Waking Up Horny

Random Thoughts

2012-02-04T22:49:00.002-07:00

Friends give me a sofa to sleep on, and I am gratefully. thankfully for having me here.

Said friends have kept me from living under a bridge.

There are some great war movies on right now via TCM...

Cheezy, but cute.

My dog Ella has to poop, brb.

I need a back scratch.

See you all somewhere down the road.....

Facebook:Fail, Google Not Far Behind IMHO

2011-12-08T12:41:00.008-07:00

I obviously deleted my FB account a while back. I felt like disappearing for awhile. I even waited the two whole freaking weeks per their TOS without "Liking" something just so I could be completely erased (supposedly).

So I had to create a new account on account of my new job, so I'm back in a limited way.
Still don't trust Facebook, and I am beginning to have many misgivings about Google even though I am a Charter Member there.

Which just means I've given them a whole bunch a data free over the years in exchange for a Gmail account and all the other free stuff they offer.
Like Locations: right now you would see me at 400 or so Plank Road in Altoona, PA. But I'm not really there.
My electrons are scattered freely everywhere. Good luck finding me.

Anyway, there are times when I think they are both EVIL.
Sorry Google, you've been heading in that direction for quite some time now. My guard is up and you are no longer my internet friend. Take your data and shove it.

Too late now. When I die, give a donation to the Internet Archive 'cause that's where I'll be.

New Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002990911558

God...I go back THAT far?
What was I thinking? : http://wayback.archive.org/web/*/http://laurence-martin.com

Cya ya'll down the road...
-lrm

2+2=4.999...

2011-11-23T16:43:00.001-07:00

Dear 2.37 Readers,

Please excuse the dearth of posts here on this humble blog. Many changes have occurred since my last correspondence to you.
Last time we met, I vaguely hinted I was leaving to go get Ella as I was missing her terribly.
That in fact has occurred with me travelling from Houston back to Altoona PA. She is still staying with friends as I can't have a dog where I am currently residing, but we are together once again.

I decided to stay here in Altoona and I have a new job which I enjoy immensely, am looking for a place to reside that takes pets, and hopefully can afford some transportation here in the near future.
That's the plan anyway.
Oh, one more thing. I have got to get me some sort of mobile internet access as this travelling to McDonalds to use their WIFI is getting annoying.

Signing off from central PA,
Laurence Martin - ex Road Warrior

I'm Too Old For This Shit

2011-10-05T09:50:00.002-06:00

Hoo boy.
Another road-trip. Where is my passport anyway?
This should be interesting.
See you all down the road.

On The Road Again

2011-10-04T12:54:00.003-06:00

I'm going to be leaving this latest location in order to rescue my dog, and in the process perhaps rescue me. We have been together since day one and have enjoyed and endured many events in our lifetime together. I hope she will remember me when I show up.

I Miss Her

2011-09-17T20:47:00.005-06:00

Are You Hot Like Me?

2011-09-01T08:27:00.001-06:00

I've picked a wonderful time to move back to my beloved Texas.

As much as I had complained about the cold Pennsylvania winter, I had no idea that I would actually welcome such a situation again. It's been that hot and dry.

It's been so miserable that I was hoping for the hurricane Irene to head our way for some relief from this weather.
I've been here since the beginning of June 2011 and upon arriving learned that the total rainfall for the Houston area was about 5 inches since February.
I know the summers are hot here but most of the days have been 100 degrees F or more (with a few scattered upper 90 degree days here and there). I should have waited until winter to return to the Texas gulf coast, but at least I can take some comfort about the fact that I have certainly sweated all toxins out of my body. In fact, I probably could have watered more that a few backyard gardens with the liquid coming out of my pores.

And now I learn that one of the Houston reservoirs west of town is...

wait for this...

actually on fire.

Plan B From Outerspace

2011-08-30T21:07:00.017-06:00

Sometimes (P+J)+2B = happiness.

This Is What I Do For A Living

2011-08-26T20:08:00.006-06:00

And this is why my quad-core processor overheats all the time...

As an aside, I can't seem to find peanut butter and jelly sandwiches anywhere here.

MyCreditScore.net

2011-08-21T17:04:00.011-06:00

According to various sources, my credit score now stands at a whopping 30.

I'm shocked. Why so high?

Investment Advice

2011-08-13T18:21:00.004-06:00

If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you would have $49.00 today!
If you purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG, you would have $33.00. If you purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers, you would have $0.00 today.

But, if you purchased $1,000 worth of beer, drank all the beer, turned in the aluminum cans for recycling, you would have $214.00.

Therefore the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle.

Ella

2011-08-12T21:33:00.002-06:00

Goodnight Ella.
I miss you.

Blood Pressure

2011-08-12T20:16:00.004-06:00

So my BP is in the danger zone according to the "chair" at Walmart. 159/96.
No shit. I wonder why.
My teeth are in serious need of repair and they are a source of pain and headaches daily. Enough to wish I could OD on Valium or something.
Is it no wonder I am so crabby?
No shit Sherlock.

Besides, I have no job. No home. I have no vehicle. My dating index is -100 on a good day, not that it matters as I'm about the worst candidate ever for that sort of thing. It's been fucking 100 degrees thirty here since I have arrived in Houston. My faithful friend Ella is stuck up in PA and has probably forgotten about me. Yadda, yadda. Cry me a river.

