Archive for December, 2006

You Say You Want A Resolution?

[UPDATE @ 12:01am 1/1/2007] I hear the fireworks in the distance. Happy New Year’s everyone.

Well…. here you are. And here I am at 11:30pm on New Year’s Eve sitting at home alone, blogging. See how I suffer for you? Okay, truth be told that after putting myself into a depressed state last night at the Drive By Truckers show I’d rather sit at home alone then to go out. Besides, NYE is a couples’ night and since I’ve proven myself to be uncoupleable with women with whom I have interest, so there’s nothing out there for me tonight.

This year I am going to play the resolution game a little differently. In addition to some grand year-long desires I am going to start to make monthly resolutions that I should be able to attain. At the end of each month I am going to score myself.

2007: Measurable
1) Lose 20-25 pounds. Yes, this appeared on the 2005 and 2006 lists as well. At least I am consistent.
2) Run no fewer than three half-marathons (currently slated to be ING (Georgia: March); Atlanta Half (Georgia: November); wildcard). There was a thought to throw in a full marathon here but I still remember 2000, and I really remember the pain my ACL had back then after completing my one-and-only road marathon.
3) Finish the ALS 50 mile ride (on my bike, weather permitting), complete at least one century (that would be 100 miles).
4) Either get a girlfriend or give up on the idea entirely. This limbo bullshit drives me fucking nuts.
5) Take at least one trip to a city that I have never visited before.
6) Start taking better notes so that I stop forgetting to add things to the blog, and thus stop beating myself up about forgetting to add things to the blog.
7) Tell at least one person to “Go Fuck Yourself” mostly because I think it would be cathartic for me.
8) See Manchester Orchestra, Gringo Star, Kill Gordon, Sovus Radio in concert. Not all at the same time, that would be ludicrous.

2007: Unmeasurable
1) Eat more Chinese food, just not at buffets.
2) Ride Marta again.
3) Spend fewer nights at home, but when I do make the nights I spend here enjoyable.
4) Take more photographs. In doing so become a “better” photographer.
5) Attempt to improve the lives of those I call friends and separate myself from those who I call enemies (perhaps that’s too strong a word).

2007: I’d Like To Resolve To Do, But Probably Won’t Happen
1) Either get a girlfriend or give up on the idea entirely.
2) Force people whose blog I miss to start blogging again.
3) Floss every day.
4) Put the past where it belongs, in the past.

January Goals
1) Lose two pounds.
2) Run no fewer than fifty miles.
3) Do twenty push-ups and fifty sit-ups at least three times a week.
4) See Manchester Orchestra in concert. (January 6th to be exact)
5) Read two books. (for me this might actually be the hardest)

[ANOTHER UPDATE @7:10am 1/1/2007] This is my first meal of 2007, biscuits and homemade sausage gravy. Not exactly “healthy”, but definitely delicious!

My First Meal Of 2007

That’s enough about me, I’d like to hear what your goals are?

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - blah
Current Music - listening to the Manchester Orchestra CD “I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child”
Website Of The Day - I’m sorry but this website was suggested by Gmail when I was having a conversation with another blogger about true love — Clean Butt. I think it takes guts to register CleanButt as your domain so I think that they deserve some link love, even if I don’t think I ever want to buy one of their bidet toilet seats.

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

2006 In Review: The Ugly

A tradition here at www.InsideThePerimeter.com since way back in 2004…

This being one of my last three blogging days for 2006 I will present to you my year in review in three parts — The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Today, it’s The Ugly.

Oddly, I missed most of the activities which I would be obligated to mention in this space. This year I did not parade around town drinking in a red dress, dress up in a Halloween costume and do a house crawl whilst getting drunk, or sing Christmas Carols (off key) through an unsuspecting neighborhood. This is not to say my year was perfect, no it was far from it.

What We Had Here Was Failure To Train
This year marked another round of failed attempts to complete tasks (ALS 50 mile ride abandoned due to cramping), unimpressive finishes (Twisted Ankle Half Marathon took over three hours again), and at least one did-not-start (I never signed up for the Atlanta Half Marathon). Boooo! Hisssss!

ITP Flickr Pics
Avert your eyes children, these ain’t pretty

When I wake up all pretty like

Portrait Of A Madman
And when I’ve been drinking

For Those About To Rock!

