I would like to find someone who sings absolutely beautiful. I would like to ask them if there is anything they’ve ever wanted and in turn give up their ability to sing. I cannot sing. I would tell them I would be willing to give up something of myself to have the ability. Maybe even a trade could be in order…
I would be willing to give up my knowledge in science, ultimately my career in pharmacy. I figure the only reason I’m in pharmacy is to help people, so I wonder if I can help more people with the words I sing than the knowledge of science?
So far in my life, words that were sung have made more of a difference to me than medicine. But I am still young and all I have needed medicine for was to treat a few colds and some problems with allergies. Would I still feel this way in fifty years though? Only time will tell.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Newport, RI
A classic story from the summer of 2006!
When one thinks of Newport and Cape Cod and all the exotic destinations of the East Coast, they think of the beaches, the sun, big mansions, and plenty of photo opportunities. However, this isn’t your typical story and in all actuality it’s completely the opposite. This tale begins like any other Saturday morning.
I awoke when I heard Derek stirring in the Sleep Number bed next to mine. Like I do every morning, I reflect on the dreams I just had during the night. On this day I remember Bill Walton coming to The Cape to sign autographs. I get in line and get him to sign a picture I made and for some reason my 5th grade soccer shirt, which I was wearing. I asked him if he remembers me from the NCAA tournament where I met him a few months ago (true story.) Also, the night before Derek was telling me of a pharmacist he worked with by the name of Magnar. Instead of being a burly German man, he was a little black guy shorter than me. (Sorry for the small side story, it makes me chuckle at it.)
Back to reality, I wake up at 9:15 early for most, but not on this particular day. We planned on getting up early and taking a ferry from the mainland to Martha’s Vineyard. Since we woke up later than expected, we wouldn’t be able to make it over to the ferry until noon and the last ferry back was at 6. So ultimately, we would have about four hours on the island, definitely not enough time to cover the island. So Derek called and to see if there was a late ferry or a way to reserve tickets. But instead of politely saying no, she decided to be mean and nasty. We were puzzled on what we should do with our day off, especially since we both work the following day and I will home the next weekend with Cheese for a wedding. Derek and I needed to do something memorable. I thought Boston, P-town, Plymouth, but we had done of this before so I just threw it up there…Rhode Island. Derek is like oh yeah and we can go to Newport. At this suggestion I was already half way in the shower. I decided today will be a good day.
In preparation, we took a quick look at maps.google.com to get a general idea where we needed to go (but nothing more, it has to be random.) We looked up some cool places to go like a mansion tour and a garden with bushes trimmed as animals. After we were all set, we knocked across the hall to tell Megan we were going to Newport, which of course saddened her because she was only going to be hanging out on a large boat in Plymouth all day. Our first stop was Dunkin Donuts which took my American Express Gift Card, which they didn’t the day before…it was a nice.
Derek and I were taking our time on the longest highway in the US, Route 6. It was a nice drive through the Cape. We made it over the Bridge and through the two rotaries that were pack with tourists risking their family’s lives to get to Cape Cod. From there the traffic calmed down and it looked like a nice hour and half drive to the great city of Newport. The next thing we knew a light came on, which certainly wasn’t a bright idea I was having.
I looked down on my dashboard and my ‘Volts’ light was on. It was also at that time that my car seemed to be dragging and not accelerating properly. I called mister fix-it himself, my father, to ask him what was going on. He said to look it up in the manual, but he was sure it was the battery or the alternator. He told me to take it to a Jiffy Lube and have the battery checked. Just after this, on US 195 the beautiful city of New Bedford came into view.
As we approached this city, we thought, wow this is what an east coast town should look like. There were houses on hills on the right and downtown/the ocean on the left. Low on gas, we got off an exit to search for a station. The exit we got off ended up being a pseudo-highway that took us downtown, so I got off another exit called Purchase Street, figuring, I’m sure I could purchase gas on Purchase Street. Derek and I drive about a mile or two and no gas station, but in the mean time the area around becomes more and more ghetto/sketchy. I figured we need to get off this street because the only thing on this street that could be purchased if we kept going would have been a dime-bag of marijuana. We take a left in attempts to find the main road and low and behold we are in the heart of the projects. We soon found the main road and took it to the highway without looking back.
