March 1st. In just three hours, the first day of March will be here.
Around our home, March 1st is the second biggest day of the year.
It's Mrs. JC's birthday.
We start the festivities in February, when the beautiful wife begins giving me the countdown of shopping days until her birthday.
The last day of February is what I like to call Kimber's Eve. The excitement is in the air here.
Tomorrow is it. The birthday.
This year, my lovely bride turns thirty-three. We both have to work, but the party will start at five. She'll open her gifts and Number One Son and I will take her out to the restaurant of her choice. This year, it's Red Lobster.
(actually, most year's it's Red Lobster-she loves the seafood lover in herself, but I'm not the biggest seafood fan, so we usually go once or twice a year).
Than a night of fun. I can't reveal all, because she's my only reader and we don't want to ruin any surprises.
But it's a great day and we try to make our number one girl feel as special as she is.
I hope everybody out there will celebrate March 1st in some way, in honor of my gorgeous wife.
Happy Birthday, baby!
Be seeing you.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
February, You Suck!
Now, I don't believe in curses, and I don't consider myself to have bad luck. I'm an optimist. Maybe too much so if you listen to Mrs. JC.
And this isn't bitching or whining. It's just stating some simple facts.
For the last seven or eight years, February has been a bitch.
If we had any financial problems in the past, it happened in February.
If we did our taxes and owed money, it happened in February.
Accidents? February.
Injuries? February.
Bad weather? February.
Just take a peak at February 2007 here at the Dung Heap.
A relatively mild winter turns into a blitzkrieg of snow. And, of course, on the second day of ten or twelve in a row with snow, my snowblower breaks. Now, it still works. But the piece that holds the rod in place that controls the blower part breaks, so the blower moves as you push it, meaning I have to stop every three feet and readjust it.
Not complaining, because it's still quicker than shoveling. But it broke, and it broke in February.
My wife discovers she's pregnant. A positive test. Four hours later, she gets a period. A miscarriage after five months of trying. February.
Driving along for work with maybe half an inch o' snow on the ground and this guy pulls out right in front of me. February. I will say that my car only had some paint chipping on the bumper compared to the damage to his, but still. An accident? February.
Sunday night the emergency lights on my dashboard come on. That isn't so bad, until you are told that my car was off and the key out. Monday morning I come out at six in the a.m. and the battery is dead. February.
I get it towed in. My place fixes it. Very cheap, all things considered. I pick it up Tuesday night and take her home. This morning I come out, start her up, and within thirty seconds all the lights go out. It drives, but no dash lights. No turn signals. No radio working. No interior lights, and no headlights. I take it back to the shop, and three hours later they fix it.
February.
Bad cold? February.
I get sick maybe once a year. I'm talking bad flu. And when it happens, 9 times out o' ten it will happen in....you guessed it, February.
I hate the month. My wife hates the month. It just never is good for us here at the Dung Heap.
And in three hours, it's over, thank whatever deity you wish to.
Which leads me to my next posting.
Be seeing you (very soon)
And this isn't bitching or whining. It's just stating some simple facts.
For the last seven or eight years, February has been a bitch.
If we had any financial problems in the past, it happened in February.
If we did our taxes and owed money, it happened in February.
Accidents? February.
Injuries? February.
Bad weather? February.
Just take a peak at February 2007 here at the Dung Heap.
A relatively mild winter turns into a blitzkrieg of snow. And, of course, on the second day of ten or twelve in a row with snow, my snowblower breaks. Now, it still works. But the piece that holds the rod in place that controls the blower part breaks, so the blower moves as you push it, meaning I have to stop every three feet and readjust it.
Not complaining, because it's still quicker than shoveling. But it broke, and it broke in February.
My wife discovers she's pregnant. A positive test. Four hours later, she gets a period. A miscarriage after five months of trying. February.
Driving along for work with maybe half an inch o' snow on the ground and this guy pulls out right in front of me. February. I will say that my car only had some paint chipping on the bumper compared to the damage to his, but still. An accident? February.
Sunday night the emergency lights on my dashboard come on. That isn't so bad, until you are told that my car was off and the key out. Monday morning I come out at six in the a.m. and the battery is dead. February.
