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General Discussion => Chit Chat => Topic started by: BojackHorsefella on May 14, 2018, 07:04:48 PM

Title: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 14, 2018, 07:04:48 PM
I actually thought about this earlier and just didn't do it, so I promise I didn't conceive of this just to brag. I just think it'd be cool to have a thread where we can talk about our life, either past, present or future (mainly past because I'm in this phase where I'm fascinated with American history, but more from ordinary people than like, watching documentaries with professional historians).

Anyways.

So, my contribution today is a "present" story than a past (earlier I'd thought about doing a "where were you during 9/11" thing, so that's more where my focus was in starting this).

Today, I got engaged. Um, again. But first time to my current girlfriend! And considering she's the first girl that I've dated and never broke up with, Im pretty confident this will stick. It'll be 2.5 years in June and everything's been great (I've had more than enough bad so I can easily recognise good these days), and that's that. So yeah.

Anyways, I think this will be a cool thread for life events and reflection or future plans. Ive never been to Michigan, I could listen to Norm spin tales about his college days in here. Hearing Crewe's stories from Texas and his many adventures. I enjoy Tider's stories about his family and I enjoy hearing his perspective from his Alabama roots. So hopefully we can all share here and, maybe one day no one will come to this place but all our tales will be here. 
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2018, 08:25:03 PM
first off, congrats dude! Im sure it will be perfect for the both of you.

I love American History as well with a special fixation on post civil war south, or as we knew it as kids, cowboys and Indians.  8)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 14, 2018, 09:26:06 PM
See, I've had this odd fixation on, essentially, the 20s, 40s, 50s and 70s. And not so much the wars and what not, just, the lives of the general public. Watching Twilight Zone and just seeing the set designs and the ways people are portrayed (before weird stuff happens) or the few happy episodes that tend to focus on suburbia, it's just fascinating to me.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2018, 09:31:49 PM
well, thats all part of it, I mean no matter the era, people are people. its really interesting to see society progress whether it be via mores ala prohibition or via industry and everything in between. In short, I agree with you
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 14, 2018, 11:43:23 PM
First things first: congratulations to you and the fiance!

I'm really looking forward to seeing where this thread goes. :)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on May 15, 2018, 01:17:56 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 14, 2018, 11:43:23 PM
First things first: congratulations to you and the fiance!

I'm really looking forward to seeing where this thread goes. :)

Congrats Buc!!!!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 15, 2018, 11:52:38 AM
You know, growing up in the 90s feels completely different. I saw once on Twitter or somewhere, and obviously the science behind this can be debated, but that kids from my generation became so used to technological progress, we went from cassettes, to CDs, to MP3s to streaming. We went from MSDOS to Windows and the internet and eventually smart phones and tablets, all within about 20 years, so that we've always been stuck in this state of transition between resources. VHS to DVD to blu-ray to streaming too. Obviously, the video games too have progressed incredibly in just 20 years, which, while the jump from PS3 to PS4 was actually noticeable, it wasn't as big a jump as previous console iterations (and why game companies are looking to VR to save them).

So it's always funny to me to look back at times because they were there, but so shortly. Whereas someone like my dad, who can certainly appreciate the transition, actually got to spend considerable time in the "before" (and, presumably, will for the "after" too), I'm going to spend more of my life with this technology (and who knows what else) than I did without. And, really, the internet is still in its infancy and who knows if anyone truly knows what it IS yet.

I saw an article the other day, I think it was from nymag.com, but they were talking about how they "don't know how to be bored on the internet" anymore. Way back in the early days of the internet, it was the wild west and you didn't need much to impress. There were distractions EVERYWHERE. Newgrounds, Homestarrunner, Maddox, Ebaumsworld, Cracked, SomethingAwful. There were writers just writing whatever the hell they wanted (again, Cracked and Maddox), there were awfully designed websites with terrible layouts and poorly colored text against a poorly colored background. Everyone wanted to use this new thing and see how much fun they could have with it.

And then there was a shift, and suddenly Snapchat and MySpace and Facebook and, really, social media started developing and the internet just became about ourselves. It became about our own ideologies. We didn't care about having fun or being entertained, now we just wanted to find like minds who believed in what we believed, wrong or right (Reddit, 4chan, even Facebook). The internet suddenly became "the cult of me."

It's really sad. It's one of the reasons I'm glad I found my way back here and connected with you guys. Blindsideblitz really is a throwback. It's not about one thing, although the elements certainly all tie in together. Really, though, if BSB had a facebook page and a twitter account and grossly promoted itself, we'd have an influx of characters that would inevitably end up unruly. And, I'm not saying back in the day the internet wasn't without it's assholes (Hey guys, remember Madden Planet and crazed Andy from Madden World, I believe it was? I do), but everyone's so wrapped up in their bubbles these days that any information that threatens to burst it immediately sends them into a frenzy.

To a certain extent, I get it. We live in really, really strange times. Social media became a weapon, evidently, and it's done it's work well. I left Facebook this year after the Cambridge Analytica nonsense and I don't regret it one bit. It became such a hive for negativity and I just don't need that in my life right now (or ever). And yeah, I had my friends list very curated and even some of those friends I had set to not show their posts in my news feed, it was still lurking in the comments of every article. Everyone knows you can't go to the comments on ESPN articles (and, granted, that may have also been a before social media thing, but it's certainly gotten worse). The loudest voices, no matter how large or small, have always been the loudest, and the hatred and vitriol that regularly flows on the internet has certainly grown louder and louder.

We've seen (and confirmed) movements like GamerGate being used and recruited from for various white nationalist movements. Obviously, beyond just the internet, we've seen (and confirmed) electronic interference in our elections, so bad that some states are actively considering going back to paper ballots, which would suck but be worth it as opposed to the alternative, obviously.

We've seen a search engine become part of the global economy and absolutely redefine what can be done with technology. We've seen a glorified shopping website grow into one of the largest, most profitable business today that now includes streaming services, grocery stores and book stores somehow. We've also seen that same website killing off the old guard of the retail industry (not a Toys R Us reference though, they were killed by something else).

I'm 30 (well, 31 in 14 days OH MY GOD IT'S ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY), but I always tell people I'm a classic and am more like 60. I enjoy 1920s music, scotch, and peace and quiet, haha. While I certainly acknowledge I may be too focused on the negative (Twitter doesn't help), I can't help but wonder, be it out of nostalgia or something else, if maybe, in the long run, we actually were better off without the internet.

Then again, I wouldn't have met all of you guys and had, essentially, a place to go during high school where I knew I could escape for a while with a group of people, whether we were playing Mafia games, TUFF or just shooting the breeze. So, I don't know.

Like I said at the top, in this (hopefully) middle age I now find myself in (GUYS I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL WHEN I JOINED THIS SITE I WAS A TEENAGER), I've been doing a lot of reckoning with my past and present, as well as considering mine and my son's future. Every parent worries for their child and I'm no different, I know that, but like all parents I worry about the world that's being left to him, but I consider the world that I grew up in that was left to me. I'm trying to reconcile the dark of this world with the light, and I have so many questions about this life that I know will never be answered (sorry guys, not religious). So, I talk. And I think. And I post here, I suppose.



............This one, while there was a theme, was certainly more general. I do intend to do some "where were you when" type things (this was almost about Columbine before I decided to go in a different direction), but again, this is a place just to reflect and consider and record our history. I hope to see you guys in here too, but I'll be a fairly regular presence here too.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 17, 2018, 06:37:16 PM
We were better off without the internet, but we weren't.
But I don't think you can just apply it to the internet without technology as a whole when comparing times. This is my subjective post, so Ill try to elaborate.
I absolutely miss just talking to people. I miss not being watched or tracked every instance of every single day of my life.
I miss newspapers and magazines.
Do you realize we used to just sit at the red lights? How 1800's does that sound? It seems so odd now, but walking down the street, your head was up, people were sociable, more inviting. Now Im not trying to make it sound like a utopia of camaraderie, but it was certainly much more friendly than now.
I remember the first mobile phone I saw in the early 80's on the golf course with my dad. It blew my mind, how was that even possible?
Then I had one and at first it was cool, but then, people could contact you wherever you were and we were soon engulfed.
1984 was a reality.
So much vile hatred everywhere now, so much negativity. What spawned it? The internet. Social media as you touched on. Ive been off Facebook for years now. I remember making a post to my "hundreds" of friends, message me your number or email if you want me to have it because Im done tomorrow, or whenever it was and I received exactly 0 contacts. Not that I cared I knew they were all full of shit anyway. Its social status, like the Black Mirror episode and its no fun, to me anyway.
It is very much a hive minded society and extremely divisive and its only going to get worse IMO. Honestly, Im glad I won't be around for a hell of a lot of it in the future because I see a severe lack of humanity now, I can only imagine what it will be like down the road. Negative view? Maybe. But there's more than a shred of reality there too.

That said, now, I have a wealth of information at my fingertips. I used to have to dig out a dictionary to ensure my spelling was correct, but not now. And btw, spelling really pisses me off, especially now. I know the millennials hate grammar Nazi's, but I was taught spelling reflects who you are and with it so easily correctable there's really no reason for errors and I hate it. Now Im not talking about Youtube comments but professional communication, even casual to an extent, but I digress.
The gizmos and gadgets we have are amazing and will only get better. It reaches into every part of our lives, which can be good. I don't know that it balances out the bad on the whole, for me, but I enjoy what we have and look forward to more.
We have communities like this one and to add on buc, Im sure Im not alone when I say I have friends Ive kept through several Madden leagues, through some online gameplay etc...
Ive flown out to meet internet friends just for the hell of it, and hope to do it again. Its amazing when I think I have friends Ive known for 15 years that I met playing a stupid video football game. Thats the cool stuff right there.

When I was growing up, we yearned to learn about the past generations, now? Not really. So Im glad when I run across younger folk who know about something as trivial as Pink Floyd, or about Animal House, who the allies were in WWI or even what D.C. stands for in Washington D.C., and that isnt a baseless reference FYI.

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 17, 2018, 07:31:50 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 17, 2018, 06:37:16 PM
When I was growing up, we yearned to learn about the past generations, now?

I may have to admit, part of the reason I started this was to try to get stories from you and others here who have, uh, preceded me in existence on this Earth, heh.

Ive heard my father's stories, but obviously those are specific to an Italian kid growing up on Long Island. I feel confident the experiences and anecdotes and upbringing of our members here probably are not 100% the same, and diverge more the further we get in your timeline.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 17, 2018, 07:37:45 PM
To your point about language, I will say, mistakes are certainly annoying and easily avoidable in a professional setting, that's absolutely correct, but even "internet speak," as much as I would advise not using it in your resume, is it's own language. Language is ever evolving, even if that language consists of emojis and acronyms, it's still a method of communicating that most of us whove spent time on the internet understand, no matter how childish it may look. Obviously, all of us here are very adept at putting our thoughts into actual words, but I dont think those who choose not to when on the web should be looked down upon (not that I think that's what you're doing).

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 18, 2018, 12:03:48 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on May 17, 2018, 07:31:50 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 17, 2018, 06:37:16 PM
When I was growing up, we yearned to learn about the past generations, now?

I may have to admit, part of the reason I started this was to try to get stories from you and others here who have, uh, preceded me in existence on this Earth, heh.

Ive heard my father's stories, but obviously those are specific to an Italian kid growing up on Long Island. I feel confident the experiences and anecdotes and upbringing of our members here probably are not 100% the same, and diverge more the further we get in your timeline.

And see, that's what I like, talking to people. Having conversations that won't devolve into hatred based on ones political stance or favorite football team. Everything is just so shallow.
I realize I'm coming off as a get off my lawn type fella lol

I agree on the evolving language and I'm ok with that. Email is central to our lives, business and casual, and I'm not suggesting I get grumpy over typos. We can distinguish between those and spelling errors and poor grammar.
Example; I performed a job for this nationwide agency and I asked what formats they prefer for their videos.  I received a form, one they deliver to every vendor in the country, and it reads "we except these formats...."
:o
Again, this is just me and I realize it sounds like I'm not that forgiving, but it just makes me sad for society.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 18, 2018, 04:59:29 PM
Growing up in the 80s, all we ever had were fire drills and severe weather drills in schools. Gotta imagine it was the same for most of you here too. Although one time my freshman year in HS someone called in a bomb threat in the middle of January so that kind of sucked because it was cold but most of us still laughed about it because it was most likely a prank...or someone trying to get out of an exam for a little bit. Overall though, the fire and severe weather drills were the norm for us because hey, you never know.

A few good friends of mine are HS teachers now, and a couple of weeks ago one of them looked a little shaken up. Asked her what was wrong, and she said they had gone through their ALICE training that day. Took me a few seconds to realize that it was active shooter training, and then I was a little shook about it too because this is the normal for kids and our friends now. Now I'm just angry that this is the fucking normal we have to put up with now because hey, you never know.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 18, 2018, 11:21:04 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 18, 2018, 04:59:29 PM
Growing up in the 80s, all we ever had were fire drills and severe weather drills in schools. Gotta imagine it was the same for most of you here too. Although one time my freshman year in HS someone called in a bomb threat in the middle of January so that kind of sucked because it was cold but most of us still laughed about it because it was most likely a prank...or someone trying to get out of an exam for a little bit. Overall though, the fire and severe weather drills were the norm for us because hey, you never know.

A few good friends of mine are HS teachers now, and a couple of weeks ago one of them looked a little shaken up. Asked her what was wrong, and she said they had gone through their ALICE training that day. Took me a few seconds to realize that it was active shooter training, and then I was a little shook about it too because this is the normal for kids and our friends now. Now I'm just angry that this is the fucking normal we have to put up with now because hey, you never know.

I know what you mean. Our drills were a pain in the butt because it wasn't likely to occur. But active shooter training? Man, that's a life skill cops or military should receive, not high school kids.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 19, 2018, 02:57:11 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 18, 2018, 04:59:29 PM
Growing up in the 80s, all we ever had were fire drills and severe weather drills in schools. Gotta imagine it was the same for most of you here too. Although one time my freshman year in HS someone called in a bomb threat in the middle of January so that kind of sucked because it was cold but most of us still laughed about it because it was most likely a prank...or someone trying to get out of an exam for a little bit. Overall though, the fire and severe weather drills were the norm for us because hey, you never know.

A few good friends of mine are HS teachers now, and a couple of weeks ago one of them looked a little shaken up. Asked her what was wrong, and she said they had gone through their ALICE training that day. Took me a few seconds to realize that it was active shooter training, and then I was a little shook about it too because this is the normal for kids and our friends now. Now I'm just angry that this is the fucking normal we have to put up with now because hey, you never know.

I don't want to get too overly political or lose the point of this thread, but I will add to this, that apparently 2018 so far has had more children murdered by guns in schools than it has service members killed in combat or non-combat related deaths this year.

And don't get me wrong, I'd much rather both those #s be at 0, but for a fact the students should not be outnumbering the service members (hell, the students shouldn't even have one, let alone as many as they do).

https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/politics/wp/2018/05/18/2018-has-been-deadlier-for-schoolchildren-than-service-members/?noredirect=on&__twitter_impression=true
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: cflnut on May 19, 2018, 04:49:45 PM
Congrats Buc on your engagement.

This kind of topic has always interesting especially when it's told from a individual's point of view. As being the non-american here I my be to give a different point of view as to how America was seen during the pre-internet years.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 19, 2018, 05:13:48 PM
Quote from: cflnut on May 19, 2018, 04:49:45 PM
Congrats Buc on your engagement.

This kind of topic has always interesting especially when it's told from a individual's point of view. As being the non-american here I my be to give a different point of view as to how America was seen during the pre-internet years.

That sounds absolutely fascinating. Please do! I'd also love to hear about life in general up north as well!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: cflnut on May 20, 2018, 04:04:56 PM
Overall I would say that Canada and the United States are pretty similar. Both countries have developed at the same rate and, for the most part, we both share the same advantages. Albeit Canada does pay a higher cost for some of those. Life in the two countries is still, overall, the same.

To get a better understanding I'll do a bit of a comparison between different areas of each country. This will just be a generalization comparison of how the people of each province can be viewed if it were from the U.S.A. And yes I am stereotyping here, but I do not mean any offence by it, I'm just trying to give an overall perspective.

Also before I get started here let me just state that Canada, as a whole, has no distinct culture of its own. I'll expand on this later.

Starting on the west coast there is British Columbia, which would be more related to Washington or California with possibly a little bit of Oregon thrown in. Because the city of Vancouver is use as kind of an "Every Town" by a lot of Hollywood productions. People from here tend to have a "Holier than Thou" attitude. Partially because they might have once served some celebrity a triple cream chocolate latte at a Starbucks once, and now think they are best friends because they got a selfie with them.

