The power has been restored to all parts of the house finally. Once again I can listen to music as I go to sleep (as long as my ancient CD player will read the damn CD's). I can play my tiny collection of video games, read or even write this thing in bed if I want (I just have to figure out how to make my wireless router secure). Not only that, but the household laundry facilities are online again, no more hanging out at the laundromat.
Thankfully, through all of this we've had heat and hot water. It's really been more of an inconvience more than anything else. An annoying inconvience, but a mere one nonetheless. And now I actually want to clean and organize my room or at least get ready for the upcoming winter which is fast approaching.
Yeah, there's not much meat here tonight but I'm too distracted by the lights and my PS2.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Weezer Ya'll
I need to get this out of the way, Weezer writes some of the greatest pop songs ever. And I haven't even heard that much of their new stuff. Somehow I ended up on the Pinkerton album tonight and remembered exactly why I permanently borrowed it from some one (of course I could return it now that I have it ripped into my computer). And I just realized that this album is nine years old. Damn, I'm the old guy. Whatever, it is a great album and Weezer if nothing else knows how to weave a song with some great hooks.
On a completely different note (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). Today I happened how so many of us so-called Northerners seem to use Southern phrases and words in our daily speech. I for one use the word ya'll and I have to say it is a rather convenient word to use. It is truly the missing pronoun in English. All of the other languages have a word for the second person plural. A word my born and raised Detroit friend uses is fixin'. Admittedly he pick this up when he lived in the south. But it is quite handy at times. I still can't bring myself to use it but I understand it's usefulness. I know that there are more such as Coke as a generic word for any soft drink (which we used back in Indy as well and I wrote about a long time ago). I wonder what kind of an accent I have now. Because I can't hear one.
On a completely different note (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). Today I happened how so many of us so-called Northerners seem to use Southern phrases and words in our daily speech. I for one use the word ya'll and I have to say it is a rather convenient word to use. It is truly the missing pronoun in English. All of the other languages have a word for the second person plural. A word my born and raised Detroit friend uses is fixin'. Admittedly he pick this up when he lived in the south. But it is quite handy at times. I still can't bring myself to use it but I understand it's usefulness. I know that there are more such as Coke as a generic word for any soft drink (which we used back in Indy as well and I wrote about a long time ago). I wonder what kind of an accent I have now. Because I can't hear one.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Politics at the copy shop
Some of you that know me may have noticed that I keep my politics out of this here blog. There is a reason for this. In fact I may have said it before, I don't feel I have well thought out political opinions. I waffle between certain sides. There are some things that would put me squarely in the liberal camp (such as universal health care for all Americans) and others that would put me in the conservative camp (mostly gun issues). I suspect this makes me a liberal leaning moderate. And moderates don't really count even though they make up most of the electorate.
This all comes from having talked to my local state senator Jack Taylor a few times in the last month. He is a Republican but a Republican of the old school. He doesn't seem to get himself wrapped up in the social side of conservatism, which I respect immensely. I wouldn't put him in the right-wing camp of his party. Truth be told, I wish I could bend his ear about the direction his party has taken in the last so many years. I suspect he may have some choice words about others in his party if he felt free to speak.
My coworker made the comment that Jack Taylor is true compassionate conservative and I'm inclined to agree with him. Hell, I might even vote for him next time and I never thought I'd vote for that party.
This all comes from having talked to my local state senator Jack Taylor a few times in the last month. He is a Republican but a Republican of the old school. He doesn't seem to get himself wrapped up in the social side of conservatism, which I respect immensely. I wouldn't put him in the right-wing camp of his party. Truth be told, I wish I could bend his ear about the direction his party has taken in the last so many years. I suspect he may have some choice words about others in his party if he felt free to speak.
My coworker made the comment that Jack Taylor is true compassionate conservative and I'm inclined to agree with him. Hell, I might even vote for him next time and I never thought I'd vote for that party.