Sorry, but I'm a little pissed off about now.
Grr.

Thanks for letting me vent.

August 2011

2011-08-11T18:52:00.009-06:00

It's been 7 years since I started this blog on a lark. Back when blogs were the "Next Best Thing".
Not so much anymore...
Haven't posted much here lately. I've been busy trying to survive. I'll try to keep this blog updated more frequently. Sorry about that.

I'm not sure if I'm in the right place here at the moment, so many changes have occurred over the last two months that I'm a little overwhelmed.
I almost feel like just putting everything that is left of my life into a backpack and hitting the road once again.

I'm thinking of changing the blog's title back to the original Title. What do you think?
Aww shit. Back it goes.

See you on down the road.

Alamo Drafthouse Rocks

2011-07-09T16:20:00.003-06:00

If you are ever in Austin, stop by and enjoy a movie without people yacking away on their cell phone. Kudos for them and for letting us other folks have a pleasant movie experience.

Philosophy 101

2011-07-01T22:33:00.005-06:00

They say there are two ways of looking at life.

One way is to look at the glass and say it is half empty.
The other way is to say it is half full.

I say get a smaller glass.
.
.
.
.
.
What?

Half Way There

2011-06-30T13:58:00.004-06:00

It's the middle of the year already. Time sure has seemed to fly by these past six months.

So...

How many more days until Christmas?

The Class Of 71

2011-06-18T22:20:00.004-06:00

We be rockin'.
We taught you punks every riff you ever heard.
BTDT
Let's play some music...

Where Is My Money Anyway?

2011-06-13T13:02:00.005-06:00

I was trying to find out where my money went. My Visa account is down to $150 or so...
I'm obviously not on this list.

Windows 8

2011-06-12T00:02:00.008-06:00

Yeah, whooop-dee-doo.
Yadda,Yadda,Yadda.
Eventually Windows will become just another X-box game rather than an operating system.

Which direction are we going now, Mr. Bill?
Mobile? Already happening.
Tablet? Already happening.
Security? Nobody trusts you anyway.
New file system? Bah. *NIX still has your luser panties in a wad.

BTW, as long as I'm ranting...Apple sucks donkey too.

Anyway, here's more info about all the hype:
Windows 8

The Road

2011-06-11T15:01:00.008-06:00

Just thought I'd re-post my feelings that I sent to a good friend on FB:
"The road is an open book: elusive, tantalizing, unknown. It beckons your name. Sometimes you call it back, sometimes it calls you. If one doesn't understand that - sorry, it's because you obviously haven't been there."

This probably makes zero sense to anybody that hasn't been on the road, been on the streets, or has been living day-to-day while traveling the Interstate Highway System and all the "back roads" here in the USA.

I'm almost tempted to do it again.

Fireflies, Lightning Bugs, And More

2011-06-11T13:12:00.003-06:00

They are a wonder to watch when they come out en-mass on a sultry summer night.
As kids we used to chase, capture, and squish them on various body-parts like our nose, forehead, arms, etc. just so we could "glow" too!
Or get a bunch of them in a jar from Mom's kitchen and have a blinking night-light for after dark while goofing around in the back yard.

Fun times.

Is it my imagination that they are not as abundant as they were in my childhood (the 60's)?
We used to go out and sit in the fields and watch "The Firefly Show" during our summers way back when. Cheap and wholesome entertainment back then.
But that was back when there was no internet, no video games, and only 3 channels available on the TV.

Holy Moly

2011-06-10T23:40:00.003-06:00

Wow. Didn't know I was so out there on the innerwebs.
I should really edit myself some more...
...naw, that's me...take it or leave it.
Laurence Martin

Sweet Dreams

2011-06-10T23:18:00.002-06:00

Good night Ella. Have a great weekend. Miss you terribly.

What I'm Listening To Right Now

2011-06-10T22:32:00.002-06:00

SCTV

2011-06-10T22:17:00.004-06:00

[insert Ed Grimley voice here]
Jeesh, my alter-ego dude. So...can ya open another one there?

My Best Friend

2011-06-09T22:02:00.006-06:00

I so miss my Ella Belle.
Goodnight Ella and sweet dreams.

I am thinking of you and I will see you soon.
Miss you

I'm So Full

2011-06-05T10:22:00.004-06:00

I'm sitting at the corner of Gessner and Emnora. My first WhatABurger in 5 years.
I'm in heaven right now. Yum!

Ask The Road-Trip Expert

2011-06-04T09:10:00.002-06:00

Taking questions and offering free advice

Take Me Home

2011-06-02T17:54:00.004-06:00

There's a fire that been burning right out my door.
I can't see but I feel it, and it helps to keep me warm.
So I don't mind. No, I don't mind.

Can You Smell Me Yet?

2011-06-02T16:44:00.002-06:00

As a recent immigrant/ex-pat from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania returning to the Republic of Texas, I must say that it is hot here.
No, wait a minute.
It's FREAKING hot here.

But it does feel good to sweat the toxins out of my body. I'm just going to have to remember to shower about 4 or 5 times a day.

OMG, Am I CrZY oR wHAT?

2011-06-01T22:19:00.003-06:00

Jeesh. I'm about to get married tomorrow.
WTF. I hope she still likes me.

The Kindess Of Strangers

2011-05-31T18:39:00.001-06:00

When I got back on the train in St. Louis, I had a new seatmate.