Next comes Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Also known collectively as the Prairies. Alberta and Saskatchewan are more the "cowboy" provinces. So more or less they would be similar to Montana, Texas, & Oklahoma. Saskatchewan has also been compared to Green Bay, or at least as far as their football teams go. These two provinces are also the most opposed to most types of change. An example of this is the reluctance to admit that climate change is happening.

Moving on we have Manitoba, and the easiest way to describe it is to think of the one state that everyone forgot about in geography class and that's pretty much it. Another way of looking at it is, the one place that, unless you're from there, nobody ever wants to live, or even go there.

Ontario can be broken up in three different ways, based on the three major cities there. First off Hamilton, also known as Steeltown. This is the grab your lunch pail and go, working class type city. Easiest comparison would be Michigan, or Detroit to be more specific. Next there is Toronto, the business capital of Canada. More or less New York. There are a lot of people from here who believe that Toronto should be part of the U.S. and not part of Canada at all. Finally there's Ottawa, the political capital of Canada, or in comparison Washington D.C. and I'll leave it at that cause I think it's self-explanatory.

Then there's Quebec, and the reason why Canada has two official languages. French is the primary language here and if they remember they'll speak English. Just think of the one state that the rest of the country doesn't want around, and is constantly bitching if they don't get their way, and you've got Quebec.

The four Maritimes provinces are next. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island are easily comparable to Maine or New Hampshire. Also part of the Maritimes is Newfoundland. With this one it's hard to compare with anyplace within the U.S. as they are more akin to Ireland than anywhere else. They also have their own language there, so unless you're from there you might not understand them.

Finally there are three territories in Canada. Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. For the most part the rest of Canada tends to forget about them. The closest comparison I would say is Alaska. You know that their there but you don't really care.

I hope this helps as to giving a generalized idea of what different parts of Canada are like. As for myself I can only speak to what life in Alberta is like as I have lived my whole life here. I have traveled and met people from different parts of the country but can't truly speak as to what life may be like outside of Alberta. All I can offer is this "stereotype" comparison.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 20, 2018, 04:24:23 PM
Oh man, that's good to know about BC. I keep planning to go to Vancouver to see a hockey game but totally forgot to this season. Ah, maybe next year. I'll also have to keep an eye out to see when a movie is being filmed. That'd be cool to go and see too.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 20, 2018, 07:00:33 PM
Id love to go to Vancouver to see a hockey game.
When I was growing up, you'd always here if X happens Im going to Canada or if Y is elected Im moving to Canada.
I always thought, what's wrong with that, why is it considered a bad thing? Always seemed close to America to me, not only literally lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: thaima1shu on May 21, 2018, 04:45:05 PM
Vancouver is great to visit for the food. Specifically, they have some of the best Chinese food on the entire west coast. Richmond in particular.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 23, 2018, 10:24:56 PM
I would have had my house paid for in 12 years.
I say would have because today I signed a contract selling it off.
Financially, this was not a wise decision, but the thing is, I wanted a new start and am not really happy here.
So since I have to work till I drop dead no matter what, I might as well find a place I like just a little better.
I cant afford anything much better which makes it an even more questionable move but the hell with it.
If it turns out to be a bad decision, it will just be another in a lifetime of bad decisions. if not, it will begin a streak of good decisions.
I have till the 15th to find another place to live. This should be interesting.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 23, 2018, 11:39:03 PM
I moved across the country about 2 weeks after flying out to get an apartment. Do what you gotta do, Crewe.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 29, 2018, 08:38:08 PM
yea, its done.
the buyer will lease my house back to me for the rest of June, hoping I can find something and close by then, but if not, Ill just rent somewhere although moving twice will suck.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 21, 2018, 01:05:32 PM
This is going to be some off-the-rails thinking, but I DO wonder:

What's the effect of the "save game" option in video games these days on kids? Let me explain a little.

I was playing Super Punch Out on the SNES the other day and I am AWFUL. I am SO BAD at this game. And, there's not even really a difficulty setting, I don't think, it just ramps up with each fighter.

So, I'm thinking how did I do this as a kid? And, of course, the answer is practice. On all those NES games, most Sega games, I think, if not all, and a decent amount of SNES games, you either had to just become so good at the game that you can beat it in one setting or that was that. Yes, eventually we got password saves (remember that? Jesus, Phantom 2049 on SNES had like, 30 character passwords. It was the worst. Even Madden on the Game Boy had a password save system for playing a season).

Anyways.

So, with games these days having the option for far lower difficulty levels and for allowing you to save wherever and whenever you want (in a vast majority of games. Uncharted and Bioshock: Infinite are two more recent games that used a checkpoint save system, but Uncharted is VERY generous about where it saves and I think Bioshock was too, although, admittedly, I did not play much of the third game).

It may seem silly, but if you got a game as a kid (whether you bought it with allowance money or maybe your parents bought it for you), you felt a commitment to that game. So, you put in the time, you put in the work, and you got to the end. Sometimes, you didn't beat the game. I made it to the final level of Darkwing Duck on the NES ONCE, ever, and I lost.

That was a badge of honor though back then! It wasn't about "did you beat this game," it was as simple as either "how far did you get" or "what was your final score," if it was a game with scores (think Donkey Kong or Pac-Man).

Am I just an old man yelling at clouds, or is there a possibility that, psychologically, the proliferation of the save state across video games has led to a more gratification-oriented experience vs genuine gameplay? (except for those who seek it out, obviously. Looking at you, Dark Souls players).

Thoughts? Elaborations? Objections?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 21, 2018, 01:41:35 PM
First off, I love the fact you call em kids and refer to yourself as an old man lol

But yes, I agree with you in the satisfaction aspect of completing a game, or not, as the case may be. There were many a game where I just said fuck it, and quit playing because I couldn't beat it. Id trade it with friends who would give me games they completed and the like.
However, I also agree with the game save feature as it would be treacherous to start some of these games over from the beginning.
I even found myself bitching once because I had a hard time completing a portion of a leg and died then was taken back to the beginning of the segment. "I have to do this again, really?"
Until now, I haven't given it much thought. I don't really think it ties in with the "everybody gets a trophy" culture I despise but its an interesting conversation.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 21, 2018, 09:03:41 PM
Quote from: Crewe on June 21, 2018, 01:41:35 PM
First off, I love the fact you call em kids and refer to yourself as an old man lol

This is usually where people say "I'm an old soul," but I hate that phrase.

I just feel older and more traditional than my 31 years of age.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 21, 2018, 11:49:01 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on June 21, 2018, 09:03:41 PM
Quote from: Crewe on June 21, 2018, 01:41:35 PM
First off, I love the fact you call em kids and refer to yourself as an old man lol

This is usually where people say "I'm an old soul," but I hate that phrase.

I just feel older and more traditional than my 31 years of age.

nothing wrong with that at all. I was just picking at the fact a young man was calling others kids, its what us older fellas giggle about lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on June 22, 2018, 12:47:22 AM
Like Crewe, I think it's an interesting point that I haven't really given much thought to. Ultimately to me save points are convenient (I wish Top Gun for the NES had it because I've only beaten the game ONCE in the decades I've owned that game), and as far as games go I think it's more about the individual user.

Like you mentioned, Buc, when you buy a game you feel a commitment to that game (then AND now, IMO). But my addition to that is once someone purchases that game it's their individual choice to decide how they want to play it, because ultimately it's their game and they should play in whatever way brings them the most satisfaction. For every one person that plays a game on easy just to get through the story, there's another person that will run that game on ultra super badass mode because they can't have it any other way. Cool either way.

Definitely an interesting talking point, though, and it does crack me up a little bit that we look at all the conveniences that "the kids" have now...because I know damn well our parents/teachers were saying the same thing about us when we were younger too. My parents used to joke that they had kids so they had someone to stand by the tv to change the channel, now you kids just have your damn remotes.  ;)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 22, 2018, 01:07:37 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on June 22, 2018, 12:47:22 AM
Like Crewe, I think it's an interesting point that I haven't really given much thought to. Ultimately to me save points are convenient (I wish Top Gun for the NES had it because I've only beaten the game ONCE in the decades I've owned that game), and as far as games go I think it's more about the individual user.

Like you mentioned, Buc, when you buy a game you feel a commitment to that game (then AND now, IMO). But my addition to that is once someone purchases that game it's their individual choice to decide how they want to play it, because ultimately it's their game and they should play in whatever way brings them the most satisfaction. For every one person that plays a game on easy just to get through the story, there's another person that will run that game on ultra super badass mode because they can't have it any other way. Cool either way.

Definitely an interesting talking point, though, and it does crack me up a little bit that we look at all the conveniences that "the kids" have now...because I know damn well our parents/teachers were saying the same thing about us when we were younger too. My parents used to joke that they had kids so they had someone to stand by the tv to change the channel, now you kids just have your damn remotes.  ;)

This cracks me up because it's true. When I was a kid, I had to get up, walk over and change the channels. It's like it was another lifetime. No pizza delivery, no cable, having to stand in the kitchen to talk on the phone, cash was king, everywhere!
And norm, it is interesting with the parents. Even just a few years ago, I'd talk to my mom about when she was a kid and what her mom bitched at her about lol
Man, talk to anyone who grew up in the depression, you'll appreciate everything, immediately, or at least you should. My mom would tell me tales about going to the outhouse at night and having to hit the seat to clear away any spiders. Things are pretty good here, comparatively. 😎
Not sure where I was headed but I'll stop here 😬
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 07, 2018, 01:06:36 AM
So, 2017 was the worst year I have had in some 15 years or more probably and I was looking forward to getting it behind me.
Dealing with my mom's estate, a breakup, business falling off, friends not being friends, shitty house and even my bowling suffered as well lol Nothing was going my way.
I had high hopes for 18 though.
Over the breakup, estate handled, ditched my shitty house, bought another one more me, and although moving sucks canal water as we all know, I was eager to get beyond these first few weeks and months to getting settled in and also diving in to my new hobbies.
But it wasn't meant for happiness to settle on me for long.
Last night I discovered a friend that worked at my bowling alley passed away suddenly the day before. Always in a good mood, always interested in how things were with me, shared interest in music, and now he's gone.
Its me so you know it gets worse...
My wonderfully happy lovable 8 year old dog was diagnosed with cancer today. Well, most likely cancer they said. Ill have to have more tests to be sure, which I will do because he's worth at least that much.
But I am beyond devastated. Worst part is, Im convinced he's knows somethings up because of my reactions and behavior all the sudden.
Seriously, fuck 2018 and fuck my life, I absolutely hate it, again.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 07, 2018, 10:12:28 AM
So, first off, MIGHT want to take a break from Six Feet Under because you may be a little too close to the material right now (or maybe watching it will be cathartic, you're on the final season after all. I dunno).

Death has always been a weird thing to me. I'm terrified of it, yet my fiance almost seems to welcome it (she's not like, skydiving or doing anything risky to bring it forth, it just simply doesn't bother her). I guess it really depends on your perspective. Whether you believe in a better place or just eternal rest, some people find comfort in it. I couldn't say what your friend believed, but maybe, were he able to perceive what has occurred, he wouldn't be bothered or saddened but looked upon it in some positive light.

I lost my grandmother last year suddenly. She was 93, so, I can't exactly say it wasn't her time, but she'd been in perfect health until she just suddenly had a stroke. It even looked like she was recovering fine, but just a few weeks later she was back in the hospital and it was over.

I got you on the dog thing too. I never had a pet growing up, and I never really wanted one. Especially after having a kid, I just didn't see a need for another living thing in my home that I have to feed and clean up after. But, my fiance had a cat when we started dating and we even adopted another, and now sometimes I catch myself ruminating on that inevitable day, because I know we'll both be utter wrecks. I feel like I'm trying to prepare myself, but I guess when you love something and have that close of a bond, you interact daily and you've cared for and nurtured this living being like a child, there's no way to really prepare yourself.

Is it possible that after more tests, it won't be cancer and something they can cure? Or, even if it is cancer, is there any possibility they detected it early enough to cut it out?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 07, 2018, 02:35:37 PM
Six Feet is just a well thought out presentation of mental stability and happiness in my mind, more about life, so that doesn't bother me.
I didn't know him well enough to know how he thought about such things, hell, I don't even know how I feel about it. Some days I don't care what happens, other days I might. My personal problem is finding something Im passionate about which I have no flipping clue what that is or where it is or how to find it.
As for my dog, Ill have a biopsy done and then Ill be given options. However, when he was coughing up blood, I knew that wasn't good. The growth is in his lung and it bothers him, I can tell because he is frequently trying to scratch that area and then he realizes its internal. Going off in the other room by himself, his walks are down to 1/3 of a mile because he's so tired. Normally we hit 1.25 to 1.5 miles, so yea, it doesn't look good.
Then again, what do I know. Ill just wait and see what next week brings. Whatever it is, its apparently going to be shitty for another long while
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 07, 2018, 02:41:59 PM
Well, I think you mentioned playing guitar in another thread. Do you paint? Write? Love hopscotch? Whatever it is that you could invest yourself in and bring yourself joy.

Howard Stern talks a lot about how his life changed since entering therapy, and one of the biggest things is apparently he liked painting and wanted to do that more, and that's one of the things he does in his off time now. He doesn't share it with anyone (I'm sure his wife, but that's it) because it's solely for him. It's something he enjoys, relieves his stress, and makes him happier than sadder.

I don't mean to oversimplify if it's coming across like I am, but I'd say there's likely something you've wanted to do or enjoy doing that you could either start doing or do more for your enjoyment.

I don't think it's particularly healthy myself, but when I'm stressed out I play videogames. The nice thing about playing on the PS4 is I'm so focused on what's happening on the screen and coordinating my hands and eyes together, that I don't have time to think about the world crashing down around me. It's one of the reasons I prefer playing something like MLB (no matter how infuriating, although less so with the lower difficulty) vs just watching TV, because inevitably I'll find myself fiddling on my phone while watching TV which eventually leads me to the hellhole of Twitter and a reminder that everything is horrible.

I feel like learning to play an instrument is a similar thing that requires 100% focus. Heck, even just reading, if that's your thing. Yeah, inevitably I'll read about 20 pages and then take a peek at my phone, but if the book's good usually it's just a quick perusal of whatever new article's been posted on Gawker (really, io9, Deadspin and/or Kotaku) or here and I avoid Twitter because I want to get back to the book, even as I make sure news from my interests doesn't pass me by.

I don't know, maybe this whole post is a whole lot of nothing. This is my attempt to support, I hope something in here may be helpful, and if not, maybe the effort can put a smile on your face. :)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 07, 2018, 03:12:24 PM
yea, planning on picking up guitar as soon as I get settled here, and also wanting to get my vinyl listening room going too.
So yea theres other things I want to do, but nothing fuels me.
For instance, my nephew plays music. thats all his existence revolves around. He will work to support that. he doesn't give a shit about material things, nice houses,c are, doesn't give a shit about friends who flaunt wealth, he wants to play with his band and put out music and thats all he's about because it drives him. he doesn't even want to be famous, he just wants to jam.
So, things like, me gettin back to bowling and really improving has been fun, taking it seriously, interested in yoga for health and mobility interested in guitar, Spanish, culinary, all that jazz but none of it lights me up.
Thats what Im missing.

And you aren't oversimplifying, I get it. I do the same thing with video games too, its a nice way to zone out doing something you like. Reading is a great hobby too although I have put it on the back burner as of late, but I agree with you and it is supportive, it helps and is appreciated.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on July 07, 2018, 10:19:51 PM
Damn, dude. That is an absolutely shitty combination of breaks, and I hope you find whatever it takes to cope. A dog's love is unconditional and loyal.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 09, 2018, 12:24:27 PM
thanks fellas
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 14, 2018, 01:01:50 PM
So, I don't want the Life thread to be incredibly depressing, yet, here we go.

So, the other day I found out my brother's getting divorced and it's completely his fault. To make a long story short and vaguely detailed, he met a girl through work who, he says, was going through a troubled time. She apparently was also always asking for money, which, red flag. Oh, and she was 21. Eventually it was her bday and apparently she was pouty about no one saying happy birthday or caring, so my brother took her out for one drink, which he says he has the receipt for to show it was really just one drink, and that was that. After that she got clingy and crazy and he had to end it. Now, this was 4 months ago, and now my brother's wife found out because some person contacted her and got her involved and now there's drama.

Except, apparently my brother told my mom, he did actually sleep with this girl. So, there's that.

Here's what I told him. My brother and I both have a history of not being the best at relationships. We aren't always thinking with the brain between our shoulders. And, sadly, this wouldn't be the first time he'd done this, in his life or even with his wife (I know it definitely happened when they were dating and I think there's been incidents since, although I'm not sure how concrete that is).

Anyways, what I told him, is back when I was in A-School at Pensacola, I had a buddy who was in the SERE program. However, he got sick, pneumonia or something, and was restricted to bed rest. One day he decided he felt well enough and wanted something other than galley food, so he left the base to get McDonalds, and he was found and because of that, he was kicked out of SERE school. It's an extremely stupid reason to get kicked out and a silly thing, but, as he put it, "He put himself in a position to be questioned."

