As the Cakehole turns

Today.

2010-09-02T09:34:00.003-06:00

Shift.

Roll out the sail cloth. Release it to the wind.
Risk.

The wind is never random. The wind never ends.
Trust.

Longing for adventure. Hoping for experience.
Desire.

Love.

Deep Jeep

2010-09-01T19:48:00.002-06:00

As I argue bed time with Ben, I try to remember gratitude. This has been an on going theme in the day to day. Somehow on the large paper I don't see how my selfishness and gratitude can go together. They don't. They work on opposite teams. So instead of me saying "poo-poo" about not being able to crash at will, I am thankful my son loves me and wants to be near me.

Having to exercise the high road is for the birds. Maybe I will find a Jeep Wrangler to drive those high roads and make life easier. But who said easier is better?

Time goes by

2010-08-07T10:18:00.002-06:00

Wow. I was scrolling my faves when I saw the link to blogger...what? Its been how long? So I won't focus on that but instead plow into what's happening now.

On my "mental" list today...

The pacing of the adoption process. Our daughter is on the other side of the planet. I want her home before 2010 ends. In her photos she is so beautiful to me. The sun just glows around her like she is lit from the inside. Zoe, I'm coming for you.

The raising of two very different boys. One 3.5 years and the other 1 year old. One is dramatic and impatient and the other gets into everything and is determined..very determined. I love them. They make me happily tired. To you I would look exhausted but really I am just that with a side of true fulfillment. Ben and Cash, I love you and your stinky toes.

The dating of my wife. We feel the weight of raising the kids. We have the most special thing going but miss the time we had when we were just us. This involves getting out as much as possible. We haven't tried using a babvsitter yet but I feel the time could be close. We love talking to each other. Just being in the same room is nice. The morning coffee is always great on the sun porch. The evening wine is comforting only when I share with my love. Laura, my world would not have a meaning without you. I love you.

The deepening of my mystical self. This is truly a journey. Listening to His voice, feeling the wind, allowing Him to use my body to bring encouragment to His people. It looks bizarre at times but feels like the natural thing to do. I want more. I want to see more. I want to feel and taste more. I choose to dive into the deep of His experience. My relationship with Him equals a life that is always moving. It is alive and active like how salt moves through water. Always there...spreading.

Now I feel better. I am off to go check my garbanzos and roast some red pepper for supper club.

Bummer

2009-07-17T21:17:00.000-06:00

I was going to post a great post but the laptop is about to die.

Bummer

Art on

2009-06-25T20:28:00.002-06:00

I don't always have time for myself. Now before you start crying just listen. I entered a art show at the library. It was to do with recycled materials. I fretted over what I was going to do and when I was gonna do it. I found the materials. I found the mojo. I won the art show.

I'm excited because this is a part of me that lies quiet. Having a boost like this makes me want to go crazy. Art-icus! I'm articus! Too far? Neh...just having fun.

So to all who have hushed fun-sides...just do what you love.

Daddy-rant

2009-05-28T07:31:00.002-06:00

This morning's conversation that took place around 5:45.

Ben: I poopied, daddy.

Ben: Poopie, I poopied.

me: Ok we need to fix it, yeah?

Ben: Uh huh.

Later around 8:00. More of the same. Ben fusses because he doesn't want to be locked into the car seat.

Ben: Poopied.

me: Again? You gotta me kdding me. Really?

Ben: Uh huh.

me: We can fix that one at school.

I realize more every day that parenting isn't about the joy of loving your child. Its about the toys you step on in the night. Its about how many diapers you change before you leave the house. Its about that big screen you bought to have family time but is really a pacifier. Aliens I tell you. They will take over your home. The remedy is to foil over your windows so they can't read your signal.

"Sex makes babies." That's what Uncle Dan said. Did I mention he is a truth-speaker?

Belly button

2009-05-24T07:52:00.003-06:00

I had hernia surgery on the 22nd. Other than looking like a gunshot victim I think it will be better. My stomach is sore when I go to sit or stand. I just need to be careful for a while. No picking up Ben for 3 weeks. I was supposed to take 3 weeks off work but after dealing with the doc I won. I will go back on Tuesday.

I can say that Dr. Bridges was really cool. The staff at Riverview was great. I know some that didn't have the same experience as I did. They were professional, polite and attentive.

Thank you Dr. Bridges for fixin' me up.

Thank you Riverview staff for being pleasant.

Thank you, Laura for helping me and being sweet to me.

Social-sprinting

2009-05-17T18:47:00.003-06:00

One wedding. One party. One day.

I still have "social lag". I came home from church with the intent of cleaning house. Not so much. We crashed for a bit. Now tomorrow will be an ironman challenge. I'm trying to do a few things around the house before I have surgery this Friday.

So a lesson learned. Pace yourself, Kris.

Blog Home Blog

2009-05-13T20:34:00.002-06:00

Feeling the need to blog.

I am having surgery next Friday on an old hernia. I have pit it off for 6 years now. I might as well go for it. I have some feelings on the matter. One- this is a bigger deal to me than I show. Two- I will have to be nude for the operation (no ok with). Three- I want to recover quickly. I am not a patient patient.

We will just have to see how it goes. For now I will just hope the operating room isn't freezing cold.

Chat-on

2008-08-25T08:06:00.002-06:00

Here it is.

We just got back from the Chatty. We had a blast and what we are learning is that it doesn't take a whole week to recoup. We went to a festival there where there were lots of people and music. We ate some fine foods. Mellow Mushroom and Aretha Frankensteins were at the top of the list. So being at the fest and bunches of people there is it likely to run into someone you know? Yes. I ran into my cousin Carla and her man, Mack. Who knew?

So to recommend....get out of town and if you forget to pack your deodorant then just call the front desk when you get there. You didn't feed the cats before you left but it will make them love you more when you get home. The front door is locked. The kid is with g'rents so go. Don't look back.

What.a.morning.

2008-07-27T09:13:00.003-06:00

It seems that this morning the Ben woke up in a Tasmanian devil way. He brings so much joy to me and in the same breath...tiredness. He ran around the couch 6 or more times flailing his arms and blubbering some language that uses the word "dawg". Having an adult conversation with LBC in any linear form is a busted effort. Watching the news to catch the latest blah-blah is as useless as putting important information fragments into a "Madlib".

As of now he is asleep and the house is quite. I took a shower while LBC took a small nap. The cats are in trouble so they are outside for getting into my French bread. So all is well.

We will be getting ready for church soon. I hope to find peace.

Kris

Smatterings

2008-07-22T19:24:00.002-06:00

Our week off was "awe-mazing". Since vacationing we have been to see Hellboy2, Get Smart and Wanted. All were great. We have been living it up in the new house and in 8 weeks time we have had 11 gatherings. We love having people at the place. Also the Closer has come back on the air and I live for my Closer nights. I heart Brenda Lee.

Off the hook

2008-06-30T08:05:00.002-06:00

So there's a thought...

Let's play. Let's forget the plans and drive. Oh this is no stay-cation but a funtastic fest instead. There will be lunches in other cities, furniture hunts, and door pilgrimages. There will be some bookcases built and the grass cut. Movies will be watched, music will be ingested and the need for culture will be fulfilled.

Not a bad list for a week off work. So let's hurry up and have some fun. Fun...oh sweet fun...Just be back before the daycare closes.

K

lost blog

2008-05-15T18:22:00.003-06:00

Wow. I've been busy. Painting, more painting, moving boxes, planning, hardwoods... oh so much to list. The good thing here is it is coming to an end. We get to move into the new place in 9 days. The season of the duplex is nearly over. I am glad to be done with the 'plexes. I was lying on the couch and the new landlord was cutting the grass. Good feeling.

So if you're reading this you probably already know May 24 is the move day. Got a hand anyone? I'm making hotdogs!

Hope you alls are a doing fine too. Until...

Pollen

2008-03-31T08:11:00.002-06:00

New season.

Pollen. There used to be Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring but when I walked out of the house last Friday morning it hit me...Pollen. It is here with all of its spreading of the yellow-sick dust. We will see a couple weeks of this and then Summer.

So enjoy it while it lasts and don't forget the Claritin and Visine.

Old Politics

2008-03-08T09:33:00.003-06:00

Oh.

I fell down and that's where I have been. I just stubbed the old toe and wrinkled it up like a gum wrapper.

So I have resorted to being an old man. The morning ritual goes like this...

1.Coffee
2.Feed me
3.Feed Ben
4.Watch news
5.Poop
6.Bathe
7.Clothe
8.Go

All is normal but for me #4 is the catcher. I don't really like the news and lately all I want to see is the bloody politics. McCain this...Obama that...Clinton too. I watch like one watches a bear eating a grown man or one watches a good hockey fight. So to make it all even where's Condi in all this and why aren't they all in clay-mation?

Celebrity Deathmatch is what we need to finish this. I can't wait til fall and we know the outcome. Can you see it? Condi and Pain McCain vs Clinton and TheObamaNation. Heads will fly!

Comments on anyone? Suggest an opening musical act maybe?

No haircut for Baldilocks

2008-01-20T09:37:00.000-06:00

At the end of a week and a week that is crazy to boot one can simply overlook the obvious.

I wasn't paying attention to the flow of the salon so I didn't see the well dressed bald man walk through the salon to go to the restroom. He just walked in off the street. Glean noticed him knowing he didn't need a cut. Was he an inspector? Was he in law? No, he is my brother coming through from Chattanooga and just dropped in. Glean had never met my bro so he didn't know. It could have been the "check's finally here" fairy and I wouldn't have been more stoked. We hugged and I made the announcement that there was no man loving going on but it was my bro that I don't get to see often enough.

So here's to good visits from good brothers...

2008-01-09T08:13:00.000-06:00

I drank Laura's coffee.

It would be considered a serious no-no in many circles, but she didn't kill me. We have been staying up late this week to watch "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report". We watched these shows religiously when we were first married. Its how we get the important news. Anyhoo- the writer's strike has had both shows off the air until this week and with the political stuff happening we just had to plug in to see it break.

