Thomas and Percy Costumes Finished!!!

how i spent my money

I received a nice payment of $40 for taking a survey on horrible top 40 music. (chump change, right?) It was worth it to take their money and buys some good music. Thank you very much!

How far can I make $40 dollars go?

Batman Begins: I haven't seen this movie yet. A friend of mine who I use to work with is really into comic books. I haven't seen him in over a year or so, but he was really excited for this movie. He would show me update pictures of the filming. I happened to run into my soft spoken Asian friend at Best Buy. He looked different. Within a year, he grew his hair long and now looked like he worked for the Asian Mafia, but he still had his friendly voice. This was the day of the Batman dvd release and I said, "I bet I know why you are here." It was good to see him, we caught up a bit, talked about our new places of employment and exchanged our contacts. He convinced me that I would like the movie - he saw it like 5 times at the theater. So why not. I had a Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM) ad with me that I used.
Price: $9.99

Also at Best Buy, I picked up the new Depeche Mode - Playing the Angel. I have alway liked their sound, but don't own any of their real records (the kind that you buy.) They were one of the important bands of the '80's that defined my musical landscape. I read a lot of good reviews for this record stating that it was a return to their more electronic and darker sound. I love that sound. I also used the NFM ad for this purchace.
Price: $8.49

Kevin Max - The Imposter. Yes, he is the guy in DC Talk. I alway thought he had a unique voice. Now he has the right music to back his voice. This is a Northern Records release - a small indie label who works with some of the best talent. Basically there is a whole network of bands/musicians/friends in SoCal who have put out some of the best music and they play on each others records and turn everything golden. Kevin used these guys to make this record, so you know the music is good. It is a very solid record and gets better with each listen. Unfortunately, this album is not at Best Buy or Borders yet, so I had to go to a Family Life Store and get robbed.
Price: $16.99

I have always liked this scottish electronic band, but have only had mp3's. I read about their new release and was captivated by the reviews. I couldn't find it anywhere in town. I finally asked someone at borders - they had 7 copies ordered and on the way. It finally came and I am starting to wrap my ears around it. Luckily, I had a coupon, because border is expensive.
Price: $12.47

Grand Total: $47.94 - not including tax.
I have this ability to stretch my money a little further than it ought to.

halloween costume progress pictures

I have been documenting the different stages of making a Halloween costume with pictures. My two boys are going to be two trains this year - Thomas and Percy. This is the making of Thomas.

I was lucky one day at work last week. They ordered some new filing cabinets and each cabinet was padded in this 3/4" cardboard. I collected about 6 sheets thinking that this would make a great frame.

I drew Thomas to the right size by scaling the wooden toy that Goose has. I measured Goose to make sure he would fit. I then cut out the pieces that would comprise the frame and shell.

Next, I glued all those pieces together and you can see that Thomas is taking form. Vernal and Goose colored Thomas on an extra sheet of that I had of Thomas' dimenisions.

I then found paper tubes for the funnel and a paper ball for the dome. I used chip board to make the body over the frame. Goose will "wear" Thomas as his little body will fit inside the cab.

Thomas is now painted, with some close attention to detail. There are a few things left that I need to add. I am thinking about adding buffers on the front (???) and maybe the whistle. But, I am taking a break from Thomas to start on Percy. Percy will be much smaller and more compact to fit a one year old.

the music survey and market research

I have done enough of these market research groups to understand what kind of an audience they are looking for. First you sign up with one of these research agencies. Then, randomly, you may get a call from a researcher who is looking for people who fit a certain criteria. This person will ask you a few questions over the phone to see if you fit the bill. If you do, you'll take part in a study, mostly a discussion with a facilitator. You give your opinion on a product and you get paid for your time. I like that part, because it is fun money.

I feel like to get into these surveys I have to dumb myself down. (Basically Lie) It depends on the subject and how much I want some extra money. If I am honest over the phone, most likely I will not fit the criteria. I could tell that one of these phone conversations wanted people who ate at Applebee's like 4-8 times a month. Do people like that exist? I have maybe eaten at Applebee's once in the last 5 years.

But I figure, Applebee's must write people like me off. Those who are very opinionated on food, we are never going to win over. Let's focus our studies on the majority of society who like comfort and familiarity. Usually, I fudge my answers a little, but I still don't need the criteria.

