Thursday, November 8, 2007

Bad Hair HNT

She'll be a quick one today, folks. Let me show you the horrors of long hair (at least, when attached to my head)...
If it please the court, I'd like to add Photograph 1 into the records:


Clearly, we can all see that the long hair...is not very stylish for my box shaped head.
To further prove my point and offer a comparison, let us enter Photograph 2 into the records as well.
I believe the Prosecution rests it's case. So, kids, remember, when I randomly declare that I'm going to grow my hair out, someone needs to tackle, subdue, and give a quick haircut.
Happy HNT!

Monday, November 5, 2007

Just Another Manic Monday

Dear reader,

…Everything feels off today, I’m not sure why. My dreams were assaulted by a weirdness so aberrant, my conscious mind was unable to grasp onto the specific images but did managed to hold the subtle, unnatural feeling that is, even now, clawing at my soul.

First stop on this crazy, whirring, train of unease in this very similar but still parallel and thus, incorrect dimension was a close, very close look at the conductor. You can tell, from the picture, that he was indescribably insane. He conducted my entire weekend (and so I’m convinced it was him that sent me so far off the beaten track today!) with his mood which is as changeable as the clichéd weather. Prone to rapidly alternating moods of possessiveness and compassion and patronizing condescension, he held the carrot over a sheer chasm. My unfaithful steed took the bait and we plummeted.

The train kicked forward, rushing to overdrive as the day crawled to my hour-and-a-half late lunch. I run to a Giant supermarket only to be assaulted as soon as I make it through the front doors.

“Would Bob Manly please come to the service desk! Bob Manly, please come to the service desk!” screeched across the loud speaker.

Who (in the fuck) names their kid “Bob Manly”? I brushed off my confusion—trying to focus on the task at hand, instead of pondering the ensnaring abnormality of the day. Acquisition of lunch foods led me close to the dairy isle where the managerial staff at my friendly local Giant supermarket has posted a picture of the Dairy Manager. His name, you ask. His crazy ass name was Harpo. My eyes stretched wide at the insanity of it all—that, or at the fact that he looked like Captain fucking James T. Hook (minus the big, black, curly wig). He’s even balding in the same ways. I can’t make out his hands in the picture, either because hooks don’t photograph well or Giant is afraid of Disney locating their runaway pirate captain.

Taking a deep breath and grabbing a sandwich, I glue my eyes to the floor until I made it to the self-checkout isle. My lunch slid across the scanner and I paid for everything, making sure to move double speed. Only, something drew my eyes before I quite made it out—right near the service desk.




Sure enough, that which drew my stare was Bob Manly. His name tag read: BOB in big, bold fucking letters. He was a middle-aged man—nothing too remarkable there except that he looks exactly like Duncan, Master at Arms from He-man (or Masters of the Universe starring Dolph Lundgren).


I averted my eyes, hoping he didn't notice me—in the event that his posse (probably consisting of He-man/Dolph, Teela, and maybe even Orko) are hanging around—and rush out the door.







It’s approximately a five minute walk back to work (give or take depending upon the amount of traffic and the then variable amount of time it takes to cross a town street without a crosswalk). Birds are chirping, the typical smell of smoldering cigarette smoke is absent, and perfect, white, poofy clouds pirouette slowly across a crystal, cobalt sky.

It is then that the realization hits me: I’m fucking dead. I must have died last night while gaming. It is the only explanation that makes any sense. At all. I had some sort of massive coronary whilst playing through the Tomb of Horrors. Acererak himself has condemned my soul to some godless prison—and to an eternity of weirdnessjust for wishing his demise.

I’ve returned now to my cubicle…but it’s definitely not MY cubicle…

If, however, I manage to keep my head down and eyes closed, perhaps Wile E. Coyote’s Laws of the Universe will keep my soul from being trampled on at least, for a time…

*end transmission*

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Like Father, Like Son - HNT

Here we have my son, in a tiara. He thought it was pretty, and we all did too!