We get back on the highway and on a sign in big huge letters is Gas next exit, it figures. We get off this exit (no longer in New Bedford looking for gas.) We see one down the road at an intersection and of course it’s the most expensive I’ve ever seen gas at $3.45/gallon. I told Derek there is no way I’m spending that much for gas off Cape when I don’t spend that much on Cape. We took a left and drove by a 24 hr CVS and a 24 hr Walgreens with nothing more than a Dunkin Donuts in between. I see a Sunoco ahead and gas is $2.95/gallon, hooray! I fill up and I’m just observing my surrounding and I see a statue. Of course being on a random adventure like this, a picture must be taken. I finished filling up my car and parked in a spot at the gas station. I’m looking for the right angle and placement of my camera to use the timer feature (one of my special interests) to get a good picture. During this an elderly couple was walking along, so I decided to ask them if they could take a picture. This woman would not have any part in it. She kept saying “No, no, no!” and kept walking, but her husband was kind enough to eventually take the picture so this image was able to be captured forever. But I had to feel bad for the older man, by the time he was done taking the picture, his wife was a half a block ahead still pressing hard. She kind of sucked.
We hopped back into the doomed car and headed on down to CVS. We thought about going to the drive thru to get batteries and be a jerk but Derek decided that would be mean. So instead we went inside got batteries for the camera and snack. I asked her for direction to the nearest Jiffy Lube and she was ever so helpful. She looked it up in the yellow pages and gave me directions. However, it was in the opposite way in a town which she called “Fahav’n” (Fair Haven), so I decided to press on and we can hit it on the way back if need be.
We continued our onward progress toward our final destination of Newport. Before we knew it, we hit the great state of Rhode Island. It was the first time I’ve ever been in the Ocean State so I was able to chalk that one up on my tour de US. We enjoyed the great views of the little harbors and small towns. Soon we came to an exit for a small town called Little Compton and of course if you know how my brain works and all, I had to do a gangsta photo of me (and maybe Derek) in front of the sign. So I get off on this exit against Derek’s wishes to get a priceless picture. We follow the signs about three miles and still no sign of this town. When all of a sudden my car seems to drop in RPMs and my acceleration was non-existent. My new priority was to find a Jiffy Lube and abandoned all hope of a fun picture. Continuing to drive towards Little Compton, we noticed a little change in scenery from a view of a harbor to country farmlands. I decided to go one more mile and if there was nothing I would try to get back on the highway. Within this mile we encountered an incredible photo opportunity. It was a sign that said room mate wanted, but of course there is nothing out of the ordinary with it. Below the sign it read “Must be cool!” (The underline was part of it.) Then I saw an auto shop but of course it was closed, so we turned around and headed back to the road.
Here I started to worry; I knew I had to call someone to find out where the closest Jiffy Lube is (P.S. thank you internet and cell phone technology.) The first person I call is Curt, because he always answers his phone and normally leads a lame life. However; he was returning a keg from the previous night’s party at the 818 (which is the first time one was returned within a month.) Next, we tried to call Derek’s brother Landon, but he was at his girlfriend’s house and was of absolutely no help. Next to call was my former roommate (and my back up singer to ‘More than Words’) Chris Cook. He was by chance next to a computer. He saved my life by finding a Jiffy Lube which was only about 5 miles ahead on the leading to Newport, Rhode Island. We thought we were in the clear and the day would be salvaged, but lets put it this way…I’m not even half way done with this story.