Dear Mr. Stewart and Mr. Colbert,

You make me hurt...not in a cringe-type way but in the way that one laughs when he sees a bloopers reel of a good comedy movie. Quick. Fast. In a hurry. You are driving a 18 wheeler of truthiness down the freeway of funnistuffs.

May your shows beam into 2008!

I am drinking my coffee now this after Laura brought it to me. I think it is ok. I know that she wouldn't slip a little...oh wait...I am having a difficulty breathing. Help someone get helllllllllllllpppppppppppp

Flying without a cape

2008-01-01T17:30:00.000-06:00

Q: How is it when I measure and cut a board the fourth time it's still too short?

A: I shouldn't be playing with power tools.

I know what you are thinking "did Kris cut off his digits while operating the saw that his dad so didn't want to buy for him?" Nope. But do you ever wonder how you get some place? The commuters on I-459 wonder it, the partier from New Year's Eve wonders it, and I do too.

I remember being a kid playing "SuperFriends" outside after watching the cartoon. I liked to be Superman or Batman if I had to be. We would play out the episodes and sometimes put our own spin on things. Dark was always our biggest enemy. We would fight off evil until our dad's whistle called us in to do homework. I slept in a twin size bed until I was 15 or so and had the same "SuperFriends" sheet set until then. I always had fun and even when I became aware of my parent's hardships I still feel like I could fly on command. Lately it's as if I missed too much school and can't get caught up on my school work. I am curently failing but my parents don't know because I forged their signatures.

Having too much responsibility isn't that glamorus. It may look grown up and walking with the head on the shoulders but it isn't. I recently had breakfast with a man that has a full time job, a part time speaking job, is married with kids and owns 21 homes and a 54 unit apartment complex. He says he will be set in 13 years when it all pays off. When it pays off?

Today I ask why not now? Enjoy every moment and not feel guilty for taking a nap with my son? I wish I could. I wish I could fly. I wonder if the man from breakfast feels the same way I do.

Quick Catchup

2007-12-22T09:51:00.000-06:00

I am begining to think that taking the month of Decenber is a great idea. The last week in the hair-i-teria has been hairiffic. I even dreamed of hair this week in my sleep. I couldn't take the month but I did take a week. I'll be couch bound from today 'til Jan.2. I feel like it will be a good time spent.

To all I hope you have a great time with friends and family these next few days.

Peace on you all.

Moxie (version 2.0)

2007-12-03T08:37:00.000-06:00

Moxie 2.0

We moved and all the stuff is everywhere. We can work around the mess but the goal today is to press on and find the artistic energy. What does that mean? Peace.

One thing I learned over the weekend during the move...teamwork. Many would say that it is the owner that should move all the stuff, but in my experience now having worked in 3 salons that moved 7 times it takes a small army. We couldn't have made it fly without the help of the Moxie team. That's it... team.

Thank you guys for putting up with the constant change and with the process mess. For helping keep the smooth. Thank you Laura for not killing me even though you might want to. Thank you Dawson's for working with me during the renovations. Thank you, Kevin and Jeff, for doing some fine work. Thank you, Kelly, for your contant sign train a movin'. And to many more I am grateful for your kindness and supports.

In the words of a wise lady (Kelly Farley) you can't stop a moving train!

So open the doors and let's get our Moxie on. We have some hair-love to give!

Quest for the Milky

2007-10-20T10:10:00.000-06:00

The "Golden Milky Milks".

in the morning, in the mid-day, in the afternoon and before bedtime we look to see if we can "finds the milky milks". we start on the quest with a good disposition but as we make our way to the dairy grail the spring in the step looses its timing to that of a swift sprint. we long for that bottle of goodness. we search for it with an antsy heart and nothing...nothing else will do.

like a dead pig in the sunshine we are happy with our milky milk.

milky, oh, milky.

Home Talk

2007-10-08T08:08:00.000-06:00

I want a bigger house! Not at all for the upkeep of it or the paying for the property taxes or for the "my house is better than yours" reasons. I saw over the weekend the purpose of a slighty larger home.

Friday in Downtown Gadsden was "First Friday". The downtown area is buzzing with families, music, things to see, touch and taste. Antique cars (or as I say,"the way cars should be") lined the streets as we took in the feel of a great community. I think the only way to improve on it is to have a parade with all the local schools marching like a musical centipede through the streets. The church I go to also supports "First Friday" by opening its doors for music and story by some of its many gifted musicians. It is way cool. So this installment of "Storytellers" showcased Mike, Laura and Charee (sp). Songs of lost love, newly discovered love and songs that somehow everyone can identify to filled the room. It was like listening to your favorite hero read from his/her personal diary. It was intimate and vibrant.

Well, Mike (being my bro) called after we had all left the building and asked me where to get a room in town. It was race weekend and all the places were triple the cost if they had any openings. The best price in town was at Casa de Catoe. We made French toast at breakfast and enjoyed our kids "talking" and playing or swapping crying spells. We had a great time. It opened me up to people being in our home. We used to have people over to share meals, have large parties with a purpose and sometimes movie nights. I miss that and to me that is the reason for having a great home to fill with fun.

So thank you Baldilocks, Shady Rady and LilBear. I love ya'll.

I have started a wish list for a new residence.

Screened in back porch
Enough bathrooms and a half
Big closets
Good sized bedrooms
Tall ceilings
Nice yard

I add things to the list every few days. I know that I will have to be cutting a bunch of hair to swing that payment so that is why it is a "wishlist".

poop

2007-09-26T07:59:00.000-06:00

I was posting a good post but my manboob hit delete and I lost it. I didn't want to but I need to leash'em.

beach bums

2007-09-18T08:15:00.000-06:00

I had a blast. My parents let us join them for a couple of nights at the beach and did I need it?! LBC, Ben and I soaked in the sun...setting sun that is. We are careful with the sun with 2 out of 3 being fair-skinned. We got our toesies gritty with sand. We saw my bro and his sweet ladies and we all had a hoot.

The drive down and back with a 6 month old was typical. One word..teething. I drove like a bat-out-of-hell on the way home. We made the necessary stops to keep us from puking from his fits. I wanted to help him but Laura was on duty. She was stellar and gets an A+ and 3 patches for her efforts. So all I can say is next time 3 or more nights per 7 hour drive. I will work on the equation and break it down to an hourly drive incriment easy to apply to all situations.

After a good night sleep I say I would do it again just not this coming weekend.

Thanks Catoe Parentals. We needed the breather.

I'm safe

2007-08-28T12:41:00.000-06:00

Today is a day that I feel home. You know the sense that you are where you're supposed to be and all you need is a comfy bed and old re-runs to cap it off. I don't know why but it just is. I know that the past 6 weeks have been more uprooting than ever not in the sense of moving but futures and all. Today I am home and I feel safe.

I hope it rains tonight and if I could...I would raise the windows.

King Butt

2007-08-27T07:15:00.000-06:00

It ain't right.

I was bathing Ben this morning and realized his butt is as big as mine. He is 5 months and 4 days old and I 33 years. I wish I had a bigger bottom line. Its the pants staying on that is a problem. Bigger butt = pants on. No butt = pants off. Gravity pulls'em down.

So here's to butts!

kit-kat and all that

2007-08-22T18:11:00.000-06:00

About my life...

Well today my schedule fell apart so I went on a quest with lil' Ben to the salon I used to work at. The crew there had not seen the Ben since he was 5 weeks old and they were in for a treat. My closest co-worker was Kayla. She and I worked next to each other for 6 or more years and I miss her badly. So when I heard that she was having a season of roughness I knew that Ben could help give a ray of sunshine on her cloudy day. She ate him up. Nothing left but the overalls he had on when we got there.

It is a miracle how sweet babies can cause the most sad, closeted, or angered to soften and begin to smile. in seconds strangers talk to them like they are part of their tribe. It even happened at the grocery store when the old man behind me asked how old he is commenting that he is a good size for his age then asking how old he is followed by another good size for his age statement.

Today I love Ben...I can forecast love tomorrow too.

On another note...

I ate part of a kit-kat that was missing its crispy wafer. Something about it was wrong and should have been in a foil heart mixed in with other chocolatey mysteries.

I'm driving!

2007-08-16T07:25:00.001-06:00

How is it that when you pick the highlighted direction and go there that it means the crazy people come out?

I've been looking for a place to relocate our salon to and as of last week I had 4 options on the table. Option 1...buy a building and put half of the purchase price into renovations. Option 2...lease the 2 bays in addition to the one I currently lease. Option 3...buy an existing salon complete with more employees. Option 4...leave the one bay I lease now and move the salon into the 2 bays beside me.

Answers to the options.

Option 1...building was too high and renovations were too much to pull the appraisal meaning more money (20's of thousands) would have to start growing on our oak tree.

Option 2...the spaces would have a poor flow and would bee pricey per sqaure foot.

Option 3...tempting but I am a perfectionist and mixing old and new together may be bad. Old owner still working under new managment...nope.

Option 4...price was $125 for double the square footage. Not bad but still looking at a cost factor in outfitting the spaces. This one was best.

I hope to secure the lease today for the new space. It will be so nice to not have to do laundry at home for the salon. The guys have been awesome at juggling the tight place we are in now. Our clients will totally love it.

So where does the crazy come in? Option 1& 3 came back to tell me that I should really think about it and that I could be making a mistake. Hmmm...My guys are at peace about it and my wife is too. This means alot. Full house...I win.

the damn truth.