Then apparently it was my turn, and who am I to turn down an opportunity to be pretty?

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Random: My eyes are bleeding!

Okay, not really bleeding; they're figuratively bleeding. I've been pounding away at some work for about the last four hours--which doesn't include the ten straight hours I worked earlier today.

It sucks but I feel as if I've actually accomplished something. I've managed to navigate the most painful part of setting up a bunch of design standards and its really the last hill I had to climb. Everything else with these files will be downhill from here which means that I may be able to crank out this road design within the next three weeks as requested.

I have a slight headache--but a few sips of whiskey should take that edge off.

I spent part of tonight with my boy. Not enough time; there never seems to be enough time. Sigh. I'm looking forward to Halloween and the first weekend in November--both of which will be spent in his mischievous company.

Also, my birthday is swiftly approaching (this coming weekend). I'll be just a bit older than that cliche spring chicken we all hear so much about. Sadly, because of work, I'm having to rearrange my plans slightly. I'll probably have to pass on what's become a yearly tradition for me: Taking off the surrounding three or four days of work to write. There is just too much work and not enough me to go around (right ladies?). I still may pop out of the office early (or in late), if possible, but my odds aren't that great at this point. But such is life. And I do have a great weekend planned with a bunch of folks in DC...so, I'll get over it.

Not much else is up here on the eastern front. My brother's enlisted and will be marrying his girlfriend this weekend (all very, very suddenly, mind you). I shouldn't comment too much about it--but I wish him more luck than I had in each situation.

HNT tomorrow...I'll see you all then (or you'll see me, rather) ;) Until then...

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

HNT - With the Spiked-ed Hair.





















I haven't violated this aspect of the HNT rules just yet. I haven't overused it. Not in the slightest.

So here it is...an HNT violated by the cuteness that is my hellspawn. I promise not to overuse this, but, I figured since I've been absent for a bit...here's a decent return.

The hair is spiked-ed in the pictures because of a bit of psoriasis (I blame my father for that...the genes skipped a generation and I have no maladies). Anyway, I ask only that you bask in the glory that is my son, Aidan. He's beautiful...and amazing...and almost always wearing a smile (which we all need at times)...

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Seven Things...

- Crayons tagged me.

1. I've never been blog-tagged before.

2. I was born in Belgium (I am a military brat).

3. I was in the marching band in high school *cough*band geek*cough*.

4. Obviously, I did survive my surgery and have just been absent for other reasons.

5. I was a computer engineering major in my freshman year of college but changed to a double major of psychology and criminal justice. Had to leave college, wound up working in the civil engineering field while trying to finish my degree--only a business degree this time.

6. I once had an agent for acting.

7. Did you know I'm actually published now? If you're a gamer geek, please pick up a copy and support my habit :D

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Well...nervousness...

Alright. In five minutes, I can no longer eat or drink anything. Intravenous Anesthesia here I come!

I'll admit, having never been under the knife before, I'm a little nervous. I can only hope that my hallucinations are fun! Maybe, if I'm not too sore tomorrow I'll check in.

Talk to you all soon!

Thanks...

...go to Crayons for the wonderful layout. Thanks also go to Mr. T for a little technical know-how.

Monday, September 17, 2007

*Sigh*

I saw my son tonight, briefly, when I was shuttled over to the ex's apartment by Crayons. Because of the vicodin, I've not been driving (which leaves me at the mercy of Crayons and Mr. T). She was kind enough to drive me hither and fro for a bit.

Anyway...

My son (who is rapidly approaching three) threw his arms around me and gave a gigantic hug. I tried to explain to him that I couldn't stay long. He looked at me--with those perfect blue eyes--and asked, "Are you going back to work?" There was no malice there, no sadness, just curiosity in those eyes.

It reminded me of my own childhood. I remember thinking, if not expressly asking, that with regard to my own parents.

I'm saddened tonight and for good reason.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Relaxing HNT
















Happy Half-Nekkid Thursday, all!

