Christmas on Nicholson Street

This year I really wasn't looking forward to having a "Merry Christmas" Money is tight, couldn't do the things I wanted and our daughter is away. She went to Nicaragua for the holidays with my parents. That just left me and my wife. I already knew she wasn't going to be any fun. She was already depressed with our daughter being away. She doesn't like it when we're broke. She doesn't admit it, but I think she blames me for the hard times. I try my best with what I have but it just seems to never be enough.

Secret Santa

Today God reminded my family and I that God still exists in the world. I always read about people randomly and anonymously paying people's bills or layaway around the holidays. I try to believe that they are great people and that the people that are on the receiving end are very deserving. I never ask, why not me? Unfortunately I don't have the fortune and disposable income to be a Secret Santa and help the less fortunate. Even though times are tough and I have to be creative when making my income last, I don't see us as less fortunate or poor, because I know that there are people who have way less then we do.

Burgundy and Gold

I never understood why most guys were so enamored with sports, a team or a player. I always said why bother rooting for a guy that makes hundreds of thousands to play a game while I bust my ass to make ends meet. I would watch a baseball game here and there with my dad. Whenever a big fight was on, I would watch it. I've been to a couple of NBA games when I scored free tickets. I never wore a jersey, bet on a game or cried about the outcome of a game or the well-being of a player.

These Hands

These hands. Ashy and rough to the touch. Scars scattered everywhere. You have no idea what these hands are capable of. Where these hands have been and what these hands can do.

These hands can. Make a fist. Make an obscene gesture. Hold a knife. Shoot a gun. Throw up a gang sign. Throw up a peace sign. Construct things. Destroy things. Clap. Slap. Hold things. Throw things. Pull me up. Pull you down.

With these hands I. Feed my family. Console my daughter. Pay for things. Feed people. Cook. Hold my wife. Hold my head up. Pray to God. Wave hello. Wave good bye. Type these words.

I've used these hands to. Scratch records. Sell drugs. Fly a kite. Do graffiti. Change a tire. Swing a hammer. Pour a drink. Smoke. Drive a bus. Drive a truck. Make a pizza. Restore a bike. Plant a garden. Vote.

Without these hands, I am nothing.

My Not So Funny Half Foreign Film Festival

My wife recently put me on to something that I didn't realize existed. When I was younger I would borrow movies from the library but they would cost a dollar. Since blockbuster went out of business, we didn't rent much. She found out she could borrow DVDs from the library completely free of charge. Last week we borrowed Life is Beautiful with Roberto Benigni, Bullitt with Steve McQueen and Saving Private Ryan starring Tom Hanks. We've been on this WWII kick lately. I always seem to gravitate to foreign films, because most Hollywood films annoy me. I was never one to buy into the blockbuster film hype.

Remember the time...

Dark smokey room. All I can see is the cherry red ember on the tip of my colleague's cigars. I didn't even notice when the waitress laid my Scotch on the rocks (Macallan 12) on the table next to me. The only other bright light came from the big screen TVs on the wall broadcasting Arizona vs Arizona State. It was a table for 4 with 2 of us sitting across from each other. It reminded me of the scenes in That 70's Show when they smoked weed in Eric's basement. Two of the guys I've known for almost 20 years and the 3rd was a friend of a friend who although I recognized his name from Facebook was only my first time meeting him.

How is a woman like a hurricane?

This one's going down in the history books, or so they say. Hurricane Sandy or "Frankenstorm" as they attempted to nickname it will be making landfall sometime tonight. It will bring wind, rain, flooding, snow and even death to the Eastern seaboard. So far Sandy ravaged the Caribbean leaving millions of dollars worth of damage and a hefty body count. What will it do here?

Bed Time Slam

No time to wait for life to reach me. To find me in a dark corner of my happy state of confusion. My tongue burns with excitement. This time it will be me who is late to the party. No one will ever know what could have been just imagine me. Time for bed. Restless I lie awake and tell myself I am dead tired of this life. When will it all end and start a new. Clean slate erased with a damp rag. I'm here again waiting for my second time around. Who knows what any of these means. Translation please. I randomly tap on keys but no music do I make. Melodies sound like sobbing crying begging for a reason. Because I can and I will impose mine on me and do what I say. Never leave me alone with my thoughts again, because solitary is the wandering imagination of a singular being. Say good night to the bad guy who is good at heart but beats to the funky drummer that is reality. Alternative or otherwise. Until we meet again cruel fate like deja vu. So uptown baby is where I will be waiting for the N train that can never come again but I wait. I hear tracks and see lights but silently I stand with my eyes closed waiting for nothing or no one.