And that's the thing. Regardless if my brother did something or not (which, granted, he clearly did), when you have the history we have, you don't have the luxury of putting yourself into a position to be questioned. This is how/why guys end up pulling the gaslighting move, and that obviously has seriously harmful, negative effects on the mental health of the partner.

The thing here, is, for me, I used to be that guy. I cheated on every girl EXCEPT my fiance. Seeing him go down like this, though, as he's only four years older than me, it's put me in a rut. You'd think that, with two great jobs (they're pulling in about 160K combined, whereas my fiance and I are maybe around the 90K. Plus, they're living in Greenville, SC, where cost of living and taxes and whatnot are SUPER low, whereas we're in pricey ass Bothell, WA, albeit by choice and I wouldn't have it any other way), two great kids, an amazing house and all that, but clearly he either A) wasn't satisfied or B) can't ignore his impulses.

So now here I am, worried about if I'm next. Now, the advantage I have is, I've been through therapy, and I know and acknowledge my flaws, both normal, everyday human flaws and the big mental defects (hello, Borderline Personality Disorder). Knowing your demons is important and I know my brother's denied his for quite some time. And I know why he did this. He can say he was trying to help someone out and be a nice guy and went in too deep or whatever, but I know what it's like, I've been there. Evidently we both are attracted to super bright, neon, screaming red flags, maybe because we know by now how to work in that area. Look, I'm not proud about the person I was or the things I did. At some point I realized so called "damaged goods" were easier to relate to and, if you will, "groom" to get to that point, and I'm sure he was doing the same thing. Plus, I remember the thrill of the chase. I remember the high you get when you're going through those motions, each subsequent victory, until you finally get in bed. It's a rush. It's a fucking rush, simply put. And sometimes that can be hard to put away.

It makes me worry that I'll slip back. The last thing I ever want to do is anything to hurt my fiance, because this has really been the greatest relationship ever and I really, truly love her. Every other relationship I've had, there's always been multiple breakups. She's the first girl I never broke up with, not even once. We just work so well together. I don't feel bored. I don't feel unsatisfied. But I don't want those base impulses to drive me again.

Maybe I'm worrying about nothing because, unlike my brother who only, finally, just now claims to realize he needs help, I already recognize these things. Maybe, if nothing else, going into the Navy and getting diagnosed with BPD, and making SO may mistakes but making them early in my life, I've really been granted a true second chance and opportunity to do the right things, whereas he, who has never suffered the consequences I have, ended up making his mistakes later in life because of it.

It's a weird way to live, never truly trusting yourself. It's important to keep your guard up, but my goodness it is exhausting. Funny thing is, I'll see girls, when I'm at a ballgame or driving home and they're just walking down the sidewalk, and they're good looking or "my type," and I go "Ah, she's nice" and then my brain will immediately move on (the whole "You can look at the menu but you can't touch the food" type of nonsense). Back in the day, when I was at my worst, my brain didn't move on. It was like "I wonder what she's like, what she's into, what she's like in bed," etc etc. I don't have that anymore. Maybe I'm alright. Maybe I'm past it all and those days are behind me. But then I see him and it's a reminder that I can never stop being vigilant against myself, because my BPD and my self destructive nature are my biggest enemy and always have been. The second I slouch off, I may end up like him. I don't want that anymore. The grass isn't greener on the other side for me, it's dark and bleak and it ends in horror. I just don't ever want to forget that, not now, not 10 years from now, not 20.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 14, 2018, 10:30:25 PM
Being aware of your shortcomings and faults is one thing; addressing them is another, and you've done both. Thats not a guarantee, but its as good as you can get.
Like you, ive don the same, and know that you have a head start because you figured this shit out in life before I did, and its not just about relationships either as you obviously know.

On to the ladies...ive got a cousin who trashed every single relationship he's been in and sparing the deets, the only reason he's been in this one so long is because his wife is truly into him, and he sincerely loves her, but he just, cheats. I don't get it, Ill never get it, and thats not a knock on anyone, its just foreign to me. When Im single, as now, Im like you were, looking and imagining everything. When Im with someone, that habit wanes for me and I can't explain it. Point is, we ar all wired differently and I think, for what its worth, as long as we understand and address our traits, good bad or indifferent, I think we have a much better chance at happiness.

Not for nothin dude, I honestly think you'll be fine. If for no other reason, you are keenly aware of your world and what you want to be and if you are inherently happy, which you appear to be, I think your instincts will guide you where you want to go.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on July 15, 2018, 12:04:27 AM
Quote from: Crewe on July 14, 2018, 10:30:25 PM
Being aware of your shortcomings and faults is one thing; addressing them is another, and you've done both. Thats not a guarantee, but its as good as you can get.
Like you, ive don the same, and know that you have a head start because you figured this shit out in life before I did, and its not just about relationships either as you obviously know.

On to the ladies...ive got a cousin who trashed every single relationship he's been in and sparing the deets, the only reason he's been in this one so long is because his wife is truly into him, and he sincerely loves her, but he just, cheats. I don't get it, Ill never get it, and thats not a knock on anyone, its just foreign to me. When Im single, as now, Im like you were, looking and imagining everything. When Im with someone, that habit wanes for me and I can't explain it. Point is, we ar all wired differently and I think, for what its worth, as long as we understand and address our traits, good bad or indifferent, I think we have a much better chance at happiness.

Not for nothin dude, I honestly think you'll be fine. If for no other reason, you are keenly aware of your world and what you want to be and if you are inherently happy, which you appear to be, I think your instincts will guide you where you want to go.

Basically all of this. You being aware of your faults/shortcomings and addressing them? That shit's huge. Not many people can do that. Also sounds like you've seriously met your soulmate. Seems like you two communicate often and are completely open. That's awesome, and underrated. Can't work through life's little speedbumps together if the communication isn't always there, y'know?

We've all fallen in and out of love a few times, I'm sure. I'm similar in the sense that once I'm with somebody, that urge to 'look at the menu but not order' tends to wane a little bit. But it also helped serve as a bit of a warning sign for me, too. Because there've been times when I would look or start making connections, and once that happened it helped me realize that hey, maybe the person I'm with right now isn't the one I should be with. That allowed me to take a deep dive into what was starting to lead me astray. It gave me the chance to see what could be fixed between us, see what I or she was doing wrong, and then decide whether it was worth fixing or not. Sometimes it was, most times it wasn't and we moved on.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 15, 2018, 05:12:24 PM
I appreciate the responses fellas. Sometimes it's hard to decipher the truth or excuses, so I can't quite tell if I'm on the right track or not, so that definitely helps.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 20, 2018, 02:08:03 PM
https://kotaku.com/we-cant-fix-the-internet-1828463761

Saw this today on Kotaku. A really good read, and it kind of relates to my second post in here about the early days of the internet, but extrapolates from there to see how it planted the seeds for where we are today.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on August 21, 2018, 12:13:12 AM
Im going to take this a different direction than the article probably intended, but in my spiraling mind, its relevant.
I see that as one part of a bigger problem, a contributory factor if you will.
Sure, the anonymity is another element of the vitriolic rage we see, but as a society, we have been whittled down to where we are because of lack of education and the demise of the modern family.
Add in the negatives the internet breeds and, well, you get today.
I truly believe society has disintegrated significantly in my lifetime, hell, just in the last 20-30 years. It didnt happen overnight of course. Before the internet these people you would call trolls today were around, its not a new thing, they just didnt have the avenue they do now.
People will always and forever seek a way to get over on others, regardless if its something as simple as the subject in the story posted above, or if it were more sinister, it was always present. The internet just breeds those opportunities.
I touched on education and family structure earlier and of course there's no way to quantify this supposition nor is it even logical to suggest we wouldn't be facing the same instances pointed out, but I believe that it all wouldn't have unraveled as badly as it has had our society been properly educated and the divorce rate would have stayed in the stratosphere lessening single parents and all that entails.
Now, do note that this is a vast generalization and not a knock on single parents per se but I don't think anyone could logically deny those two factors haven't also contributed to our lack of mores nowadays.
I realize I kinda turned that into my own thing, but I was building off of the idea the article presented.
Or maybe I just needed to rant? Who the hell knows...but I do know I need sleep, so, sayonara
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 14, 2018, 07:52:28 PM
So, Ive been wanting to go to Boston for decades now and just never did because of the same ole barriers. No money, no time, no one to go with, no....whatever.
A few weeks ago I decided, the hell with it, Im going, by myself if I have to. If I keep waiting until I "have the money, etc..." Ill never go, so, I booked it before I could change my mind. My cousin ended up going along so I didnt have to fly solo like a loser.

Turns out the day we arrived, the Astros were at Fenway, so lets start there. First things first, Altuve was safe.
Secondly, what a beautiful piece of history. As a fan of history and of baseball, this was an amazing experience.
There was a huge contingent of Astro fans there and while we had some around us, we were still immediately around Boston fans. Allow me to say everyone was gracious, was fun talking to them about the game, the stadium and everything else. I told them I understood the invasion because at just about any Astros game, we are overwhelmed with opponents fans.
I really wish I had time to have taken a tour because it was that damn cool.

We stayed On the border of Backbay/South End in an apartment rental. small but efficient and served my needs.
I did discover most everything I enjoy was on the North End, Beacon Hill area.

Didnt get all of the Freedom Trail done because of the weather, but did do the Duck Tour which was touristy but still kinda fun.
The Cheers bar was quite the experience as well. The original inspiration, the Bull & Finch Pub which is at the bottom of the famed steps, was fun as hell.
As soon as we arrived, two were leaving their bar stools and we swooped right in, just perfect. Things like that dont usually work out for me and we didnt give up until the shift was over lol
I noticed while down there they had some tags identifying other areas, such as bathrooms, store, but one said Set bar. After inquiring about that, I was told in 2010, the owner built a replica set to the Cheers bar just upstairs (which would be the street entrance of Melville's on the show) obviously on a smaller scale, so we hit that too and it was also quite fun. The bar was pretty doggone close too I must say. made great friends with the bartenders, staff and patrons. Even an Eagles fan if you can imagine. He did say they have calmed down now as a fanbase since they finally have a Championship too, and I can relate to that lol
Free drinks on occasion from our new friends and employees, plus an inclusion in the HOF for polishing off the Norm burger topped off the visits at this great bar.
Oh, theres also anther Cheers bar, but its a marketing ploy, nothing even remotely close to the show here, just a money grab. its just another bar.

Another big highlight was the JFK library. So much history, just so much to take in although you can do it in one visit.
The museum exhibits the era nicely, giving you a wonderful feel of the time, or nostalgia, if you lived back then. Replica of a White House hall is there although I cant recall which one right now, but filled with personal artifacts from JFK and the family. There are several films that run anywhere from 10-20 minutes that replay frequently throughout. There are also two small theaters that play short docs as well. A portion is dedicated to the space race and moon landing and it some wonderful displays here too.
Most certainly a must see for all Americans for sure.

Aside from that, we tagged the Bell in Hand bar which is the oldest bar in the country. There was a 9/11 memorial service in town after which the fire fighters, police and first responders all flooded the bars. I was honored to buy the first round for the first few I saw come in. It was a somber but uniting and friendly experience, not to mention the fact we stood in this historical pub.
Id never ridden a subway before so had to do that....what else...? Enjoyed some wonderful food in Little Italy, had to have some Clam Chowder which we did, and a Lobster Roll; check that, a $25 Lobster Roll, but hey, what the hell.
Witnessed some of the Freedom Trail and other little surprises tucked away in the city, all of which was just a ton of fun.
Side note, Boston has to be the horn honkinest city in this country. But, nice little friendly beeps, not angry get the hell out of the way honks.
Drivers are friendly there. In Houston, if we did what pedestrians and drivers did there, it'd raise our death toll four fold.
You can walk most anywhere, reaching most goodies within a mile or two sans JFK and the like.
Didnt make it over to Salem but that wasn't a big to do, did most everything I wanted but still plan on going back.
if you haven't been, you should go.



Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on September 15, 2018, 01:05:36 AM
That's pretty damn cool, man - followed along a little bit on the instagram pics you posted. Glad you had a fun time! Although there's nothing wrong with traveling alone, I love it - don't have to answer to anyone but me.  8)

Boston (and the East Coast in general) are places I definitely want to visit and check out.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 15, 2018, 11:43:21 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on September 15, 2018, 01:05:36 AM
That's pretty damn cool, man - followed along a little bit on the instagram pics you posted. Glad you had a fun time! Although there's nothing wrong with traveling alone, I love it - don't have to answer to anyone but me.  8)

Boston (and the East Coast in general) are places I definitely want to visit and check out.

True as well.
My immediate list is D.C., Nashville, Chicago and Boston again.
If you or anyone has other suggestions, let me know
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 15, 2018, 11:46:06 AM
Boston is cool, been once, need to go back. Fenway is a place of evil but it is spectacular.

I've been to DC multiple times, love DC. Chicago once, wasn't a fan (I got very confused by the roads. I do need to go back to go to a White Sox game though, knocked out Wrigley on the one trip) and Nashville I went to when the Jets played the Titans during Vince Young's first game. It was also really cool although I didn't get to see very much.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 15, 2018, 12:35:53 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on September 15, 2018, 11:46:06 AM
Boston is cool, been once, need to go back. Fenway is a place of evil but it is spectacular.

I've been to DC multiple times, love DC. Chicago once, wasn't a fan (I got very confused by the roads. I do need to go back to go to a White Sox game though, knocked out Wrigley on the one trip) and Nashville I went to when the Jets played the Titans during Vince Young's first game. It was also really cool although I didn't get to see very much.

I get mixed reviews on DC. Most say see the museums obviously but other than that, not much else. I sill want to go.
Chicago for me would be for Wrigley. Nashville is a cool little town Ive heard about from multiple folks.
Most of my vacations have been of the tropical variety out of country. I need to start focusing more on this country while Im still able.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 16, 2018, 01:00:11 AM
I'm the opposite. Been all up and down the east coast and some of middle America (NO, Chicago, Nashville), but I've only been out of the country twice (not including Canada) and one of those times it was in the Navy. I'd like to go to Cabo or Cozumel, Tokyo, New Zealand, Germany and Amstersam. Many many places. 
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on September 16, 2018, 10:53:31 AM
I went to Baltimore a few years ago on business and sat in the MASN headquarters which is in the Orioles ball park. Got to tour the stadium from the inside and it was pretty damn cool. A sort of funny story, when we went, the sales rep I was with had a Bama national title pin from the 2009 season. One of the ladies asked how dare he bring in a phillies pin into the O's ball park. He pointed out it was for Bama and they got a laugh over it, Ozzie Newsome happened to be there about something and they took us to meet him. It was pretty cool.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 16, 2018, 12:06:08 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on September 16, 2018, 01:00:11 AM
I'm the opposite. Been all up and down the east coast and some of middle America (NO, Chicago, Nashville), but I've only been out of the country twice (not including Canada) and one of those times it was in the Navy. I'd like to go to Cabo or Cozumel, Tokyo, New Zealand, Germany and Amstersam. Many many places.

Man, Cabo was my spot for years and years and years. Every time, we went for Sammy Hagar's Birthday Bash out there, thats a great time to go. Last year was the last hurrah in Cabo though, time for something else. If you go, its so easy to just stay at the resort, but if you do, you are missing out on the town. We would stay right on the marina or there was a little hotel, kinda like an old Spanish Mission right across the street from Sammy's Cantina where all the fans would stay. $40-50 a night, no tv in the room but who cares, clean and we only slept there, plus its right in the middle of everything.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 16, 2018, 12:06:57 PM
Quote from: rollntider on September 16, 2018, 10:53:31 AM
I went to Baltimore a few years ago on business and sat in the MASN headquarters which is in the Orioles ball park. Got to tour the stadium from the inside and it was pretty damn cool. A sort of funny story, when we went, the sales rep I was with had a Bama national title pin from the 2009 season. One of the ladies asked how dare he bring in a phillies pin into the O's ball park. He pointed out it was for Bama and they got a laugh over it, Ozzie Newsome happened to be there about something and they took us to meet him. It was pretty cool.

if I could do an MLB park tour, Camden would be up there, but just not much else to do in B-more that I know of really.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 16, 2018, 12:21:46 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 16, 2018, 12:06:08 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on September 16, 2018, 01:00:11 AM
I'm the opposite. Been all up and down the east coast and some of middle America (NO, Chicago, Nashville), but I've only been out of the country twice (not including Canada) and one of those times it was in the Navy. I'd like to go to Cabo or Cozumel, Tokyo, New Zealand, Germany and Amstersam. Many many places.

