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Sunday, November 18, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Above The Clouds
I don't know how things have been where you are, but it's been a crazy busy summer up on the Park Hill -- and everywhere else the Cossey Camp has ventured, for that matter. So, Terri & I decided that we needed to take a break.
Although we had our minds set on destinations much further away, we decided to keep our journey within the Natural State to save up sales tax money for our most recent automobile purchase. (Hint: We are no longer crazy about a Mercury. Instead, we are driving excitement.)
My brother's apartment in Fayetteville had been sitting empty most of the summer, so we drove to Washington County and made use of the free digs. Maybe it's because northwest Arkansas doesn't know the rest of the state exists... Or that it's not really conveniently located close to anything... Or because I'm a southern Arkansas boy who went to college in Louisiana... But I've been neglecting that corner of the state. Regardless of why, I'm glad that I've mended my ways.
Although I won't bore you (anymore than I already have) with a hour by hour travel journal, I will tell you about one detour we made. On the way up, we abandoned the interstate near Clarksville and headed toward Mount Magazine. I'd see pictures, read a brochure or two and heard tales, but until last week, I'd never been on the state's highest hill/mountain/plateau (depending on your geological beliefs).
The afternoon had brought massive rain and clouds upon the state, so I was a bit worried if we'd be able to see anything once we made the drive to the top. As it turns out, all we could see were clouds from the northwest side of the mountain -- the tops of the clouds. I imagine that anytime you can be standing on solid Earth and look down upon the clouds, you're in a good spot. It's amazing to consider that such a sight has been sitting there all this time -- only a few more than a 100 miles from my door -- undiscovered by me. Makes you wonder what else is out there doing the same.
Although we had our minds set on destinations much further away, we decided to keep our journey within the Natural State to save up sales tax money for our most recent automobile purchase. (Hint: We are no longer crazy about a Mercury. Instead, we are driving excitement.)
My brother's apartment in Fayetteville had been sitting empty most of the summer, so we drove to Washington County and made use of the free digs. Maybe it's because northwest Arkansas doesn't know the rest of the state exists... Or that it's not really conveniently located close to anything... Or because I'm a southern Arkansas boy who went to college in Louisiana... But I've been neglecting that corner of the state. Regardless of why, I'm glad that I've mended my ways.
Although I won't bore you (anymore than I already have) with a hour by hour travel journal, I will tell you about one detour we made. On the way up, we abandoned the interstate near Clarksville and headed toward Mount Magazine. I'd see pictures, read a brochure or two and heard tales, but until last week, I'd never been on the state's highest hill/mountain/plateau (depending on your geological beliefs).
The afternoon had brought massive rain and clouds upon the state, so I was a bit worried if we'd be able to see anything once we made the drive to the top. As it turns out, all we could see were clouds from the northwest side of the mountain -- the tops of the clouds. I imagine that anytime you can be standing on solid Earth and look down upon the clouds, you're in a good spot. It's amazing to consider that such a sight has been sitting there all this time -- only a few more than a 100 miles from my door -- undiscovered by me. Makes you wonder what else is out there doing the same.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Road Trip
Sometimes, you need to take a break from life. Like my boy Ferris Beuller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and take a look around once in a while, you might miss it."
Wednesday, I cashed in 24 hours of vacation time and Terri & I made a mini road trip down to Monroe. Paul Sanchez -- sans Cowboy Mouth -- was in town on his first-ever tour since leaving the band. Having gone without a Cowboy Mouth experience since before The Storm, I knew that seeing Paul solo would be the next best thing... and, just perhaps, even better.
When God made the heaven and earth, I imagine the weather was something like it was last night and today. That set the stage. When you add to that nearly 24 hours without any sort of responsibility -- except to enjoy each other's company and have a good time -- as well as the companionship of some old friends and being surrounded by live music... Well, you've got the perfect break from everyday life.
Of course, you've gotta enjoy the good moments while they last. We're home now and it's time for life to resume it's normal, crazy pace.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Where's The Fire?
Well, this is the first time I've ever tried to blog a photo from Flickr into "Blogging For Apples." I figured this was as good as any photo because of the various expressions.
For some background, most of the C-Shift kids were over at Casa de Cossey for the house's first official gathering on people who aren't our kin. Bull was putting the finishing touches on a dessert and expected to impress the masses with burning rum. Yet, the rum wouldn't light. It took several tries -- and several servings of rum -- to get the desired effect. He might has well have been pouring diesel in there. Of course, let things keep their current pace and diesel will cost more than the rum.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Is a survey post better than no post at all?
As seen in a MySpace bulletin from Erin...
1. You have 10 bucks & need to buy snacks at a gas station. What do you get?
Some orange Hostess cupcakes and a Sprite Zero.
2. If you had to be reincarnated as a sea-dwelling creature, what would you be?
A shark, maybe?
