12.31.2006
(link to today's Manifesto)
2006 was looking to be a fairly ordinary yet good year...until October. Then my world just got crazy. Some it was bad, but most of it was good crazy. I can say without hesitation that 2006 has been the best year of my life thus far. And I'm almost certain that 2007 will be even better.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Happy New Year, everyone!
Kwanzaa Day 6--Kuumba
The last red candle represents kuumba, and is lit along with the 5 previously-lit candles.
Kuumba (creativity): We must make things better for the future peeps than they were for us.
See, Wolf...they're tree-huggers too! They even use green candles!
Kuumba (creativity): We must make things better for the future peeps than they were for us.
See, Wolf...they're tree-huggers too! They even use green candles!
12.30.2006
The loyal servant
I went up to the Conoco station an hour ago to pick up a soda and a snack. I put down my stuff at the counter, but the cashier was outside emptying out a portable beer cooler. I decided to grab another soda in the back of the store, and left my stuff at the counter.
When I got back up there, the cashier was back in the store, but she was waiting on a customer buying smokes. The cashier then accidentally charged that customer for my 2 sodas and my 2 Zebra Cakes, but didn't realize it until after the sale was complete.
The customer said, "Ah, don't worry about it. No big deal." I thanked the customer and grabbed my stuff. As I walked out the door, he said, "Since you pay my salary, it's the least I can do."
He opened up his wallet to reveal a gold badge. Given that I live just six blocks from the police station, I assume that he was a detective with the city police department.
Not only was I impressed with his kindness, but I was also impressed with his attitude. We have police officers to protect and serve us, but many people (including me) seem to fear them in general because of the power they possess...and some cops get off on the power. Very refreshing.
When I got back up there, the cashier was back in the store, but she was waiting on a customer buying smokes. The cashier then accidentally charged that customer for my 2 sodas and my 2 Zebra Cakes, but didn't realize it until after the sale was complete.
The customer said, "Ah, don't worry about it. No big deal." I thanked the customer and grabbed my stuff. As I walked out the door, he said, "Since you pay my salary, it's the least I can do."
He opened up his wallet to reveal a gold badge. Given that I live just six blocks from the police station, I assume that he was a detective with the city police department.
Not only was I impressed with his kindness, but I was also impressed with his attitude. We have police officers to protect and serve us, but many people (including me) seem to fear them in general because of the power they possess...and some cops get off on the power. Very refreshing.
Kwanzaa Day 5--Nia
The next green candle represents nia, and is lit today, along with the other 4 previously-lit candles.
Nia (purpose): If we want to reclaim our awesomeness from the days of wayback, we must live to make our peeps and our hoods kick ass.
I dunno...that seems a bit insulting. I don't think blacks ever lost their "traditional greatness," as Dr. Karenga calls it. To me, that's something that you can't take away.
Nia (purpose): If we want to reclaim our awesomeness from the days of wayback, we must live to make our peeps and our hoods kick ass.
I dunno...that seems a bit insulting. I don't think blacks ever lost their "traditional greatness," as Dr. Karenga calls it. To me, that's something that you can't take away.
12.29.2006
End of (single) days
For many months now, I have threatened to marry April as soon as I got her a pretty ring.
Wednesday night, I bought that pretty ring. Last night, I asked her to be my wife and gave her the pretty ring. For reasons of which I am unsure, she said yes. Poor woman has a death wish.
The pics didn't turn out too well. But she loves the ring.
The tentative wedding date is Saturday October 20, 2007. We should have this finalized in the next month. Mark your calendars.
I apologize in advance...the wedding will be Catholic. Blame April.
Wednesday night, I bought that pretty ring. Last night, I asked her to be my wife and gave her the pretty ring. For reasons of which I am unsure, she said yes. Poor woman has a death wish.
The pics didn't turn out too well. But she loves the ring.
The tentative wedding date is Saturday October 20, 2007. We should have this finalized in the next month. Mark your calendars.
I apologize in advance...the wedding will be Catholic. Blame April.
Kwanzaa Day 4--Ujamaa
The next red candle represents ujamaa, and is lit today, along with the other 3 candles.
Ujamaa (cooperative economics): We should start our own businesses, make paper off them and share the wealth with our peeps.
(Instead of giving it to the Asians and Arabs...and Whitey.)
Ujamaa (cooperative economics): We should start our own businesses, make paper off them and share the wealth with our peeps.
(Instead of giving it to the Asians and Arabs...and Whitey.)
12.28.2006
Kwanzaa Day 3--Ujima
Now we're caught up!
The green candle on the far right represents ujima, and is lit today, along with the black and the far left red candle.
Ujima (collective work and responsibility): We have to help each other out in taking care of our community and our issues.
Dr. Karenga is apparently a fan of Marxism, but don't fall for that trap!
The green candle on the far right represents ujima, and is lit today, along with the black and the far left red candle.
Ujima (collective work and responsibility): We have to help each other out in taking care of our community and our issues.
Dr. Karenga is apparently a fan of Marxism, but don't fall for that trap!