Gray
This week has been the epitome of mud season. Gray and rainy with a small amount of snow. The snowstorm that made the news didn't hit us but that is usually the case this time of year. Actually up here we don't get the same storm systems that other parts of the state get (it is a big state after all, size wise it's in the top ten). Right now that's fine with me as my mind is so far from winter even though it is quickly approaching. The colors are almost completely gone except for this patch of orange aspens on the hill behind work. I guess the fall colors lasted a decent amount of time, three weeks or so. There have been past falls where the leaves changed and fell within a week and a half.
At one point in time this used to be a slower time of the year. This was the time when people would get the heck out and it Steamboat would take on the appearance of a ghost town. No longer is this the case. Not that I really care although I wish the free bus would run like it does in the winter because it is just a bit wet and cold to be riding bikes at night. Of course, I could just suck it up, it's more the wet that bothers me anyway when riding my bike. Staying home saves money anyway.
It doesn't matter anyway because soon the snow will be flying and I'll have to be into winter now matter what. But the buses will be running late and falling down in the snow is alot softer than the ground.
At one point in time this used to be a slower time of the year. This was the time when people would get the heck out and it Steamboat would take on the appearance of a ghost town. No longer is this the case. Not that I really care although I wish the free bus would run like it does in the winter because it is just a bit wet and cold to be riding bikes at night. Of course, I could just suck it up, it's more the wet that bothers me anyway when riding my bike. Staying home saves money anyway.
It doesn't matter anyway because soon the snow will be flying and I'll have to be into winter now matter what. But the buses will be running late and falling down in the snow is alot softer than the ground.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
The Bottle
It seems I'm a drunk. Not quite an alcoholic but definitely not a teetotaler. When I wake up in the morning I feel better if I've had a drink or two the night before (and I mean just a couple, I still get hangovers if I drink too much), than if I have nothing. I'd imagine it's a bit of a chemical dependency but I sleep better that way. To be honest I don't quite understand it. One would think going to bed sober would make you more alert in the morning but I guess that is not the case with me. That or I need to go for a long time without drinking anything. The thing that scares me is that I drink at home and sometimes alone. And I've been told that is not a good thing.
I guess everyone has their downfalls, apparently mine is a fondness for fermentation in the form of alcohol. The thing is, I barely feel that I abuse it let alone am addicted to it. I've gone nights on end without it but I'd rather have a bit of it before I sleep. Like I've said before maybe it just helps chase the demons of reality away. I don't really think that is the case. There aren't that many demons in my life other than that money thing. And that is a demon we all share (Wow! Capitalism!). Yeah, there is that inability on my part of forming relationships but I suspect some of that is location based.
Truth be told, I'd rather drink at home than invest myself in new relationships that will eventually end in heartbreak for me. I'm too old to go on the prowl for the one night stands anymore and I'm too jaded to think that the next one is sitting at a barstool or booth next to me. On top of that I don't have the resources to meet someone in an exotic locale. Or the energy to carry on a long distance relationship.
So I'll just sit here and drink at home. Not every night. But it helps me sleep.
I guess everyone has their downfalls, apparently mine is a fondness for fermentation in the form of alcohol. The thing is, I barely feel that I abuse it let alone am addicted to it. I've gone nights on end without it but I'd rather have a bit of it before I sleep. Like I've said before maybe it just helps chase the demons of reality away. I don't really think that is the case. There aren't that many demons in my life other than that money thing. And that is a demon we all share (Wow! Capitalism!). Yeah, there is that inability on my part of forming relationships but I suspect some of that is location based.
Truth be told, I'd rather drink at home than invest myself in new relationships that will eventually end in heartbreak for me. I'm too old to go on the prowl for the one night stands anymore and I'm too jaded to think that the next one is sitting at a barstool or booth next to me. On top of that I don't have the resources to meet someone in an exotic locale. Or the energy to carry on a long distance relationship.
So I'll just sit here and drink at home. Not every night. But it helps me sleep.