I get it towed in. My place fixes it. Very cheap, all things considered. I pick it up Tuesday night and take her home. This morning I come out, start her up, and within thirty seconds all the lights go out. It drives, but no dash lights. No turn signals. No radio working. No interior lights, and no headlights. I take it back to the shop, and three hours later they fix it.
February.
Bad cold? February.
I get sick maybe once a year. I'm talking bad flu. And when it happens, 9 times out o' ten it will happen in....you guessed it, February.
I hate the month. My wife hates the month. It just never is good for us here at the Dung Heap.
And in three hours, it's over, thank whatever deity you wish to.
Which leads me to my next posting.
Be seeing you (very soon)
Monday, February 26, 2007
50/50 Chance I'll Be Half Right Part of the Time
Oscars 2007 are a thing of the past now.
A very good show. It kept me entertained for the four hours, and I enjoyed Ellen as host. Enough minor upsets to keep you paying attention.
Speaking of paying attention, I hope my faithful readers didn't. Out of 24 Oscar predictions, I only got twelve right. 50%.
That is, by far, the worst I've ever done. Good in a way that it was not a predictable evening, but still. I have too much pride to be happy with .500 picking.
Missed out on the big one for only the third time in my prediction career. First two were because I went against the actors (1998 & 2005), last night because I went with them. I did feel back in December/January that Departed might get the top prize by riding on Marty's coattails. But that wasn't my prediction, so it doesn't matter.
Oh well, you can't win them all. Besides, the uber-prestigious Jeff Awards are the only movie awards that really count ;)
Early work tomorrow, me must sleep (to quote Cookie Monster). I'll be back soon with a highly anticipated piece on why February sucks.
Quick hits:
-Nice late win for Man United on Saturday, but those 89th minute winners make me nervous. Still, top o' the table with ten to go.
-Pretty exciting Carling Cup final Sunday, with Chelsea beating out Arsehole for the first domestic cup of the season in Eng-er-land.
-Of the nominees, we've only seen The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine. I did like Departed more, and thought it was a great film.
-What's up with all the awesome tunes on Grey's Anatomy? Mrs. JC watches the show each week and has been downloading several tunes she first heard there. I'm not a fan, but with music like that I might start paying more attention.
Be Seeing You.
A very good show. It kept me entertained for the four hours, and I enjoyed Ellen as host. Enough minor upsets to keep you paying attention.
Speaking of paying attention, I hope my faithful readers didn't. Out of 24 Oscar predictions, I only got twelve right. 50%.
That is, by far, the worst I've ever done. Good in a way that it was not a predictable evening, but still. I have too much pride to be happy with .500 picking.
Missed out on the big one for only the third time in my prediction career. First two were because I went against the actors (1998 & 2005), last night because I went with them. I did feel back in December/January that Departed might get the top prize by riding on Marty's coattails. But that wasn't my prediction, so it doesn't matter.
Oh well, you can't win them all. Besides, the uber-prestigious Jeff Awards are the only movie awards that really count ;)
Early work tomorrow, me must sleep (to quote Cookie Monster). I'll be back soon with a highly anticipated piece on why February sucks.
Quick hits:
-Nice late win for Man United on Saturday, but those 89th minute winners make me nervous. Still, top o' the table with ten to go.
-Pretty exciting Carling Cup final Sunday, with Chelsea beating out Arsehole for the first domestic cup of the season in Eng-er-land.
-Of the nominees, we've only seen The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine. I did like Departed more, and thought it was a great film.
-What's up with all the awesome tunes on Grey's Anatomy? Mrs. JC watches the show each week and has been downloading several tunes she first heard there. I'm not a fan, but with music like that I might start paying more attention.
Be Seeing You.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Random Thoughts
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: A mix CD I burned to help inspire me for my next writing project screenplay. A bunch of good tunes such as "Displaced" by Azure Blue, "Passenger Seat" "Transatlantic", and "What Sarah Said" by Death Cab for Cutie, "Turn of the Century" by Pete Yorn, and a couple from Modest Mouse, "It Always Rains on a Picnic" and "Edit the Sad Parts".
