Make My Day

I'm Back

2006-03-09T12:29:00.000-06:00

After an extra long hiatius, I'm back. Without going into too much detail, Lella my ex, has recovered from the TTP disease as well as can be expected. There were times during her coma we could have lost her. God performed a miracle and pulled her through. She still has to under go constant monitoring, but God has answered our prayers and left her with us. Thank you Lord, our daughter still has her mother.

A lot has happened over the months I was away, too much to write about in one posting. Christmas and New Years have come and gone with the same old, same old. The birthdays and other special occassions repeat year after year. Life does go on inspite of personal crisis.

One thing I've tackled with a vengence is my paranormal studies, both academicaly and in the field with our group. We've developed into an adept group of ten paranormal investigators. Winnipeg media recognizes us a professional group of ghost hunters, and the public seeks us out to investigate bumps and thumps that happen in their homes at night. I plan on publishing the results of these investigations, along with photos and video in my blog, so keep an eye out for them.

All this attention, and we don't even advertise our off beat hobby. And it is only a hobby.....for now.

Why

2005-09-08T18:31:00.000-05:00

On answering a call from my daughter on Sunday, I was floored by some terrible news. Her mother, my former wife, was hospitalized after suffering a series of attacks with symptoms similar to a stroke. Diagnosis was TTP syndrome, something I've never heard of. On doing some quick research, I learned this was a severe blood disorder with a 95% fatality rate if not treated in time, survival was about 80% of treated cases. My ex, the girl I liked to get pissed off at, the airhead who was the object of my poking fun at, the lady who I harshly criticized to this day, was about to die. After being divorced for 17 years, I was devastated. I don't know why. I just was.

We've known each other for 36 years, married for 17 of those years, and then divorced to live our lives apart, later with other partners. Together, we did raise our daughter the best way we could, given the circumstances. We never lost touch with each other, and got together often to discuss matters concerning our child. Is that why this is kicking the shit out of me? Aren't divorced people supposed to hate each other, and not be concerned? I guess we're not normal divorcees.

She's putting up quite a fight in the hospital. Charlene, my partner, tells me to do what I have to do. Right now I have to go to the hospital and see if I can help my ex win her battle.

Strange Coincidence

2005-08-31T13:30:00.000-05:00

My ghost trackers group is at it again. Along with a newspaper reporter and photographer, our group of ghost trackers headed out to Woodridge Manitoba to repeat the ritual of hunting for the headless, lantern carrying phantom, who supposedly haunts the railway tracks there.

Mr. headless ghost didn't make an appearance, but we did see a bright red light in the sky. So mesmerizing was this light, none of us, not even the media photographer thought to grab a camera and take a picture of this thing. We weren't in Woodridge to spot UFO's, therefore we were taken by complete surprise. Unbeknown to us, there was a festival happening in Woodridge that night, and a fireworks show was to begin a half hour later.

Ghost trackers being interviewed beside the railway tracks in Woodridge shortly before we saw the light.

It made sense to believe the light we saw was a flare. The "flare" was in the same general area, but not directly above where the fireworks were seen later. It was a bit to the south, and more towards our direction. However, this "flare" didn't quite behave like others I've seen. None of us saw it go up. It just appeared, stayed quite stationary for 30 - 45 seconds, and had an octogonal shape when viewed through binoculars. Then it started to move off, blink out, and shoot quickly to the south, leaving a yellow streak of light behind. The flares I've seen, go up, move to the right or left a bit, then fizzle out and drop, all within 10-15 seconds.

Eventually we did disimiss it as a flare, and continued our wait for the no-show ghost. Interestingly, a few days later, a local television station reported a UFO sighting in the Piney area, which is where Woodridge is located. Strange coincidence?

Now, thinking outside the box, could that "flare" have been ETs in a UFO, wondering what so many people were doing in an area that generally has no earthlings wandering about? Is the sighting in Piney a strange coincidence, or is it a piece of the puzzle?

Back to the Grind

2005-08-24T21:49:00.000-05:00

After 35 plus years of heading off to work, day in and day out, I'm finally in a position which allows me ample time for myself. So, this was the first summer I took off. No worries, no pressure, no headaches. How sweet it was!

However, all good things must come to an end. I've actually had enough of getting up when I want to in the mornings. My freezer is loaded with fish I've caught these past two months. The lakes and streams, the solitude I feel in the woods by a campfire, and the long drives in the country are losing their awesome wonder.

As summer here in the Peg starts its transition into fall, it's time to hang up the shorts and t-shirts, pull my business duds out of the mothballs, and give those summertime wonders a rest for a few seasons.

You've more than likely guessed by my lack of posts, I've done diddley squat all summer but have fun, fun, fun.

My Girlfriend's Day

2005-05-24T14:27:00.000-05:00

My Charlene was downtown and met an acquaintance while waiting for a bus. As luck would have it, Germaine, the acquaintance, was waiting for a friend, of a friend, of her son's to pick her up, and offered Charlene a lift home. Ahhh, to be in the right place at the right time. How fortunate! Two boys in a car pulled up to the bus stop and the ladies got in.

A few blocks from home the cops tried to pull the car over some reason. What does the kid do? He floors it and starts driving like a maniac, informing the ladies in the back seat the vehicle wasn't his and he wasn't going back to jail.

Apparently it was a car chase that beat out some of the stuff you see on "Caught on Video" It was dramatic enough that the take down made the front page of the local paper. The ladies were scared shitless!.

The four of them were arrested, at gun point, and carted off to the slammer. After being cleared and released, Charlene told me how close this kid had come to running over and hurting innocent people. He had absolutley no regard for his, and others' safety.

Making the front page, having a gun pointed at your head, and spending a few hours in jail are things we can laugh about now, because only Charlene's pride was hurt. What was that about not accepting rides from strangers? Ha ha ha! That'll teach her.

This story could easily have had a very tragic end. I've been trying to forget this incident for some time. Unfortuately it took a death on a highway, involving a stolen car, to remind me of the deadly consequences irresponsible hoodlums cause with their total disregard for law and order.