I must have looked quite pale as she asked me "Are you OK?". I told her quite bluntly, "I'm starving. I used all my money for this train ticket".

She was very kind and bought me an over-priced AMTRAK veggie burger and invited me to the dining car for breakfast the next morning.

Her name is Chicory, about my age, and she was going back to Dallas. When I got off the train I thanked her again, and told her I would pass her kindness on to someone else in her name.
I promise I intend to keep.

Woo Wee, It' Hot Out!

2011-05-31T18:01:00.005-06:00

I've forgotten just how hot and humid Houston can get.
My daughter's Comcast went kapluey today so I walked down the street to use the wifi at the local McDonalds.

It is only about a half mile away, but I arrived dripping in sweat.
I am now enjoying one of their frozen lemonades and their nice, chilly AC. I am dreading the walk back, I might just wait until dark...

Bliss

2011-05-29T15:39:00.006-06:00

Sitting on a patio, drinking a few beers and enjoying the clouds pass by.

I'm loving it.

So good to be back in Houston again. Except I miss my dog Ella terribly.

I keep sending her good psychic vibes and thoughts across the 1800 miles or so that separate us, telling her we will be together real soon.
I hope she gets them and understands why I had to leave, and that we will see each other in just a short while.

Tomorrow, an exercise regime ensues. 6 AM.
I need to get back into shape, get rid of this beer-belly, work on my upper-body strength, my stamina, etc. etc.
Sitting in an SUV on a 3-year road trip makes one totally out-of-shape don't ya know.
I need to sweat the toxins out of me for sure.

Peace.

Semper fi

2011-05-27T19:17:00.001-06:00

Walmart

2011-05-26T10:35:00.006-06:00

Thanks to Roberta for turning me on to this video.
I will probably avoid shopping at Walmart from now on.

EMBED-People Of Walmart Song - Watch more free videos

Home Again

2011-05-24T20:35:00.005-06:00

I'm back in Houston. I got to meet my grand-kids and daughters after so many years.
I'm so thankful right now. This destination has been everything for me for the last few days and the price I have paid for it has been worth it.

I've come back with a renewed sense of purpose, a determination that I haven't had for awhile, and not fearing the daily burden of survival.
Because it is all good, and it can all be done.
Trust me on this.

It's good to be "home" again, and to be able to get off the freaking road after 4 years.
It's been a long time, and thanks everyone for the warm welcome.

Chicago

2011-05-23T10:07:00.003-06:00

Sitting in Chicago's Union Station waiting for the Texas Eagle to arrive. Only 2 more hours and I'm Texas bound once again. I just found out they have free wifi too. I wish I would have known that when I first got here a 8 AM. It would have made the time go faster.
That and a beer or two.

See y'all down the road.

It's Been Fun

2011-05-22T05:11:00.004-06:00

I have exactly 1 dollar in my pocket and I'm making a 1800 mile journey at 5:06 PM today.
Whew. What a long strange trip it has been.
Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.

Earth To Mars

2011-05-21T17:54:00.002-06:00

I'm living in the smoking ruins of what's left of Planet Earth. Text me.

Leaving ... Not On A Jet Plane

2011-05-21T16:18:00.006-06:00

Since I'm leaving tomorrow courtesy of the high-tech railway system known to mankind as AMTRAK, I just have to leave a comment to you Residents of the Great Commonwealth of PA.
I've enjoyed your landscape and your pleasant company for the past 12 or more months or so.

From where I stand - at the moment in central Pennsylvania - you folks are salt of the earth, are kind and true, and it has been proud for me to know y'all.
Unfortunately I have to head back to Texas, where my true fortunes await. Come down and visit for a spell. If you can, bring some Yingling Ale. Good stuff it is.

BTW ... the Steelers rule ...

Destiny

2011-05-21T05:24:00.004-06:00

My journey is almost over, and now the destination is more important.
And by the way, why does my keyboard suck so much on this laptop?

Oh crap, I remember. The "spilt beer on the laptop" trick the other night.
That explains the sticky keys.

That was stupid. I really should get another life.
Oh wait... that's what I'm doing tomorrow!
One more night, one more day. Then I'm on my way.
See y'all down the road.

Goodbye Mary, Goodbye Jane

2011-05-20T13:58:00.003-06:00

The year was 2009 - I think. It's been awhile...and I'm still dazed by it all.
I'm not sure about the dates as it has been awhile and many miles across this continent have passed since then.
I do remember the good times, as well as the tribulations that comes about being with someone 24/7 for over 5 years.

...read more here >>> ...

On The Road Again

2011-05-20T08:05:00.003-06:00

My "road-trip" is almost over.
Whew, 3 years.
Number one daughter said they could put me up for a few while I get myself established again in my adopted hometown of Houston.
Just booked my AMTRAK tickets online and went down to the station and picked them up.
Hopefully Alicia will be true to her word and bring Ella down to me in July.
It's been a fun, frustrating, sad, and happy, yada yada trip.
Time to settle down...

Brrrrrrr.....

2011-05-18T10:31:00.003-06:00

F***!
It's the middle of May and I'm sitting at a campsite [Yogi Bear voice] pickinicktable and I'm FREEZING.
Give me some heat anytime. I hate being cold.