WHAT I'M READING: Same thing. Issue 150 of FourFourTwo
WHAT I'M WATCHING: Just finished Celtic v. AC Milan, now up to my seventh Champions League game, Inter v. Valencia
Not much new here on the ole dung heap, so just tossing out some things floating in my head.
1. Got a cold. Colds suck. But I cannot recommend enough that the second you feel it coming, drink plenty o' liquids and make sure you take Zicam. It comes in many different forms. I would stay away from the chewable, because it's like chalk, and also stay away from the rapid melts, also like chalk. But, it works. I've used it for my last two colds, and both were gone in about 30 hours. Also, both were very mild. A tip from ole JC.
2. Only seven shopping days until Mrs. JC's birthday. The big 33. Ever since we started dating, she has always given me a countdown in February "Only (insert number here) shopping days until my birthday". I love it. However, and don't tell her this, I've already got her gifts. Had them about a week now.
3. March 3rd is the brother-in-law's marriage. Wish the couple well. They've been dating almost as long as we have. We got married after 19 months, and they are now getting married. Tis a beautiful thing.
4. DC United opened up the CONCACAF Champions Cup with a decisive 4-1 win on the road, making the second leg a mere formality. Good job, United!
5. Bought H&R Block TaxCut for the computer to do our taxes this year. $59 and you get one federal, one state, and an e-file for each. Very simple to use. Didn't get the result we wanted, but can't blame the software for that. Also, cheaper than just about any place you go. I recommend it.
6. Oscars are this Sunday. I'm sticking with my picks, but starting to read some strong mo for The Departed. I can't go against the actors, as I stated before, but wouldn't mind seeing Departed take the top prize.
7. Snow is melting. Temps are rising. Sun is shining. Days are getting longer. Can almost smell spring in the air.
8. Speaking of spring, what the hell is up with daylight savings time being moved up into March this year? What's the point of the whole thing if you can just move it around randomly.
9. Britney shaved her head. Big whoop. She's having a breakdown, who cares. I just find it amazing that she's managed to make her money hungry ex hubby look like the good parent coming out of this.
10. The end of days is here! Jersey grants legal marriage rights to gay couples! Whatever shall we do? Look, gay marriage is no big deal. Two people are in love, and consenting adults, let them marry. It's not like the gay population can do any more damage to the institution than we breeders have. I'll never understand all the hullabaloo over this non-issue.
That's all I got.
Be seeing you.
WHAT I'M READING: Same thing. Issue 150 of FourFourTwo
WHAT I'M WATCHING: Just finished Celtic v. AC Milan, now up to my seventh Champions League game, Inter v. Valencia
Not much new here on the ole dung heap, so just tossing out some things floating in my head.
1. Got a cold. Colds suck. But I cannot recommend enough that the second you feel it coming, drink plenty o' liquids and make sure you take Zicam. It comes in many different forms. I would stay away from the chewable, because it's like chalk, and also stay away from the rapid melts, also like chalk. But, it works. I've used it for my last two colds, and both were gone in about 30 hours. Also, both were very mild. A tip from ole JC.
2. Only seven shopping days until Mrs. JC's birthday. The big 33. Ever since we started dating, she has always given me a countdown in February "Only (insert number here) shopping days until my birthday". I love it. However, and don't tell her this, I've already got her gifts. Had them about a week now.
3. March 3rd is the brother-in-law's marriage. Wish the couple well. They've been dating almost as long as we have. We got married after 19 months, and they are now getting married. Tis a beautiful thing.
4. DC United opened up the CONCACAF Champions Cup with a decisive 4-1 win on the road, making the second leg a mere formality. Good job, United!
5. Bought H&R Block TaxCut for the computer to do our taxes this year. $59 and you get one federal, one state, and an e-file for each. Very simple to use. Didn't get the result we wanted, but can't blame the software for that. Also, cheaper than just about any place you go. I recommend it.
6. Oscars are this Sunday. I'm sticking with my picks, but starting to read some strong mo for The Departed. I can't go against the actors, as I stated before, but wouldn't mind seeing Departed take the top prize.
