F2: Pot Luck

Welcome again to Friday's Feast. Today I won't be talking at all, but will let you do the talking instead. If you don't know what Friday's Feast is all about, please read the Friday's Feast page for a more detailed explanation. If you want to join in on the feast— be sure to leave a comment and include the URL to your post so I and others can know of your contribution.

Participants in this weeks Feast are as follows:

• Daisy @ Compost Happens
  Who can't resist dirty rice.
• Chris @ Life…or a reasonable facsimile thereof
  Oh the joys of Fry Sauce (don't know what it is… read on)
• m²I @ Ca-Joh
  This is one of my posts I figured you might enjoy.

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Next weeks topic is Potatoes. I know there are a lot of "Spuds" out there just waiting to be heard. It doesn't even have to be a recipe… perhaps you know someone who grows potatoes, or has a Mr. Potato Head as a toy. So… if you have anything that relates to this topic, be sure to leave a comment and include the URL so I can include you in next weeks feast. Even if you have already posted on this topic in the past— your links are always welcome.

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Jillian Who

If any of you are familiar with this season's Bachelorette you know that Jillian is looking for true love through a reality TV show. I must admit that I always have my reservations when it comes to these types of shows because I have to ask… "is it truly reality?"

I think it's nice to be able to go on fantasy dates that you might not ever go on, but I think that this makes it quite difficult when it comes to actually picking a partner. You may have a great date with one person, but pass over someone else because you didn't have a date that you liked the activity presented to you.

I would like to see real situations that may arise in a relationship. What would happen if someone was ill, or if a family member had a noticeable handicap that you had to deal with. So often it is these long term challenges that show the true test of a relationship. However, you can't really show those in a 12 week series.

So often you can see how people are players and wonder why that person doesn't see they are being played. I think that Jillian was trying really hard to find someone who was there "for the right reasons", but I also have to question her being particular. Trying to mark off those qualities that an individual has makes that person seem petty and inflexible. Ask anybody who has been in a long term relationship and you will find that they can list those qualities that they don't like in a person. At the same time, there are many peculiarities that you may find unflattering that they find endering.

Spoiler Alert!!! If you have this show taped, skip the next paragraph…

I must give Jillian some credit for picking the person that they did. I admit that I am a bit bias because Ed is from Chicago, so I have been routing for him for quite some time. It seemed to many people that Ed was the kind of person who shrunk when the going gets tough, but perhaps Jillian saw past that and saw other things that made him her final pick. Perhaps it is the fact that he can bounce back and grow from his missteps that made her realize that he is willing to grow in a relationship and ultimately allowed her to finalize her pick.

Only time will tell if the person that Jillian picked will truly last in the "real" real world. She is now engaged… let's see if she is now there "for the right reasons" as well.

F2: My Evil Twin

Welcome again to Friday's Feast. Today I'll be talking about how I got two separate free scoops of ice cream for my birthday. If you don't know what Friday's Feast is all about, please read the Friday's Feast page for a more detailed explanation. If you want to join in on the feast— be sure to leave a comment and include the URL to your post so I and others can know of your contribution.

Participants in this weeks Feast are as follows:

• Lorie @ Be Different…Act Normal
  This was the post that inspired this one to begin with.
• Mama Badger @ out of the boondocks and into the burbs…
  A great take on different ice cream places and flavors.

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When I was little, my parents signed me up to get a free scoop of ice cream on my birthday from Baskin Robbins. With this birthday club membership they send you a postcard sometime before your birthday so that you can present it at participating Baskin Robbins shops and get your free ice cream.

After we moved we noticed that we started getting two post cards… one addressed to Chris, and the other addressed to Orris. My parents and I all knew that it was a computer glitch (even though in those days the computers were the size of your living room)— but who would want to correct this and deprive your child of a second free scoop. Since both postcards had the same birthday on them it would appear that I now have an identical twin brother named Orris— thus Orris was born.

My evil twin, bad weather friend
He always wants to start when I want to begin
It scares me so, like I scare myself
with that book of Nostradamus up upon my shelf ¹

We cut a hole in the ceiling upstairs so that we could access the attic in order to blow insulation into it. Since I was the smallest in the family I was able to squeeze through the hole and help get the insulation into the far reaches of the attic (please don't call to report child labor violations… I believe I volunteered for this job). My parents joked that since we only saw Orris around his birthday that we kept him in the attic and only let him out to get his free scoop (please don't call the Department of Children and Family Services either— we all know he's not real… right… RIGHT?!!). All the same… I would think that someone would get awfully cranky if they were locked up in an attic most of the year— only to be let out to get one scoop of ice cream.

