This is my blarg!

Ramblings of a Microsoft Solution Architect

  • My life always seems to play itself out in themes. The current theme seem to be “Recovery.” Unfortunately, my week long excursion with the Lovely Miss Aya did not work out as I hoped it would. This coupled with a previous chagrin, has had me seek the Great Geek Wisdom of Ernst Leland Gibson IV, who replied: “Red Warrior Needs Time to Self Badly.”

    So, after some much needed reflection time, I decided it’s time to rally up some old friends and go out dancing. This is as far as I got:

    “Vivian?”
    *pause*
    “Hello? Is Vivian there?”
    “I’m sorry, but you just called the Cingular Wireless Store.”
    “Oh really?”
    “Yeah. We’re checking things out here and I noticed that the phone on display started ringing.”
    “You’re kidding me?!” At this point, I can barely contain myself.
    “Nope.”
    “Um. Ok.”
    We then both have a good laugh and hang up, still laughing.

    Even when Life doesn’t give you what you want, it has a funny way of giving you what you need.

    P.S. NYE Pics are up!

    –SnoopyKiss also needs some Snuggle-ual Healing.

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  • I questioned whether I should go home to Cut Off this year. I’m allergic to my hometown (all the mold and mildew of the swamps). I don’t keep in touch with anyone back there (I was a social outcast back in high school). However, the family wants me. So, I’m there babye.

    Arriving in New Orleans around 10PM, X-mas Eve, I was met with hugs and kisses as my mom, dad, Evan (newphew) and I went to my sister’s place. Phil (bro-in-law) and I did some guytalk catchup till I got some couch-crashing sleep. I was later woken up to kids running around, and a gift to unwrap in my face. It was cute. One set of nice really nice kitchen knives, an automatic tape dispenser, an MC Escher book later, and a few other cool toys later, we were outside marvelling at the first White Christmas New Orleans has had in 50 years. It was beautiful.

    One smoked turkey, some ham and a Falgout Family Portrait later we left Mandiville around 4PM to head to Cut Off. We were concerned about the roads, since there was lots of snow, but Dad figured that if the Causeway (26 mi bridge, across the Ponchetrain bridge, which we had to cross) was open, then we were home free. Should we check to see if we would have problems getting across the Mississippi? Heck no! I mean, if we can get through a 26 mile bridge, then crossing the little ol’ Mississippi River, should be nothing.

    We got past the Causeway, and I decided, it was naptime. I woke up to noticing us doing what seemed to be a U-turn on a major highway as 310 was closed off. (Our first choice for crossing the river) After some Falgout deliberation, we decided to take another bridge, and ended up taking a Left Handed Turn into some Frozen Swamplands. This later got us right to the river, but no way to cross. Which made us cross. After going up and down the river for many more miles, we found ourselves right back at the airport, where my whole adventure started, with no way to get over that tiny river. So, X-mas night was spent in the confines of a Best Western. Thankfully, the connecting Denny’s would be opening at 10PM.

    What’s that? The employees can’t make it across the bridge either? No Denny’s X-mas Dinner for us? But Red Warrior needs food badly. So, we went outside, mom in her Mink Coat, me in my Leather Trenchcoat and dad in his “Goosedown” to go outside and walk about a block in the freezing weather, for food. On Christmas. It was around this point where we couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. Maybe it was the surrealism. Maybe it was that the three of us just spent 3 hours in a hotel room on X-mas night, snowed in, laying waste (Warning 2.6 Meg video. Right click and Save to File) to a considerably sized flask of Jack D. on an empty stomach.

    We walked into the Hilton’s Sports Bar, and was much later approached by a waitress who looked like she was at the end of her proverbial rope. So, we gave her some proverbial slack. Apparently, due to the weather, she had been working since 2PM. Mind you, when we finally get there, it was 10-11PM. Food. Drinking. Popcorn. Drinking. Yea, X-mas is over!

    We walk back to the hotel, all read some more and even partake in some ballet watching. “Well, I guess we’re not making it to church tomorrow.” Crash.