2007-08-13T20:52:00.000-06:00

truth.

you can't question it.

it's the sign that points to a bridge that's out of order. it can stop you from running into a wall, prove to you that you are nuts, tell you that your shirt fits to snug, explains that you are off the map. truth is necessary but no one makes room for it. oh, we are lied to daily from our families, friends, doctors, the media, our governments just to name a few.

so where is the room for truth in spirituality?

last sunday we were late for church...late. the speaking was starting and i brought out the pencil and sketchpad. i have been into tag-art lately and i was working up a grace design. i could hear him talking a a normal level and then the air shifted and then the words were pounding into my center. relationship. that's it. it is the very reason we were created. to have relationship with him and with others. he had to give us guidelines so that we would play well with others but he wants us to relate.

i have been reading a couple of books that are hard to digest but there was one statement that i read last night that really freed me. the context was that we should be doing what it is we are called to do. whatever it is. think it up. be open to your surroundings and be there just short of sin. be at the porn convention and tell people of his love. really, aren't we all searching? just do what it is that's on you to do. this book mentions if you're complaining you aren't creating. it's time we stop finding fault with each others words and look for god in them. it's time for us to stop judging the ones in the church and other churches. it's time for us to recognize the special things about each other and draw them out. tell the truth.

balance the work load.
listen for him.
look for his signature.
weed out the unnecessary.
be open.

i hope to stick to these ideas. i hope to be able to listen to the truth even if i had rather peel my face off. i am sick of being a baby. i really get sick of my voice. investigate me and draw me to you, god.

Rockin' Reason

2007-08-02T19:55:00.000-06:00

The real reason that I haven't blogged in a while is that for my birthday I received "Guitar Hero 2". I've played this addictive game for hours or at least until my hands should be viewed by a surgeon. The music rocks booty and the idea that you can buy changes in costumes and more rock gear is pretty neat.

Hey...don't judge until you play. You will see. It's more addictive than Tetris or BookWorm.

Thank you J&J. You are simply the best.

Little joeys

2007-07-31T12:47:00.000-06:00

I've been in the Outback backpackin'that's why I haven't posted stuffs lately. Oh you should have been there...the sounds...the views...just about everything was perfect. I did get the runs from the plane food but I feel bouncier in my step because of it. My favorite thing on the trip was stopping to gather our thoughts and seeing the dingos hopping along in their "pride".

Really...helping grandmothers with broken cars, baby 24-7, workings, land lordial stuffs, and weekends crammed with the insane. Can we just slow this freight train down a little? Did I mention teething is a big pain in the butt? With all the pains of birthing this should be a feature that comes standard and not aftermarket. Do I need to say suppository to a 4 month old? If I do his little fanny tenses so. Oh...little pooper it will be ok.

I like the first story better. Oh, the Outback. Oh, no place like it here. Click your heels everyone. Let's go!

Is it really safe?

2007-07-16T10:05:00.000-06:00

While in transit one can see many silly things like the lady with hot rollers in her hair as you pass her and 5 minutes later she passes you looking like a model. There is the one where the man is getting dresses while driving (you want to be on the finished end of that one). We all have stories but I saw one Saturday that was a funny one.

Work with me here.

(flash back music)
(flash back squiggles)

It is 1983 and you are in your import car and going for an afternoon drive. Steeley Dan is on your car stereo and you are living the moment when a light seafoam green 2 door Cadillac sweeps across your intersection and the white haired man is using is electric shaver.

(come back to today now)

This really happened. So now I imagine it again in my head that he is old as he passes me but later I pass him and it is Tom Selleck (Magnum PI days).

Wow I need a hobby or I gotta get a shave.

See you on Route 66.

Hond-on.

2007-07-11T06:55:00.000-06:00

Same old crazy just a new day.

I put the old honda in the shop for some care. I told them that the "srs" light was on and that the old ride should be inspected for the 100,000 mile lookie-loo. So I dropped it off at 8:00 Tuesday morning and with a "scouts honor" wave the man behind the counter promised its return that afternoon. (insert a "thumbs down" here) The housing around the timing belt was broken in 3 places indicating a possible bumper dumper. He recommends to replace it with a new one seeing that when they removed the old one it fell apart. I asked about leaving it off (to save $60) and he quickly stated that by doing that there would be a strong possibility that if a rock or a stick were to get in the timing belt it would throw off the motor meaning I buy a new one. So much for saving a buck.

We worked it out to get Laura the truck with the car seat so she could pick up the Ben. I walked back to work. After finishing my day Liz watched Ben for 10 minutes while Laura came to get me from work. The car seat still in the truck means that I had to ride in the back of the truck which was cool because she opened the back window and we talked all the way home. I think I will ask to trade the car for a large convertible. There is something cleansing about open air vehicles that melts the stress away. I see why people but them. You look cooler in a convertible and people see you look cool. It's not a all the same if you take prozac.

Thank you Liz for your part in the rescue mission. Thank you Laura for not leaving me at work. Thank you Grissom Honda for making the old holda safer.

the court jester.

2007-06-20T07:41:00.000-06:00

Juggling. Bobbing. Running.

That's been the last couple of weeks. I still have a hard time fitting into my new duds. I wonder how it is supposed to be done. The heat just opens the window to let an insane man out. I hope it cools off soon and with it some rain in the form of rain none of this fake rain.

I know what some are gonna say to me about being stretched in several directions...just pray for rain.

Rain, rain, come today. Come and wash the crazy man away.

Busy does it.

2007-06-04T14:40:00.001-06:00

What could I blog about today?

I think no one has to say that when you have a baby and other things that when you find the perfect object to post about that you usually forget about it before it goes in the internet blog-o-sphere. So I will tell you what I did this weekend...

Friday night LBC and I went to see the new flick "KnockedUp". Jim and Patsy kept the wee one for a few hours so that we could act like adults and laugh at things in the movie like 5th graders. Go see the movie. Take "Something About Mary" and mix it with "40 Year Old Virgin" and you have the smash hit "KnockedUp".

Saturday we were up early to get the house ready for the baby shower that will go down in history.

Sunday we got our church on and then came home and crashed. We watched "the Departed" and 3 hours of tv. If you combine the time of the movie with the time of tv watched you get "sloths". We loved it.

Monday I feel bad for being a couch potato so I hyper-ventilated and washed the car. Ben was busy so it left me to sort laundry and look for a way to burn some energy. We go to eat at Juanita's Cafe (or Grandmother's house) for dinner and then off to a "Pampered Chef" party.

This week hosts "Blues and BBQ". Microwave Dave and the Nukes are coming and will smoke the house down with their roadhouse rawk! This is a mid-weeker so easy does it. River fest is this weekend so we are going to a "Birmingham Barons" game Friday night.

The rule in life is to Rock on!!! So this week smile more and put your buggies up after you use them.

Purpose Driven Posts

2007-05-28T09:42:00.000-06:00

Beautiful days
Hot days
Dry days.
What more can I says?

I was talking with a friend that is new to the blog universe and he asked me what to focus on in an entry. I told him to put in anything that made him tick but one area is friends that is sticky. Say one of them really hacks you off and you want to steam on about it...be careful here. People read blogs. I try to find other ways to broaden the scope and instead of it being about the one thing.. it would parallel with something like gas prices being bad and we should just get horses or grass cutting is endless we should be allowed to have one goat per acre in the neighborhood. There are books that help you find what to blog about but where is the fun in someone telling you what to think and say?!

So, Rick, hammer on and don't let up. Write the "keyword" to your thoughts on your hand or if you are like me and wash your hands thousands of times a day, write on your ankle...just kidding. Don't loose the "aaahaaa!" And to other bloggers,
Write on and read on. Don't forget to comment on. I say this to remind you as well as myself.

Kris out.

Happy Now.

2007-05-22T20:32:00.000-06:00

This week has been a good one so far. I have felt a sense of good energy at work. It isn't the fact that work is slammed or that we broke the bank's vault...it is because it is like the beginning. In the beginning I looked forward to seeing clients that wanted the help that I could give them. That was today. totally!! I was able to help 3 people and it renewed my thoughts on the industry.

Making a difference in some one's day by helping their hair behave and feeling their gratitude is the best.

Thank you Gadsden for giving the Moxie a chance!

Seasons of firsts

2007-05-13T13:19:00.000-06:00

Seasons of firsts.

When the training wheels came off my bike and I was free to fly the streets of the old neighborhood.

When I was older my grand dad would let me cut grass on his riding lawn mower and there was first where he busted me for popping the clutch to spin the tires in the grass.

When 8th grade was over and I cleaned out my locker to find an orange at the bottom let over from the Christmas fruit sales.

I remember my first job (not working for my dad) was working in a screen printing warehouse and working it hard to please my crazy boss...pay day was bliss.

I really remember the first school season starting that didn't include that graduated me.

I remember the first time Laura and I had a date. I stole here after church to go to Subway. They closed the store only to let us talk as they cleaned up around us.

There was the first kiss. I won't bore you with this embarassment. (I got better).

There was the first time I cooked for her. She frustrated at country traffic and burned the croissants.

The first time I went to her parents house to eat Chinese food and watch a movie.

The first time we went on a road trip where we spent the night at a hotel. (Laura didn't pack a tooth brush and had to use mine. I let her off the hook because for a dame she packed lighter that a dude.)

The time we were introduced at Mr & Mrs Catoe.

I know that there are more than millions of firsts that I could mention but it gets really detailed. I want to say that this year being the 2007 is the year that's going to be a good one. We got money back from the IRS and had a baby too. Along with Bentley being born on Mar 23 we got to have a first with him being here for Laura's b'day, our 4th wedding anniversary and Mother's Day. Next will be Father's Day, his first day in daycare and then my b'day.

Today I am thankful for all the experiences I have had. I am happy.

hair pullin'

2007-05-09T20:51:00.000-06:00

Bored doesn't touch it, but over it does.
Crazy isn't close, but anger is.
I think I will pull my hair out now.

It will all be better when the ants totally come and take over. They are here, you know?

I'm really past the advice like hearing strangers feel my son's feet at Walmart to tell me that I should go get a blanket for his feet because they were a little cool to the touch. Listen, I am not dense. I am not an idiot. It is 85 degrees. No socks, lady, no socks!