Good night.

While I Wait

Tonight is Hispanic Heritage Night at my daughter's school. They are going to have some sort of concert. I'm guessing it will involve badly rehearsed Mexican dance numbers performed by student's and their cousins. I really don't mind going but I find myself fighting to stay awake, and so is my wife (or so I  thought) I see her pass my office on her way to the bedroom. I figured she would be going to sleep. She knows I don't want to go, but is determined to stay awake and drag me to this event.

Meat Room Manifest

Lately at work I have seen myself becoming some sort of a philosopher on leadership. I've always been one to believe that a generals work is in the trenches with his men. I'm finding out that I can get more people to follow my lead by working side by side with them. As I stand at I my post I find my
self preaching almost philosophizing about my ideas on effective leadership.

Who's the boss?

For many weeks now I have intended to write a new blog. I would get on the computer and stare at the screen. I could not find a single shred of inspiration. Usually hardship and drama fuel my posts. Recently I haven't endured anything significant enough to gripe about. In recent times the blessings have outweighed the tribulations. My career path has shifted and launched me into what I've been preparing 9 years for, even if I didn't know it back then.

Survival of the fittest?

I love watching wilderness survival shows. You know the ones where they make fire with sticks, hunt rabbits, and eat insects. Such as Man vs Wild, and Dual survival. These guys are awesome. I love watching it, because in my mind I'm learning how to do what they do. Of course watching a professional is not as easy as doing it in real time.

Temple Tour

Today we drove around Montgomery and Prince George's county Maryland taking pictures of various temples. It's amazing how diverse the religious community is in this area. We focused on temples that were architecturally appealing.

This what we found.

The Franciscan Monestary

Today marks 33 years since the day of my birth. It is a double joyous day, because 7 years ago I married my lovely wife. Every year I take off this week. Although I started my vacation yesterday, we won't being traveling because our daughter's school year just started. Instead we will be taking drives to scenic areas and walking around taking pictures.

Try it again

So this life organization thing is kinda crazy. I've (for like the fifth time in my life) decided to get organized. I bought a planner. Started filling out upcoming dates of importance. For today I wrote in Take van to emissions inspection. So I got up bright and early and headed to the testing facility with my wife. I figured I'd get it out of the way early and be able to make the rest of my day off a productive one.

My last week at the Bottom.

I can't believe that I have a bit over a week left at my current job location. It'll be almost exactly a year since I transferred there. I still remember the first time I stepped foot in the store. It seemed strange, not because it was foreign to me, but because of the escalator leading to the bottom floor. Every other store I have worked it was one floor. Another rarity was walking through a department with absolutely no product in it. It was so clean and brand new.

Friday

I guess I don't get as excited as regular folk do about Fridays (or as upset about Monday's for that matter) I work almost every weekend so that means I have nothing to look forward to, but more work.

A book preview and my fascination with the mob

So, today I squeezed into some slacks, a polo shirt and my leather ankle boots. What came to mind? Would I be able to fit a small handgun into my boot? As I had seen in many a gangster movie. Whenever I dress up and throw some gel in my hair I think about organized crime. Today this thought came ironically seeing as I was fulfilling my civic duty and serving as a juror.

Book Review: Papillon by Henri Charriere

It seems that every book I've read and written about has been related to jail or imprisonment. This story reminds me a lot about A place to Stand by Jimmy Santiago Baca. They both spent a major part of their sentences in solitary confinement, they were both convicted for crimes hey didn't commit, while in solitary they both "traveled beyond the walls" through their imaginations and memories.

Stupid and Insignificant

Day in day out, little by little I disintegrate. I never show a sign of weakness and live for others. Stupid and insignificant is how I feel. Nothing matters but what I can do for you. Nothing can be done for me, it's too late. Death is stalking my every move. I say, "come and get me" Even with life to spare, I may go at any moment. When I need, I call, but no one answers. Stupid and insignificant are my pleas. Attention is not my motive. I always aim to please.