I continue along the main drag leading to Newport. At this point in time, Derek and I are stroking the car encouraging Gretchen Weiners (yeah, I named my car after a character in ‘Mean Girls’) and telling her how beautiful she is. We are counting down the blocks only about 12 more to go when she really starts acting up. Soon, Jiffy Lube is in sight! We are almost out of the woods with one final obstacle, making a left hand turn across a busy road with hardly any acceleration. We strive together and are waved toward a bay thinking the day will not be a waste after all. The guy asked me for an oil change. I told him ‘No thanks, I just had one, but you can test my battery and possible switch it out that would be great.’ Except unlike all the Jiffy Lube’s of the Midwest, this one ceases to do battery work. But he told me he would take a look to see if it was and told me to go to Midas down the road, so I’m like great. So I turn off my engine as he takes a gander under the hood. He told me my battery was old and might as well just get a new one. So I was like thanks for your help and tried to go about my merry way. However, Gretchen decided to die right then and there. I started to call Triple A to get a tow, but in two or three attempts the car started and we were on the road again. I pull to the main road to make a right hand turn and got about 100 yards. At this point, the car just dies again; it takes quite a bit of strength to pull into an empty parking since I was lacking the power steering. I triple park in a spot just outside of a pet shop called ‘Pets.’
I call up Triple A to get a tow. They tell me a truck will be out in less than an hour and told me to hang loose. Derek and I decided to go scout the area and look for some pristine photo opportunities. We find a few statues of dogs that will definitely do. Since we had at least a half hour to blow, we went to check out the pet store. First of all, they have a big sign that says they would match any of Petco’s prices (except on pretty much everything.) They had birds, lab rats, fish, and three alligators. After about ten minutes we left to go wait. From down the road we see the tow truck and made our way back to the car.
I get my license and card out like they said and give it to the driver. And what is the first thing to come out of his mouth… “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were by the kennels?” Which of course, I have no idea what he was talking about so I just shrugged. First of all let me go into details what Ray looked like. He was about 350 pounds with a huge beer gut, coke bottle glasses, balding with a truck driving hat, and my best description…his teeth were in layers sticking out to the point where it looked like he was wearing brown braces. So this guy hooks my car up to tow and pulls me up. Then we get in the tow truck. I ended up sitting bitch in this gross truck. In front of me was a day or two old big gulp from Speedway and just broken equipment. We head on our five block cruise to Midas. But while driving, good ole Ray bits off the bottom of his stogie, chews it, spits it out, and sticks the rest of the cigar in his mouth (it was gross.) We make it to Midas. Derek helps Ray lower the car as I go instead to talk to a mechanic. As I wait in line for fifteen minutes, Derek is in my car guiding it down. Derek doesn’t put the break all the way down and almost runs over Ray’s arm. The more I think about it, his arm getting run over would probably break my axel before it broke his arm. So the car is down and Derek comes in to join me. I start talking to this mechanic and I explain everything. He goes “yeah, I can fix it….on Monday.’ I was like what, can you even take a look at it now. He was like nope we’re closed. Then I was like what time did you close. And he said “well its 2, right now.” I wanted to strike this man. We told me he could leave it here and he can maybe get to it on Monday or I could fix it my self. There was no way I could wait until then because I had to work the next day, so I took my chance with my mechanical skills and AutoZone.
We take a three block walk to AutoZone for a new battery; I was on my way back in 10 minutes. Then I began taking off all the parts over the battery. Except the bolt was on there good, so I send Derek to get a socket wrench. He comes back not knowing what size and finally comes back. The bolt still won’t come off. So I sent him to get some lubrication to help ease the tension. (Double Entendre) In the mean time I call Triple A and see if they can send a guy with tools suitable enough for this job. The lube didn’t work, so I was glad Triple A was coming within the hour. During this time the guys that worked at Midas were slowly filtering out. Not one made eye contact or asked if I was okay. Whatever. But as I got closer to the store I noticed something. It was opened on Saturday until 3PM. I was basically furious, but there was nothing I could do about it now, so I just brushed it off.
