tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201120202024-03-07T19:57:38.857-05:00I'd Buy You A MonkeyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger456125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-22768500196037358322012-01-03T01:09:00.002-05:002012-01-03T01:09:00.573-05:00Year In Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(41, 48, 59); "><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4987323354240458011"><div class="entry-content" style="clear: both; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: static; "><div class="entry-body" style="clear: both; "><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">1. <em style="font-weight: bold; ">What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? </em>Became a father to the most amazing little girl ever. There are some negatives I won't mention here but they are pretty embarrassing. Took a job outside of the automotive industry. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">2. <strong><em>Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?</em> </strong>I almost always say I am going to lose weight, yet near the holidays I end up about the same weight. I will post numbers, this year I hit my all time highest weight of 301 lbs. This year I also weighed as little as 258. I need to focus more on health than the numbers. I am back in the middle of those numbers but even on the low end, it will kill me. So, moving ahead, I will run a 10k, maybe two of them. I will do my best to get my blood pressure and cholesterol down.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 13px; ">3. <em style="font-weight: bold; ">Did anyone close to you have a child? </em>Well yes, my wife had one. She is amazing too! My friend Christina had one, found out my friend Ashley is preggers, neighbors had one, actually, a few were born in the neighborhood.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">4. <strong><em>Did anyone close to you die?</em></strong> We weren't close but my first boss Jim died, he was only 57. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">5. <strong><em>Where did you travel? </em></strong> Sunset Beach, that was all. We did have a baby. Hoping to head to PA this year sometime.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">6. <strong><em>What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?</em></strong> More satisfaction and less frustration with my job. A happier disposition. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">7. <strong><em>What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory?</em> </strong> I would have to say June 27th for sure. That is National Tinky Bums Day! My epic birthday party bashed where I partied like I was in college, also in 1999. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">8. <strong><em>What was your biggest achievement of the year?</em></strong> My 4.0 GPA in grad school. Getting a new job with 10% unemployment in the area. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">9. <strong><em>What was your biggest failure?</em> </strong> A list so fast cannot fit on Al Gore's Interwebs.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">10. <strong><em>Did you suffer illness or injury?</em> </strong> I got sicker than I have ever been in my adult life. I went to the ER twice and Urgent Care once. Only the third time was the proper treatment finally rendered. I had never missed more than two days of work at a time from illness, I was gone a whole week. I missed a trip to Chicago for Brent's wedding. My mommy took care of me. Certainly a low point.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">11. <strong><em>What was the best thing you bought?</em> </strong> iPhone 4S. Thought I might also say that I am really enjoying my Bostonian saddle bucks.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">12. <strong><em>Whose behavior merited celebration?</em> </strong> Barack Obama's, he ended Don't Ask Don't Tell.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">13. <strong><em>Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?</em> </strong> Me</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">14. <strong><em>Where did most of your money go?</em> </strong> Mortgage, baby, automobiles, credit cards, SCHOOL.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">15. <em style="font-weight: bold; ">What did you get really, really, really excited about? </em>Virginia's birth! Her first Christmas was epic too! Even though she had no clue what was going on, I really enjoyed putting together her Cozy Coupe late at night on Christmas Eve.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">16. <strong><em>What song will always remind you of 2011?</em> </strong> "You Run Away" BNL</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">17. <strong><em>Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?</em> </strong> Much happier! Fatter, Equally Poor.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">18. <strong><em>What do you wish you’d done more of?</em> </strong> Spending time with my family, figured it out toward the end of the year but they are great people, great fun, and very supportive.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">19. <em style="font-weight: bold; ">What do you wish you’d done less of? </em>Focusing on my wants and needs and being generally selfish.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">20. <strong><em>How will you be spending Christmas?