also been playing with this Karaoke site called SingSnap.com , I made some recordings but they are too crapp...

My mind stays so very loud and noisy most of the time, buzzing with too much information, too many feelings, and I often feel pulled in quite a number of varying directions. It's o.k., I know that it is natural in any course of growth throughout life. I feel change coming on, new directions, new endeavors. I'm not quite sure what that means yet. It's not a bad thing, however. Today's Daily OM "As We Ebb and Flow Through Life" was a good one! Take a read if you feel like it, and if you enjoy inspiration, or just need a little lift. It's about time for another one of "AJ's Great Stories". How does everyone feel about that?? I'll try to think of a good one to chronicle. Better yet, let me get my readers involved. Ask me to tell you a story about something in my life, anything topic, sad, funny, inspirational, whatever. Get to commenting!!!

Slash on "Book Chat" with Rainn Wilson - This literally made me laugh so hard! My Man Slash, being such a good sport and funny guy alongside comedian/actor Rainn Wilson, of "The Office" and "The Rocker".

I've stated before, my music tastes are best described as eclectic. However, I am not usually a fan of much soft rock, although some brings back memories whether I liked it or not. Mostly, I listen to harder stuff, punk, metal (real metal not any of that weak lipsnot stuff), and various other music that strikes my fancy. For some reason, today I simply could not get this song out of my head. I know, I know, it's "Chicago" and I should be strung by my toenails and covered in honey next to a hornet's nest right? lol But it just made gave me a "feel good", home-again feeling. Can't explain why. At any rate, enjoy... maybe? Or whatever. Old Days - by Chicago

Rained a lot today, the weather being so dreary made me not want to go anywhere. We still had to do some little Christmas party though. Of course, I had to drive. I hate driving when it's so nasty and the streets are so wet. Being the designated driver sucks. Farty, belchy, philosophical and belligerent drunk folks drive me up the wall. Makes me want to wait for them to pass out and do this (or far worse). -> Pwn3d!!! Drunk arses who force me to be designated be afraid... be very afraid. Muuahahahahahahah!!! (To see more passed out idiots' photos, click the photo above or go to www.passedoutphotos.com )

As I was sitting here, struggling to think about what to write in the spirit of "Mitzvah" (This Month's NaBloPoMo blogging theme), I realized something. Rarely do I give myself enough credit or self-love for the things that I do for others on a daily basis without even thinking of it. Most of the time I am busy fighting attacks of self-loathing, which may just be natural to have to deal with in this "human experience". Somehow, I had the idea in my head that I was going to have to go out of my way to conjure up acts of kindness, or dream up things to do, or gifts to give so that I could blog about them, as the theme suggests. However, it hit me as an epiphany... I may have my ups and downs, my negative thoughts or my general hostilities that I constantly have to work on (at least I am working on it, not letting it win), but every day, without thought I am giving a kind or uplifting word, trying to inspire my friends and loved ones, or people that need a cheer. ...

The mornings have brought us frosted ground, and freezing air. Winter is dressed up and ready to show its beautiful face. Around these parts, it comes and goes because we have mild portions here and there where the temperatures are not that low, and we don't get much snow. The sensation, the emotion in the air found me reading a bit of Robert Frost poetry, which I find quite relevant, and feel the urge to share with you. Hope You Enjoy! "A Patch of Old Snow" by Robert Frost There's a patch of old snow in a corner That I should have guessed Was a blow-away paper the rain Had brought to rest. It is speckled with grime as if Small print overspread it, The news of a day I've forgotten-- If I ever read it.

This is a short one... I don't have much to say today. It's been cold and damp and I'm burned out on this week. It's only half over too. I'll quickly run down my good deed for the day, one of my blog buddies, "Chucky" is trying to take on more work because things are a bit slow, so I sent him some information on possible new job leads that might help him out. I certainly hope it does. Good Luck Chucky! Anyway, the rest of the evening, I did the dishes and have been watching old TV shows on Hulu.com . I caught an episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", "One Day At A Time", and "WKRP In Cincinnati". Just felt like checking out some cool older stuff I guess. Feeling a little claustrophobic in the house, and feeling crowded and tired. I guess it's bedtime. (yawn)

Today I won't rant, I won't try to be philosophical, I won't advise, I'll just share. There has been so much love in my life, and I have always tried never to take it for granted. Things come and go, just as people come and go in our lives. However, I believe that the love that they bring remains with us always, and it only grows. Love is eternal. Even when we feel pain because we think that our loved ones are gone, they are alive and well, and only want us to understand that and to hang on to that love. About a week ago, I was at home (Mom and Dad's), and something, or someone moved me to go digging through my old bedroom desk drawer. There I sat on the edge of the bed, organizing and looking through junk, when I ran across the card that Mom and Dad gave me on the day of my High School Graduation. Then I opened the card and began to read what my Daddy wrote to me, there on my eve of adulthood: "Thank you my Darling Daughter for all the joy you have given me....