Kwanzaa Day 2--Kujichagulia
I'm a few days behind...my bad!
The red candle on the far left represents kujichagulia, and is lit today, along with the black candle.
Kujichagulia (self-determination): We say who we are and are charting our own course...not Whitey, not Rev. Al Sharpton.
The red candle on the far left represents kujichagulia, and is lit today, along with the black candle.
Kujichagulia (self-determination): We say who we are and are charting our own course...not Whitey, not Rev. Al Sharpton.
Kwanzaa Day 1--Umoja
Welcome to the Bosque's 3rd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration!
This year's celebration is dedicated to two righteous Negroes that have recently passed on--Rhoda and James Brown. Keep 'em groovin' in Heaven, Godfather. And Rhoda, your Good Nigger card will never be revoked so long as I'm breathing.
The kinara contains 7 candles--3 reds, on the left; one black, in the middle; and 3 greens, on the right. The black candle represents umoja, and is lit today.
Umoja (unity): Keeping the peeps together from the micro to the macro. No, white people should not be afraid...this isn't LA 1992.
This year's celebration is dedicated to two righteous Negroes that have recently passed on--Rhoda and James Brown. Keep 'em groovin' in Heaven, Godfather. And Rhoda, your Good Nigger card will never be revoked so long as I'm breathing.
The kinara contains 7 candles--3 reds, on the left; one black, in the middle; and 3 greens, on the right. The black candle represents umoja, and is lit today.
Umoja (unity): Keeping the peeps together from the micro to the macro. No, white people should not be afraid...this isn't LA 1992.
Scary Situation
Tim brings us one that hits close to home for him and I
This is courtesy of myfoxstl.com
ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) --
A woman was shot and killed at her south St. Louis home Wednesday night. Police don't believe the woman knew her killer, and say, by all indications, this is a random act of violence. There is no one in custody at this time.
The 57-year-old woman had just returned to her home on South Grand, near Interstate 55 and Loughborough, around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday.
According to police, the woman called her son and daughter-in-law to say she was back home and that she needed help unloading some packages from her car.
Moments later, neighbors on that street heard a gunshot, but came outside and saw nothing.
The woman's son and daughter-in-law arrived a short time later, and found her dead on the front porch.
People living in the neighborhood are shocked. One neighbor told us, “It's scary, because I walk to Schnucks almost every night, by myself. I got a kid around here I walk around with. It's spooky. I hope they catch whoever done it.”
This is the 127th murder in St. Louis city so far this year. There were 130 murders in St. Louis last year.
This bothers me in a few ways. first, my mom and dad live right around the corner from where this happened. They both walk the dog around the neighborhood and this stuff doesn't happen in that area. Also, 15 min prior I made 2 deliveries on that street. I went back to the store, and I had another delivery in that area when I pulled up on the scene of police and EMS. Ate up.
This is courtesy of myfoxstl.com
ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) --
A woman was shot and killed at her south St. Louis home Wednesday night. Police don't believe the woman knew her killer, and say, by all indications, this is a random act of violence. There is no one in custody at this time.
The 57-year-old woman had just returned to her home on South Grand, near Interstate 55 and Loughborough, around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday.
According to police, the woman called her son and daughter-in-law to say she was back home and that she needed help unloading some packages from her car.
Moments later, neighbors on that street heard a gunshot, but came outside and saw nothing.
The woman's son and daughter-in-law arrived a short time later, and found her dead on the front porch.
People living in the neighborhood are shocked. One neighbor told us, “It's scary, because I walk to Schnucks almost every night, by myself. I got a kid around here I walk around with. It's spooky. I hope they catch whoever done it.”
This is the 127th murder in St. Louis city so far this year. There were 130 murders in St. Louis last year.
This bothers me in a few ways. first, my mom and dad live right around the corner from where this happened. They both walk the dog around the neighborhood and this stuff doesn't happen in that area. Also, 15 min prior I made 2 deliveries on that street. I went back to the store, and I had another delivery in that area when I pulled up on the scene of police and EMS. Ate up.
The new Sycamore Palatial Estate (graphic-heavy)
This is the street we live on...Oleatha Ave. It's essentially the gateway into the neighborhood...a pretty tree-lined street.
The front of our building:
The building hallway:
The living room:
The kitchen:
The dining area:
The hallway:
The bathroom:
The bedroom:
The deck and backyard:
I barely have to leave bed to check the temperature outside:
The front of our building:
The building hallway:
The living room:
The kitchen:
The dining area:
The hallway:
The bathroom:
The bedroom:
The deck and backyard:
I barely have to leave bed to check the temperature outside:
12.27.2006
RIP President Ford
Greetings, bitches! I'm now online at the crib...whoohoo!
How can you dislike Gerald Ford? Seriously. The man was only president for 2 1/2 years and didn't really do anything to piss people off...except for pardoning Nixon, but you kinda knew that was coming. If anything, you have to respect him for stepping up to the plate out of nowhere and for guiding us through the post-Watergate turmoil. He died last night at his home in Rancho Mirage, CA. At 93, he was the longest living president, recently passing Ronald Reagan.