Camping In Pennsyltucky

2011-05-18T10:16:00.002-06:00

Camping With Ella One Last Time

2011-05-18T10:08:00.002-06:00

Heading Home

2011-05-18T09:56:00.002-06:00

Yee Haw. Changes are in the air.
_Destination Unknown_ or Bust.
It's all good...
Well, except for the fact that I spilled a whole can of beer on this laptop keyboard last night.
Exxcppt zaThe kkkeys aareee kindd oof sticcckyy rriigghtt nnowww.

Josephine

2011-05-17T20:46:00.003-06:00

JoJo,

I should have...
... hooked up with you when me met again in Kansas City.
... we all had a great time camping in Arlington, Delaware.
... I lost your phone number, you called me when we were in West Des Moines.
... I hope things are going your way, you deserve it.
... if you have a chance to come to Houston, look me up

This Sucks

2011-05-15T11:14:00.002-06:00

Well, it looks like I'm going somewhere. I guess I'm going to have to leave Ella behind.
That's going to break my heart.

Stranded, Need Help

2011-05-14T12:07:00.004-06:00

A serious question.
I need a ride for me and my dog Ella back to Houston.
We are both well-behaved. I'm in Altoona PA and can pay our way.
Amtrak and Southwest are good for me, but not for Ella and me both.
Serious inquiries only.

Need Help

2011-05-13T12:14:00.001-06:00

Just throwing this out to anybody...
Can anybody out there put me up for a week or two while I leave this place?
I can pay my way, but I'm basically homeless right now until I snag a new gig.
I could be a great daddy-day-care/clean house/mow your yard/take out the trash/etc while I look for work in the mean time, if that doesn't sound too creepy. I'm a good person, just looking for a good home while looking for a new home...

I need to move on, but have no place to go. Eventually I want to get back to Texas but my near-term goals are to survive.
Amtrak to Houston is $212 but all the folks there are busy with their lives. Amtrak to Niles is $138 but the same situation applies.
I really don't want to stick my thumb out along the freeway, but it is looking like that is my only choice about now.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
BTW, I'm totally serious and earnest in this appeal.
814-207-one-six-two-one

Gotta Love Them

2011-05-11T22:40:00.000-06:00

Family are like underpants. Some crawl up your ass, some get a little sideways, some are your favorite, some are holey, some are cheap and just plain nasty, some of them are full of shit, some you don't know how you got them, and some actually cover your ass when you need them to.

Hidy Ho, Hidy Hey

2011-05-11T15:38:00.010-06:00

Arrgh!
I hate freaking Altoona.
The only saving grace is that I can grab a train to Philly for 45 bucks, or a train to Pittsburgh for $19, or even go to NYC (waves hi!!!) for about 60 smackeroos.

I'm not gonna last long in this backwater town.
Unfortunately Amtrak does not allow dogs, even as checked baggage.
Maybe I could pawn off Ella as my Guide Dog...
...because ya know, I DO have a cool pair of shades.

I just need a white cane and it might work.
;)

First Date

2011-05-10T19:53:00.003-06:00

Your hair falls across your face so seductively.
Your smile matches your eyes when they meet mine.

You fold your arms when you disagree with my opinions, even when we agree to disagree. We take each others thoughts in consideration, sharing our laughter about how set in our ways that we are.

May we take each other away and find our destiny.

I will remember this vision throughout this night and forever.
No matter what.
Thank you for being you.

Tie Me Kangaroo....

2011-05-10T17:35:00.005-06:00

I fondly remember listening to this track and the whole LP on a brand new piece of vinyl courtesy of my Uncle Tom on a state of the art (at that time) Philips console stereo.

Grand Theft Auto

2011-05-10T10:57:00.009-06:00

So it's my day off today.
Since I have no date - - - hmmm...
What to do...what to do? ...
Do you think if I went to WallyMart and used one of their handicap scooters I could make it out of the parking lot and onto the freeway?
Would I need a license plate and handicap sticker to avoid being pulled over?

How far would I get before needing to charge up again at another WallyMart?
Could I make it back to Texas before they reported my "joyride"?
Inquiring minds want to know.

I Miss Texas

2011-05-07T14:12:00.006-06:00

A cold drink, a thick blanket laid out on the ground, a decent sound system with some good tunes (preferably a live band playing some decent music), and this sunset.

God loves us after all...

Brother, Where Art Thou?

2011-05-06T22:35:00.003-06:00

Geesh!

Almost a month to the day since my last post.
I haven't had any means to access the internet except at work during my lunch hour and even then I'd rather eat and have a smoke.

Sad, but true factoid:
I'm on my seventh (as in 7th) laptop since this journey began 3 or 4 years ago.
This one I'm keeping, no matter what. I miss my online friends too much.

Signing off from Altoona, PA
= Laurence Martin

OMG ... I've been OFFLINE

2011-04-08T13:42:00.008-06:00

Q: Where did you go?
Q: Where have you been?
Q: What's up?
Q: I thought you were dead or something.
Q: Where's my money?
Q: You seen _insert name here_?
Q: Are you still in Utah?
Q: Where you been?
Q: Are you still in Connecticut?
Q: Are you still in Florida?
Q: Can you fix my satellite dish?
Q: Can we meet up somewhere in Oregon?
Q: Is ****** there?
Q: Who's this? (Take a guess m***** f*****, you're the one that called me.)

A: Stay tuned to this blog. Or perhaps, if I get lucky, to CNN.