    Wake up. Get dressed. Go to Denny’s (finally open!) and we notice that our Hostess seems to have a hard time dealing with the sheer amount of people that have bombarded her. This, I’m sure, because she seemed to have a hard time even dealing with just 1-2 people. We’re finally seated (I think we must have earned some good karma last night as the hostess actually walked us to our table, rather than the couple in front of us who just got pointed to where they were supposed to sit.) and got some food (none of us got what we ordered, but we dealt). Little bit later: “Say, is that Pastor Jemison?” (Pastor of the church we were supposed to go to this Sunday morning.) “Holy cow!” So, we called him on over to our table and greetings abound.

    Come to find out, he had to get one of his son’s to the airport and somehow got here, but had to wait as his son had missed his original flight to Beruit, and was trying to get on standby. At one point, his wife called and I was amused by this transaction I had with her on the phone:
    “Yeah, he’s (Pastor J) playing hooky from church.”
    “But so are we.”
    “True. But he’s paid to be good. You’re good for nothing.”
    (Have I told you how I love word tricks?)

    Anyways, we say our goodbyes, and get back on the road. Back to 310, which Dad is hopeful is open as it’s now 50 degrees outside and most of the snow seems to be gone. Ok, so we didn’t earn THAT much good karma. After talking to some of the people who were in “line” to get on that frozen highway, we decided to not wait and made that SAME LEFT HANDED TURN, back into the swamps. This time, I got pictures in the light.

    After another on-ramp barricade, we talked to the cop and the two of the exact same people who were in “line” back at 310 and came up with a gameplan with our newfound information from the cop. 2 Bridges open. One inside New Orleans, one far, far away. Of course, being Falgouts, we let them head into the fire (read: city) and we took the long route. I think it ended up being the best bet as the traffic going into the city was horrible. (twice as long, none of the traffic). My dad told me that this was a good lesson as I was learning the backroads of Louisiana. I told him that I hoped that I would never have to use this information again. I decided not to tell him that a better lesson would be to drive the speed limit (not under) and pick a lane (he was literally in the middle of the road while on the Sunshine Bridge). This had been trying on us all, so I digressed.

    So, just shy of 24 hours after we originally left my sisters place, we finally made it home. Only to find out that my old bedroom had been completely redecorated.

    This story does have a happy ending tho. I later went out and purchased some Popeye’s deep fried chicken, and a daiquari for myself and a pina colada for mom w/o even leaving the car. Gotta love drive through alcohol stores in Louisiana.

    –Snoopykiss now knows what they mean when they say, “You can’t go home.”

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  • Blurting out “Speaking of Jesus” is quite an effective way to transistion between two completely unrelated subjects.
    If ever there is a position which seems impossible, but amusing, I will always enlist my friends to help me try it out.
    I will never get tired of some people saying “w00t”.
    It’s ok to say “For the Love of Booty” to some girls.
    I do crazy things when I drink.
    The difference between my friends and my aquaintences are the number of inside jokes and band names we’ve come up with. “Underwater Ass Seizure”, “No Funk For Tommy”, “Suzi Bites and Nibbles”

    ALWAYS have your camera ready.
    I do crazy things when I’m sober.

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  • Greetings Tommy-party enthusiasts,

    Over the years, I’ve thrown countless parties, all with amazingly great success. And I owe that to my friends, my peeps, my homeys. What’s made all of these events (Auction Party, Food and Spirits, God and Goddess, etc.) such an overwhelming success is the people who make it and what they contribute. And by that, I am only slightly referencing the tangible items brought. I am more referring to the spirit and general “good natured-ness” which is why I love every one of my friends. This is truly what makes a Tommy-Party ™.

    In that same breath, along with the huge successfulness of my parties, stuff happens. And along with the wacky antics, some the hilarious stories. But sometimes it takes away from a greater picture. Something I’m far more committed to. In this case, “Ensuring that everyone that attends, enjoys themselves fully and walks away feeling that they were part of a really special event.” That’s pretty much the essense of a Tommy-party(tm). That and shaking your Groove Thang.