Rock musings
There is one type of music that totally distracts me from anything I'm doing. That would be music of the heavy variety. If Slayer is playing I am completely incapable of doing anything but banging my head and getting sucked into the pounding that they drop on me (with a bit of hand pumping to boot). I can't help it there is just something about those metal riffs that get me. Maybe all of those fundies were right about the hypnotic power of metal. Although I don't quite feel that way when I listen to Karp and they were freakin' heavy as well but in a different way. Karp has a totally different effect on me even though they fully made use of metal in their work. I just want to bounce around the room and fall down when I listen to them.
In all honesty, I can't listen to that heavier stuff like I used to be able to. These days I prefer my noise in a slower tempo. Maybe that's just part of getting older and what not. I still enjoy metal, don't get me wrong but instead of a fast tempo I'd rather here something discordant. Like Labradford or the more famous Sonic Youth. True noise is where I am some nights. A sonic landscape if you will as opposed to a sonic assault. And of course there are the nights I just want something nice and mellow.
I don't even know where I was going with this. Stupid headphones.
In all honesty, I can't listen to that heavier stuff like I used to be able to. These days I prefer my noise in a slower tempo. Maybe that's just part of getting older and what not. I still enjoy metal, don't get me wrong but instead of a fast tempo I'd rather here something discordant. Like Labradford or the more famous Sonic Youth. True noise is where I am some nights. A sonic landscape if you will as opposed to a sonic assault. And of course there are the nights I just want something nice and mellow.
I don't even know where I was going with this. Stupid headphones.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Sleep, not sleep...no Illuminati here!
It's late and once again I don't want to go to sleep. It's not like there is anything keeping my up, I'm just not ready even though it is almost 4 am.
This is what happens when I get home and jump on the computer for "just a few minutes". I end up looking at Wikipedia for hours. I'm not even going to bother with what I read about tonight as it was mostly conspiracy related and I'm trying not to dwell on that stuff. I can make my own up just as easily.
Of course, everytime I think of a new one I check it out to see if anyone has ever done it before. Invariably, I rarely create a new one. In fact, can't think of one that I've come up with that someone hasn't come up with already. Well, except for maybe the supposed off duty cop that cited my mom for going 50 in a 15 last week. That one sounds fishy to me. I've been a passenger with my mom and I know she doesn't speed like that. In fact, she always hassles me if I even go five over. But still he was off duty. What kind of cop pulls people over for speeding when they're off duty? I'll tell you what kind. The I-70 Killer, that's who! Ok, maybe not quite but damn if I were a cop the last thing I'd want to do is pull people over for speeding when I wasn't working.
Anyway, I think I've worn myself out enough to try to go to bed.
This is what happens when I get home and jump on the computer for "just a few minutes". I end up looking at Wikipedia for hours. I'm not even going to bother with what I read about tonight as it was mostly conspiracy related and I'm trying not to dwell on that stuff. I can make my own up just as easily.
Of course, everytime I think of a new one I check it out to see if anyone has ever done it before. Invariably, I rarely create a new one. In fact, can't think of one that I've come up with that someone hasn't come up with already. Well, except for maybe the supposed off duty cop that cited my mom for going 50 in a 15 last week. That one sounds fishy to me. I've been a passenger with my mom and I know she doesn't speed like that. In fact, she always hassles me if I even go five over. But still he was off duty. What kind of cop pulls people over for speeding when they're off duty? I'll tell you what kind. The I-70 Killer, that's who! Ok, maybe not quite but damn if I were a cop the last thing I'd want to do is pull people over for speeding when I wasn't working.
Anyway, I think I've worn myself out enough to try to go to bed.
Irritated with the masses
Most of the time I like people but there are some days that I am just annoyed by them. The sad things is, mostly they are just doing what they are doing and that it is what annoys me. For instance, I'm almost more annoyed when people come into wherever it is I work when it is a slow day as opposed to a busy day. That and the people who try hang out long after closing. I really can't explain that it (well the campers makes sense). Maybe it's just that on certain days I'm a little more irritable than others. I imagine that is only human. And I am human (as far as I know).
Maybe it's the not having two whole days to rest and what not in the last couple of weeks that is contributing to this irritability I'm feeling. I don't like being this way, I don't like cursing people under my breath and cursing the phone everytime it rings (the one at work that is, my own phone rarely rings). Perhaps I should lay off the sauce but then how would I fall asleep?