Bahamas ..... Check.
Beach ..... Check.
Mixed Drink ..... Check.
Ocean lapping against your toes ..... Check.
Great company ..... Check.
Perfect Relaxed HNT pic ..... Check.

What more can be said?

HHNT all, and I'll see you next week (if not before).

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Darling, will you dance with me?

Darling, will you dance with me?

Okay, okay...so she didn't really ask so much as she directly leapt onto my shoes and grasped my hands to benevolently gift yours truly with the privilege of leading. No matter the technique, my heart was stolen.

This is just one of the many, many pictures taken from the Disney cruise. For a larger sampling, check Crayon's blog.

I won't bog this blog down with too many random pictures (even if there are sexy pictures of yours truly wearing pin-striped suits or more hot Pirate costume pictures [one night was Pirate night!]). I should correct that to say that I won't waste all of my back-up HNT photos ;)

I just thought I'd post a couple photos to show the joy that was had. Thankfully, we had the sense to enshrine the moments digitally.



It was great fun. There was even one point where I was on my feet and waving my napkin about... -->

And I think I'll leave you on that note (and with that picture.) I'm a bit tired and the pain is coming back (my surgery was pushed back a week...which means I'll be hopped up on Vikodin for an additional seven days or so). Time for more meds and more rest.

Talk to you all soon...

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Quietly...

...I return...

Its been amazingly busy for me (Amazing is by far the best word to describe what I've been going through). I've been on vacation (and before that putting in WAYYYYY too many hours at work). We've (Crayons, Mr. T., the kids, and I) went on a cruise to the Bahamas ala Disney. It was amazing (there's that word again) fun.

We made it home Monday around 12:03 am EST exhausted in all the wrong ways. I had the pleasure of the appearance of an impacted wisdom tooth for a portion of the vacation and will undergo the knife tomorrow afternoon to excise the problem. As a result, my other posts this week (and I assume there will be more seeing as how I probably won't be able to move from my position here on the couch) will be sponsored by Vicodin.

Sorry for the absence and thanks for hanging around ;)

See ya soon!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

HNT (The Play-along at work Edition).


I am...still at work. Just hit the 16+ hours of work mark (I think. My cognitive ability is becoming impaired...)
...just as it was in this week's HNT! This is a pic just from last weekend, we (Crayons, Mr.T and I) met up with Lycorys, a friend of ours from an online messageboard community.
As you see here, when preparing to ingest the amazingly divine beverage known as Whiskey, one should either wear a look of peaceful contemplation or a sexy, I-own-you-bitch look. (I was the one with the peaceful contemplative look on the right :P ... although I have been known to throw that sexy look around after a few).
Cheers! And HHNT! (Now I'm going the hell home to crash for a few hours....)

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

What a week!



What a week.

Classes officially finished up Monday and grades were turned in yesterday. The result: Straight A's. :D (pushes nerdy, taped glasses up onto bridge of nose and gives a smug grin)

Today, my first published bit of writing went on sale!

Its been an amazing week so far (despite my 12-hour work days--even work is seeing a lot of productivity this week). I can't wait for a chance to breathe so that I can just sit back and bask in the accomplishment.

Oh, fall classes start next week. So I should probably bask quickly...

Thursday, August 9, 2007

One long night...HNT
















Okay, I swear I didn't forget.

I've been attached to my desk all night, pounding out a final copy of the class project for business--and that was after taking my last statistics exam for the semester.

Whee! I can almost taste the freedom :D

So, here's the HNT. With not much lying around...and knowing that I feel like crap so I probably look like crap, I took a few quick photos of all my paperwork scattered on the floor with various lengths of my leg and or feet poking through.

Sorry its not sexier ;) Its the best I could manage at 3:15 in the am...

Right, so I have to get some rest so that I can go to work in a few hours. Goodnight all, and HHNT!

Monday, August 6, 2007

The End is Near...

...I feel it coming closer, ever closer.

The curtains are falling for the summer class schedule of 2007. I just sent my business professor my final test and when I turn in that group project later this week, I'll be done with the class. My exam for statistics is Wednesday, after which I'll be completely without classes until August 21st or so.

