I woke up this morning and my knee hurt. It wasn’t the kind of hurt that you can really get past with positive thinking. It was the kind of hurt where you try to walk and the pain shoots all the way up your leg, grips your intestines and makes you wanna throw up. It’s been over 10 years since I felt that kind of pain in my knee and I’m sure it’s back because I haven’t been exercising, my diet has been shit and I weigh a good 50 pounds more than I should.

I didn’t get this out of shape over night and I don’t think I can get back in shape that quickly. I’m sure some of this has been brought on by the walking I’ve been doing as my knee has taken a little bit of a pounding. Walking is good, but I am sure I have over done it. Tomorrow shall be a new day where all of that is concerned will start changing. I am going to take my lunch, eat healthy and find my way to the gym tomorrow. I am also going to remember to take it slow.

There are a lot of jobs in the universe… some good, some bad, some downright ugly. However, I have decided the one I will never work, no matter how bleak a situation could be is: porta-potty drainer. Once a week, I see this guy outside the PD emptying the porta-potty used by the construction crew. Now, it’s bad enough to think that a lot of people have to use this little potty-coffin with no ventilation and no way to wash their hands afterward. In the middle of summer, I have to say that those little towers of terror are NOT a place to hang out for any period of time and if you do have to use one, pray the person(s) before you were not sick with any kind of stomach virus. However, to be the person that drains the crap and carts it away: ewwwww….

On a more positive note, I’m trying to be more positive about things around me. I have had quite the negative energy going for quite awhile and I have to say that being positive takes a lot of work. It’s much easier to be negative about things going on around us. Now, I’m not even close to where I need to be on this matter; however, I find myself having a much better day when trying to find the bright side of situations.
Case in point: My car has ISSUES. (Note the bold caps…) However, approaching the situation in a more positive light, I am grateful that I have a car, the car is still running and it takes me from point A to point B. I could literally sit and list all of the things wrong with it, but I figure if I only try to focus on the positives, surely the car will keep running. And if for some reason it doesn’t, I am positive I will receive a “new” car with minimal fuss and nonsense.

Some other things I am adding to my more positive outlook on life include “attracting” positive things to me. Instead of focusing on the bills and the debt load, I am focusing on the fact that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and will provide for us. Instead of focusing the fact I am a little chunky, I am focusing on the fact I am beautifully made and need to remember that. I believe that God didn’t intend for us to live lives without abundance, I think we (in general) seem to think we can get and do everything ourselves, but without reliance on the Lord, we are nothing and can achieve nothing.

Yesterday, I utilized the power of positive thinking and Kate’s dress came in the mail and Kyle received another project. I really reached and believed I was going to win the state lottery last night with a bunch of co-workers. Did it happen? No. Am I disappointed? No. I believe that God has something bigger and better for me.

My stomach thought my throat had been cut this morning. The solution was a Chorizo Breakfast Burrito – made by Jesus. Jesus isn’t Christ himself (though I’m certain a breakfast burrito made by the King of Kings would be AWESOME.) You have to speak Spanish please – the J is a soft H and the rest is pronounced “zeus.”

I’m not a big proponent of the Spanish language, which is somewhat surprising to me because I love the romance languages as a general rule. It’s probably even more bizarre because I live in the great state of Texas, where there are wayyyy too many illegals who speak Spanish and REFUSE to learn how to speak English. I could go on a rant here, but just for the record, I have learned German and French and have no desire to learn to speak Spanish until they learn to speak English. (Rational or not.)

But back to the breakfast burrito…it was perfectly made with just the right combination of chorizo, eggs, onion and other spices that Jesus adds to make it yummilicious. I’m fairly certain this burrito has sabotaged the diet portion of my day. I’m trying to figure out of I should just beat myself into a complete guilt-ridden state or to blow it off. I’m tired of doing this to myself… if it’s not the burrito, it’s something else (ice cream generally tops that list.)

I also need to get to the gym. I’m paying for a membership I’m not using and that bothers me. However, it’s a catch 22. I go to the gym to feel better and look better, but the whole process of going to the gym when I feel / look like heck isn’t my idea of a good time. I know I need to just suck it up and do it, but I haven’t really found the motivation that will break through the self-loating I have at the moment. I have workout videos for the house, but (whether it’s an “excuse” or not) I can’t find a decent place to actually exercise at home so I need to get to the gym. Argh…. if nothing else, at least I’m honest, eh?

Well, I need to get back to work. On my breaks today I do plan on trying to take a walk around the PD, whether inside or out. It won’t burn a lot of calories, but every little bit helps.

I appreciate Donald Trump and the empire he has created in “The Apprentice.” I haven’t really seen a version of “Celebrity Apprentice” until tonight and tonight made me realize no matter how old we get, we can still all act like 4th graders. Meatloaf spontaneously combusted all over Gary Busey and a slur of four letter words went flying through the air quicker than a time warp. (Thought I would throw that in there.) And in an oh-so poignant moment, the apology between the two was very sweet… or as sweet as it can be when two old celebrities hug on camera. In fact following the hug, I heard my favorite quote of the night: “…Dancing on a Rainbow with no fear. And no doubt.” It’s definitely something to think about.