3. Who’s your favorite redhead?
To list one would be to anger the others... and we know about redheads, don't we?
4. What do you order at The Waffle House?
Three eggs over easy with white toast and a side of bacon.
5. Last book you read?
I don't guess this week's Newsweek counts, eh?
6. Have you made out with any of your MySpace friends?
Indeed I have.
7. What's your lucky number?
I haven't needed one in a while... It used to be 76.
8. Describe the last time you were injured?
Last week when the dentist yanked out all four of my wisdom teeth.
9. Of all your friends, with whom would you want to be stuck in the jungle?
Maybe Bull because I think he would run down and kill with his bare hands any animal that we wanted to eat... and then he'd cook it.
10. Are there any odd things that make you feel uncomfortable?
I don't like pain in places that I can see... like anywhere on my head.
12. What is the wallpaper on your cell phone?
A biohazard sign.
13. Soda?
Sprite Zero -- exclusively.
14. Flavor of pudding?
Banana, if it's authetic with real nanners & wafers.
15. What type of shirt are you wearing?
Blue MEMS t-shirt.
16. Prescription medication?
At the moment, I'm finishing up some amoxicillin for the teeth.
17. Name two things you did last night?
MedFlighted a kid who rolled his car and was ejected and I provided a taxi ride for someone who refused to realize that he was (a) drunk and (b) not in need of an ambulance.
19. How many people on your list do you know in real life?
All but about 7. What's that? Nearly 85%.
20. What are you listening to right now?
Bubbly by Colbie Caillat on Erin's profile, which I've never heard before.
21. Most recent movie you've watched in a theater?
Happy Feet in November on Navy Pier in ChiTown.
22. If you could invent one thing, what would it be?
Invisible pills. (Pills that would make you invisible, not pills that were themselves invisible.)
23. Name a boss you had the hots for...
I've been at the FD with a man chief for almost five years... None.
24. What's your favorite town?
Places with character... DC, Chicago, New Orleans
25. Favorite kind of cake?
Moist Deluxe Yellow.
26. What are the first words that come to mind right now?
My head itches.
27. When was the last time you saw your mom in person?
Last week when we passed through Monticello.
28. Who got you to join MySpace?
Those would-be school assassins that were on here -- not directly, of course.
29. What did you have for dinner last night?
The Mrs. brought spaghetti to Station 9 for me.
30. How long have you been at your current job?
Four years, eight months, four days, six hours, 11 minutes and 57 seconds.
31. Is Tom on your friends list?
He's there.
32. What's the last thing you said out loud?
Probably "whatcha doing?" to the cat since I'm home alone.
33. Look to your left, what do you see?
The window.
34. Who is the last person who spent $100 on you?
Well, Terri wrote the check at the oral surgeon... So, I'm guessing her.
35. Who's your least-favorite tennis player?
I don't have a favorite. How can I have a least favorite?
36. Favorite sport?
College football.
37. What's the last piece of clothing you bought?
I have no idea. Some dark socks, maybe.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Tornado Warning
Someone give KATV a pat on the back.
I don't usually involve myself in the television wars, but I'm proud of the folks at Channel 7. Although I know that 60 or 65 of the state's 75 counties couldn't care less about the severe weather in southeast Arkansas Saturday, KATV knew their priorities. Even if it was just so they could make sweeps-week promos to say that "Seven is News," they did the right thing by interrupting a silly Big East basketball game to track every mesocyclone and hook echo that popped up on radar.
Honorable mention goes to KTHV who broke into programming occasionally. Unfortunately, KARK & KLRT have identified their intended market and it must not include southeast Arkansas as their craptastic Saturday afternoon programming was more important than live weather coverage.
Central Arkansas dodged the bullet. The storms swept through quickly and even though we heard a bit of thunder, life wasn't too bad up here on Park Hill. So, the afternoon was spent watching storms pop up and sweep around everyone Terri & I know back home... Crossett. Monticello. Lacey. Dumas. McGehee. Dermott.
Fortunately, as of now, everyone we know fared pretty well. Of course, that's tempered by knowing that the good folks of Dumas took a direct hit yesterday... and if the reports of no fatalities hold up through the coming days, it will truly be a miracle.
Watching the news coverage of the damage in Dumas brought back some memories. I spent the first 10 years of my life there and I know some of the places along the tornado's path well. Judging by the video I've scene, ground zero seems to be shared by a Fred's and a Mad Butcher grocery store. The Fred's store was once a Wal-Mart, which we know is the center of living in any small town. And although the Cossey family tended to be Piggly Wiggly supporters, I remember at least one Halloween haunted house at the Mad Butcher. In the apartments across the street from the Mad Butcher lived my first elementary school love, a blond-haired girl named Samantha Williams.