Man, Cabo was my spot for years and years and years. Every time, we went for Sammy Hagar's Birthday Bash out there, thats a great time to go. Last year was the last hurrah in Cabo though, time for something else. If you go, its so easy to just stay at the resort, but if you do, you are missing out on the town. We would stay right on the marina or there was a little hotel, kinda like an old Spanish Mission right across the street from Sammy's Cantina where all the fans would stay. $40-50 a night, no tv in the room but who cares, clean and we only slept there, plus its right in the middle of everything.

Yeah, it was you on here all these years that put Cabo in my head, haha.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 24, 2018, 12:58:07 PM
I may very possibly be speaking from ignorance here but, I wonder, in the past, pre-Internet days, if you had a group of friends you hung out with who were "bad news" or just had "bad ideas," there were plenty of ways to either remove yourself from them or even to be removed from them involuntarily. I don't mean anything excessive, it's just, if you lived in, say, South Carolina and you and your group of friends had a certain type of view, it was still more likely that you'd, say, move from either your town or your state to go to college, even if you went to college in your own town, any of those friends might leave for those same reasons, or, the simple fact is, eventually you age and transfer for a job or for a loved one. There's many things that could break you apart from those people, and put you in a place where, perhaps, you can rethink some of those ideals or beliefs, especially the toxic, hateful ones, and have a chance to mature and be wiser.

I wonder then if perhaps the internet is to blame for this sort of man-child behavior we see these days (haha, "if"). It'd be one thing if, pre-internet, I had a group of friends who thought like these Gamergaters, or the Last Jedi people who threaten and insult the people who worked on the movie (we're talking the extreme ones here). Again, we may grow apart, grow distant in time, it's possible to be removed from that toxic ideology and advance past it.

Now, whatever age you are when you get sucked in by that, you can stay a part of it forever. You can move around the country, go wherever you like, and if people in real life challenge those toxic thoughts or ideals, you can retreat to your "friends" on the internet who will lift you up for your toxic ideology. Now, I know, there's always been toxic, hateful people, that's why we have the KKK and other extremist groups in America even before the internet. This, though, what's been going on these days, doesn't really have a name. We call it "Gamergate" and "Comicsgate" and that kind of stuff, but it's just shitty, horrible people being shitty and horrible together and encouraging others to be shitty and horrible, at which point they will be praised. It seems like the internet would make it much harder for someone to WANT to break away from that, when they're getting that feeling of satisfaction and validation from these types of groups.

I don't know, maybe I'm just pissing in the wind again or maybe this is a real thing, but does that make sense to anyone else?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 24, 2018, 02:06:21 PM
I agree with you, sort of, I think.
Pre internet, you had to be prepared to be called out for your bullshit. And it wasn't as if people were walking around afraid to speak their mind, but society was aware there could be consequences if you go off the rails, because interaction was more localized and face to face.
The internet bred anonymity which allowed people to vent their deeper corrosive beliefs they would not necessarily air in public, or, i.e., pre internet.
Now this is more on an individual level, sans something like the KKK you referenced. However, the internet allowed folks to generate their own like minded societies, or forums, if you will. And to my way of thinking, that's an element contributing to the decay of society.
It's where hate groups, et al can have a voice and be counted where they may not have pre internet.

As for getting away from undesirables, I guess I don't understand, because now, or pre internet, you have the choice about who you choose to hang around with most times.

Did I come close to anything you were referencing? lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 24, 2018, 02:54:45 PM
More the involuntary aspect of getting away from undesirables. Like, before, if I was a kid who hung around people like that, and then I went off to college or something in another city, state, whatever, I mean, maybe I'm writing letters or calling those guys back home, but most likely I'm losing touch with them or checking in like, once or twice a year maybe. And plus, while I'm away from them, I'm theoretically not around like-minded people or, at the very least, to your point, they're not voicing those opinions in public, so I either have to pretend to NOT be one of those types of people, or, now that I'm away from those people and they're validation/reinforcement, I'm more likely to distance myself from those beliefs as I leave that bubble and enter the "real world," if you will.

Versus now, you have 24/7 contact with those people. Instead of "I got challenged at school today and I need to consider things," you get to go to your Facebook page or forum or Twitter or whatever and say "These effing SJWs etc etc etc" and everyone there will be like "You're right, eff those SJWs" and it just continues the cycle of hate.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 24, 2018, 03:49:37 PM
So yea, I mean you can always find resources to feed your beliefs, albeit much easier nowadays via the net.
But if you are trying to escape those circles individually, its just as easy, in my mind, to do it today as it was then. For instance, we don't run in hate groups, but we are certainly exposed to them daily. So I can see, and do believe, the internet has lent itself to the hatred via the anonymity and ease of collaboration with like minded folks which can heavily influence youngsters or even uninspired or young adults "searching" for something.
And yea, agree its a never ending cycle of hate that's easily accessible and not readily disavowed.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 24, 2018, 11:17:22 PM
I can't really say it much better than Crewe already covered it. While I do see your point that the internet in a lot of ways has made it easier for those that want to retreat to their glass bubble to do so...it's still just as easy to get away from them. It still starts with the individual, you know? If that person doesn't want to escape, they'll keep doing what they're doing. Whether they use the internet to reaffirm their hate speech or they used to go like the days past when they'd check the classifieds in the section past "Men Seeking Women Seeking Men/blah blah blah" they'll find the resources they want. The individual has to make that choice to stay or leave.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 25, 2018, 12:09:21 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 24, 2018, 11:17:22 PM
I can't really say it much better than Crewe already covered it. While I do see your point that the internet in a lot of ways has made it easier for those that want to retreat to their glass bubble to do so...it's still just as easy to get away from them. It still starts with the individual, you know? If that person doesn't want to escape, they'll keep doing what they're doing. Whether they use the internet to reaffirm their hate speech or they used to go like the days past when they'd check the classifieds in the section past "Men Seeking Women Seeking Men/blah blah blah" they'll find the resources they want. The individual has to make that choice to stay or leave.

Actually, I think you did lol  :D
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 26, 2018, 11:05:08 AM
I wanted to finally make a non-depressing post, haha.

So, what's a memorable vacation/trip you've taken?

I've gotten to see many places, thanks in part to my family and also my brief sojourn to the Navy. Italy, Hong Kong, Manila, Hawaii. But one of my favorite trips was in 2014, to Disneyworld.

See, we used to go to Disney, Seaworld and Universal every 4 years (and, at one point, every other year) as kids. Then the trips stopped for a bit. I had my son, and we had a trip to Disney when he was a baby, but that was the last time I remember going (it was for ESPN the Weekend, was really fun). My brother and I were starting to get tired of Disney though, and were excited the next family trip would likely be to Universal by the time kiddo came of age. Then my brother went and had a kid, so we knew it would be Disney.

So, 2014 rolls around, kiddo is 9 years old, his cousin is 5 or 6, and his aunt is pregnant with another. Disney trip!

Like I said, my brother and I were getting tired of Disney, but it had been a few years and this trip was going to be relaxing. Parents got a rental (so many people in Florida rent their homes out during the season for people to stay at). Plenty of bedrooms for all of us, little game room set up in the garage (there was a pool table, air hockey, and an original Xbox with Halo and Tiger Woods 2003, which was apparently enough for us).

We stayed there a week and we had tickets for Disney ("park hopper passes") for 3 days. The other 4 were just up to us to do whatever. We went to the Florida mall in Orlando, my brother and sister in law had Chipotle for the first time, and there was this awesome sushi place in the food court called "Wasabi" (there's apparently only 3 of them, and I somehow miraculously have been to two. Quick aside, literally 2 years to the day from this day, I was visiting friends in Tysons Corner, Virginia and there it was, another Wasabi in that mall. I know it was 2 years to the day because of the Facebook Memories feature).

But, the big part was Disney. So, the first day of the trip, me, SIL, brother, kiddo and my niece all go to Animal Kingdom. The last time we'd been there was when it first opened up, so my brother and I weren't expecting much. We ended up spending the entire day there. We ate at an awesome little restaurant there called "The Yak and Yeti." My brother and kiddo did the Everest ride (I don't do rollercoasters except for, like, just Space Mountain). There's a "show" inside the big Tree of Life, I remembered it as a kid, it's one of those 4-D theater type of things. I remember absolutely hating it as a kid. You get wet, there's a "stinkbug" (it's based on A Bug's Life) so at one point there's a horrible smell, the seats are designed so that when the bees show up there's a stinger that stings you in the back, and something in the seat that makes it feel like a bug is crawling under your butt at one point.

I remember all of this because, again, I hated it as a child.

So I didn't go in. SIL and brother went in with the kids, and when they came out my brother said "that was a huge mistake." Both kids had the same reaction I did, apparently, haha.

Day two spent in the park was pretty fun. We went to Epcot for a bit, my brother took kiddo on Mission Space (a ride I almost threw up on once when I was younger). We didn't get to do some of the other stuff we wanted to as we headed into Magic Kingdom, although, admittedly, I don't remember much of what we did there that day either. I do remember that night though, as we went back to Epcot, and ate at the German buffet there in Germany. The beer was incredible, the food was amazing and it was a really fun night.

Day three was easily the best day, though. My parents, now coming to the park with us, decided they were going to stay with my brother's family as they trawled Magic Kingdom for autographs from princesses (continuing one activity from the prior day). Kiddo and I naturally had no interest in this, and suddenly I found myself alone, with my son, in Disney. It was amazing.

We started off at MGM, grabbing a Fast Pass ticket for a new Toy Story Ride ("Toy Story Mania") which would get us in all the way at 9 PM already (it was like, 8 or 9 AM when we got them). We rode Star Tours at least 3 different times (they changed the experience, there's all new planets and stuff now). I know there's a few other things we did there, but then it was time to hop over to Magic Kingdom to get some stuff we missed.

So we go to Magic Kingdom so we can hit up the Haunted Mansion and some other things. While there, my parents give us Fast Passes for the Buzz Lightyear ride. So we use those, while also doing some of the other stuff in Tomorrowland.

Then it was off to Epcot. We stood in line for Test Track and right before it was time for us to go on, they closed down the ride due to rain. It was getting late and getting closer to our Toy Story Mania ride, so we headed on over to "Soaring," which is like Star Tours but larger. There's a bigger than IMAX screen, and you're essentially on a long hanging bench which simulates hang gliding through the skies. It was actually pretty freaking cool.

Then, lastly, it was back to MGM. We had some time so got in another Star Tours run, then hit up Toy Story Mania, which was absolutely beyond worth the wait. It was just hysterical. At this point, my phone was nearly dead, the rest of my family had left the park. I remember, I had like 5% battery on the phone. So I had to call them and very quickly execute a pickup plan, haha. We ended up taking the monorail to the Polynesian Resort and meeting them there.

It was awesome. That last day was frantic and really should've been stressful as all hell as we tried to do as much as we possibly could around all 3 parks, but it was just such a fun time. Kiddo is the best amusement park buddy since....well, since my older brother, and having that experience with him as a kid like I used to have as a kid is something I'd never pass up (which, I know like, duh, but still).

There was also a point we were waiting for a shuttle and a bee landed on kiddo and I immediately abandoned him to his fate. Luckily the bee flew away.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 26, 2018, 11:24:02 AM
Dude, that's pretty damn cool. I like how the perspective shifts as we get older, and how trips might look through younger eyes. Sounds like both you and your child had an awesome experience. :)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 16, 2018, 04:15:17 PM
So I was browsing a thread about The Wire and the question was brought up, what films should a Wire fan watch?
It was obviously a younger crowd, but films like Serpico, French Connection, All the Presidents Men, Chinatown and the like were touted and rightly so.
To me, these were well known films and are guys like me were surely reading this with a "well, duh" attitude.
In my mind, how could you not have seen theses films already? It kinda goes to what we discussed earlier about being tuned in to times beyond our own.
Im blown away when someone learns about Pink Floyd's record breaking appearance on the charts, or some other "everybody knows that fact."
Its the same reason I roll my eyes when some millennial breaks out with this is the "greatest xyz ever" completely oblivious to the fact that film, album, song whatever has already been done, and probably a better product to boot.
In any event, get off my lawn...

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 16, 2018, 06:54:35 PM
Of those four films, I've only seen Serpico....


I KNOW, I KNOW
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 16, 2018, 09:28:15 PM
that's a good one to see
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 03, 2019, 02:16:55 PM
So, how was everyone's holidays?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on January 03, 2019, 03:42:11 PM
food poisoning had me down for 6-7 days around Christmas. Was able to get out for Xmas Eve and Day for a bit and was 100% a day or two after.
the good side is, as you could tell by the entertainment threads here, Ive been catching up on lots and lots of my backlogged queue.
And now Ive delved into Hitchcock again...
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on January 03, 2019, 04:01:29 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on January 03, 2019, 02:16:55 PM
So, how was everyone's holidays?

Good, or in other words boring.  The older I get the more I appreciate the beauty of boring.  Spent xmas and new years with just the wife and kids.  So it was a relaxed and enjoyable holiday season for us.

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: cflnut on January 04, 2019, 08:22:36 PM
My holidays started on November 21, and I go back to work on January 7. So I'll say mine were pretty good. Outside of the normal holiday dinner at my sisters place, I got together with some friends I hadn't had the chance to see for a wile. I did however spend most of my time at home relaxing with the cats, and the PS4. 
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on January 08, 2019, 02:42:22 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on January 03, 2019, 02:16:55 PM
So, how was everyone's holidays?

Not bad. Brother came into Chicago so the family was able to hangout together for Christmas, then drove back in to Michigan on the 28th and got to hangout with friends for a few days here. One nice thing about being a travel nurse now is that since my holiday pay is pretty damn high, the hospitals typically don't want to schedule me for them. 👍🏽

Other than that, it was nice to just relax.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 11, 2019, 11:47:57 AM
Forgot about my own, heh.

Went back to Myrtle Beach for the first time since leaving back in 2017 (well, slight lie. We were there for literally one night after the cruise, the ship docked in Charleston, we rode back with her mom and sis to Myrtle and flew back out the next day).

But, yeah. I stayed at my mom and dad's, she stayed at her mom's place, so that part sucked. Had a good xmas eve with her side though, Christmas day with mine and had kiddo after noon on that day. Fiancee left on the 26th to visit the rest of her family in Pennsylvania, I stuck around and met up with some old friends, saw plenty of movies with kiddo (none of them good, sadly. Well, Bumblebee was actually OK, but Aquaman  and Vice were a mess. Although we DID see Die Hard in theaters on the following Sunday, so that was cool).

Highlight was probably either the sushi dinner with friends or an entire day of playing board games (starting with "Who Goes There?" and never quite finishing the "Firefly" board game).

But, yeah, good time. On New Years Eve I flew to DC and met back up with the fiancee (we had flown into DC, she'd rented a car, we drove into MB, and then she drove that car back to PA. Cheaper to return it to the same airport so we flew back out of DC and she met me there when I flew back in), hung out and flew back home to celebrate the New Year.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on January 16, 2019, 03:01:02 PM
Anyone have any suggestions on improving cognitive abilities?
if times are not good, I tend to have sinking spells that are tough to overcome.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 06, 2019, 12:54:42 AM
https://vimeo.com/104287711
I didn't know where else to drop this in, but I check out this vid every so often as it is one of my absolute favorites.
Ann Willson has a set of pipes that just won't quit. Saw Heart back to back couple of years ago and they are still at the top of their game. I doubt you would find many to disagree.
In any event, I just love this video. To me, it encapsulates everything music should be.
Raw energy, passion, the sheer excitement and joy, the expressiveness, it just emotes on so many levels. Jason Bonham on the drums, the jubilance of Page and JPJ, the somber, reminiscing expression of Plant, not to mention the anxiety of playing in front of those guys, oh and the President and First Lady as well, by the way.
To even be a part of that experience on stage must have been a pinnacle of life.
Maybe I enjoy it a bit too much, but its such a powerful tribute IMO.

What does it for you?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 17, 2019, 07:09:54 PM
Saturday I hosted a poker game, for which I haven't done in ages for several reasons. Didn't have enough room, lived to far from everyone, and mostly, didn't keep in touch with my former poker buddies.
We used to play every pay day and this was prior to the big Texas Hold em craze that swept the nation.
So we played dealer's choice, which would include every thing from 5 & 7 card stud, 5 draw, lowball, hold em, guts etc...
During and after the big hold em craze, every one played tournament style, hold em only.
So I arranged this game with family and friends who happened to be up to 15 years younger than me.
I had told them all it would be dealer's choice and they were fine with that.
The interesting things were that one, I figured we would be playing hold em mostly since that's what they knew, but the other was, that despite being fairly knowledgeable regarding gambling, they had trouble with how the other games were played, which of course are staples in poker.
Everything was fine and it was a great time but I just found that interesting, no real point to the story other than that observation.

