IcUcMEnKY's Xanga

Friday, June 13, 2008

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:37:43 GMT

I'm bringing Xanga back - drop a comment if you're with me!

Wow, how "change" should be an elemental constant!

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:41:09 GMT

It's been a long time since I've indulged in writing any entries ... mostly because I just wasn't feeling it was a useful activity in the long run. However, I've had some kind comments by friends whom I've never had the pleasure to meet in person who requested I return. I'm unsure how long I'll make new entries on Xanga, so forgive me if I'm irregular.

Today started by going to Mass at the Cathedral here in my hometown with two friends. The sermon was EXCELLENT; it was about our "in your face" mentality with how we treat others routinely. Sometimes we just don't realize how much we hurt others by what we say or, equally, fail to say, by what we do or - again - fail to do, by what we feel or, as importantly, when we simply lack feeling. Everyone is fragile, including me, when it comes to having our feelings hurt. Needless to say, I reaped much of what was sown with those counseling words of wisdom imparted to the congregation today. Both Yvonne and I admitted that we missed Fr. Ron's sermons most, though; his oratory was second to none. If only he could be reassigned to the Cathedral for those of us who crave his homilies, which were full of guidance, inspiration and healing - the three qualities that matter most in achieving peace of heart, mind and soul.

Meanwhile, after church service, Will wanted us to dine at IHOP in southern Indiana. Good food and great service; we kidded with the server the entire time. As it came time for us to leave, she went out the back door and repeatedly said "goodbye, thanks so much." What a great lady!

Then, I went to the Y to workout. I accomplished exactly what I sought to do. I stay focused on completing close to or right at 100 reps for each bench. Instead of seeking to do so many sets with a certain number of reps, I now concentrate on how close I am to the number 100 for each exercise. I learned it from a hot trainer at the gym, and it seems to be working well enough so far. Changing the routine keeps boredom from claiming my energy and enthusiasm.

After that, I stopped by Day's Coffee Shop and spoke with Glenn for about an hour. It was good to get caught up with him. We had a most enjoyable conversation. Afterwards, I walked a long loop (more than the standard loop) around Cherokee Park listening to my iPod. Enjoyable, contemplative, restful. Came home to watch some recorded Star Trek episodes while working on reading assignments and presentations coming up. One of my professors assigned us a presentation to complete in class with only 20 mins to prepare. Wow, now that's a deadline. However, I didn't feel like the other two students were up-to-par with flowing the presentation; so, I asked one to open, I would take on the meat of the show since I've performed quite a few of these in my day, and the last student would close. After a quick read of the material, consensus on what to include, creating quick charts and bullet lists on bulletin-sized sticky pads, we were, indeed, prepared for a quasi-impromptu speech. We received accolades once it was over, so I was tickled by that.

Wow, I'm dozing off cuz I'm so dang tired. Have an interview tomorrow at 11am, so I'd better head to bed.

The tides of change . . .

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 02:25:55 GMT

Lots happened since my June entry, but I won't bore others (or myself) with an entry about it all. Instead, suffice it to say that life is moving along and sometimes faster than I'd like. But, such is the fate of a tick-tock-tick-tock universe.

For all who have experienced any suffering lately, I feel for ya! Lots of crap happening to lots of people, but hang in there! Hitting rock bottom allows us to choose another direction for our lives: up - n - out. Now's the time to really think about what you want most in life without the mess of believing you must live in a certain place, drive a specific car, or be in the job of your dreams. The best things in life are not always free, but these simple pleasures touch our hearts: an iced tea; a great movie or book; a friendly chat; a cardinal perched on your fence gazing into your eyes; a sky with hues of pink, purple and blue; or a friend who calls just to say "Hi, I've been thinking of you." Wow, the stress we invite into our lives only separates us from the more important lessons to be learned in life.

If you struggle with finding that someone special, then be that someone special so that others can see that you're serious. If you're all caught up in your own sorrows or woes, then likely no other is going to be attracted long enough to want to help you through your crises. However, if you're relaxed and open to enjoying life with someone warm and fun to be around, then take stock of those special moments that remind us how fun and rewarding life can be. After all, friendships build, relationships form . . . and beauty happens!

