Category: Uncategorized

I have been bad about not answering back comments in my blog lately, one of the things that I really believe in. I think that is the number one thing you have to do when you have a blog, answer comments. It just makes good sense to me. I have been so incredibly tired and busy the past few weeks and to the readers of my blog, I apologize. I would also like to clear up some things that people have asked me about my blog, specifically questions about some of the things I have written in some Friday’s Feasts.

The job that I work at has some particularly hectic times of the year and this happens to be one of them. I have a lot to do and not enough time to do it all in. I am sure you have heard of the expression 24/7? In my line of work, it is more 25/8. As a result, I feel 100 when I am only 29. That is why I am feeling so old this week. I usually appreciate my age and have no problem growing older. It is just hard for me to get up and get going for some reason this week.

Some have commented about the statement that I made a couple of weeks ago. I commented that I believe that everyone has a purpose, although I also think that we will never what the purpose is for some people. It is hard for some people to grasp that concept, I admit it is hard for me to grasp it. There are some pretty bad people out there in the world, I don’t see how they could serve any useful purpose. I don’t know why bad things happen to good people, nor do I know why good things happen to bad people. I don’t have all of the answers, I don’t even have anywhere in the neighborhood of half of the answers. I have come to the point where the questions don’t make much sense.

I have a little notebook that I carry around. It has everything in it from work stuff to grocery lists to books that I have read. One of the things I have written in there is a list of things that I want to do before I die. About half way down the list is write a book. I want to write something from start to finish and see it published. While I would love to make a million dollars off of the book, I am realistic that it probably will not happen. That isn’t why I want to write a book any way. I have a story to tell and want other people to read it. I made a promise to myself that I may write the worst book ever written, but it will not be the worst unfinished book ever written. I start out writing longhand and then transcribe what I have written to the computer after I have finished. This process takes longer but helps me work through some things.

The book that I am writing is a memoir of my life. I have started at the beginning and have written about my life up to the period that I am 11. The main part or “meaty” part of the memoir will go from roughly 2000 to the beginning of 2005. I have learned that the writing process is an interesting thing. I have not done an official outline, but I do plan out about two or three items that I am writing next. I thought it would be write A write B write C, I have found out that I have to write about 1,2, and 3 between A and B. Some of the stuff that I write about is good, some of it is unprintable. I have surprised myself a few times as well, saying “I can’t believe I just wrote that.”

I was asked why I was writing if it was so hard for me. I just feel like it is something I have to do. There is something in me that feels like writing, and I have to respond to it.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Appetizer What is your favorite kind of pie? Lemon Chess pie. But only made by a woman near and dear to my heart that has passed away and whom I miss every day of my life.

Soup Name something that made you smile this week. Certain passages from the last Harry Potter book which I finally got to read and finish this week.

Salad What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid? I love Cold Stone Ice Cream and then taking a cold shower.

Main Course You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home. Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up? My living room. I would get rid of the furniture that came with it and buy a nice couch and recliner of my own.
Dessert Fill in the blank: My __birth certificate_______ says _____that I am 29_____, but I _____feel like 100 this week_____.

Appetizer On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you? I would say that I am a 9. Sometimes I think I may be too polite.

Soup What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud? A book that I was reading last night, although I can’t remember now what was so funny.

Salad Who is your favorite cartoon character? Popeye

Main Course Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had. I didn’t have that many funny teachers I am sorry to say. I would have to say Mr. Schulenberger in 8th grade. His humor was very dry and witty, and we could easily get him off topic for an hour talking about sports.

Dessert Complete this sentence: I strongly believe that ______________________. I strongly believe that every body has a purpose, although I also think that we will never know what the purpose is for some people.

Appetizer Describe a toy you remember from your childhood. Oh, so many come to mind. My big wheel, I cried when the back wheel fell off. My sit and spin. The one that I remember vividly is actually one I didn’t get, the Snoopy snowcone machine. Man, I really wanted one of those things.

Soup On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how observant are you? A 9. I am sometimes too observant.

Salad Where would you rather be at this very moment? At this moment, I would like to be in bed. I am so lazy.

Main Course When was the last time you learned something new? I learn something new every day.

Dessert Fill in the blank: I have ____________ but I haven’t ____________. I have been working on my book, but I haven’t gotten where I want to be at this point. Writing is hard for me.

Appetizer On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how much do enjoy watching sports on television? It all depends on the sport really. I love to watch baseball in person but only get excited about the playoffs or the world series. I will also watch a close game in the late innings. I will watch football, (both college and NFL) if the game is close. I love college basketball (GO HEELS!). Any big sporting event such as the Super Bowl is a must but I consider those social, not sporting events.

Soup If you could completely memorize any one work of fiction, which one would you pick? Right off of the top of my head at the moment: Lonesome Dove my Larry McMurtry. I just about have the miniseries memorized in my head so I figure I am almost halfway there.

Salad What is your favorite breakfast food? Wow, another tough question. It all depends on my mood. This morning a bowl of Special K red berries hit the spot. Other days I like to cook myself a cheese omelet. When I go to eat at IHOP, I like their cheese blintzes. At my parent’s house, my dad’s pancakes all the way. (Did I share too much?)

Main Course Name something fun you can do for less than $10.00. Browse my local Barnes & Noble and then get an Iced Coffee at Starbucks. Or see 5 movies at the $2.00 theater.

Dessert How long does it usually take you to fall asleep? On average, about 20 to 30 minutes. Some nights, I am out like a light.

I have an interesting question of the week down below this post, please stop by and check it out.

I skipped last week but now I am back with a question of the week: You have just written your memoirs. Your publisher calls you up and tells you that they love the book but there is a problem. You haven’t given it a title. What is the name of your memoir and why?

Appetizer What is your favorite fruit? I am partial to pears and blueberries.
Soup Who is someone you consider as a great role model? My dad just because he is my dad, Stephen King for his writing ability, Jerry Seinfeld for his comedic talent and for ending his show on his own terms, and anyone who ever followed their dreams regardless of the consequences.
Salad If you were to spend one night anywhere within an hour of your home, where would you choose? The nearest beach. I love the ocean.
Main Course Name something you do too often. Watch too much TV.
Dessert Fill in the blank: I really like baseball because even though it has been tainted somewhat due to steroids, at its core, it is still the purest game that i know and I never tire of watching it in person.

What five books would you take with you to a desert island?

Appetizer How many pieces of jewelry do you wear most days? Just my wedding ring.
Soup What is your favorite instrumental song? Can’t think of one right now.
Salad Who has a last name that you like? I like David Caruso’s character on CSI:Miami, Horatio Caine.
Main Course Name a popular movie you’ve never seen. I am embarrassed to say that there are many. Jaws, Napolean Dynamite, and much to my wife’s horror, I have seen Grease, every line, every dance, every song, just not in one sitting…so I guess that counts.
DessertFill in the blank: Nothing makes me angrier like not being able to make my point, especially if someone else has gotten to make theirs.

Appetizer Name a funny habit you have. I obsessively count stairs and I keep track of how many pages I read.
Soup If you could instantly know how to play a musical instrument, which one would you pick? Either the piano or the saxophone.
Salad How long is your hair? I like to keep my hair short although I could use a hair cut. It gets curly and unmanageable if not cut.
Main Course When was the last time you forgave someone, and who was it? It has been so long I couldn’t tell you who it was, but I am a big fan of forgiving.
Dessert What is your favorite kitchen appliance? I like my smoothie maker.