Fairweather Friends

Over the past few days I have been reminded of so-called 'friends' that I grew up with in high school and under-grad college. On Sunday night, I received a phone call from a high school friend who I haven't heard from in ages. He got a girl pregnant in high school and proceeded to marry a drug addicted/waste of a girl during my first year in grad school. He stayed with this girl for about a year or two and then finally woke up after that time realizing that she was bad for him. During that time, he completely ignored all his friends from high school..the girl was the main focus..no one else. She didn't seem to want him to associate with his friends I remember making many efforts after he was married to try to stay in touch with him, but he just never returned my phone calls. What the hell can you do about this situation..not much in my mind. So on Sunday, he called me to let me know that he was getting married for a second time and wanted my address. Needless to say that I was surprised that he called me, but I'm starting to think that he only wants to invite me to wedding #2 in order to get a wedding gift. He can happily send me an invite to the wedding, but he sure as hell ain't getting another gift. I am actually very offended that he would call me to attend wedding #2 when he has never made an effort to even contact me..he only calls when he wants something. I think most of us know someone like that.

I also have been thinking about another so-called friend that lived in my hometown while I was in under-grad. He and I worked at a music store together and shared alot of interests. We hung out on the weekends during college for nearly 4 yrs. He rarely dated because of his social ineptitude. When he did find a girl, he focused on her solely and his friends were ignored. I remember many a night when we would make plans to go out, I'd be at the bar waiting, and he'd call me to say..'listen, I'm tired and think I'm gonna stay in.' About 2 years ago, he met a girl and dated her for about 2 -3 months. He then got the wild idea to marry her just because she was Catholic. Well, during the dating and after the wedding, he totally ignored me. I would come to town and try to make plans to go to lunch..he'd call a few minutes before the meeting time and cancel. My wife and I tried to take a gift to his house for the wedding. He and his wife (who I've never met) were inside the house. I called ahead and asked if I could bring him a present. He told me to just leave the present on the front porch. He didn't even have the manners to come to the door to thank my wife and I...he just ignored me. After the gift drop-off, my wife and I never received a thank you note from he and the wife. After I brought him a wedding gift...I guess I guilted him into buying me a gift. The really sad thing about the gift was that it was not on any of the 4 gift registries and appeared to be an item that was re-gifted...cheap fucker. Well, since all of this happened, he attempted to send an IM to me here and there. All of a sudden back in November, he decides to block me from IM...no reason was given and no emails were returned. I guess his wife totally owns him now..his mind, soul, and ability to make decisions. Guess I should mark him up on the fair-weather friends list too.

Well..I finally got all of this off my chest. If I can leave one inkling of advice...Learn to think for yourself..don't let women control your lives and minds...have a life outside of your marriage with close friends...and don't be a fairweather friend. peace out.

Parents in Training.

Well, I just walked downstairs after attempting to put my 2 nieces to sleep. My wife and I (probably more my wife) are taking care of her 2 nieces for 4 days while their parents are in FL for a meeting/vacation. I would think that this would be good training for the future baby, but my wife says that God doesn't just give you a 2 and 4 year old straight out of the box, He slowly works you into parenthood. I know that both the nieces are looking forward to their parents coming home, but I think my wife and I are also. We've had our share of watching Peter Pan, Dora the Explorer, Scooby Doo, Strawberry Shortcake, and other children children's flicks. We are looking so forward to watching regular adult programs..heck, even the evening news on a regular network sounds good. We've also had our fair share of child based restaurants..aka, Chuck E cheese and Chick fil a. Kids have so much energy..if I could have just a small sliver of their energy, I could so much more done during the day. Oh to be young and without responsibility. Well the kids have driven my wife and I to hide in the bedroom. Sleep will not be much further off.

Negative Nancy..Nah..