The opportunity to take a music survey came up. I am very excited about music and have strong opinions on music. This is right up my alley. But I had to lie. It was for a radio station. The need guys in my age group. They asked me what radio stations I like. I don't listen to the radio. I buy my own music. I told her I flip around to find good songs. She said she needed some names of stations. I listed a few...ones that I could remember. She asked me what my favorite station is. I asked her which one does it need to be. (This is the point at which the wrong answer will result in a "thank you, you do not fit our criteria.") I had to say 93.3 or better yet 95.7. So, I said 95.7.

I was in. $40 to give my opinions on music.

I had a day to do a little research on the station: Annoying DJ's with stupid nicknames and girls with husky voices. A lot a mindless celebrity gossip. Horrible music.

There were probably close to 100-150 people taking this survey. By the looks of some of the people there, I don't think I was the only one to lie. The facilitator said that they wanted to know what music Kansas City likes to listen to, what he really meant to say is what music does listeners of 95.7 like to listen to.

They played 400 songs in 5 second intervals. 95% of the songs were hip-hop/R&B. The other 5% was a mixture a young angry white teenagers. Needless to say I disliked most of the music. I was honest; they wanted to know what Kansas City likes. I took the survey and collected my money.

But...a week later I got a phone call. She said on the survey I did not fill out my favorite radio station. They asked if the directions were not given clearly. I said they were and I answered that I flip stations to find good songs. She said that I did not like most of the songs, but on my phone survey I said that 95.7 was my favorite radio station. That is the type of music that they play on that station. (BUSTED!) I replied, "oh, I thought it was a different format."

So, what's the point of having a survey if you are just preaching to the choir? And how come they are not interested in providing a more diverse format with the goal of playing the best music possible to win back the discernable listeners. So instead of becoming a unique and stand-out radio station, they just want to be a little bit better than the other 3 stations that sound exactly like them.

Time to make another mix tape...

My Weekend

Friday A.M. – Went to work, left at noon. It was my half day.

Friday Afternoon – Took Goose (who is almost 3) to Shawnee Mission Park to go on an “adventure” and “explore” as we hiked through the woods. The highlight was the two of us walking across an old tree trunk that had fallen over a rocky creek bed below. If we lost our balance, we would surely fall to our death 4’ feet below. We got nice and muddy! On the way home, we drove by my dad’s school and saw that there was a soccer game going on. We pulled in the parking lot and surprised Grandpa. Finally, we had slushies for QT.

Friday P.M. – My mom came over to baby-sit so that Vernal and I could go out alone on a much needed date. We have been so busy that we got in our car, I turned on the engine and then we sat there figuring out what we are doing and were we are eating based on what we are doing. Vernal wanted to do some shopping for a “hot” dress for a wedding which will turn into a college reunion. We decided to go to one of our favorite local indie-pizza joints. The Chiefs game just started and the place starts to get packed. After dinner, we ran around to a few stores. One of our stops was at a strip mall type place. We walked past a sports bar and the Chiefs were on many TV’s. We walked past a men’s suit place and 5 employees were huddled around a little fuzzy 15” t.v. watching the game in front of a help wanted sign. We then walked past a nail salon and two Asian women were chatting in the front of the store oblivious to the game that was on their 52” t.v. in the back of the shop. We found time to stop at a Border’s and I found time to pick up a new disc.

Friday late night – I stay up ‘till 4:30 working on a Halloween costume for Goose while watching the Interpreter and Kingdom of Heaven. Once you get in the flow it is hard to stop. Reminds me of working on projects in school and the all-nighter we’d do.

Saturday A.M. – probably fell asleep at 5 and Vernal let me sleep in ‘till noon-ish.

Saturday afternoon – I took both boys, Goose and Turkey, to Power Play. It was a chilly, rainy day and they have a great indoor play area for toddlers.

Saturday late afternoon – ran over to Michael’s to buy a birthday present for Goose and pick up a few supplies for his costume.

Saturday P.M. – worked some more on Goose’s costume.

Saturday Late Night – worked on the lesson for class the next morning. Stayed up ‘till 3:30.

Sunday A.M. – woke up at 8, at church by 9.

Sunday rest of the day – stayed home, played with kids, worked on costume, fell asleep on couch watching the Incredibles with Goose.

Lunch at the River Market Brewery

So yesterday, I went out to lunch with my co-workers to the River Market Brewery. It was a nice day and I hadn’t been out for lunch in a while, so I thought why not. This group doesn’t go out that much anyway and my packed lunch will keep for tomorrow.