I know he looks like me
Hates work like me
and walks like me
He's even got a twin like me ²

If any of you are familiar with my post about my nicknames, I typically accept a nickname if it is used by more than one person— Orris is no exception. My parents jokingly called me Orris after they got the postcard in the mail. Due to Orris being my "Evil Twin"— whenever I am acting mean or rude, my wife calls me on it and says: "OK Orris…" to which I must realize that I am not acting appropriately and need to apologize for my actions.

Unfortunately by the time I reached the age of twelve I got my last postcard and never got any more. I do not think that my parents had the foresight to save one as actual proof of the hilarious oversight by the ice cream company, so all that remains of Orris is the memories of his existance.

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^{1, 2} Excerpts from the They Might Be Giants song: "My Evil Twin" from the album Apollo 18.

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Next weeks topic is Pot Luck. For next week, there is no "real" topic, so feel free to link up with anything. It doesn't have to be something related to Pot Luck— just something related to food, eating and/or drinking. The nice thing about this topic is that you do not have to have something prepared ahead of time. Even if you have already posted something in the past— your links are always welcome. If you know of someone else who has a post, ask them to submit their link as well. I am planning on just posting what everybody submits to me and nothing else. So… if you have anything that relates to this topic, be sure to leave a comment and include the URL so I can include you in next weeks feast.

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Writer's Workshop: Now my feet hurt

In honor of Mamma Kat's Writer's Workshop I am going to be taking on Prompt #1:
They just don't make (fill in the blank) like they used to!

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They just don't make shoes like they used to!

I have a pair of shoes that I bought in the early 90's that I used strictly for dancing. These shoes were all leather uppers and leather soles. After I bought them I said to myself… "These shoes will never touch pavement". This was so that the sole would not wear out unexpectedly, or have dimples which would effect my routines. Believe it or not, these shoes lasted me up through October of last year when I ripped the top of one shoe from doing knee slides on the dance floor at my Step-son's wedding.

Since that time I have gone through at least two pairs of regular "street" shoes that I use for walking around. One would think that with modern technology someone would be able to develop a sole on a shoe that does not wear out that quick— but after about four months of use a hole develops in the heel. I can get my dancing shoes repaired at a cobbler, but I strictly doubt that I can get one of those new fangled soles for my street shoes.

I heard from someone back in the 80's that many Japanese electronics manufacturers make more money through repairs than through actual sales. Because of this, they design their products to break only after a few years of use. It sure sounds like a lot of the shoe manufacturers have caught on to this and use the same practice. But instead of taking your shoe into a cobbler, you are now forced to buy a new one because it costs more money to repair that broken shoe.

My poor feet…

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Random Tuesday Thoughts: Disappointments

Thought I would participate in Random Tuesday Thoughts since there are a lot of incomplete thoughts running around lately.

• Went to see the start of the 101st Mackinac race only to find out that many of our favorite boats left the night before. Next year we'll have to take a Friday off to see the boats leave.
• Came to work early today only to find that the elevators were not working. I guess I didn't escape having my workout today afterall.
• I am finding myself skimming through posts more often lately. I feel like I am going to miss something serious.
• Finding myself way too tired when I get home from work. I blame it on not working out in the mornings as often as I like.
• Had Grandma-Grandpa camp a few weeks back and nearly everything we attempted to do was effected by the storm the previous day. At least we had a blast at the water park.
• Wanting to write about a lot of things, but never quite complete them. I worry that once my drafts have been finished there will be nothing to write about anymore.
• I find that there are way too many activities to do on a given weekend. I wish I could draw straws or something.
• Looked at my stats today and found that I had 0 visitors at Noon. Hoping that this brings me some more hits.

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F2: Hot Doug's

Welcome again to Friday's Feast. Today I'll be talking about a great hot dog stand. If you don't know what Friday's Feast is all about, please read the Friday's Feast page for a more detailed explanation. If you want to join in on the feast— be sure to leave a comment and include the URL to your post so I and others can know of your contribution.

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Several months ago my wife and I learned about a great little hot dog stand called Hot Doug's. We knew that there was always a line— especially on a weekend. So one weekend when it was raining all day we decided to give it a try. "There shouldn't be a line because it's raining" we thought… we were so wrong.