How’s That Yard Work Coming There, Buddy?
While I’ve actually done a lot to rectify this situation in the past two weeks, truth be told I hate yard work and frankly don’t mind letting my yard look like shit. Bad homeowner, I know. I should spend the next two days working on my yard. But I won’t.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - need you ask?
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Superchunk — “Slack Motherfucker”
Website Of The Day - I was going to post something serious about New Year’s resolutions, and then I made the mistake of surfing over to The Onion where all news stories get ugly. Sure I’ve probably picked The Onion already, but it’s the last blog of the year, deal with it!
Training Target - next year
Exercise (b)Log - nothing

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

2006 In Review: The Bad

A tradition here at www.InsideThePerimeter.com since way back in 2004…

This being one of my last three blogging days for 2006 I will present to you my year in review in three parts — The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Today, it’s The Bad.

There Were The Obvious
If you’ve read this space for any amount of time you know these all too well

  • 2006: One woman, two dates, no love
  • 2006: My weight went up, not down
  • 2006: No need to buy new running shoes, because I barely ran

So I shan’t recount these in depth.

ITP Flickr Pic
This is how the blog looked in July, you’ll notice that it looks the same at the end of December.

EgoMetaRiffic

Why Does This Blog Look The Same?
They say that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. This year I’ve paved a four-lane freeway with regards to reading books, improving my knowledge, and reworking this space. Shame on me. Really, Shame. On. Me.

Ouch, I Did It Again
I think that I’ve had more nagging injuries in the past year than in any other year of my life. Perhaps it’s a function of aging but things just don’t seem to recover the way they once did — and I’m not just talking about post-alcoholic binges either. Case and point, the big toe I hurt two weeks ago still reminds me of its existence if I flex oddly or step in the wrong direction. I’ve managed to “run” on it at least once since the initial damage but it’s still not 100% healed.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - very bad, I got quite ill yesterday
Current Music - Album88
Website Of The Day - Maybe if I started looking at Smashing Magazine I’d learn enough to change the appearance of this blog.
Training Target - still not caring
Exercise (b)Log - none, I was rather sick

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

2006 In Review: The Good

A tradition here at www.InsideThePerimeter.com since way back in 2004…

This being one of my last three blogging days for 2006 I will present to you my year in review in three parts — The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Today, it’s The Good.

Get Out Of The House
And did I ever! Check out this list, baby…

Tallies it up and it represents
Music concerts: 31
Comedy concerts: 3
Live Plays: 3
Baseball games: 5
Football games: 3 (one was arena football)
Hockey games: 5

(and this is just the list of things that I will admit to doing ;))

Tripping The Light Fantastic
I’ve not been everywhere man, but I did manage to take a few pleasurable trips this year.

The obvious highlight was Chicago, eventhough the heat was oppressive and I didn’t manage to get everything done that I had hoped.

Second on the list of highlights was the hashing trip to Colorado, eventhough I was issued the speeding citation. I was in the wrong, so I guess that makes it right.

Picture This
‘06 was the Year of the Picture for me…

Rear View Mirror

With the purchase of my trusty Nikon D50 in late January I’ve had a sometimes frustration, but mostly fun time going out and shooting. Not to look into the future here but since I am still not satisfied with my progress I am returning to the classroom in ‘07 to try and learn how to take better photos.

Money, Can’t Get Enough
Had I played my cards right I would have had to invent a new category called “The Great.” As I did not I will simply say that my financial instincts for the year were good. I’ve ended another year in the black.

Did I Ever Know That It Was Christmas
Just the other day I had some of the most fun that I have ever had on a Christmas day. It’s not #1 on my List of Greatest Christmases because of that one year I got laid on Christmas, and that one year I received a non-authentic NY Jets uniform, complete with helmet, as a child are still on top.

For those who have been in my basement the helmet on the bookshelf and the Namath jersey hanging on the wall are that gift from the early 1970’s. However the girl who provided the sexual favor is long gone. I wouldn’t keep her in the basement because that would be all sorts of wrong. (I know I shouldn’t be laughing right now but I am.)

Can’t Beat Dem Deadbeat Dads!
Bragging rights around the office and a $150 payday. What more could a guy ask for? I guess to get laid or receive a NY Jets uniform might be two things…

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - good
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing The Walkmen — “Another One Goes By”
Website Of The Day - I’m not sure how I would describe Filmoculous. Is is a blog about media? Is it blogging media? Would it then be a medium about media? Fuck if I know…
Training Target - still not caring
Exercise (b)Log - none

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Welcome To Detox Tuesday

Do You Believe In Christmas Miracles?
Yesterday’s Eagles v. Cowboys game didn’t play out nearly the way I wanted it to, but…. I now introduce to you the League Champions of my Fantasy Football league the East Atlanta Deadbeat Dads! WoooooooHoooooooo!