Within the hour, Cole (my knight in shining armor) from Triple A shows up. He has all the tools necessary and starts working on it right away. We just started making small talk, asking where we were from and such. We told him we were living on the Cape and had an internship with CVS. He asked if we actually lived there and I told him I was from Indiana. He told me I wouldn’t make it there on this battery (he wasn’t the brightest bulb on the circuit as you will soon find out.) I told him I just wanted to get back to the Cape and I’m going back to Indiana for awhile. Then he asked me if Indiana was out west and of course I was like yes. Then he asked him a very memorable question, “Does Indiana border the ocean?” (Kristen, I know you of all people totally appreciate that!) I held in chuckles and told him no, but it borders Lake Michigan. To this he responds, “Well at least you’re by water.” He gets the battery fixed and tests it out and determines it’s the alternator as suspected. I slip him a Jackson and we were on our way.
During the testing of the battery the volts dropped pretty low and even lower when the lights, A/C, and the radio were working. So we ended up driving home with the windows down, no wipers, no lights, no radio, while it was raining. That was kind of fun. So I called up my pharmacist and told him I may not show up to work on Monday because I don’t have a car. He told me he had tools and to pick up the part and he’ll fix it after work. I was psyched. On the way home, Derek and I did a brief overview of the day. We made it to the Sagamore Bridge and prayed that we would get over it. The rest of the story is kind of boring. We got the Alternator set up in about an hour, put a new belt on, but broke the suspension pulley. We got the part after work on Monday and the car was fixed in another half hour. My car was working so I got Taco Bell and everyone lived happily ever after. The End.
When one thinks of Newport and Cape Cod and all the exotic destinations of the East Coast, they think of the beaches, the sun, big mansions, and plenty of photo opportunities. However, this isn’t your typical story and in all actuality it’s completely the opposite. This tale begins like any other Saturday morning.
I awoke when I heard Derek stirring in the Sleep Number bed next to mine. Like I do every morning, I reflect on the dreams I just had during the night. On this day I remember Bill Walton coming to The Cape to sign autographs. I get in line and get him to sign a picture I made and for some reason my 5th grade soccer shirt, which I was wearing. I asked him if he remembers me from the NCAA tournament where I met him a few months ago (true story.) Also, the night before Derek was telling me of a pharmacist he worked with by the name of Magnar. Instead of being a burly German man, he was a little black guy shorter than me. (Sorry for the small side story, it makes me chuckle at it.)
Back to reality, I wake up at 9:15 early for most, but not on this particular day. We planned on getting up early and taking a ferry from the mainland to Martha’s Vineyard. Since we woke up later than expected, we wouldn’t be able to make it over to the ferry until noon and the last ferry back was at 6. So ultimately, we would have about four hours on the island, definitely not enough time to cover the island. So Derek called and to see if there was a late ferry or a way to reserve tickets. But instead of politely saying no, she decided to be mean and nasty. We were puzzled on what we should do with our day off, especially since we both work the following day and I will home the next weekend with Cheese for a wedding. Derek and I needed to do something memorable. I thought Boston, P-town, Plymouth, but we had done of this before so I just threw it up there…Rhode Island. Derek is like oh yeah and we can go to Newport. At this suggestion I was already half way in the shower. I decided today will be a good day.
In preparation, we took a quick look at maps.google.com to get a general idea where we needed to go (but nothing more, it has to be random.) We looked up some cool places to go like a mansion tour and a garden with bushes trimmed as animals. After we were all set, we knocked across the hall to tell Megan we were going to Newport, which of course saddened her because she was only going to be hanging out on a large boat in Plymouth all day. Our first stop was Dunkin Donuts which took my American Express Gift Card, which they didn’t the day before…it was a nice.
Derek and I were taking our time on the longest highway in the US, Route 6. It was a nice drive through the Cape. We made it over the Bridge and through the two rotaries that were pack with tourists risking their family’s lives to get to Cape Cod. From there the traffic calmed down and it looked like a nice hour and half drive to the great city of Newport. The next thing we knew a light came on, which certainly wasn’t a bright idea I was having.