</em> </strong>We spent the last year doing the typical four christmases, we are done with that shit! Next year, Christmas Dinner at our house, if you want to see VA, then make the trip to the HVL.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">21. <strong><em>Did you fall in love in 2011?</em></strong> I did, rediscovered love too.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">22. <strong><em>What was your favorite TV program?</em> </strong> Parks and Recreation, How I Met Your Mother</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">23. <strong><em>Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?</em> I hope I hate less.</strong></span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">24. <strong><em>What was the best book you read?</em></strong> I enjoyed reading about many things, mostly about business. I guess the Harvard Business Journal and the Economist.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">25.<strong><em> What was your greatest musical discovery?</em> </strong> Avenue Q, God I still miss Weekend Excursion!</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">26. <strong><em>What did you want and get?</em> </strong> A new job, iPhone.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">28. <strong><em>What did you want and not get?</em></strong> A house at the beach and a pile of money.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">29. <strong><em>What was your favorite film of this year?</em> </strong> Super 8, the Help, Rio, Hangover 2. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">30. <strong><em>What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?</em> </strong> I turned 30 and I do not remember. I got drunk like a college kid.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">31. <strong><em>What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?</em> </strong> Skipping the bad decisions.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">32. <strong><em>How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?</em> </strong> Clean, weight/age appropriate.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">33. <strong><em>What kept you sane?</em> </strong> D and M at CBC. Amanda at home, and Zoloft of course.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">34. <strong><em>Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?</em> </strong> Emma Stone</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">35. <strong><em>What political issue stirred you the most?</em> </strong> Don't Ask Don't Tell repealed, but really the House and their refusal to do their job, I hope November shows them that ideals without compromise is dictatorship.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">36. <strong><em>Who did you miss?</em></strong> Uncle, sad he missed Tinky.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">37. <strong><em>Who was the best new person you met?</em> Tinky!</strong> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; "><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-size: 10pt; ">38. <strong><em>Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.</em></strong> That when you fuck up, don't run away from everyone, admit it, your family loves you more than you think they do.</span></div></div></div><div class="entry-footer" style="border-top-color: rgb(215, 215, 215); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; clear: both; color: rgb(51, 153, 51); font-family: 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 2px; "></div><div style="clear: both; "></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(191, 177, 134); padding-top: 6px; "></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-38442959254961521672012-01-02T21:59:00.002-05:002012-01-02T22:08:12.310-05:00Welcome 2012I don't have resolutions as much as a renewed zeal and appreciation for the life I lead. <div><br /></div><div>2011 was a year of great ups and downs for me. I reached my highest highs and sank to my lowest lows. I welcomed my daughter into this world with arms wide open. I have never loved before until I met Virginia. My Panda gave me a beautiful daughter and saw me through the darkest times. I dedicate 2012 to my wife and with her in mind chase my next chapter in life with some little goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Be an outstanding husband. That includes being a faithful, understanding, patient, and loving man. I will remind her how beautiful she is, everyday, because everyday I find something that is more gorgeous than the day before.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Be an outstanding father. I really enjoy being Tinky's daddy. It is by far the best job I have ever had. The pay sucks, the hours suck, the benefits are enormous.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Find some fulfillment through work. My last few years at CarMax, my year and a half at CarBuyCo were filled with some successes and some horrible times. I brought many on myself but also they were lessons in trusting the wrong people with your feeling, ambitions, and goals. I know the kind of people I don't want to work with anymore, those that act like 13 year old girls when things aren't going their way, those who are intellectually challenged, and those that are so rude they don't even care when they've betrayed the trust of someone else.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. I am going to run a 10k, the Cooper Bridge Run in Charleston, SC.