O nce upon a time... Perfect Husband The end.

Woke up about 1:00 a.m., I did, and wasn't feeling so great. My head, somewhat achy, and I have no energy... still don't feel much like doing anything at the moment. Last night, we rode in the Downtown Memphis Christmas Parade. As my Dad might say, it was "colder than a well-digger's butt". We wrapped up so thick, I kind of felt like the little kid on "A Christmas Story" when his Mom bundled him up for school, but even then I wished I had on more clothing. The parade began way back on South Main. Much to Richie's delight we were trapped between two music groups, one was Memphis Music Foundation I think, and the ones behind us were a "Stepping Group" who put Michael Jackson on repeat (Mr. J hates MJ). So for well over an hour before the parade actually started, he had to hear "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" while they practiced... and then of course as the parade went on. As we rode our motorcycles in this parade procession, ...

The Distillers rock... This Song Makes Me Feel Good so I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy! It's called "Young Crazed Peeling". It's Saturday, and I'm off to find some good and healing vibrations to spread around the planet.

The double-bed that I have called home for several years now, I am starting to rethink. With a pillow and mattress hogging husband, a heart worm recovering dog and a cat who's a 'primo uomo' all piled up (the newest edition to our "pack" hasn't been allowed on the bed yet), I can scarcely turn over without waking up each time I flip, and balling up just to have a spot to snooze. As a result, I never want to wake up in the mornings and I have the hardest time peeling myself out of bed. I've found myself yawning off and on throughout the day too. We'll see. I can't really afford to go and buy a new bed right now, but I know that it's really time. During the portions where I do sleep, I have my occasional strange dream. Like last night for instance, my father visited me in the dream. He had his back turned, but I saw him and I said, "Daddy?!" and he turned around and we kind of communicated for a moment. Then I am so used to being broke...

"The Bubba Is A Very Special Breed, nay, pride of the south" Growing up in the deep south is not really much like "Gone With The Wind" or even "Driving Miss Daisy", or any of those cheesy movies where the actors wayyyy overdo their impressions of our accents. Don't get me wrong, the south it has its moments... does have its romantic side, I can't deny that. As children, we are blanketed by a beautiful starry sky, collect fireflies in mason jars, play in the warm, sweet summer rain, and in winter get occasional snow without having to shovel driveways all winter long. To top it off, as southern women, we have our pick of a veritable multitude of "Bubbas" to choose from, glad for the chance to ring our southern bells if we so desire. Lucky, lucky us(!). Sometimes, however I am rudely awakened from those sweet honeysuckle dreams by the dark sides of Dixie. Yes, there are many. Keep in mind while I discuss, that I understand some of the subse...

Quick note that I am still working on the "big cool post", so I am pumping this one up to be a doosie, I guess you better come back and read it and I better deliver on the wit and charm, eh?? So be it. I hope to get it done for tomorrow's post. Meanwhile, I'll keep today's post short... It's in the spirit of December's NaBloPoMo , and its theme "MITZVA", which I explained a little bit about yesterday. Some of you may be asking "What is Mitzva?" Now, I am not into "organized" religion, and I am certainly not Jewish, but check it out Mitzva , although is part of Judaism , and derived from their 613 Commandments (wow, I thought Christianity was rigid with its 10! he-he j/k) , it has also come to express an act of human kindness. The act of human kindness is really what this month's theme is all about, which I think is great no matter the season. People should strive to act with kindness way more often, because I think that th...

Well I am very disgusted that I started a cool blog post yesterday and still have not been able to finish it. This has been a hectic week at work after the holiday, so I have had limited time to jump in here and collect any of my thoughts. Don't despair, however, I am working on said post and will still deliver. I wanted it to be just right, as I have some thoughts to throw out there, and of the sarcastic and humorous nature (hopefully). Ahhh December. It seems like we just parted yesterday and you are already here again. This year has just blasted by has it not? I can't believe it. January 14th will mark 1 year since my Father's death and it just doesn't seem like a year could have passed already. I definitely hope that 2010 will be a better year for us all. In the spirit of the season, I have decided to try and tackle the NaBloPoMo challenge again. Actually, November was officially "National Blog Posting Month" to which NaBloPoMo was named for, and sadly I ...