7. Snow is melting. Temps are rising. Sun is shining. Days are getting longer. Can almost smell spring in the air.
8. Speaking of spring, what the hell is up with daylight savings time being moved up into March this year? What's the point of the whole thing if you can just move it around randomly.
9. Britney shaved her head. Big whoop. She's having a breakdown, who cares. I just find it amazing that she's managed to make her money hungry ex hubby look like the good parent coming out of this.
10. The end of days is here! Jersey grants legal marriage rights to gay couples! Whatever shall we do? Look, gay marriage is no big deal. Two people are in love, and consenting adults, let them marry. It's not like the gay population can do any more damage to the institution than we breeders have. I'll never understand all the hullabaloo over this non-issue.
That's all I got.
Be seeing you.
Monday, February 19, 2007
We Are the Champions(League) My Friends! And I'll Keep on Posting Till the End!
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: The album "9" by Damien Rice. Great CD. Heavy featuring on the songs "9 crimes", "grey room" "accidental babies" and "sleep don't weep". Also jamming out to Cake's "Comfort Eagle" song.
WHAT I'M READING: Newest issue of FourFourTwo with Becks on the cover.
WHAT I'M WATCHING: Mrs. JC and I just finished The Black Dahlia. I've flushed better shit than that. Don't waste your time. It sucks. The acting sucks like I've never seen in a big studio film. The directing sucks. The story sucks. Will probably be the worst 2006 release I watch. If somebody gives you the choice of watching it or having your genitals removed by a epileptic with rusty scissors and a bad cause of glaucoma, I'd say you really don't need your gens that bad.
The UEFA Champions League resumes tomorrow, and I'm pumped up. Thanks to the addition of Setanta Sports coupled with the coverage on ESPN2, I'll be able to watch seven of the eight games in the next two days.
For those not in the know, for shame. The Champions League is a European cup competition. You win your league, your in it the next year. Also, in the bigger leagues (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, etc) teams who finish in the top three or four get in.
The first stage involves 32 clubs divided into eight groups. You play each club twice (home and away) and the top two clubs after the six games advance to the knockout rounds.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the knockout rounds. Picture every game being like a Super Bowl, only actually exciting and worth watching.
Here are the games, and my predictions. I'm predicting the clubs that will advance. It's a two-legged series with aggregate goals deciding the winners. I'm not bothering with predicting both legs, just who will advance to the next round.
TUESDAY:
1. Celtic (Scotland Premier League) v. AC Milan (Italian Serie A)
MY PICK: AC Milan. Celtic are a good club, having played very well in the same group as my Man United, and I think they'll make a run for it. But Milan are just a bit too good in Europe for me to bet against them.
2. Lille (France Ligue Un) v. Manchester United (English Premier League)
MY PICK: Manchester United. I don't see Man United going all the way in 2007, but they have too much talent not to get past a good Lille side.
3. PSV Eindhoven (Dutch ErieDivisie) v. Arsenal (English Premier League)
MY PICK: Arsenal. Would pay top dollar to see Arsehole get knocked out at this stage, but I can't even fathom it happening. Too much talent out there for the Dutch leaders, who are in the middle of their own slump.
4. Real Madrid (Spanish La Liga) v. Bayern Munich (German Bundesliga)
MY PICK: Bayern Munich. Tough one to call. Bayern are having their worst season in Germany in a long time, but Madrid ain't doin' much better. They seem to have made a habit of struggling against lower table sides. It'll be a tough one, but in the end unless Madrid shape up, I see them shipping out.
WEDNESDAY
5. Barcelona (Spanish La Liga) v. Liverpool (English Premier League)
MY PICK: Barcelona. Should be the series of the round. Two great clubs. That being said, Barca are the defending champions and rolling along in Spain. Liverpool? Not as such.
6. FC Porto (Portugal) v. Chelsea (English Premier League)
MY PICK: Chelsea. Roman's billions are being spent mainly with the goal of lifting that huge trophy in May. The biggest cup that Jose Mourinhou has not brought to Stamford Bridge. I don't see them falling to the smaller side.
7. Inter Milan (Italian Serie A) v. Valencia (Spanish La Liga)
MY PICK: Valencia. Inter are top of the Italian tables, but I'm not completely sold on them advancing here. Valencia are top notch and I just got a feeling.