I looked down on my dashboard and my ‘Volts’ light was on. It was also at that time that my car seemed to be dragging and not accelerating properly. I called mister fix-it himself, my father, to ask him what was going on. He said to look it up in the manual, but he was sure it was the battery or the alternator. He told me to take it to a Jiffy Lube and have the battery checked. Just after this, on US 195 the beautiful city of New Bedford came into view.
As we approached this city, we thought, wow this is what an east coast town should look like. There were houses on hills on the right and downtown/the ocean on the left. Low on gas, we got off an exit to search for a station. The exit we got off ended up being a pseudo-highway that took us downtown, so I got off another exit called Purchase Street, figuring, I’m sure I could purchase gas on Purchase Street. Derek and I drive about a mile or two and no gas station, but in the mean time the area around becomes more and more ghetto/sketchy. I figured we need to get off this street because the only thing on this street that could be purchased if we kept going would have been a dime-bag of marijuana. We take a left in attempts to find the main road and low and behold we are in the heart of the projects. We soon found the main road and took it to the highway without looking back.
We get back on the highway and on a sign in big huge letters is Gas next exit, it figures. We get off this exit (no longer in New Bedford looking for gas.) We see one down the road at an intersection and of course it’s the most expensive I’ve ever seen gas at $3.45/gallon. I told Derek there is no way I’m spending that much for gas off Cape when I don’t spend that much on Cape. We took a left and drove by a 24 hr CVS and a 24 hr Walgreens with nothing more than a Dunkin Donuts in between. I see a Sunoco ahead and gas is $2.95/gallon, hooray! I fill up and I’m just observing my surrounding and I see a statue. Of course being on a random adventure like this, a picture must be taken. I finished filling up my car and parked in a spot at the gas station. I’m looking for the right angle and placement of my camera to use the timer feature (one of my special interests) to get a good picture. During this an elderly couple was walking along, so I decided to ask them if they could take a picture. This woman would not have any part in it. She kept saying “No, no, no!” and kept walking, but her husband was kind enough to eventually take the picture so this image was able to be captured forever. But I had to feel bad for the older man, by the time he was done taking the picture, his wife was a half a block ahead still pressing hard. She kind of sucked.
We hopped back into the doomed car and headed on down to CVS. We thought about going to the drive thru to get batteries and be a jerk but Derek decided that would be mean. So instead we went inside got batteries for the camera and snack. I asked her for direction to the nearest Jiffy Lube and she was ever so helpful. She looked it up in the yellow pages and gave me directions. However, it was in the opposite way in a town which she called “Fahav’n” (Fair Haven), so I decided to press on and we can hit it on the way back if need be.
We continued our onward progress toward our final destination of Newport. Before we knew it, we hit the great state of Rhode Island. It was the first time I’ve ever been in the Ocean State so I was able to chalk that one up on my tour de US. We enjoyed the great views of the little harbors and small towns. Soon we came to an exit for a small town called Little Compton and of course if you know how my brain works and all, I had to do a gangsta photo of me (and maybe Derek) in front of the sign. So I get off on this exit against Derek’s wishes to get a priceless picture. We follow the signs about three miles and still no sign of this town. When all of a sudden my car seems to drop in RPMs and my acceleration was non-existent. My new priority was to find a Jiffy Lube and abandoned all hope of a fun picture. Continuing to drive towards Little Compton, we noticed a little change in scenery from a view of a harbor to country farmlands. I decided to go one more mile and if there was nothing I would try to get back on the highway. Within this mile we encountered an incredible photo opportunity. It was a sign that said room mate wanted, but of course there is nothing out of the ordinary with it. Below the sign it read “Must be cool!” (The underline was part of it.) Then I saw an auto shop but of course it was closed, so we turned around and headed back to the road.
