Rollin into summer at the Lounge

My favorite time of year is finally here. The time of year when it never goes under 75 degrees. The afternoon and evening thunderstorms return to light up the skies on a daily basis. The snowbirds have flown north for the season, leaving only us locals to swelter in the heat. When you open up the front door, you are greeted by a hot blast of high humidity Florida air. Yeah, a lot of people think I'm crazy, but I just love the summer in South Florida. I will trade in six months of cold, gloom, rain and snow up north for four months of heat anytime.

Oh yes..the hot days and warm summer nights are upon us. The term "lazy afternoon" must have been coined by a guy living in Florida in the summertime. There is no better excuse to sit on the back porch, turn up the Jimmy Buffett, crack a cold beer and do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Sometimes it just feels like the right thing to do. The Margarita Lounge is open for the season!

Drinkin with Alexander

Cheryl and I visited the Hickman family last night for a little Memorial Day cheer. Chef Gunther once again floored us with his excellent cooking. The bold "Big Ass Cab" was a great compliment to the spices in the food. I am actually quite surprised I don't feel like shit this morning... I drank my fair share of the three bottles of wine we consumed last night.

Here is an updated picture of Alexander for all the Margarita Loungers out there. Chris and Ann prefer calling him "Xander", but I like Alexander or maybe "Xan"...I guess it's personnal preference. The funny thing about this picture is that Chris and Alexander both looked like this by the end of the night. I see there is an early morning posting on Frotuss (7:30am), so I guess he is feeling OK today. We love you guys..thanks again for the great time.

Yawn....

I keep trying to find good news stories to comment on, but it doesn't seem like there is much out there of interest. Here are the only three things that I have any opinion on:

1) The Koran flushed down a toilet. Does one single person in this country really care about this? A few shady arabs say that a Koran was desecrated or flushed down a toilet. How do you flush something that big down a toilet? I don't know about your toilet at home, but mine sure as hell isn't going to be able to flush a Bible down it. They must have bigger toilets in prison.

2) The dude on the crane in Atlanta. This guy refuses to come down. You know what I say...let him stay up there. This is an excellent chance to organize a friendly office pool with some of your co-workers. I mean, EVENTULLY the guy will come down or get real tired and fall. Either way, somebody wins some money. And I'm sure the media will love to show it on the 6pm news right before the pictures of the next crazy child molester that gets unneeded headlines.

3) Jenna Jameson...yes THAT Jenna Jameson boys...the porn star. I guess Jenna is in a lawsuit over rights to her scheduled upcoming reality show. The show is to be based on events in her real life. Now I can't stand "reality" shows because they are all choreographed and bogus to some extent. But this one sure has some promise to it.

Everyone have a happy and healthy Memorial Day weekend. Cheryl and I are heading to see the Hickmans tomorrow night for wine and Chef Gunther's creations. On to my parents house on Sunday afternoon for a little barbeque action. Be good kiddies.

The Catfisherman of the Year!

The term "catfisherman" is usually reserved for Mr. Golden only. In this case, I will need to make an exception. Check out this fella who caught a 124 pound catfish in Illinois. I guess it's a new world record (I will trust the catfishing experts on that one). It looks like that fish ate a small child and about 100 Big Macs for dinner. Actually, you need to be a pretty strong dude to carry 124 pounds like that in your arms.

I'm baaaaack

Sorry for the lack of postings recently. I have been up to my nose in paint and projects around the house for a few weeks. Last night I FINALLY decided to take a night off and do nothing but watch the Heat lose to the Pistons in game one of the NBA Eastern Finals.

The breakneck speed of this painting project, the proverbial ups-and-downs of a sales job, recovery from my ankle surgery, and various "other" things on our minds recently has left Cheryl and I both a mess of frazzled nerves. Good thing a three day weekend is coming up and we can chill for a few days and try to get back on track.

I didn't need to see this...

This is actually kind of funny. Repulsive...but funny. The once mighty dictator of Iraq now posted all over the internet in his tighty whiteys. Word is that Saddam is now going to sue over these photos...no kidding.