I'll add that we always played with a limit which was reasonable so no one would go broke early on, but you could still easily lose a couple of hundred if you weren't careful so it wasn't nickel dime pennies. These fellas weren't used to that either and I could tell they wanted to bluff and buy so many times by going "all in" but couldn't. Forced a newly of playing on them lol Still, fun stuff and I just found all of those tidbits rather fascinating. Call it a generation thing I guess?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 10, 2019, 07:40:02 PM
Last year, prior to my jaunt to Boston, I decided Im going. Im going to visit places that Ive wanted to go for years and never have.
There's always a reason not to go. No money, no time, no travel companion etc...
Now, what little money I save, goes for this. I have to go while I still can. I can't retire anyway so why put it off? Starting in the US and next is...

Nashville-anyone from there, been there, going there?

Im headed that way in April and am really looking forward to it. Already have tix to see the AAA Round Rock Express (fun fact; named after Nolan Ryan) face the Nashville Sounds. Hope to score some Predator tix, although those will be sky high, even if they are playing when Im there.
I have a couple of record stores lined up, museums (Cash and Third Man Records to name a couple) and will hit as many bars as I possibly can.
If there's something I need to see or experience, let me know!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 11, 2019, 03:02:47 AM
Haven't been in a few years and only got to spend a day there, but loved it!
Broadway is awesome, lots to see. Checked out The Stage on Broadway and Robert's Western World (bars), and it was alright. Country music isn't my thing by any stretch of the imagination but the atmosphere was pretty damn cool.

Check out Edley's BBQ while you're there too. I didn't go, but about a year ago a couple friends of mine did and brought back some Ghost Sauce from there...I love it. Enjoy!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 12, 2019, 02:11:52 PM
Edley's is one I haven't heard of, so perhaps I will just for the Ghost sauce lol
We are staying right on Broadway so yea, gonna hit a lot of em. From what I've read, its not saturated with country anymore as the town draws a more diverse crowd. Im not a large country fan anymore, but I was before it went all kinds of berserk with that Billy Ray nonsense.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on April 06, 2019, 02:55:45 AM
Well sorry i have been sparse the past few weeks / months.
Its been wierd.
I have been seperated from my wife since december, depression (not mine) is hard to live with. I will leave it at that.
Also lost my job on 2-11. I didnt want to say anything until I got a new real job. I got a job at home depot but it kept me afloat until I found a real job. I accepted a position today that will make me decent money.  But things are on the upswing.

Been to florida for a few skills tests for the state, and interviews going to turn down the job since I dont want to relocate and it pays less than what I was offered.

The reason for the lack of visits is because I would get up in the morning, go to an interview, come home change and go to work at Home depot in the evenings. Or travel to florida for whatever hoops they wanted.
But hopefully that is over for a bit. I will look for a better job soon but I can pay my bills again and move along.

2019 has been pretty much shit. Bama loses the National title badly, wife issues, job issues, and lol Auburn is in the final 4?

It hasnt been all bad, it appears people think I am a good guy and call it what you will, good things have happened to me from friends.
My landlord forgave 2 months rent, (I did some repairs around the house)
A former co worker lent me some nice suits to interview in (dude is a snazzy dresser)
A friend and his wife have offered food almost every night (only partook sparingly)
Former coworkers would invite me out to lunch to see how I was doing and would sneakily take my check and refused to let me pay.
One of the recruiters who worked with me told me he has rarely recieved the praise I got from my former bosses. He said whoever hires me is getting a good one. He said he can tell when people are phoning it in and well he said those guys were hurt I was gone. Made me choke up a little, I got caught up in a 63 person layoff and know it wasnt personal, but I feel a little validated that they thought that highly of me.
The job I was offered, a friend recommended me and built me up so much, I show up to interview and basically it was like, "this is what we offer, this is how cool this job is, when can you start" not the typical why you want to work here and what can you do for us.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 06, 2019, 02:28:08 PM
Dude, sorry to hear about all that, man. Double whammy even.

I can only assume your wife is battling depression. I hope she seeks help because its no joke as I know you are aware.

Congrats on the new job, sounds like it will lead to better things, and even deeper congrats on having such a great circle of support from your friends.
I doubt Id ever have that sort of response if anything similar happened to me.
Keep doing what you're doing because it's working.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 06, 2019, 03:13:09 PM
Damn dude, I'm really sorry to hear about all of that. It's tough trying to get back into the normal swing of things when your life is turned upside down like that, but props to you for persevering. Also happy that you were able to find something new fairly quickly, and that your circle of friends is amazing.

I also hope your wife is able to find the help she needs, depression can consume anyone.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on April 08, 2019, 01:47:40 PM
Sorry to hear this man.  I hope the new job either turns into what you want or at least gets you buy until you find the spot that is. Sorry about your marriage, depression is a killer.  When one person in a household is depressed everyone pays the toll, as you clearly know.  May your future be as bright as you want it to be.   
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on April 09, 2019, 11:39:30 PM
thanks for the kind words everyone. Yes it is the wifes depression. I do wish she would get some help, but I can only beat my head against the wall for so long. I love her but I wish her the best. I am not sure what I can do. I was overwhelmed with the support of friends, shows how blessed I am. Very thankful.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 10, 2019, 12:00:09 AM
Quote from: rollntider on April 09, 2019, 11:39:30 PM
thanks for the kind words everyone. Yes it is the wifes depression. I do wish she would get some help, but I can only beat my head against the wall for so long. I love her but I wish her the best. I am not sure what I can do. I was overwhelmed with the support of friends, shows how blessed I am. Very thankful.

thats tough, I can relate. Loving someone and wanting the best and trying to help, really doesn't matter if they won't accept it.
You have to take care of you now, and it sounds like you're off to a good start.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 11, 2019, 02:44:36 PM
Quote from: rollntider on April 09, 2019, 11:39:30 PM
thanks for the kind words everyone. Yes it is the wifes depression. I do wish she would get some help, but I can only beat my head against the wall for so long.

This has been a thing for me as of late.

My fiancee and I have an odd dynamic, I suppose, me with the Borderline Personality Disorder, her with the Bi-Polar. It gives us help supporting each other, but, just being there for someone isn't always enough if the cycle is just going to repeat itself.

I've been having trouble since late February with the darkness just creeping in. I've had thoughts of self harm lately because it just feels like things are only going to get worse, you know? And I know that's not true, I know I can't predict the future, but lately everything, even the things I love, movies, books, but also things like work, even my impending marriage to her, has all felt meaningless. Like, we live, we die, and eventually, however long it takes, the world moves on and what was the point of it all, you know?

I don't know how to fix this nihilistic viewpoint that has suddenly attached itself to me. I think part of it is protection, my distaste for the current state of US politics and the way that I personally view things heading, it doesn't look great and with my son growing up in whatever the world is about to be, whether it's a climate-change affected hellscape or whatever worst-case scenario my mind presents me with, somehow the "none of this matters" is almost comforting, but also the side effect is the complete lack of joy in any activity.

There's also been an issue with just having 0 confidence in myself. I was up for, and had a very good opportunity to be chosen, for a promotion here at work just a few months ago. I'd talked to my boss about it a few times before the position officially opened, and by the time it did, I was sunk into this thing I'm dealing with and declined to apply for it.

I'm tough on myself for any mistake. Mistakes to me are the end of the world. They are not missteps, they are not practice, they are simply failure. I see things in a very success/fail way, which is weird, because you can make a mistake and recover from it and things end fine, even if there's a slight mess to be cleaned up, but my brain, in the moment, doesn't care about any of that. I fucked up, it's a knock against me, and I don't deserve a promotion. That's how my brain thinks.

I don't actually have health insurance. I'm a contract worker, so the healthcare plan is pretty pricey, vs being an actual full time engineer (or, at least, I assume the benefits aren't pricey for full time engineers at MS). I recently found an organization here in Seattle called OpenPath that provides therapy services with a membership cost ($50). I think there may be a qualification process to be approved for that, I have to look into it more, but it's given me some hope. Looks like their in-network providers charge between 30 and 60 bucks per session, which isn't terrible, and I know I need help beyond what me or my fiancee have been able to accomplish.

It's been really rough lately, and this has given me something of a light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm really hoping it'll make a difference, because, it's just really hard going everyday feeling like everything's coming to an end and that you're not capable of doing...anything. At all. That you're just a fuck up moving from one fuck up to another.

Anyways. I dunno. I guess I'm venting, which was half the point of this thread, to an extent.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 11, 2019, 07:07:31 PM
Venting is good, Buc - here, family, friends. And I really do hope that opportunity is there for you and that the help (for lack of a better word) is there. I've got my fingers crossed for you.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 12, 2019, 12:07:10 AM
I'm tough on myself for any mistake. Mistakes to me are the end of the world. They are not missteps, they are not practice, they are simply failure. I see things in a very success/fail way, which is weird, because you can make a mistake and recover from it and things end fine, even if there's a slight mess to be cleaned up, but my brain, in the moment, doesn't care about any of that. I fucked up, it's a knock against me, and I don't deserve a promotion. That's how my brain thinks.

I latched on to this because this has been a huge obstacle for me. I am relentless and staunchly unforgiving of myself for the simplest bad decisions or mistakes or what have you.
Remember that scene in Six Feet Under, forget what season, but
Spoiler
Nate was in a bar and mouthed off to a patron who then just kicked the shit out of him? He kept egging the guy on because he felt he deserved it.
That was/is me, to a freakin T and its unhealthy as fuck.
Ill give you an example that when you read it, it will seem so silly, and it is, which is what Ive come to realize.
I picked up bowling again a few years ago, walked into a center, joined a league and team at random and have been with them for three years now.
I poured myself into getting better, equipment, practice, lessons etc...Fast forward and I felt I was better, and I was, much much better
but, if I had a bad frame or two...not even a game, but frame! Say I miss an easy spare. No problem right? Come back, string some marks together, easy recovery. Not for me. I would berate myself, "An 8 year old blind kid could make that shot are you kidding me? Just kick me off this flipping team, I shouldn't be allowed to bowl with shots like that." and on and on. By then, as you know, it was over, that game was over, and the next, and the next.
And all the while, I hear everyone having a good time, but I choose to sink. I KNOW its going to make me worse, but I like it! I want it, I deserve it. Would ruin my night, and sometimes even the next day, over what? I feel absolutely foolish even putting this out here,
but you can imagine the rest. Just terrible. Luckily, my friends wrote it off and stuck with me.
Ive worked on my cognitive shortcomings and am overcoming this nonsense but I get it, completely.
I know that wasn't the entire gist of your post but just letting you know, its not just you.
Im confident you will overcome and always hit us up here if you want.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 12, 2019, 02:48:02 AM
And to lighten things up, Im headed to Nashville next week, and I sincerely hope this lady is performing somewhere in her hometown because this just blows my mind.
Take 90 seconds...

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 12, 2019, 11:35:55 AM
Quote from: Crewe on April 12, 2019, 12:07:10 AM
Say I miss an easy spare. No problem right? Come back, string some marks together, easy recovery. Not for me. I would berate myself, "An 8 year old blind kid could make that shot are you kidding me? Just kick me off this flipping team, I shouldn't be allowed to bowl with shots like that." and on and on. By then, as you know, it was over, that game was over, and the next, and the next.
And all the while, I hear everyone having a good time, but I choose to sink. I KNOW its going to make me worse, but I like it! I want it, I deserve it. Would ruin my night, and sometimes even the next day, over what? I feel absolutely foolish even putting this out here,
but you can imagine the rest. Just terrible.

I mean, this it, right? Other people miss a spare or a strike and they go "Ah that's too bad" and go pick their beer back up. We miss that and think "We're the worst, we're holding the team back, they're going to hate us because they'd be winning every tournament if we weren't on the team, we're going to get kicked off the team and they won't speak to us."

It's like, a combination of expecting too much of ourselves and putting way too much stress and pressure in situations that DO NOT call for it, and a fear of rejection, like, I have to be perfect otherwise everyone will hate me.

It's a lot, but, it is nice that someone gets it, even if I also wish you didn't get it, just for you own peace and sanity, heh.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 12, 2019, 12:49:43 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on April 12, 2019, 11:35:55 AM
Quote from: Crewe on April 12, 2019, 12:07:10 AM
Say I miss an easy spare. No problem right? Come back, string some marks together, easy recovery. Not for me. I would berate myself, "An 8 year old blind kid could make that shot are you kidding me? Just kick me off this flipping team, I shouldn't be allowed to bowl with shots like that." and on and on. By then, as you know, it was over, that game was over, and the next, and the next.
And all the while, I hear everyone having a good time, but I choose to sink. I KNOW its going to make me worse, but I like it! I want it, I deserve it. Would ruin my night, and sometimes even the next day, over what? I feel absolutely foolish even putting this out here,
but you can imagine the rest. Just terrible.

I mean, this it, right? Other people miss a spare or a strike and they go "Ah that's too bad" and go pick their beer back up. We miss that and think "We're the worst, we're holding the team back, they're going to hate us because they'd be winning every tournament if we weren't on the team, we're going to get kicked off the team and they won't speak to us."

It's like, a combination of expecting too much of ourselves and putting way too much stress and pressure in situations that DO NOT call for it, and a fear of rejection, like, I have to be perfect otherwise everyone will hate me.

It's a lot, but, it is nice that someone gets it, even if I also wish you didn't get it, just for you own peace and sanity, heh.

Thats a bingo, and absolutely same goes for me lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on April 12, 2019, 01:29:42 PM
For me, it's about being driven by a fear of failure more than the joy of success.  I set goals, work my ass off to achieve them and then?  I acknowledge I did it, enjoy it for 2.3 seconds and move on.  The whole time I am going through this loop I am driven not by the joy of my future success but the complete and overwhelming fear of coming up short and being seen as a failure. I can't or at least don't even get any real level of satisfaction out of the victory but I torture my self with the fear of failing to win.  Its a messed up mindset I know but it is what it is.   
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 26, 2019, 11:03:44 PM
So y'all know I took off to Boston last fall because I was tired of making excuses for not doing what I wanted. After Boston, I put Nashville on notice and accomplished that this past week. We left as the NFL Draft contingent was swarming in in droves.

If you've never been, allow to me to pain a picture of Nashville with this poignant analogy: That whole town is like one giant state fair.
The food and music, its just, yea, like a state fair lol
I spent some time discovering true locals and finding wonderful spots that aren't lit up by tourists, but then did the things you have to do, Country Music HOF, Cash Museum and the like. Such a fun town. Go if you haven't.

Next up, the plan is to hit San Francisco.
Tentatively, flying in to LA, staying over in Long Beach as I know a few people there. Rent a car and take a coastal drive up to SF and then stay there a couple of days.
If anyone has been there or made that drive or has any suggestions about that idea, let me know, Im all ears.


Oh btw, couple of things: A couple of posts back I linked a video to a performer I said I hoped I could locate while there...
Well, I was able to contact her and found her on Broadway
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/332793346?utm_source=email&utm_medium=vimeo-cliptranscode-201504&utm_campaign=29220[/vimeo]

And one more thing....
Tender Royale basket and that's a deep fried grilled cheese, which was as decadent as you imagine.
(https://i.imgur.com/tGzbK1u.jpg)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 10, 2019, 02:10:39 PM
It's been raining and flooding like a mofo here and, Ive had days off, which is not really good, no work no money, BUT, I try not to worry about it because....
Im focusing on learning the guitar aaaaand, my cousin just hooked me up on that PS Home network option where I get access to his games, hence me playing SM...and he has others I need to get to but it will be a while lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 10, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 10, 2019, 02:10:39 PM
It's been raining and flooding like a mofo here and, Ive had days off, which is not really good, no work no money, BUT, I try not to worry about it because....
Im focusing on learning the guitar aaaaand, my cousin just hooked me up on that PS Home network option where I get access to his games, hence me playing SM...and he has others I need to get to but it will be a while lol

Nice!

I haven't been to the gym since January because I suck, and if I'm apparently just going to be done working out, I've been thinking of taking piano lessons finally (something I've put on the back burner literally since 6th grade).

Then again, with my wedding coming up in April, I think maybe instead of piano lessons that the fiancee and I should get dancing lessons. So, to the backburner again, perhaps.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 10, 2019, 03:13:14 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on May 10, 2019, 02:35:40 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 10, 2019, 02:10:39 PM
It's been raining and flooding like a mofo here and, Ive had days off, which is not really good, no work no money, BUT, I try not to worry about it because....
Im focusing on learning the guitar aaaaand, my cousin just hooked me up on that PS Home network option where I get access to his games, hence me playing SM...and he has others I need to get to but it will be a while lol

Nice!

I haven't been to the gym since January because I suck, and if I'm apparently just going to be done working out, I've been thinking of taking piano lessons finally (something I've put on the back burner literally since 6th grade).

Then again, with my wedding coming up in April, I think maybe instead of piano lessons that the fiancee and I should get dancing lessons. So, to the backburner again, perhaps.