I'm 20 miles past attitude (I know I have one right now that's why this is a rant). Selfish people. You know them. You see them cut off people in parking lots that deserve closer parking spaces. They look at you at Lowes like you are a dumby and your hand is all thumbs. They give you tude when they are the one's who can't change and blame you. They do their best to have conversations around you and act like you are telling them they need to do their homework! Yeah, that look.

Here's to AT&T.

Dear AT&T,

A few years ago we had a falling out. I made my end good by paying you for services that I never signed up to use. I told you to buy a one way ticket to "way past 'i don't care" and forget me. Well so that some fat bald man and some wrinkled mole wearing lady could make a buck you bought Bellsouth. Good for you but you need to take a minute and explain to all those out there that you are screwing over due to your cryptic billing statements and stupid fees that "AT&T cares".

I got rid of you once and when the time is right...I leave your sorry butt again!

Me

with a bang.

2007-05-05T10:29:00.000-06:00

Work didn't blow up.
I'm not in the poor house.
Baby Ben is still the sweetest.

Yep, I am full throttle and feeding the wee one while I type with my toes. That's being a cool dad, eh?

With life moving the speed of a rock slide the time to blog and internets is little so this is a new attempt. One really good thing... We have been married for 4 years. How can time seem like a quick forever? We have done so much in the time we have been wed.

Let's see...

combined living spaces
continued commuting
worked on the church's old building
helped host concerts
launched art openings
witnessed a parent's crossing over
bought 2 old duplexes
been on some road trips
been tapped into the pastorate
added piercings
painted our bathroom 3 times
helped parents move
helped a grandma move
opened another business
started a family

I am sure that there is a list 6 times longer that I am missing here but with the wee one grunting my brain is on a split-track..yeah.

I love you, Laura. With you life is more colorful, more exciting and worth the journey. I would definitely do it again but i would have dogs instead of cats.

Oh, Mr.Dread, when will you go home?

2007-04-19T09:55:00.000-06:00

It's 10:58 am and I am nasty. No shower. No clean teeth. We have so much to do today and I can't see how it is possible to do it all. There's no sense in listing the mass on the post but let's just say it needs a Mountain Dew in one hand and a margarita in the other.

I remember when I was younger (without the "poop shooter" aka Ben) I could make an insane list and accomplish it before Laura would come home from work. Now not so much. Just balls of "I used to..." and "I really need to..." in my chest that collide and send a sea of acid up my throat.

What will happen when I go back to work? Will Laura jump out of the window?

This will pass. The newness. The constant.

Ready for a road trip. Ready for a scenery change!

Mr. Dread, Hell called and it has a new assignment for you. There's no time for getting a sno-cone because Hell never waits. Hurry up now and forget where I live. In other words...go away.

Motherly connections...

2007-04-09T08:59:00.000-06:00

Mom advice # 1.

"Well, yeah...I wouldn't like to have my coffee while sitting on the toilet either."

(this said to son while feeding as he fills diaper full with one swift movement)

Dad advice..."don't poop on a good thing, son!"

daddy circus

2007-04-07T11:52:00.000-06:00

it used to be that i would spend hours getting things done around the house and work. i am now in the 3rd week of daddy circus. my clients would tell me fearful things about having babies and how they never have time to do anything. (although they aren't totally right..they aren't wrong either) laura and i do things in shifts and do get the laundry, dishes, feed, burp, change diapers, pay bills, clean ourselves, grocery shop, and feed ourselves. i know it will change soon it really is totally consuming right now. as of now i am blogging with my right hand and holding him with my left.

today's accomplishments are that laura made biscuits, we went to a yard sale, i went to the store to buy cookie making things, we showered, and now it is lunch time. on this shift laura will eat first then me because at any moment this 7.5 pound bundle of baby wonder will morph into the screaming spider monkey with full blown baby spasms and he will want to eat....then poo.

i don't take well to "i told you so's" but i can see why it takes a village to raise a child.

am i ok with it all?

sure...you betcha. just gotta get used to the new juggling act that's all.

Proud Pappie!

2007-03-30T13:42:00.000-06:00

So if you haven't heard already we have had our sweet baby howling spider monkey. Last Friday we birthed the crazy thing and boy am I tired. He is a sweet spider monkey by day and a howling spider monkey at night. Well with the double life living going on it is a wonder that we are coherent at all.

New babies mean new experiences like the time I was changing a rank poop-filled surprise diaper and in the middle of it he pooped a brown lava explosion. I did the diaper change almost 1 handed seeing that I was also tending to a new mom just getting out of the shower. Go me!

So we went to the mall yesterday for the first time and broke in the B.U.V. (baby utility vehicle). Laura and I planned the event between feedings so that the howler would be at peace. I go to Belk and she goes to Parisian. I am to meet up with her there so I finish and I'm off to Parisian. I make it just inside the opening to the store and a mob of makeup ladies come flying over to see this little bundle of a poop shooter. They oooo and awwww over Ben. They all pitch in the advice and I still stick to the idea that as soon as he came out that I was to wear his backside out so that when the stinging was over he would know who I am. Well, they didn't believe it and so far I have just patted his cute poor excuse of a fanny. Laura and I see the cues from Ben and we are off to another part of the mall. Some sweet old lady stops us and goes nuts over how cute he is. Total babe magnet!

Being a dad so far is too cool. I am tired but when he is sleeping I am proud...when he becomes a howling spider monkey I want to call the game warden.

He is eating now so there is peace in the house.

Nap any one?

Boogers...really?

2007-03-19T10:08:00.000-06:00

Men, what is it about going to the restroom to use the urinal that brings out the need to pick boogers and wipe them on the restroom walls? Every resturant, bank, movie theater or wherever. Come on now! Tissue can be an alternative and toss it in the trash. Dried slugs on a wall or the janitor carring them away for you?

I went to the doctor's office this morning with LBC. Girly doc. After the nurse can and went and we were waiting for the Doc to see us I glanced up and ther was a booger in the wall of the exam room of the ob/gyn's office!!! This is an office that sees women so does that mean that ladies pick their noses too and dicard their findings on the wall?

I had this teacher in 6th grade (Mrs. Cook) she would get nervous in class and pick her nose and wipe it in her bra straps...I lie not!!!

So tell me what is it?

When are we going to come out of the 4th grade here?

Boogers are gross.

Crappy Birthday.

2007-03-07T08:27:00.000-06:00

I don't get to see my Bro.Mike and his posse as often as I'd like but LB and I went to Birmingham to see them Sunday afternoon.

We went to BabiesRus to do some shopping. Two things wrong here...1. it was a Sunday...2. it was the final day of the coupon book for the store...this = madness, people!! There were crying babies. There were sweaty pregnant women. There were indecisive couples. There were small children running. There were strong aisle duels happening. We grabbed what we wanted and scrammed.

Mike the Bull, Shady Rady, Sweet Bundle o' Bonnie and BN2 went to Chili's with us. (This is the one in Wildwood and not the new one in Gadsden) We had fun sharing about work stories and baby info swapping. Bonnie had to tell me all about her busy weekend and about how she is pumped to have a sibling to talk baby to. We were catching up. We ordered food. We got the food and it all looked fine but Mike's. He had ordered some Chicken Club Tacos that were quite possibly the quesadilla from the appetizer menu. The sour cream was lumpy and the rice like plastic. The food was just ok but it was what happen later would go down in history as a conspiracy to wipe out the Catoe family. We all got food poisoning. This is bad. I think we all are ok now but it was a real touch-n-go there for a bit.

So how is it that 4 people get sick and they all get different dishes? Hmmm.

Just say a blessing before you eat. It can't hurt.

To spray to not to spray?

2007-03-01T08:18:00.000-06:00

The bedroom smelled like a locker room this morning. Old houses do that sometimes. I decided to be agressive and spray some febreeze in the room.

Clean linen.

Clean linen all up my sinuses. It's a good smell but with the wife having a sooper sneefer...points off.

Remember people...just a little febreeze or your neighbors will smell it.

Absurd?

2007-02-28T08:01:00.000-06:00

Should your pet have it's own phone number?

I know it's a crazy question to ask but at the salon last night we had a weird phone call. The lady (who will remain crazy and unknown here) called looking for a new salon for her hair to call home and she picked us.

"Thanks for calling the Moxie! This is Kris...can I help you?"

"I am looking for a salon to listen to me. You see I have fine hair and it is hard to work with."

"Ok? I can totally book you an appointment with Glean. He has fine hair, too."

"Will he listen to me? Because the last one didn't and..."

"Yes, he will. When would you like to..."

"I went to this salon in Guntersville and they didn't listen to me. I went to this guy named Tim in Birmingham. He has his own product line and he was the best but I don't wanna drive back there. He has his own line and there is this one product that..."

"Well, we don't package our own line but we have two lines that offer a large array of products geared for fine hair. So let's get that appointment with..."

"Will he understand that my hair is one length and that too many layers will make it look even more thin?"

"Yes. He will listen to you but let me tell you how we work. He will listen to you but you better listen to him. He will tell you how to make your hair the best possible but you have to listen to him. If you don't he will ask you to not come back. We take our work here serious and are dedicated to continual training. What's the point in us not being able to do a great cut and offer the best products for your hair's needs when that is what you really want, right? So let's book that appointment."

"Well, I watch all these shows on makeovers and they all show me how to work with my hair. They use celebrity stylists to makeover these people."

"Sure, that's good. We need to book that appointment now. He has..."

"I'll take..."

"Let me get your number just in case he has any questions for you."

"It should be in your caller i.d. if you have it. It is under Trixie. That's my dogs name. This is her line."

"Ok. Bye."

Did you get that? This crazy lady has a phone line for her dog. Wow. I don't know why I even booked her an appointment. I can't wait to see this "side-show" but you can count on me updating on the outcome.

Trade places any one?

Rest in peace, Rebel.