When we got there around 1:00 PM the line ran half way down the block. Luckily we had umbrellas and didn't mind standing in the rain. We finally got to the door around 3:30 PM— a half an hour before they were closed.

We both got "The Dog" so that we could see how they make a Chicago Style hot dog. We also got an order of their famous Duck Fat Fries which are french fries fried in Duck Fat. Every day they have different specials, so we decided to get some of those as well. Since they change their specials daily I can't find what we may have had— but I do know that they were both delicious.

Even though we waited a long time— it was definitely worth the wait.

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Next weeks topic is Ice Cream. I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream. So… if you have anything that relates to this topic, be sure to leave a comment and include the URL so I can include you in next weeks feast. Even if you have already posted on this topic in the past— your links are always welcome.

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Spin Cycle: My Workout World

In honor of the Spin Cycle by Sprite's Keeper— I have decided to place my spin this weeks assignment of Routine:

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When I was in college I began working out on a regular basis. At the time I could work out just after classes and just before dinner. Interestingly this afternoon time (4:00PM) is the ideal time to work out. I also heard that it is the ideal time to take a nap as well, but I tended to ignore that statement. Unfortunately my current work schedule does not allow me to work out at that time, so I choose to work out before work.

When I work out I tend to rotate what exercises I do. In an ideal workout, I would do free-weights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays— and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I would swim.

For my free-weight exercises I would go one week concentrating on chest and back, then the following week I would concentrate on arms. When I swim I tend to do what I call backs and boards— which means that I would only do back floats and use the kick-board. My wife asked me why I do not do the breast-stroke or the crawl when I swim. I told her that I don't like getting my head wet when I swim… she joked that I should put a plastic bag over my head… "That'll keep the water out" I joked back.

Lately I have not been working out as much, but I am sure that when I get into the routine of going every day during the week I will be able to follow my workout plan and eventually feel more fit.

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Complementary Compliment

As some of you already know, I am a contributor over at In The Real World Venus vs. Mars. Today I will be talking about how my wife and I both complement and compliment each other. If you don't know what that means— please stop by and read my post called Complement and Compliment. And while you're at it, continue to read as there are several others who contribute with great articles as well.

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2009 Race to Mackinac

If you like sailing, or enjoy looking at sailboats, the 101st Race to Mackinac will be starting from the Chicago Yacht Club. I will probably get there early so that I can see all the boats before they go to the starting line. I am including information about the event in case you want to say bon voyage to the racers:

Saturday, July 18th
Chicago Yacht Club
400 E. Monroe Street, Chicago
7:00am – 10:00am Cash Stand Continental Breakfast (Patio)
10:00am – 2:00pm Parade of Boats (Navy Pier)
11:30am – 3:00pm Start of the 101st Race to Mackinac

View Larger Map

Hope to see you there.

F2: Squires Family Picnic

Welcome again to Friday's Feast. Today I'll be sharing a story about a picnic. If you don't know what Friday's Feast is all about, please read the Friday's Feast page for a more detailed explanation. If you want to join in on the feast— be sure to leave a comment and include the URL to your post so I and others can know of your contribution.

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When I was in theater I played Mr. Squires the livery stable owner for the musical The Music Man. At one point during the play the entire cast would walk over the footbridge and go off to the picnic. The person who played Mrs. Squires and I both wanted to actually have the picnic and not pretend that it happened. So, we decided that we would have our own picnic in the green room before one of the Sunday matinee performances.

I didn't have a whole lot of time actually cooking for the picnic, so I picked up some chicken from KFC and went to the grocery store to buy plates, napkins, etc. "You can't have a picnic without ants" I said to myself… so I also bought some plastic ants that we could strew about the floor.

During our picnic both Mrs. Squires and I started to kid about one of our kids which we affectionately called "Billy". Interestingly enough, our little boy Billy eventually changed his last name from Squires to Squier and started a career in music. Amazing what a picnic can do for your career.

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Next weeks topic is Hot dogs— or should I say "encased meats". Perhaps you have a story about the hot dog eating contest that went terribly wrong, or you know of a great place that has the best Polish in town. So… if you have anything that relates to this topic, be sure to leave a comment and include the URL so I can include you in next weeks feast. Even if you have already posted on this topic in the past— your links are always welcome.