Off the Beaten Path

2005-05-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

My fellow ghost tracking buddies and I spent our Saturday night in the woods, beside a railway track. We were waiting for a headless, lantern carrying ghost to make an appearance in this secluded spot, over a hundred clicks from the city.

According to the legend, since the 1930s, ghost lights and a phantom, holding an old gas lantern are said to have been seen numerous times near the railroad tracks in Woodridge, Manitoba. Hunters in the area who've seen the apparition with the lantern report that their brave hunting dogs run and cower at the sight of what their owners have to conclude is a ghost.

When seen, the ghost light is reported to appear only faintly, but as it gets closer it gets steadily stronger and even goes through color changes before becoming blindingly brilliant. Meanwhile, the ghost carrying the lantern may cause your car to temporarily stall. The ghost may also chase after you. Some people claim that the lights often appear in conjunction with the sound of an approaching train. Because the sightings were so close to the railway tracks, the guess is the ghost is a rail-riding hobo from the 1930s.

A "camp" was set up and my group began to wait for the ghost to make its appearance. As the sun dropped below the horizon, we watched and waited. Sometime after midnight with nothing happening, six of us decided to go and hunt this ghost down.

We started walking down the middle of the railway tracks. About 500 meters down the track, we noticed a glow in the trees ahead of us. Suddenly there it was! A train, travelling at full speed, rounded the bend and headed right for us. We had about a minute, if that, to scramble down into the bushes before it zipped by us.

When we got back onto the track to continue, we noticed a light shining behind us. We turned around and walked towards it. It seemed to approach us rapidly, and then began recede as we neared it. Back at the "camp" we found out it was a group member shining his portable headlamp down the tracks, wondering if we were still alive after the train went by. Finally at 1:30 am we decided to pack up and head for home.

We didn't see the ghost that night, and that is a frustration which plagues our off beat hobby of ghost tracking. Things don't always happen when you want them to. Neither could we say if the stories are hoaxes. According to legend, this eerie phenomenon does occur. We had an enjoyable time just anticipating it's arrival. My girlfriend thinks we should all be institutionalized, but there is always next time.

Pictures of the entire outing are on our group's web site, Shadows of Manitoba

The Saga Ends

2005-05-10T21:45:00.000-05:00

Bride and Groom on the Beach

Our only daughter is getting on with her life as a Mrs, now that the final episode in their month long wedding has played out. The reception dinner was held last week. Its main purpose being that we could all meet our new extended family. My ex and I were the proud parents of the bride, although we did sit at different tables throughout the dinner. How's this family thing supposed to work anyway? She's not part of my family anymore, but she is my daughter's mother.

There were the usual things that had to be done before an event such as this unfolds. My ex asked me to take her shopping for the cold cuts, so I did. We then proceeded to her residence so the meat could be refrigerated. Sabrina and Sheldon were staying with her for the weekend, and we had a nice little "original family" visit. I might add, my ex lives alone now that her fourth relationship, since our marriage, has failed, so I was welcome.

After the event the next day, a bunch of family ended up at a local bar for drinks, the ex and I included. We were having a great time and I started wondering if my ex had finally learned how to have fun. Since I was the father of the bride, I bought her mother a few drinks and loaned her some money. She promised to pay me back in a week. After all, according to her, she was once my wife and should be trustworthy. The entire evening was thoroughly enjoyable. Everyone was so happy when we all left to go home.

In sixteen years, I have not been in such a close proximity with my ex wife. Sabrina's and Sheldon's marriage brought us together, and we actually acted decently towards each other. I was even thinking how nice it would be if we were still a family and hadn't divorced. But alas, what's done is done, and life goes on. My relationship with Charlene is going on fifteen years now and we're happy.

My ex wife still owes me sixty bucks and I haven't heard from her since that day. Some things never change.

2005-05-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

Me and My Ex Wife 17 Years Ago

So Far, So Good

2005-04-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

April is a month which has so far been filled with a significant event in one's life cycle. My daughter has finally become a bride on a beach in Cancun, her dream fulfilled.

Actually, the legal marriage took place in front of a magistrate April 2, 2005 here in Canada. They then re-enacted the whole thing in Mexico on April 12th, along with a few more frills and professional photos. Translating all the documents into Spanish to make sure the union was legally recognized in Canada, was extra red tape that was easier avoided. However, the saga continues. April 30th will be the reception dinner.

When I said the month of April is a significant event, that's exactly what I meant. Back when my ex and I had our day, we did a legal wedding, photos, and reception all in one day. Then the party was over. Sabrina and Sheldon are making their day last for the whole month, and they're enjoying every minute of it.

It's been a great wedding so far. More to come.

Go Ahead

2005-03-23T21:27:00.000-06:00

Lately, a few of the local gangsters have taken their beefs into public by shooting at each other on the streets. Behaviour like this irks the shit out of me.

Police, ambulance, and medical resources are wasted trying to help these idiots lick their wounds and become better citizens. Inevitably some of them end up dead in a gun fight anyway. The shooters are prosecuted and given life sentences. All at tax payers expense.

Canada does not have a death penalty. The cost of housing lifers in a prison is enormous. These goofballs should be rounded up, placed in a giant cage, and be given their weapons of choice. You wanna kill each other? Here's your chance. Leave us out of your confounded drug wars. Save our tax dollars for more worthwhile causes.

I wish it were so simple!

Repairs?

2005-02-27T09:34:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago my car developed a severe case of squeek and creak in the front end. Noisey vehicles drive me insane, so I didn't hesitate making an appointment for repairs.

When the appointment guy said there's a two week wait, I sincerely hoped my car would hold together until then. Every time I turned the wheels, one would think the thing was on the verge of falling apart.

That appointment happens tomorrow, and guess what? Three days ago, the ailment my steed was suffering from, mysteriously fixed itself. No more creak, squeek, or anything out of the ordinary.