Valetines Day

2011-02-14T12:26:00.003-07:00

It's pretty pathetic when your only valentine gift goes to your dog.
(She's sweet and my best friend, so no worry's).

Sigh.

Hosni Mubarak

2011-02-11T19:19:00.006-07:00

It seems that Hosni Mubarak is seeking some comfort on Craigslist.

Those Swiss tramps, can't trust them can we?

I Am An Idiot

2011-02-11T14:41:00.004-07:00

It's time to part ways. Long time coming.

No options here. Except to be homeless, no rescue net, no excuses.
What an idiot I am.

It's been a interesting ride but I'm tired of being dumped on.

See you on down the road...hopefully.

Oregon Trail

2011-02-10T19:16:00.006-07:00

I have been lucky enough to follow the Oregon Trail path on part of my road-trip way back a year or so ago.
Since it will soon be spring (hopefully, RealSoonNow), I was wondering if I could find a more southern route.
Just to avoid this freaking cold weather.

Which way should I go?
Or do I need to move somewhere closer to the equator?

I ask this before I research further - as I might need to use either a new Lexus, a used KIA, a used snowmobile, a stolen GEO Metro, and/or that new John Deer that's sitting outside with the keys in the ignition.

It all depends on what I could use for a quick get-away.
Advice anyone?
I only have access to the internet for another 24 hours then I must ship out, so I need an answer fast.

Actually, if I take the John Deer I'm sure the drive-through at McDonald's would have free WIFI.

See you all down the road...

Yay!

2011-02-10T16:14:00.003-07:00

I have access to the innernet for tonight.

Still out of minutes on my cell phone, nothing on TV, and I've read all the good books around this motel room.

What should I do?
Bother everyone I know on Facebook?
Read up on the latest Android OS?

Watch videos about the happenings in Egypt?
Entertain myself on the Straight Dope Message Board?
Perhaps Hulu?

Or...
Just say f**kit and go walk my dog in freaking single-digit weather?

Decisions, decisions...

Riddle

2011-02-06T06:15:00.003-07:00

A riddle for your consideration:

A man does it standing up, a lady does it sitting down, and a dog does it on three legs.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Hint: "Old fashioned" etiquette.

Overheard

2011-02-05T18:05:00.003-07:00

"I started out in quantum mechanics, but somewhere along the way I took a wrong turn."

10 points and a large 15 topping pizza if you get this comment.

New Job

2011-02-05T14:27:00.002-07:00

I start Monday.
Have to wait until the 24th for my first paycheck though.

That's going to be tough.

Oh, BTW. I STILL need a date. Anyone want to go out and have some fun tonight?
My treat.

Sigh

2011-02-04T08:05:00.014-07:00

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.

Who cares about the clouds when we're together?

Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.

Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,

Here's a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.

Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.

Wheels Again

2011-02-04T05:38:00.006-07:00

We got the Durango back!

Yippee!

No more walking, no more buses, no more taxi cabs.
And most of all:
No more sitting in this fucking motel room.

Banned From My Own Blog

2011-01-29T08:42:00.011-07:00

Jeesh!

What a sob story in the previous post.
My apologies to all present.

[WUH Moderator warning #1]
RE: Rescue Me (Post #325412)

Please don't post while drunk.
Don't do this again.
[/WUH Moderator warning #1]

Rescue Me

2011-01-28T22:47:00.004-07:00

Hey.
I know when I'm not wanted anymore. DUH.
My contribution here is pointless. Time to move on.

Since I am dependent on these folks I have been at a loss on how to get back to Houston and recover my life as it once has been.

I don't want to leave on ill terms, but I need to take care of myself and Ella first and foremost.
This shit isn't working here and I'm tired of them - as I am sure they are probably tired of me.

Say-lah-vee

I need some advice on how I can transport me and my dog back to Houston, or somewhere where I can make a life for myself once again.
I'm open to all possibilities. I don't even want to wait around for my new job offer as it is futile to even think of staying here.

Argghhhh.

Snow

2011-01-28T20:04:00.004-07:00

I swear my dog fucks with me in the snow at night.
On purpose. Just to mess with my head.
She is a White Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix, all white.

We just went for a walk as she loves, LOVES this snow here.
I can't find her anywhere after a while on our short walk.

I whistle. I call her name. I speak our secret code to come on home.
Nothing.

It turns out she's about 10 feet away from me, laying in a snowbank.
Invisible to me and the rabbit she wants to catch.

Luckily, the rabbit had better eyesight than me.

Google Me

2011-01-28T19:46:00.003-07:00

I actually said that in a job interview today.

Oh shit.
They just might do that.

It's A Friday Night

2011-01-28T17:12:00.003-07:00

So what are you doing?
Going to see a movie? Maybe going out to dinner?
Perhaps visiting the local pub and socialize a bit?
A live band and dancing? Yea!

Cool.

Me?
Oh...um...well...
I'm taking Ella to the pet store to buy a toy and some treats.
.
.
.
.
.
My life is so exciting.