When the day comes to remember me, everyone will forget. Stupid and insignificant was the life that I gave. I was a slave to my self indulgence. Never got what I wanted and needed what I never had. Just too far from my grasp was a happiness I didn't derserve. To others happiness seems stupid and insignificant because they never had to work to achieve it. I will work to reach it for the rest of my little life and still be a day late and a dollar short. Stupid and insignificant never again.

Why I ended my complicated relationship with Facebook

So, I'm up for a promotion at work. Some people want me to get it, others don't. I know I'm not perfect, so I can understand why some people would have reservations about me getting the job. One of the hiring managers pulls me to the side and tells me that some of the people I would oversee feel I would not be good for the position, because of what I post on Facebook. What? I've never written anything directly concerning my place of work or fellow employees on Facebook. I've made general comments like, "I had a bad day", but never attacked or complained. Although I have seen other people do such things.

Where are you? [uncensored rant]

Where the fuck are you? I've been waiting for 32 years and nothing. I know everyone preaches that you must appreciate what you have, because others have it worse. That's bullshit. I spend my life struggling. I keep thinking that sooner or later you'll make your presence known. They say to have blind faith. I don't think I can believe anymore in nothing. Everyday is the day I hope things will change for the better. Everyday I am disappointed. I don't think at this point anything will ever change. You spent my blessings on someone else and don't know how to tell me. I don't want to be a millionaire, but damn can you pay a bill once in a while. Sallie Mae keeps blowing up my phone, answer the shit dude. 

Done (with this isht)

My hand is numb. I'm feeling chest pains. I don't know what to do. My zest for life is slowly dying. I think I'm done. Done with everything. I've done it all, and it's never enough. Why do I even write a schedule? I never stop working, "days off", what are those? I'm done. Trying to be everything I'm not. My brain is slowly falling into a coma. There is nothing that excites me anymore. I'm done writing, buying, selling, painting, living, and even loving. I can't give love, if I don't know what it is in the first place. Read my obituary tomorrow and share it on facebook. I'm done hitting the "like" button. It's all bullshit anyway. Nobody really "likes" me or what I have to say. Its all an illusion. You only matter while your giving all you got. I'm done. My body can't take much more of this. If you remeber me tomorrow remember one thing, nothing matters but what you do for people right now. Tomorrow doesn't matter, yesterday even less. I'm done, God bless.

The Half Day

It's amazing the things that's stay with you over the years. There are things you remember and things you forget. Today I was remembering one particular day in my life. It wasn't anything drastic or dramatic. It was something that I did a bunch of times, but for some reason this day always resonated with me.

Book Review: The Count of Monte Cristo

I've been intrigued by this story for many years now. I first learned of it from the movie Sleepers (of which I wrote an earlier review for the book that the movie was based on. One of the main characters, Shakes becomes obsessed with the book about revenge after being placed into a reformatory with his childhood friends and enduring unthinkable acts of sexual abuse and violence. I later saw the latest movie adaptation, starring Jim Caviezel, with my wife on our first date about 10 years ago. 

I'm just saying

It's beginning to seem more and more like I'm not wanted. At least in the capacity of a writer. A lot of people, mainly family mambers don't seem to appreciate my brand of "Guerilla Journalism" I'm not a tabloid, I'm a biographer. I tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. People can't seem to handle that. I'm not perfect and never judge anyone, but I do get tired of the same old bullshit. I'm not gonna overlook when your just straight shady, even if you are family. I know it's hard for people, especially my parents to understand. They might think it's sensationalism, but don't get it twisted, there is nothing sensational about the truths I tell.

The MVA is my frienemy [Revisited]

The saga continues. I wrote the following post in the early days of Ghettoblaster. It chronicles my lifelong struggle with the MVA. Murphy's Law always applies to me when it comes to the MVA, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. I'm bringing this one back because it happened to me again, and I need back story to prove that I'm not crazy.

Saturday night at The Stonefish Grill and Go Go.

I don't even know were to start. First of all, if you haven't been, The Stonefish Grill is located at The Boulevard where the Capital Centre once stood. Since opening in 2003 the Boulevard has become a hub for everything from shopping to dining and even feature's a Magic Johnson Theater. Since it's illustrious opening there have been public brawls, many major investors have disassociated themselves with the property.