So I see that some people consider me negative after the last blog (well I guess just one person..seeing as though only one person comments on my posts). I was planning to do a series of blogs looking back at '05, and I thought about getting my bitchin' done first. First things first, this week has put it's foot up my ass. Starting a new client and having to manage 3 staff (that have only 5 months experience) has been a helluva challenge. The continuous questions, interruptions, and whining is enough to make 'Rick James slap a bitch.' Oh well, I assume that I was just as bad about 3 years ago when I started...gotta give the grunts some time.

Gotta give a shout out to Mr. Mcleod and his new website template..looks like one of those skins you can get for Musicmatch or other early music apps. I'm also glad that I can provide him reason to put up his new section detailing his ipod playlist...Mcleod..where's my referral bonus?

Ok onwards...the following are the highlights (yes..positive) events of 2005:

1. The wife is pregnant-We were planning on trying for a baby and didn't think it would happen so fast. Boy was I surprised after only about a month and a half of trying I was awoken to a trail of baby books, movies, and the EPT test strip. My wife still makes fun of my reaction, which I will save for another future blog.

2. My father's reaction to the news of the baby- As I've said previously, I announced the birth of the baby during the prayer at Thanksgiving. Both my parents and the wife's parents were in attendance. I said something at the end of prayer asking God to please bless the hair on my parents' heads considering they were becoming grandparents. My Dad was so flustered that he had to walk outside and get a fresh breath of air. He then proceeded to celebrate with the champagne..a good thing I must say. I still laugh that he tells his friends at work that my brother has become an uncle...but fails to want to admit that he will be a grandfather. Kinda crazy.

3. Europe and Canada trips-Though the majority of my trips abroad were work related, I still got to do some playing. I was sent to Amsterdam for work and then brought my wife over for the second week. We were able to visit Rome, Italy, for 3 days. One of the better experiences I've had. So much history and beauty..hopefully one day in the future I can visit again.

4. My promotion at work- I have to say that I definitely deserved it, but as I've said before, they could have actually paid me what I'm worth. I travel 80-90% of the time, have to be away from my wife, and don't get compensated for all the trouble. Wish my company gave a rat's ass about work life balance..the true test awaits with the birth of the baby. If they don't step up and respect my family life, I may be commenting about a new job this time next year.

5. My sister's pregnancy announcement- I guess my wife and I got the ball rolling with our announcement because at Christmas, my sister and her husband gave my parents a bottle of champagne with a label announcing the pregnancy. I am really looking forward to both my child and hers being able to grow up together. God sure has blessed this family this year.

Well, I think I've rambled enough. Hope this blog shows a sense of positive thought. Negative Nancy has left the busy.

Trying to be consistent.

Wow, I've blogged somewhat consistently (though not daily, I've blogged after only 2 days..oh well I'm trying). Well, I feel like an idiot when my friends tell me that they can't comment on my blog and then I realize that I didn't select the correct option within this blog application. I audit overly technical people, but I can't even select a simple option (yes, Mr. McLeod, you can now make fun of me). Well, in one of my first looks back at 2005, I'll throw out some of my disappointments of 2005:

1. More work, no play: Yeah I got promoted this year to senior, but of course that brings even more responsibility. I get more work and still don't get paid worth a shit. I love listening to management try to justify the minimal raise I got. For what I'm being charged out at, they could at least make it worth my while. I do all this travel for the company, but they don't compensate me for it. They try to act like it's a privilege to work for a huge company, but why do they continue to have one helluva a turnover rate?

2. The last Star Wars movie: Lucas said that he was going to fill in so many plot holes, but in the end, most fans wondered why he created so many more. Yoda's kicking the Emperor's ass, and then he just runs away like dog with his tail between his legs. Obi-wan drops off Luke on Tatooine (looking like he's in his twenties/early 30's and then we see him in 'A new hope' and he looks like he's 70..what the hell??). Oh, and can you really believe that the huge Death Star was built in such a short time..give me a break. Thanks Lucas for screwing it up for all of the fans.

3. My inability to update my blog and website. See #1 in the list..nuff said. Maybe with the new baby this year, I'll have the inspiration and time to update this blog more often.