Something else to think about – vacation. I need one. Somehow I need to save up a few dollars and get the heck out of dodge for a few days. Of course I want to go back to NYC for a week or two (or more), but realistically, I may just have to hang around the house and read some good books or something like that. I love to read and haven’t spent quite enough time doing that lately. Nice and relaxing.

I suppose I should start getting ready for bed and also figure out what I’m going to wear tomorrow. Goodnight moon….

I can honestly and unabashedly say that today was one of the best days I have had in a very long time and now that it’s drawing to a close, I want another one like it. For just a little while, I got to take a step back into the past, reconnect with some old friends, listen to some of the best tunes ever written and pretend for just a little while that the last twenty years hadn’t flown by in a blur.

I’m sitting here trying to figure out exactly what I want to say, because many of the events of the day were spectacularly mundane. We had a good staff meeting followed by me helping the bunch of guys with some computer stuff. I actually started getting all excited and left mid-morning to do the time-warp (as it were). With many others, I helped celebrate FM-90’s 35th birthday.

I saw so many friends from the past and so many more I missed, who came to the all day event at different times. It was amazing because this little thing called “radio” ties us all together into this warped bundle of a family. There were a few who are no longer with us and we took a moment to remember them – because again, they were family. The first time I was ever pants’d reading live copy was by SuperDave, rest his soul. (One in a long list of ongoing pranks, I promise you that…)

The world of radio has changed dramatically in the past twenty years. Corporations have come in and bought up almost all of the smaller stations around the country. These conglomerates are formulatic and the things we used to get away with would no longer be tolerated. (Of course there were more than a few that really weren’t tolerated then… but that’s another story.) I remembered today how much I loved being a DJ and am seriously contemplating doing one more tour at the Mighty 90 just to see how much the technology has changed and to see if you really can go home again, but I have always felt that behind the mic was home. I’m sure there will be a lot more thought before I make a decision.

However great technology is, I dare any of the kids today to put together an entire radio program with a reel to reel, grease pencil, razor blade and splice board. Or to have to cue up vinyl records and pray it wouldn’t skip – or to always keep 42 cents on hand because of skippage… I could go on, but these kids today really do have it easy.

In honor of FM-90’s 35th Birthday, I got my choice of song – any song. It only took about a minute and a half to realize the Cult would be the only thing that fit. Enjoy…

Today is my mother’s 77th birthday. I’m pretty sure she would be a little unhappy with me for sharing her age with the universe, but I like to think 77 is quite the achievement. Mother actually gave up on life a long time ago and trudges through each day, which is really no different than the last. I think for her the process of living was just too hard. So her birthday is a day my sister and I “celebrate” and I think she actually mourns.

Tomorrow would have been my dad’s birthday. He would have been 93 tomorrow, but he decided to stop when he was 91. I think dad was actually at the point where he lived as much as he had wanted to and after a life-time of adventures, taking care of families, running businesses and all the things life has to offer, he just decided he was done.

The difference between my mother and my father’s ways of life are so different that it’s hard to believe they were together for as long as they were. For over twenty years, mom has just “gotten by.” She doesn’t want the change or really any part of learning anything new or experiencing anything different or exciting. She is not the woman I remember from my childhood. My dad actually made it a point to learn something new every day, to try something new every day and to live life the best he knew how. His basic personality / character never changed and I like to think I take after him.

So… today I shall wax a little philosophical and remember both of my parents – “the old people” – on their birthdays.

I know I’m basically a masochist, but even out of shape, I subscribe and avidly read a few of the fitness magazines out there. However, I got to thinking about what each one offers if they are all offering basically the same thing? Is there a real reason to get more than one? These are some of the cover headlines from two of my favorite fitness mags – both April 2011 editions.

The No-Diet Diet: Low Cal Meals that Truly Satisfy

56 Slimming Meals that Rev Your Metabolism

Flat Abs Fast

Keep Your Curves, Lose the Extra

Boost Your Energy

23 Ways to Boost Your Energy

I could probably go back several months and find many other instances, but I don’t think it would be mere coincidence. However, as I really do need to work on the de-chunkification of the body that has collected chunk like Charlie Sheen has collected bimbos. It’s hard when the body doesn’t want to cooperate physically because of things that have gone fubar, but I figure eventually it will happen.

(Slam Segue)
I’m watching Billy Madison tonight while working on this. I have lost 37 IQ points and I have a couple of brain cells that are running down the street begging for mercy – yet I watch. Oh. Commercial is over…. hasta for now.

Tonight on American Idol the contestants did “Motown.”

Ein) This is the best season of AI since the first season. I’m so glad that the judges actually have a clue. Simon got to be excessively annoying – 9 years of being a pain in the ass and really not having a nice thing to say about anyone??? Paula Abdul was a joke and useless. I mean seriously? She wasn’t a good singer back in the 80’s / 90’s. She was a great choreographer, but I’m not a huge fan (and I am stating the obvious.) And Randy actually was the only one who tried to offer musical criticism. My complaint – Randy is stuck on “Yo Dawg.” After 10 years, it gets a little old. Find a new schtick dude.