I was looking forward to a break...to rest and relax but sadly there is a looming deadline (doesn't it always work out that way?). The deadline is set for August the 20th which means I may end up with a one day break before I begin those fall classes.

At least I manage to keep busy. I'll shoot for having that subdivision done before the 20th...hopefully allowing a little more space to breathe. If I fail at that, though, then at least there's a vacation popping up in September.

I can't wait. I sorely need it.

Hope all of you are well out there (and not too busy)!

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Aarrrrggggghhhhhhhhh HNT!


Aaaarrrrgggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh! I promise ye, this'll be thee last pirate-themed aych-an-tee tha' ye'll see in some time! Aaaarrrgggghhh.

So, that's me in last weekend's birthday party get up. Its a better picture with my bright blue eyes...but if I gave it all away in one photo, then this wouldn't be half-nekkid, would it?

I wonder if either of the other blokes involved have blogged about the party...or if that's something I should write out...

ah well. Its late...and I should probably start to wind down for bed.

Goodnight, all! And HHNT!!!!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

HNT - Beauty in Form and Function (take 2)


Aaaargh and happy HNT to ye'. This week's is a continuation of last week's HNT, landlubbers. Above is a map scrawled out (by me own hand, mind ye') of buried treasure for a wee lass' birthday party this weekend (and just ye' nevermind that there fleshy hook--it was the best I had at the time).

Should be a good party. Aaaargh.

And, no, its not International Talk Like a Pirate Day, yet...but it is drawing near...

Happy HNT!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

HNT - Beauty in Form and Function.


Hands are beautiful in form and function. (And I've been told mine are especially so by friends and lovers).

Hands design, create and build. Hands comfort and pleasure. Hands can speak, can communicate. Hands betray your lies. Hands show your truths.

They harm. They heal. They love and they can plead. They are one of the most expressive pieces of our bodies. We use them everyday in every way.

--------------------

My hand is against the backdrop of a design for an Ultimate Gaming Table TM that Mr. T. and I have been tinkering with the idea of. We're real dorks.

Other ideas that my hands have been birthing recently are: A pirate map (for a certain princess' birthday party), a dress (for that same princess), a subdivision (for 189 eventual home-owners), and this post ;)

Happy HNT all!

(Oh, and I adjusted the contrast so that my extremely pallid right (and dominant) hand wouldn't be so jealous of the left...)

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Uninspired

I woke up this morning to find myself completely uninspired. (Woke up is relative, really. We were up late last night...till after 3 am and even though I grabbed those 6-8 hours of sleep, I was by no means awake when I stumbled out of bed). Hell, I wasn't even awake after two cups of coffee.

A blinding fog had rolled in to engulf my creativity and general brain-power during the night. I had had so much prepared for today to accomplish. When I sat down this morning, there was nothing but disorientation.

I popped onto my publisher's site to find a design journal for our book. He praised my dedication to the project. That lifted my esteem...until I realized I could not pump any writing out for him.

I stared at that stupid, flickering cursor for awhile and then, fed up, retreated to my private space to read and shower.

My laundry is almost done (the one chore that desperately needed to be accomplished today). I can take heart in that--and in my slowly waking mind.

Maybe it will be time to write soon.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

HNT - The Green Excuse


So, last Saturday I'm expecting a typical day when I awoke. Crayons had other plans when she finally stirred from her torpor. The great idea was to paint the bathroom.

And so I found myself lassoed into helping her paint her bathroom (which was a blast, I'm happy to admit). Sadly, it pushed back the other HNT photo(s) I had planned...but that just means I get to lure you all in further into my trap ;)

So, happy HNT all!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Randomness & Planning

After last week's HNT (yes, my toes are still slightly blue! but the marking is completely gone, as far as I can tell, from my chest), I had a brilliant idea for a series of HNT photos.