4. Ole Miss and Tennessee football: I'm used to seeing Ole Miss fail on the football field, but watching UT having a losing season..what's the deal? I watched alot of the games on TV, but every time they would get up, UT would just fall apart. Fans across Mississippi and Tennessee are praying for Peyton and Eli to begin the process of procreation.

5. Liberals who continually try to bash Bush and Republicans. I just sit back and laugh as they make themselves continually look foolish as they talk bad. It seems that the more they do this, the more seats I continue to count in both the Senate and the House. Keep up the stupidity and I guess 2008 will be another win for the Red States.

Well, I'm starting to get tired. I'll think more about the events of 2005 and post those soon. I'm off to bed once again (5:30 am comes quick).

Can I find a few minutes???

Well, if anyone (anyone??) actually cares to read my blog they'll likely see that it's been nearly 2 months since my last post. Since then all kinds of things have happen. On the last post, I was in Europe doing work while anticipating a trip to Rome. Rome was amazing..amazing is all I can say. I brought my wife over and used the Amex points to stay free in the Hilton Rome (guess all my work travel pays off sometimes). The architecture, history, food, and scenery were beyond imagine..maybe one day I'll be able to return ( I did throw a few coins in Trevi fountain..hope the wives tale comes true). I hope to post some pics on my website soon...but alas, time never seems to be of the essence.

Guess the big news I can finally announce on the blog is that my wife is pregnant (or preggars as we like to joke). We found out back in Sept. and I was forced to hide the news until Thanksgiving from her and my parents. I have to say that it was one of the most difficult things I've ever done..waiting nearly 3 months to share great news. My wife and I were lucky enough to be able to tell our parents at the same time. My folks seems ecstatic..especially my dad. He had to walk out of the house to get some air when I announced the pregnancy during the Thanksgiving blessing. Apparently he thinks that he is too young to be a grandfather ( which I find funny considering he was 24 when I was born..he says that it was just a different generation...oh well). I'll try to share my thoughts more often if I can make it to this blog more often.

In December I traveled to Calgary, Alberta, for 2 weeks of work. I have to say that living around the mountains was amazing and beautiful. The Rocky Mountains have always been amazing to behold. I spent some time during one weekend visiting the Rockies and the ski resort of Banff. The sites were spectacular..wish I could have skiied, but alas, I've never learned that sport (of course I didn't try to learn...I don't think my wife would appreciate the call saying that I broke my neck).

Well, I'll try to come back soon to look back at the past year (2005) and to talk about the holidays (looks like my dad will have to take another walk outside for air after my sister's big news).

Here's to 2006...please God give me wisdom, patience, and strength.

Hello from overseas...

Yep...I'm back...been awhile. Work and life seems to keep me from posting as often as I like. It's funny when I look at other peoples blogs and notice that they seem to be inconsistent in posting too. I am currently overseas in Amsterdam doing IT work for an international client. I've been here for a week now and have learned that the reason most everyone over here looks in shape is because they either walk or ride bikes all the time. Not many people are very lazy. In order to get to work in the morning, I have to walk to a train station about 15 min. away, then catch a train, and then after a 20-30 min ride, I have to walk another 15-20 minutes. The When you walk you have to watch out for the people on bikes (they actually have separate lanes for people riding bikes). My feet began to kill me after about 3 days because I was wearing my business shoes (which are comfortable, but still are not made to walk distances). After 3 days of pain, I chose to just move to my New Balance shoes. No one seems to care at the company because everyone wears jeans and t-shirts to work..my company could learn a thing or two..lol.

I've found Amsterdam to be nice because most everyone speaks English in addition to Dutch. I feel some Anti American sentiment, but for the most part, they really just want your money (according to one Dutch guy I've worked with, he said the Dutch started capitalism). Well capitalism appears to be thriving over in the Red Light District. As a regular after dinner activity, me and the guy I'm working with walk the streets of the Red Light District to just see what is on display. The funny thing about the Red Light District is that you never see anyone go in to see the ladies..everyone just walks by and looks. I guess the girls make money...just don't know how often that occurs.