If I were to get just enough distance from myself, I might think I was dropping into another bout again. But this time I'm not buying it. This time I think I'm just tired and don't really want to be around a lot of people for a few days. Or at least a lot of people in a formal/work setting. And I don't want to answer any questions unless I want too.
Maybe it's the not having two whole days to rest and what not in the last couple of weeks that is contributing to this irritability I'm feeling. I don't like being this way, I don't like cursing people under my breath and cursing the phone everytime it rings (the one at work that is, my own phone rarely rings). Perhaps I should lay off the sauce but then how would I fall asleep?
If I were to get just enough distance from myself, I might think I was dropping into another bout again. But this time I'm not buying it. This time I think I'm just tired and don't really want to be around a lot of people for a few days. Or at least a lot of people in a formal/work setting. And I don't want to answer any questions unless I want too.
Friday, October 07, 2005
The things you learn...
Generally I'm not one to go into the whole cult of death thing. Even though death is inevitable for all of us, it is not really one topic that I really try to think about. It's kind of depressing.
Having said that, there are a few deaths and forms of death that intrigue me. Cult suicides such as Heaven's Gate, The Order of the Solar Tempus and the People's Temple/Jonestown have always caught my interest. Mostly I think due to the power that lead all of the followers to kill themselves, the mass lack of self-preservation instinct baffles me.
I'm also baffled by public suicide. Apparently the first televised suicide was committed by Christine Chubbuck. There was also Budd Dwyer (which I remember but didn't realize it was that long ago). And the whole suicide by cop baffles me as well.
I hope that when I die, my death is as private as possible and I am surrounded by those I love.
Having said that, there are a few deaths and forms of death that intrigue me. Cult suicides such as Heaven's Gate, The Order of the Solar Tempus and the People's Temple/Jonestown have always caught my interest. Mostly I think due to the power that lead all of the followers to kill themselves, the mass lack of self-preservation instinct baffles me.
I'm also baffled by public suicide. Apparently the first televised suicide was committed by Christine Chubbuck. There was also Budd Dwyer (which I remember but didn't realize it was that long ago). And the whole suicide by cop baffles me as well.
I hope that when I die, my death is as private as possible and I am surrounded by those I love.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Shows?
I may have mentioned that I'm trying to get a photo show together. It just hit me tonight that I have more than 4000 digital photos to go through for this thing (and that's not even counting the 35mm stuff). And I need to whittle this down to ten or fifteen, that in itself is a bit of a chore.
It doesn't help that I'm a slacker in real life. I'm surprised at the amount of work I put into it today to be honest. And that was just getting quotes. The gallery I'm trying to get into wasn't even open when I stopped by today. Goddamn artists.
The truth is I don't consider myself an artist. Putting a show together? I have no idea how to do that. I'm just a guy that takes pictures and 10% of the time I get some really lucky and awesome photos emerge. Of course there are some that I am proud of but so many of them were made by pure chance. There are moments though when I see a shot and I am able to take it. Those are the times that make me wonder if maybe I am more than just an eye behind a camera.
It doesn't help that I'm a slacker in real life. I'm surprised at the amount of work I put into it today to be honest. And that was just getting quotes. The gallery I'm trying to get into wasn't even open when I stopped by today. Goddamn artists.
The truth is I don't consider myself an artist. Putting a show together? I have no idea how to do that. I'm just a guy that takes pictures and 10% of the time I get some really lucky and awesome photos emerge. Of course there are some that I am proud of but so many of them were made by pure chance. There are moments though when I see a shot and I am able to take it. Those are the times that make me wonder if maybe I am more than just an eye behind a camera.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Today is the day (who's album was that?)*
If you don't live here, you probably don't know that we had our first snow today. Which means that soon there will be snow covering the ground. I'm not sure if this really counts as the first snow as there is none on the ground right now. Usually we consider being able to leave a footprint on the courthouse lawn as the first snow (or at least those are the rules for the first snow pool). But there is definitly snow on the hills. Hopefully there is still some there when I get up in the morning so I can take some pictures of it. I managed to get a really good one last fall with snow, changing leaves and an overhanging cloud.