And now for something completely different. I just read a story saying that the average cost of a wedding in the United States is now $26,000. The article said that the money spent per year on American weddings is the same as the yearly GDP of Ireland. I guess this is a 73% increase over the last 15 years. Word to the wise...elope.

Painting sucks

Did I mention recently that painting SUCKS? With the popcorn ceilings finally done, Cheryl and I decided to put the first coat on the kitchen tonight. Second coat is tomorrow night and then onto the living area this weekend. If you are a new reader to the blog, I apologize as conversation about painting is about as exciting as watching grass grow but I am incredibly tired, unimaginitive and lame tonight. That bottle of Seghesio is going to taste real good on Saturday Night when we are finally done with this painting. Did I mention that painting sucks?

Quick note to Mr Douglas up in Picksburgh. Check out some recent pictures of your "girl" Natalie Portman on the internet. A shaved head looks good on very few women and Natalie isn't one of them. Talk about ruining your fantasies, huh? Sorry chief.

The disillusionment of the Press

I have put the link below to a great article I just read. I found it on Joe Scarborough's website (go ahead and crucify me Senator) and it talks about the difference between the perceptions of people in the media vs. the regular person on the street. Maybe this is why I get so pissed off when I read certain articles that are supposed to be "unbiased". Check it out here: link

In others news, I got my stitches out today. The scar on my ankle is really ugly, but hopefully it will get better with time. Cheryl and I painted the ceilings in the living room/kitchen this weekend. Has anyone had the priviledge of painting a 14' popcorn ceiling with a roller? I can't think of anything closer to the fires of hell than that experience. Trust me when I say it blows. If everything goes as planned, we should be done with all our painting by Sunday.

And now for a little "I told you so". Did any of you listen to me when I said that oil was way too high at $57 a barrel 2 months ago? (go to archives and read "My Apologies" from March 16th if you don't believe me) How could you miss such an opportunity? Don't worry, I am poor like you are and didn't have the money to short oil futures either. At $48 a barrel now, that would have been a nice 16% profit in 2 months....not bad. The next victim? That one's easy...the housing market. Check back in two years.

Some Random Thoughts

I seem to be having a problem concentrating on one subject tonight, so I figured I would just ramble on about various things on my mind right now.

Tiger Woods missed the cut today after 142 consecutive cuts made over 7 years. While impressive, the "consecutive cuts made" is really one of the most useless golf stats out there. Tell me who wins the tournaments (and especially the majors) and I'll be happy.

With all that's going on in the world, hasn't it been REAL quiet recently between Isreal and the Palestinians? Seems like it's too quiet to me.

The stock market is oversold. I keep reading and hearing about how the economy is slowing..I even heard the word "recession" come out of Maria Bartiromo's mouth today on CNBC. The economy has its ups and downs folks.....always has. Sure, corporate profits might be a little weaker than analysts might like in the second quarter, but no need to run and hide your head in the sand. BUY BUY BUY. You'll be happy in 6 months when the market is up 10-15% from current levels.

If you haven't checked out Frotuss.com in a while, go check it out again. As some of you know, I am a big fan of Mr. Hickman's writing style. While occasionally he partakes in a few too many scotches and rants on a subject, the subject matter is always interesting and entertaining.

On that note, if you are a music fan like I am, make sure to check out Shoutcast.com when you have a minute. Open whatever media player you have and check out some of the stations. I am a big fan of "New Age World" under the "World" genre. Excellent music for a quiet night or a relaxing afternoon.

Proof that Armageddon is close...

What is wrong with people these days? I was reading a few websites today and came across two stories that make me wonder. The first one was about a French TV station that ran a skit about the new pope. In the skit he was known as "Adolph II" and blessed Catholics "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Third Reich." I am not Catholic, but leave it to the French to come up with something like this. France's Media Council has "strongly reprimanded" the station for it. In other words, they didn't do shit about it.