    I often think back to all of the parties, specificly, what worked and what didn’t work. I take what worked and keep it in mind for the next party. And I take what didn’t work and try to remove it in the next one. Sometimes I’ve succeeded in doing this. Sometimes…not so much. And when I look at what I could have done to eliminate it sooner, one thought shouts out above all other. “Be true to yourself and trust your instinct.”

    SO! This New Years Party shall be unlike any other Tommy-party. This year, there will be participation and celebration!

    Here is my idea:
    Everyone attending is invited to bring two pieces of paper.
    One stating what they are proud to have accomplished this year. A boasting and acknowledgement of themselves.
    One stating what they are not proud of, or didn’t accomplish this year. An acknowledgement of what didn’t work or what didn’t happen.

    I’m gonna have a fire a’blazing that evening and everyone participating is invited to read those papers to themselves (and to others, if so desired) and then do with them as they please. (Personally, I look forward to watching one piece of paper burn as I then move on.)

    Of course, there will be the usual Tommy-Party food and merriment and stories and activities and lots and lots of social interaction. This is something for people to participate in at their own leisure.

    NOTE: This is NOT about making resolutions. You can do that on your own time. This is about acknowledging exactly where you’re at, and what you accomplished and didn’t accomplish. What you do from there is your journey.

    Let’s get this party started!

    Much Love,
    Tommy.

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  • After a devastating blow to the ego, my mind will often wonder off into the dark land of depression and solidute, wondering if I’m doomed to have all of this potential inside me not be realized and appreciated.

    It’s good to know that I’ve got it where it counts.

    Interestingly enough, my Sinfest books just came in last night and I feel the need to snuggle up on my favorite 4 person beanbag, with some hot chocolate and the fireplace going and immerse myself in the stylistic drawings of one who’s Ego is as directed as mine.

    Thanks Tat. And Thanks Aya.

    –Snoopykiss would like to present his nominations for Best Supporting Role.

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  • For the longest time, I waited for the world to change, so that I could be happier. I knew that I wasn’t happy where I was at, and my frustration was usually focused at external sources. I overcame that mountain and now people know me as “The guy that never not smiles.” What a great place to be.

    But there was something lurking in the shadows, something that was later going to come back and bite me in the arse. That thing was the personal declaration of, “I’ve made it. I’ve gone through my growing pains. I get to be selfish now.” This ego driven mindset, had me take a number of things for granted. The biggest of which, was the pure love and devotion of one of the greatest ladies this world has ever produced. I lost that relationship, but I’m glad to have gained something even more important: The opprotunity to break my selfish cycle and reconnect with people again.

    I’ve been asking myself and others how to do this, and what I’ve gathered for myself is that I’m going to find what I’m looking for through acceptance. Pure 100% “ain’t nothing wrong here” acceptance.
    The good news is that there is nowhere else to look but towards myself.
    The bad news is that there is nowhere else to look but towards myself.

    On this quest to Know Myself and be the Best I Can Be ™, I’ve unexpectedly found someone who has already guided me towards being the person I want to be. I’m amazed at how much I’ve enjoyed the company of another person so late at night for so many nights in a row. I mean, aren’t 2AM phone conversations something you’re supposed to grow out of in college?

    –Snoopykiss wants to grow up, but be a Toys R Us kid.

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  • After discovering some recently upsetting news, I asked two friends for some advice and counseling. I went into the conversation with much anger, frustration and sadness. I left with a new life goal and inquiry for myself.

    Beforehand, there was lots of questions and confusion which is what had this all hit home, but here’s how it went.
    Me: “But I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. Aren’t all girls looking for daddy?”
    Male friend: “You said it right there in the beginning.”
    Me: “What?”
    Male friend: “Aren’t all girls looking for daddy?”
    Me to Female friend: “What does a woman want?”
    Female friend: “A Man.”