8. Roma (Italian Serie A) v. Lyon (French Ligue Un)
MY PICK: Lyon. They've won the French league four in a row, and are looking towards five. Yes, they've been average since December, but I think that'll change here. Can't see Roma taking this one at all.
For those lucky few, here's the TV schedule for the next three days.
TUESDAY
Lille v. Manchester United (Setanta LIVE at 2:30 pm)
PSV Eindhoven v. Arsenal (ESPN2 LIVE at 2:30 pm)
Real Madrid v. Bayern Munich (Setanta and ESPNClassic delayed at 5pm)
WEDNESDAY
Barcelona v. Liverpool (Setanta LIVE at 2:30 pm)
FC Porto v. Chelsea (ESPN2 LIVE at 2:30 pm)
Inter Milan v. Valencia (Setanta delayed at 9 pm)
THURSDAY
Celtic v. AC Milan (Setanta delayed at 3:30 pm)
Happy viewing.
Be Seeing You.
WHAT I'M READING: Newest issue of FourFourTwo with Becks on the cover.
WHAT I'M WATCHING: Mrs. JC and I just finished The Black Dahlia. I've flushed better shit than that. Don't waste your time. It sucks. The acting sucks like I've never seen in a big studio film. The directing sucks. The story sucks. Will probably be the worst 2006 release I watch. If somebody gives you the choice of watching it or having your genitals removed by a epileptic with rusty scissors and a bad cause of glaucoma, I'd say you really don't need your gens that bad.
The UEFA Champions League resumes tomorrow, and I'm pumped up. Thanks to the addition of Setanta Sports coupled with the coverage on ESPN2, I'll be able to watch seven of the eight games in the next two days.
For those not in the know, for shame. The Champions League is a European cup competition. You win your league, your in it the next year. Also, in the bigger leagues (England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, etc) teams who finish in the top three or four get in.
The first stage involves 32 clubs divided into eight groups. You play each club twice (home and away) and the top two clubs after the six games advance to the knockout rounds.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the knockout rounds. Picture every game being like a Super Bowl, only actually exciting and worth watching.
Here are the games, and my predictions. I'm predicting the clubs that will advance. It's a two-legged series with aggregate goals deciding the winners. I'm not bothering with predicting both legs, just who will advance to the next round.
TUESDAY:
1. Celtic (Scotland Premier League) v. AC Milan (Italian Serie A)
MY PICK: AC Milan. Celtic are a good club, having played very well in the same group as my Man United, and I think they'll make a run for it. But Milan are just a bit too good in Europe for me to bet against them.
2. Lille (France Ligue Un) v. Manchester United (English Premier League)
MY PICK: Manchester United. I don't see Man United going all the way in 2007, but they have too much talent not to get past a good Lille side.
3. PSV Eindhoven (Dutch ErieDivisie) v. Arsenal (English Premier League)
MY PICK: Arsenal. Would pay top dollar to see Arsehole get knocked out at this stage, but I can't even fathom it happening. Too much talent out there for the Dutch leaders, who are in the middle of their own slump.
4. Real Madrid (Spanish La Liga) v. Bayern Munich (German Bundesliga)
MY PICK: Bayern Munich. Tough one to call. Bayern are having their worst season in Germany in a long time, but Madrid ain't doin' much better. They seem to have made a habit of struggling against lower table sides. It'll be a tough one, but in the end unless Madrid shape up, I see them shipping out.
WEDNESDAY
5. Barcelona (Spanish La Liga) v. Liverpool (English Premier League)
MY PICK: Barcelona. Should be the series of the round. Two great clubs. That being said, Barca are the defending champions and rolling along in Spain. Liverpool? Not as such.
6. FC Porto (Portugal) v. Chelsea (English Premier League)
MY PICK: Chelsea. Roman's billions are being spent mainly with the goal of lifting that huge trophy in May. The biggest cup that Jose Mourinhou has not brought to Stamford Bridge. I don't see them falling to the smaller side.
