This One Is For You, Gramps...

My mom made the joke that I should avoid going to Washington D.C from now on because everytime do someone dies. Funny and ironically true come recently. Got home last night and was happy because I got to see my grandpa one last time before he passed away a little after midnight this morning. After I saw him and his ventilator removed labored breathing, I knew it was coming. We all had a pretty good idea.

This morning my brother (sticking with our family theme) made the comment that he died at this time to be cheap and avoid having to pass out Halloween candy tonight. Trust me, if you knew my grandpa you would also think this was funny. My grandpa was no doubt a tough SOB. A car manufacturing line worker that was not afraid to speak his mind. Several times I called him names because of all the crap that he put the family through never realizing that that was just his way. He was true grit, blue collar and was comfortable with his opinions even if they were about 30 years behind the times. His decisions regarding everything from cars to second marriages sometimes confused the family but he just marched to the beat of a different drum. We tried to change it but hell if he would let us.

He was a tough man that not even lung infections or massive bleeding ulcers in the past could derail. Over the years I have strained to see his logic and fought to change his opinions. Looking back now, I can accept them and take comfort in knowing that he never compromised who he was and who the years weathered him to become. Thanks grandpa, it was a learning experience. Tell grandma I said "hello" when you get up there and tell her thanks for letting me P.R. at Columbus last fall.

It's Been A Little While

I know, long time and not alot of contact. Heading to D.C. tomm. morning for the marathon. Will write more when I get back. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

TGIF And Then Some

Okay, a little grouchy this morning due to The Mets loss. Chavez, my man, you spared us a few more inning before the coffin was nailed shut in the 9th. Oh well, it was a good run. Now go TIGERS!!!

I am excited because Running With Scissors and Marie Antoinette are coming out this weekend. Two movies that I have been looking forward to for a while. Got a football game, fundraiser and party to attend this weekend so it should be a smashing time these next few days. I hope all of you have a great one too! Best of luck to my peeps heading to Chi-Town. Lay down the law Becky, Mike and Liz!!! I will be tracking all of you!

Oh Yes, It Is Going To Be Getting Hairy Around Here!

The boys in Sales Support here have decided to grow beards out for their remainder of time at McDonald or at least until they get an interview and shave off their Grizzly Adams look. It must be the week of "beards" in this neck of the woods....

Wake Up!!! You Are In Your Sports Heaven!

Mets thriving in the playoffs. Yankees done and packed up. Michigan still undefeated into mid October. Can't ask for more!

Lesson of Value That I Have Learned From Watching Six Feet Under...

Death happens in a variety of different ways. You better just hope that you do not end up meeting you maker because of a lightening strike, malfunctioning elevator, coal poker through the eye or by slow and painful disease.

If you are going to cheat on your spouse, just make sure it is not with a Quaker. That Quaker sex will make your head explode.

Jeremy Sisko is so fucking talented and way underrated.

Some people are just too different to be together. It is really not anyone's fault. It is just the way it is.

Thank God for American Beauty and Ball's break-through success.

Family guilt will win everytime.

A sink blocking up with blood is a nasty sight to see.

There is so much that you do no know about your parents.

Willa is a kind of cool girl's name.

Don't fall in love with a mentally crazy person. If so, one or both of you will end up dead sooner than later.

And You Call Yourself A True Blue Fan??!!?

Chris, buddy, what is up with get married and having your reception the same night that U of M plays Penn State at an 8:00 start showcased on ABC? I thought we were both die hard Go Blue fans?? I am taking a Buckeye fan to your gala and damn straight there will be some headphones being used on my end!

"On The Long Run"

Because of the events this weekend (the play, wedding and Cedar Point) I could not fit in my usual marathon long run in with the companionship of Jen this past weekend. Instead, I ran my 20 miler today by myself because I took a vacation day. I am not sure if it was because it was usually warm weather for this time of year (close to 80 when I was running) or because my legs were quite pooped from walking around cedar Point the day before, but the run absolutely blew! I found myself swear in my head alot (even sometimes outloud) about how much I hated running. Maybe I was just feeling extra tired today or having an off day with my bio-rhythms but whatever the case was, I was Not feeling the love for long distance running this afternoon. I am hoping that this is just a one time deal and not an omen of things to come for D.C. in a few weeks.

Possible Extra Questions Given On My Midterm Tonight (some real, some not so real)..

~ Correctly spell the instructor's last name. I will give you a hint, it starts with an "M". It also has at least one strangely misplaced letter in the middle that you will most likely leave out. Don't feel bad, most have serious issues nailing the correct spelling but just give it a shot. See, and you thought looking at all parts of the syllabus was a bad idea!

~ Since Athena is stroke deprived and will accept compliments wherever she can get them, what was the subject of her thesis and which two books did she discuss in it. I mention it on the second day of class when you were probably thinking "Yeah, it's an MA from a local city school that is know more for its creative writing program than Literature track so sit your cocky mouth up."

~ What is Athena's favorite beer? Why is it her favorite beer? Does she prefer this beer in question because it makes her drunk fairly fast or does she have a soft spot for its smooth taste?

~ In "The Things They Carried" why do you thing First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross is so obsessed with the virgin/non-virgin state of his love Martha?

~ Do you think Athena has a snow balls chance in hell with the hottie at work? Can kindness and a quick witted sense of humor possibly win over adult onset acne, a smaller than average rack and other obstacles?

~ What is the function of signal words in a paragraph? Construct a well developed paragraph using at least 5 signal words.

~ Why does Athena constantly have issues putting dark blue together with black when making wardrobe decisions? Even after receiving many schoolings from Jen Dahler, why does Athena insist on going against the basic fashion rules? Is it because she is a rebel at heart or is it because she is just too lazy to preplan her wardrobe in the morning?

Why It Is Good To Hang On To Odd Items From Your Early Teenage Years...

For some reason, I never tossed away a poster from Bop Magazine circa 1991 featuring a young Leonardo DeCaprio on one side and a seductive looking Jenni Garth from 90210 on the flip side. I am glad that I keep crap like this because it comes in handy for good comic relief now. We keep circulating it in cubes within my department. When you least suspect it, one of the teen stars pops up by your desk. Hopefully, if the poster ends up in your work area, it will bring a smile to your face. : ) My friend gave me a Prince poster a few months ago. I am thinking that may need to make an appearance around here as well.