tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-254251232024-03-23T14:01:27.874-04:00Strange Places Strange FacesBeen There. Seen That. My Own Little Slice of Heaven.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-7192462885658855462006-12-12T18:40:00.000-05:002006-12-12T18:56:18.185-05:00Rarified AirIt is a crisp autumnal day here in Cleveland, just 10 days away from the beginning of winter. Convertible drivers are taking their tops down, kids got away with shorts (or at least some cool clothing), fall leaves could have risen back to their trees. Ah, the sheer delight of 60 in December. The holidays are fast approaching and, in the slick 'snow belt' of America, it's difficult to imagine life without a white Christmas or Hanukah, for that matter. But, all signs point to bright, sunshiny days. That doesn't mean Old Man Winter won't come roaring through in a couple weeks, it just means he has been mostly dormant this time of year. Last year, this time, we watched temperatures dip close to 10 degrees if not cooler. The lowest I can remember this year is about 18 degrees -- a virtual heat wave versus that 10. The bigger question, though, is why should I care? I grew up in this climate. I have suffered for years. I even went to school in Ithaca where finals were once postponed a week because of the white stuff. I lived through a 'white out' in Philly (a joke compared to our 'white outs' here). My only escape was the six or so years I spent soaking in the sun and sands of South Florida. So, the answer to my hypothetical question becomes this: I do care. I would be lying if I told you otherwise. I hate the cold air and the snow. It sucks the wind out of me -- in effect shoving me into lifeless seasonal affective disorder. But, not even drugs can solve that slump. In the end, I just have to grin and bear it. I have to remember how much fun it was making snowmen and having snowball fights during a game of 'King of the Mountain'. I have to accept the fact that -- very soon -- this will be the recurrent climate of my life -- cold, snowy with a huge chance for sunshine.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-87164859545189845442006-11-24T17:48:00.000-05:002006-11-24T18:01:58.550-05:00New Wisdom I Am Happy to ShareSpecial Thanks to <a href="http://www.askmoses.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">AskMoses</span>.com</a>, a website I suggest for people of all denominations.<br /><br />"Dealing with failure can be compared to jumping on a pogo stick. The harder you fall, the higher you bounce."<br /><br />"Happiness is not an absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them."<br /><br />"'Enjoy what you do, and you'll never work another day in your life.'"<br /><br />"Failure may be the step you take before reaching success. Fear of failure will never let you get there."<br /><br />"People with special needs reveal what is special in us."<br /><br />"No good deed is too small to count and none too great to accomplish."<br /><br />"Depression is a ploy instigated by the self-destructive elements within us. Once depressed, a person could do anything."<br /><br />"Hope -- is when there's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">some</span> glimmer of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">chance</span>. Trust in G-d -- is even when there's noting left to hope for."<br /><br />"Someone made a choice to harm you? Don't get angry, it's his problem. That it happened to YOU -- is between you and G-d."<br /><br />"There's always hope -- even when you mess up, since you will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">always</span> be exactly as G-d has planned at the outset of creation."<br /><br />"<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Any</span> voice holding you back from moving forward -- however justified -- is a voice of destruction and decay, not of growth and life."Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1160924458816643742006-10-15T10:53:00.000-04:002006-10-15T11:00:58.836-04:00Quotes That Make You Think HardI hope these things intrigue and help you as much as they have me.<br /><br />1. "No need to worry. Get reliable advice. Make decisions. Be confident that G-d will support them." -- AskMoses.com<br /><br />2. "Depression constricts the flow of blessing from above. When we rejoice, higher worlds shine upon us in full glory." -- AsMoses.com<br /><br />3. "There was a time when people did not have careers. People did not live to acquire material wealth." -- AskMoses.com<br /><br />4. "When G-d sees that you trust in Him to make it good, He will make it good." -- AskMoses.com<br /><br />5. "Love is an action verb." -- sign outside of a church I just passed by (and the subject of my next blog entry)<br /><br />6. "We don't love the people we love just because they're perfect, we just love." -- ABC's "Brothers and Sisters" (and the subject of another blog this week)Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1158788925630485522006-09-20T17:44:00.000-04:002006-09-20T18:01:53.470-04:00Catching LiarsMany of you have asked me here and on Dude Deciphering about guys who cheat and lie. I was just sent this article from WebMD called <a href="http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/Article/127/116573.htm?printing=true.">How to Catch a Liar</a>. It's an interesting Top 10 ways on how you can trap that liar from Day One. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1158528746242182782006-09-17T17:31:00.000-04:002006-09-21T10:16:52.343-04:00Nigel Gets a New Computer'bout time. The blog should be back and in full-throttle again since my poor old Sony VAIO has been replaced by an m7500y HP. Amongst other things, my new computer TiVo's. So, you can be sure I'll spend a lot of time near it. Also, it has a faster response time to my 'hunting and pecking' ways on the keyboard... no longer a 'finger jam'. Anyway, it's all good, and I hope it's all good for you, too. More Nigel, more of the time.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1157946516553783342006-09-10T23:46:00.000-04:002006-09-21T10:14:15.080-04:00Drive-Thru Fuck BuddiesJust the title of this post should be enough to grab your attention. I was speaking to my friend the other night. He has this 'friend with benefits'. He loves the benefits but he pretty much can't stand the friend. So, he does his thing... but he makes sure it is over in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. Yeah, he'll take care of her if he has to, but he is more prone to taking care of himself. It made me wonder if the whole concept of F Buddies is really worth it. Who are we kidding anyway? A get-on 'get-OFF' romp that is unenjoyable and last for just a few minutes. Admittedly, I'd maim for one of those right now, but for what price? I'd be labeled unemotional and 'quick'. The sex would suck for both of us. I know it would be like hitting the bottom of the barrel. I know it would drive me wild. That's why 'Drive-thru F Buddies' seems to be the most applicable term here, where I can get-in and get-out.. without worrying about anything but a small price in between.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1157842122322651322006-09-09T18:48:00.000-04:002006-09-21T10:05:59.446-04:00Women Love When You Notice Their KidsWomen love when you notice their kids, just like I love when people notice Ike. They love the way you might play peek-a-boo with said children. They love compliments about how cute their kid is or how well-behaved they are. Basically, they loved being doted upon because it makes them feel better about the world in general. I should know a lot about this because I am a kid complimenter. I don't know if it's a self-esteem issue or just a moment where I provide happiness and comfort, but whatever the deal -- I always end up on top with a 'Thank You' or a compliment in return.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1157771834133243192006-09-08T23:16:00.000-04:002006-09-20T22:44:17.946-04:00Lip KissersLip Kissers.<br /><br />Do you have relatives or friends who just love to kiss you on the lips? Even when you throw your cheek their way, they somehow manage a way to find your lips. It still takes me by surprise most of the time. I don't the understated intimacy of the whole thing, and I don't ever think I could be a 'Lip Kisser' myself.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1157683235418010742006-09-07T22:40:00.000-04:002006-09-18T00:14:35.030-04:00A Dating DilemmaDating Dilemma: Online romance ends up being 450+ miles away, or 100 miles away or 2000 miles away. This always happens. Why does this always happen to me? I end up meeting a great girl online, and she always ends up being so far away. Why do I find it easy to find women miles away, but no one in my own backyard? Does it mean there are no women left here in Cleveland for me, or does it mean it's just easier for me to attract, maintain and enjoy relationships at a distance? Either way, it's screwed up, and either way I allow it to happen again and again. Maybe it is easier to like someone from a distance, but is it fair to allow yourself to like them so much that you are sabotaging both of you? It's hard to maintain any type of long-distance relationship, especially where it starts out on the phone for endless nights. A what point do you just pull the trigger and quit talking? Do you maintain the friendship? Or, do you go meet the person? If you meet each other and click, then what happens? The logical step is to end up in the same place, but is that easily achievable? This dating dilemma is a huge mess, and one that -- for me -- isn't likely to go away soon anyway.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1157577588623668212006-09-06T17:19:00.000-04:002006-09-18T00:07:59.600-04:00I'm Going GrayMy mirror keeps on changing on me like those funky mirrors at a funhouse. Only this is not a funhouse, and the mirror's changes aren't a figment of my imagination. My dark brown lots, always It's subject of great conversation -- as they are so full and wavy -- are turning gray. My brown is turning to salt and pepper and there isn't a thing I can do about it. Hell, some people might suggest I color it. But, that's bullshit. I'd rather see it go all gray in one night than color it. In fact, I think it's kind of cool. It gives me a certain look of maturation that I wouldn't otherwise have. It says, "I am living the life." Or something like that. I'd like to suggest that gray is becoming the new bleach blond. I'm dying to see it fill in. Right now, it seems to be in pieces-parts with no real direction of its own. It's spotty. It's suspect. It's deceiving. It's inviting. It's all of these in one. So I say,<br /><br />Hooray for Gray.