Here I started to worry; I knew I had to call someone to find out where the closest Jiffy Lube is (P.S. thank you internet and cell phone technology.) The first person I call is Curt, because he always answers his phone and normally leads a lame life. However; he was returning a keg from the previous night’s party at the 818 (which is the first time one was returned within a month.) Next, we tried to call Derek’s brother Landon, but he was at his girlfriend’s house and was of absolutely no help. Next to call was my former roommate (and my back up singer to ‘More than Words’) Chris Cook. He was by chance next to a computer. He saved my life by finding a Jiffy Lube which was only about 5 miles ahead on the leading to Newport, Rhode Island. We thought we were in the clear and the day would be salvaged, but lets put it this way…I’m not even half way done with this story.
I continue along the main drag leading to Newport. At this point in time, Derek and I are stroking the car encouraging Gretchen Weiners (yeah, I named my car after a character in ‘Mean Girls’) and telling her how beautiful she is. We are counting down the blocks only about 12 more to go when she really starts acting up. Soon, Jiffy Lube is in sight! We are almost out of the woods with one final obstacle, making a left hand turn across a busy road with hardly any acceleration. We strive together and are waved toward a bay thinking the day will not be a waste after all. The guy asked me for an oil change. I told him ‘No thanks, I just had one, but you can test my battery and possible switch it out that would be great.’ Except unlike all the Jiffy Lube’s of the Midwest, this one ceases to do battery work. But he told me he would take a look to see if it was and told me to go to Midas down the road, so I’m like great. So I turn off my engine as he takes a gander under the hood. He told me my battery was old and might as well just get a new one. So I was like thanks for your help and tried to go about my merry way. However, Gretchen decided to die right then and there. I started to call Triple A to get a tow, but in two or three attempts the car started and we were on the road again. I pull to the main road to make a right hand turn and got about 100 yards. At this point, the car just dies again; it takes quite a bit of strength to pull into an empty parking since I was lacking the power steering. I triple park in a spot just outside of a pet shop called ‘Pets.’
I call up Triple A to get a tow. They tell me a truck will be out in less than an hour and told me to hang loose. Derek and I decided to go scout the area and look for some pristine photo opportunities. We find a few statues of dogs that will definitely do. Since we had at least a half hour to blow, we went to check out the pet store. First of all, they have a big sign that says they would match any of Petco’s prices (except on pretty much everything.) They had birds, lab rats, fish, and three alligators. After about ten minutes we left to go wait. From down the road we see the tow truck and made our way back to the car.
I get my license and card out like they said and give it to the driver. And what is the first thing to come out of his mouth… “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were by the kennels?” Which of course, I have no idea what he was talking about so I just shrugged. First of all let me go into details what Ray looked like. He was about 350 pounds with a huge beer gut, coke bottle glasses, balding with a truck driving hat, and my best description…his teeth were in layers sticking out to the point where it looked like he was wearing brown braces. So this guy hooks my car up to tow and pulls me up. Then we get in the tow truck. I ended up sitting bitch in this gross truck. In front of me was a day or two old big gulp from Speedway and just broken equipment. We head on our five block cruise to Midas. But while driving, good ole Ray bits off the bottom of his stogie, chews it, spits it out, and sticks the rest of the cigar in his mouth (it was gross.) We make it to Midas. Derek helps Ray lower the car as I go instead to talk to a mechanic. As I wait in line for fifteen minutes, Derek is in my car guiding it down. Derek doesn’t put the break all the way down and almost runs over Ray’s arm. The more I think about it, his arm getting run over would probably break my axel before it broke his arm. So the car is down and Derek comes in to join me. I start talking to this mechanic and I explain everything. He goes “yeah, I can fix it….on Monday.’ I was like what, can you even take a look at it now. He was like nope we’re closed. Then I was like what time did you close. And he said “well its 2, right now.” I wanted to strike this man. We told me he could leave it here and he can maybe get to it on Monday or I could fix it my self. There was no way I could wait until then because I had to work the next day, so I took my chance with my mechanical skills and AutoZone.