The first time I see snow here I always get a bit excited, seeing it reminds me of why I came here and why I am still here. I did come here to snowboard after all, everything else is just extra. Soon the daydreaming will start as well as the longing for some new gear (I will take donations), like how I could really use a new snowboard but there just isn't the money for it.
After writing this, I'll probably dream about snowboarding through the trees or something tonight. Woo Hoo!
*Oh yeah, I think it was a Youth of Today album. Anyone know? Trickstar?
The first time I see snow here I always get a bit excited, seeing it reminds me of why I came here and why I am still here. I did come here to snowboard after all, everything else is just extra. Soon the daydreaming will start as well as the longing for some new gear (I will take donations), like how I could really use a new snowboard but there just isn't the money for it.
After writing this, I'll probably dream about snowboarding through the trees or something tonight. Woo Hoo!
*Oh yeah, I think it was a Youth of Today album. Anyone know? Trickstar?
Two Sundays, no Saturdays
While I was standing outside smoking a cigarette, I saw a black Mercedes Benz drive by. Being as I live in a trailer park, I can't even imagine why a car like that was driving by at 2:30 am. Well, it is Steamboat but still. Hmmm...
I hate having a single day off. It's like you get two Sundays a week and no Saturdays. I should have gone out but a Wednesday night this time of year is just as exciting as staying home. Not to mention that it is cheaper to stay home. We did watch the Amityville Horror remake tonight. It's passable but much different than the original. The story is pretty much the same but the way it is told is completely different.
This whole remake and TV series movies that Hollywood has been putting out in the last few years is starting to get kind of annoying. I'm not sure if it's due to lack of orginallity on the part of the writers or lack of courge on the part of studio heads. But I suspect it has to more to do with studio heads than writers. Audiences appear to flock to those kinds of movies and not the more edgy ones. All though I imagine more people remember the edgier ones. I can't remember a single scene from Charlies Angels but Office Space is a whole different story. Of course who am I to say anything, I love almost all of the Marvel Comics movies (except for Daredevil, that movie blew and the Hulk was a close second).
Oh yeah, the cow in the previous post was a reference to "Mrs. She-who-will-not-be-named". Just to clear that up. Well that and cows are kind of funny.
I hate having a single day off. It's like you get two Sundays a week and no Saturdays. I should have gone out but a Wednesday night this time of year is just as exciting as staying home. Not to mention that it is cheaper to stay home. We did watch the Amityville Horror remake tonight. It's passable but much different than the original. The story is pretty much the same but the way it is told is completely different.
This whole remake and TV series movies that Hollywood has been putting out in the last few years is starting to get kind of annoying. I'm not sure if it's due to lack of orginallity on the part of the writers or lack of courge on the part of studio heads. But I suspect it has to more to do with studio heads than writers. Audiences appear to flock to those kinds of movies and not the more edgy ones. All though I imagine more people remember the edgier ones. I can't remember a single scene from Charlies Angels but Office Space is a whole different story. Of course who am I to say anything, I love almost all of the Marvel Comics movies (except for Daredevil, that movie blew and the Hulk was a close second).
Oh yeah, the cow in the previous post was a reference to "Mrs. She-who-will-not-be-named". Just to clear that up. Well that and cows are kind of funny.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Cows...and cows?
Sorry kids, I know I've been rather boring lately. Yup, it seems like I've been mailing it in. And I have. One great part of being me is that wonderful Protestant guilt I get when I've been a total ass.
So I walked into work today and what do I get? "Hi, hippie!" Now all of you and god knows I am quite far from a hippie. Maybe when I was sporting the long hair that could be an appropriate greeting but I keep that stuff short now (it's too much of a pain to stay long, among other things). Of course it came from Mrs. "She who will not be named" so why should I care. But still. Hippie?! What the fuck is that?