Dumas hasn't exactly blossomed since the Cossey family packed up and headed west in 1987. According to city-data.com, they've lost more than 7% of their population since the last census. There's a core group of folks over there that have fought to save their city. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that their fight got quite a bit tougher after yesterday afternoon.
I don't usually involve myself in the television wars, but I'm proud of the folks at Channel 7. Although I know that 60 or 65 of the state's 75 counties couldn't care less about the severe weather in southeast Arkansas Saturday, KATV knew their priorities. Even if it was just so they could make sweeps-week promos to say that "Seven is News," they did the right thing by interrupting a silly Big East basketball game to track every mesocyclone and hook echo that popped up on radar.
Honorable mention goes to KTHV who broke into programming occasionally. Unfortunately, KARK & KLRT have identified their intended market and it must not include southeast Arkansas as their craptastic Saturday afternoon programming was more important than live weather coverage.
Central Arkansas dodged the bullet. The storms swept through quickly and even though we heard a bit of thunder, life wasn't too bad up here on Park Hill. So, the afternoon was spent watching storms pop up and sweep around everyone Terri & I know back home... Crossett. Monticello. Lacey. Dumas. McGehee. Dermott.
Fortunately, as of now, everyone we know fared pretty well. Of course, that's tempered by knowing that the good folks of Dumas took a direct hit yesterday... and if the reports of no fatalities hold up through the coming days, it will truly be a miracle.
Watching the news coverage of the damage in Dumas brought back some memories. I spent the first 10 years of my life there and I know some of the places along the tornado's path well. Judging by the video I've scene, ground zero seems to be shared by a Fred's and a Mad Butcher grocery store. The Fred's store was once a Wal-Mart, which we know is the center of living in any small town. And although the Cossey family tended to be Piggly Wiggly supporters, I remember at least one Halloween haunted house at the Mad Butcher. In the apartments across the street from the Mad Butcher lived my first elementary school love, a blond-haired girl named Samantha Williams.
Dumas hasn't exactly blossomed since the Cossey family packed up and headed west in 1987. According to city-data.com, they've lost more than 7% of their population since the last census. There's a core group of folks over there that have fought to save their city. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that their fight got quite a bit tougher after yesterday afternoon.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Happy New Year -- A Real Post
I guess that a shorter post is now in order. After reloading my blog a few times while tweaking the elements, I really noticed how incredibly long that last post was. I know you people wait anxiously at your laptops for my every word... but that might have been overkill. Of course, it wasn't original. I stole it from Alison. Blame her.
I'm not sure if the phrase "New Year" has ever been so fitting as it is this time around. Okay, so actually, it was very fitting in January 1978 when I was new for the first time -- like two weeks old new --- but 2007 is the most recent trophy-winner.
1. I have a new (to me) house. (June)
2. I have a new wife. (November)
3. I have a new roommate. (Wife finally moved in during December)
For the third time in five years, Terri & I rang in the new year at the firehouse. (A few photos of which can be found at Flickr.) C-Shift+1 watched the ball drop, made a toast of sparkling cider to the new year and shot fireworks in the parking lot. It wasn't a fancy party, but it's hard to go wrong celebrating NYE with the guys you spend one-third of your life with and the woman who claims the other two-thirds.
When 2005 became 2006, I had no idea what lay ahead of me in the 12 months that followed. In all honesty, I had no idea that I'd be shopping for engagement rings two weeks later or that I'd be engaged in three. If someone had told me the story of 2006 to me one year ago today, I know I wouldn't have believed a word of it. Of course, that's probably the way life should go -- simply hold on and enjoy the ride. In that case, I wonder where I'll be this time in 2008.
I'm not sure if the phrase "New Year" has ever been so fitting as it is this time around. Okay, so actually, it was very fitting in January 1978 when I was new for the first time -- like two weeks old new --- but 2007 is the most recent trophy-winner.
1. I have a new (to me) house. (June)
2. I have a new wife. (November)
3. I have a new roommate. (Wife finally moved in during December)
For the third time in five years, Terri & I rang in the new year at the firehouse. (A few photos of which can be found at Flickr.) C-Shift+1 watched the ball drop, made a toast of sparkling cider to the new year and shot fireworks in the parking lot. It wasn't a fancy party, but it's hard to go wrong celebrating NYE with the guys you spend one-third of your life with and the woman who claims the other two-thirds.
When 2005 became 2006, I had no idea what lay ahead of me in the 12 months that followed. In all honesty, I had no idea that I'd be shopping for engagement rings two weeks later or that I'd be engaged in three. If someone had told me the story of 2006 to me one year ago today, I know I wouldn't have believed a word of it. Of course, that's probably the way life should go -- simply hold on and enjoy the ride. In that case, I wonder where I'll be this time in 2008.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
2006 In Review
1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before? Where do I begin? I got engaged. I bought a house. I got married. I moved in with my wife.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I have no idea if I made any resolutions... But I'm guessing I didn't keep them if I did.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? It was a birth fest in these parts... and there are still more to be hatched.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No. Dodged that bullet.