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. I am going to be a bit healthier, a bit lighter, and a bit smarter this time next year. Tinky deserves a smart Dad who will be here a while.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-36507035188394439822011-02-01T00:42:00.001-05:002011-02-01T00:42:20.361-05:00Baby is coming!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-40473312193190248472010-11-27T19:16:00.006-05:002010-11-27T20:11:19.042-05:00UNCLE - May Angels Lead You In<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipITgaxaCWS1Vu3YhWrwqCn8REI8oV9-uBfl4xYjQDs1bAyD2pOmFF_6VglUjYPuwKKZI88uHFeBJEVaaqXE4UB_itGwW6SDnzxU0F3VaVgUc4Fc0T_ZKeR51bRPMlV4OJR7jM/s1600/UNCLE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipITgaxaCWS1Vu3YhWrwqCn8REI8oV9-uBfl4xYjQDs1bAyD2pOmFF_6VglUjYPuwKKZI88uHFeBJEVaaqXE4UB_itGwW6SDnzxU0F3VaVgUc4Fc0T_ZKeR51bRPMlV4OJR7jM/s400/UNCLE.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544401926550304066" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">My Uncle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rege</span> passed away yesterday afternoon. I was at work when my cousin David called me and told me something was up. By the time I had called my mom, she let me know he was gone. A really stunning wrap up to the Thanksgiving weekend. That being said I give thanks for many things.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">First, the way he passed. Uncle passed away in his big chair, watching movies, and by all signs, quietly. I am so thankful he didn't have to go to a hospital, endure a long ambulance ride, or he didn't have to go to any long term care. I am thankful that he set a good example for "making the rounds" before leaving. He got to visit most of his siblings this year and see his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grandkids</span> get old enough to remember him. I am very thankful that I got to hug him goodbye thanksgiving and tell him that I love him, cause I really do.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Second, I am thankful for his life and lessons that he taught me. My dad left when I was 12 years old. From day one, day one, he was there. We worked a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">celtic</span> festival while my dad moved his stuff out. I have a picture, if I find it I will post it, me in a kilt / sweatpants but I thought it was cool, cause that is what Uncle wore. Even after I knew it wasn't cool, I still wore it because it was what Uncle wore. Uncle taught me how to work hard and long hours. I traveled with him from Indiana and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ligonier</span> down to Stone Mountain, selling music at the Celtic Trader. He made me deal with the 16-18 hour days but we also had a lot of fun. He taught me how to work for a mean boss ;-). He never failed you remind you of a funny story. I will share two:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1. Christmas of 1984, a really warm Christmas, on Christmas Eve we had finished decorating a our tree and my mom looked at the ceiling and noticed a praying mantis, then another and another. They had hatched in the tree on Christmas Eve. Uncle had to come help my mom get the tree out of the house. Uncle was dragging our Christmas tree into the woods while Andy and I sat in the window and cried. We begged him not to throw away our Christmas tree. The following Easter he called my mom and said "Go ahead and tell them I ran over the Easter Bunny this morning." He felt horrible.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">2. At the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wolftrap</span> Celtic Music Festival we were hanging up signs and banners inside the tent in a really tall part. So tall that he had to use a ladder. I was holding the ladder when the butt end of a cordless screwdriver clocked me on the side of the head. I fell over but got back up, once I woke up, and got back to work. Uncle and I laughed about it and would continue to do so, even at Thanksgiving dinner Thursday night. On the RARE occasion that I would say something smart-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">alec</span>-y he would be happy to remind me of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">screw driver</span>. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I am thankful for our long talks on random nights. I am thankful that he would call me at weird hours, just to chat. I am thankful that we had 5 years of Charlotte/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Duquesne</span> games, home and away, to spend together. I am sad year 6 will never come. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So here is to a varsity member of my "dad-by-committee" team! Here is to the tall & kilted! Here is to Uncle! May angels lead you in.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Hear You Me - Jimmy Eat World</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';">There's no one in town I know<br />You gave us some place to go.<br />I never said thank you for that.<br />I thought I might get one more chance.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';">What would you think of me now,<br />so lucky, so strong, so proud?<br />I never said thank you for that,<br />now I'll never have a chance.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';">May angels lead you in.