Rest in peace...
How can you dislike Gerald Ford? Seriously. The man was only president for 2 1/2 years and didn't really do anything to piss people off...except for pardoning Nixon, but you kinda knew that was coming. If anything, you have to respect him for stepping up to the plate out of nowhere and for guiding us through the post-Watergate turmoil. He died last night at his home in Rancho Mirage, CA. At 93, he was the longest living president, recently passing Ronald Reagan.
Rest in peace...
12.25.2006
RIP Godfather
Merry Xmas, peeps!
No one can deny the fucking awesomeness that was James Brown...he was as important to rock music as Elvis and the Beatles. His musical imprint is damn near everywhere today. And how can you forget the craziness he got into in his later years? He died early this morning in Atlanta.
RIP Godfather...thanks for all the great music and the legacy.
No one can deny the fucking awesomeness that was James Brown...he was as important to rock music as Elvis and the Beatles. His musical imprint is damn near everywhere today. And how can you forget the craziness he got into in his later years? He died early this morning in Atlanta.
RIP Godfather...thanks for all the great music and the legacy.
12.23.2006
Christmas Lights...oh my!
Chris is in charge again today
Syc, Luscious, my rugrat and I went and looked at some Christmas lights tonight after dinner. Now, I love Christmas lights, but wow! Some people just pull out all the stops when they decorate. You sure as hell don't see whole neighborhoods where I'm from decorating like some do in south city. It's cool though. Kinda embraces the Christmas spirit. Here in Arnold (yes, I said Arnold) it's kind of hit or miss. Some people put stuff up and some don't. The ones that do put stuff up seem like they are compensating for those that don't. It's like National Lampoon's Christmas sometimes around here. Damn Hoosiers. Oh well. Merry Christmas everyone!
Syc, Luscious, my rugrat and I went and looked at some Christmas lights tonight after dinner. Now, I love Christmas lights, but wow! Some people just pull out all the stops when they decorate. You sure as hell don't see whole neighborhoods where I'm from decorating like some do in south city. It's cool though. Kinda embraces the Christmas spirit. Here in Arnold (yes, I said Arnold) it's kind of hit or miss. Some people put stuff up and some don't. The ones that do put stuff up seem like they are compensating for those that don't. It's like National Lampoon's Christmas sometimes around here. Damn Hoosiers. Oh well. Merry Christmas everyone!
12.21.2006
He's gonna be a butt man when he grows up
Allow me to introduce my dear friend Chris (aka crazybeotch99), who is our newest guest Manifesto writer
Syc has finally lost his mind. Since I have no life and all the time in the world he told me I can write some manifestos. :twisted: I'll apologize in advance for any insults that occur during my writing stint.
(AP) HAGERSTOWN, Md. A father in Maryland says his 5-year-old son knows nothing about sex, but the boy was written up for sexually harassing a kindergarten classmate.
Washington County school officials told Charles Vallance that his son pinched a girl's buttocks earlier this month in a hallway at Lincolnshire Elementary School. The school says that meets the state's definition of sexual harassment. Vallance says his son was only playing around and had no sexual intent.
School officials say the incident will remain in the boys file until he goes to middle school.
Citing state data, the (Hagerstown) Herald-Mail reports that 28 kindergarten students in Maryland were suspended for sex offenses in the last school year - 15 of those suspensions for sexual harassment.
(© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
My son would most definitely not fit in at this school. I have an 8 year old who last year, made a lot of my male friends very proud. He was out on the playground for recess playing kickball. The elementary playground is right next to the junior high school on his campus and it just so happens on this particular, gloriously sunny day that one of the junior high teachers decided to have class outside.
Well my son, being the rain man that he is, just can't accept this without some type of explanation. Those people were not supposed to be there. So he politely asks a girl in the class why they are out there. Either she didn't hear him or was ignoring him, because he asked again. Well, after the third time of not getting an answer my son proceeded to smack the junior high girl on the butt. Not hard, but enough to shock her. The girl wasn't offended. She didn't even tell on him. One of his classmates told on him.
Can I just say how hard it was not to laugh when I read the note that was sent home. My son is a good kid and is also very affectionate. Thankfully, the principal knows him very well, not because he gets in trouble, just because he's a well liked kid. So he just got a note to file. In this school district from the article, he probably would have gotten expelled. It's scary being a parent nowdays. I can only imagine what parents of kids who are trouble makers must be going through.
Syc has finally lost his mind. Since I have no life and all the time in the world he told me I can write some manifestos. :twisted: I'll apologize in advance for any insults that occur during my writing stint.
- Maryland 5-Year-Old Accused Of Pinching Buttocks
(AP) HAGERSTOWN, Md. A father in Maryland says his 5-year-old son knows nothing about sex, but the boy was written up for sexually harassing a kindergarten classmate.
Washington County school officials told Charles Vallance that his son pinched a girl's buttocks earlier this month in a hallway at Lincolnshire Elementary School. The school says that meets the state's definition of sexual harassment. Vallance says his son was only playing around and had no sexual intent.