When a car is broken, it should stay broken until fixed. How will the car doctor find out what's wrong when there are no symptoms? I hate when vehicles do that!

The Junos

2005-02-13T23:18:00.000-06:00

We here in Winnipeg are gearing up for the arrival of a spectacular event. The Canadian Music Awards, the Junos will be broadcast from our prairie city April 3.

The available tickets sold out within minutes after gong on sale. I was down right pissed off for my lack of foresite. What made me think I could just amble down to the ticket outlet for an opportunity to rub shoulders with the likes of Shania Twain, Celine Dione, and Avril Lavigne, just to name a few stars who will be there?

While stewing over my misfortune, I happened to look at the Juno web site. Lord of Lords, they're still looking for on site volunteers. The positions won't be filled 'till March.

Never have I written a resume so fast. The application is filled out and submitted. All the bases are covered. When they accept me as a seat filler, I'll be hugging the winners as they return to their seats. How much better can it get?

We Made the News

2005-02-07T00:11:00.000-06:00

Ghost hunting is an off beat hobby I do. I don't tell too many people about it because I don't want to be considered loopy, or off my rocker. None the less, it is an interest I pursue quite actively.

Our ghost tracking group numbers about thirty active members, all interested in the unexplained. For a newspaper reporter to come out and find out what we're all about, makes me think we're not all that nuts after all. There must be a lot of other people interested in what we do. After all, we did make the local news.

Of course I expected the usual ribbing and teasing that comes with suddenly becoming a local celebrity in the ghostbusting line of work. The anticipated guffaws were nipped in the bud. As the the first words of " G'mornin' Mr Ghostbuster" exited my co-workers mouths, I shot back "That's the cats ass isn't it? I'm finally rich and famous." Nobody mentioned the article again, but they had a few questions of their own about what I do for a hobby.

The article was published in the highest ranked newspaper in the city. Hurray for our ghost trackers meetup group!

Bah Humbug!

2005-01-30T10:04:00.000-06:00

Last Christmas, my mother was elated to have found a tree with lights embedded in the branches. Built in so to speak. All she had to do was stand it up and hang ornaments. It saved her lots of work.

The thing is still standing in the corner, with a sheet over it. Good lord mother, it's almost February. The way she nodded her head, said it would be even less work to set it up next Christmas. Just pull down the sheet, and presto, there it is, complete with built in lights, and this year, adornments.

My mother has always said she has no use for all those new gagets these days. Bah, Humbug! Now each time we visit, we've got to step around a six foot, sheet covered X-mas tree that came with a new twist.

She now owns an X-mas tree you don't have to put up anymore. What's next?

She's at it Again

2005-01-24T15:04:00.000-06:00

My ex was always an extravagant, controlling beatch. During our seventeen year marriage, I could never do anything right. From my choice of careers to where I'd choose to park the car, nothing was ever good enough for her. I see that now. They say love is blind, which in my case was certainly true. I loved her once....a lot.

Our only daughter is getting married. Sabrina and Sheldon are planning their wedding while trying to stay within budget, and they should. It's their day. Well, Holy shit! All hell's beginning to break loose.

Her mother's been driving me bonkers. We should be buying this and that. The planned dinner could be better, at a nicer place, etcetera, etcetera. Every time my phone rings, it's something else.

It's all stuff that increases expenses. She has this fucked up idea that the father of the bride should give his daughter the best wedding money can buy. If I remember correctly, my ex didn't exactly come with a dowry. I footed most of the bill when we had our day.

Sabrina and Sheldon are planning it their way. My wish is that her mother offers suggestions only if asked, and not do what she's so good at. Taking over, except for expenses.

New Beginnings

2005-01-20T01:22:00.000-06:00

Spring must be getting near. The days are becoming longer, and the fever is beginning. Spring fever! It's been happening for eons, usually near Valentines Day. Boy meets girl, along with the ritual of courtship behaviours.

Hearing a female aquaintance refer to one of our male aquaintances as "CUTE" perked me up to the fact spring is just around the corner. But referring to him as "CUTE"... I'm shaking my head thinking about it.

She's cute, my lady who lays by me is cute, my kids are cute, my dog, if I had one, would be cute. But my friend, or any adult male people, in my eyes, are not "CUTE". Other adjectives could be used to better describe men. For example, I am a good looking guy! That I can handle. Much better than "CUTE"

He, by the way, tells me she's absolutely incredible and beautiful. He's finally found her. A new beginning? Ahh that spring fever! Brings back memories.

The two stars of this blog entry(seen by millions, worldwide) are real people. No names have been mentioned to protect their privacy, but they'll know who they are. My fingers will be cut off for typing this story.

No Choice Now

2005-01-17T17:35:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago my boss and I were discussing ways of reducing costs in some of our departments. Seeing as I had accomplished said results with the office staff, he now wants me to help him in other areas. Simply put, I'm to be the efficiancy expert. Not my bag at all! Straightening out the office was all right because I thought I'd be doing my light duty tasks there... All the time.

I don't want to head out into the field to watch people work inefficiantly, and then have to suggest a smarter way to do their jobs. But, to keep on his good side, I told him I still had lots to do. I'd get at the efficiancy thing if I could get around to it.

This morning I opened an email from him. This was in the attached file.

I got exactly what I asked for. Do I have any choice but to tackle this yuckee project? I don't think so.

Hey it Happens

2005-01-12T08:15:00.000-06:00

Our ghost trackers group is growing by leaps and bounds. After a few months of just posting on a message board, eight of us decided to get together and meet each other. As of today we're up to about thirty active members.

Appointing me as organizer was the first thing our small group did. Taking this responsibility pretty seriously, I started organizing. Working my butt off generating interest in these meetups hasn't exactly been a cake walk, but I got results. Meetup.com

Yesterday evening was meetup night. Temperatures outdoors were in the -30C range, not very pleasant. Twenty-two members were expected to attend, the largest turnout so far. We were sooo excited to meet all the new people to hear their ghost stories, and what happens....We're locked out.