For the music enthusiasts...I want to say that seeing a concert in Europe is different than in the States. I went to see the band Teenage Fanclub on Thurs. night at the Melkweg. The Melkweg is a small venue and with next to no security. I was able to sit at the front of the stage and watch the band. The band was really cool because they interacted with the crowd..joked with them and took requests. I was able to take pics of the show (which I will post when I return to the states) and no one seemed to care. The one funny thing that I saw at the show was the guys working the lights and the sound board. I watched them roll joints before the show even started in order to smoke them during the show while working..only in Amsterdam...haha.

Well, my wife comes over in the morning to check out the city while I'm working this next week. I hope she's able to handle the food...she's a picky eater. I also hope she can handle the really small rooms...my room this past week was like a closet. After the week is up, we're planning on flying to Rome for 3-4 days. I think the Rome part is going to be the most exciting part of the trip (history and no work...lol). I'll hopefully update this blog once I return from Rome. I'll say hi to the Pope for everyone.

Music Snob...

Hell, I won't deny it. This post was inspired by the post left by Jon on his blog today. He wrote about how his music tastes have changed over time. I'll talk about how my tastes have changed in a future post, but his post reminded me of how some people have accused me of being a snob when it comes to music. I'll happily admit that I am passionate about music. Guess it's just something that most people in my family don't really understand. They walk in my music room where I keep my cd collection and just make the comment...'Wow, you sure do have alot of music..how do you have time to listen to it all.' I understand their question, but I guess I just have a passion that's followed me since I was in high school. Alot of the music reminds me of events in my past. I can tell you the exact album that was playing when I had my first car accident (Counting Crows-Recovering the Satellites), the album that was on when my grandfather died (Blur-Park Life), the album my wife pretended to like when we were dating (Radiohead-The Bends), and the album that took me through late high school (Oasis-What the Story Morning Glory). Guess alot of the albums have some form of sentimental value in my mind.

Some people have things they enjoy purchasing from week to week. For example, I know alot of people who enjoy buying several cases of beer, bottles of wine , cartons of cigarettes, or things for their cars. I like music..so sue me (that's not an open invitation to the obsessive compulsive RIAA...I buy freaking music..come look in my room and see what my family complains about). I understand that this is a hobby that I will likely have to severely limit when I have children..but why should I have to deny myself something I actually enjoy. I work my ass off at work during the week...can I not actually enjoy one or two new albums here and there?

So I guess I didn't really hit on the title of my blog. Guess I should rename it to read 'Leave me the freak alone..' or 'Yes, I have a hobby like everyone else..except I have something to show for it...Take that you freaking alcoholics or smokers.' And also, my hobby won't lead me on the path of a slow death.

Guess I let my feelings be told after years of dealing with people bugging me about my obsession for music. Get on with your lives and focus on your problems..let me have my fun while I still can.

I'll try to stay on track next time. For now..have a good night all you addicts.

Oh the places they will send you...

Well, it's been a week since my last update. My 'wonderful' job (hint sarcasm) has been throwing changes at me at the most inopportune times. I was informed while on PTO a week back that I would likely be in town this week, but then I was assigned to a random insurance client in Florida. The manager on this client first told me that I would be in Tampa for a week, but then changed his mind on Thurs. of last week and said that I was going to Orlando. I tell ya, trying to book a flight from Memphis to Orlando at the last minute is near impossible. I booked a flight but got to the airport to check-in and the kiosk said that I was on the waiting list for seats because the flight had been over-booked (aka, the airline has got your money, but can't guarantee you that it can get you to where you're going when you need to be there..buncha of idiots..no wonder Northwest and Delta are going bankrupt...(hint of sarcasm)). Well, luckily I was assigned a seat after everyone had already boarded and I sat in a tiny space for 2 hours. Not my happiest experience.