Suicide

I never understood why people left or didn't leave a suicide note. If I was going to kill myself I would just do it. For the record I really don't understand suicide in the first place. You don't like me.. I'll show you by killing myself. Really? The day I kill myself, is the day I realize that there nothing more I can offer the world. I have to be here to provide for my family and raise my daughter. Somebody has to be the sane voice in my family. One day I will be the patriarch, can't go before that happens. Then again, God forbid, I loose my vision or my ability to walk, I'm wandering or rolling of the highest cliff I could find.

Yardale Mayham

Today we participated in the Spring Hyattsville City Yard sale. In the city I live in you normally have to purchase a permit to hold a yard sale. It costs 8 bucks. Two times out of the year they organize a city wide yard sale. One in the Spring and one in the Fall. On this day you can sell without a permit. They even allow you to register so you can be mapped and added to a list of participating homes.

So I stabbed myself in the face today

Yup! Right in the moustache. It hurt, but it was more shocking than anything. I though I just banged it. I was at work this morning. If you know me, you know two things about me. I work with knives and I talk with my hands. Over the years of doing my job, knives have become extensions of my hands. I point to things with knives. I pick up stuff with knives and even move stuff around. At least while I'm at work.

This rant was brought to you by 4 Beers and 2 Whiskey and Cokes

With great power comes great responsibility, and with great responsibility comes great stress. Why is nothing as easy as it looks. So. what if I'm in charge. I can't get through a day without someone wanting me to fix something or complaining about some frivolity. Why do people think that because your the boss you have to give a fuck about all their insecurities. There are more important things in life. I don't need you to tell me how great you are, I need you to show me that you can cut the mustard when things get tough.

National Sibling Day

I was browsing this morning and spotted an article about April 10th being National Sibling Day. I looked up more information and basically today is a day to show love and respect to your siblings. One website instructs you visit, hug, or call your siblings today. I love all my brothers and sisters, even though some of them make me want to strangle them.

What?

So lately I've noticed that I'm beginning to loose my Spanish fluency. I'm 32 years old. I've lived in the United States since the age of 2. I've always spoken Spanish at home. I still speak only Spanish to my parents and some of my siblings. When I go out into the world I seem to be struggling when communicating to native speakers.

A canvas shelltoe and a suede 574

So me and the wife decided to hop the green line downtown to check out some museums. We've been to the Air and Space, my favorite the The American History and just last week she went with my daughter's class to The Natural History. We decided to try something new. We're both art lover's, for different reasons. She made our itinerary and decided we would visit the Freer Gallery, The Hirshhorn, and the Native American History.

Pennsylvania Roadtrip

About 12 years ago I worked for furniture delivery company. We picked up and delivered high end furniture for interior designers and their clients. We worked within the Metro DC are for the most part, but sometimes we ended up in PA or the Eastern Shore. On one of these trips we headed up to Altoona, PA to deliver some bar stools. After that we traveled across PA and came down into Baltimore for another delivery. Ever since then I wanted to take a road trip with my wife so she could see the beautiful fields and century old barns and farms I saw.

Rest & Relaxation

I finally made it to my vacation. Things were a bit shaky for minute. I thought I may have to cancel due to happenings at work. I told my boss that I didn't want to come back early, but if I was the only option I would think about it. Luckily, I have yet to hear from him, and have gotten positive reports about daily operations. I started my vacation with a party at home. It was St. Patty's Day party, but also a way to get together with family and friends. We drank, talked shit, and wore green.

I can see the light... at the end of the tunnel

Tic-toc tic-toc. I have less then 24 hours left before officially begining my vacation. I have about 17 hours and 45 minutes to be exact. I can't wait to be able to relax and not worry about work. I'm hoping that I can take my full two weeks off. My boss' wife is due any day now. I can see me having to go back early if that were to happen. He's also trying to enter a training program for upper management. I wish him well. I can't be mad at him for trying to go to the next level. I just hope baby girl waits till the first week of April to make her debut.

What to do... what to do??

Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing well. I was asked why I stopped writing yesterday. I didn't, I just haven't had any inspiration. Work is hectic. I'm planning my first St. Patty's Day party this Saturday. I'm also focusing on getting this week done and over with. My Spring vacation officially starts at 2pm on Friday afternoon. At which time I will turn my cell phone off and go into chill mode.

Gray skies are gonna clear up... put on a happy face

Things are starting look up for me and the people that surround me. I feel very fortunate to be around to witness the transition from night to day. I think it has something to do with March. This month always seems to signal the lifting of the fog. I don't know what it is exactly.