We FORGOT THE FUCKING KEYS to the building.

Oh Poetry

2005-01-09T00:36:00.000-06:00

Reading poetry is not a favorite on my list of things to do. I must be lacking in something because I usually have no appreciation of any piece of poetry presented to me. I'm not knocking it. I just don't care for it.

Once I get over my aversion to the stuff, and begin reading, I sometimes find a true poetic gem. Believe me, if I like it, so will you. My daughter Sabrina sent me this. I have no idea who the author is.

When me prayers were poorly said
Who tucked me in me widdle bed
And spanked me till me arse was red,

Me Mudder!

Who took me from me cozy cot
And put me on the ice cold pot
And made me pee when I could not,

Me Mudder!

And when the morning light would come
And in me crib me dribbled some
Who wiped me tiny widdle bum,

Me Mudder!

Who would me hair so neatly part
And hug me gently to her heart
Who sometimes squeezed me till me fart,

Me Mudder!

Who looked at me with eyebrows knit
And nearly have a king size fit
When in me Sunday pants me shit,

Me Mudder!

When at night her bed did squeak
Me raised me head to have a peak
Who yelled at me to go to sleep,

Me Fadder!

That, my friends, Made My Day!

Call a Cop

2005-01-05T18:46:00.000-06:00

Let's go back to the subject of people passing their offensive nitrous oxide gas in public. Some of this behaviour I can find mildly humorous. It's one thing to poot a quick one and turn all red from embarrasment. But to make a public display of it and leave a stench behind that can wilt plants, is enough to make me puke.

Just yesterday I heard a chap let one rip quite loudly in the casino. It sounded disgustingly wet. He didn't care who he was near, who heard him, or who caught a whiff of him. Geez man, you need to go wipe your ass was my first thought. He sauntered along as if nothing happened. I was gagging and almost barfed.

Stuff like that is happening all over the place. At the Wallmart, on a bus, in movie theaters, in grocery stores. Most of these emissions are of the SBD type, silent but deadly. And then there are the rippers. All types are guilty. Men, women, children, young, and old. Did you ever notice some places smell like a gigantic shithouse? It's not hard to pick out the culprit who's responsible.

Quite frankly, I'm sick of getting a nose full of shit when one of these pigs passes by. It never used to be this bad. People at one time, had some sense of dignity. Like everything else, morals seem to be deteriorating just as quickly.

If urinating in public is illegal, why can't we have fart police? [And you think your job stinks]

Not a Bad Start

2005-01-02T18:56:00.000-06:00

For three full days now I've been buried up to my waist in snow. Not that it's impossible to get around, it's just been really hard. My accident left me with an arm that doesn't function properly so I can't dig my car out of the parking lot alone. I've had to take the bus to the office to cover for some of the weekend crew who didn't make it in. They're suffering from the brown bottle flu I guess, with it being New Years and all.

I'm tired of trudging through snow drifts to catch buses that are never on time. I'm tired of using an hour to make a trip that takes fifteen minutes by car. I'm tired of having to work when I'm supposed to be off. I'm fed up with not being able to do anything else but wait for the snow plow.

I'm pissed off, and I've managed to get building maintenance pissed off at me. To hell with it being New Years weekend. Let's get those plows out on the roads, and into the parking lots so we can move our cars. They're telling me to be patient. After three days I'm quickly running out of patience...

It's now four hours since I first started typing this entry. I was interupted by a knock at my door. Seems everyone else in the apartment block had also run out of patience. We all got together and shovelled the entire parking lot by hand. What teamwork won't do!

I am just exhausted, but I feel much better now. Fuck the plows. We all helped each other escape our prisoner, the snow. Go Year 2005! You're off to a good start!

Out With the Old

2004-12-31T18:29:00.000-06:00

Charlene and a few friends are waiting for me at her place. My car refuses to budge from the icy grip mother nature has on it. Walking is not an option because of the five foot snow drifts all over the place. The bus service sucks and the cabs are all busy. It's New Years Eve and here I sit...alone.

Year 2004, you had to kick me in the ass one last time. Didn't you? You have been one of the worst years of my life. You gave us a half assed summer, where it didn't warm up enough to even go swimming. Two of my friends died in 2004. I had an accident that forced me to give up my career. Now, on your last day, you fuck me up again with a blizzard and snow me in at home. How much more can I take?

Good riddance! As of midnight tonight, you are no more. A bad year, gone down into history. I will welcome 2005 with open arms. Hopefully you didn't inherit any bad habits from your predecessor, and will treat us all much better.

Here's my wishes to all of you for a Happy and much more Prosperous New Year.

Who Dood It?

2004-12-28T20:31:00.000-06:00

There was an unmistakable stench of shit in the air at the 7 Eleven this morning. Not right away, but as I rounded the corner to the fridges. Phooo-eee!

A young lady was hovering in the aisle right next to the fridge. She looked at me as if I were to blame for fouling the air back there. Well it wasn't me! I just got here. Don't try to give me that "girls don't fart" crap.

With a wrinkled nose I got my milk, smiled at her, and high tailed it out of there. We met again at the check stand and I gave her that "I know damned well who did it and you got caught" look.

So next time sweetheart, don't chance it. Take your shit at home before wandering out in public.

A Gift

2004-12-27T01:02:00.000-06:00

Christmas day has come and gone with the usual fanfare of the moment. The visiting, gifting, dinners, hugs and sobs all have happened again for another year. Making this Christmas a bit special was an upcoming wedding announcement.

Sabrina and Sheldon became engaged. Seeing their happiness, and the sparkle in my daughter's eyes as she proudly showed off her engagement ring, were Christmas gifts this dad will remember for a long time.

Christmas 2004 made my day.

The Happy Couple

Track Santa

2004-12-23T08:45:00.000-06:00

As the holidays near I really must take a break from my computer. The pressure is on to get all the small details wrapped up before the big day's here.