We are on a budget since we are a one income family, so I don’t go out that often, but it is not going to kill us. My line of thinking is all about priorities. If I don’t spend money on eating out for lunch, then I can justify buying some music every now and then (or now and now.) Sit down places aren’t cheap either when you include a drink and tip.

There were about 12 of us at one table. I decided to just have water; it’s healthier and it’ll save a couple of dollars. I ordered the blue plate lunch special; it sounded pretty good and it was cheaper than the other lunch items. I am being very frugal.

Finally, the bill comes, which is always a mess with a large group – some have cash, some use credit. It can take half an hour passing the bill around to see how much you owe. Someone had the bright idea to just split the bill evenly and divide by 12.

NO FAIR!!! Communisms Sucks!

Moral of the Story –
Next time, I am gonna have a big fat coke and order a burger with 3 cheeses and extra bacon.

Unbelievable…I wish I had my camera ready!

Saturday, Vernal and I packed the kids in the car to head over to the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City. The festival itself is one of those great slices of small town Americana. All sorts of booths line the old brick paved main street in their little down town area right next to the small college. The booths are filled with everything from art to crafts to country singers in American flag shirts to politicians to Aunt Gertrude’s large homemade cookies for a dollar to ceramics to school pride toilet seats to license plate bird houses to portrait painters to Grandma Betty’s knitted tissue covers to well you probably get the picture. The festival included a parade, carnival rides, exotic wild animal petting zoo (not smart with the porcupine), moon walk, pony rides, and all sorts of food. The best part was the weather and the smells. The smells are free!

Anyway, before our drive through the farmland that precedes Baldwin City, I saw something that made me do a double take and wish that I had my camera. But since I was driving, I really couldn’t stop. And no it wasn’t the old car on the side of the road that was cut in half with a sign that said “My ex got half.”

Driving right through the heart of small downtown Gardner we went through an intersection. Maybe, it was the only intersection with a stoplight. There were some people in the middle of the road with orange vest and buckets to collect money. We had a green light, thankfully, so we didn’t have to stop and ignore them. As I drove by one of these fundraisers, I noticed what the text said on their orange vest:

“HELP RETARDED CHILDREN.”

??????

an afternoon in the park

I left work early on Thursday. Vernal was feeling pretty sick, so I came home to take care of the boys so she could sleep. The easiest way for her to get good sleep was for me to take the boys out of the house. Or as Goose puts it, “I wanna go somewhere else.”

A block east and a few blocks south from our house is Porter Park, one of Gooses favorite parks in Prairie Village. He calls it the Green Park, because the playground equipment is green. Anyway, he wanted to go to the Green Park because it has a huge sandbox. We packed his bright yellow Tonka dump truck and tricycle in the trunk and I packed Goose and Turkey in their seats and off we went.

The day was gorgeous, in the 70’s. I was feeling a little lucky to be out of the office and soaking up the autumn weather. I assumed that since it was 1:30 in the afternoon that the kids would be in school and that the park would be near empty. Boy was I wrong! As we got near the park, I noticed how full the sandbox looked. And this is where I discovered a whole new world.

So this is the world of Stay-At-Home Moms. Why did I feel so out of place? Oh, maybe it was because I was the only adult male at the park. The moms kept on coming. You could see the double-wide sports strollers about a half mile out as they made their ascent on the park.

Being that this was Prairie Village (and not that it only happens in PV, but this is one of those trendy neighborhoods where young families move to for great neighborhood parks and cute homes), I picked up on the Desperate Housewification of American mothers. Most of the moms were dolled up. I am talking like fancy sweat-suits with the perfect hair and make-up. I have nothing against looking your best in public, but this seemed to be an attempt to say “you know that show desperate housewives, they practically based the characters off of me. Don’t I look good?” Now, they would never say that, but that is what they want you to think.

Every mother there knew at least one of the other mothers there. I heard some funny conversations from the basic “let’s talk about kid stuff” to “how was last night’s Pampered Chef party?” (Side note: This is one of the benefits of the non-relational male conversation, we forget about the kids, wife, family, and jump straight into discussing the proper order of reading the Chronicles of Narnia.)

Anyway, I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the conversation about the Pampered Chef party. I always assumed they were boring, and you felt like you had to/or were forced to buy something. Vernal seems to always dread these sort of events, and I would too if guys did these sort of things. (I just outed you, sorry) These two moms were raving about the PC parties and they went on for a least half an hour. I guess the key is to have really good food. (I agree; you can’t go wrong with good food.) They compared food at different parties and both admitted that they love to go to the parties, but would never host one because of all the hard work and preparing the food.