My 6-7 Double D’s beat the 11-2 League Juggernaut Colorbar by a final score of 93.86 to 81.68.

Twas The Morning After Christmas
Twas the morning after Christmas
And all through my head
Was pounding and fogginess
That made me wish that I was dead

Again I awoke from a slumber
Thinking aloudly to myself
Why I felt it necessary
To drink every alcohol on the shelf

I had arrived at Betsy’s at 10am
To eat Tweety Bird waffles was the plan
However soon after Prosecco, champagne and beer
Were poured from bottle and can

As the morning turned to night
We surfed to YouTube and removed our sneakers
Where Blondie, Bon Jovi and Scorpions
Were blasted through the computer speakers

“Load faster!”
At the computer we shouted
Our love for 80s hairbands
Could not be doubted

We sang and danced with delight
Completely filling our bodies with booze
We even managed to banish the horrible memories
Of watching “The Christmas Shoes”

Twelve hours after my arrival
I managed to retire to my couch
Fully knowing that on Tuesday morning
The first word I would utter would be “Ouch!”

I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did at Christmas.
Thanks Betsy!

ITP Flickr Pic
This is Reese, my friend Betsy’s dog.

Reese The Vixen

Reese can’t understand why humans are so stupid.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - rough
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Pavement — “Father To A Sister Of Thought”
Website Of The Day - Reese probably doesn’t understand why cats like the Wii either. Don’t believe me? Go check out Wii Kitties.
Training Target - don’t know
Exercise (b)Log - none

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Merry Christmas Blog-O-Sphere!

Well, It’s Here — So What
When I was a child the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed an eternity. Nowadays the month-long period seems to go by in a blink.

Unlike millions household mine contains no tree under which gifts have been waiting for this day. The pitter-patter sounds on the roof last night were those of rain, acorns and squirrels and not Santa’s reindeer.

However I will be fine. Today I will hang out with friends, return home to watch some football, and then end the night watching one or more of the many Christmas DVDs in my collection.

When tomorrow arrives I will begin my hope that in 365 days time things will be different, just like I have on many December 26ths.

It Could Be A Christmas Miracle
This afternoon I will become a Dallas Cowboy fan for the first time in my forty-one and a half years. If all goes to plan tonight my East Atlanta Deadbeat Dads will take the title of League Champion in my office fantasy football league. This afternoon the Cowboys (for whom two of my Deadbeat Dads play) take on the Eagles (for whom one of my opponent’s players play). Tune in tomorrow to find out the outcome.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - meh, it’s no more than a rainy Monday to me
Current Music - none, listening to “This American Life” podcast
Website Of The Day - Didn’t get what you wanted today? Perhaps you should have made your Christmas list using Wishlistr.
Training Target - don’t know
Exercise (b)Log - none

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Twelve Days: Day Thirteen? Oh Shit!

Um, I guess I miscalculated…

Here is what all the nonsense that I have blogged about over the prior twelve days is supposed to symbolize, at least according to the place that I have been referencing each day (true, I do not have this song committed to memory — I am not a “lyrics” person)

Religious symbolism of The Twelve Days of Christmas (The 12 Days of Christmas)
1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which gives the history of man’s fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed

Ouch My Head Hurts…
Last night I should have remembered the advice I am about to give you. When drinking a lot at a Christmas party, especially one that is held at your house therefore you are not driving anywhere, drink plenty of water. I would be feeling much better today if I thought about this.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - I have a pounding headache
Current Music - none, I am watching tv
Website Of The Day - nothing today
Exercise (b)Log - none

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Twelve Days: Day Twelve

For the next twelve days I will give you the item for that day from the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” along with the gift I would like to receive. You will see quickly that mine may not always be material, but are just as strange…

Song: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Paulie: To never hear “Simply Having A Wonderful Christmastime” again

Scurrying About
In order to eat a great meal with friends, drink heavily, and avoid a DUI I spent the evening last night at my friends Bob’s & Laura’s house in Roswell last night. It was scary indeed but I managed to pull through like a trooper. However, this act of responsibility has put me behind in regards to the tasks that I need to accomplish before the hash ascends on my house for a Hash Christmas party.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - way behind
Current Music - Listening to the Daily Source Code
Website Of The Day - nothing today, I’ve got no time
Exercise (b)Log - none

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Twelve Days: Day Eleven

For the next twelve days I will give you the item for that day from the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” along with the gift I would like to receive. You will see quickly that mine may not always be material, but are just as strange…

Song: Eleven Pipers Piping
Paulie: Christmas spirit

Give Yourself An Early Christmas Gift (Or A Late Channukah Gift)
Did you know that John Hodgman’s (think “Daily Show” or “PC from Apple’s Mac/PC ads”) audio-book “The Area Of My Expertise” is free on iTunes. Go download it! It’s FREE for Christmas’ sake (or Channukah, or whatever)!