Mark Twain's Idea For The English Language

2011-01-22T21:29:00.003-07:00

My spell-checker just went wonky:

A Plan for the Improvement of English Spelling
by Mark Twain

For example, in Year 1 that useless letter "c" would be dropped to be replased either by "k" or "s", and likewise "x" would no longer be part of the alphabet. The only kase in which "c" would be retained would be the "ch" formation, which will be dealt with later. Year 2 might reform "w" spelling, so that "which" and "one" would take the same konsonant, wile Year 3 might well abolish "y" replasing it with "i" and Iear 4 might fiks the "g/j" anomali wonse and for all. Jenerally, then, the improvement would kontinue iear bai iear with Iear 5 doing awai with useless double konsonants, and Iears 6-12 or so modifaiing vowlz and the rimeining voist and unvoist konsonants. Bai Iear 15 or sou, it wud fainali bi posibl tu meik ius ov thi ridandant letez "c", "y" and "x" -- bai now jast a memori in the maindz ov ould doderez -- tu riplais "ch", "sh", and "th" rispektivli. Fainali, xen, aafte sam 20 iers ov orxogrefkl riform, wi wud hev a lojikl, kohirnt speling in ius xrewawt xe Ingliy-spiking werld.

Hard Drive Dilemma

2011-01-22T11:34:00.013-07:00

I have been carrying around two hard drives these past 3 years from my old desktop computer - which were rescued from its' burned-out chassis after I set the fucker on fire one night in Cut-N-Shoot, Texas.
(long story...email me for details...).

They contain a whole bunch of graphics and photos that I created and want to preserve.
One of them also contains the freaking Adobe Creative Suite 3 software that I paid some thousands of dollars for.
I really, really, (as in REALLY, REALLY) need to get my software serial license number number off of one of those drives. I forget which one.
My future as a web developer depends on this freaking fact.
Adobe Support has been less than helpful or sympathetic.

One is just an EIDE drive and the other is a huge SATA drive, both from Western Digital.
I have a laptop, but they don't seem to fit into the USB slots or Blue-ray/DVD/CD drive bay.

Help!!!
Any advice?

OMG

2011-01-22T11:14:00.003-07:00

Ella (The Cutest Dog In The Whole Wide World) now ranks #5 and #6 on Google for certain key phrases.
I'm not going to tell her.
She would just try to weasel more treats from me if I did.

Road-Trip Advice

2011-01-22T10:56:00.003-07:00

Use the bottom dryer at the Motel 6 in Altoona.
The top one doesn't dry worth s***.

Just some advice to fellow travelers. At 6 quarters (US) a pop, it could possibly aggravate someone when after 45 minutes your clothes are still damp.

Peace.

Good Night

2011-01-22T01:28:00.004-07:00

I forgot my anthem...

See you all down the road.

Idle Thoughts This Evening

2011-01-21T17:35:00.005-07:00

So I have about three years worth of Motel 6 WIFI access cards. Roughly about the size of three decks of playing cards. The kind where one scratches off the access code. The one that always starts with "ana". Followed by a 6 digit numerical code.

For some weird reason I have saved almost all of them from across the USA.
I've lost a lot of important crap on this road-trip, but for some reason I still have these WIFI cards tucked away in one of my travel bags. Go figure.

I know they map your MAC address (which can be faked) and most likely it is location-specific (which might possibly be faked, maybe) and all that.
I just had an idle curiosity what the algorithm might be. Being a former network administrator the question intrigues me.
I have no desire to hack them, it's just the geek curiosity surfacing in me tonight.

Three years worth of "anannnnnn" ought to be enough to analyze for some sort of pattern.

Anyway, I've got better things to do tonight.
Maybe another day, when I get really bored...

Brrrsky

2011-01-21T13:34:00.007-07:00

So it's getting down to 3 degrees F tonight.
This is obviously a temperature that no normal human being should have to tolerate (especially one that has spent most of their life on the Gulf Coast) .

I thought I had a spare ticket to Costa Rica somewhere, but I can't find it.
I probably lost it somewhere between Oklahoma and South Dakota sometime last summer.

I stopped at a local outfitters store here at the mall this afternoon and finally got me a pair of cold-weather gloves. My fingers are the first to go in frigid weather.
Now all I have to do is get some decent footwear in order to tramp through this freaking snow on the way to work Monday.

I think I must also break down and get Ella (The Cutest Dog In The Whole Wide World) some sort of winter jacket.
She LOVES this weather and all the snow, just like she did in Utah, but I notice her shivering a bit after we have been out playing in the snow drifts.
She then snuggles up under the covers when I go to bed at night. Perhaps I should feed her more fatty bacon-wrapped fillet Mignon's and get her a designer winter jacket and some flannel PJ'S to keep her warm.
LOL. She should be so lucky...

Friday Night

2011-01-21T12:49:00.007-07:00

I found it!
Within walking distance!
Live music tonight!
At an Applebee's of all places.

I'm going - I miss listening to a live band.
This will be the first time in ages that I've got to experience some live tunes.