Vernal just told me that I need to watch Mr. Mom. It’s late. I’ll end with that, because I don’t think I have a point or forgot what it was.

Uber-sexuals...finally a real man?

I always hated the whole metrosexual thing...it just seemed a bit wimpy.
I guess, according to this article, the metro's are a dying breed and now it's time for real men to step up.

Here are a few excerpts:

Metrosexual or Ubersexual? How to Spot the Difference

* Both are passionate, but the uber is passionate about causes and
principles, while the metro is mostly passionate about himself

* The uber spends more time grooming his mind than his hair

* Both treat and respect women as equals, but the uber considers other
men, not women, his best friends

* The uber is more sensual and not at all self-conscious; he doesn't need
other people to tell him he's sexy -- nor does he plan his errands
around which shop windows offer the best reflection

* The metro gets design tips from the Fab Five; the uber gets them from
his travels and interest in art and culture

* The uber knows the difference between right and wrong and will make the
right decision regardless of what others around him may think; the metro
knows the difference between toner and exfoliant -- and worries that
he's using yesterday's brand

Here, in reverse order, are the top ten men JWT says embody everything uber:

10. Jon Stewart: He is outspoken without regard to what other people think
(as evidenced by his skewering his hosts during this year's
Advertising Week). He is supportive of women and pokes fun at himself
in a self-deprecating way.

9. Guy Ritchie: His masculinity is unquestioned even though he's married
to one of the world's top music icons. (In fact, gravitating toward
strong women tends to be an uber trait.)

8. Pierce Brosnan: His James Bond strength was never compromised when we
watched him publicly mourn his first wife (and raise her children). He
has Remington Steele's classic elegance and savoir faire.

7. Ewan McGregor: A handsome, fashionable family man, McGregor is
versatile enough to go from riding his Harley Davidson around the
world to walking the red carpet. He is comfortable in his own
sexuality.

6. Barack Obama: At the DNC, he managed to marry sentimental love of
family with a new face of patriotism. And he looks sharp in a suit.

5. Arnold Schwarzenegger: He journeyed from body builder to mega movie
star to politician, all the while keeping his shoes buffed and hair in
place. He has succeeded in every challenge he's faced, and he has a
Kennedy for a wife.

4. Donald Trump: Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain
about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women
find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money.

3. Bill Clinton: A born charmer with Southern roots who is not afraid to
cry. He is a supremely confident, decisive leader. And he has
supremely sexy hands.

2. George Clooney: He appreciates the finer things in life (including his
villa on the shores of Lake Como), and he is strongly bonded with and
loyal to a cadre of male friends. His timeless image has allowed him
to rise from B-sitcoms to box-office hits, some of which he's directed
and/or produced.

1. Bono: He's global, socially aware, confident, and compassionate, and
he commands a huge base of followers who are fans of his music -- and
his humanitarianism. Is it any wonder rumors are swirling about a
Nobel Peace Prize?

# 100

This is it. My 100th post.

Vernal said earlier in a comment that I could give you my stance on sandals and socks.
So here it is:

You should never wear socks with sport sandals. If they are made to get wet - no socks. If they are made of rubber, nylon, plastic, and velcro - no socks.

Under no cirmcumstances should one ever wear white tube socks with sandals. (and under no circumstance should one wear plaid shorts with white tube socks and sandals while digging through the garbage.)

Never ever wear white tube socks with leather sandals. (Never ever wear shorts with a purple cuff with the white tube socks and the leather sandals.)
If you wear a leather based sandal, you may wear colored wool socks. But almost never wear shorts when you are sporting the sock/sandal combo, always go for the pants. (the eye patch is optional.)

Surprises in Jackets

Now that the weather actually justifies wearing jackets, I have pulled a few out the last couple of days. I am a jacket and coat guy. It is always exciting to put on a different jacket.

Since I have too many jackets to count, this also starts a season of discovery. You never know what little treasures you'll discover inside those pockets. What memories archived from the past will present itself on an abandoned ticket stub.

With the unveiling of three jackets, I have found:

• A grocery list written by Vernal. (sending me to the store is always dangerous as usually the list to me is seen as an outline.)
  
• A list of bands that I should check out recommended by my friend Mamun. (thank you for the Stars recommendation.)
• A flyer for upcoming shows at the Bottleneck. (Nobody worth seeing, obivously.)
  