We take a three block walk to AutoZone for a new battery; I was on my way back in 10 minutes. Then I began taking off all the parts over the battery. Except the bolt was on there good, so I send Derek to get a socket wrench. He comes back not knowing what size and finally comes back. The bolt still won’t come off. So I sent him to get some lubrication to help ease the tension. (Double Entendre) In the mean time I call Triple A and see if they can send a guy with tools suitable enough for this job. The lube didn’t work, so I was glad Triple A was coming within the hour. During this time the guys that worked at Midas were slowly filtering out. Not one made eye contact or asked if I was okay. Whatever. But as I got closer to the store I noticed something. It was opened on Saturday until 3PM. I was basically furious, but there was nothing I could do about it now, so I just brushed it off.
Within the hour, Cole (my knight in shining armor) from Triple A shows up. He has all the tools necessary and starts working on it right away. We just started making small talk, asking where we were from and such. We told him we were living on the Cape and had an internship with CVS. He asked if we actually lived there and I told him I was from Indiana. He told me I wouldn’t make it there on this battery (he wasn’t the brightest bulb on the circuit as you will soon find out.) I told him I just wanted to get back to the Cape and I’m going back to Indiana for awhile. Then he asked me if Indiana was out west and of course I was like yes. Then he asked him a very memorable question, “Does Indiana border the ocean?” (Kristen, I know you of all people totally appreciate that!) I held in chuckles and told him no, but it borders Lake Michigan. To this he responds, “Well at least you’re by water.” He gets the battery fixed and tests it out and determines it’s the alternator as suspected. I slip him a Jackson and we were on our way.
During the testing of the battery the volts dropped pretty low and even lower when the lights, A/C, and the radio were working. So we ended up driving home with the windows down, no wipers, no lights, no radio, while it was raining. That was kind of fun. So I called up my pharmacist and told him I may not show up to work on Monday because I don’t have a car. He told me he had tools and to pick up the part and he’ll fix it after work. I was psyched. On the way home, Derek and I did a brief overview of the day. We made it to the Sagamore Bridge and prayed that we would get over it. The rest of the story is kind of boring. We got the Alternator set up in about an hour, put a new belt on, but broke the suspension pulley. We got the part after work on Monday and the car was fixed in another half hour. My car was working so I got Taco Bell and everyone lived happily ever after. The End.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
&
Dear &,
Poor, poor &. The most misunderstood symbol in our English language. Most people probably don’t even know how to say your real name. They probably just call you “that ‘and’ sign.” But don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten it, my dear friend, &. It’s like when a person comes up to you that you’ve known for sometime, but all you get is a ‘hey dude’ or what’s up, man.’ I feel just as nameless as you sometimes, &.
Although it is disheartening, my pity is still for you, &. Because, my name isn’t displayed on marquees, restaurants, or billboards in a state of connection. It also isn’t a simple ‘shift-7’ or a symbol given free of charge to the contestants on Wheel of Fortune.
Why can’t you have integrated into our English alphabet and become your own letter, &? I mean, somehow ‘y’ did it in the Spanish language. You both share career goals, and basically have the same calling in life, &.
I hate to tell you this, &, but I see your fate, because it parallels another symbol of recent times. It is the symbol that Prince used as his name for some time. It completely took over who he was and his name may have been forgotten, leaving the only the symbol to remain, &. The difference is, even with the symbol, his name was still remembered as ‘The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.’ But you don’t have that going for you right now, do you &? Because to so many people, you are still just that “and-sign.”
&, I feel your best bet to be known for what you are, to salvage any recognition is to put on some make-up, hire a fancy stylist, and learn to play some killer riffs on the guitar. Then and only then, can you go by “The Symbol Formerly Known as Ampersand.”
And when you do, I will sign up for your fan mailing list.