2007-02-22T08:31:00.000-06:00

As the sun set into the water casting coral shades across the ripples and the sky opening up to welcome a friend home with a rainbow, we placed him in the ground in an old trunk. The road is new now and is tree-lined stretching a far as the eye can see. Run hard and play fast, little man, you are broken no more.

Farwell, Rebel. Thank you for taking care of such a good friend.

I am a sniffer.

2007-02-21T08:09:00.000-06:00

WOW.

Baby stuffs. We had the first of 3 showers last Saturday and man was it just crazy...in a really good way. We received a bunch of fun goodies that deserved a whole-lotta "awww-wwweeee". Baby things are just too cute.

I did get in trouble at the party. I was sniffing too much. Well, can you blame me? This stuff smells too good. It smells like baby sweetness. I smelled every pack of butt covers that we got for him. I was busted.

Baby log? No not really although I am getting a little bored with the waiting for him to get here. I know it will change when he is here but I can say it now.

BORED.

Sweet Day Sweet

2007-02-15T06:35:00.000-06:00

V.D. as we call it.

Valentine's Day as the rest of the "calendar-reading" people call it.

We usually don't follow the roses, chocolates, dinner, blah blah we just go on about our day. This year was different. It is the last VD before the little one gets here so we marked it well.

We bought gifts for each other. I got her and ipod and she got me some new all-stars and a cd. We took the day off of work ( a real big for me seeing that I can't not work ). We went to the salon to style her hair then we hopped in the car, plugged in the ipod and we were off for our day of bug-killin' in the salty 'ham. Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Urban Outfitters, Superior Grill, Target, World Market, Cheesecake Factory, and Rococo (my old work place).

We packed in a lot of stops in just a few hours. My 3 fave stops of the day were (1) Cheesecake Factory for their Raspberry Lemon cheesecake (2) Urban Outfitters for their freakin' smarts in every thing...clothes...home goods...just the store itself (thank you for coming to birmingham) (3) Coming home and just talking about the time while we dated...the apartment...out lives then and having that feeling that we both know that we made the right path choice be choosing each other. Did I mention we are having a baby? OMG!

Here's the kicker of the whole thing. I bought her stuffed Valentine's Day monkeys. I know. I know. I know.

Love is good.
Monkeys are neat.
Day was fun.
I love my Sweet.

There you have it. V.D.

Photos

2007-02-13T20:31:00.000-06:00

Well, the pics are in and are they smoking. They did a great job on the pics and you can't even see my ear hair. You can go to Laura's Flickr and see more.

I love you, Laura!

Yay the 215 for your sweet snappy pics.

New grill.

2007-02-12T09:51:00.000-06:00

I gots a new grill.

It cooks meat. 800 degrees. Burn meat burn.

It was a Valentine's Day gift...kinda. You see the last grill I had was gas and was mainly rusted out and would be best suited as a bird condo. When my lovie would ask me if I would grill her some yummies I would just semi-smile and say ok. I knew that there was a huge risk that the grilled substance would be sacrificial and beyond the word jerky. So in a rage against the burnt offerings I was off to rebuild the old grill. I needed new burners, drip pans, grill grate, handles for the lid and to rebuild the serving side that was wooded but now gone. This will take some time. Laura mentioned that if I could find a new grill that wasn't too flashy (meaning $$$ and stainless) I could get a new one. OFF TO LOWE'S!!! Well, let's just say that I found THE one. It fit the requests of my sweet and pleased the pickiness that I had in getting a new grill. We broke it in Saturday with the Abercrombies. We feasted on chipotle cheddar burgers and corn. Yummm.

The weekend was bizarre as usual. Today I am off to help out the "Trussville Posse" paint at the new salon. They have a crazy deadline to get moved in and my dad (who is a manchine) has been very sick now for 3 weeks. I offered my cleaning day at my salon to help them. I hope I can manchine it up. Better eats me spinach!

Flying buggies

2007-02-09T06:36:00.000-06:00

Dear "Jackass 2" the movie,

You are absurd and broken. You do stunts that could possibly end your own lives. There is pain. There is scarring. There is pyro, bulls, little people, big people, shopping carts, bungees, branding irons, snakes, pellets, farm equipment, horses and that is just a few props to name. Small kids should never see this movie. The squeamish should pass too. Those easily offended should forget about it. But for some simply primal reason I laughed my butt off.

Thank you for making this movie. You put your blood, sweat, and tears into it and it shows. Thank you all for pushing the element of gravity, body stress, pain and excitement of the stunt. Oh, thank you for the mini-bike loop.

If I may ask...please make #3.

You are the best.
Kris

Loins, tigers and bears....

2007-02-08T06:38:00.000-06:00

The session went well, but man this week's been a crazy zoo.

Plumbing stuff. Work stuff. Baby stuff. Weird dreams.

I am smothered.

Plumbing...the drains at work are old. The building was built in the 1890's as Etowah county's luxury hotel and the space we rent was the barber shop and shoe shine place for the hotel. This leads to old plumbing. Well since Christmas we have experienced "blooping" drains. Friday I was shampooing this lady and that was it I called my plumber. They snaked the drain until they found a woolly mammoth and a China-man. Fixed? Well...Tuesday we were busy and shampooing a client when the small sink was backing up with the stuff from the shampoo bowl. Weird Science weird. I called the building's manager and my plumbers. To make a long day speed up for you...it will be fixed it will take an army but after the 2 plumbers that looked at it yesterday...the landlord will fix this one.

Work...just the usual paranoia. It's like it is all unravelling behind my back. It isn't but it feels like it.

Baby stuff...well 7 weeks to go and I freaked out. I was brushing my teeth and Laura came in to put her cereal bowl in the sink (bathroom sink here) and it hit me. As I was brushing my teeth in a moment of peace and "this is my space-ness" it was interrupted. It will always be this way from this point on. Oh having only one bathroom doesn't help at all but with all the baby things on the way and sharing spaces with people at work and with sharing at home, I feel like I need my own. No more room. Bummer. I have to feed my self a bottle after I change my diaper.

Dreams...OMG the weirdest you could imagine. People plotting against me. Family becoming demanding..or more so. Work on wild. Me freaking out on people. Seeing my great grandmother have a heart attack. Thanksgiving. Do you see what I mean? Some weird dreams. It makes it hard to read my dreams...you see I am one that feels like I get direction in my dreams. Dreams mean something and it usually has "weight" but lately there has been some real traffic on the dream highway and the strange has come out. Maybe it is a glitch in the Matrix.

I know that all these things are tied together in my emotions and thoughts and I guess that they are trying to find a place in the storage room in my head to all make sense. I need more rubbermaid bins, please.

I have to get ready for the work part. I get to go to Walmart before I go to work and I can't forget to take out the trash because it is trash day.

Photos.

2007-02-07T07:50:00.000-06:00

We are having a photo shoot at the 215 studio today.

I found a 1 inch hair growing off the side of my ear.

Karma?

No. It's 30's sexy. I hope they get a shot with the beach in the background and the wind flowing thru my "new hair".

Gross. I mean that I did trim the nose hair but I have to have extra time to manicure my ears? Too much. Just too much.

Gotta get in a more artistic frame of mind.

Gotta find my muse.

What did I eat?

2007-01-31T07:50:00.000-06:00

I think someone found out that I was a secret spy and tried to poison me. Cramps and gas. I know what you are saying about blog-manners but man let me tell you. What did I eat yesterday?

2 eggs and dry toast
2 grilled chicken strips w/ turnip greens
small bowl chili
small buffalo chicken salad
pecan crusted tilapia
butterbeans
brussel sprouts
carrots

Oh.
Gassy foods lead up to breaking wind at hurricane forced wind speed and smelling like one has been burning tires outside of his papermill.

I know I will get in trouble for sharing this but isn't blog communities about sharing warts and all? Maybe not but if I don't share it here then I feel sorry for those I encounter today in the market place.

Gas-X, people!

Goggles.

2007-01-22T08:02:00.000-06:00

We did our duty. We put on the steel-toed boots and did the deed.... TAXES!
After 7 or so hours hard at work we are now 90% finished with the tax deed ending 2006. We met with our new accountant last week and he gave us a verbal list of things he would need to prep our taxes. We have completed our list.

K: Uncle Sam, why do you say to wear goggles?

U.S.: Well, son, you see sometimes when you do good and keep you receipts and make lists and add and re-add until it all hurts, well, sometimes it can blow up on you and splatter the matter all over the place. I hear that if it gets into your eyes that it will burn. Uncle Sam cares for your eyes, son. Understand now?

K: Uncle Sam, eyes? But what if we don't have enough to pay you this year?

U.S.: Well, son, that is the simple part of this equation. If you can't pay me all of it then I want your SOUL! No eyeballs. I don't do eyeballs because they follow me when I walk thru the room. Creepy, son, creepy I tell you! It just freaks me out.

K: Thanks, Uncle Sam, for explaining life to me. Can we go to the park now?

U.S.: Not today, but maybe tomorrow.

Baby school?

2007-01-18T13:34:00.000-06:00

OK so we are really preggers. 10 weeks to go. We are going to go to St. Vincents to have Ben so since the hospital there wants you to go thru their birthing school...we went.

Before I say just how it was for me let me just say that the other guys faces were like that of pure terror. Mine was ok. I think there was just a little too much info there but I guess some aren't up to "the mystery". Anyway...Laura and I get there friday nite by the hand of God. The class started at 6 and we got there at 6. The older lady "broom-rider" was going to check role and as she was counting the couples she remarked that people should be on time. Let me tell you that we huffed and puffed thru the seedest parts of downtown to get there not to mention the stress of trying...trying to be on time. We navigated around a wreck on the interstate. The last couple arrived 10 or so minutes late, role was called, and the class was on.

What did it feel like?

Baby school hell and Satan was checking for punctuality.

I now know about how it all works. I feel better prepared for what could happen butthen what happens when we get home? I guess that we will just have to do on-the-job training for that.