My place is all adorned. Gifts are purchased. The fridge is full of turkey and ham, so I have all my shit together. Sabrina and Sheldon live a hundred miles away so they should have their shit together. Eastlyn and Charlene are impatiently tapping their toes. They've just taken a final inventory. According to them, there's lots more stuff to be done so we can all have our shit together.

Break time it is then. To all those responsible for advancing the numbers on my site meter, from my family to yours.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Click Here To Track Santa Christmas Eve

I Was in a Good Mood

2004-12-20T17:59:00.000-06:00

While scurrying around the village this afternoon I ran into an acquaintance who was also getting her last minute shopping done. We agreed the corner bar was the place to go for some well earned refreshment.

My friend and I sat down and waited to order a couple of drinks. And we waited, and waited. There were only two other people in the place. Finally I walked up to the bar and asked the young lady if she'd please bring our drinks along with a jug of ice to our table.

Very snobishly I was told "Tsk, you know it's self service 'til 5pm". She glared at me with a sour face and banged our drinks and ice on the bar with such force I thought the glasses were going to break. Well geez lady, excuuuse me for being the purpose of your job! A paying customer! I'm sooo sorry I interrupted your soap opera or whatever you were watching on tv.

I paid her for the drinks and she had the bloody gall to ask if she could keep the change for her tip. Tip? MY ASS! You fucking lazy little bitch! You have to earn a tip by pleasantly delivering service. All you accomplished was to drive two customers away, never to return again.

I'm making a point of telling people about that shitty bar experience. Should be good for their business, no? Maybe that's why there were only two other customers.

Was she a student who passed exams by cheating, and then got fired from her career because she didn't have the brains to perform? Now the only work she's qualified for is service personnel. All because she was, and still is, fucking lazy.

How hard would it have been to say "sure I'll be there in a minute" Walk the ten or so steps to our table and bring our drinks? No need to even smile.

"Here's a ten dollar tip sweetheart. Have a Merry Christmas" I was in a good mood.

No Go

2004-12-19T16:06:00.000-06:00

Due to the damned blizzard that's raging outside, our ghost hunt has been postponed. It's not fit out there for man, nor beast, nor ghost.

Oh well, mother nature's fucked us again. Or is this an omen? Don't go Woooooo hooooooo!

The End Nears

2004-12-17T15:44:00.000-06:00

December is full force upon us. We're in the middle of the month, a week before Christmas and half a month away from the New Year.

This December I heard from a couple old friends whom I rarely see, wishing me the best of the season. We still keep in touch with a few short phone calls every few years, but we never seem to have the time to get together and really talk.

What happened to all the extra time we had when we were teenagers and young adults in our twenties? We did all kinds of things together. Sure, circumstances changed some. We got married, had kids, bought houses, got divorced, and so on and so on. I guess that meant we could just take a break from each other for all those years.

Now we're middle aged or older, the kids are grown, life's pace is slowed down a little, and we're looking each other up to find out what's been happening. I was asking about some of the other guys, and was shocked to learn two of the old gang are no more. Kicked the bucket, gone, dead! That's not supposed to happen. We're not old enough to just die like that. Or are we?

That is sad. I'll never see them again, but it was a rude awakening. I'm to blame for my own sense of loss. I should have attended that party I was invited to five years ago. It was a sort of reunion and most of the gang was there. I chose instead, to meet with a client who I thought was more important than a party.

So my New Years resolution will be to look up and make some time for all of my remaining old friends during 2005. Who knows, maybe next December I'll be among the missing. We're not getting any younger and time seems to be rapidly running out.

Extra Curiccular Activity

2004-12-14T17:20:00.000-06:00

Has anyone ever seen a for real ghost? I haven't yet, but I plan on catching one in action in the near future. My ghost trackers group is getting real serious about having a ghost hunt.

Not too many in the group claim to have seen a ghost. That's our main objective. Tracking down those elusive buggers. Personally I'd be satisfied just seeing an unexplained shadow or mist. I'd probably be scared shitless but hey, at least I'd be among the ranks of experienced ghost busters.

Perhaps as a team we can attain our goal. We're headed out next Sunday to a small cemetery. Maybe we'll find a ghost, or mist, or shadow.

Together
Everyone
Achieves
More

Has anyone ever seen a real ghost?

The Morning After

2004-12-12T09:06:00.000-06:00

We had a super time at the Xmas resident gathering. First read the entry below this if you haven't done so.

I did meet the Sow Cow. She's quite the charming lady. Her friends are her co-workers and they occasionally get together for a girls night out. All have boyfriends so the lezzy stuff is all in my imagination. I'm to knock on her door if there's too much noise coming from her apartment above me. She wants to borrow my Frank Sinatra CD. How would she know I listen to Frank Sinatra songs?

Mr Security Guard is an asshole. The comments he was making show he has absolutely no respect for people. He's rude, obnoxious, and reeked of booze. I kept my distance from him, as did everyone else. He left after a short time.

The Mountain Man is a jolly good fellow. Very sociable and fun to be around. The ladies were chatting him up. I don't know if he turned them on or they were infatuated by all that hair on his face. I was right about him. He is a nice chap.

Before the evening ended I was invited to this single lady's apartment for coffee. I politely explained that although I live alone, I do have a girlfriend, sort of wife. She began whispering sweet things in my ear to get me into her place. Seduction, that trollop! Imagine if Charlene and her ever met up in the hallway. Oh wow! Sorry sweetie, this bachelor is committed.

The lovely Mrs Goatee and her hubby didn't show. They're still being the absentee tennants.

A Nosey Neighbour

2004-12-07T17:01:00.000-06:00

Holy Moly! I have an opportunity to meet my neighbours from the apartment block I live in. An invitation was slipped under my door asking me to attend the first annual Xmas gathering of residents. I don't know these people by name, just by what I call them.

Mr and Mrs Goatee (because he has a goatee), who live down at the end of the hall and are home only three or four days a month. I'll find out where they are the rest of the time and why they park a different car each time they show up. Mrs Goatee is ooh-la-la-wow.