Zwei) This is the most unique group the show has ever had. I’m grateful the judges are such a diverse group because I honestly think that’s how we ended up with such great talent. Paul and James are probably my favorites. There are a couple I don’t like at all – can’t even remember their names. Hopefully neither will win.

Drei) I haven’t voted. I probably won’t vote. I understand the concept of the fans choosing, but I honestly don’t know if it costs money. If it does, screw it. I don’t have the funds to waste on an entertainment vote. If it doesn’t, why do I want to waste the time when I could spend it blogging?

In other news, I had to have a chat with both of the girls about their grades tonight. I don’t understand why it’s hard to get good grades. If you just remember to turn in homework, half of the battle is won. I’m giving the girls the same lecture my parents gave me, only with less hellfire and brimstone. If the situation called for it, I would probably open the gates of hades; however, they know what needs to be done and they are pretty good at beating themselves up. We’ll see what happens. Right now, the both of them need to lose the spring fever and go for the gold.

Finally, haven’t been feeling up to snuff lately. Between the pain in the foot, the knees hurting from the extra baggage and the bladder problems… I feel much older than I am. I am thankful tonight for painkillers. Somehow and some way I need to get healthy. How to manage that I’m not sure, but am hopeful it will happen sooner rather than later. Sweet dreams (and may Charlie Sheen not be a part of them.)

Let me set the stage for you. I’m sitting in bed with the laptop. Maverick is curled up next to me and the television is on for some background noise. The next thing I know is I look up at the TV and see a clip of devil worshipers doing a ritual with a willing female subject. Seriously…
What in the world has this world come to? I think we are past the point of “gratuitous” sex and violence to get an R rating. The R rating has become common place. Why did we let this happen? I don’t need to see naked women on TV in the middle of a living room and a Satanic ritual – which is just one in a million things that really no one needs to see.

When I was in high school, I led a movement against Tipper Gore and the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) aka. The Washington Wives. This committee was formed in ’85 and it’s goal was to increase parental control over music deemed to be violent or sexually explicit. This committee was inspired by Prince’s song, “Darling Nikki” which suggested sex and masturbation. Along with “Darling Nikki”, the committee released a list of the “Filthy Fifteen,” songs that were too objectionable to be aired or sold in good conscience. As I recall it just wasn’t Prince, but Madonna, Def Leppard, Judas Priest, and even Cyndi Lauper made the list. I was a little cranky at the time because how DARE these snooty, out of touch women decide what I can and can’t listen to. The PMRC contended warning labels on explicit lyrics (sex, drugs, violence) would allow parents to really take a look at what their kids were doing and bring a morality back into the family unit.

I could go on and on about this whole ordeal; however, 1) the history of this mess is available on the internet and 2)I find myself looking at the situation with a fresh set of eyes.

Ever since my girls were born, I have tried to make sure they weren’t overly exposed to sex and violence on television. In fact, “kissy face” was okay, but any time I was watching a show or just flipping channels and people were doing the “humpty dance” I changed channels. In fact, most of the time, I still do because I really don’t see any good purpose in showing sexual acts on television, the movies or what have you. I have also tried to make sure the rules of Carlin’s 7 dirty words were held in place in music because who wants their kid growing up cursing and thinking it’s okay. (Do as I say, not as I do?) As the girls have gotten older, they have been exposed to stuff I can’t say is the best, but not the worst either. We can’t keep our kids behind castle walls, but we can’t open the gates and allow the enemy army to freely cross the moat either. It’s a fine line and we just have to teach them the best we can.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if there was actually good programming on that didn’t involved people lying, cheating, stealing, and f-ing a different person each time you tuned in? Wouldn’t it be amazing if a new generation would stand up and say they have had enough? It won’t happen because this generation has been conditioned to what they have seen and heard is okay. No wonder I’m stuck putting movies in the DVD player with regularity. My moral compass is generally not in line with anything resembling what the entertainment industry puts out today and I pray my children are following in my footsteps.

After the satanic television incident, I switched channels and am now watching a movie that I enjoy. Morally, it’s not the best, but there are some good lessons that can be learned from watching. The movie – chick flick “Raising Helen.” It’s a romance and a comedy and there’s a small moment of suspense or two. This is a movie directed by Gary Marshall, which means it is automatically going to do fairly decent at the box office. Kate Hudson is lead actress and does a really good job with this. John Corbett (cutie) and Joan Cusak, Hayden Panettiere also gave some pretty good performances. Like I said, this movie is not a “G” movie and has some cursing in it; however, because it sounds like something I would actually say, I have to share one of my favorite quotes:

You listen to me. If you ever so much as blink in her direction again, I can and will bury you so far in the ground that the heat from the earth’s core will incinerate your sorry ass!

That seems like a pretty good way to end the evening… a threat to maim and destroy anyone who hurts those you love. Rant over. G’night.