5. What places did you visit? Very few. Chicago. Memphis. New Orleans. Boutte.
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006? I can't imagine.
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
a. January 22 - Engagement Day
b. November 7 - Election Day
c. November 18 - Wedding Day
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I got engaged & married tops the list, of course... But then there is the fact that IAFF 4453 helped elect a new mayor.
9. What was your biggest failure? None to report this year.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing serious, but I felt like swamp slime the week between my birthday and Christmas.
11. What was the best thing you bought? It's a toss up. There's the ring and then there is the house. They're both pretty swanky.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Who am I to say?
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? People who steal from Web sites -- you know who you are.
14. Where did most of your money go? She's wearing it on her left hand.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? See #7.
16. What song will always remind you of 2006? The Wedding March?
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter.
c) richer or poorer? Richer -- I married up.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Exercise.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Mildewing.
20. How did you spend Christmas in 2006? Protecting the people of Maumelle.
21. Did you fall in love in 2006? No, but I made it legal & binding.
22. How many one-night stands? Zilch.
23. What was your favorite TV program? Rescue Me gets points as must-see TV... But I also jumped on the Grey's Anatomy bandwagon.
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2006? I made a lollipop cake.
25. What was the best book you read? Um.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? That I still can't sing.
27. What did you want and get? The house on Poplar Street & the good guys to win.
28. What did you want and not get? With the year I had, how can I answer this?
29. What was your favorite film of this year? I only think we watched a couple and neither of them were thumbs up favorites... How disappointing.
30. Did you make some new friends this year? I hope so.
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? If there is anything that could have made 2006 better, I'm not sure I'd be physically or emotionally able to handle it.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? Comfortable.
33. What kept you sane? Kept me sane? That suggests that I was, at some point, already sane. Um. Next question.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't fancy many celebs. I also don't use the word celeb much. I think this might be the first time... and I've done it twice. Interesting.
35. What political issue stirred you the most? Watson For Mayor.
36. Who did you miss? Everyone that's not here.
37. Who was the best new person you met? We don't want to get into favorites here, do we?
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006? There are two types of people in this world... #1 Those that are on your team and #2 Everyone else. You can only be a member of Group #1 through actions -- not just words.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I have no idea if I made any resolutions... But I'm guessing I didn't keep them if I did.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? It was a birth fest in these parts... and there are still more to be hatched.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No. Dodged that bullet.
5. What places did you visit? Very few. Chicago. Memphis. New Orleans. Boutte.
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006? I can't imagine.
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
a. January 22 - Engagement Day
b. November 7 - Election Day
c. November 18 - Wedding Day
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I got engaged & married tops the list, of course... But then there is the fact that IAFF 4453 helped elect a new mayor.
9. What was your biggest failure? None to report this year.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing serious, but I felt like swamp slime the week between my birthday and Christmas.
11. What was the best thing you bought? It's a toss up. There's the ring and then there is the house. They're both pretty swanky.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Who am I to say?
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? People who steal from Web sites -- you know who you are.
14. Where did most of your money go? She's wearing it on her left hand.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? See #7.
16. What song will always remind you of 2006? The Wedding March?
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter.
c) richer or poorer? Richer -- I married up.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Exercise.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Mildewing.
20. How did you spend Christmas in 2006? Protecting the people of Maumelle.
21. Did you fall in love in 2006? No, but I made it legal & binding.
22. How many one-night stands? Zilch.
23. What was your favorite TV program? Rescue Me gets points as must-see TV... But I also jumped on the Grey's Anatomy bandwagon.
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2006? I made a lollipop cake.
25. What was the best book you read? Um.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? That I still can't sing.
27. What did you want and get? The house on Poplar Street & the good guys to win.
28. What did you want and not get? With the year I had, how can I answer this?
29. What was your favorite film of this year? I only think we watched a couple and neither of them were thumbs up favorites... How disappointing.
30. Did you make some new friends this year? I hope so.
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? If there is anything that could have made 2006 better, I'm not sure I'd be physically or emotionally able to handle it.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? Comfortable.
33. What kept you sane? Kept me sane? That suggests that I was, at some point, already sane. Um. Next question.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't fancy many celebs. I also don't use the word celeb much. I think this might be the first time... and I've done it twice. Interesting.
35. What political issue stirred you the most? Watson For Mayor.
36. Who did you miss? Everyone that's not here.
37. Who was the best new person you met? We don't want to get into favorites here, do we?
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006? There are two types of people in this world... #1 Those that are on your team and #2 Everyone else. You can only be a member of Group #1 through actions -- not just words.
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