School officials say the incident will remain in the boys file until he goes to middle school.
Citing state data, the (Hagerstown) Herald-Mail reports that 28 kindergarten students in Maryland were suspended for sex offenses in the last school year - 15 of those suspensions for sexual harassment.
(© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
My son would most definitely not fit in at this school. I have an 8 year old who last year, made a lot of my male friends very proud. He was out on the playground for recess playing kickball. The elementary playground is right next to the junior high school on his campus and it just so happens on this particular, gloriously sunny day that one of the junior high teachers decided to have class outside.
Well my son, being the rain man that he is, just can't accept this without some type of explanation. Those people were not supposed to be there. So he politely asks a girl in the class why they are out there. Either she didn't hear him or was ignoring him, because he asked again. Well, after the third time of not getting an answer my son proceeded to smack the junior high girl on the butt. Not hard, but enough to shock her. The girl wasn't offended. She didn't even tell on him. One of his classmates told on him.
Can I just say how hard it was not to laugh when I read the note that was sent home. My son is a good kid and is also very affectionate. Thankfully, the principal knows him very well, not because he gets in trouble, just because he's a well liked kid. So he just got a note to file. In this school district from the article, he probably would have gotten expelled. It's scary being a parent nowdays. I can only imagine what parents of kids who are trouble makers must be going through.
12.17.2006
A eulogy
We tend to say that someone died too young or too soon when they die before age 50 or so. And I know that it has been said in the case of Rhoda's recent passing.
But we merely do that for convenience and comfort. We don't like to think that God would take someone from us so young or subject them to an incredible amount of pain and suffering. But the Lord works in mysterious ways, and I think He has a specific plan for each of us...He just gives us some leeway to make our own choices.
I'm not sure what Rhoda's exact purpose on this Earth was...only God knows that. But each of us had our own unique experience with her. Rhoda inspired me to move halfway across a country, taught me about African-American culture and thinking and was with me when I took my first steps in an ocean. She put up with all my bullshit for 6 years and was one of the few people on this Earth who truly understood me. Though I disagree with the way she handled her illness, she dealt with it on her own terms...it was the last thing she felt she controlled in her life.
Unfortunately, I had almost no contact with her during the last year of her life, and from what I've heard, she suffered a great deal. But she will suffer no more. I am sure that she is looking down on us today with her dad, her brother and all her relatives and friends that got up there first.
Though Rhoda and I were not meant to be life partners, I still love her a great deal, and always will. I want to say that she was taken from us too soon, but I know better...and Heaven is probably a way cooler place than Earth.
I love you, Kitty...and I'm glad you're finally at peace.
But we merely do that for convenience and comfort. We don't like to think that God would take someone from us so young or subject them to an incredible amount of pain and suffering. But the Lord works in mysterious ways, and I think He has a specific plan for each of us...He just gives us some leeway to make our own choices.
I'm not sure what Rhoda's exact purpose on this Earth was...only God knows that. But each of us had our own unique experience with her. Rhoda inspired me to move halfway across a country, taught me about African-American culture and thinking and was with me when I took my first steps in an ocean. She put up with all my bullshit for 6 years and was one of the few people on this Earth who truly understood me. Though I disagree with the way she handled her illness, she dealt with it on her own terms...it was the last thing she felt she controlled in her life.
Unfortunately, I had almost no contact with her during the last year of her life, and from what I've heard, she suffered a great deal. But she will suffer no more. I am sure that she is looking down on us today with her dad, her brother and all her relatives and friends that got up there first.
Though Rhoda and I were not meant to be life partners, I still love her a great deal, and always will. I want to say that she was taken from us too soon, but I know better...and Heaven is probably a way cooler place than Earth.
I love you, Kitty...and I'm glad you're finally at peace.
12.14.2006
Rhoda Strickland, 1969-2006
It is with incredible sadness that I must announce the death of Rhoda, my former fiance and the former First Lady of the Bosque. She passed away Monday due to apparent complications from her illness, aged 37.
In spite of everything that happened with us, I still loved Rhoda a great deal, and always will. I hope that she now has the peace that she could never find while on this earth.
Rest in peace...
In spite of everything that happened with us, I still loved Rhoda a great deal, and always will. I hope that she now has the peace that she could never find while on this earth.
Rest in peace...
12.13.2006
(link to today's Manifesto)
Good morning, fuckers.
I decided to come up to Kinko's in Brentwood and hang out for a bit. I see that Wolf is falling down on the job...Goddamn, can't trust anyone to write Manifestos for me anymore. ;-)
I can walk without a boot, for at least a short amount of time. I'm not gonna go back to work until Monday, to be safe. But it's nice to be in almost no pain.
My brother and I officially have a new hangout...more in The Dive Bar Chronicles. Damn...we had quite a few beers tonight. I could use some food shortly...Uncle Bill's is calling.