    It was at this point, I new that I had a new goal for myself in life. It all made sense. It all came together. Now, it is time for me to change.

    And so, I’ve done some reflection. What the heck DOES it mean to be a man? I’ve realized all sorts of outside influences have already tried telling me what that involves (Real Men love Jesus. Real Men don’t talk about their feelings. Real Men let go on 5…ish Real Men choose Bic.), but none of them fit.

    Here’s what I’ve come up with so far. “What does a real man want? A Woman.” And finally, I can see the ying/yang of it all. And a whole lot more of my past makes sense now.

    I now look forward the future. What changes are ahead for me? What will my next relationship be like?

    –Snoopykiss n’est pas ton papa.

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  • After a 3-4 week Movie Night hiatus, we started the holiday season off right with Amityville last week and then Dawn of the Dead this week. This post is mostly about Dawn of the Dead, because it was a fine movie, and it also led to an extremely horrifying experience.

    I was impressed with the movie because it wasted no time jumping right to the action. And then it didn’t let go. Thankfully, we waited to watch the movie until all of the Trick-o-Treaters who apparently drove in from other suburbs were done. (We ended up cutting the front porch light off so that they would leave us alone, but they were relentless.) But no plan of mine ever goes w/o a hitch, and my doorbell acted up again. It is known to go off on it’s own and then is left in this buzzing state. Half dead, half alive.

    I pause the movie, go downstairs and then have the very sophmoric thought, “It would be awesome if I yelled out, ‘Ah! Zombie!’ to scare them…Nah, that would be too childish. I’m beyond that.”

    I get to the bottom of the stairs, and then open the door. With my feet firmly planted on the ground and with every intention of just putting my arm outside to slap at the doorbell, I feel my weight shift forward and there in front of me, inches from my face is this dark figure, just a silouette.

    Scared for my life, I jump back on the stairs and start screaming. Either it talked to me, or I somehow figured out who it was (Marie), but all I remember was cursing for about a minute straight.

    Of course, everyone got a good laugh, including Mrree who had a very puzzled look on her face before explaining the situation.

    –SnoopyKiss just wants to retreat into the safety of his own home and play GTA: SA for a few days.

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  • Long time…no post. Yeah. I know. This is me being concerned.

    So, when life seems to hit you all at once, what do you do?
    Take a weekend vacation to Austin for dancing and then take another weekend vacation to St. Louis for dancing!

    Sounds like a good idea to me. No? Ok. Well, I went and did it anyway. And then what should I do when I get back?
    I know! Build a dance floor! But don’t forget to take a picture of your floor.

    Oh yeah, I forgot. I broke my camera trying to take an extreme closeup of my friend Rob projectiling out of a 2 story slide. Bugger. I think his kneecap is healed.

    –SnoopyKiss is all about turning his logs from mono to dia. Even if you DO have to have a “ue” at the end of them. uuuuueeeee….

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  • Within the last 6 hours of my stint in Portland, I’m in the back seat of Barb’s (who must have cast some type of spell on my Lee to make him so smitten by her), almost drooling on her pillow (containing a patter that strangely resembles a part of the female anatomy) and I then wake up to the Pacific Ocean. Not just any part of it. Cannon Beach…”Astoria.”…Where they shot “Goonies“.

    “Holy cow! That’s…”
    “Yeah.”
    “Sweet!”
    “Dude.”

    Having never woken up to such a majestic site in my life, I started frolicking.. I had no idea that this was what my soul needed. Upteen billion gallons of water. And a rock sticking out of it.

    Thanks Barb and Lee, for the grand-times. Oh yeah, and for letting me play with your iPod. I’m sure eventually, I’ll learn to use it properly.

    And a special thank you to Heidi. I was never a big fan of sushi. (Now I know it’s about as good of a laughing instrument as milk.) Oh yeah, and for the Architecture geek-out time too.

    –SnoopyKiss feels like doing The Truffle Shuffle.

    P.S. Check out my panoramic pics. Lee says they are “TEH RULES!”.

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