Okay, let’s not focus entirely on the handsome guy in the photos.Yes, he does have the looks of a Hollywood leading man, but that’s not why I’ve plastered my photos up for the all the world to appreciate…
As you can see I’m of the group of men who are folically challenged.The photo on the left was taken several months ago, the one on the right today after my visit to our local “SuperCuts.”
My wife and I disagree on my “hairstyle.”She is of the opinion that the longer the better.I, on the other hand, look at the inevitable that which is my hairline.Or what is left of it.I’ve not quite got the guts to go the Bruce Willis, or Vin Diesel look.Not quite willing to shave it that close.
But let’s face it.If it’s not there, why try to pull the old “comb over” look?
My wife suggested this post and said I wouldn’t have the guts to ask you guys your preference.I told her, it didn’t take guts, and I just didn’t think anyone would care….
Just put my daughter and her boyfriend on a plane for Las Vegas yesterday.It was my birthday gift to her.Not sure how I feel about it.She’s of legal age (damn, I feel old) and she is a responsible kid (adult?).Our children grow up too fast.I know I’ve been told this by others in the past, but it doesn’t hit home till it’s yours. You just have to learn eventually to let go.
I am spending way too much time on on-line cigar articles. Just ask my wife. Recently finished reading about the pairing of cigars with drinks.Here are a few: White wine (Pinot Grigio),red wine (Pinot Noir and Zinfandels),Sherry, Brandy, Whiskey (need a strong cigar), Beer (Ales and Lagers), Tequila and Rum.I’ve not tried it yet, but I’m told coffee enhances a good cigar as well.
I’ve been spending some time keeping up with KT at When Did I Become a Grownup?Her recent experience with her soon to be ex husband (STBX) is a situation that bears watching.Any of us who have gone through the pain of separation and ultimately divorce should check in on her blog.If you happen to have some solid advice to give, I’m sure she would appreciate it.
Weird and disgusting smell had been coming from one of my bedroom closets.Further investigation proved that a couple of rats had made a home in our attic above the closet.Unfortunately (or not!) they died up there as well.So armed in long sleeved shirt, surgical mask, rubber gloves (lots of fiberglass up there) and the determination to rid ourselves of the smell, I climbed up there and retrieved the corpses.One word, yuck!
I am loving this weather lately.Locally it has been in the 70’s pretty consistently and it makes it hard to be in the office.Since my services will no longer be needed at work in a couple of months, I’ve found the sunshine as a distraction.Much like when as kids we anticipated the summer break and therefore studying was a bit more difficult.
My youngest has her braces coming off soon.After a couple of years in these mechanisms of torture for your teeth, she is ecstatic.Chewy candy and popcorn will be on the top of her list now.
Speaking of my youngest, if you ever want a thrill ride and can’t afford Disneyland, drop by my house.Nothing will thrill you like sitting in the passenger seat while she is learning to drive.In Southern California no less.No wonder I’m losing my hair.
My middle child is a cast member of the high school version of “Rent.”Yes, that “Rent.”The producers of the original play have written a “cleaned up” version for high school productions.If you haven’t read there has been a huge uproar here about it.The principal and the drama instructor have been locking horns over the play.Claims of discrimination, “homophobia” and insubordination have been reported.The ACLU has gotten involved, which can’t be good.I’ve even heard that CBS news and some of the local papers will be there for opening night.It’s too bad that a bunch of adults have taken over a high school production.The losers in this battle will be the kids.High school drama is where they’re supposed to learn about scripting, blocking, lighting, sound and other things associated with stage productions.
Did you know that the state of California will pay up to $6,500 dollars to retrain you?I’ve started to contemplate how I can use this to retrain myself under the Obama administration.I could be a tax advisor.His appointees seem like they could use the help.Or maybe a civil engineer.All those highway projects he’s proposing are going to need people.
Or better yet, how about bartending school?The way the economy is tanking there is going to be a lot of people out there looking to drown their sorrows…
The current state of our economy is causing all of us do things we wouldn’t normally imagine doing.Our family has learned to cut back.We’ve limited our dining out and we’ve learned to be more selective on clothing purchases.We’ve scaled back on our vacations and we tend to buy more generic rather than name brands.
Except cotton swabs.Nobody does a cotton swab like Q-tip, nobody.No exceptions.
But two things I will not do without are my cigars and my wine. God love my wife, she is so understanding with me. Since growing my own tobacco got a veto by the wife, we decided to try growing our own grapes.Our own little vineyard of one grapevine.Chardonnay was our choice to try.
We planted this vine last year and saw very little growth.In fact with my lack of a green thumb, I thought for sure I killed it.Seems this little vine decided to just hibernate and now come spring it has gone bonkers.
If we continue to be successful with this I’m going to have to start coming up with a catchy slogan for our new home grown wine.
How about “Nobody whines like Mike’s wine?”
Here are some actual wine slogans:
“Wine. What are you saving it for? Wine. Since 6000 B.C.”
“Wine is a little like love; when the right one comes along, you know it.”
“As much character as the people who make them.”
“We box the best. The big name in boxed wine.”
“One word captures the moment. Mumm’s the word.” (Champagne)
Our President will be gracing us with his presence today here in OrangeCounty.The video is of local residents waiting in line for tickets and the questions they have for our esteemed leader.Should be an interesting “Town Hall Meeting.”
The chaos of life can be hectic at the least and daunting at the most.Not only are the lives of two working adults (at least for now) keeping our household busy, but throw into the mix our three teenage daughters and your head begins to spin.
There is the whirlwind of homework, play rehearsals, driving lessons, teenage drama, job transition drama and a general concern for that damn 400 pound gorilla in the corner.All of these add up to more stress and anxiety than you want.
So, here’s the secret to not turning into a suicide bomber and taking the family and most of the neighborhood with them.
Two words: date night.
Last Friday afternoon I wrote in my Facebook (don’t judge me!) status the following: “Yippee, date night with the wife.”This is the time we kick out the kids for the evening.Send them to their other parents, give them money to go to the movies, or sell them off to the highest bidder.We do whatever it takes to have an evening alone.
Date night for my bride and I usually consists of an evening home alone.Sometimes we love to go out and enjoy one of our local establishments.We’ve been known to sit in a bar, order drinks and appetizers and watch the crazy zoo of people coming and going.
But sometimes nothing beats sitting at home, good jazz (West Coast style) on the stereo, a bottle of good wine, various cheeses, sourdough baguette, stuffed olives and salami.Add to all of this adult conversation, flirty glances and the opportunity not to be interrupted….