7. Inter Milan (Italian Serie A) v. Valencia (Spanish La Liga)
MY PICK: Valencia. Inter are top of the Italian tables, but I'm not completely sold on them advancing here. Valencia are top notch and I just got a feeling.
8. Roma (Italian Serie A) v. Lyon (French Ligue Un)
MY PICK: Lyon. They've won the French league four in a row, and are looking towards five. Yes, they've been average since December, but I think that'll change here. Can't see Roma taking this one at all.
For those lucky few, here's the TV schedule for the next three days.
TUESDAY
Lille v. Manchester United (Setanta LIVE at 2:30 pm)
PSV Eindhoven v. Arsenal (ESPN2 LIVE at 2:30 pm)
Real Madrid v. Bayern Munich (Setanta and ESPNClassic delayed at 5pm)
WEDNESDAY
Barcelona v. Liverpool (Setanta LIVE at 2:30 pm)
FC Porto v. Chelsea (ESPN2 LIVE at 2:30 pm)
Inter Milan v. Valencia (Setanta delayed at 9 pm)
THURSDAY
Celtic v. AC Milan (Setanta delayed at 3:30 pm)
Happy viewing.
Be Seeing You.
We Hardly Knew Ye
I'll never meet you. I'll never hold you in my arms. You'll never stand on the toilet and watch me shave like Jude does. I'll never give you a bath, or blow on your belly while changing your diaper. We'll never applaud your first steps. We'll never lie in bed, smiling, talking about the cool things you did today. There will never be a first for anything. I'll never know your smile, or feel your tiny hands around my neck. I'll never sit in a car in a driveway watching you breathe in the rearview mirror as you nap. I'll never feel your kisses on my cheek. So many things will never happen now.
I'll never forget you. I'll never stop loving you.
Goodbye, sweet child I'll never know.
I'll never forget you. I'll never stop loving you.
Goodbye, sweet child I'll never know.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Valentine's Day & Stuff
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO: Sigur Ros, a mixture of Takk and ( ), with a heavy emphasis on Heysatan.
WHAT I'M READING: "Fiasco: A History of Hollywood's Iconic Flops" by James Robert Parish
WHAT I'M WATCHING: Heading into the second half of the UEFA Cup first leg betwixt Espanyol and Livorno. On the DVD, it was the excellent documentary "Heroes: Legends of World Class" (as a child, my brother and I were big pro wrestling fans; the story of the Texas based World Class area's rise to glory, and the horrible downfall of the Von Erich family is a tragedy of Greek proportions-if you were a wrestling fan, it's a great one; even if you hate wrestling, this is a very moving look at a tragic series of events).
Yesterday was the eighth Valentine's Day my wife and I have spent together. The first two as a dating couple, and the last six as Mister and Missus. I don't go as all out as I use to, but at the same time, my feelings for her have only gotten stronger each and every year.
I was not the guy who gets married. My teen years were spent assuming that I lacked the qualities a woman would find attractive. So I lived with a feeling that the best I could get was unrequited love. Of course I liked many different girls in school. But I could never convince myself that asking them out would do any good. Low self-esteem and such. I look back and regret it. There were woman that probably would have said yes. I don't mean that in general, I mean that people would say "You really should ask such and such out. She likes you, Ace" or "Why don't you ask out this girl, she'll do anything for a hot meal, Slick". Yeah, in my memory my friends called me Ace and Slick. In reality, nope. But in my memory. And why shouldn't I remember things like I want them to be?
After high school, I began to realize that maybe, just maybe, I did have some okay qualities that some desperate gal would like enough to eat one hot, free meal with. I realized how stupid it was to avoid dating during my school years. What was the worst that could happen if I asked a girl out?
I found out.
First girl I ever asked out for a real date laughed. Now, I don't think she laughed at the notion of going out with me. I think it was more of a nervous reflexive action. Like I caught her off guard and it was very awkward. But still. When you go through all those years of public schooling believing that you just aren't dating material, then finally work up the nerve to ask somebody out, and the response is laughter, it wounds the fragile ego.
Eventually, I did get a good response to the question "Wanna go eat or something?" As time went on, I gained confidence. Each date was a learning experience. They all didn't go great, but I look back on almost all of them fondly. It was those dates, and what I got out of them, that helped me find my Kimbers.