Oh well, enough of my complaining. I am in Orlando for a week. I haven't been to Orlando since probably 1989 (wow, 16 yrs). Needless to say, this place has changed so much. The client is right across the road from Universal Studios. The city is not what I remember when I was brought down here to disney as a middle schooler. There is so much money that has been thrown around. Disney and Universal is one big theme park along I-4 with a lot of malls and hotels to fill in the spaces (and to take your money). It's one big money pit. Guess the idea of spending an entire week at Disney just isn't up there on my Big list of things to do. All I see is a big mouse jumping into a vault of dollars while I'm staring at an empty wallet.

Well, I think I've said my peace tonight. Maybe I need to get some sleep.

Also, here is an update of the current albums that are worth listening to:
1. Sigur Ros-Takk
2. Bloc Party-Silent Alarm (Remixed)
3. Richard Hawley-Cole's Corner

Time to sleep in this empty hotel room.

Just what I expected....

First off, I don't know what the heck is in the air, but my allergies are killing me today. They started acting up this weekend, and haven't given up. I barely slept last night while my nose twitched and dripped. I wish this Allegra D would kick in and help out.

To my topic of conversation. Guess it shouldn't surprise me that alot of the networks and print media are jumping on this Hurricane Katrina bandwagon trying to blame one political party for the less than quick response in New Orleans and Mississippi. From what I've seen, the blame can be spread around. Instead of whining and complaining..shouldn't all these pompous asses just get to work instead trying to find fault. I read a good article today about all this political complaining. Check out http://www.washtimes.com/national/pruden.htm I find it funny that the New Orleans mayor ordered a "mandatory" evacuation a day late, but kept the city's 2,000 school buses parked and locked in neat rows when there was still time to take the refugees to higher ground. The bright-yellow buses sit ruined now in four feet of dirty water. I also want to vomit when I hear Jesse Jackson and Kanye West say that all this is a racial issue. If this is such a racial issue, then why are a majority of the volunteers in New Orleans white people??? Give me a break..go on about your business of having illegitimate children with a variety of women and shut your freaking pie-holes. It's also funny how everyone wants to point fingers at one another and act like they could have done better. It's funny when someone asks one of these complainers what they would have done differently..and the person just sits there with a blank look while stammering....so quick to judge...so little education to come up with a better solution...so typical.

Well, I'm getting off my soapbox. I gotta go get to feeling better..like now!

Oh My Aching Tooth...

Well today was not very fun considering that I had to go to the dentist on my day off from work. I only went with the expectation that I'd have my teeth cleaned, but of course nothing goes as planned. They checked my teeth and found a cavity. I had a choice to either wait awhile or get it filled today. With my travel schedule, I went ahead and did it. It's been several years since I've had dental work done and forgot how I hated it. They had to numb my gums and give me shots. To be honest, I didn't do so well considering they hit a blood vessel (which hurt like hell). I went into a cold sweat and would have passed out if I was standing up. Thankfully, they got it done. The only painful thing left is to see the bill...man, I hope my insurance steps up to the plate.

Guess I should be sarcastic and thank Hurricane Katrina for causing Memphis to run out of gasoline. I went into town and noticed that about 3 or 4 of the gas stations I drove by were completely out of gas. It also didn't help that they continued to bring the price up. I saw gas for $3.25/gallon at alot of places...up another 35 cents in another day.

Guess I can't complain too much...I'll just have to stick around the house and veg out this weekend with the wife. Went to rent a few movies tonight...picked up Sin City, which I've heard alot about. Hope it's as good as the critics say.

I'll stop complaining. Life isn't that bad considering the hell that is taking place in New Orleans. I feel really sorry for the people who are in need of food and water..but do they really need to act like savages? And please, stop all the looting of things like TV's and non-food items. I'm not one to speak because I can't imagine what people are going through, but let's try to be somewhat civil.