<br />Hear you me my friends.<br />On sleepless roads the sleepless go.<br />May angels lead you in.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';">So what would you think of me now,<br />so lucky, so strong, so proud?<br />I never said thank you for that,<br />now I'll never have a chance.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';">May angels lead you in.<br />Hear you me my friends.<br />On sleepless roads the sleepless go.<br />May angels lead you in.<br />May angels lead you in.<br />May angels lead you in.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';">And if you were with me tonight,<br />I'd sing to you just one more time.<br /><b>A song for a heart so big,<br />God wouldn't let it live.</b><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';">May angels lead you in.<br />Hear you me my friends.<br />On sleepless roads the sleepless go.<br />May angels lead you in.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman';">May angels lead you in.<br />Hear you me my friends.<br />On sleepless roads the sleepless go.<br />May angels lead you in.<br />May angels lead you in.<br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-13814762388805145492010-08-08T23:03:00.002-04:002010-08-08T23:18:12.890-04:00Happy WeekI have to admit, I rarely miss this blog, I hardly think about it. I don't know if has been the lack of good news in the world, in my our community, or in my life. This past week has given me a lot to smile about in the outside world.<div><br /></div><div>The first thing I am really happy about is the judge in California ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional. I think that freedom and equality are THE two attributes that are the foundation of this country. Without them, I feel, this isn't the United States of America. I am so stoked that, if the ruling holds up, that everyone will have the freedom to have a marriage that is equal to mine in every way. </div><div><br /></div><div>If the above paragraph offends you, I will offer the courteous advice to stop reading now. I think Jesus would have allowed all people to have a marriage, regardless. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was also really excited at the plugging of the oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. It is about time, I hope that the coastlines will recover. I was also happy to see Kagan get confirmed, I like that she isn't a judge. I think sometimes you have to have academics to tackle problems with a different perspective and with a different attitude. She will not have the taint of prior cases heard to cloud her judgement. </div><div><br /></div><div>Work is good, life is okay, things are alright. I look forward to more good news coming up. Shameless plug time: Friend my company's facebook page, look for CarBuyCo. Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-67245799574702852982010-07-27T22:58:00.001-04:002010-07-27T23:00:02.197-04:00WorkingI have been working hard and ignoring this page a ton. I have school, and then I am working, then I go to school, then I work. Here is something I am working on, a CarBuyCo Facebook page, I hopefully can keep it interesting and interactive.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre; "><!-- Facebook Like Badge START --><div style="width: 100%;"><div style="background: #3B5998;padding: 5px;"><img src="http://www.facebook.com/images/fb_logo_small.png" alt="Facebook" /><img src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/137853282903314.620112649.1331424001.png" alt="" width="0" height="0" /></div><div style="background: #EDEFF4;display: block;border-right: 1px solid #D8DFEA;border-bottom: 1px solid #D8DFEA;border-left: 1px solid #D8DFEA;margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 5px 0px;"><div style="background: #EDEFF4;display: block;padding: 5px;"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td valign="top"><img src="http://www.facebook.com/images/icons/fbpage.gif" alt="" /></td><td valign="top"><p style="color: #808080;font-family: verdana;font-size: 11px;margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;padding: 0px 8px 0px 8px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jon.bradshaw49" target="_TOP" style="color: #3B5998;font-family: verdana;font-size: 11px;font-weight: normal;margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;text-decoration: none;" title="Jonathan Bradshaw">Jonathan Bradshaw</a> likes</p></td></tr></table></div><div style="background: #FFFFFF;clear: both;display: block;margin: 0px;overflow: hidden;padding: 5px;"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td valign="middle"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlotte-Houston-Jacksonville-Ocala/CarBuyCo/137853282903314" target="_TOP" style="border: 0px;color: #3B5998;font-family: verdana;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0px;padding: 0px;text-decoration: none;" title="CarBuyCo"><img src="http://www.facebook.com/profile/pic.php?oid=AAAAAwAgACAAAAAPhiPpZDu4ISTETdBeunxuCWl4IQUNtcMldQ-ulc1EcAg87AOMJUEgPIR7WA6yRFFfbvghcidQm48uqIqOUCLpE6UMBLntTtPuP7r325g1sbtc4dZh1jQDAEXZ1Ma9kFrU&size=square" style="border: 0px;margin: 0px;padding: 0px;" alt="CarBuyCo" /></a></td><td valign="middle" style="padding: 0px 8px 0px 8px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlotte-Houston-Jacksonville-Ocala/CarBuyCo/137853282903314" target="_TOP" style="border: 0px;color: #3B5998;font-family: verdana;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0px;padding: 0px;text-decoration: none;" title="CarBuyCo">CarBuyCo</a></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="display: block;float: right;margin: 0px;padding: 4px 0px 0px 0px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/badges/like.php" target="_TOP" style="color: #3B5998;font-family: verdana;font-size: 11px;font-weight: none;margin: 0px;padding: 0px;text-decoration: none;" title="Create your Like Badge">Create your Like Badge</a></div></div><!