I decided to come up to Kinko's in Brentwood and hang out for a bit. I see that Wolf is falling down on the job...Goddamn, can't trust anyone to write Manifestos for me anymore. ;-)
I can walk without a boot, for at least a short amount of time. I'm not gonna go back to work until Monday, to be safe. But it's nice to be in almost no pain.
My brother and I officially have a new hangout...more in The Dive Bar Chronicles. Damn...we had quite a few beers tonight. I could use some food shortly...Uncle Bill's is calling.
12.10.2006
Out and about
Today, I drove for the first time since Wednesday. April had stuff to do at her mom's house (including my laundry), and I didn't want to sit around the apartment all day.
It wasn't bad. Obviously, I don't have the flexibility of my right foot right now, but I can switch between the accelerator and the brake. And I'm staying off busy streets for now.
Apparently, I'm only restricted for a week, but I have to wear this boot for 3 weeks...this could be interesting. I'd like to go back to work Friday, but I'm not gonna push it. We'll see.
It wasn't bad. Obviously, I don't have the flexibility of my right foot right now, but I can switch between the accelerator and the brake. And I'm staying off busy streets for now.
Apparently, I'm only restricted for a week, but I have to wear this boot for 3 weeks...this could be interesting. I'd like to go back to work Friday, but I'm not gonna push it. We'll see.
12.09.2006
One ankle don't stop the show
Howdy, peeps!
Greetings from the BreadCo in Lindenwood Park. April and I are sitting here chowing down while I catch up on internet happenings.
As April mentioned, I slipped and fell on a puddle in my dining room Wednesday morning. Originally, it was thought that I had a severe sprain, then a talus fracture. But after looking at my x-ray yesterday, the orthopedist concluded that I had a severe sprain along with chipping a piece of my calcaneus (heel bone). This may eventually require surgery--only because the piece could float around in my ankle and give me problems later. The piece of bone I chipped is not a big deal. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next week, and wear a walking cast for 3 weeks.
I'm feeling better today, though I'm not going to test the doc's orders. Hopefully, I can go back to work Friday.
April has been a huge help this week...I don't know what I would have done without her. Thank you, pretty lady! :) I love you so much, it's beyond retarded.
And Chris helped me out last night and this morning...thanks, chicky!
Maybe I'll have internet access Monday or Tuesday...one can hope.
Later!
Greetings from the BreadCo in Lindenwood Park. April and I are sitting here chowing down while I catch up on internet happenings.
As April mentioned, I slipped and fell on a puddle in my dining room Wednesday morning. Originally, it was thought that I had a severe sprain, then a talus fracture. But after looking at my x-ray yesterday, the orthopedist concluded that I had a severe sprain along with chipping a piece of my calcaneus (heel bone). This may eventually require surgery--only because the piece could float around in my ankle and give me problems later. The piece of bone I chipped is not a big deal. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next week, and wear a walking cast for 3 weeks.
I'm feeling better today, though I'm not going to test the doc's orders. Hopefully, I can go back to work Friday.
April has been a huge help this week...I don't know what I would have done without her. Thank you, pretty lady! :) I love you so much, it's beyond retarded.
And Chris helped me out last night and this morning...thanks, chicky!
Maybe I'll have internet access Monday or Tuesday...one can hope.
Later!
12.08.2006
Code Blue
Wolf's at the controls today
Today it is damn cold in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Right now (11:11 EST) its about 28°F, 20 with the wind chill.
This activates the "Code Blue" protocol. Shelters that usually have an upper end cap are supposed to be open to all comers, and there are also additional outreaches done to try to get people who would ordinarily prefer sleeping on a grate to go indoors.
That's the theory, anyway.
Tonight, Robert the Crazy Guy Who Sleeps on the Porch came up to me and complained that the Shelter told him they couldn't let him in. "They can't do that, it's Code Blue," I exclaimed.
"That's damn right," Robert agreed. "The bastard wouldn't let me in and he has to."
So I called the shelter. Surely Robert misinterpreted something.
Robert was right. They are refusing people at the shelter on a Code Blue Night.
So, Robert got to come inside, avail himself of the hospitality of my lobby, and received a fine repast of fish, peas, and tater tots, along with, because he is a special friend, a cup of real coffee, cream and two sugars. And probably the best night's sleep he's had in awhile, because he doesn't have to worry about security finding him inside one of the vehicles in their motor pool.
Sweet Dreams, Robert.
Sycamore didn't ask for a Guest Manifesto, but it was getting late.
Today it is damn cold in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Right now (11:11 EST) its about 28°F, 20 with the wind chill.
This activates the "Code Blue" protocol. Shelters that usually have an upper end cap are supposed to be open to all comers, and there are also additional outreaches done to try to get people who would ordinarily prefer sleeping on a grate to go indoors.
That's the theory, anyway.
Tonight, Robert the Crazy Guy Who Sleeps on the Porch came up to me and complained that the Shelter told him they couldn't let him in. "They can't do that, it's Code Blue," I exclaimed.
"That's damn right," Robert agreed. "The bastard wouldn't let me in and he has to."
So I called the shelter. Surely Robert misinterpreted something.
Robert was right. They are refusing people at the shelter on a Code Blue Night.