I know politically I come down on the left side of a lot of things (other than the 2nd Amendment stuff, oh yeah and the 1st). But this woman has never heard me announce any sort of political position, other than possibly my displeasure with the current White House administration (and I am far from the only one). But I truly doubt that makes me a hippie.
In fact there is one truly conservative value I think I've developed at least on the local level (although it is purely out of spite). I want to see this valley get so built over that all of the charm is lost. Because that is the moment it becomes
affordable for everyone else. The day that all you can see is suburbia here in this valley is not a moment too soon. Strip malls with riverside property? Sweet! Your view is blocked? Build something bigger, please. And by all means built lot's of new retail space that local businesses can no longer afford, because dammit I'm itching for some franchises and chain stores!
Anyway, what do I care? I'm out of here soon enough.
So I walked into work today and what do I get? "Hi, hippie!" Now all of you and god knows I am quite far from a hippie. Maybe when I was sporting the long hair that could be an appropriate greeting but I keep that stuff short now (it's too much of a pain to stay long, among other things). Of course it came from Mrs. "She who will not be named" so why should I care. But still. Hippie?! What the fuck is that?
I know politically I come down on the left side of a lot of things (other than the 2nd Amendment stuff, oh yeah and the 1st). But this woman has never heard me announce any sort of political position, other than possibly my displeasure with the current White House administration (and I am far from the only one). But I truly doubt that makes me a hippie.
In fact there is one truly conservative value I think I've developed at least on the local level (although it is purely out of spite). I want to see this valley get so built over that all of the charm is lost. Because that is the moment it becomes
affordable for everyone else. The day that all you can see is suburbia here in this valley is not a moment too soon. Strip malls with riverside property? Sweet! Your view is blocked? Build something bigger, please. And by all means built lot's of new retail space that local businesses can no longer afford, because dammit I'm itching for some franchises and chain stores!
Anyway, what do I care? I'm out of here soon enough.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Somewhere south
As much as I moan about my situation living here the one thing I can't let myself forget is how beautiful it really is. Growing up a flatlander an having only seen the mountains of Pennsylvania before moving here, I'm still awestruck by the scenery around here. Especially if I'm able to get out of town and go somewhere new.
Even after eleven years of living out here, I'm still blown away by the rugged beauty of the mountains. And I still get this sense of insignificance when looking at these ancient formations (and to think the Rockies are young by geological age).
I know I've allowed myself to be blinded of the beauty here lately. I'll just have to remember to keep my eyes open more often.
Even after eleven years of living out here, I'm still blown away by the rugged beauty of the mountains. And I still get this sense of insignificance when looking at these ancient formations (and to think the Rockies are young by geological age).
I know I've allowed myself to be blinded of the beauty here lately. I'll just have to remember to keep my eyes open more often.
Mellow
Well that was a short weekend. The schedule was screwy last week and this coming week, so I had to work this Saturday and next(hopefully that ends soon). Making today catch-up-on-stuff day. So back to the laundromat again among other things. Yeah I know real exciting.
It's been a couple of days since I put anything up here as seems to be the case on weekends lately. One somewhat interesting thing is shortly before midnight on Friday we had a light earthquake 15 miles ENE of Steamboat. It was only a 4.1 so all it really did was shake the house. Once again I thought someone had slammed into the house (there was a similar one about six years ago).
Other than that things have been really mellow around here. We are quickly entering a slower time of the year. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, there aren't that many people from out of town around other than hunters. Very soon it'll be to cold to ride bikes at night and I'll be forced to stay at home that much more. But then it'll snow and I'll be riding again.
It's been a couple of days since I put anything up here as seems to be the case on weekends lately. One somewhat interesting thing is shortly before midnight on Friday we had a light earthquake 15 miles ENE of Steamboat. It was only a 4.1 so all it really did was shake the house. Once again I thought someone had slammed into the house (there was a similar one about six years ago).
Other than that things have been really mellow around here. We are quickly entering a slower time of the year. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, there aren't that many people from out of town around other than hunters. Very soon it'll be to cold to ride bikes at night and I'll be forced to stay at home that much more. But then it'll snow and I'll be riding again.
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