Absolutely fun. And I had planned to make them this last weekend. Sadly, as is so often the case, real life interrupts and forces that which I yearn to accomplish to the back of my mind.

Much like my writing. I want to be a writer. Scratch that. I am a writer. I just happen to be stuck in a designer's body...er...life. On the upside, I have begun to jot my ideas back down (digitally) and I'm even trying to pick gaming back up to further boil those creative juices. I still haven't produced anything concrete or solid in awhile but that is bound to change.

You know, if I could just stop going to work, I'd have so much more time available to fulfill my needs.

ANYWAY, as far as the HNT goes--I'll probably do something quick and dirty (perverts) for Thursday and try to get to the series ASAP.

On another random topic, I'm a little annoyed with judgmental people. I know that such annoyance is in itself a form of negative judgment. I am well aware of the hypocrisy. Seriously, when you go to judge another (their life, their lifestyle, their choices, well...shit anything about them really), take a look at yourself FIRST.

I'm not religious (I'm spiritual) but the Bible had some good wisdom embedded therein. For example, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." (John 8:7) Of course, "the devil can cite scripture for his own purpose" (Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, I. iii 93)--so, take that with a grain of salt, I guess.

*Calmly pushes a few strands of hair over the horns*

Right, so I'm feeling random. Can you tell?

So, fuh-schnizzle (yes, that's right--I'm making you endure a crazy amalgamation of half-nekkidness, bible quotes, literary quotes and, most shockingly, ebonics) you have to look forward to:

  • I really need to create a layout for this site. An idea is forming...
  • More random updating! (Excited, aren't you?)
  • HNT!
  • An HNT series built around a central theme.
Hope you hang around for it.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

HNT: Fourth of July '07


Happy HNT! And Happy Fourth of July!

Thanks go to Mr. T for the initial idea of utilizing the Declaration of Independence and to Crayons for being kind enough to inscribe the chosen words on my chest with permanent marker. The least she could do since I'll have blue toes for a few weeks at work ;)

Hope you all had a great fourth!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

HNT: Awkward & Innocent & Girly



Ahhhh...a pic of my legs pressed together in true, innocent girly-fashion. Sexy, right? If that doesn't draw the women in, I'm sure the index of a role-playing book will help to steal their hearts and souls...

Okay, maybe not.

Role-playing always manages to find me in the most awkward of positions, with Crayons holding a camera to immortalize the moment. There's a lovely photo she has of my hand in a very effeminate gesture (of course, I was letting my nails dry since she felt the pressing need to paint them).

So, here's the first of what I'm sure will be many awkward HNT photos of yours truly.

An update on my chess games with Crayons: She won again this past week (go her!). She's of the mind now that when she wins, I should have to lose clothing for HNT. Which, I admit, might sound a little fun ;)

And finally, an update on life: One of my summer classes ends later today (I have a 7 page paper I need to knock out by 9 am). That will afford a little more time; hopefully, I'll be able to pop in around here more often.

Happy HNT!

Until next time...

Friday, June 22, 2007

Joining the cult...

Well, I grabbed the links from Crayons. Figured to aid in the whole 'getting-to-know-me' process, I'd do a couple online "tests". For anyone who understands a reference to Meyers-Briggs, I'm an INTP (bordering actually on ENTP).

Have a great weekend, all.

Your Brain is Purple

Of all the brain types, yours is the most idealistic.
You tend to think wild, amazing thoughts. Your dreams and fantasies are intense.
Your thoughts are creative, inventive, and without boundaries.

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking of fictional people and places - or a very different life for yourself.


You Have A Type A- Personality

You are one of the most balanced people around
Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want
You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you.

When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back
Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love!
You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both worlds

HNT - A little late, A little leg


I am *sigh* running a little behind. Its sad, really. So, here's a little leg.

You can see a wonderful blossom of a bruise there on my inner thigh. The thing to remember is that I don't bruise easily ;)

Happy HNT!

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

HNT - June 14th 2007 - Half & Half


Happy HNT!!