The Sow Cow (because she's big and fat), who walks like an elephant in the apartment above me. I'll find out who all her model type girlfriends are, or if there's some sort of lezzy stuff happening up there. I never see any men go there.

The Security Guard (that's his job), who lives next door. I'll find out exactly how much of an asshole he really is. He yells at his lady friends a lot after he fucks them. The walls are thin here.

The Mountain Man (because he has so much hair on his face only his nose sticks out), who lives in one of these apartments. He seems to be quite a nice chap.

Of course there are the others. The partyers, the weed smokers, single women, and normal people like me.

My Rsvp says "Eric will attend". I'd have to be on crack to miss an event of this magnitude. Here's hoping they all show.

'Tis Not the Season to Drink and Drive

2004-12-05T20:22:00.000-06:00

A good thing happened on my way to the casino last night. Along with everyone else in my lane of traffic, I was pulled over by the police doing a check stop for drunk, impaired drivers.

I've often wondered how many drivers I'm sharing the road with, have their judgement impaired by some chemical. It's not the falling down drunk types I worry about. They're easy to spot and keep away from. It's the ones whose reaction and judgement times are a touch slow because they've had an extra drink, hoot, or whatever.

I'm elated the boys and girls in blue are out there in the cold trying to ensure a safe and happy holiday season for all. It's impossible to get all impaired drivers off the road. Some people will drive drunk no matter what. I know a few of those personally. If the police only catch a small percentage of them, it's that many less on the road that can potentially tear a family apart.

Oh yes, I passed with flying colors. No alcohol on my breath, seat belt on, valid driver's licence and registration. Two out of the six from my lane of traffic were detained by the police. That's two less...and counting.

Arrrgh

2004-12-04T08:11:00.000-06:00

It was one of those Friday nights. I don't want to bore anyone with details. To keep it interesting, here's a picture of MY COCK, standing proud.

Old?

2004-12-03T17:37:00.000-06:00

Some little kid referred to me as an old man today. "Mommy that old man's in the way" is what he said. Fuck him, that little gaffer. What would he have called a person of eighty, or ninety?

I've got virtually no grey hair, nor do I walk with a cane. I feel just as I did twenty years ago. In hind sight though, when I was that kid's age, people of twenty-one were old. When I was twenty, thirty-nine was old. In that kid's eyes I guess I am old. That damned little rug rat!

Waiting

2004-12-02T06:40:00.000-06:00

Charlene's been on my case to get the Christmas tree set up. I have in the past put the tree together in November. Just before the big day arrives I'm busy replacing burnt out bulbs, broken ornaments, or even replacing the tree. It's simply become boring and we've found a much nicer one. I'm waiting as long as possible this year so I only have to do things once. Everything should then be a novelty that won't lose it's appeal by Christmas day.

Whatever happened to decorating a real pine tree Christmas eve?

Eyes Front

2004-12-01T18:06:00.000-06:00

Why do girlfriends pick on blondes? I find these golden haired goddesses so intimidatingly beautiful I can't help but admire what I see. Charlene is constantly making harassing remarks about these fair creatures that happen to catch my eye. It's done under her breath but loud enough to be heard by the innocent blonde lady. An outright display of jealousy I say! Of course I remind Char of the days when I resembled a Greek God and could easily woo them right out of their pants. She believes me! It makes her love me all the more now that I'm a middle aged has been.

Blonde jokes make her day.

A blonde goes into Tim Horton's and notices there's a "peel and win" sticker on her coffee cup. So she peels it off and starts screaming, "I've won a motorhome! I've won a motorhome!" The waitress says, "That's impossible. The biggest prize is a free lunch." But the blonde keeps on screaming, "I've won a motorhome! I've won a motorhome!" Finally, the manager comes over and says, "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but you're mistaken. You couldn't have possibly won a motor home because we didn't have that as a prize!" The blonde says, "No, it's not a mistake. I've won a motorhome!"
And she hands the ticket to the manager and HE reads ...

CLICK TO FIND OUT WHAT HE READS
At the bottom of the page
You'll love this!

The Call

2004-11-28T11:21:00.000-06:00

Sabrina's mother actually called me Friday evening wanting to know if I'd heard from our daughter since her arrival in town earlier that day. I hadn't, and then the whining started.

Lella: I wish she would let me know what she's up to
Eric: She's at Becky's
Lella: I don't have Becky's phone number
Eric: Neither do I
Lella: She should let me know if she got here ok. She had to drive all that way by herself
Eric: I'm sure we'd know by now if something happ...
Lella: blah, blah, blah
Eric: Listen to me...
Lella: blah, blah, blah
Eric: Look, shut up for a minute and liste...
Lella: blah, blah, blah...blah, blah

Our conversation ended shortly there after, and guess who had the final word. Not too much has changed in that way over the years since our divorce.

Sabrina arrived quite safely. There was nothing to worry about.

Sabrina's parents shortly before "D" day, appropriately captioned.

It's Party Time

2004-11-26T16:46:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SABRINA

How quickly the years have passed. Your mother waking me in the middle of the night complaining of labor pains seems like yesterday. That was 27 years ago.
Have a fun day my baby girl.

The Solution?

2004-11-25T13:24:00.000-06:00

Since my site meter's been on I realize the hits to this blog suck. I like the idea of having the world aware of my existance. Why else would I publish a journal? I signed up for this link exchange site. It's supposed to work quite well or so they say. Amazingly enough I believe it, but then I've been known to consider making an offer on the Eiffel Tower if the sales pitch is good enough.(just kidding) The site is BLOG EXPLOSION

It works like this:

You must sign up at the site
List the blog you want people to see
Earn credits by reading other peoples' sites
The more sites you visit, the more people will visit your site and read your offerings.

It's all a free service. No one's sold me anything yet. Users of the site all have the same goal. I'll read your material and you agree to read mine. If I like what I read, I may link to you, sending you more visitors from my site and so forth and so forth.