Here's to dirty daipers, lost passies, and no sleep!

Home, Blogger, Home!

2007-01-18T07:41:00.000-06:00

Well, I am back in the blogger saddle. I looked at the time that I used to be on mySpace and realized that I was busy looking at all my friends' spaces. So I look to do entries of random things here.

Good bye BlogSpot.

2006-09-27T06:50:00.000-06:00

Dear Blogspot,

I went down into the cave to face my fears. I did follow the dark force while I was there. You warned me. Today Darth MySpace told me he was my father and I know it. I feel it. I join his force.

Thank you for the training, Master Blogspot.

Today I no longer fight...http://myspace.com/kriscatoe is my new home.

Goodbye.

Special Agent turned Zen Master K
K

Success?

2006-08-21T20:59:00.000-06:00

How do you measure success?

Is it a big house, shiny suv, or polo shirt with collar popped up?

Is it the church you go to, political move you defend, or the lack of care for an expression?

Could it be knowing about the latest indie-rock-bluegrass-symphonic-folk band before any of your friends, starting a fad to exclude others, or watching movies to talk about sub-sub-plots to make yourself sound brilliantly distant?

Is it the school district you were in as a kid, the amount of sports you conquered, or the classes and clubs that you killed due to your mind bending smarts?

Heart, people, HEART!

I am reminded of high school and of how much I was a real slacker (just ok...grades, friends, clothes). The year 1992 I graduated almost under the radar. I am sure that no one noticed me walking the stage accepting a diploma that I didn't deserve. I was a real slacker...period.

Scroll to today. It is 2006. I am happily married, I own a business that's doing well, own rental properties that make my house note, have a nice car and beefy truck, put energy into the church I go to, take care of a grandmother, do my chores, pay taxes, and make time for friends.

It is all crap unless you have the heart.

My wife and I have too much going on. We are in the heat of burn out. I have lost my compass and the laundry is piled to my knees. Not enough time. So we were talking today and all of this comes up. I bring up my late grand mother, Bonnie. She connected to people and she cared for them. She traveled around the U.S. to befriended people who were burned, hurting and thrown out. I heard one man say that if it weren't for Bonnie he would have never seen God. She was like a caring mom to those who had no mom and a partner that shared your burdens. Did these thousands of people know that Bonnie had a problem with chocolate? She always fought her weight and had corns on her toes? No. See where I am going with this one?

Think about you for a minute...

Don't think for a minute that pressures in life will make you a bad person. You care and I see that. You can't measure yourself to a younger self or a lighter self. That is very skewed. I see you all for who you are. I see glimpses of you through the hard and I don't want you to forget who you are. This is no speech on past, present, future because heart transcends time. Heart is where the memories are.

Thank you, Bonnie for your magnetic pull and for your encouragement to keep on.

I leave you now with this...Be you. You are georgous and you glow. You are not measured by failure(s) or success(es). Do it when no one can see.

Good night, brilliant people.

oh i just found me blog

2006-08-03T05:49:00.000-06:00

Ok. Here's something that I have learned...If I don't blog people aren't going to read my blog. It's like..

Oh I think I will reflect upon the time that Kris
...yelled at the kids who ran the stop sign
...had a bad experience camping
...used to post funny pics on his blog
...used to post.

I will get better in fact I am working on some new material. Oh, it won't be as good as Dave Chappelle but hopefully pleasing to look at on the occasion.

Kris out

Something stuck

2006-07-19T06:44:00.000-06:00

I read M.B's entry on the mySpace craze the one about how my generation's need for the profane. I could not agree...more! I love my blogger account and the community that it has and I like mySpace fine, but his point is true.

I want to apologize to all for our need to whine about the world that seems to always come down only on us, for expecting a strong 5 or small 6 figure job just out of college, for seeing others as a friend that only gets in the way and for poor use of words that are viewed by many as garbage.

Know that I am all for the ranting and even pitching a hissy every once in a while or if you are around when I do home improvement work you will see my "tazmanian devil" side. However, I have to move on. It seems to be the thing to do to poop one's the pants and not change them.

I have to move on.
I hope that I do and if I don't tell me that I am collecting a fly sample.

Thank you, Michael for your perspective. It wasn't at all judgmental. It was helpful.

Let freedon ring

2006-07-05T05:48:00.000-06:00

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. It feels that way, really. You can go to the archives and see the journey that I began near the beginning of the year of me branching out and starting my own business. Ahhh, Gadsden. Well the mission is complete. Today I begin my first full week here at the Moxie...no more Trussville.

I look forward to 3 week tanks of gas, extra time to frollick, being close to my love and all the "firsts" to come in this new adventure.

Friday night July 7 from 6-9 will be the grand opening for the Moxie. Come by and meet the players. Come bring your smile and share with us your cool.

this one is a little raw.

2006-05-31T12:21:00.000-06:00

HOLY PLAGUE OF FLIES!!!!

Laura and I went camping for less than 9 hours. We did set up the tent, set out the coolers, and lay out the sleeping bags, but the forces of hell were at work to stop us from kickin' it lazy.

Tuesday May 30, 2006
7:30 breakfast with pastoral peeps at the waffle house
9:00 back home to do some packing, and blowdry L.B.'s hair
9:45 bank run, drop off book at Moxie and gas up truck
***don't tell L.B. and was gone too long***
10:45 arrive back home to a steamy L.B. (not in a good way)
***we were not happy packing the truck***
11:00 leave for DeSoto State Park (finally)
***all pissy party in the pick-up***
11:45 pull up at campsite and ready lunch (chili-dogs)
***cue rain and frantic movement to set up the tent while cooking***
1:30 hotter than ever and the damn flies. tha hell???
***a thick steam coming off the picnic table showing the heat***
2:30 more flies and sauna heat and anger
2:35 mini road trip to see the area and to cool off in the truck
***we saw deer, rabbit, owl and happiness***
4:30 back at camp and heat was still there (flies were swarming)
6:00 pack camp and leave hell
7:00 MiCasita is home away from home (Ft.Payne) yummy
8:30 home at the 204 and happy as a lark

Today we made breakfast outdoors but this was in our own yard. I finally used the Coleman stove I got for C-mas. We breakfasted on pancakes and snausage. Happy happy.

I love Laura. She loves me. We love each other. Together we hate flies.

my myspace.

2006-05-17T07:42:00.000-06:00

I have been having an affair. You guessed it. I have been blogging with blogger for a while and I have seen the greener pasture...MySpace. I put a link to it from the links on this site so feel free to give it a go.

Sorry for the delay in posting...

see you on the flip side.

Day on the Highway.

2006-05-03T06:47:00.000-06:00

I got married 3 years ago today. The temperature was near the same the feel in the air also the same. We were wed at 3:30 because we are weird and all had a blast.

To this day, Laura "es-sweetie" and I are trucking along the highway in our old semi with the windows down and the puffy stuffed heart hanging from the rear-view mirror. The wind tosses the hearts back and forth but never apart. The cd being played is an old BB King fave and we're smiling because we just had hot wings and a pitcher.

Tonight we go to the BB at the Alabama Theater. I don't want anyone to tell that I am excited...I am though.

Life is good on the highway of love especially when you have your Es-Sweetie beside you.

Hello.

2006-04-26T07:10:00.000-06:00

Today is the first Wednesday to work at Moxie. I hope it will be cool. I will carry this schedule until the end of my time at Rococo (June 29).

Cheers to new things and to i.b.s. and to new bills and to the growth of hair.

Moxie on.

Bike on.

2006-04-25T06:30:00.000-06:00

I put new tires on my old bike. Do you remember the old "white wall" tires? These are "reflector wall" tires.

I got the bike for my last birthday and it has been in the garage since. Yesterday I changed that. It is clean and mean.

Word to all the peeps....get off my sidewalk!!!!

Barf-be-gone

2006-04-13T06:53:00.000-06:00

I know that it isn't proper to take so long to post and not give a explanation of where I have been. So, people, I will ask you a question...Where is the barf?
My cat (satine) barfed last night somewhere upstairs and I couldn't find it. I looked in every room and notta. I know I heard it I think Laura heard it too.

Maybe this is some new eatin craze to help you loose weight? Satine, any pointers?

How?

2006-03-30T08:04:00.000-06:00

How do you crazy kids do it? I mean really!!!!

With 2 blogs, a myspace acct., 2 email addies and catching up on everyone's sites...Tired much!

I promise to get better or get better at it.

Peace on peeps. (P.O.P.)

Real-time

2006-03-28T07:03:00.000-06:00

In the time I have to usually update my blog I have been checking my bank account (it's a nail biter), doing salon laundry, and just trying to catch my breath. The salon is doing well. Last weekend I had to turn away 3 people beacuse I had no time. This week is jamming with all slots filled. I turned in my notice at the Trussville salon...In May I give Wednesdays to Gadsden and July 4th week I give Gadsden my all. I think it will go well. I love the freedom to just do what I feel...it comes naturally you know?

We moved a ton of rock...by hand. It's gonna be good.

I know I sound busy but we look for breaks so holla at us if you wanna chill and we'll meet you on the flip...word.

Keep sanity in your back pocket.

Kris

FAT-TINE!!!

2006-03-15T07:58:00.000-06:00

Run for your life!!! This is an untouched photo of Fatine (Satine's not related twin cousin).

Satine looks over my shoulder and wonders how a cat so pretty could let herself go.

Satine's advice to all cat owners...

"Please don't let this be your home-cat. It's important to cat-ercise, eat moderately, and play. Get your single cat a play mate to run the house with. Your cat should not be the "CatFatter" but should be the "HotCatter".

Take my advice. This cat is destined to be a sheep-cat or a bath-mat!!"

Happy 100.

2006-03-10T08:29:00.000-06:00

It's my 100th post and I wanted to tell all who read and adore my b-b-b-blog entries that I love you all.

This is one hairy back but as you can clearly see his heart shines through in the thickest times. That's my love for you all.