Some girls stand out more than others. Not always for the right reasons. There was the gal that took my virginity (at the ripe old age of 22!). At the time, I thought I loved her. What I loved was the freedom we had together. She was four years older. We had a writing class together. Talking with her came easier than just about anybody else I'd met. We hit it off wonderfully, and that first month was a blast. She lived in an apartment, so we didn't have to worry about any outside interference. It was just two people getting to know each other. But in late October 1996 my father had a near fatal heart attack. It was bad. It was a miracle that he lived. In fact, the doctor told us to prepare for his death, because he'd never seen anybody in that shape survive. It really rocked my world. I felt like I was falling, and needed something to break the fall, something to hold on to. That became her. It was way too much for a month old relationship to handle. What I needed, she just wasn't ready to give. The second month was all down hill. By New Years Day, it was over.
Looking back, I understand that everything going on in my life at home led to me taking it harder than I would have, or should have. I had to pick myself back up. But I came back stronger than ever. For whatever reason (possibly the sex), I had much more confidence with women. I started asking more girls out. I wasn't nervous about it at all. Dating is a very fun thing, and I got great enjoyment from it.
It was Christmas Eve when I first encountered the woman I would marry. I was single again after a recent breakup. I spent the night with family and friends, all who were married. I was 25 and alone. Going back to my apartment, alone, I logged onto AOL. On the homepage was a mini-ad about "finding love for the holidays". On a whim, since I wasn't tired, I checked it out. The second profile I came across was this beautiful woman. I read her info, and everything jibed with my own likes/dislikes. I decided to send off an e-mail. Three days later, she responded. We hit it off, via e-mails, immediately. We had almost the exact same interests.
On January 5, 2000, we had our first official date, where we first officially met. I entered the chinese restaurant and spotted this beautiful red head sitting there. I approached her and said "Kim?". The woman said no. But it was her. After the best first date of my life, we went out again the next night to a comedy show in St. Joe, Michigan. Two nights later, she came over to my apartment and I made dinner. The next night we went to the movies. Since that first date in January 2000, there have only been two days where we didn't see each other. By Valentine's Day, I moved into her apartment. On our sixth month anniversary, I proposed.
On August 11, 2001 we got married. On September 29, 2002 we moved into our first house. In November 2003 we found out we were preggers, and on July 30, 2004 our first child was born, the famous Number One Son.
All along the way, we've grown together. I cherish every single moment of every day that we spend together. I look at her and see a bright future, and a past that was worth all the heartbreak and anxiety. Each step on the dating path led me to her, so I will always be grateful to those girls. I would not have been the man my wife fell in love with without those experiences.
So I could spend the next hour typing out words to show what she means to me, and how I feel about her. But it can be summed up in four little words. I love you, Kimbers.
Always will. I look forward to growing old and gray with you, and looking back on a lifetime of happy memories.
To steal from Sinead O'Connor:
You are only
My love, my love
My love.
Happy Valentine's Day to all the lovers out there.
Be seeing you.
WHAT I'M READING: "Fiasco: A History of Hollywood's Iconic Flops" by James Robert Parish
WHAT I'M WATCHING: Heading into the second half of the UEFA Cup first leg betwixt Espanyol and Livorno. On the DVD, it was the excellent documentary "Heroes: Legends of World Class" (as a child, my brother and I were big pro wrestling fans; the story of the Texas based World Class area's rise to glory, and the horrible downfall of the Von Erich family is a tragedy of Greek proportions-if you were a wrestling fan, it's a great one; even if you hate wrestling, this is a very moving look at a tragic series of events).
Yesterday was the eighth Valentine's Day my wife and I have spent together. The first two as a dating couple, and the last six as Mister and Missus. I don't go as all out as I use to, but at the same time, my feelings for her have only gotten stronger each and every year.
