BigStewMan

Portuguese is the majority ethnicity in me and my children. When my daughter got married, she researched traditional Portuguese wedding ceremonies and also traditions representing her soon-to-be husband’s heritage; then they had one tradition from each culture incorporated into the wedding ceremony. It was kinda cool actually. At the reception, she also had a table showing pictures of family members that had passed away and obviously were only present in memory. I thought that was cool as well. Both my folks died when i was 8, so my kids never met them; but, she had pictures of them present at the wedding.

that’s cool that you did it all yourself and you saved a fortune; it was probably fun too. I didn’t mind it some of the time; but, there were times that i’d be working at night on the house, after working all day long at my job and i’d get frustrated. This is a funny world … i was looking at a Bentley last night that started at $186K. I was telling some friends that i’d be the first person to be in the Del Taco drive through in a Bentley…then there i was in the drive through line at Del Taco and two cars in front of me …. a black Bentley Continental.

i’m sorry but there is no help. On the positive side, it’s not always bad being a lunatic...

pretty cool that you have the skills to do that. i’m not as well blessed in that regards; but, i did learn a few things as we gutted the house after buying it (real dumb idea as we were four months without a kitchen and doing all the work ourselves with the help of friends & family, i had to feed the workforce by picking up the tab at local eateries…four months and $19,000 later … we had a kitchen). But, cut out portion of the wall between living room and kitchen, yanked out the carpet and sanded and finished the hardwood floors, built a fence, tile floor in the kitchen, hung cabinets, sprinklers and sod … all of that were major accomplishments for someone like me. I did hire an electrician to do some upgrade and someone to install the counter tops in the kitchen. $3100 is a bit steep; but, places are expensive in SoCal. But, i’m still paying $1740 now for a two-bedroom apartment…so i’d rather have the big house payment and the freedom that comes with being a homeowner.

i’m sure they’re are worse habits … like not eating your vegetables, cussing, or listening to music at low volumes.

i’ve definitely been a big city guy most of my life and don’t hate it; but, you know if i see one more used condom tossed onto the sidewalk, i may give the country life a try. I hope you country folk are a bit more civilized. I have lived in both, plus suburbs, the more space the better. Space = privacy and less rules and restrictions, after I moved out of the suburb's and lived with more space I found I could never go back. very true. the house that i lost in my divorce was built like a fortress. Lath and plaster, plus we had double paned windows so i could crank up the tunes without disturbing anyone--but, it was still in a neighborhood. Being able to crank the music is really the only thing i miss…well also being able to do whatever i wanted to the place … but, i don’t miss the drive (nearly an hour closer to work) and i really don’t miss the $3100 per month house payment.

Good luck Elden … I successfully gave up smoking … everything; but, it took permanent lung damage before i did. Over the past few years, been able to even cut back on the meds … (have been on three inhalers and pills for a long time). I can get around pretty normally; but, can’t run to save my life. All the stuff i put in my lungs wasn’t worth it; but, would probably do it again … because i’m stupid and i’d think i could control it next time around. Funny how some people can smoke forever and never suffer illness, and some get lung cancer without ever having smoked.

a great many years ago, when i was about 13, I went camping with my cousin and her hippie friends. on the drive, we stopped and they all went into a bar…so did i. I thought i was so cool hanging out in a bar with these people. it was somewhere in the mountains and the juke box was playing Freddie Fender’s “I Love My Rancho Grande.” Always laugh when i think about that song.

Cheech and Chong---Wedding Album. Gotta love it. remember Sister Mary Elephant? Good Morning Class, Good Morning Class, Class … SHUT UP! Thank You.

well i don’t walk in people’s septic tanks so maybe i’d be safe in the country.

when i lost one of my lungs, i cut my smoking in half.

i’ve definitely been a big city guy most of my life and don’t hate it; but, you know if i see one more used condom tossed onto the sidewalk, i may give the country life a try. I hope you country folk are a bit more civilized.

I’m going to test that theory ………………………..oh yeah, this post is the test.

talking to an old friend today … he’s a sports encyclopedia. i asked him how Javon Clowney was doing in the preseason. He told me that doesn’t watch preseason games because other than the first couple of series you don’t get to see the starters and he has no desire to watch players that will be installing his cable television in a couple of weeks.

shopped at Tower Records often. Occasionally visit this large place on Sunset Blvd in Hollwood called Ameoba Music. They have quite a large selection.

all i can say is “WOW” those are incredible.

Good evening Chuck -- mentioned you earlier during a phone conversation with a buddy a mine. He lives in Charlotte…told him that i had a friend in Wilmington. Think he said it was two hours away???

bet you can run like a bat outta hell now.

You’re a smart guy.

Communication is essential to a successful … everything. Just yesterday at work, i was asked to prepare a brief summary of a training class that our GIS guy is going to give. The write up is going to be printed on a flyer and distributed to the entire organization, plus 12 important people. Being my normal, unprofessional self i came up with this … “Yo Yo Yo, you will learn all about maps and cool stuff like technology." They didn’t use my wording. P.S. Well done Thebes…i particularly like the name Hard Boiled Detective Agency.

that wasn’t me … but, i’ll keep my eyes open.

happy birthday … 40 is the new 39, so it’s a wash.

well we do think of you as a trailblazer … and at least you didn’t wish him a crappy birthday.

if they’re not wearing silver & black … it’s just a game.

Doesn’t surprise me…boxx has a lot to say. he just says it in many short posts.