-- Facebook Like Badge END --></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-77615062635817790162010-05-25T22:51:00.002-04:002010-05-25T22:56:38.579-04:00I don't use this anymoreI guess either life has been to shitty to share OR I just value keeping a little more to myself than before. A mixture of both I guess.<div><br /></div><div>I am back at the house, thanks mom for housing me for such a long time. I know I can always count on you. Amanda is in with her parents for a bit. We are working on things, I don't know how it will go, I really don't know how it is going. We will figure it out either way.</div><div><br /></div><div>The neighborhood next door that had four houses in 2008 and until this month, had 4 houses in it this year. They have begun to build homes in the neighborhood next door in the same price point that our neighborhood is in, I guess that is good except it makes the selling landscape a bit more rocky. I really feel bad for the guy who paid $550,000 for a house and the neighborhood now builds from the low low 200's.</div><div><br /></div><div>The new job rocks. I have enjoyed making a difference in the direction of a company. I feel very valued and I work harder than ever. Some days I sit down and I am late leaving for the day before I realize I missed lunch.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am only taking one class this summer, I had to drop the Monday/Wednesday for my own sanity. I am so far very happy with my decision. We will see when December 2011 hits and I still have a semester to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thats about it, I am good to go, don't you worry about me.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-475553989997758882010-04-08T20:10:00.002-04:002010-04-08T20:11:21.612-04:00This entry is merely for posterityToday= Worst day ever.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-44091073555978089152010-04-01T00:26:00.002-04:002010-04-01T00:39:53.375-04:00Tonight I went out on the town with my friend Josh. We did it up really big tonight! We went out to eat at the Rock Store BBQ. Delicious! We then busted the budget with a $1.50 movie. We saw Mel Gibson's Edge of Darkness... completely predictable but good acting, good plot, and some nice fight scenes. Finally, we went to a bar in Mint Hill to play a little pool. <div><br /></div><div>The funny thing was I used to pass this bar everyday on the way to school on 218. It was O'Neil's bar and I think it opened in the late 80's. I felt like I was in the middle of a Pearl Jam song. The lady behind the counter looked very familiar and I couldn't place her. Finally I said to Josh "I can't remember where I know her." Finally the conversation went like this:</div><div>me: How long have you live here?</div><div>her: All my life!</div><div>me: I haven't been back to Mint Hill in a while, I you are very familiar to me.</div><div>her: What school did you go to?</div><div>me: Clear Creek, Bain, Northeast, Independence.</div><div>her: Oh what year did you graduate.</div><div>me: 1999</div><div>her: shit, I graduated in 1984 so thanks for making me feel old.</div><div>me: sorry, where have you worked.</div><div>her: hell everywhere, I drove a bus for six years, worked at Tryon House, many places around town.</div><div>me: bus 27? Is your name Wilson?</div><div>her: 327! I loved that bus, I think it was the best one they ever built.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love small town living sometimes. We both got a big kick. If you had told me 22 years ago I would be in a bar shooting pool and my bus driver would serve me a beer, I would ask you what beer tasted like.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-45625209975040266552010-03-22T00:01:00.000-04:002010-03-21T23:32:47.802-04:0010 YearsToday, I am "celebrating" 10 years with the country's leading used car superstore. <div><br /></div><div>I started in my freshman year at UNCC as a Sales Consultant. I have been full time for nearly 7 years. I have done appraisals in 16 different stores, I have gotten to travel many different places, I have met many amazing people. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is to 10 years!!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-30903700931172540732010-03-21T23:27:00.002-04:002010-03-21T23:28:00.875-04:00Wouldn't Uncle Ted be proud. Today, March 21st 2010 I watched the House of Representatives pass HR 4872. Health Care Reform has arrived.<div><br /></div><div>This is an epic day.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-68347036557040672010-03-11T11:37:00.003-05:002010-03-11T11:39:39.739-05:00I just felt like March deserved something. Like a recap.<div><br /></div><div>I turned 29, no fanfare. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Niners lost 7 of their last 8th game to go from nationally ranked to maybe getting into the NIT. Epic meltdown, may lead to Bobby Lutz' demise.