I was not the guy who gets married. My teen years were spent assuming that I lacked the qualities a woman would find attractive. So I lived with a feeling that the best I could get was unrequited love. Of course I liked many different girls in school. But I could never convince myself that asking them out would do any good. Low self-esteem and such. I look back and regret it. There were woman that probably would have said yes. I don't mean that in general, I mean that people would say "You really should ask such and such out. She likes you, Ace" or "Why don't you ask out this girl, she'll do anything for a hot meal, Slick". Yeah, in my memory my friends called me Ace and Slick. In reality, nope. But in my memory. And why shouldn't I remember things like I want them to be?
After high school, I began to realize that maybe, just maybe, I did have some okay qualities that some desperate gal would like enough to eat one hot, free meal with. I realized how stupid it was to avoid dating during my school years. What was the worst that could happen if I asked a girl out?
I found out.
First girl I ever asked out for a real date laughed. Now, I don't think she laughed at the notion of going out with me. I think it was more of a nervous reflexive action. Like I caught her off guard and it was very awkward. But still. When you go through all those years of public schooling believing that you just aren't dating material, then finally work up the nerve to ask somebody out, and the response is laughter, it wounds the fragile ego.
Eventually, I did get a good response to the question "Wanna go eat or something?" As time went on, I gained confidence. Each date was a learning experience. They all didn't go great, but I look back on almost all of them fondly. It was those dates, and what I got out of them, that helped me find my Kimbers.
Some girls stand out more than others. Not always for the right reasons. There was the gal that took my virginity (at the ripe old age of 22!). At the time, I thought I loved her. What I loved was the freedom we had together. She was four years older. We had a writing class together. Talking with her came easier than just about anybody else I'd met. We hit it off wonderfully, and that first month was a blast. She lived in an apartment, so we didn't have to worry about any outside interference. It was just two people getting to know each other. But in late October 1996 my father had a near fatal heart attack. It was bad. It was a miracle that he lived. In fact, the doctor told us to prepare for his death, because he'd never seen anybody in that shape survive. It really rocked my world. I felt like I was falling, and needed something to break the fall, something to hold on to. That became her. It was way too much for a month old relationship to handle. What I needed, she just wasn't ready to give. The second month was all down hill. By New Years Day, it was over.
Looking back, I understand that everything going on in my life at home led to me taking it harder than I would have, or should have. I had to pick myself back up. But I came back stronger than ever. For whatever reason (possibly the sex), I had much more confidence with women. I started asking more girls out. I wasn't nervous about it at all. Dating is a very fun thing, and I got great enjoyment from it.
It was Christmas Eve when I first encountered the woman I would marry. I was single again after a recent breakup. I spent the night with family and friends, all who were married. I was 25 and alone. Going back to my apartment, alone, I logged onto AOL. On the homepage was a mini-ad about "finding love for the holidays". On a whim, since I wasn't tired, I checked it out. The second profile I came across was this beautiful woman. I read her info, and everything jibed with my own likes/dislikes. I decided to send off an e-mail. Three days later, she responded. We hit it off, via e-mails, immediately. We had almost the exact same interests.
On January 5, 2000, we had our first official date, where we first officially met. I entered the chinese restaurant and spotted this beautiful red head sitting there. I approached her and said "Kim?". The woman said no. But it was her. After the best first date of my life, we went out again the next night to a comedy show in St. Joe, Michigan. Two nights later, she came over to my apartment and I made dinner. The next night we went to the movies. Since that first date in January 2000, there have only been two days where we didn't see each other. By Valentine's Day, I moved into her apartment. On our sixth month anniversary, I proposed.
On August 11, 2001 we got married. On September 29, 2002 we moved into our first house. In November 2003 we found out we were preggers, and on July 30, 2004 our first child was born, the famous Number One Son.
All along the way, we've grown together. I cherish every single moment of every day that we spend together. I look at her and see a bright future, and a past that was worth all the heartbreak and anxiety. Each step on the dating path led me to her, so I will always be grateful to those girls. I would not have been the man my wife fell in love with without those experiences.
So I could spend the next hour typing out words to show what she means to me, and how I feel about her. But it can be summed up in four little words. I love you, Kimbers.
Always will. I look forward to growing old and gray with you, and looking back on a lifetime of happy memories.
To steal from Sinead O'Connor:
You are only
My love, my love
My love.
Happy Valentine's Day to all the lovers out there.
Be seeing you.
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