Sincerely,
Scott Vouri
Poor, poor &. The most misunderstood symbol in our English language. Most people probably don’t even know how to say your real name. They probably just call you “that ‘and’ sign.” But don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten it, my dear friend, &. It’s like when a person comes up to you that you’ve known for sometime, but all you get is a ‘hey dude’ or what’s up, man.’ I feel just as nameless as you sometimes, &.
Although it is disheartening, my pity is still for you, &. Because, my name isn’t displayed on marquees, restaurants, or billboards in a state of connection. It also isn’t a simple ‘shift-7’ or a symbol given free of charge to the contestants on Wheel of Fortune.
Why can’t you have integrated into our English alphabet and become your own letter, &? I mean, somehow ‘y’ did it in the Spanish language. You both share career goals, and basically have the same calling in life, &.
I hate to tell you this, &, but I see your fate, because it parallels another symbol of recent times. It is the symbol that Prince used as his name for some time. It completely took over who he was and his name may have been forgotten, leaving the only the symbol to remain, &. The difference is, even with the symbol, his name was still remembered as ‘The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.’ But you don’t have that going for you right now, do you &? Because to so many people, you are still just that “and-sign.”
&, I feel your best bet to be known for what you are, to salvage any recognition is to put on some make-up, hire a fancy stylist, and learn to play some killer riffs on the guitar. Then and only then, can you go by “The Symbol Formerly Known as Ampersand.”
And when you do, I will sign up for your fan mailing list.
Sincerely,
Scott Vouri
Spare some change?...
And no, not this propaganda that’s been talked about in politics for the last year. Change in the matter, for each person in existence, that today is different than yesterday and will be different tomorrow. Even if it is in the very slightest way imaginable.
Most of the time it comes from within ourselves. When you read something and strikes you in a way either positive or negative. It is that thought, that perception of specific words may…no, will make you a different person, even if just barely.
Since change is inevitable, a simple part of life, don’t shy away from it. Accept it. Know that every time you wake up, you will learn something new about yourself, another person, a concept, religion, morals…you name it!
We are smarter each day we live. And, hopefully, one step closer to learning the ultimate truth we seek, whatever that is for us individually.
And for those people out there who fear change, fell the status quo is doing just fine, believe in the concept of ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ remember this…
Without change, we’d still be trying to make fire and clubbin’ our significant others over their head.
However, this change isn’t always tulips and daisies (isn’t that an old saying, you got me?) With the positives come the negatives.
Love for instance. Especially in today’s society, people are falling out of love faster then they are falling in, but a change nonetheless. Though let me say, those downward slopes of love make those inclinations so much more worth it.
So if you still don’t believe me, think of this. The only thing on earth that remains constant, the only thing that never expires, gets outdated, or goes bad is bee’s honey. A bee’s honey from the hive.
So if you fear change…go try some honey, honey!
Most of the time it comes from within ourselves. When you read something and strikes you in a way either positive or negative. It is that thought, that perception of specific words may…no, will make you a different person, even if just barely.
Since change is inevitable, a simple part of life, don’t shy away from it. Accept it. Know that every time you wake up, you will learn something new about yourself, another person, a concept, religion, morals…you name it!
We are smarter each day we live. And, hopefully, one step closer to learning the ultimate truth we seek, whatever that is for us individually.
And for those people out there who fear change, fell the status quo is doing just fine, believe in the concept of ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ remember this…
Without change, we’d still be trying to make fire and clubbin’ our significant others over their head.
However, this change isn’t always tulips and daisies (isn’t that an old saying, you got me?) With the positives come the negatives.
Love for instance. Especially in today’s society, people are falling out of love faster then they are falling in, but a change nonetheless. Though let me say, those downward slopes of love make those inclinations so much more worth it.
So if you still don’t believe me, think of this. The only thing on earth that remains constant, the only thing that never expires, gets outdated, or goes bad is bee’s honey. A bee’s honey from the hive.
So if you fear change…go try some honey, honey!
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