<br />I can't wait to see you<br />fill in some day.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1157426597645882602006-09-04T23:22:00.000-04:002006-09-18T00:01:09.980-04:00What Is Labor Day, Anyway?Labor Day, for those of us in the United States, has become a total crock of shit if you ask me. My Mother worked today because the mall was open. Half of the restaurants in the city were open. Drugstores changed their hours, but remained open. Gas stations -- they're open, too. Grocery stores -- open. Movie theatres -- open. Car dealerships -- open. Heck, it remains a mystery to me why we have this Labor Day thing anyway. Perhaps it is a day where we <em>truly</em> labor. Look, government workers get the day off. Schools are closed so teachers are off. Aside from these 'lucky laborers', I don't see a point to this holiday other than to stuff ourselves at a merry-go-round of picnics. I thought this Labor Day thing was supposed to be a day of rest and relaxation, but tell it to these workers who -- in effect -- are giving up a holiday to work. Thank goodness for time and a half. A real labor day would involve every one to shut down. Do you know how much that would hurt our economy? One day of everyone walking away from their jobs would literally stifle and devastate the economy. That's why I suggest this day be renamed "Worker Appreciation Day" for those of us who do work and produce on this so-called 'holiday'. It's more appropriate to recognize the American workers who keep the economy as robust as can be during these tough times.<br /><br />As for me, I spent the day volunteering.... it's not actually labor, but it makes you feel as if you're actually doing something productive on this day. Then again, if it weren't for my labor in volunteering, some things just wouldn't get done.<br /><br />To that end, I extend my appreciation to all of you who work on this day to make our country a better place to be.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1157247569011710412006-09-02T21:38:00.000-04:002006-09-04T23:45:56.310-04:00What I Hated About MTV's VMAsI hated MTV's Video Music Awards. HATED. I just got to see it on TV, and there really wasn't anything redeeming about it. Jack Black was flat and humorless. The Raconteurs sucked ass as a house band. For whatever reason, New Yorkers couldn't put on the same show that they have in L.A. I didn't know many of the acts, but it didn't matter. I wouldn't have liked their performances anyway. Lil' Kim was one performer, in particular, who sucked. Who the hell is Baby Jane? Justin Timberlake was lackluster as an opening act.... and on and on. Presenters like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie further devalued this once excellent showcase. By the way, what the hell was Pink drinking or smoking when she accepted her award for 'Stupid Girl'? I can't believe she was even able to get up on stage.<br /><br />So, what did I actually like? The performance by OK GO was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Shakira with Wyclef was hot. Sarah Silverman was hysterical, especially the bit she did on Lance Bass. The camera work and effects were cool. The production was average. I guess I would give a 'B' to the Red Carpet crap.<br /><br />But, overall, what happened to the VMAs? Maybe they went the same way as MTV. Today's MTV should be renamed RTV because it is mostly glorified 'R'eality TV. There is no music involved. So, it only figures that VMAs are hard to find too.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1157148214209730872006-09-01T18:03:00.000-04:002006-09-04T23:31:45.643-04:00Where Have You Gone, Nigel Vossap?So a bunch of fellow bloggers are on my case. They want to know where I've been and what I've been doing. It seems I only published a lame 11 times last month, and many of those posts weren't very Nigel-like. So, where have you gone, Nigel Vossap? It's a question I now have to pose to myself. I can tell you I took a vacation. I can tell you I felt like I didn't have it anymore. I can tell you I was bored. I can tell you any number of things, but the fact of the matter is I got lazy and started to ignore my favorite project in the world -- the one that pretty much relaxes me and gives me more pleasure than anything else (okay, almost anything else). I love writing. I love my Blogger Buddies. My return is prompted, then, by a look at my past. I have reviewed some of the things I have written since I opened shop in April. Some of it is great. Some of it flat-out sucks. But, the best part is I wrote it. They're my words, my thoughts and a diary of the daily events in my life. So, right on and write on! I will go full steam ahead this month, and try to provide you with a little insight and entertainment while I am at it. I promise, also, to visit your blogs again. Special thanks to all my buddies who wrote in and asked about me. Also, look for a new format around the middle of the month. I am working on it as we speak. By the way, how many of you are on the Beta version? I don't want to switch over until I know most of you can read and respond to my new work. Happy Blogging!Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1156379282647115502006-08-23T20:26:00.000-04:002006-08-23T20:28:02.676-04:00Premature EjaculationNow that I have your attention, read all about it in <a href="http://www.understandingdudes.blogspot.com">Deciphering Dudes Dot.Com</a>.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1156377655806973902006-08-23T19:50:00.000-04:002006-08-23T20:00:55.836-04:00Time Passages<div align="center">"The only time time is long is when I am trying to sleep."</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">So sayeth my friend, the building superintendent where I live. He just turned 70 this year and I was asking him about time. My thought is the older we get, the closer we get in age to our older relatives and friends. For example, my oldest first cousin has twelve years on me, but it feels closer to five now when it felt like decades when I was younger. To what do I owe this thought? I am not really sure. Another perfect example is 9/11. 9/11 feels like yesterday because it is so permanently etched in my fabric. It's hard to believe we're coming up on its fifth anniversary. So, I considered my friend's profound quote. I thought about my odd sleeping patterns and the relevancy of his wisdom to my very own life. Some nights I manage to get only a few hours sleep. I have a million things on my mind. I don't know what to do with myself. I am utterly restless. Other nights, I can catch eight hours or more... But, it doesn't seem to matter. My friend, in fact, is right. Our days -- as evidenced by my revelations about 9/11 and my cousin -- go by in a flash. It's only when I sleep that things slow down. It's only when I sleep that I can enjoy (perhaps on a superficial level) the passing of time. During my awaking hours, time flies. They used to say, "Time flies when you're having fun." I'm not sure about that one, but I am sure that time flies. Maybe now is the time we have to consider how precious our hourglasses are, and the fact that we can make as much out of time while we are awake as when we sleep.</div>Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1156216466377865412006-08-21T23:14:00.000-04:002006-08-23T11:03:19.383-04:00Ike FartsIf there's anything in the world you want to avoid at all costs more than anything else, it's Ike Farts. Ike Farts are the equivalent of bombing Hiroshima. In fact, he doesn't just clear a room, he clears a whole house. Then, he's so proud of himself that he usually sticks his nose back there to smell the damage. Meanwhile, I am putting a wet towel over my face as if to protect myself from pepper spray. I think you guys get the picture.<br /><br />So, it will come as no surprise to you that the damn dog, who I love more than anything in the world, put me in the most compromising position today. You see, I had to take him to the vet for some bullshit stuff, and I found myself alone in t he waiting room with this really pretty young girl and her cat. The waiting room has two sides, one for cats and one for dogs, but she was on our side anyway. I wasn't sitting down but a few minutes when Ike's stomach roared, and his ass went into action. The SBD (silent but deadly) had been launched. It was nauseating. I didn't know what to do. Fearing the girl would think it was me, I couldn't take any chances.<br /><br />"Awwww, Ike," I moaned, emphasizing my displeasure with him. "Let's go outside."<br /><br />By this point, I hope the girl will realize it wasn't me. I take Ike outside and he promptly, matter-of-factly does his business.<br /><br />When we walk back inside, the girl looks at me as if to shame me. She takes her kitty box and walks to the kitty side of the waiting area. I am completely humiliated, and good old Ike couldn't care less.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1155905807487731062006-08-18T08:54:00.000-04:002006-08-18T08:59:34.066-04:00The Down and Out DudesIt has been a long time since anyone asked the Dudes any questions... However, the traffic to the Blog remains steady. Please encourage your friends to stop on by, ask me a question (anonymously if they want to), and we'll be happy to answer. Otherwise, look for fresh, original material starting every day next week. Happy Blogging Season!<br /><br />Your friends at <a href="http://www.understandingdudes.blogspot.com">Deciphering Dudes Dot.Com</a>Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1155905561481844602006-08-18T08:44:00.000-04:002006-08-18T08:52:41.496-04:00About Dr. J<b><u>SUBTITLE: 'AND I THOUGHT I COULD PUT ONE PAST YOU'</b></u><br /><br />Dr. J was a nice enough woman, I suppose, if only she would have given me a chance to know her better. I got the hint things weren't going anywhere when she snubbed me by not calling the day of David's funeral. She could have at least called that day. My late grandfather was very stern about the old adage 'If you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, don't say anything at all.' I think I'll leave it at that. All this crap leaves several questions unanswered. How can you go out with someone a few times and then they just don't call you again? How do you know what, if anything, you did wrong? Aren't we supposed to try to learn from and/or remedy our mistakes? Isn't 'communication' supposed to be one of the key ingredients to any successful relationship? How can we develop these relationships when one party doesn't even tell the other what he/she did wrong? Is honesty -- especially at the beginning of a relationship -- too much to ask for these days? Just some food for thought on a drizzly Friday here in Cleveland-land.