If the band really sucks I'll try to invite myself onstage and lead them in a awesome cover of David Byrne's "Burning Down The House".
Even a mediocre band could handle it:

----------Copyright Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.----------
G G F
Watch out you might get what you're after
G G G F
Cool babies strange but not a stranger
G G F G
I'm an ord-in-ar-y guy
A7 F
Burning down the house

G G F
Hold tight wait till the party's over
G G G F
Hold tight We're in for nasty weather
G G F G
There has got to be a way
A7 F
Burning down the house

Here's your ticket pack your bag: time for jumpin' overboard
The transportation is here
Close enough but not too far, Maybe you know where you are
Fightin' fire with fire

G G F
All wet hey you might need a raincoat
G G G F
Shakedown dreams walking in broad daylight
G G F G
Three hun-dred six-ty five de-grees
A7 F
Burning down the house

It was once upon a place sometimes I listen to myself
Gonna come in first place
People on their way to work baby what did you except
Gonna burst into flame

(improv music bridge)
A7 F
Burning down the house

G G F
My house S'out of the ordinary
G G G F
That's might Don't want to hurt nobody
G G F G
Some things sure can sweep me off my feet
A7 F
Burning down the house

No visible means of support and you have not seen nuthin' yet
Everything's stuck together
I don't know what you expect starring into the TV set
Fighting fire with fire
----------Copyright Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.----------

That will get them rockin'!

See ya there!

Late Night Fun

2011-01-20T20:46:00.006-07:00

One last post before bedtime.

I went to the bowling alley bar just down the street from this motel (they had draft PBR's 2 for 50 cents) and ended up throwing pennies into a tip bucket with some folks who were there before me.

I got to meet some locals and had a good, silly time. The ladies won with a few lucky shots, but we guys weren't but a point behind.

They were going to go play with the Zamboni at the local semi-pro hockey rink (Mike works there) and they invited me along.
Sadly. I had to beg off on account of I have a 5 AM wake-up call tomorrow, but I promised to supply the pennies next time.

It felt good to go out and meet some new people.

See you on down the road.

So...How YOU Doing?

2011-01-20T16:46:00.003-07:00

Me?

Meh.

I have no car anymore.
I've been living in a motel room for over 150 days straight.
I really don't care for the people I'm with anymore but have no choice.

I'm working for fucking $8 an hour which seems to be the prevailing wage here.
And I haven't gotten laid in over two years. Maybe more. I forget.

Other than that, everything's just peachy.

At least my dog still loves me.

Not So Random Thoughts

2011-01-19T17:41:00.009-07:00

I'm still wondering where she is and how life has treated her.

I asked her to show me her new tattoo, got a pic, and suddenly it is 30 years or so later.
Such is life.

(Sigh)

Just to make it equal, here is a shot of me at the same time.
I'm a little bit older now (by a mile and a half at least) - as we all are.

The Fire Lady

2011-01-19T17:24:00.008-07:00

I need to go home to the freaking motel room and face another day tomorrow.
I miss Texas.
I just want to leave you with an image.
An image of "The Fire Lady" from Galveston Texas.

I spent a weekend down there, trying to escape crap that was happening in Houston at the time. From way back in 2002.

If you happen to see her, tell her i said "Hi".
And no matter where you are, visit the "Poop Deck" for a good time with both the locals and visitors.

And enjoy watching the tide tide roll in under a full moonbeam from the balcony.

Peace.

My Daily Observation

2011-01-19T16:20:00.013-07:00

Q: What's the difference between a person talking on their Bluetooth headset and a crazy person talking to themselves?
A: One of them can afford the technology. It is difficult at first glance to tell the difference.
Often they overlap. Proceed with caution.

Just to inject a somewhat interesting factoid*:
The etymology of the name Bluetooth can be explained:

"After exhaustive research ... the etymology of the name Bluetooth can be reported here. It comes from a tenth century Scandinavian king, Harald Bluetooth, who managed to unite several unruly kingdoms."

*cite

We return you to your regular scheduled life.
Stay tuned for updates.

At The Mall Again

2011-01-17T13:47:00.011-07:00

Once again I'm in the food court at the Logan Valley mall.

I got bored with sitting around that freaking motel room over the weekend and had to get out.
Got kind of bummed out sitting here at the mall because while I could connect with the Red Eye Coffee Company's wifi, it did not have internet access. It did the other day, which is why I came over here.

I went down the list of available wifi connections but they all needed SSID pass phrases.
I thought I'd try the Altoona Mirror's (the local newspaper) wifi with the password of "altoonamirror"
Voila! Lucky guess, lucky for me.

I've been been checking mobile broadband plans here at the mall.
I want to stay away from the 2-year contract deals and after visiting the Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T stores I just happened to wander into the Radio Shack here.
They've got a Virgin Mobile 3G pay-as-you-go plan that looks interesting.
For 40 bucks a month I get unlimited access to the net.
Of course, I'll have to factor in the $50 for their USB wifi thingie and Virgin uses the Sprint network but I think I could live with that.
Most of the other contract plans, even the other pay-as-you-go ones from T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, et al, limit you to 5 gigs per month (and if you go over that it is something like $10 per gigabyte extra). I could burn through that limit in less that a week.

I may go the Virgin Mobile route. It sure would be cheaper than paying the $2.99 + tax per day through Motel 6.
Which I don't understand.
Every other freaking motel chain has free wifi. We've been staying with Motel 6 all through this road-trip going back three years and we've had one, yes one, location that offered free wifi. Every other location charged the 3 bucks for access.

Time to step up to the plate Motel 6. This is 2011 and folks EXPECT wifi access as part of the accommodations.

My Best Friend

2011-01-15T22:11:00.002-07:00

Comment

2011-01-15T21:26:00.009-07:00

Aw heck...
I'll just post my previous comment here (edited for brevity):

I'm going to post a comment because...well...it is my blog and I'll post what I feel.