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made a 93 on my math test.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amanda quit her job.</div><div><br /></div><div>My life is rather unremarkable... for now.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-43441939311971107912010-02-14T21:41:00.002-05:002010-02-14T21:46:19.292-05:00Observation on Human NatureI am trying to study for my huge, gargantuan, epic math test tomorrow. (As an aside, studying for math is hard other than redoing problems.) I was thinking about giving up on it and it just made me wander off to write this about the human condition.<div><br /></div><div>I would rather fail this test willingly, knowing it was my choice not to study hard or use my time more wisely over the last week, than to suffer the pain of trying really hard and failing anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think that illusion of control is a much more powerful driver than ambition or success is. I want to be successful, or at least more successful than I am. I have ambition to move on from my job, my lifestyle, and move up in the business and social world. Yet the lack of control of trying really hard and failing at this test is more fear-inducing than not reaching any other goal I may have set. We are strange and bad animals.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-86532552621469323462010-02-08T22:54:00.000-05:002010-02-08T22:55:14.241-05:00HELP!!! I have a gambling and charity problem!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">ATTN: Friends & Family. I am going to be playing in a Poker Tournament next Thursday as a fundraiser for Easter Seals / UCP of North Carolina. I would love to get some help with the buy-in. $10, $20, whatever you can spare would be a very helpful dent in the $250 buy-in! I have to pay before I can play, all $ goes to Easter Seals so there are no cash prizes, but if I win I will take you (top 3 biggest spenders) with me to Pinehurst #2!!! Message, Text, Call, or e-mail. Thank you!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-17169697284135143952010-01-25T22:29:00.003-05:002010-01-25T23:02:34.493-05:00Car ReviewsI have decided that my dream job is two fold. The first part would be hosting the American version of the greatest show on television, Top Gear. I would be the main host, I would hire a pair of my co-workers to host the rest of it. The best part would be trying to hire the Stig.<div><br /></div><div>The second part is to write for Car & Driver. This has got to be the best job ever. You get paid to beat the crap out of cars, drive them on tracks, long term, take random road trips to figure out what you like and don't. The best part is people pay to read your opinions. I know you have the journalistic responsibility to be neutral, but lets face it, MINIs are the best car ever. Never would they loose a comparo.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that being said, I am not going to write a review, but I will give my highs and lows of some cars I have taken home from work.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2002 Jaguar X-type 2.5</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Highs</b>: Cheap, AWD</div><div><b>Lows</b>:Feels Cheap, 165hp with AWD and 2 tons = slow, automatic transmission searches for gears at the same pace OJ searches for the "real" killer</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> 2000 Mercedes Benz SLK 230</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Highs</b>: Retractable hard-top works great, good shoulder room for a small convertible, I love a thick steering wheel.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lows</b>: Transmission lunges before upshifts, supercharger needs more boost, massive cowl shake over bumps is unnerving. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> 2008 Chevrolet Suburban</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Highs</b>: Displacement Management, operates on 4cy at cruising speeds, got 17mpg city/hwy. Commanding view, but easy to see all around. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lows</b>: Parking Decks, Ballantyne Soccer Moms, who needs this much SUV?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>2005 Mazda 3</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Highs</b>: Nav, Leather, Bose, Roof, in a small car. Useful cargo space. Good power and reflexes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lows</b>: No lower back support, big blind spot at the right quarter panel.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Highs</b>: Drives like a heavier SUV, lots of options per dollar, I actually think it looks good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lows</b>: Lower seat cushion has ZERO support, leather feels like plastic, anemic motor is also thirsty, only 15.2mpg.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>2007 Honda Accord</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Highs</b>: You know it will last forever, seats are nice and wide, quiet as can be.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lows</b>: As vanilla as a Honda, steering does not communicate what the car is doing, everybody has one.