So, Robert got to come inside, avail himself of the hospitality of my lobby, and received a fine repast of fish, peas, and tater tots, along with, because he is a special friend, a cup of real coffee, cream and two sugars. And probably the best night's sleep he's had in awhile, because he doesn't have to worry about security finding him inside one of the vehicles in their motor pool.
Sweet Dreams, Robert.
Sycamore didn't ask for a Guest Manifesto, but it was getting late.
12.07.2006
A Date Which Will Live in Infamy
Wolf is hall monitor today
Today in History ... Sycamore broke his ankle.
Since we're only able to communicate via cell phone text messaging, I don't know what happened.
So, let's take some time and speculate ...
How did Sycamore break his ankle?
- There are certain pages in the Kama Sutra that should carry a warning label "For expert use only. Do not attempt to operate heavy machinery while using this position."
- He didn't follow my advice to get a set of ice cleats from QVC to use while delivering pizza and some dumb mofo in South Saint Louis didn't salt the front walk.
- An old lady kicked him in the ankle as she was fighting with him for the last top secret 10th anniversary Tickle Me Elmo.
Today in History ... Sycamore broke his ankle.
Since we're only able to communicate via cell phone text messaging, I don't know what happened.
So, let's take some time and speculate ...
How did Sycamore break his ankle?
- There are certain pages in the Kama Sutra that should carry a warning label "For expert use only. Do not attempt to operate heavy machinery while using this position."
- He didn't follow my advice to get a set of ice cleats from QVC to use while delivering pizza and some dumb mofo in South Saint Louis didn't salt the front walk.
- An old lady kicked him in the ankle as she was fighting with him for the last top secret 10th anniversary Tickle Me Elmo.
12.06.2006
Alone, but not lonely
Greetings from the Brentwood Kinko's. I fucking hate that many Kinko's are no longer open 24 hours. There are two much closer to home, but it's not like I'm that far away. And I can understand if the "We never close" concept wasn't working for Kinko's.
I have to give some mad shoutouts...
First, to Tim for helping me out yesterday. It would have never gotten done right if he hadn't helped me.
(And Tim, you can't say I didn't put in my fair share this time. :))
Then, to April, for putting together the kitchen, the living room and putting up Xmas decorations. That's why I love you and why I'm gonna keep ya.
And of course, to Wolf, for keeping you motherfuckers in line yesterday. I want to make the Manifestos a daily thing again, and so it was important to keep the continuity going. We're now at 9 days in a row...nowhere near our record, but we'll get there. :)
Everything is out of my parents' house and at my place. I'm excited/relieved/nervous/relaxed/wore the fuck out. I don't know what the fuck to do with myself...I might have to throw myself a party. I haven't been in this situation since 1995...but that was college, and that really doesn't count in my book.
But right now, I think I'm gonna finish this up, check my e-mail, drive home, put my bed together and go to bed.
Pictures tomorrow...for real.
I have to give some mad shoutouts...
First, to Tim for helping me out yesterday. It would have never gotten done right if he hadn't helped me.
(And Tim, you can't say I didn't put in my fair share this time. :))
Then, to April, for putting together the kitchen, the living room and putting up Xmas decorations. That's why I love you and why I'm gonna keep ya.
And of course, to Wolf, for keeping you motherfuckers in line yesterday. I want to make the Manifestos a daily thing again, and so it was important to keep the continuity going. We're now at 9 days in a row...nowhere near our record, but we'll get there. :)
Everything is out of my parents' house and at my place. I'm excited/relieved/nervous/relaxed/wore the fuck out. I don't know what the fuck to do with myself...I might have to throw myself a party. I haven't been in this situation since 1995...but that was college, and that really doesn't count in my book.
But right now, I think I'm gonna finish this up, check my e-mail, drive home, put my bed together and go to bed.
Pictures tomorrow...for real.
12.05.2006
Getting Out
I got high again and decided to let Wolf post
Today is moving day for Mr. Sycamore, and rather than slack on the Manifesto as has been his recent habit, he asked me to take over.
I now rule the Bosque. Worship me.
Last night I got some news ... good or bad or indifferent, I'm not sure yet, although I'm leaning towards indifferent.
Someone I know recently got out of jail. I would occasionally check the State Department of Corrections Inmate Locator to see if he was still in the Big House. It was pretty easy to keep track of where he was, including the name of the State Correctional Institution he was placed in.
Interestingly, I can still keep track of where he is.
He's a registered sex offender on the Megan's Law Database.
That's where the "indifferent" part comes in.
I already know a lot of people on the database, but that's primarily because of work. They are not really people I know, you know?
I found out about his release because another mutual friend caught a piece of a news story about his home being vandalized. I have not seen the story. For some reason, it hasn't been posted to the station's website, and no other news services picked up the story, not as yet, anyway.
Sylvester Stallone being at the link got immediate coverage. This story, much like his conviction, has already faded into the background. We suspected that family money somehow kept the stories about the trial and conviction out of the media. It must have been family money that kept the house all these years..