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My Life According to TMBG

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 25 people you like and include me. You can't use the artist I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "My Life According to (ARTIST NAME)"

Pick Your Artist:
They Might Be Giants (TMBG)

Are you a male or female?
Exquisite Dead Guy

Describe yourself:
Which Describes How You're Feeling

How do you feel:
If I Wasn't Shy

Describe where you currently live:
Road Movie To Berlin

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

Your favorite form of transportation:
Dirt Bike

Your best friend is:
Particle Man

Your favorite color is:
Sapphire Bullets Of Pure Love

What's the weather like:
Snowball In Hell

Favorite time of day:
Dinner Bell

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Spy

What is life to you:
Extra Savoir-Faire

Your relationships:
Women & Men

Your fear:
I Should Be Allowed To Think

What is the best advice you have to give:
O, Do Not Forsake Me

If you could change your name, you would change it to:
James K. Polk

Thought for the Day:
Someone Keeps Moving My Chair

How I would like to die:
Sleeping In The Flowers

My soul's present condition:
You're Older

My motto:
Till My Head Falls Off

Bad Blogger

Lately I have noticed that I cannot schedule a post. This has gotten me pretty frustrated in that I have to come back in the morning just to post something that I wanted to post at midnight.

I did find out that it is a problem that I am not alone with. There is a Known Issue posted by blogger in June. I am hoping that this feature comes back so that I don't have to get paranoid wondering why nobody has commented, only to find out I didn't post.

F2: Lemon Shake-ups

Welcome again to Friday's Feast. Today I'll be sharing my recipe for lemon shakeups. If you don't know what Friday's Feast is all about, please read the Friday's Feast page for a more detailed explanation. If you want to join in on the feast— be sure to leave a comment and include the URL to your post so I and others can know of your contribution.

Participants in this weeks Feast are as follows:

• My Life Interrupted: Summer Time Thoughts

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With inspirations from Honest Abe…

One year I went down to Springfield Illinois and attended the State Fair. When I was there they were selling lemon shakeups. Given that I have several cocktail shakers, I decided that I would make my own— besides it gives me practice pouring without having to drink liquor. Makes approximately 2 8oz glasses worth.

Lemon Shakeups:

1 Lemon

1 cocktail shaker (or two glasses)

Ice (4-6 Cubes)

Water

1/4 C sugar

1. Slice the lemon.
2. Add half of the sliced lemon to the shaker.
3. Add a few Ice cubes (just enough to fill the shaker).
4. Add the sugar to the shaker.
5. Add water to fill the shaker.
6. Put the lid on and shake your moneymaker (actually just the cocktail shaker).
7. Pour into a glass.
8. Enjoy.

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Next weeks topic is Picnic. If you have ever attended a picnic (company, family, or otherwise) and have an interesting story to share, please do. Also, if you have any interesting picnic foods that you enjoy— you can let us know as well. So… if you have anything that relates to this topic, be sure to leave a comment and include the URL so I can include you in next weeks feast. Even if you have already posted on this topic in the past— your links are always welcome.

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Choose Me

Those who choose to know me
know me well.

Those who choose to ignore me
will, over time, learn to accept me.

Those who choose to refuse me
will never know me.

cj09'

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Life is full of choices. How we know someone is also a choice.

There is a statistic that I heard that the average person can know about 150 people simultaneously. Based upon the post Pick Me, everybody picks a friend. Once someone picks you as a friend it is your choice as to how you treat them in your relationship.

Choosing to know someone…

When someone picks you as a friend you may find that you want to get to know that person and become more of a friend. You make an effort to try and get to know that person and get to know their personal characteristics such as Name, Occupation, Health, and Feelings. It is through this effort that you truly become a friend.

Choosing to ignore someone…

I have a tendency to be very forward when it comes to letting people know I want to be their friend. This in itself may be intimidating and freaks some people out who are caught off guard. In these situations, it is easy to ignore someone who is being friendly towards you because you do not know if you want to be their friend or not. I notice that over time I become less intense— which makes people more comfortable with me. They then understand where I am coming from and accept me as someone who picked them as a friend.

Choosing to refuse someone…

It takes effort to try and know someone. Likewise it takes effort to refuse someone. You will go out of your way to let that person know that they are not welcome. You will give them the silent treatment, or tell them straight up that you do not want them hanging around with you.

What I find interesting is that the number of people who fall into each category resembles a bell curve. Most people tend to fall in the ignore category— probably because it is easier to not put forth any effort and choose not to pay attention. There are very few people who choose to know me— and there are very few people that I suspect refuse me as well. I have learned to accept this distribution and am not offended by it because it makes sense to me.