ITP Flickr Pic
Want to see one of the major reasons I bought my house? This is one part of my basement…

This Is My Basement Bar

In 1999 this was the height of authentic retro 60’s/70’s styling. Hell, I think that it still is!

Any Ze Frank Watchers Out There?
Are there any wathcers of the daily podcast The Show With Ze Frank out there? Over the past month or so I gotten hooked.

On Ze Frank’s show he has been tracking a guy dubbed Running Fool who is criss-crossing the country. This past week Running Fool blew through Atlanta, and there was a snippet of him greeting his Atlanta hosts at the entrance to Piedmont Park. I thought it was kinda cool.

If you are interested in watching Ze’s podcast jump on the bandwagon soon because rumor has it that it will conclude on March 17th, 2007, one year to the day on which it started.

Congratulations Clayton
It’s not even year’s end I have already dubbed you “Worst Intown Drivers Of 2006.” It seems that nearly every time there is someone driving slowly or inconsistently on The Connector or 400 they have a Clayton County tag.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - realizing that I am a shitty decorator
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing The Tyde — “Do It Again Again”
Website Of The Day - It’s the Friday before Christmas, go to I Should Be Working and fuck around for a while.
Exercise (b)Log - none

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Twelve Days: Day Ten

For the next twelve days I will give you the item for that day from the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” along with the gift I would like to receive. You will see quickly that mine may not always be material, but are just as strange…

Song: Ten Lords A-Leaping
Paulie: A unified audio/video plan for my house, and a well-planned backup strategy for my data

Oh The Traffic Outside Is Frightful
Wow, my commute home yesterday was horrible, and I left the office at 4:20pm (go ahead make your stoner reference here). Things were so bad yesterday that I turned around and went shopping at Target, Circuit City and Border’s (can anyone guess where I was?) in order to let traffic die down before I got back on the roads. If not for the fact that I was cooking a crockpot full of beef stew I would have also gone somewhere and eaten a nice relaxing dinner. My strategy worked partially because the traffic later on was still bad, but not as bad as it had been earlier. [note to self: in 2007 start planning Atlanta exit strategy]

Sometimes Being Neurotic Pays!
I suffer from a touch of neurosis. Surprised?

Normally when I cook using my crockpot I connect it to a mechanical programmed timer which controls the electrical current to it. This way I can start the crockpot when I leave for work and the concoction won’t be overcooked when I arrive home later in the evening.

On my way out the door yesterday I felt uncertain about using the timer this time so I went back into the house and took the timer out of the setup. For sanity I plugged the timer into another outlet to see if my neurosis was nonsensical. When I arrived home last night I saw that the timer got stuck sometime around 9am! If it had gotten stuck while in the “off” state (I forgot to check its final state) dinner would have been ruined. Instead it was wonderful to open the door and be greeted by the aroma of beef stew wafting through the air. For once my neurosis paid off.

ITP Flickr Pic
I took this picture for the Atlanta Chain game going on over at Flickr.

Green Arrow Stamp

I know it’s not perfect, but I had to act quickly to get it posted in time.

With Visions Of Sugarplums Dancing Through My Head
I am not entirely sure what came over me last night, but I fell asleep around 9:45pm. Therefore even though it was actually Wednesday I didn’t get to see Top Chef (see yesterday’s post about Top Chef if you don’t understand). If all is right in the world my DVR has recorded the episode, assuming it was a new episode, and I will be able to watch it sometime soon.

A Christmas Apology
You may have noticed that my entries for the last few days have been lacking some of my normal material. Truth be told my life over the past two weeks has been rather lame and I have not been doing a whole heck of a lot. I am hoping to change this behavior real soon…

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood - can’t believe that Christmas is right around the corner
Current Music - Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Fugazi — “Exit Only”
Website Of The Day - About to buy that last-minute Christmas gift but not sure if the thing you are buying is good? Check to see if it is reviewed on Wize, the “unbiased” product ranking sire.
Exercise (b)Log - none

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]

Next Page »