He was an acquaintance, not a friend. My circle of friends knew that there was something about how he referred to the "Rent-a-Kids," children of his neighbors whom he spent a lot of time watching, taking to amusement parks, and other things that families are too busy to do these days. He was that strange, kindly, child-like bachellor who went out of his way to have an incredible Halloween display including a computer photo album rotating pictures of the kids in their costumes from last year. The parents dug the pics, while the kids got to explore the interior of the haunted house, and, apparently, other things that are scarier than Halloween ghosts and goblins.
We all knew what was going on, and even went so far as to warn someone not to leave her son unattended with him. She didn't take us seriously. She probably "got" it around the time her son had to testify at the trial as the lead witness for the prosecution.
The guy worked for a very major corporation in the area that had an active school outreach program. Guess who's picture was in the Annual Report (for the year of his arrest and conviction, incidentally) showing off his rapport with a cluster of young boys? Guess which year of the Annual Report has now disappeared from the corporate library?
An informal poll of his coworkers yielded many "I expected this sooner or later," but only one "I just hope it's not true."
I know he can't really change. There is no "rehabilitation" for sexual predators. I expect that his parole includes the usual requirements, no contact with kids, no hanging around parks and playgrounds, and probably no computer access. Whether or not that one sticks will be the interesting piece ... does the state have the right to restrict you from your means of livelihood? I don't remember whether he was a hardware or software guy. He was certainly geeky enough for either.
I'm really not sure how I feel about this guy being back in the community.
I especially don't know how I'll react if he shows up at some event I go to.
Today is moving day for Mr. Sycamore, and rather than slack on the Manifesto as has been his recent habit, he asked me to take over.
I now rule the Bosque. Worship me.
Last night I got some news ... good or bad or indifferent, I'm not sure yet, although I'm leaning towards indifferent.
Someone I know recently got out of jail. I would occasionally check the State Department of Corrections Inmate Locator to see if he was still in the Big House. It was pretty easy to keep track of where he was, including the name of the State Correctional Institution he was placed in.
Interestingly, I can still keep track of where he is.
He's a registered sex offender on the Megan's Law Database.
That's where the "indifferent" part comes in.
I already know a lot of people on the database, but that's primarily because of work. They are not really people I know, you know?
I found out about his release because another mutual friend caught a piece of a news story about his home being vandalized. I have not seen the story. For some reason, it hasn't been posted to the station's website, and no other news services picked up the story, not as yet, anyway.
Sylvester Stallone being at the link got immediate coverage. This story, much like his conviction, has already faded into the background. We suspected that family money somehow kept the stories about the trial and conviction out of the media. It must have been family money that kept the house all these years..
He was an acquaintance, not a friend. My circle of friends knew that there was something about how he referred to the "Rent-a-Kids," children of his neighbors whom he spent a lot of time watching, taking to amusement parks, and other things that families are too busy to do these days. He was that strange, kindly, child-like bachellor who went out of his way to have an incredible Halloween display including a computer photo album rotating pictures of the kids in their costumes from last year. The parents dug the pics, while the kids got to explore the interior of the haunted house, and, apparently, other things that are scarier than Halloween ghosts and goblins.
We all knew what was going on, and even went so far as to warn someone not to leave her son unattended with him. She didn't take us seriously. She probably "got" it around the time her son had to testify at the trial as the lead witness for the prosecution.
The guy worked for a very major corporation in the area that had an active school outreach program. Guess who's picture was in the Annual Report (for the year of his arrest and conviction, incidentally) showing off his rapport with a cluster of young boys? Guess which year of the Annual Report has now disappeared from the corporate library?
An informal poll of his coworkers yielded many "I expected this sooner or later," but only one "I just hope it's not true."
I know he can't really change. There is no "rehabilitation" for sexual predators. I expect that his parole includes the usual requirements, no contact with kids, no hanging around parks and playgrounds, and probably no computer access. Whether or not that one sticks will be the interesting piece ... does the state have the right to restrict you from your means of livelihood? I don't remember whether he was a hardware or software guy. He was certainly geeky enough for either.
I'm really not sure how I feel about this guy being back in the community.
I especially don't know how I'll react if he shows up at some event I go to.
12.04.2006
True freedom, part 3
I love the name of my street.
Oleatha Ave...(o-LEE-tha)..."tha" pronounced like the "th" in "thistle."
According to the St. Louis Public Library, Oleatha "had its origin in the 1880s when developer Sam P. Rathell asked his wife, Oleatha, to choose names for the streets in their subdivision, Lindenwood. She named this one after herself."
My grandma and aunt used to live on the street...about a half-block away from my place. As I mentioned a couple of days ago, my place feels much like their old place.
It's probably the coolest street name I've ever had. Chauncey Pl. sounds both cool and gay. Dearmont Circle was cool, as was Red Lion Rd. But Itaska St. might have taken the cake. Not anymore, though.
Oleatha Ave...(o-LEE-tha)..."tha" pronounced like the "th" in "thistle."