The Details

Pay attention to the details, is all I hear. The details, the details. What I fear is that while I'm paying attention to the details, I will get nothing else done. How do I go from 'looking at the big picture' to 'paying attention to the details. It's amazing how people that don't have to do half the work I have to do stand back and criticise my work. They never compliment they just focus on the details. They never help, they just focus on the details. How about you pick up a knife, do what I do, and teach me how to do my job better, and fit in focusing on the details. This coming from a vegetarian baker. Let's see how can you criticise a butcher's work, when you can't understand what it is to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Sweet Sadie

Yesterday evening, my family and I attended a community "Sock Hop" for kids. We drove to the Municipal building where a recreation room was set up with tables decorated with centerpieces made with gift bags depicting a jukebox with streamers and balloons. They had ham and cheese platters, ranch and veggie platters, and assorted cookies. For your 5 dollars a head entry fee you even got your picture taken in a photo booth and enjoyed the sounds DJ Curt complete with a pompadour and sequined blazer. At first there we're a handful of people and their kids. After a while it was full. They played predominantly 50's hits, the DJ accommodated requests, even if they didn't fall into the theme.

What would you do if you were president?

President of what? The Hair Club for Men? Is what I thought when someone asked me that recently. I've never put a lot of thought into politics. I imagine politics to be community based like a grass roots kinda thing. My first instinct would be is to take my lead from the last guys in office. I would start with an extramarital affair, then declare war over an imaginary threat, toss bailout money hand over fist, then when shit gets tight, gracefully resign. Being president is not as easy asking the question. What are the biggest things plaguing our society today? Is where I would start.

Valetine's Love for Mec and Smoo

Well, I know your wondering why my blog looks like a pair of novelty Valentine's Day boxers. I decided to redecorate for Valentine's Day. Not necessarily because I'm that sentimental. I was actually bummed today because I can't do it up this year for my girls. I was going to get them some cards, but didn't feel like dealing with the crowds and over paying for someone else sentiments.

Book Review: Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra

Where to begin. I must admit that I've never enjoyed reading a book as much as this one. If you are familiar with the movie, you know the grim details of the story, but there were several instances where I found myself giggling uncontrollably. Although the book was published in 1995, I never realized it existed until my wife found a copy of it at the thrift store.

Trust

These days, who can you trust? Does anyone know the meaning of the word anymore? Trust is very important in every aspect of our daily lives. I trust my wife and family with my life. Depending on which part  of the family, money not so much. I trust my daughter's teacher and school to do what's in her best interest concerning her education and safety while at school. I trust some people. I'm cautious with everyone else.

Day 37 (Love and Marriage)

Time sure does fly when your having fun. It's already February 6th. That means that Valentine's day is about a week away. Better yet, Star Wars' Episode I re-release in 3D comes out on Friday. Even better yet, I begin my vacation in 5 weeks. I can't wait to be on vacation this year. I've decided to start working on improving my life and my relationships.

Book Review: A Place to Stand by Jimmy Santiago Baca

This morning I finished reading a moving and inspiring memoir. I felt compelled to share my experience with my reader's. For me to read a book from beginning to end is a feat in itself. About 4 years ago I set out to become a "reader" Apart from school, I had never felt the need to sit there and read a book. I've owned many books over the years, to appear to be well read and intellectual. One day my wife brought a book home, especially for me. It was the book that inspired one of my favorite films, The Taking of the Pelham 1-2-3. I wouldn't normally be interested in reading anything past a newspaper article, and even in that circumstance I would scan.

People Places and Things

Recently, I have found my social calender filled beyond capacity. For me, going out on a Friday and a Saturday is busy. I usually don't go out at all. The last couple of weeks have found me interacting socially more often. I don't know what this means. It makes me think. Instead of enjoying myself for what it is. I start to ponder on things that were said and how they affect me personally. I don't know if it should be an issue. I try not to dwell on anything. I hate that I'm letting this get to me. That being said, I did have a bit of fun this weekend.

Horns and drums

Why can't life be more like horns and drums? Why did they have to go and complicate things? Who are they? The people that decided that being alive wasn't hard enough. Why do we have deal with the bullshit that life brings? Instead of struggling and getting depressed, we should have a recording booth. Throw on some horns and drums and we can empty our soul. Sing, rap, holler the blues. Instead we use Facebook and other outlets (such as this blog) to let the world know how unhappy we are with it.