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1155681648156076892006-08-15T18:35:00.000-04:002006-08-15T23:52:42.330-04:00How Phone Books Taunt UsPhone books, like the ones we have 'stored' in our phones can taunt and tantalize every single one of us. I, for one, get so caught up in having names and numbers in my book that I forget to purge old numbers. This reminds me of <a href="http://www.strangeplacesfaces.blogspot.com/2006/05/people-purging-like-spring-cleaning.html">People Purging</a>, a pastime I am celebrating once again this time of year. The old numbers in my phone book represent ex-girlfriends, the restaurants where we used to go together, work associates I no longer associate with, people I can't even recall and places I want to forget. How's that for a list? So, why do we keep these numbers stored? I think it's a game we play with ourselves to fool ourselves into believing we're more important than we actually are. (Think: He with the most toys wins) If that's so, my delusions of self-grandeur have reached an epoch proportion, and someone has to reign in my damn ego. I have hundreds of names and numbers in my phone, and dozens of names and e-mail addresses in my Hotmail Address Book. What have I done? I am besieged by the people, places and things I once 'coveted'. Alas, I know why I have most of these numbers there. It's the same reason I am a self-proclaimed 'pack rat'. I have to hang on to bits of the past. So, forgive me if I see Dr. J's number in the phone, or the number of the restaurant where I proposed to my ex-fiance, or the number of a building inspector in a city where I no longer do business. These aren't numbers I will likely ever dial again. But, I keep them there to remind me of bits and pieces of my past. For better or worse, those numbers take me to a place and/or time that are part of me. Eventually, as I am doing right now, I purge the numbers. I cleanse myself of the urge to call. I move on. For in the end, the numbers won't do any of us any good anyway if there is nothing or no one important at the end of the line.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1155309211361947212006-08-11T11:06:00.000-04:002006-08-11T21:40:25.546-04:00Idiot Haiku Friday Volume VHey, y'all bloggers out in Blog-land! It has been two months since our last installment of Haiku Friday. Hell, some of you weren't even born back then. So, without further ado, I present Haiku Friday Volume V;<br /><br />I blogged about fish,<br />and an old sweet summer sweat.<br />Give me some honey.<br /><br />The girl in the store<br />wore mittens to evade snow.<br />I like ice cream cones.<br /><br />On a starry night,<br />should I really call her now?<br />I need a new car.<br /><br />Haiku gets better<br />with the spring flowers full bloom.<br />My baseball team sucks.<br /><br />I am not kidding..<br />The dog really ate homework.<br />I eat octopus.<br /><br />I have a booger<br />that dries in the summer sun.<br />The fat guy sweats loads.<br /><br />The girl wore a blouse<br />because she was smoking hot.<br />I cry in movies.<br /><br />The dog licks his balls<br />and rolls in the fucking snow.<br />Armpit hair smells bad.<br /><br />My foot is asleep.<br />My girlfriend is pissed at me.<br />I mow the green lawn.<br /><br />Holy mackerel!<br />caught on a blistering day...<br />Ugly mole on her!<br /><br />Does Jesus save me?<br />or is the autumn divine?<br />My trainer is nuts.<br /><br />Who the hell are you?<br />Do you really like winter?<br />Where is my phone book?<br /><br />My ugly girlfriend -<br />beats yours on a summer day.<br />I really need love.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1155262729219684702006-08-10T22:17:00.000-04:002006-08-11T21:49:50.163-04:00Genes vs. JeansI am officially baffled, and I almost feel sorry for you women out there. It seems the fashion industry has really decided that your genes equal your jeans. I was shocked the other day when I walked by Limited Express and saw a jeans display in the window featuring just three sizes this season: skinny, regular and curvy. Skinny jeans? Turns out they're the newest rage in a bunch of different stores/brands. They were written about in today's New York Times. They are the phatest fad out there. So, what about women who can't fit in these 'hip' skinny jeans? I'm told skinny jeans come in all different sizes. Is that to make you feel better if you aren't actually skinny? Plus, if that's the case, and women are just after skinny jeans, why even bother with regular or curvy? This is crazy business. And men are not immune to this whole thing, either. GAP is offering 'slim' jeans to men. Look, guys, I am not that slim these days. Mentally, I'd love to buy 'slim' jeans, but would it really change my body type? Hell no. Exercise and diet are the only real way to change our genes and our jeans these days.Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1154878162956737832006-08-06T11:28:00.000-04:002006-08-06T11:29:22.973-04:00ANOTHER POP QUIZ<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff9900;">WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR ELVIS TO COME BACK? HOW WOULD YOU REACT?