The bottom line is I want more traffic to my blog and I'm doing it this way. I almost forgot. I'm supposed to get even more traffic if anyone signs up through my link and then from signups through those links. It could actually create an explosion of traffic. It's a great way of letting people know you exist on the web .

So people, sign up and then clickety-click. We need each other. It's already working for me. JOIN HERE

The Manager Reads "W I N A B A G E L"

I Got Mail

2004-11-24T11:50:00.000-06:00

On occasion I take a chance on looking at some of the spam mail I get. It's awesome what I find. Porn sites, penis enlarging formulas, get rich by morning books, just to name a few. It's just as awesome being told that I willingly signed up to recieve all that crap when I know damned well I never did.

What the hell are some of these so called netpreneurs thinking. They send me a message, trick me into opening it, load the page with a ton of popups or pop behinds that just piss me off more than I already am by now, and then expect me to buy the shit they are selling. On top of all that my browser freezes up and I have to re-boot. Grab a fucking brain morons! I wouldn't buy diddley from them.

For all you spammers out there. Turn off your robot mailers, you're wasting power. Nobody wants to buy useless crap from a bunch of braindead idiots anyway. Ever wondered why you've never made a cent?

Did this help? No! My spam box is already recieving garbage.

The Kids Are Grown

2004-11-20T13:20:00.000-06:00

Ahh the weekend! Time to take a break from my nice guy tasks. I can actually stay home for a few hours 'cause I don't think anyone needs a ride anywhere. Charlene's off for the weekend and Eastlyn hasn't called yet.

Char's daughter has adopted me as a father over the last 15 or so years. Could be because her mother is sort of a wife to me. Eastlyn, like Sabrina, has a habit of calling whenever laziness sets in and the bus stop is a bit out of the way. Half my milage and fuel costs are attributed to helping those two out.

Getting them to where they're going safely is my main objective here. I actually don't mind doing it a bit. Since Sabrina's now a hundred miles from here I leave Sheldon responsible for her.

Hey, fathers worry about their daughters. I get jabbed in the ribs a lot when I glare at some guy ogling us in public. "Dad you're scaring him" I'm told. I can't blame the guy for looking. He's probably wondering what an old fart like me is doing with a young chick like that. I glare back mercilessly.

Maurice Chevalier once sang a song. "oh thank heaven for little girls...they grow up in the most delightful ways"

Gotta go. The phone's ringing.

2004-11-20T13:01:00.000-06:00

Eastlyn

2004-11-20T13:00:00.000-06:00

Sabrina

2004-11-20T12:55:00.000-06:00

The two of them

What A Guy!

2004-11-18T18:56:00.000-06:00

I've been slacking off. The problem is not that I keep forgetting everything. All that came back in short order but it lost some of its zing because I had significantly calmed down come time to write about it. So I won't. It was just about what some stupid, middle aged cunt bitch did in rush hour traffic. There, I feel even better after having typed that!

Where have all the hours in the day gone? I seem to get so little accomplished and I haven't taken my afternoon naps like I used to. I didn't even have to go to the office today. Needless to say, when it's time make a journal entry, I'm all pooped out.

Charlene just started a new job and I'm offering my support to help her succeed in her endeavors. She's new in that workplace so she doesn't know anybody very well and she has to learn all the ropes. I wouldn't want her to get discouraged and not do well. So here I am to save the day.

What I did today:

8:30 am - Drive Charlene to work
9:30 am - Had breakfast
10:00am - Check my online businesses
10:30am - Redesign a web page (not finished)
11:30am - Go meet Charlene for lunch
1:30 pm - Figure out how to add links to blogger template
3:00 pm - Add those links
3:30 pm - Go pick up Charlene
5:30 pm - Have dinner, and by now I'm pooped

By looking at my analysis, I'm using four hours just driving Char around. Quite a chunk of time! Oh well, I do want to offer her my support. What a nice guy I am!

What Was That!

2004-11-15T16:38:00.000-06:00

Something went through my mind this morning on the way to work... Something I was supposed to write about, but can't for the life of me remember what it was. Must be a touch of alzhiemers setting in. It'll come to me eventually, always does.

In keeping with remembering things I'd better note the visit I got from Sabrina. My darling daughter who lives a hundred miles away and doesn't get the chance to drop by here very often. Last Thursday was the day I got a call that they were in the city and were coming over, Sadie too. That's the dog. Cute little thing she is. So we all had a nice little get together for about two hours. Sabrina, Sheldon (boyfriend/hubby), and Sadie. And then they all left, along with a bunch of Christmas ornaments Sabrina's Grandma had given me to be shared with my daughter. End of note.

Hope the memory block goes away. It must be Monday blues.

2004-11-15T16:35:00.000-06:00

Sheldon and Sabrina

2004-11-15T16:34:00.000-06:00

Sadie the cute little doggie

I'm Logging On

2004-11-13T20:29:00.000-06:00

My weekly casino stipend is gone. All in about 15 minutes. No lineups at the pay wickets should have been a good indicator. But then I like to gamble now and again, win or lose.

Good thing I have a few dollars in the online casino bank, which I accumulated last week. Unless the account has $200 or more, I don't ask for a check from them. It takes 10-12 days before I get it, so I use what's accumulated to play with 'till it gets up to $200, and then I request payment, and re-deposit only $20 or $30 to start over with.

This weekend, the online casino sent me a coupon that will match my deposit up to $20, so I'll take advantage of their offer. I'll deposit $20 more and they'll match that for a total of $40. Who knows, I may be requesting a payment yet tonight. I'm logging on right after I publish this post.

Seriously, anyone who likes to pay to play should take a look at this. I recommend it. Here's the link:
THE LINK

And there wasn't a hell of a lot of eye candy out tonite for me to ogle, so I left and came home. Boo-Hoo-Hoo. I'm logging on now!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To...

2004-11-12T21:13:00.000-06:00

Wow! I'm back to work!