Lord, ever since Nashville, I event been either. I look like Jabba the Hutt, absolutely the worst shape of my life, which is not what I need to be thinking about while planning not to move from the couch for three days lol

I get that man, Ive put off guitar three or four times in my life until now. Sometimes I think Im so old why even try, since it takes ten plus years to get decent since Im no prodigy lol
I want to play bass, banjo....just keep going lol

Congrats on getting married, I did not know that. Best wishes dude. I mean, best wishes even if you weren't getting married but you know hate I meant lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 13, 2019, 09:51:21 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 10, 2019, 02:10:39 PM
It's been raining and flooding like a mofo here and, Ive had days off, which is not really good, no work no money, BUT, I try not to worry about it because....
Im focusing on learning the guitar aaaaand, my cousin just hooked me up on that PS Home network option where I get access to his games, hence me playing SM...and he has others I need to get to but it will be a while lol

I'd seen there was flooding there lately, been meaning to ask you about that. Sorry to hear about the not being able to work part. You'll have to tell me how the learning guitar is going though, been thinking about doing the same.

Buc, do the dancing lessons. DO IT (I may have my reasons lol). Seriously though, one of the best things I've ever done and I've seen what couples that come in just to work on their wedding dance can do too.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 13, 2019, 11:50:06 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 13, 2019, 09:51:21 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 10, 2019, 02:10:39 PM
It's been raining and flooding like a mofo here and, Ive had days off, which is not really good, no work no money, BUT, I try not to worry about it because....
Im focusing on learning the guitar aaaaand, my cousin just hooked me up on that PS Home network option where I get access to his games, hence me playing SM...and he has others I need to get to but it will be a while lol

I'd seen there was flooding there lately, been meaning to ask you about that. Sorry to hear about the not being able to work part. You'll have to tell me how the learning guitar is going though, been thinking about doing the same.

Buc, do the dancing lessons. DO IT (I may have my reasons lol). Seriously though, one of the best things I've ever done and I've seen what couples that come in just to work on their wedding dance can do too.

It wasn't bad really. I mean a few people got water, but it wasn't deadly, city shuts down flooding. The news really panics since it is Houston, but they oversell the rain a lot of times.
It was supposed to be monsoon weather Thursday through Sunday morning. It rained on my pretty bad late Thursday, drizzled a tiny bit Friday, beach weather Saturday and Sunday. So much so, I felt guilty, kind of, for planning to be a slug all weekend lol

I appreciate that, but I just didn't have any work and I know thats not good, but its better than not being able to work lol I just took the opportunity to heal up, should be good to go.

The guitar is going well, Im enjoying it. Im so glad I took lessons. Id be watching "tutorials for beginners" online and for a true novice, even though I see what they are doing, I can't really see...if that makes sense. I had no clue (how could I) that my hand position were all wrong and zero technique, so yea, I would have been quitting soon from not processing fairly quickly had I not opted for help.
You play bass right?
Id love to get in to that too.
My nephew has a band and he sings and plays guitar. His brother used to drum for him and our cousin plays bass and is getting back in to it.
I told my nephews, what I want, is when Im decent enough, lets all collaborate on something and go in the studio and get something down on tape.
I think thats a realistic goal and would be fun.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 14, 2019, 12:18:30 AM
Nothing wrong with using that time to heal up either...I should follow that advice sometime.

And yeah, taking actual lessons for instruments seems to work better at first to build up a foundation. Video and book are nice, but can also develop bad habits early that an instructor might otherwise catch. As you know, it's much harder to break a habit once it's there. Glad the guitar's going well for you, and I do hope you can get in the studio! That would be a dream of mine.

I do play bass, and played piano too. Been awhile though...finally brought Stitch (my bass) with me to Chicago, and hoping to swing over to Chicago Music Exchange to get it tuned up and restrung. I can neither confirm nor deny the rumor that I may also bring another instrument home as well.  8)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2019, 01:12:11 AM
Stitch lol love it!

Excellent point about the bad habits. I didn't have time to develop any thankfully.

You live in Chicago full time?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 14, 2019, 08:59:11 AM
Quote from: Crewe on May 14, 2019, 01:12:11 AM
Stitch lol love it!

Excellent point about the bad habits. I didn't have time to develop any thankfully.

You live in Chicago full time?

Here at least until the beginning of August when my contract ends, debating what to do next after that. If they offer to extend like they have twice already, I may do that again. I'm comfortable at this hospital and here in general but I don't want to get too comfortable. Also started working on obtaining my California license so we'll see.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2019, 09:54:50 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 14, 2019, 08:59:11 AM
Quote from: Crewe on May 14, 2019, 01:12:11 AM
Stitch lol love it!

Excellent point about the bad habits. I didn't have time to develop any thankfully.

You live in Chicago full time?

Here at least until the beginning of August when my contract ends, debating what to do next after that. If they offer to extend like they have twice already, I may do that again. I'm comfortable at this hospital and here in general but I don't want to get too comfortable. Also started working on obtaining my California license so we'll see.

way way way back when, I had an opportunity to move to Chicago for work and it just didn't appeal to me then. Doesn't really now either, but more so than it did lol
I guess Im saying, id like to see the town but not live there because, fuck the winter
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 14, 2019, 11:56:13 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 14, 2019, 08:59:11 AM
Quote from: Crewe on May 14, 2019, 01:12:11 AM
Stitch lol love it!

Excellent point about the bad habits. I didn't have time to develop any thankfully.

You live in Chicago full time?

Here at least until the beginning of August when my contract ends, debating what to do next after that. If they offer to extend like they have twice already, I may do that again. I'm comfortable at this hospital and here in general but I don't want to get too comfortable. Also started working on obtaining my California license so we'll see.

You must enjoy moving, which is an activity I have come to despise over the course of my life.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 14, 2019, 02:45:15 PM
Quote from: Crewe on May 14, 2019, 09:54:50 AM

way way way back when, I had an opportunity to move to Chicago for work and it just didn't appeal to me then. Doesn't really now either, but more so than it did lol
I guess Im saying, id like to see the town but not live there because, fuck the winter

I get it. I have a decent bar right across the street from me, as in I could walk out of the condo complex, cross the street and be at the bar in two minutes. One night it was maybe 15 below but someone said I should get out and explore. Took two steps outside and turned right back around and decided to drink solo that night and ordered a pizza lol. But it's starting to warm up now, and this town in the non-winter months can be quite fun. :)

Quote from: Bucfever on May 14, 2019, 11:56:13 AM

You must enjoy moving, which is an activity I have come to despise over the course of my life.

Oddly enough I'm indifferent. Moving kinda sucks, but as far as the job goes I get to do my work without having to deal with the bullshit of hospital politics (which I really got tired of). Some drawbacks but right now I can't complain, plus I get to travel to spots I like. It's almost like a working vacation; on my off days I get to explore the town a bit.

I should write about this travel nurse deal more.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2019, 03:06:42 PM
thats pretty cool norm.

Im assuming you rent there?
Any opinion on renting v owning?

Whats everyone's thoughts?

Im going back and forth, and even so when I bought my house recently.
I purchased way out in the burbs, hell not even burbs, its a podunk town way outside Houston lol
There's just no way in hell I can afford to buy in town or even surrounding town. I was going to rent a place instead of buying, but opted for the latter.
I like my house. Its more than enough room for me, I have yard space and don't have neighbors sardined next to me, like in my previous small patio home.
But the drive. God I hate the drive. Anything I want to do, I have to drive back to town. Bowling twice a week at least, guitar lessons, record store trips, meet friends, always have to drive back in to Houston. Sometimes, my job will end in the afternoon, Ill drive home for 40 minutes, turn around and go back to town for guitar lessons lets say, then 45 minutes back. Do that a few times a week plus the normal rush hour drive in and it gets old, fast.
However, if I rent in town, Ill pay a bit more than my mortgage and utilities and amenities but not a ton more.
No more buying a new roof, no more water heater replacement, no more lawn care, no more maintenance of any kind, which is beyond awesome.
And Im near everything and could even uber to jobs in 5-10 minutes and avoid 25-50 parking fees I currently absorb.
But, now Im paying more than I was on my mortgage for a 600 square foot studio or one bedroom with a shit galley kitchen.
Now, I risk having shitty loud obnoxious neighbors and now I can't have appliances I want and I don't have a decent sized kitchen to cook.

Buying is the better investment, but, to me, it always comes down to these two features.
Live close, sacrifice space. Live far, sacrifice amenities and a drive.

This turned in to, something I didnt intend lol
Im still considering selling this house after next month when Ill have a year in to avoid capitol gains taxes. I like the house, just not where it is and its a daily battle for my happiness.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 14, 2019, 04:26:53 PM
I've had this talk with the fiancee.

I'm always of two minds. On the one hand, my father has always said for years that property is the best investment and it's always better to own than rent.

On the other, my generation watched what happened with the housing crisis in 2008, what's STILL happening today in some areas, and of course I live outside of Seattle so housing prices start high in Seattle, and stay pretty high as they extend out, so it's a weird position.

The place the fiancee and I rent now is 2 br, 2 bath, with a one-car garage and driveway, and it's about, with utilities.......$2200, or so?

We've already had some issues with appliances not working (including an extended issue with the damn fireplace while Winter was happening, that was fun), and yeah, on the one hand, that sucked, but the management is very nice, so are the maintenance guys, and most importantly I'm not required to pay them to come fix things.

Whereas, say, that fireplace issue, I can only imagine how much that alone would have cost if we were living in our own place. This is why I'm OBSESSIVE about saving money, because I always think "god forbid today's the day my transmission goes out in my car" or "today's the day heating stops working," but, again, on that second item, I don't REALLY have to worry about that, cost-wise. It's why if I ever buy a house I want to have a SHIT TON of money in reserve, because I can only think of the future in "worst-case scenarios."

So, yeah, I think it's one of those "what's best for you" things. We have people on both sides of us and above us (it's like, a townhouse style, I think it's called), but mostly we can't hear them except the people above us have a serious issue with stomping around, but at least it's not worse than that. We'd love to have our own place, no neighbors, but I also know here in Washington we'd probably be further out from work than we want to be right now, and at the moment our place is kind of perfectly in the center between North Washington and South Washington, so that's nice.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 14, 2019, 05:12:44 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on May 14, 2019, 04:26:53 PM
I've had this talk with the fiancee.

I'm always of two minds. On the one hand, my father has always said for years that property is the best investment and it's always better to own than rent.

On the other, my generation watched what happened with the housing crisis in 2008, what's STILL happening today in some areas, and of course I live outside of Seattle so housing prices start high in Seattle, and stay pretty high as they extend out, so it's a weird position.

The place the fiancee and I rent now is 2 br, 2 bath, with a one-car garage and driveway, and it's about, with utilities.......$2200, or so?

We've already had some issues with appliances not working (including an extended issue with the damn fireplace while Winter was happening, that was fun), and yeah, on the one hand, that sucked, but the management is very nice, so are the maintenance guys, and most importantly I'm not required to pay them to come fix things.

Whereas, say, that fireplace issue, I can only imagine how much that alone would have cost if we were living in our own place. This is why I'm OBSESSIVE about saving money, because I always think "god forbid today's the day my transmission goes out in my car" or "today's the day heating stops working," but, again, on that second item, I don't REALLY have to worry about that, cost-wise. It's why if I ever buy a house I want to have a SHIT TON of money in reserve, because I can only think of the future in "worst-case scenarios."

So, yeah, I think it's one of those "what's best for you" things. We have people on both sides of us and above us (it's like, a townhouse style, I think it's called), but mostly we can't hear them except the people above us have a serious issue with stomping around, but at least it's not worse than that. We'd love to have our own place, no neighbors, but I also know here in Washington we'd probably be further out from work than we want to be right now, and at the moment our place is kind of perfectly in the center between North Washington and South Washington, so that's nice.

Repairs are an issue, but honestly, its not that bad if you are moderately able to pocket a little money. A shit ton always helps of course, but you just have to plan.
For instance, my roof has maybe 10 years left so I figure how much it costs and sock away x$ a month so its not a huge hit when the time comes, same with tires for your car or anything really.
Thats not to say there aren't emergencies that drain you.

The townhouse living is hit and miss. One Gil I was dating lived in one in a great part of town, expensive, but not absurd.
When I first went there, I thought this is nice, because I hated mine, ghetto kids and neighbors, just freakin noise all the time. After being there a bit, I hear stomping around and carelessness. "That go on a lot here?" Yup, she says. Welp, Im not buying one now lol

Part of it is just this city. I really don't like it anymore, but I can't leave because my job doesn't travel well, I couldn't afford any start up time to try to get my business running in a new town.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 07, 2019, 12:42:47 AM
So, I just had a guitar lesson with this chick... 😎✌️

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on September 08, 2019, 09:22:51 AM
Nice! How'd you score that?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 08, 2019, 02:13:32 PM
She posted on IG that she would offer a few lessons and for once, I happened to get in on time :-)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 19, 2020, 07:22:13 PM
I was talking to a friend the other day about how my life has bracketed the gaming industry from the beginning.
In the 70's, Odyssey and Pong, followed by Atari and on and on...
In the late 70s, the Mattel's LED based handhelds were the freakin rage and I lost mine to teacher confiscation for a while of course.
Then the boom in the 80's obviously was a blast, and I didnt slow down even out of high school.
By then, video games were seen as childish by many, not to be engaged in by sensible young adults like myself.
But by the late 80's as the arcade/entertainment/restaurant Dave & Buster's were exploding, so was the home entertainment gaming community, albeit quietly.
Some friends and I would see who could complete Legend of Zelda first and then we had more friends over for Madden tournaments, before it was even thought to be a thing.
Contra and Mortal Kombat were huge crowd pleasers and around now, gaming was more acceptable among friends who didnt play, i.e. girlfriends, but still, should you really be playing games all the time?
Yup.
We moved in to the next gen and it became more cinematic and an industry was actually developing and beginning to slowly blend with sound design and movie making, storytelling, far more in depth.
Ill never forget, a friend of mine who was well in to his 60's at the time mentioned he had a PS2, I felt it was becoming ok to be outed as a gamer.
Keep in mind, its different for younger fellas that grew up later when video games were much more visible, but a fella in his early 30's? eaaaaaaa, I dunnnnooooo....but the hell with em.
Ill end the story here because everyone knows it from here on out, but as I was talking to my buddy, I just thought that was kinda cool, reliving my life via video games, the countless hours of fun Ive had, wouldn't trade it for $100  ;)

It's kinda like being able to say Ive seen every original Star Wars release in the theatre.
These are the highlights of my life I guess lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 19, 2020, 08:41:18 PM
It's funny, even being born in 87, I feel like I'm at the start of, lets say "video game dominance."

I've read about the gaming consoles that preceded the NES (and of course arcades before that, the handled LED games as you mentioned).

We already had an Atari 2600 in the house in my earliest memories, as well as an NES. Also had a few handhelds, Gameboys of course but then the little games, a little X-Men Mattel handheld, a Jurassic Park one, and my favorite, the Ninja Turtles basketball handheld, haha.

I remember my mom didn't want us to have an SNES when that released, but one of my aunts got it for us anyway. Admittedly, sometimes I wonder if maybe my mom was right, considering how much gaming I've done since with basically no other hobbies (well, movies). Would I have actually been more interested in learning how to, I dunno, change the oil in a car if I wasn't spending all my time as a kid playing games? Eh, maybe, but I could learn to do it any day now and still haven't, so what's really to blame?

We had so many NES games (remember the early days when the movie tie-in games were so much more prominent, and are basically non-existent now?) We had the Karate Kid game which was just...awful, and yet you played it, because you liked the movie and this was the NES, you took what you could get, haha.

I remember Mortal Kombat as like a flashpoint in gaming history. I was never a huge Street Fighter fan (still am not, because I suck at every iteration of the game), but like any other kid back then, I got absolutely sucked into it. We ended up getting it for the Genesis later.

Yeah, we had the Atari, NES, SNES, Genesis and Playstation. When we got the N64, we had to sell everything but the Playstation.

It's weird now. I still play videogames, obviously, sometimes because it's fun, sometimes because I'm just passing time, sometimes because I'm tired and don't want to leave the house, or for whatever other reason, but my gaming lineup has shrunk significantly. For years it was basically just Madden and MLB: The Show. Recently I expanded (or, at least, acquired more games), yet I find myself pretty much just playing For Honor. It kind of helps me defeat the "videogames are pointless" voice in my head, since I'm playing against other people and I have to actually use my brain and react (aka I get competitive), vs say, going through God of War and just fighting enemy spawns. But really, considering there's no story, no real objective, I suppose it's a pointless game, yet, it brings me some form of joy. Meanwhile I still haven't finish GoW, and I got Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and Persona 5 for xmas and have played 0 of either, so, I dunno.