Well, I'm exhausted...gonna go finish this Titans preseason game. Did I mention..thank goodness football is back...Go Vols this weekends. Oh, and maybe Ole Miss won't embarass themselves on Monday.

This is ground control to major tom...

What's the deal with the Price of Gas???

It's funny that when you take a vacation..you don't really take a vacation. I feel just as busy as I usually am. Guess I should leave the house when taking a vacation..oh well, guess you gotta clean sometime. With the increase in gas prices, I'd rather stay at home. It blew me away when I noticed that gas prices rose by 40 cents within 24 hours. I bought gas at $2.49 yesterday afternoon and passed a gas station this afternoon and it was up to $2.89...that's f**'n nuts. It doesn't help when the media analysts say that things are gonna get worse before they get better.

Well, the wife's 10 yr. high school reunion was canceled today in Jackson, MS, because of Hurricane Katrina. Supposedly, over half of Jackson is still without power. Luckily my mother-in-law is staying with us instead of sweating to death. My wife's father is back up in NYC for the week. With the stress of this week, luckily we have the first week of college football season starting this weekend....life is good.

As a part of this blog, I'm going to start listing some of the new music that I'm digging right now. Hopefully this will help keep some of my friends up to date with the old and new releases they should check out (either buy or download). Here we go:
1. Death Cab for Cutie: Plans (not as good as Transatlanticism, but still good laid back emo stuff. whatever emo is these days)
2. Kanye West: Late Registration (just getting into this. I like this better than College Dropout. Find it interesting that Jon Brion produced the album considering he is more power pop and Kanye is a rapper. Never thought I'd hear Jamie Foxx singing on this..pretty good stuff.).
3. Super Furry Animals-Love Kraft (this is the wildest thing the SFA's have done. It's much better than the last album, but I'm not sure if it's as good as Rings Around the World. This album is the Beach Boys on crack...melodic but all over the place with experimentation).
4. Supergrass-Road to Rouen (this album is so much different than the pop of the last 4 albums. This album is so laid back..almost reminds me of some Pink Floyd stuff. I think alot of Brits are being hard on the group with this album, but I think you gotta change your sound as you grow older. It's not like they're doing this for the money anymore...)

Well, I think I've wrote enough tonight. Keep the people in New Orleans, Mississippi, and Alabama in your prayers. Makes me sick to my stomach when I see all the destruction down there. Things can only get better...I sure hope so.

It's terrible when you plan to start something and then life just keeps delaying you. I tried to start this blog about a week ago, but this stupid website gave an error telling me that I couldn't save it. So I guess this blog should start...'It was a dark, stormy night.' I'm sitting inside listening to the storms brought by Hurricane Katrina which hit the gulf today. My wife and I had to pick up her mother in Memphis because of the bad weather in Jackson, MS. Her father's flight was canceled in Jackson, MS, and he had to fly out of Memphis to reach NYC. It's a good thing that her mom got up here because it wouldn't be good for her to be stuck in Jackson, MS, all by herself. I hope this weather passes over because we have to go back to Jackson, MS, this weekend to attend the wife's 10th high school reunion...man, time flies once high school is over. My parents always told me that time flies once you start to work...they weren't lying.

Well I guess I should give an introduction of myself considering I just started this blog. The name is Bryan..aka B-Diddy. Currently going into my 3rd year working for a big 4 accounting firm doing IT systems auditing....or the dreaded hell known as Sarbanes Oxley 404 (SOX 404). Can't really complain considering the work allows me to travel all over the country (and world) and I get to meet lotsa new people. Oh well..enough about work...I deal with that 60 hrs. a week or more.

Thought I'd end today's blog with a word of encouragement to a friend from college. I found out today that her life has been really difficult over the past year and a half. Life's not fair, but even when that happens, there is definitely a silver lining. Faith in God is an awesome thing..it may hide from you at times, but it will be there waiting when you most need it. It hid from my friend for a time, but came back and pulled her right back in. I wish this friend all the best. The light will continue to shine for you.

Well, the storm is still raging outside..