I think they like the idea, Hoov.

Toga! Toga!

The third annual Age of Augustus toga party was held this year on Boathouse Row.  I had never heard of this charity event but the Colonel insisted I come along.  (glad I did in hindsight)  Yes, people did actually throw on some sheets and get 3 sheets to the wind.  I was hoping for a breeze to come along due to the heat and because some of the ladies had quite short togas.  (none of these women talked to me)

I had rush around to get ready because I didn't have the makings for my costume.  Luckily all it takes is a white sheet and some rope for a belt.  Now I went the extra distance to create a wreath crown.  Just some wire and grape leaf garland but I rocked it!  Jekyll gave me some leather bracers to wear too.  So we had a good time, had plenty to eat and drink, took some nice photos - all of which got lost.  I also have to apologize to whomever has a photo of me giving them the finger on their camera.  You left it unattended on the table and well... I was drinking.  It could always have been worse.

So I present the photos of me at the party.

The back of my head is so sexy they took two pictures of it.  Like I said the rest are gone.  Maybe I should have approached the ladies walking backwards?  Surely they would have talked to me then.

Bittersweet

I prefer my chocolate bittersweet, not my love life. Nonreimbused plug -> Lindt

There are many sites out there devoted to bitter relationship endings. I'm not going to link to any here, you can find them yourselves. Most are fake but a few are real and their intent is to somehow get back at the other person by embarrassing them with private information. Probably not the best decision. But when you are hurt, somehow it seems alright.

I thought I'd take a different approach....

Know Yourself
When starting or continuing a relationship, the best advice I can give is to know who you are. Introvert, extrovert, geek, nature lover, adrenaline junkie, bookworm etc. What makes you tick? Learn to accept and love who you are and not worry about other's perceptions. This leads into the next part...

Know What You Want
This refers to what you want in life as well as a partner. It wouldn't be wise to choose someone who wants kids if you are unsure. Don't drive a Ford if you are a Volvo person. What to consider are major points or show stoppers, not something as silly as how someone brushes their teeth.

Make The Choice
No fence sitting allowed. Figure out whether to put your heart into making your relationship work or decide to end it. Things don't get better by doing nothing. This leads into...

End One Before Starting Another
It doesn't matter how you justify it, starting with a new person before you've properly ended your current relationship is ALWAYS bad form. It leads to resentment, hurt and stress far beyond what is necessary. Be an adult and act like one.

The Truth Can Hurt, Lies Hurt More
Many people consider that lying is easier on the other person. It somehow will lessen the blow. In certain cases that may be the correct course but what happens if they find out? How much more hurt will they feel to know someone they loved and trusted added insult to the injury? It's a matter of respect for yourself and the other person. The truth is the best option.


It all boils down to this - treat others as you would like them to treat you. This ethic is more ancient than I am.

Round and round

I know I'm showing my age a bit but beasts like myself tend to be old. In my younger days, I had something called a Vertibird. I don't remember exactly where it came from but it was fun for the times. I look at it today and can't help but think it's very much like drinking non-alcoholic beer. What's the point?


The little copter goes up and down but really only goes round and round and round. Still I had fun with it. Simpler times and minds...


Fast forward to my new toy in 2010. These copters have come a long way. With 3 channels, it has almost 6 degrees of movement. (for those non-geeks this means up, down, turning left, turning right, forward, back; true 6 degrees would give a move left and move right) Now it only runs for 7 minutes before needing a recharge but still its a far cry from the dizzy bot above. Nonreimbursed plug -> ThinkGeek

The best part is that these are so cheap and easy to fly, everyone can enjoy them. It does take practice not to run into everything. So I'm thinking of tying a string to the bottom and attaching the other end to something heavy. I always say go with what you know.

Thick as a Brick

I'm talking literally, not about the Tull song. Of course I could mention names but the stupid pile is so large I wouldn't know where to start.

So I present an item from the treasury. It's certainly not a ordinary thing. There is a story behind it but I'm more curious to see what you might come up with. Enjoy!

Geektastic

I received a link today from a friend. Most times they are just something funny or ironic but this one was all shiny. (We covered shiny objects already.) I didn't get much work done because I had to read all the stuff.

Geekadelphia

We are actually having a Teslafest here in town! You don't know Tesla? Read a book! No, I'm not talking about the legendary 80's rock band. (yes, they rock) This is the actual man, man. So now I have plans for weekend. No, it won't get me laid but should be interesting.

That site then led me to this one - MakePhilly. A local site of folks who consider themselves Makers. She-who-shall-not-be-named got me a subscription to Make magazine for Christmas. It's a great mag full of some amazing projects and ideas. You don't actually own something until you take it apart. You probably can't apply that to people or pets so be careful.

Shiny objects

Yes, I do get distracted by shiny objects. Not all of them but some things just can't be ignored.

I believe that is the only reason to have a car like this - the attention. I felt no shame taking a picture of it because I knew that's exactly what he wanted. I have no idea why he was at that particular home improvement store but I bet he was buying something else shiny. Or a huge load of Windex.

Coulda, Shoulda, Wooda

We had some powerful winds blow through the area recently. Took out power for days in some spots. I was stuck inside at a meeting and had no idea what happened.... until the ride home. The closer I got to the Lair, the worse the drive became. Downed limbs, power lines and no traffic lights even at major intersections.

Thankfully all was good at home. Mostly debris and a few big limbs down. Unfortunately some neighbors got hit with trees. And my friends were not immune either.



This is what the insurance company left behind at the Colonel's place. Yes that's leaning on his deck and his roof. Jekyll is up on the ladder mulling our options to prevent any further damage as we try to remove it. All we need is for Mrs. Colonel to leave so we can get to work.



Running through the house with a chainsaw can be fun. You might be a redneck if you are cutting a tree with a chainsaw out of a second story window while kneeling on a sofa. Someone give that man a beer!



In the end, victory was ours. We didn't create any extra damage and no one got hurt. Fixing the deck will be another day. No sense pushing our luck.



To the victor goes the spoils and these spoils are ready to be burned. Let's hope the Colonel has the hose ready when he lights that pile this time. I promise not to throw any fireworks in this bonfire. It just sends the wrong message to the kids.

Happy 4th!!!!

There is no better place to be on Independence Day than Philadelphia, PA. This is where it happened. The signing, our first capital and our first president. Visit the Constitution Center when you get the chance and see if it doesn't get your American blood moving. Makes me want to run out and rebel. I hope that doesn't change no matter how old I get.

Happy 4th of July and Happy Birthday America!!

New Beginnings

You have stumbled upon my Lair and you are welcome to have a look around. I make no apologies for the mess it's in right now - this was not my doing. It seems my potential mate found someone else and decided to create a bit of havoc for me. It's another time around for them so doubt it will work out but she no longer has a place in this Lair.

A very BIG thank you to my friends and family for their love and support. (I bet you didn't know beastly creatures could actually have friends.) You all rock and you know who you are.

Enough with the blubbering! Time to move on better things. This Jabberwock has yet to be slain.