This got a bit more rambly than I expected. I guess I still have that voice in my head that tells me "videogames are for kids, just because they're accepted now doesn't mean it's not true." Like, sure, they've aged up the content and we have Hollywood level stories and production, but it's still me, sitting on my bed, starting at the TV with the controller in my hand, so what's really changed, you know?

That's what I do best though. Simplify things down until I can hold them against myself, hahaha
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 12:08:13 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on February 19, 2020, 08:41:18 PM
It's funny, even being born in 87, I feel like I'm at the start of, lets say "video game dominance."

I've read about the gaming consoles that preceded the NES (and of course arcades before that, the handled LED games as you mentioned).

We already had an Atari 2600 in the house in my earliest memories, as well as an NES. Also had a few handhelds, Gameboys of course but then the little games, a little X-Men Mattel handheld, a Jurassic Park one, and my favorite, the Ninja Turtles basketball handheld, haha.

I remember my mom didn't want us to have an SNES when that released, but one of my aunts got it for us anyway. Admittedly, sometimes I wonder if maybe my mom was right, considering how much gaming I've done since with basically no other hobbies (well, movies). Would I have actually been more interested in learning how to, I dunno, change the oil in a car if I wasn't spending all my time as a kid playing games? Eh, maybe, but I could learn to do it any day now and still haven't, so what's really to blame?

We had so many NES games (remember the early days when the movie tie-in games were so much more prominent, and are basically non-existent now?) We had the Karate Kid game which was just...awful, and yet you played it, because you liked the movie and this was the NES, you took what you could get, haha.

I remember Mortal Kombat as like a flashpoint in gaming history. I was never a huge Street Fighter fan (still am not, because I suck at every iteration of the game), but like any other kid back then, I got absolutely sucked into it. We ended up getting it for the Genesis later.

Yeah, we had the Atari, NES, SNES, Genesis and Playstation. When we got the N64, we had to sell everything but the Playstation.

It's weird now. I still play videogames, obviously, sometimes because it's fun, sometimes because I'm just passing time, sometimes because I'm tired and don't want to leave the house, or for whatever other reason, but my gaming lineup has shrunk significantly. For years it was basically just Madden and MLB: The Show. Recently I expanded (or, at least, acquired more games), yet I find myself pretty much just playing For Honor. It kind of helps me defeat the "videogames are pointless" voice in my head, since I'm playing against other people and I have to actually use my brain and react (aka I get competitive), vs say, going through God of War and just fighting enemy spawns. But really, considering there's no story, no real objective, I suppose it's a pointless game, yet, it brings me some form of joy. Meanwhile I still haven't finish GoW, and I got Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and Persona 5 for xmas and have played 0 of either, so, I dunno.

This got a bit more rambly than I expected. I guess I still have that voice in my head that tells me "videogames are for kids, just because they're accepted now doesn't mean it's not true." Like, sure, they've aged up the content and we have Hollywood level stories and production, but it's still me, sitting on my bed, starting at the TV with the controller in my hand, so what's really changed, you know?

That's what I do best though. Simplify things down until I can hold them against myself, hahaha


LOL that's pretty much me dude.

I get this post completely and yes, of course I too was in your scenarios lol
To me, it's just another form of entertainment but one that should be accepted by adults, just like Backgammon as an example.

Remember when we here at BSB used to connect and play NHL and MLB, not to mention Burnout Paradise.
Ill never forget once when one of the guys here remarked about my "colorful language" regarding our hockey matchup  :D
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 12:21:31 PM
And now Im moving from a fun post to one not so fun.

Just prior to Tday 2019, I became run down with what I thought were allergies. Turns out it was, but I had an ear infection on top of it.
Then, just as I beat those obstacles, I had a full blown cold through Christmas.
All through this, I had a terrible popping sound in my ear, like a stalk of celery being twisted apart and it was annoying AF.
Beginning of 2020, I was over everything but still had the popping sound. ENT doc said it will go away.
That didnt fill me with confidence so I reluctantly went to a TMJ specialist and dropped $600 to hear him tell me that yes, I do have TMJ and treatment will be $6k. And then I would have a 1 in 5 chance of the popping sound going away completely.  :o
He also said Was lucky there was no pain, but eventually there will be. How nice, I thought.
I went to another TMJ specialist only to hear the same.
Some days, it felt like it was dissipating so I was holding out hope. I doubled up on Ibuprofen per doc as a possible cure to no avail.
I began CBD oil which also doesn't help.
It's clearly not going away, so now, with 2020 sucking major ass, I have to somehow find $6k, all due up front, while business is suffering. Ive had most of February cancel and my CPA hit me with my tax return which I owe almost 10k, but I kinda knew that was coming.
Still, life sucks and I am not happy and this doesn't help my tendencies to becoming depressed.
Emotional eating has doubled, I feel terrible, and am in terrible health, probably worst in my life, and the worst part? I dont give a shit.
Hopefully things change for the better, and soon.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 26, 2020, 01:46:20 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 12:08:13 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on February 19, 2020, 08:41:18 PM
It's funny, even being born in 87, I feel like I'm at the start of, lets say "video game dominance."

I've read about the gaming consoles that preceded the NES (and of course arcades before that, the handled LED games as you mentioned).

We already had an Atari 2600 in the house in my earliest memories, as well as an NES. Also had a few handhelds, Gameboys of course but then the little games, a little X-Men Mattel handheld, a Jurassic Park one, and my favorite, the Ninja Turtles basketball handheld, haha.

I remember my mom didn't want us to have an SNES when that released, but one of my aunts got it for us anyway. Admittedly, sometimes I wonder if maybe my mom was right, considering how much gaming I've done since with basically no other hobbies (well, movies). Would I have actually been more interested in learning how to, I dunno, change the oil in a car if I wasn't spending all my time as a kid playing games? Eh, maybe, but I could learn to do it any day now and still haven't, so what's really to blame?

We had so many NES games (remember the early days when the movie tie-in games were so much more prominent, and are basically non-existent now?) We had the Karate Kid game which was just...awful, and yet you played it, because you liked the movie and this was the NES, you took what you could get, haha.

I remember Mortal Kombat as like a flashpoint in gaming history. I was never a huge Street Fighter fan (still am not, because I suck at every iteration of the game), but like any other kid back then, I got absolutely sucked into it. We ended up getting it for the Genesis later.

Yeah, we had the Atari, NES, SNES, Genesis and Playstation. When we got the N64, we had to sell everything but the Playstation.

It's weird now. I still play videogames, obviously, sometimes because it's fun, sometimes because I'm just passing time, sometimes because I'm tired and don't want to leave the house, or for whatever other reason, but my gaming lineup has shrunk significantly. For years it was basically just Madden and MLB: The Show. Recently I expanded (or, at least, acquired more games), yet I find myself pretty much just playing For Honor. It kind of helps me defeat the "videogames are pointless" voice in my head, since I'm playing against other people and I have to actually use my brain and react (aka I get competitive), vs say, going through God of War and just fighting enemy spawns. But really, considering there's no story, no real objective, I suppose it's a pointless game, yet, it brings me some form of joy. Meanwhile I still haven't finish GoW, and I got Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and Persona 5 for xmas and have played 0 of either, so, I dunno.

This got a bit more rambly than I expected. I guess I still have that voice in my head that tells me "videogames are for kids, just because they're accepted now doesn't mean it's not true." Like, sure, they've aged up the content and we have Hollywood level stories and production, but it's still me, sitting on my bed, starting at the TV with the controller in my hand, so what's really changed, you know?

That's what I do best though. Simplify things down until I can hold them against myself, hahaha


LOL that's pretty much me dude.

I get this post completely and yes, of course I too was in your scenarios lol
To me, it's just another form of entertainment but one that should be accepted by adults, just like Backgammon as an example.

Remember when we here at BSB used to connect and play NHL and MLB, not to mention Burnout Paradise.
Ill never forget once when one of the guys here remarked about my "colorful language" regarding our hockey matchup  :D


Oh man, I had forgotten about that! Was it, oh man, what was his name.....holy crap, I can't think of it. Mexico City Aztecs owner (but I remember that?) He played as, I think, the Flames with, I THINK, Khabibulin in net and that dude was just UNSTOPPABLE. No pucks got past him in that game, it was insane, hahaha.

So much fun.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 26, 2020, 01:49:43 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 12:21:31 PM
And now Im moving from a fun post to one not so fun.

Just prior to Tday 2019, I became run down with what I thought were allergies. Turns out it was, but I had an ear infection on top of it.
Then, just as I beat those obstacles, I had a full blown cold through Christmas.
All through this, I had a terrible popping sound in my ear, like a stalk of celery being twisted apart and it was annoying AF.
Beginning of 2020, I was over everything but still had the popping sound. ENT doc said it will go away.
That didnt fill me with confidence so I reluctantly went to a TMJ specialist and dropped $600 to hear him tell me that yes, I do have TMJ and treatment will be $6k. And then I would have a 1 in 5 chance of the popping sound going away completely.  :o
He also said Was lucky there was no pain, but eventually there will be. How nice, I thought.
I went to another TMJ specialist only to hear the same.
Some days, it felt like it was dissipating so I was holding out hope. I doubled up on Ibuprofen per doc as a possible cure to no avail.
I began CBD oil which also doesn't help.
It's clearly not going away, so now, with 2020 sucking major ass, I have to somehow find $6k, all due up front, while business is suffering. Ive had most of February cancel and my CPA hit me with my tax return which I owe almost 10k, but I kinda knew that was coming.
Still, life sucks and I am not happy and this doesn't help my tendencies to becoming depressed.
Emotional eating has doubled, I feel terrible, and am in terrible health, probably worst in my life, and the worst part? I dont give a shit.
Hopefully things change for the better, and soon.


Saw this one after my other response. Sorry to hear things are going that route for you Crewe. Life's a bitch and all that. I like to tell myself that it's been a bitch before and somehow I was able to make it through, so hopefully this time will be the same. That helps me feel a little better when I'm going through stuff.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 02:04:01 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on February 26, 2020, 01:46:20 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 12:08:13 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on February 19, 2020, 08:41:18 PM
It's funny, even being born in 87, I feel like I'm at the start of, lets say "video game dominance."

I've read about the gaming consoles that preceded the NES (and of course arcades before that, the handled LED games as you mentioned).

We already had an Atari 2600 in the house in my earliest memories, as well as an NES. Also had a few handhelds, Gameboys of course but then the little games, a little X-Men Mattel handheld, a Jurassic Park one, and my favorite, the Ninja Turtles basketball handheld, haha.

I remember my mom didn't want us to have an SNES when that released, but one of my aunts got it for us anyway. Admittedly, sometimes I wonder if maybe my mom was right, considering how much gaming I've done since with basically no other hobbies (well, movies). Would I have actually been more interested in learning how to, I dunno, change the oil in a car if I wasn't spending all my time as a kid playing games? Eh, maybe, but I could learn to do it any day now and still haven't, so what's really to blame?

We had so many NES games (remember the early days when the movie tie-in games were so much more prominent, and are basically non-existent now?) We had the Karate Kid game which was just...awful, and yet you played it, because you liked the movie and this was the NES, you took what you could get, haha.

I remember Mortal Kombat as like a flashpoint in gaming history. I was never a huge Street Fighter fan (still am not, because I suck at every iteration of the game), but like any other kid back then, I got absolutely sucked into it. We ended up getting it for the Genesis later.

Yeah, we had the Atari, NES, SNES, Genesis and Playstation. When we got the N64, we had to sell everything but the Playstation.

It's weird now. I still play videogames, obviously, sometimes because it's fun, sometimes because I'm just passing time, sometimes because I'm tired and don't want to leave the house, or for whatever other reason, but my gaming lineup has shrunk significantly. For years it was basically just Madden and MLB: The Show. Recently I expanded (or, at least, acquired more games), yet I find myself pretty much just playing For Honor. It kind of helps me defeat the "videogames are pointless" voice in my head, since I'm playing against other people and I have to actually use my brain and react (aka I get competitive), vs say, going through God of War and just fighting enemy spawns. But really, considering there's no story, no real objective, I suppose it's a pointless game, yet, it brings me some form of joy. Meanwhile I still haven't finish GoW, and I got Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and Persona 5 for xmas and have played 0 of either, so, I dunno.

This got a bit more rambly than I expected. I guess I still have that voice in my head that tells me "videogames are for kids, just because they're accepted now doesn't mean it's not true." Like, sure, they've aged up the content and we have Hollywood level stories and production, but it's still me, sitting on my bed, starting at the TV with the controller in my hand, so what's really changed, you know?

That's what I do best though. Simplify things down until I can hold them against myself, hahaha


LOL that's pretty much me dude.

I get this post completely and yes, of course I too was in your scenarios lol
To me, it's just another form of entertainment but one that should be accepted by adults, just like Backgammon as an example.

Remember when we here at BSB used to connect and play NHL and MLB, not to mention Burnout Paradise.
Ill never forget once when one of the guys here remarked about my "colorful language" regarding our hockey matchup  :D


Oh man, I had forgotten about that! Was it, oh man, what was his name.....holy crap, I can't think of it. Mexico City Aztecs owner (but I remember that?) He played as, I think, the Flames with, I THINK, Khabibulin in net and that dude was just UNSTOPPABLE. No pucks got past him in that game, it was insane, hahaha.

So much fun.

Was it zooboy or something similar? Those were fun times

Appreciate your sentiment in the other post, I have to adopt that outlook. I guess we all do
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on February 26, 2020, 05:21:26 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 12:21:31 PM
And now Im moving from a fun post to one not so fun.

Just prior to Tday 2019, I became run down with what I thought were allergies. Turns out it was, but I had an ear infection on top of it.
Then, just as I beat those obstacles, I had a full blown cold through Christmas.
All through this, I had a terrible popping sound in my ear, like a stalk of celery being twisted apart and it was annoying AF.
Beginning of 2020, I was over everything but still had the popping sound. ENT doc said it will go away.
That didnt fill me with confidence so I reluctantly went to a TMJ specialist and dropped $600 to hear him tell me that yes, I do have TMJ and treatment will be $6k. And then I would have a 1 in 5 chance of the popping sound going away completely.  :o
He also said Was lucky there was no pain, but eventually there will be. How nice, I thought.
I went to another TMJ specialist only to hear the same.
Some days, it felt like it was dissipating so I was holding out hope. I doubled up on Ibuprofen per doc as a possible cure to no avail.
I began CBD oil which also doesn't help.
It's clearly not going away, so now, with 2020 sucking major ass, I have to somehow find $6k, all due up front, while business is suffering. Ive had most of February cancel and my CPA hit me with my tax return which I owe almost 10k, but I kinda knew that was coming.
Still, life sucks and I am not happy and this doesn't help my tendencies to becoming depressed.
Emotional eating has doubled, I feel terrible, and am in terrible health, probably worst in my life, and the worst part? I dont give a shit.
Hopefully things change for the better, and soon.

Sorry to hear this, my friend. Really do hope things turn around quickly for you.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 09:37:47 PM
thanks. like buc said, it gets better, just have to weather it. Appreciate the sincerities bud
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on February 27, 2020, 04:19:50 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 09:37:47 PM
thanks. like buc said, it gets better, just have to weather it. Appreciate the sincerities bud

I hope things turn a corner for you soon.  In the end, life is basically a rotation of good and bad experiences that for whatever reason seem to come in corresponding bunches.  Just hold on the wheel will turn and the good will come.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 28, 2020, 06:47:39 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on February 27, 2020, 04:19:50 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 26, 2020, 09:37:47 PM
thanks. like buc said, it gets better, just have to weather it. Appreciate the sincerities bud

I hope things turn a corner for you soon.  In the end, life is basically a rotation of good and bad experiences that for whatever reason seem to come in corresponding bunches.  Just hold on the wheel will turn and the good will come.

me too, and I appreciate the sincerity.

Ill start trying to stave it off this weekend. Im taking a BBQ day trip through central Texas and will be packing up an absurd amount of food followed by a poker game Sunday.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 29, 2020, 08:40:01 PM
Leg one of said tour complete.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop eating poorly

https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3 (https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 29, 2020, 08:55:53 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 29, 2020, 08:40:01 PM
Leg one of said tour complete.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop eating poorly

https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3 (https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3)

Hot damn, I haven't had meat in a year and that still got me feeling hungry. Quite the haul
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 29, 2020, 09:04:00 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on February 29, 2020, 08:55:53 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 29, 2020, 08:40:01 PM
Leg one of said tour complete.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop eating poorly

https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3 (https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3)

Hot damn, I haven't had meat in a year and that still got me feeling hungry. Quite the haul

Seriously? How? And I mean that genuinely.
My other nephew is a vegetarian...I think. He will eat shrimp, or anything without a central nervous system, dont know what you call that, but in any event, Im curious, do you sub tofu, fish?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 29, 2020, 09:51:36 PM
I'm the worst example, haha. We're pescatarian, so we eat fish but no meat. We also buy cruelty free bathroom products.