According to the St. Louis Public Library, Oleatha "had its origin in the 1880s when developer Sam P. Rathell asked his wife, Oleatha, to choose names for the streets in their subdivision, Lindenwood. She named this one after herself."
My grandma and aunt used to live on the street...about a half-block away from my place. As I mentioned a couple of days ago, my place feels much like their old place.
It's probably the coolest street name I've ever had. Chauncey Pl. sounds both cool and gay. Dearmont Circle was cool, as was Red Lion Rd. But Itaska St. might have taken the cake. Not anymore, though.
12.03.2006
If there is still snow on...
...your porches and sidewalks tomorrow, I'm gonna smack the shit out of you.
*knocks on wood* I didn't fall once during this weekend's storms...and I've worked every day since Wednesday. I consider myself very lucky. But I slipped a couple of times. And a lot of people still haven't cleared their walkways.
I know it's been incredibly cold. And I know that most of what's left is ice. But it's been 3 days now. Time to suck it up and beat the rest of that shit off with a shovel or heavy metal object.
It would be most unfortunate if I slipped and fell. And it would be most unfortunate for you to lose your homeowners insurance over a lawsuit and get your ass whipped with my new Louisville Slugger.
So please, think of me...and you. :)
*knocks on wood* I didn't fall once during this weekend's storms...and I've worked every day since Wednesday. I consider myself very lucky. But I slipped a couple of times. And a lot of people still haven't cleared their walkways.
I know it's been incredibly cold. And I know that most of what's left is ice. But it's been 3 days now. Time to suck it up and beat the rest of that shit off with a shovel or heavy metal object.
It would be most unfortunate if I slipped and fell. And it would be most unfortunate for you to lose your homeowners insurance over a lawsuit and get your ass whipped with my new Louisville Slugger.
So please, think of me...and you. :)
12.02.2006
True freedom, part 2
I signed the lease today and got the keys. I now officially have an apartment in the Kingshighway Hills/Southtown section of South City. Whoohoo!
April and I just lay on the bedroom floor for like an hour today, just talking and doing nothing. It was nice to have some true peace and quiet for a change.
Tonight, I went back over there after work to unpack some stuff. As I sat on my kitchen floor eating dinner, I heaved a happy sigh of contentment. If I weren't so lazy, I would have dragged an air mattress and pillow over there tonight and stayed there. That, and I like my bed too much.
No pictures until Tuesday...that's the next time I'll see it in the daylight.
April and I just lay on the bedroom floor for like an hour today, just talking and doing nothing. It was nice to have some true peace and quiet for a change.
Tonight, I went back over there after work to unpack some stuff. As I sat on my kitchen floor eating dinner, I heaved a happy sigh of contentment. If I weren't so lazy, I would have dragged an air mattress and pillow over there tonight and stayed there. That, and I like my bed too much.
No pictures until Tuesday...that's the next time I'll see it in the daylight.
12.01.2006
True freedom
Bruce imparted these words of wisdom to me in response to a Manifesto on July 23, 2005:
You need a bitch slapping.
NO, YOU ARE NOT MAKING GOOD MONEY!
Can you get your own place?
Pay for your own electric, cable, car and all the other shit a responsible person does without help?
Then you're making good money.
I've never forgotten them...Bruce is a smart motherfucker. But they became more prominent to me this past week.
I am currently going through a rather dark period in my life. Maybe a better term is "transitional"...I dunno. Anyway...
This week, it became clear to me that I needed to establish my independence. I'm 31 now, and I make good money. I've never really been on my own before per se, other than a semester at college, which doesn't really count. I need a place to make my own...where I can just be.
My bad credit and the type of work I do put me behind the 8-ball a bit, but someone was nice enough to give me a fair shake. Next week, I move into my new apartment. It's in a nice area here on the South Side...close enough to work, but far enough away from my family. It's near my grandma and aunt's old apartment...a place that brought me a great deal of happiness. My place even looks and feels a bit like their old place.
I don't have much to take with me, and I won't be able to get much for now. But it'll be my space and mine only...and that's what I need right now.
You need a bitch slapping.
NO, YOU ARE NOT MAKING GOOD MONEY!
Can you get your own place?
Pay for your own electric, cable, car and all the other shit a responsible person does without help?
Then you're making good money.
I've never forgotten them...Bruce is a smart motherfucker. But they became more prominent to me this past week.
I am currently going through a rather dark period in my life. Maybe a better term is "transitional"...I dunno. Anyway...
This week, it became clear to me that I needed to establish my independence. I'm 31 now, and I make good money. I've never really been on my own before per se, other than a semester at college, which doesn't really count. I need a place to make my own...where I can just be.
My bad credit and the type of work I do put me behind the 8-ball a bit, but someone was nice enough to give me a fair shake. Next week, I move into my new apartment. It's in a nice area here on the South Side...close enough to work, but far enough away from my family. It's near my grandma and aunt's old apartment...a place that brought me a great deal of happiness. My place even looks and feels a bit like their old place.
I don't have much to take with me, and I won't be able to get much for now. But it'll be my space and mine only...and that's what I need right now.