I can't believe how much staff there is in the place. Since my untimely departure, there's been like five extra bodies hired to get done what I accomplished with only ten staff. When was the budget increased to allow for so much help? The response: "Budget's fucked anyway, we don't have one" I answer "okayyyyy", and go tackle my light duty tasks. I think I'm being missed as a manager in that work place.

So, I'm in the front office helping everyone catch up with their "too hard" files, or "I don't know what to do" files. Hey, that's what I convinced the big guys to hire me for.

Makes the whole operation run real smooth.
Makes me look like an EXPERT.
Now for those cost cutting measures....and a new budget.

It'll be interesting to see where this all goes.

Remembrance Day - Lest We Forget

2004-11-11T14:58:00.000-06:00

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae
1872 - 1918

I'm Going Insane

2004-11-10T15:37:00.000-06:00

I'm still on workers comp because of that gross accident I had back last March. The one where I tripped and schmucked my shoulder and arm into a brick wall. I caused a lot of damage to myself, pulverizing about 3 inches of bone, killing nerves and muscles. As a result, I now possess a left arm which is about 3 1/2 inches shorter, doesn't move properly, and is completely numb in the shoulder area. It's almost totaly useless. A gruuu-some turn of events in my life. Notice I took the blame for it, the clumsy oaf I am.

On the horizon, I see myself returning to work this Friday, only part time, and in a lite duty clerical position, with the same company that at one time relied on me to manage their distribution services. It's the only job I could convince the big guys to create for me. Only half the salary though. Good thing compo pays me the other half. At least I still have my foot in the door, and now, maybe, I can create my own full time position at full salary, he-he-he. I'll get that office running so efficiantly, the administrative costs will be way down, and then, I'll make them an offer they can't refuse.

Some of my buddys think I'm nuts for wanting to go back to work when I can collect compensation payments for not lifting a finger. I'm totally fed up with sitting at home doing nothing productive. It's driving me completely insane. They're coming to take me away hee-hee-ha-ha-hoo-hoo....

Boo

2004-11-09T22:10:00.000-06:00

Did something really neat last nite. Had a meeting with the local ghost tracking group. These people, of which I'm one, want to catch a ghost doing whatever it is ghosts do, to substantiate some sort of belief in these creatures. We've all seen tons of ghost pics, and heard all the stories, most of which we agree are bullshit, but we've never seen a real ??live?? ghost.
The main objectives:

Hunt for, and find a ghost in all the right places.
Take his picture
Record what he says
Have another meeting to show all the skeptics our find

We had a whale of a time at this meetup. Can hardly wait till next month!
Meetup.com

Well, Well

2004-11-07T20:05:00.000-06:00

Lookee here! There's a pic in my profile. It took some doing but I got it up there. Told you so! Determination pays off. Now I just have to add a few links to my favorite places and things I like to do on line, and my amusing, family oriented journal is well on it's way.

My brain's pretty well fried this evening, after looking at this screen most of the day, and doing all of this trial and error shit. Kinda reminds me what the brain felt like during my boozing years, oops, that's another post. I'm like an elephant, once I get it right, I never forget how I did it.

Why didn't I think of doing this years ago?

I Didn't Win

2004-11-06T22:37:00.000-06:00

Well, so much for my trip to the casino. Again I blew a shit load of money, and I blame it on Charlene. More about that later. Char's been my girlfriend for going on 15 years, sort of a wife. I met her about a year after I was divorced from Lella. That's the one that still pisses me off, Lella, my daughter's mother. That's got to be a separate post all together, so back to my casino evening.

I won that shit load of money I blew, last week. I had a good hit on a slot machine because I was be-dewed with luck. Char got a good snatch rubbing, and a little dig that evening, for good luck, before I went out to play. I told her I probably could've won more if she'd let me dig a little deeper. But alas, tonite, no rub, no dig, and no win. So it's all her fault.

I still say my online casino gives me better odds. I win more times so I can play a lot longer with their cash. Plus they spot me an extra $5, $10, or $20 now and then just because I play at their internet casino. If anybody finds and reads this blog, you can sign up to play there too. Here's the link: THE LINK
It's quite a sweet deal.

At least tonite I got out for a couple of hours, I tried to pocket some moolah, and I ogled all the sweet young stuff, strutting around the casino, showing off some excellent camel toe, and super tight, well formed butts. What do parents feed their daughters these days? Think I'll nudge Char awake for a while. Who knows, maybe next week, I'll hit the jackpot.

I still have to figure out how to post photos, so patience grasshopper.

Trying - Still

2004-11-06T09:28:00.000-06:00

Now i'm back to doing this, on a Saturday morning yet. Taking a look at this blog, I noticed my nickname being used as a sign to my posts. That wasn't supposed to happen, but everything works so efficiantly here that when I wanted to preview what was being posted, ZAP it's up and published already. My name is ERIC and I'll figure out how to have future posts signed by Eric. We're gonna put a photo up here too. Gotta figure that one out yet Like I said, this whole thing is driving me batty. Maybe I'm trying to learn too much at once?

When I finally get it looking the way I want it to, it'll be time for some serious journalistic record keeping. I think teenagers call it a diary, but isn't that for the female three quarters of the human experience? Did you know that all cells and tissues that become a fetus start out being female? It's the "Y" chromosome that makes it grow into a boy baby. I read that in some sex book years ago. Something to think about eh guys? You were a female once.

I want to get out to meet the boys in a little while, but I've still got to learn this horrendous blogging thing to get it right. Back to this trial and error shit. I learn best that way.

It's Coming Together

2004-11-05T23:09:00.000-06:00

So I've finally decided to keep records at this point in my life. This whole blogger thing is kinda driving me nuts but I have good determination, and I will, I will, I will make this happen. Can anyone imagine a guy at my age making a lame attempt to keep up with all this technology. And I thought I was pretty intelligent in the days when my mind was likened to a sponge. Nothing got by me. And it still won't. It could take me a while, but eventually old dogs do learn new tricks.

2004-11-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

My Cock
Standing Proud