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-9339305579678091392010-01-25T22:24:00.003-05:002010-01-25T22:26:18.464-05:00MerphMy friend Meredith just gave birth to a baby girl... Avery Joy Nelson. It is crazy that I am now at an age where most of my friends are married, now starting to pop out kids. When it is a former girlfriend is seems all the more unreal. I feel bad for her because her water broke in the weeeeeeeeee hours of the morning... her sister posted this evening. I hope the labor wasn't too bad Merph. Congrats to you and Jeff.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-27923328372067157472010-01-13T22:19:00.003-05:002010-01-13T22:23:34.473-05:00Jay LenoTonight I watched the Jay Leno Show in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">prime time</span> for the first time, which may be why they are failing. The most disturbing part is that my favorite part of the show was completely ripped of one of my favorite blogs. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fail blog</span>. He has really lost <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">relevance</span>, it is sad. I hope they do not take Conan of the air, if they do, I will follow with no hesitation. Its the hair.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-15358469126735285142010-01-03T20:26:00.002-05:002010-01-03T20:39:52.390-05:00I might as well start this year off with a post. I would like to be better at this, but right now the blog is very low on the priority list. I just post once a month to keep my account active so I don't loose the archives. I enjoy looking back and reading when I really thought I had something to say. <div><br /></div><div>Some things going on with us this year:</div><div><br /></div><div>Amanda is looking for a career change still, and I am not above it either.</div><div><br /></div><div>I start school... I'd like to be done in two years so I will have to take two classes in both spring and fall, and take a class each summer session. I may skip one and move it to the spring of 2012... that is when I expect to graduate.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are not sure about vacations... we would like to go to Chicago, catch up with friends, see a few Cubs games, maybe to Atlanta for the opening series. I know we want to go somewhere, but it all depends on jobs, school, and of course, moooolah.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, we are hoping to hold on, just like everyone else.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-260765718657379062009-12-24T13:03:00.001-05:002009-12-24T13:04:31.255-05:00Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas, maybe I will be a better blogger next year. With Grad School, increased workload, and overall life, I kind of cut this out of my life.<div><br /></div><div>I hope everyone has a blessed new year!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>JB</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-46201054112076286722009-12-14T22:04:00.001-05:002009-12-14T22:04:22.119-05:00A-10 Conference deserves more credit for early-seas<a href=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/dickvitale/news/story?id=4740698>A-10 Conference deserves more credit for early-seas</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-2278615809545105122009-12-07T17:41:00.002-05:002009-12-07T17:43:56.873-05:00Mama always said there'd be days like these.I think it is funny that today, Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" was named Billboard's One-hit-Wonder of the decade today. Sometimes days just suck, especially when you do it to yourself. One thing I hope I can figure out in life is how to juggle everything, so you can neglect nothing. I should have known that it was going to suck, I forgot to put on a belt this morning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-45865218083856574612009-11-24T00:05:00.001-05:002009-11-24T00:05:49.915-05:00Northeastern calls an end to football - The Boston Globe<a href=http://www.boston.com/sports/colleges/football/articles/2009/11/23/northeastern_calls_an_end_to_football/?page=1>Northeastern calls an end to football - The Boston Globe</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-31115596375525880382009-11-22T10:08:00.001-05:002009-11-22T10:10:13.443-05:00RPINot that it means everything, but I wanted to point out this week that the Atlantic 10 conference has a higher <a href="http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_conf_Men.html">RPI rating</a> than some other local conferences.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-45835437853418686382009-11-10T22:11:00.003-05:002009-11-10T22:19:34.996-05:00HousaversaryOne year ago today we closed on our house in Huntersville, NC.<div><br /></div><div>Amanda's favorite thing about the House: The kitchen</div><div>Amanda's least favorite thing about the House: The mortgage payment</div><div>Amanda's favorite thing about the neighborhood: The pool</div><div><br /></div><div>Jon's favorite thing about the house: The large garage</div><div>Jon's least favorite thing about the house: laundry room downstairs</div><div>Jon's favorite thing about the neighborhood: The people, except man-in-truck.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20112020.post-72411146108227642422009-10-15T23:07:00.003-04:002009-10-15T23:09:26.020-04:00Ignorance is Louisiana<div>Why did we spend so much money rebuilding this state?</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/national/south/view.bg?articleid=1204993&srvc=rss">Interracial couple denied marriage license in Louisiana</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com/">AddThis</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1