• A half-full pack of gum. (still good!)
  
• A ticket stub for a train ride from Vienna to Prague. (some of my jackets like to travel.)

This is just the beginning. I should make a collage every fall.

On a side note (this is dedicated to Dust):
When the weather changes from the hot scorching wearing shorts and t-shirts to a comfortable not hot, but not too cool there is a dressing pattern for guys that is displayed in two ways. The weather I am discribing is a sunny day in the 60's to mid-70's. A jacket is not necessary, nor are shorts.

Most guys will either react to this weather by wearing:

1. jeans and a t-shirt
2. shorts and a long sleve t-shirt

If you want to know which one is the best and right way, check out the option Shakedust chooses. :)

Here is another thing that I do not get and it is something I witnessed yesterday. I saw a guy who was wearing a jacket also wearing flip-flop sandals. Were is the logic in that choice? Is it cold out or not? It's like wearing tube socks with Teva's???

Natural vs. unNatural

Sometimes I get carried away with my camera
I take a million pictures of one object
I don't know what I am looking for
who knows what I'll find

odd coincidence or should I get freaked out...

I have been getting freaked out lately, and I am about to say something verbally because I can't handle it. I feel like I am being followed by a ghost because everywhere I look, there he is.

There is a little short, quiet man at work and I swear for the past month of so, that if I walk into the bathroom he is already there or coming as I am leaving. The guy is really nice and nothing against him, but the whole timing is odd and freaking me out.

I am good for a bathroom break about 2 - 3 times a day, must he be in there every time? Yesterday, I was getting up to head to the men's room, lo and behold, he was 20 feet in front of me headed in the same direction. I quickly turned around and waited 20 minutes.

Maybe, he has a condition and the doctors orders are to go every half hour. I don't know??? I don't have this issue with anyone else in the office. Is this strange or is it possible to be on the same cycle?

i love my ipod, but........part IV

Okay, I am taking heat for this and I am sure a lot of people are rolling their eyes, thinking I am obsessed. I can assure that I am not obsessed, just wordy. This series was suppose to be one post, but since I have no editor and just write as things pop in my head, I can get a bit carried away. So, I thought I would break apart my three personal observations about how the new digital music players are affecting my music listening habits and how I need to fight for experiencing the same joys I did as a kid discovering music. (I wasn’t planning on writing any of the above and here I am getting wordy again.) My previous observations were the loss of the mixtape and how difficult it is to share your music, (on honest terms.)

My third observation and (I will try to make this quick) is how disconnected I am becoming with the actual product of music. There is a loss of tactile sensation from holding a CD, Cassette Tape, or Record. Cassette Tapes use to have a certain smell, when you would rip off the plastic. I still by CD’s, but usually I only handle them once to upload the music to the computer and then it gets stored away. I refuse to buy digital, because I got to have a hardcopy and need to have the artwork. I consider the album artwork very important in the way it reflects visually what is heard audibly.

A few months ago, I ordered a 7” ep from a band that I really like. I don’t have a record player, but I know someone who does and could make mp3’s from the record. It was really cool getting a 7” in the mail. Pulling the record out of it’s packaging and holding it by it’s edges, wondering what it sounds like. The record was blue and white marbleized; really cool looking. I think I would like to get a record player. How cool is it to put the needle on the record, to hear the scratches, listen to side A, then flip it to side B after a short intermission.

I think I’ll stop now.

Who said that smoking is bad for your health???

I didn’t write anything over lunch today because my fingers were covered in BBQ sauce from the ribs that I was eating.

In honor of the great American Royal BBQ championship going on this weekend, I decided that I would smoke some meat too. It is a little hobby that I am slowly getting into. I am still learning my meat lingo. This weekend I tried Pork Ribs. They were packaged as pork loin back ribs. So far I have smoked: Pork Loin, Pork Butt, Brisket, and now Pork Ribs.

Smoking meat is a long slow process, which is why I don’t do it too often. But we didn’t have any major plans on Saturday and the weather was a little on the cool side and I was getting the vibes from all the BBQ’ers at the American Royal…so why not? I smoked my ribs for about 6 hours. It is very much a process to achieve the end result, so maybe that is why I am attracted to it. You got to prepare the meat with dry rubs, get the grill ready and the fire going, fill up the water pan, put the meat on the grill, continue to check the fire and the water pan, enjoy the smells. I think the best part is just smelling the smoke as it funnels out the top of smoker.

It is all about the smells.