May love always find a way.

Love, Peace and Hair grease!

It takes both feet, people!

2006-03-06T08:07:00.000-06:00

Moxie is on the ground. I opened Friday with a full schedule and ended it with friends and clients sharing wine and cheese and there was also running after a train (thanks scotty for a side splitting laugh!!) Saturday was a good one too. I made a small boo boo on my schedule but other than that I was busy. (Special thanks to Mix Master Mark for his stellar work)

Sunday we had to recoup which meant not going to church. Good break to just ride around looking at the beauty of the day but nothing says pretty day like going to Lowes to get demo blades for the saws-all. Four o'clock I was cutting down the rest of chain link fence that I started in October last year. I didn't get the chance to prune what was left but I figured I'd get to it in 5 months or so.

Monday's tu-du...

dentist for crown
go to dump
clean up salon
do salon laundry
weed-eat and cut grass
bank
insurance
dinner at the g'rents

Not now...Lisa Loeb is on!!!

2006-02-25T10:38:00.000-06:00

I hate being interrupted by drama cat or ninja kitty when Lisa Loeb is on Style network. I don't know what happens to me when I watch those kind of shows. The time just washes away and I still haven't taken a shower. Or brushed my teeth.

The salon is going real smooth. Yesterday I went to work there for a "mock day" to see how it will work. Danny Wilborn was the first at Moxie to both pay and I hadn't cut his hair in Trussville which means he was a new client. The day was good one learning that my shampoo bowl and bar are way too high and I didn't have enough space on my shelving to have another product line. Ooops. Monday I will pick up the signage, build a platform for the shampoo chair, get contents insurance, clean the windows and check on the details for sales taxes. Then wait for opening night.

Friday March 3 is opening night at the Moxie. Refreshments will be served from 6-9 but drop by anytime for a view in "real-time".

I am pumped that I am opening here and hope to do well. So far the response has been good. Keep the fingers crossed and I will see you at the Moxie!!!

I've got the crabs!!!

2006-02-19T07:50:00.000-06:00

We worked like mad dogs yesterday so to end the evening the Wilborns had asked us to come over to their house for some cake. This wasn't just cake it was "baby shower" cake that (i think) cousin Beth made. So we go and see all the loot (baby stuff) they got for the weee one.

The cake was the best so we stayed a bit longer and shared so many laughs. One thing as we were leaving...crabs! The story be best told by Patty or even Danny so when you see them...ask.

Let the world know that we got crabs at the Wilborn's!!!

Anxiety, is that you?

2006-02-17T07:53:00.000-06:00

He comes in all casual kicking off his shoes and hanging up his coat, but after a couple of days he throws his dirty socks everywhere. He makes a real mess and doesn't stop there. After he takes a shower he leaves his wet towel on the floor to sour and never flushes the toilet. Havoc-maker is he. The unwanted guest pest. Mr. Anxiety.

Today's story is coming in at a "to be expected" rate. I have been most externally cool with the redos at the Moxie but appearantly not ok on the inside. It was on of the mornings that was messy for me.

1. Feed the cats.
2 .Make the coffee.
3. Let the cats out.
4. Eat a p.b. sandwich.
5. Shower.
6. Check blogs.
7. Poo myself.
8. Shower again.
9. Let the cats in.
10. Wake Laura.

Do you see the pattern? Numbers 7 & 8 aren't supposed to be there. Mr Anxiety brought 2 too many steps to my morning.

Good Friday, all...Keep clean!!!

Oh my kitty-ness!

2006-02-13T21:14:00.000-06:00

I don't usually post about my kitties but this shot was the best. It will tell the truth about the character of each cat. Satine (the one sitting down) is for the most part chill. Frodo (insert blur) is the on in fast transit.

Today I could kill Frodo just because he breathes. Satine is without a doubt the "pretttiest peetie cat that was ever did be made".

Oh kitties how you color our lives.

Ho-Hum

2006-02-11T08:18:00.000-06:00

As I lay in my bed, I look to the window covered in a canvas-like shade with the hopes of a brilliant blue-ish white glow of a snow reflection that cast a lazy feel in the room. The cat stretches one paw then another. My wife with her messy hair and sweet look of sleepy turns her head my way and asks if there is snow. I get up and with the anticipation like that of a little child coming downstairs on an early Christmas morning to open all of those gifts I open the shade to...Wet. No snow just wet. The asphalt is shiny and the ground is gooey. The temperature is at 40 degrees. No snow.

I am both sad and deflated.

Now I look to suit up and face the other ones that are also deflated and sad. I will go to Lowes. I will go do tile.

Dear Mr. or Ms. Weatherperson,

My letter to you is one of very important information and could be the key to your financial success. It is my keen observation that many times you give your predictions of weather happenings and yet they don't happen.

So my career boosting and financial security recommendation is that you find some other profession that you feel pretty good about.

Open options...
...teaching dogs to use the litter box
...knitting purses for bag ladies
...helping the elderly to walk faster

Thank you for reading this letter and for using the wisdom that it contains.

Yours not so truly,

Mr Cakeholerson

Confessions of the P.B addict

2006-02-08T06:46:00.000-06:00

I have a confession to make... ok so there are a couple.

I love silly animation.
I love silly songs.
I love bananas.
I love to eat peanut butter.
I love to eat jelly.
I love to eat peanut butter with jelly.

Here is the song that plays in my head every morning as I go down stairs to make breakfast. I hope that you enjoy the trip that I take every day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGdxqJA1EJ8 .

May your day go great!

Super Mundane or Cruddy Monday?

2006-02-06T08:34:00.000-06:00

It is a gross Monday morning. I am looking out of the office window and the cats are going stir crazy. I have so much I should and need to do today but the pain and the slight feel of sick is on me. I know what you are thinking...Super Bowl party? Yes I did go but it was for the commercials. I ate too much food in too many combinations and that leads to massive gastro-nuclear attacks (gas). To sum it up it wasn't the snoring that kept Laura up last night! I tell you I put the "gas" in Fidel Gastro!!

I never thought I would have an entry about a bodily function but it was too great not to mention.

Anywhooo...I am sipping coffee waiting for my turn in the bathroom so I can see if a shower will improve the today's feeling. It always does.

Will Kris turn into Super Kris today? Will he leap over the mountains of filth left behind by the previous renters at the new salon? Can he overcome his physical kryptonite?

Just waiting this one out.

Get your Moxie tease.

2006-02-01T06:11:00.000-06:00

The top pic is a composite shot that Laura took of the new spot before the big redo. The color of the inside was a gray-like khaki with off white trim. We saw a vision of color potential and the message was clear...it had to be red.

We worked for a while on Monday night putting the first coat of black on cabinets and the half wall that you see in the top pic and the walls are mostly red. We have a lot of red to do.

I am getting a little twitchy. I want to work there all the time. I feel the total freedom to just do what I feel like doing. Paint! Put together all the equipment!!! I just want to work and see it finished.

Good encouragement...I have booked 6 people now for opening weekend and have some spots open. I am so pumped that other people besides myself are excited too. I hope it goes well.

I didn't give out the new number. 547.1799

Call and leave a voice mail and I will call you back. I check my messages through out the day.

Peace out and paint on!

Moxie workday 1.

2006-01-30T07:47:00.000-06:00

I'm sure it is coming along and a true sign is when you have more tools in a space than anything. The order of stuff in the new salon...tools, filth, salon equipment, and demolition debris.

I preped the walls, tore out the shelving in the dispensery, caulked the cracks, replaced lights that were out and took down the old sign. All in all I was there for 4 hours and did it feel good!

We had 5 walk-ins yesterday. Not for cuts but for a "scope out". Numbers of peepers did the slow drive by but now that Laura put up the newsprint on the windows the buzz will be crazy. They all want to know.

Jaimie P, Brad N, Chris H, Harry (from next door), and Steve W were the visitors. Thanks all for coming by. Hey, if you see the lights on then just come on in and have a peek.

Tonight my dad is coming in for some real support. There has to be bar raising. Hmmm.

I'm so pumped!

more MoXiE la la.

2006-01-29T07:19:00.000-06:00

Saturday was so cool.

We get up and I make my cheese grits with a side of coffee. We lounge a bit then it hits us that Saturday is the day to go get the equipment. This is of course a difficult thing if you don't have the cash but the cash fairy aka SuperMom wrote me a "Get'er started" check.

(You see she helped my brother through Samford where he has a double music major. Mom being an always fair person felt like she should help me by giving me a boost. She explained that it wasn't as much as it was for my bro's education but this is something that I will be successful at and will be my livelihood. It is like she is investing and wants me to have all the return. Wow how can that be? What?)

We go cash the check and blast off to spend away. Two styling chairs, 2 comfort mats, a shampoo chair and a hooded dryer with chair combo....$1200. This stuff didn't have the full mark up on it. There are some styling chairs that cost $1200 a piece...I did a good thing.

I called Mom to thank her for the set up and tell her that we have $800 left. She chuckled and said that she knew that it would only go so far. In all of my excitement I never thought it would have taken this much to do such a small venture but with the gift Mom gave us we can do it right and not half-done.

We still have more to purchase. Things that no one will really notice. Her request is that I should get to do the salon as I see it in my head...fresh, colorful and hopefully something that Gadsden will flock to. So after the next wave of spending we will acheive it...all the touches, all the look and all the vibe.

Thank you Mom for believing in me and Dad for being proud of me...I love you both.

Do you have "the Moxie"?

2006-01-26T22:25:00.000-06:00

It is a go. I will launch a new salon in Gadsden named the MOXIE salon. The location is 322 Locust which is across from Maters Pizza and just down from Court Street.

I signed the lease on Wednesday and had the power turned on today.

Things to do...tax i.d.# and a phone number.

Saturday we pick out paint.

Monday we go pick out the equipment.

Tons of grace and cool stories so you'll have to ask me in person or come in opening weekend for a salon "tour and talk."