Tech Humor

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 20:01:11 GMT

Tech Support

Tech support: What kind of computer do you have?
Female customer: A white one...

===============

Customer: Hi, this is Celine. I can't get my diskette out.
Tech support: Have you tried pushing the button?
Customer: Yes, sure, it's really stuck.
Tech support: That doesn't sound good; I'll make a note.
Customer: No . wait a minute... I hadn't inserted it yet... it's still on my desk... sorry....

===============

Tech support: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.
Customer: Your left or my left?

===============

Tech support: Good day. How may I help you?
Male customer: Hello... I can't print.
Tech support: Would you click on "start" for me and.....
Customer: Listen pal; don't start getting technical on me! I'm not Bill Gates, dammit!

===============

Customer: Hi, good afternoon, this is Martha, I can't print. Every time I try, it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even lifted the printer and held it in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't find it...

===============

Customer: I have problems printing in red...
Tech support: Do you have a color printer?
Customer: Aaaah....................thank you.

===============

Tech support: What's on your monitor now, ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me.

==============

Customer: My keyboard is not working anymore.
Tech support: Are you sure it's plugged into the computer?
Customer: No. I can't get behind the computer.
Tech support: Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 paces back.
Customer: OK
Tech support: Did the keyboard come with you?
Customer: Yes
Tech support: That means the keyboard is not plugged in. Is there another keyboard?
Customer: Yes, there's another one here. Ah...that one does work...

===============

Tech support: Your password is the small letter a as in apple, a capital letter V as in Victor, the number 7.
Customer: Is that 7 in capital letters?

===============

Customer: I can't get on the Internet.
Tech support: Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer: Yes, I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech support: Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer: Five stars.

===============

Tech support: What anti-virus program do you use?
Customer: Netscape.
Tech support: That's not an anti-virus program.
Customer: Oh, sorry...Internet Explorer.

===============

Customer: I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screen saver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears.

===============

Tech support: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first e-mail.
Tech support: OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Customer: Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address, but how do I get the circle around it?

===============

A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer.
Tech support: Are you running it under windows?
Customer: "No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point. The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window, and his printer is working fine."

===============

And last but not least...

Tech support: "Okay Bob, let's press the control and escape keys at the same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the screen. Now type the letter "P" to bring up the Program Manager."
Customer: I don't have a P.
Tech support: On your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: What do you mean?
Tech support: "P".....on your keyboard, Bob.

Customer: I'M NOT GOING TO DO THAT!

Southern Baptist Sissies

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 12:59:36 GMT

A group of us attended a local play -- Southern Baptist Sissies -- last night at the UofL Thrust Theatre. For $15 each, we were in the door. I admit that this play, like the others I've watched this group produce over the past year, touched me in various ways: laughter, reminiscence, disgust, sadness, joy -- in other words, the whole emotional gamut. Those are the best kind because you mull over them time and again until you sort through your thoughts and feelings about the effects of the daily grind. But see, that's part of the problem. Life doesn't have to be a daily "grind," when it can be so much more ... if we choose it. True, we cannot usually alter our circumstances that face us, but we can ALWAYS modify our responses to the stimuli. We choose to accept, reject, acknowledge, deny, enjoy, ignore every thing that happens every day. By making small adjustments in our thoughts, we manifest new actions that may lessen any pain and increase any happiness we pursue vigilantly along our human journey.

But do we know how our speech and actions affect our families, our friends, our coworkers, even our acquaintances? Just as importantly, do we know how our thoughts, speech and actions affect us?!

Young inspiration . . .

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 18:46:07 GMT

www.mattieonline.com

Mattie Stepanek died at a mere 14 yrs of age, but left the world with so much more than most of us could accomplish in a lifetime ... or two. This young poet and author with presidential and talk-show-host connections inspired everyone he touched; for we have entertained angels unaware.

Inner conditioning . . .

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:35:19 GMT

Q: Do you know what sexual position produces the ugliest babies?

A: Ask your mother!

The fun of chance encounters . . .

Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:02:36 GMT

Went to see my new chiropractor today in St. Matthews. Upon arrival, I'm discussing the finer points of magnesium powder supplements with the "nurse" there as I'm filling out the standard paperwork. Finally, Dr. Rich comes out of his diagnosis room to greet me, and he's followed by this HOT dude that locks eyes with me. It was like instant chemistry, but neither of us could say anything other than "hellooooooo." He stared me down, to which I became slightly uncomfortable and stared away ... but couldn't wait to look again ... and again ... and again. So, Dr. Rich asked me to come back for the adjustment and asked if it were okay for this personal trainer, James, to observe. I was in a jovial mood, so I said "most certainly."

Dr. Rich begins twisting, pushing, pulling, squeezing, cracking, popping, throwing me all over the table. I just had to speak up, "damn, this is rougher than having sex." Dr. Rich got so pink-faced (he's rather pasty white anyway) and started laughing so hard after saying, "wellllll, I don't know what to say to that." But - more importantly - James was right with me when he started laughing and just kept watching my every squirmy move on the table. I had hoped he'd join me on the table to prove it to Dr. Rich, but he was restrained and quite the gentleman. BUTTTTTT, you could tell he was highly amused with me. So James started asking me things like, "What kind of biking do you do? Mountain or road?" "Both, of course," I replied. Then I began probing him for relevant info to determine if he's taking on new clients, since he's a personal trainer. He said he'd be glad to take on new clients and wrote down the info for me. Before leaving, he stayed out in the lobby with me - as I was damn well salivating all over the place - explaining what he does as a personal trainer; of course, I pretty much knew anyway, but it was more fun just having him talk and stare. YUM YUM YUM So, whether I need a trainer or not, I'm calling him to setup a few "sessions," shall we say.

Zen sarcasm . . .

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:36:04 GMT

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes. ?

9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

What makes a "marriage" work?

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 13:22:08 GMT

As with many gay friends we know, some long for a partner if alone while others look to reignite that spark with his/her lover ... or simply to find it elsewhere. Some relationships take their course and are meant to expire, while some can be salvaged if only more effort is placed on the important things that help the two to reunite ... and, hopefully, grow into a deeper, more lasting love.

Interestingly, few of us know the "rules" to make a successful "marriage" (or companionship). We need not look far beyond the abundant self-help literature available to learn some interesting techniques. Additionally, we can sit down and probe friends or family to glean their success secrets. However, we must be sure to select those whom we consider to still be in love if we are going to receive useful feedback. So we should ask ourselves what kinds of rules apply to make a lasting, more loving marriage possible?! These are some of the things I've mulled over, dreamt about or introspected on that I consider to be paramount but, obviously, not an exhaustive treatise on the subject. In this piece, I will focus on the importance of effective communication that I commit this day to start working on BEFORE I become involved in another relationship:

1) Eliminate negative communication styles:

Am I or my partner guilty of any of these communication styles? a) criticizing my partner's opinions, feelings or desires; b) putting down the thoughts, feelings, actions or worth of my partner; c) name calling; d) insensitivity (or worse yet, indifference); e) making accusations; f) avoiding disagreements on important discussions; g) disregarding; h) withdrawing from conflicts; i) bringing up past hurts; j) neglecting to forgive and move on.

These negative ways of interacting sabotage any attempts at constructive communication, erode positive feelings and are devastating to a relationship.

2) Learn how to listen: Constructive and positive communication begins with genuinely attempting to understand the other person's point of view, needs or feelings. Listening to understand focuses attention on the issue at hand, not on individual personalities. Fore more effective listening, I should:

a) Listen for understanding; b) ask questions; c) summarize what my partner said for clarity; d) improve my speaking skills by learning to speak without attacking my partner's thoughts, feelings, actions or worth. This last point is achieved in three ways itself: i) Make "I" statements to avoid putting my partner on the defensive with "You said ... or You did" statements; ii) Use "Feeling" words like "sad," "happy," "angry," "worried," (for example: "I was upset when...."); iii) Focus on one issue at a time to allow decision-making and compromise.

By avoiding negative communication styles and improving my listening and talking skills, I can learn to resolve differences without negative consequences and, in fact, grow stronger and closer by solving them together. Indeed, the summary above can be applied to any relationship between two persons whether it be intimate or not.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not how much we love eacher that will best determine our future, but how well we handle conflicts and disagreements. Persistent negativity kills any chance of a successful relationship, so it must be nipped in the bud by both partners. Hell, that's why we call it a partnership. And it's time to begin ... today!!