In a second story, Harry Reid (the Democratic Minority Leader in the Senate for those non-political buffs out there) continues the bashing of George Bush. For the last week he has continued to act like a child, last week calling Bush a "loser". What's next, calling him a "meanie" or a "jerk"...are we all still in Elementary School here, people? As many of you know, I am a Republican and while not a raving fan of W, realize it's a tough job to have. What does a party that lost the last election hope to accomplish by slinging this type of shit around? You would think that Democratic Congressmen would try to act their age and less like a "mad at the world, everything is a big conspiracy and Bush is to blame" 16 year-old raving fan of Michael Moore. But, who am I to judge...at this rate there is no chance in hell of the Democrats winning more of those crucial middle-of-the-road voters in the next election.

What's the moral of these stories kiddies? Be respectful of others. "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything"...I'm starting to sound like my mother in my old age...

Getting back to normal

A week ago I wrote about how things were slowly getting back to "normal" around the Margarita Lounge after Sunfest. This week I feel the same way after surgery on Thursday and the ensuing 3-4 days of pain mixed with a healthy dose of percosets and headaches. I'm still bandaged up until the stiches come out on May 16th, but I am walking without any pain and trying to go about my daily life. With lots of things going on lately it seems that my idea of "normal" has changed quite a bit in a few weeks time.

Cheryl and I are planning on doing some long planned painting the next two weekends, assuming I can be of any use with my ankle. I'm also hoping to see the Senator and maybe Chadwick this weekend for a cold beverage or two, depending on their schedules. Besides that, nothing exciting going on. For the first time in a few weeks, the prospect of a quiet, relaxing weekend sounds REAL good.

I could use some sun too. I don't want the kids at the Mall to start calling me Casper the Friendly Ghost...for Pete's sake, I do live in Florida.

Being a lazy ass...

This whole "being a lazy ass" is kinda fun. I get to sit around all day and watch TV, play video games, and take drugs. A big "thank you" to my wonderful wife for keeping everyone up to speed on my well being. She has been great since yesterday morning putting up with my complaining.

I'm getting around OK with my boot on. The percosets help the pain, which seems to come and go. Obviously this weekend will be very quiet..we are planning on going to see Sue tomorrow for Mothers Day. Don't forget mom this weekend, gentlemen...she is the reason you guys are all here. Oh..look at the clock...must be time for another percoset!

Successful Surgery

Todd's surgery went well today. He has a big bandage around his foot and ankle and he's sporting some sexy new footwear that the hospital lovingly referred to as a 'boot'. After a couple of waffles, a half container of pringles, pretzels, a sub, a granola bar, garlic bread, orange sherbet, a whole lotta pizza and a percocet he's resting comfortably and is zoned out in front of the television.

Finally, he has an excuse to sit in front of the TV and play video games all day long !!

Under the knife tomorrow....

Tomorrow at 7:30am I will be at JFK Medical Center having my ankle surgery. Since I've never had surgery before, I am a little nervous about the whole thing. It's only an outpatient thing but I will be "under" during the procedure.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out this afternoon that Percoset is cheap! I have a prescription for it in case the pain is real bad. I got 20 tablets for about $5. What a deal!! I'll chat with everyone on the other side.

More ridiculous news

Add this to the "stupid news stories of the year" library. Although this story is by NO means front page news, you have to admit the people of Duluth, GA do at least have a sense of humor.

Another One in the Books

Man, has it been a long week. I sit here on Monday night with another Sunfest in the books. It seems as though every Sunfest has a different feel to it and this one is no different. Past events have focused on certain bands or certain specific events. This one was really about the overall experience. I am literally exhausted from the entire weekend. Six straight days of "stuff" going on is enough to tire out the best of us.

Much time was spent on the Captain Morgan Floating Oasis barges as usual. While the entertainment schedule left something to be desired, I did get a change to see 3 Doors Down last night to close Sunfest down for another year. The out of town guests have departed to continue on their own journeys and life can (kinda) get back to normal around here.

Surgery for me on Thursday morning 7:30am sharp at JFK. For anyone not aware, it's just an outpatient thing..nothing to worry about. At least I get percosets for the pain!