Where there's smoke...

Today marked adult male milestone in my life. I always fantasized about starting a fire stranded on a deserted island or lost in the wildness. When I watch Man vs Wild or Dual Survival, I truly pay attention to their techniques. I really think that the tips I pick up would keep me and whoever is with me alive. I always considered the starting of a fire the most important aspect of survival. Fire means warmth and the ability to cook food and in the right circumstances drinkable water.

Low Class

The other day at work I orchestrated an impromptu social experiment. On Wednesdays we change over to new sale items. This means among other things I have to change the signs in the front case from regular to sale and from last week's sales to regular. When I'm changing the signs I noticed that the bone in pork chops sale price and regular price were the same. I didn't think anything of it. I just figured that prices had gone up. I cut extra pork chops since it was "on sale" The next morning they were all gone but 3. I then realized that sign was for boneless pork chops. This means that everyone bought the bone in because of the sale sign not taking into account the price was the same it always is.

Funk and Charity

Yo!! How everyone doing?? Can't believe we're halfway through January already. I'm loving this year so far. Things seem to be looking up in their own special way. Business is through the roof at work. I'm getting a lot of positive feedback from my superiors and I've scheduled a vacation for the end of March. I know it's not exactly like winning the lottery but they are steps in the right direction. I'm living my life by the day. Although I feel defeated at times, I do manage to redeem myself. I not so bad off.

Whack rappers and the demise of radio

Why do the things we grew up on seem better than what's out now? Nothing like those Saturday morning cartoons we watched as kids. Even the commercials were better back then. I guess every generation goes through the same situation. My parents never understood the music I listened to. The good thing is they influenced me so much that I listened to a lot the same stuff they did.

The Problem Is

What's that smell? I think someone is cooking beef downstairs. I have a slight discomfort in my side and shoulder blade so eating would be a bad idea. My wife is showing my daughter states flash cards. "Arizona!!" she yells. My wife just asked her if she knew anyone that lived in Arizona. She had a puzzled look on her face, then my wife said Spook. She responded with "Oh"

Day 10

Wow we're well into the second week of 2012. Hows your resolve doing? Did you quit smoking yet? How is the new gym treating you? I applaud you if your still on track with your New Year's goal. On the other hand if you quit, I still congratulate you for starting. So what you cheated. Try again. If you really want to change, it may take time. Nothing is as easy as it sounds. If it was that easy, you would have made the change a while ago. Now regroup and start again, I know you can do it.

Right click then click select all

If you figured out my clue then you should be reading this. I was bored and wanted to post something different. It's tiresome to write the same old 'woe is me' story over and over again. I wish I was a free spirited child again sometime. To run around, eat anything and enjoy the simpler things in life like a cheap dollar store pencil in a goodie bag. Life is too short to dwell on things I can't control.

Day 5

Today is the 5th day of 2012. How many of you have already failed to keeping your resolutions? I wonder how many people in the world already gave up on 2012. Well there's always 2013. I must say so far, I'm not content with my year. I've been looking for a positive thing to mark each day. I'm not sure that I am that optimistic. I can feel the depression when I'm home and even more when I'm at work. I think that I've come to a complete stop. I no longer want to continue with this trajectory. I have to change my fate for 2012 and subsequently the rest of my life.

Bell's Palsey 2 Months

What do we want?

WE WANT SEX was crudely scribbled on a poster board attached to a 2x4. Men of all ages, colors and creeds banded together. They were there to protest an injustice that married men have suffered since the dawn of time. The crowd was riled up. Other signs simply read "Suck My Dick!!" or "You said I do, so do me!!" Local news vans flanked the park on the south side. A junior reporter from Channel 4 had managed to get a protester to agree to an on camera interview. Judy Powers had started as a production assistant and now was sent on her first on air assignment. She was excited and ready to prove herself.

Day 2

I have nothing. Figuratively and literally. I've been trying to conjure up something to write about and just couldn't come up with anything. Earlier today I wrote 6 paragraphs and decided I didn't want to write that post and scrapped it. Now I'm sitting here realizing that I've arrived at a crossroads. It's the second day of the year, I have 363 days left to make this year worth it. God forbid I don't have any interesting to write in my year end recap at the end of 2012. I currently exist in one those perfect situations where billionaires reached the epiphanies that put them on the path to infamy.