</span>Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1154552996662235832006-08-02T17:05:00.000-04:002006-08-02T17:13:48.393-04:00My Best Question Yet?<div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">Just wondering. If we men get pussy-whipped, what do you women get?<br /></span></strong><br />Also, remember to check out my other blog, <a href="http://www.understandingdudes.blogspot.com">Deciphering Dudes Dot.Com</a>, for a closer look on how men and women relate to each other -- from this dude's point of view. Updated frequently!</div>Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1154489808873328282006-08-01T23:34:00.000-04:002006-08-02T17:17:05.110-04:00Another Look at Looks...Recently, I have asked you about what certain looks mean. For instance, I asked what it meant when a total stranger smiled at you. Now, I have another situation I think most of us can relate to.<br /><br />How many times do you find yourself stopped in traffic looking at the person next to you? Better yet, how often does that person turn and notice you noticing them? Or, do you ever speed up next to someone to get a closer look? Do you play cool by pretending to be on your phone? Have you ever rolled down your window and tried to talk to a stranger? Have you ever followed someone for an extended period of time just to look at them (okay, so this is called stalking, but I had to ask!)?<br /><br />In the end, what is it that makes us want to look at all the drivers around us anyway, especially if we hate the way they are driving in the first place?Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25425123.post-1154057862856303292006-07-27T23:37:00.000-04:002006-07-29T00:18:55.686-04:00Birthday Dinner FunFor my birthday, we went to this restaurant Dad and I built a couple years ago. We know the owner very well and the food is widely regarded as the best in Cleveland. It's always fun, because the kitchen is open, I know everyone who works there (because I frequent the place), our friend (the owner) is a real stitch and the beat goes on...<br /><br />Anyway, tonight the restaurant was unusually noisy. There were a few large parties and I was sitting with my parents at a comfortable corner table. The restaurant is quite small, seating about 90 people in our section. It was packed tonight. Anyway, the fun started when I saw this "cute" older couple being shown to their table right next to ours. They were obviously on a date, which is both cool and curious to observe when it involves the "elderly". Their dates are definitely different than ours.... sometimes noble; other times humorous; still other times shocking. You just never know what you are going to see and hear.<br /><br />Anyway, it was obvious by the way they perused the menu the couple had never been to the restaurant before. The man was definitely annoyed by the din. The woman was seemingly happy to be at this restaurant in his company. She, too, though complained about the noise.<br /><br />The restaurant is famous for many dishes, not the least of which is a side dish called "pomme frites". Pomme frites are french fries that are freshly cut shoestring potatoes that have been properly seasoned. No grease here. A plate that is stacked so high it almost touches the ceiling. You have to have a table of at least six (honestly) to finish this baby. So, my Mom and Dad ordered it with their dinner, and the lady next to us remarked on how many there were and how good they looked.<br /><br />My mom asked, "would you like to try some?"<br /><br />The woman never hesitated. "Yes, if you don't mind."<br /><br />"No," my mom said. "Go ahead, give me a plate. Here have some."<br /><br />This thing was getting cuter by the minute. The woman dug in, and nodded her head in approval. Now, the man grabbed some, too. He obviously enjoyed them as well. It was almost as if the magical pomme frites made all the noise in the restaurant go away, as our two tables seemingly merged in to one. The next thing you know, the couple had pilfered our fries (we didn't care), and were devouring them.<br /><br />Later, they joined my parents in singing Happy Birthday, then returned to the frites, which they ended up taking home!<br /><br />My mom subsequently unsuccessfully had a conversation stalking (when you start trying to find out stuff from a complete stranger) with the man about his favorite restaurants. I had to assure him she was harmless. However, she did manage to find out the smartly dressed man was 93. His lady friend was much younger. The man didn't really want to say much else, probably because he realized my Mom had eavesdropped on his entire dinner conversation.<br /><br />But, I have to say, this couple -- strangers to me -- made my Birthday more interesting. I did feel like I had extra people out with me for my special celebration. And, they sang a mean Happy Birthday!<br /><br />So, how do complete strangers end up in each other's conversations -- especially when sitting next to each other at a restaurant? Are we all that nosy? Or is it that we are all trying to be social and friendly?Ikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13724480031549806581noreply@blogger.com13