Sorry about missing last week's. As has been explained already, we just missed out last week due to general busy-ness. Apologies. I probably owe a more revealing photo...

...but this time, let's just go with the strange photo taken earlier today...

It may be hard to tell in the photo, but my left arm is red/tan while my right arm is practically untouched by the sun.

The story: I'm an arm-hanger-outter driver. One of those guys that you see pounding away to the rhythm of the music (Not any of Phil's songs, sorry) while I'm speeding down the highway with my arm hanging out of the window. Unfortunately for my right arm, I work indoors. My classes are indoors. And as opposed to my younger days, I spend a so much time indoors.

Thus, my left arm ends up with a splash of color while my right arm could belong to a vampire.

IF anyone out there doesn't mind driving around in the summer heat with their windows open...and wouldn't mind a passenger...and happen to be in the NoVa area. Drop me a line. My right arm is jealous...

(And I absolutely love that my shirt here says, "Open All Night" because it's true. I am. :P Until next Thursday--if not before...)

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Edu-ma-cation

I figured I should check back in before HNT this week. For those of you that don't know me (yeah, there are a few of you out there), I'll give a quick run down of my general life situation: I am a twenty-five year old guy with a two-point-five year old son, a full-time (and then some) job, and recently I returned to school to finish out a business degree.

There are a lot of nit-picky details intertwined in that general statement (e.g. I share custody of Aidan on a weekly basis with my ex-) but I'll not dive too far into those right now. If ever I seem absent from this blog, I warn you now it is probably because of part or all of the above. I will drop in at least once a week for HNT though ;) so you can look forward to a bunch of pics if nothing else.

So, I'm back in school and loving it. Maybe I should have become a scholar... Its a lot of fun being back and meeting a variety of people. Because I'm picking up a few classes at a community college before transferring into a "real" school to finish the degree, I meet people from all walks of life.

There are the Naive-Children (18-20 year olds) that have no idea what life has in store for them. I used to be one of those.

There are the Get-Back-On-Trackers (21-30 year olds mostly) that hit a few detours (children, traveling, etc.) who are finally pulling their lives together and blossoming into "adulthood". That's me now.

There are also a few of the I-Love-to-Learn scholars (any age but most that I've met are in the 30+ range). They're there for the sheer joy they find in learning. Maybe I'll be one of those someday.

For now, I have to buckle down and find a calm center in the madness of my life. If only I can make it through statistics and my Wednesday morning of meetings...

Off to bed with me. I have to be up early for a little DDR. G'night.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

HNT - The Sexy Dimple Moment..

Though my plate is more than full at the moment, I couldn't miss HNT!

Happy HNT!

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Phil, Phil, Phil.


I have a stalker.

Phil, I'm calling you out. It has taken a long time and many soul-searching sessions to do this. I'm calling you out over this medium, the wonderfully vast expanse of the Intraweb.

Phil, please stop stalking me. Every time I turn around, you're there, serenading me with your lyrics, reaching out toward my heart.

I cannot take it anymore.

When I climbed into the dentist's chair Friday afternoon, I knew you'd pop on over the loudspeaker. You always do. You're consistent in your assault. Sure enough, you told me thru these walls that Only you know and I know. Its not true, Phil. Amy and Karlan know. Now, the rest of the world knows!

You caught up with me Saturday, though, didn't you, Phil? I was minding my own business at the local AC Moore. I was just trying to pick up a few supplies for that class project when you slipped behind the lines, to promise you'd find a way to my heart.

Phil, it doesn't matter if you hang in long enough. There's no such thing. One more night won't make any difference either.

I'm done.

Before you start with the, "If leaving me is easy...", just stop. Phil. It doesn't matter to me, Phil.

Do you remember
that Groovy kind of love we shared? Don't say, "It's not too late". It's over, Phil. It's not just something in the air tonight. You seriously drive me crazy. Leave me alone.

Don't make me call the Love police, Phil.


Thursday, May 24, 2007

HNT


I'm in...

A proper introduction is on the way (along with a proper layout...)

Happy HNT