Dinner at Casa de Catoe

2006-01-25T21:37:00.000-06:00

I cooked tonight. I was proud so consider this a tooting of one's own horn.

Pan-fried Tilipia topped with sauteed onions, pecans and crumbled bacon. Sides were green beans, field peas, and wild rice. The wine of the meal was a Pinot Grigio 2004 by Kris (that was the name of the wine company...really!). Laura put her touches on the meal by lighting candles and cutting off the overhead lighting. She does have the touch.

I love to cook. Laura loves me to cook. We like to eat. Marriage is good.

Food is music to my ears.

I am off to clean up a "cat-tastrophe" and watch Veronica Mars. I'm so tingley.

I'm gonna do it!

2006-01-23T18:39:00.000-06:00

I went to Saturday to find a space potential to rent for a salon space...it was a no go. So much work to be done and ohhh the headache! But today I went to another place to do a scope out.

I do the usual...call first. $500.00? The rent is too high for the amount of space that I would have but I have a number that pops in my head ($400.00) that I feel would be fair. I go meet the manager that oversees the space and before we get out of the elevator and before I have even seen the inside she says (with looking over her shoulder) that she will go 400 instead of 500. Wow...I didn't even tell her the figure I had in my head. Cool.

I hooked up with Laura to show her the interior and tell her about the "deal" the lady was giving me. Yippie Skippie! But don't let the lady know...(business voice) I will call you tomorrow to let you know about the space.

I got a license for state, county, and city and got the info for submitting a sign approval for the new business all without waiting in line and with everyone being so nice. In fact, at the last stop I had such an ease of time that I actually felt God...in the office! WOW!

So tomorrow I call the lady back and I will tell her that I want the space and that I will be by on Wednesday to pay up!

More fun to come with the business out of the way...I get to paint!!!

Fingers crossed.

Kris

Salon Hoppin!

2006-01-19T07:45:00.000-06:00

Isn't it crazy when...?

Ok so the search for the salon to work at in Gadsden is still on the go. There are a couple of different pay scales that hairstylist are used to. Salary, hourly, commission, salary-plus commission, performance-based pay, and independent station leasing. Of all the pay scales the last, independent leasing, is the best. There are tons of tax breaks and not to mention the constant pay (pay with every client and not once a week). Leasing takes a lot of responsibility (I learned the hard way) but is by far the best in my opinion.

Gadsden doesn't offer leasing. A "heavy" most is in the commission style which actually benefits the owner of the salon where they get 50% of the stylist pay. Hmmm.

So what does a guy that is looking say to all of this....Look for your own building to rent? Have others work with you? WOW. That's crazy!!! No? We will have to see.

I know that I am supposed to be here just as it was when Laura and I were speaking of marriage. I left a new home and 4 acres in the country to move here. I don't even look back. I wonder if this will be the same?

I have moved once before but it was like 10 miles or so...this one will be 46 miles.

I am very pumped as God opens my eyes. He is actually reprogramming me as we speak (or read).

More to come I am sure...

Fingers crossed and prayers of grace and wisdom go up!

Kris

Just another weekend.

2006-01-16T07:59:00.000-06:00

I had a good weekend.

Friday at work was a little crazy but at the end of the day I was victorious and the title belt of "Master of the Matrix" was still at my waist. I got home (nearly 2 hours late) and my wife as beautiful as ever was home to greet me. I could tell that she was bored being by herself and with me home we were off to the mall to grab some food and jeans.

Saturday was a strong day. We lounged at the house and then decided to do some recon work looking for a good hair establishment. Wow were there not as many as I had hoped but there were 2 that were ok. In the afternoon we went to a memorial service that was like no other. The Puckett family is a truly blessed family that is rich with love, care, music and a strange love for the chocolate. Movie was later.

Sunday was smooth. I did a "tag team" share time at church which was the best for me for 2 reasons...1 not everyone knows that I am also a pastor at the church and 2...filling 30-45 minutes can get a little hard to fill seeing that I have the attention span of a gnat. That afternoon we scoped some new living/work potentials and then settled in for another movie. The Woodlaysons came back home from their trip at sea and we shared some time with them as they told of their many stories. (glad you guys are back!!)

Monday is still developing seeing that it is before 1:00. I have met with the life insurance man to increase my plan and to add Laura to the package. He suggested that I bump the old plan (i started it when i was 18) from $150,000 to 1.6 million. Whah??? I declined that number and told him a number that he had to agree on. Next I am off to meet a salon potential (thumbs half-way) then to Grandmother's house for the deener.

See...Good and full. That was my weekend. I look forward to tonight's Medium show. I hope it's a new one.

Quick thought.

2006-01-11T19:22:00.000-06:00

Do you ever wonder who's pulling the strings?

Hmmmm.

Days done wild.

2006-01-05T07:56:00.000-06:00

This morning...bad headache and a stopped up toilet. Trade places with me? I am going to the W to buy a new plunger because I let our neighbor borrow it but he works nights. He probably just got in. It would be just plain mean to wake him. I also have to get a cast iron skillet to make cornbread in and chips that I theifed. I promised.

I will later go to work for a long shift then come home to a havoc home. Trade places?...Any takers?

Is it quittin' time?

More on 2006

2006-01-04T17:09:00.000-06:00

Wow, is it me or has this first week of 2006 been a doozie. I will really spare you all the details but let's just say that it's important to use your "don't do that" feature located in the brain and to use the "live a good life" option.

It seems that so much wrong can go on so fast when you don't mean it to. So today I add it to my list of 2006 to-dos.

1. Read more
2. Theater
3. Use "don't do that" feature
4. Use "live a good life" option

More list to come.

The 2006 Open

2006-01-02T10:59:00.000-06:00

2006...hmmm.

Well, 12.31.05 the Mrs.Cakehole and I went on a walk. I didn't feel well but we trekked on anyway. We walked until we thought we saw Pickle's house so of course we had to stop, which then led to me getting my truck and cleaning out 10 railroad crossties out of the Pickle's yard. I was ok until we unloaded. Oh, the pain!

We got ourselves ready to journey to Alabaster where we were to ring it in with friends.
So we did it... brought in the year at Abercrombie of Alabaster. We were a definite few in number but much with good fun. There was "man talking" and I am sure "woman talking". We watched fireworks from their observation deck and ate way the heck too much food.

1.01.06 sinus infection positive. We just laid around the house. I was in bed at 6:00. I woke up at 9:30 this morning.

1.02.06 Better but still feeling blah, I tried to make some phone calls to tie up loose ends. Busted...holiday still. Bummer. I am getting ready to meet Laura for some leftovers at her work place and I will leave there to take her grandma to the doctor. Is my day fun or what?

More to come I am sure. I'm open for a surprise.

Having a peek in the "Looky Loo"

2005-12-31T15:29:00.000-06:00

Coming from a person who has a very driven soul, it is hard for me to set a goal for 2006. You see 2004 & 2005 had some content that Law and Order would have to call in their own "Special Victims Unit" for. There were moments of the '05 that were definitely considered a crime scene and then there were the times that was the doughnut run. No matter how you chalk it up it was a year that was "a year and a half", indeed!

How does one just set a new goal for a new year? Doesn't life just do it's own thing? I know that circumstances that came up this year changed the ideas I had for 2005. Let's take a look.

Goals 2005

Learn a new language. (my source moved away)
Learn a new instrument. (nope it was bad on the fingers)
Finish my projects at home. (hmmm...in a lifetime maybe!)
Have more fun. (at times)
Go to New York. (just stayed here)

* you could say that I was very busy and that I got tons accomplished, but is that what makes a man? no. just a tired, insane one.

Now we look at the goals of 2006.

Pace myself. (do it all but not let it finish me off)
Theater. (let's face it you saw this one coming)
Have a lot more fun. (monster truck racing ain't gonna cut it)
[ ] (fill in the blank)

Let it be known that I will be on the journey of being a better friend, family person, church dude, hair guy, grounds keeper, artist and musician. I want to be able for someone to call and ask if I can help'em out or go out or whatever really. I love helping and I love people and the last 2 years have kept me so that I felt pinned down like that big guy in Gulliver's Travels.

Keep the faith. Keep doing the things that fuel your passion. Keep what is dear to your heart closer that ever. Keep breathing!

Streak on!

2005-12-29T08:55:00.000-06:00

After the holidays it seems that some of us steam needs to be let out. We all need to vent. So here is my suggestion.

Let's go streaking!!!

It is an absolute stoopid thing to do but when you are done and the 'dorfins have calmed down you realize that we are all ugly and none of us really have it all together. We hide sooo much. Fears of loss, success, failure, loneliness, commitment, responsibility, etc. We all are stoopid and no one has an answer. We can only pretend.

Osma...ooolah lah!

Streak on people!

Ball-istic Bandit!!!

2005-12-16T07:10:00.000-06:00

So this is what we are left with. Frodo has been on the lookout for the bandit that robbed his bank. This has been going on since last night. I had him fixed! No more crazy. Well that's what the vet said anyway. We'll have to see.

Good luck Mr. Frodo!

It's called Christmas...dummys!

2005-12-07T06:47:00.000-06:00

I have this real peeve. Outside Christmas decor. Here are the etiquette rules.

1. color is ok when planned out. it's not ok to start a hand rail in mixed and end in blue.

2. blinking/chasing is fine when mixed in with solids. again once you start a look finish it.

3. Size bulbs are fine to mix when it's big bulbs outlining a home and small in the shrubbery. (see previous)

4. yard objects are really never ok to use but taste is best here. remember that a faded lit plastic manger scene is not going to make others appreciate the work Mary had to do to get the baby jesus here. you must represent. tastefully.

5. milk jugs?

6. family pets are never a lightable decor unless dead then stuffed. Frodo?

7. less is better. if you can't, do try to make it look like the griswold's.

8. just because you have it doesn't mean that you have to out it in the yard.

One day it will all change. I will like it again. For now...Let's hang'em!