I have been traveling with "A" and then with her dad "C" on this road trip - and while we have suffered through both good times and bad times, and I have experienced things that were awesome - I'm now realizing I have made a mistake.
This feeling goes back a long way, but I was so enamored with a road-trip and "escaping" my current life, that I was blinded to the truth of who I am.

I miss my soul-mate. The One that I thought I had at the time and I blew it because I became impatient.
I miss her dearly.
I miss her so much that it has lodged a pain in my chest every day.
I got distracted and misguided, and I was just plain stupid.
With a capital "S".

Anyway...
I'm going to work my ass off to get back to Texas.
It's my adopted home and my daughters and their children (my grand kids!) are there.
And hopefully I could reacquaint myself with the folks I abandoned without warning.
If not, the least I could do is say "Hey, I fucked up. How you doing?"

Anyone want a slightly-used old man and his dog?

I'm Gone

2011-01-15T19:34:00.003-07:00

I need to come home to Houston.
This road-trip is going nowhere.

My short-term goal is to get back to Texas and get my life back.
My long term goal is to find a woman who might love me for who I am.
Is that even possible?
I'm feeling pretty low about now, give me some hope folks!

M and M's

2011-01-15T18:19:00.009-07:00

I have a hankering (is that a word?) for some M&M's.

Preferably the ones with peanuts in them.
Not the ones that are peanut-butter filled ones.
I need the real thing.

There is a Big Lots store next door and they have candy on sale, along with DVD movies that are now 2 for $5.
I may take Ella for a walk over there and see if I can satisfy both my candy cravings and maybe find something to watch tonight as I am both bored and broke.

The Steelers Rule!

2011-01-15T18:04:00.003-07:00

Awesome game!

I only got to catch the last half.
Superbowl, here we come!

Hot Date...(or God kill me now, please)

2011-01-15T14:00:00.006-07:00

Jeesh.
This is pathetic. I'm in the food court at the Logan Valley mall in Altoona, PA sucking up the bandwidth courtesy of the Red Eye Coffee Company.
I haven't been in a mall since I was a manager of a Kinney Shoe store way back in 1978.

I've avoided malls since then.

I'm sitting on a bench right now, in front of the escalators and a Victoria's Secret and a Verizon store.
Another fucking hot Saturday night for me. At least it gets me out of that freaking motel room and all the drama that goes with it.

Yeah, I'm the nerd typing away while folks pass me by. I don't know anyone in this town and am so lonely.
But it is kinda fun people-watching. Better than sitting in a motel room by far.

I'm tempted to go to the Applebee's here and have a Margarita. I might as well drink as there is nothing better to do.
Maybe I can pass out tonight and wake up to realize this has all been a bad dream.

I should be so lucky.

I'm Bored

2011-01-15T12:21:00.002-07:00

Suggest to me something to do.
Hopefully something that costs 2 dollars or less.

Facial Hair

2011-01-15T10:30:00.010-07:00

So Alicia asked if I was growing a beard.
I said, "Yeah. Maybe. For awhile. Depends on how I feel that day."
Then Chris chimed in with a weird comment:
"(Chuckle) That's a sign of depression."

WTF?
I haven't been happier than I've been this entire road-trip!
I got lazy the last few days and haven't wanted to shave every morning. What pain it is sometimes. Besides I was gonna shave it off by next Monday anyway.

But now, I think I will keep it. Just for fun.
It's quite handsome you know. In a certain kind of way. If you ignore the gray hairs and all.

chef d'œuvre!

Random Thoughts

2011-01-15T07:32:00.011-07:00

I love my Saturday morning coffee and my own quiet time. Everyone here, including my dog Ella, are sound asleep still. I get to gaze out at the snow covered ground and wish I were some place warmer.

I'm growing a beard.
I look kind of...of, um...well..."rustic".
It's pretty bad that I now sport more hair on my face that I do on my head.

I saw a great line on Facebook today:
"The government has worn out its welcome."

I miss Houston and the people I know there.
If I had the means, it would be Splitsville for me and I would be on the road to there and hopefully become re-acquainted with y'all.

I vaguely remember that someone once told me that if you mix Gatorade and vodka together and drink it, you will go mad-dog crazy.
That explains my condition.

Ella (The Cutest Dog In The Whole Wide World) has been scouting for rabbits here on this motel property since we arrived here over 130 days ago.
They certainly are plentiful and cute.
She has yet to catch one.

I've had this laptop since when we stopped in Syracuse, NY for a week on our way to the New England states way back in mid-2010.
I've yet to use the Blue-ray/DVD/CD drive in it.
That's just weird when I think about it.

After 15+ years working with computers I still type with 2-4 fingers AND look at the keyboard while I type.
I get 40-50 WPM.
Why change my good habits now?

Busch beer is still beer and it is still cheaper than all the rest.
;)
Although, since I've been in Penn State for a spell, I've found I am very fond of Yuengling from "America's oldest brewery".
Very tasty!

I just got over a battle with the flu bug.
I'm much better now thank you, but NyQuil still sucks ass taste-wise.

A George Foreman grill makes lousy toast. Trust me on that point.
Set your bread out in the sun, you will get better results.

What is it with putting french fries and coleslaw on your burger?
These Pennsyltucky folks (and I love 'em) are just weird in that respect.
To each their own I guess.

Tunisia Freedom

2011-01-14T23:05:00.003-07:00

Twitter rules.

Hoping for the best for liberty in this nation.

Link
Update