Anyways, I'm an extremely picky eater. I dont eat fruit. I don't like nuts. I hate beans. It's not a great starting point.

But between just pasta and rice based veggie dishes, substitutes like Beyond, Impossible and Morningstar, I've managed to get by, with little deviations. Now, when I go to Taco Bell, I get my quesarito with potato instead of meat.

I had a coworker at Comcast who was full on vegan. The fiancee doesn't want to do that because we can't give up sushi and poke, haha. She doesn't much like the substitute cheeses and butters and such though. I've had some vegan cheese pizza and vegan cream cheese at places here, tastes just as good to me. Hell, the grocery store has those frozen pizzas with the cauliflower crust that taste and feel exactly the same to me. It's pretty awesome. 

Granted, living in Washington, it's easy to find options. When I was in Myrtle, this would be much harder to do.

Oh, and no tofu yet. I keep saying I'm going to try it, but it hasn't happened yet.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 01, 2020, 01:37:53 AM
Quote from: Crewe on February 29, 2020, 08:40:01 PM
Leg one of said tour complete.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop eating poorly

https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3 (https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3)

You and I have differing opinions on eating "poorly" lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 01, 2020, 12:42:34 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on February 29, 2020, 09:51:36 PM
I'm the worst example, haha. We're pescatarian, so we eat fish but no meat. We also buy cruelty free bathroom products.

Anyways, I'm an extremely picky eater. I dont eat fruit. I don't like nuts. I hate beans. It's not a great starting point.

But between just pasta and rice based veggie dishes, substitutes like Beyond, Impossible and Morningstar, I've managed to get by, with little deviations. Now, when I go to Taco Bell, I get my quesarito with potato instead of meat.

I had a coworker at Comcast who was full on vegan. The fiancee doesn't want to do that because we can't give up sushi and poke, haha. She doesn't much like the substitute cheeses and butters and such though. I've had some vegan cheese pizza and vegan cream cheese at places here, tastes just as good to me. Hell, the grocery store has those frozen pizzas with the cauliflower crust that taste and feel exactly the same to me. It's pretty awesome. 

Granted, living in Washington, it's easy to find options. When I was in Myrtle, this would be much harder to do.

Oh, and no tofu yet. I keep saying I'm going to try it, but it hasn't happened yet.

You do have a small food window lol
me on the other hand...well, you see.
I just dont think I could go vegetarian or vegan or any variation of no meat, it's just not me.

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 01, 2020, 12:42:53 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on March 01, 2020, 01:37:53 AM
Quote from: Crewe on February 29, 2020, 08:40:01 PM
Leg one of said tour complete.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop eating poorly

https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3 (https://imgur.com/3cqoTV3)

You and I have differing opinions on eating "poorly" lol

lol touche
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 06, 2020, 02:35:06 AM
Let me tell you just how much faster my commute has gotten to and from home these past few days, here in sunny, cheerful, pleasant Washington state.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 06, 2020, 08:20:05 AM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 06, 2020, 02:35:06 AM
Let me tell you just how much faster my commute has gotten to and from home these past few days, here in sunny, cheerful, pleasant Washington state.

Lol sadly I have an idea why.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 06, 2020, 05:34:19 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 06, 2020, 02:35:06 AM
Let me tell you just how much faster my commute has gotten to and from home these past few days, here in sunny, cheerful, pleasant Washington state.

d'oh!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 09, 2020, 02:58:10 PM
Made my appointment for the $6k treatment with the doc. Im really not happy about this at all, but everything Ive tried is not working. Some days I swear its going away but then it doesn't.
ive now developed tinnitus. I thought the popping was bad....man, Im really going mad now, and knowing that cant be cured. :(
Fuck.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 10, 2020, 12:51:03 PM
Quote from: Crewe on March 09, 2020, 02:58:10 PM
Made my appointment for the $6k treatment with the doc. Im really not happy about this at all, but everything Ive tried is not working. Some days I swear its going away but then it doesn't.
ive now developed tinnitus. I thought the popping was bad....man, Im really going mad now, and knowing that cant be cured. :(
Fuck.

Admittedly I'm very bad at this, but fwiw, been keeping you in my thoughts hoping things turn out right for you.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 10, 2020, 01:52:00 PM
I do appreciate it. I apparently have adopted this thread as my own bitching file lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 10, 2020, 03:39:50 PM
Quote from: Crewe on March 10, 2020, 01:52:00 PM
I do appreciate it. I apparently have adopted this thread as my own bitching file lol


Eh, it's the Life Thread. Sometimes it's up. Sometimes it's down. Because, you know....life.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 10, 2020, 10:41:24 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 10, 2020, 03:39:50 PM
Quote from: Crewe on March 10, 2020, 01:52:00 PM
I do appreciate it. I apparently have adopted this thread as my own bitching file lol


Eh, it's the Life Thread. Sometimes it's up. Sometimes it's down. Because, you know....life.

10-4 
waiting for next event  :popcorn:
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 13, 2020, 11:05:15 AM
I hope everyone is doing ok and not needing supplies because stores are barren. I cant believe people are panicking to this degree.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 14, 2020, 10:19:10 AM
People tend to panic when there is a leadership void at the top. That's all I have to say about that for now.

As for being on the frontline of this thing? I knew what I signed up for when I went into nursing. Just gotta do my job diligently and hope everyone else does the same. I'm not particularly worried about me if I run into this (with how this has been handled up to now, it's quite probable)...it's the at risk people I run into, the little preemies we take care of, and yes, I'm worried about my parents too. One meme I saw was pretty relatable: being a nurse during this is kind of like being one of the musicians on the Titanic. Chaos all around and we're sinking, but we play on.

Whatever it takes...always forward. Look out for each other. Limit your social contacts for now, if you can. Stop hoarding toilet paper ya wankers. If you see some asshole confronting an Asian family because they somehow think they're at fault for this virus spreading, call 'em out (I've seen stories of this type of shit happening already, and the first one foolish enough to come at me with that mess is catching hands).

AND WASH YOUR FUCKING HANDS.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 14, 2020, 12:53:39 PM
Yeah, co-worker texted me the other day saying he was having symptoms. He has diabetes, but apparently they still told him he's too healthy to get a test.

I feel fine, but now I'm doing the playing it safe thing and staying in so I don't spread it to anyone who can't handle it. I'm 32, no pre-existing conditions and have health insurance. If I do have it and it gets bad, that just means I get to use my sick days, so I'm not too concerned for myself. Rather get it BEFORE my wedding and honeymoon in April anyway.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 14, 2020, 01:52:18 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on March 14, 2020, 10:19:10 AM
People tend to panic when there is a leadership void at the top. That's all I have to say about that for now.

As for being on the frontline of this thing? I knew what I signed up for when I went into nursing. Just gotta do my job diligently and hope everyone else does the same. I'm not particularly worried about me if I run into this (with how this has been handled up to now, it's quite probable)...it's the at risk people I run into, the little preemies we take care of, and yes, I'm worried about my parents too. One meme I saw was pretty relatable: being a nurse during this is kind of like being one of the musicians on the Titanic. Chaos all around and we're sinking, but we play on.

Whatever it takes...always forward. Look out for each other. Limit your social contacts for now, if you can. Stop hoarding toilet paper ya wankers. If you see some asshole confronting an Asian family because they somehow think they're at fault for this virus spreading, call 'em out (I've seen stories of this type of shit happening already, and the first one foolish enough to come at me with that mess is catching hands).

AND WASH YOUR FUCKING HANDS.

I was actually thinking about you the other day norm. You and your brethren are appreciated, please know that. And take care of yourself...well, I know you will.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 14, 2020, 01:55:53 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 14, 2020, 12:53:39 PM
Yeah, co-worker texted me the other day saying he was having symptoms. He has diabetes, but apparently they still told him he's too healthy to get a test.

I feel fine, but now I'm doing the playing it safe thing and staying in so I don't spread it to anyone who can't handle it. I'm 32, no pre-existing conditions and have health insurance. If I do have it and it gets bad, that just means I get to use my sick days, so I'm not too concerned for myself. Rather get it BEFORE my wedding and honeymoon in April anyway.

If only more thought like you.
I had to be at the airport here with traveling lawyers for a job and always deal with guys in and out of town in high traffic locales. I hope I dont contract it because if I do, Im fucked. Absolutely in the worst shape of my life, not a dime to my name and no insurance.
I guess the good news is Ill pretty much be at home now. the bad news is thats because all my jobs are cancelling.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 18, 2020, 02:53:08 PM
So aside from norm, anyone else working?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 18, 2020, 03:25:29 PM
I'm at Microsoft, so yeah. WFH is recommended and approved, although coming into the office is still allowed. I was going into the office still, until a coworker on my team mentioned he'd started having symptoms, so I've been WFH since Friday. Last update was suggested to continue WFH until April 7.

Autumn's WFH for the Gates Foundation too, but with their office closed and so many of the organizations they work with (well, that her team works with) temporarily shutting down, she doesn't have nearly the workload she used to.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 18, 2020, 05:14:28 PM
Well since I am a hospital Administrator, yep you could say I am working lol.  Spent the last month or so really gearing up for a storm we hope either never comes or is milder than expected.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 18, 2020, 10:14:49 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 18, 2020, 03:25:29 PM
I'm at Microsoft, so yeah. WFH is recommended and approved, although coming into the office is still allowed. I was going into the office still, until a coworker on my team mentioned he'd started having symptoms, so I've been WFH since Friday. Last update was suggested to continue WFH until April 7.

Autumn's WFH for the Gates Foundation too, but with their office closed and so many of the organizations they work with (well, that her team works with) temporarily shutting down, she doesn't have nearly the workload she used to.

man, Im glad you have that option. I was reading about how many people work from home nowadays. I wish I could change to a career that would allow that, but at my age, Im probably done.

No work for me for months now. Courts were shut down as well as all ancillary work. I mean attorneys can agree to go ahead with depositions, but its rare.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 18, 2020, 10:17:19 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on March 18, 2020, 05:14:28 PM
Well since I am a hospital Administrator, yep you could say I am working lol.  Spent the last month or so really gearing up for a storm we hope either never comes or is milder than expected.

Ah man, I completely forgot about you working in the medical industry.
My sister works as an administrator and Im worried about her. They just had their first confirmed case about three days ago.
I know you, but please stay safe as possible!

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 25, 2020, 04:32:37 PM
I must share:
So you know I had been dealing with allergies, ear infection, full blown cold and TMJ issues since Thanksgiving of 19.
Multiple doc visits, ungodly sums of money and the like.
Well, yesterday, I went to the CVS minute clinic because I felt symptoms of an infection in my other ear, same as the other.
Since my TMJ treatments have been postponed to to the virus, I wanted to make sure there was no infection and my ENT is a twat of the highest order, so I made an appointment here.
I normally am not a germaphobe o an anxious person, but now, after being inside for a few days, and knowing the intelligence and consideration level of most people in this country, I was a bit nervous. Get in, get out and get gone.
Everything was fine, as far as I know lol but I had to wait on a couple of scripts. So I picked a part of the store close to the pharmacy where there was little traffic.
When I would see someone entering my area, I would quietly shift and shuffle the other way, keeping an eye on them. Not being rude, but very casual. Then another would appear and I would have to shift my route around another aisle, welp, there's another, back this way...
And then I got so tickled at myself because I thought, fuck, Im in a real life Pac man game! lol
Ive laughed about that shit all day.
So hopefully I got out of there with no damage. Im pretty cautious, careful of what I touched at at doc and not myself, and refrained until I was able to get home, ditch the clothes and wash my hands. Maybe overreacting, but hey ;-)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on March 25, 2020, 05:13:11 PM
Quote from: Crewe on March 18, 2020, 10:17:19 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on March 18, 2020, 05:14:28 PM
Well since I am a hospital Administrator, yep you could say I am working lol.  Spent the last month or so really gearing up for a storm we hope either never comes or is milder than expected.

Ah man, I completely forgot about you working in the medical industry.
My sister works as an administrator and Im worried about her. They just had their first confirmed case about three days ago.
I know you, but please stay safe as possible!

I will and thanks! We had 14 people in the local area decide it would be a good time to travel to Colorado (one of the do not travel zones) and now are all symptomatic. Fun Fun.  It will all be ok this to shall pass.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 25, 2020, 06:56:05 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on March 25, 2020, 05:13:11 PM
Quote from: Crewe on March 18, 2020, 10:17:19 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on March 18, 2020, 05:14:28 PM
Well since I am a hospital Administrator, yep you could say I am working lol.  Spent the last month or so really gearing up for a storm we hope either never comes or is milder than expected.

Ah man, I completely forgot about you working in the medical industry.
My sister works as an administrator and Im worried about her. They just had their first confirmed case about three days ago.
I know you, but please stay safe as possible!

I will and thanks! We had 14 people in the local area decide it would be a good time to travel to Colorado (one of the do not travel zones) and now are all symptomatic. Fun Fun.  It will all be ok this to shall pass.

you know, I just....dont get it...at all
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 29, 2020, 02:54:18 PM
In this time of seclusion, early on, I was still going to the grocery store on the reg because I normally go 3-4 times a week, or more, deepening on what's happening.
As everything worsened, I began looking in to delivery services because many store pick ups were delayed by over a week. I have used that service for essentials that we always need, but needed a bit sooner delivery on other things, despite availability.

I've used Insta Cart now three times and each time delivery has been within 5 hours the same day, sans once I saw a window was for the next day.
You can order when the store is closed and you will receive an option for to select a time for the next day.

You are asked to select substitutions for each item which is understandable. If you are around, your shopper will message you about substitutions or you can contact them via messaging through the app.
There's the ability to edit the order prior to shopping beginning, and even though I haven't tried it, Im sure you could message your shopper during the trip to make changes.
Fees are reasonable here, 3.99 for delivery, there's a 2.00 delivery fee and any amount of tip you choose. The app/website defaults to 5%.
For me, its a bit easier to browse via the website then follow up on the app, but either is easy, both the same and app is free.
All in all, I think you pay about $10 bucks more after fees and deliveries which I dont consider to be a bad deal, considering.
Even as most of us are home, you can opt to have the driver leave them at the door to avoid contact, and can even submit messages with your order, such as, buy deli cheese in a block, not sliced.

The app/website is sorta like Dominos I guess, with its tracking phases. It tells you when shopping is in process and the route of the driver to your house with estimated arrivals.

Insta Cart partners with your local stores, so there's a bit of variety within the big box market, ie.e Kroger, H.E.B. (Texas only) Target, Wal-Mart etc...
One downside, and I dont know how important it is to you, but you obviously dont receive any loyalty points from your store card.
They do offer an express which I think negates one of the fees and gives you faster delivery but its $99 per year. Again, thats optional.
It costs nothing to sign up and use the app/website, other than the fees I discussed above.
Other than that, I've been pretty happy with it thus far.

Stay healthy guys!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 30, 2020, 02:18:42 PM
Now Instacart workers are striking, along with some Amazon warehouse workers and Whole Foods workers (all owned by Amazon, apparently? WF I knew about, not IC though).

Way to go, Crewe. :P
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 30, 2020, 02:53:44 PM
LOL Well, I thought IC had most of their issues worked out prior to them striking but I guess not.
So sue me.  :D
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on March 31, 2020, 12:39:05 AM
well I am hanging in there. Working from home and using the pick up services when needed. Stay safe folks
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 31, 2020, 01:30:05 AM
Quote from: rollntider on March 31, 2020, 12:39:05 AM
well I am hanging in there. Working from home and using the pick up services when needed. Stay safe folks

Good to hear.
Insta Cart still works fine here. I read strikes were only in certain areas.

I had two jobs this week and this morning they both canceled as I figured they would. On the one hand, I desperately need the dough, but on the other, Im really anxious about going out now. That decision was taken out of my hands as they both canceled this morning.
So all was well, until I realize I literally had to pay my mortgage today. Shit's gettin tight...fast.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 06, 2020, 04:40:41 PM
So this weekend, I accepted an opportunity and set out to grow my own tomatoes, peppers and herbs via a planter box and pot.
I have never tried anything like this, but Ill never forget the first time I tried truly fresh tomatoes and it was amazing. So Im hoping I succeed!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 06, 2020, 04:51:59 PM
That's so neat!

I'm so impatient with any project I undergo, I always want something I can finish in an hour so I can relax or move onto whatever's next, without feeling I have something unfinished I "should" be doing. Learning to make my own pace. So I started whittling while in quarantine (actually have had the knives since xmas, but finally got some basswood to start on. I'm told it's softer and a bit easier for beginners).

Anyways, did that for about an hour the other day, got an owl started, so we'll see how that goes at some point in the future, presumably.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 06, 2020, 05:19:45 PM
Thats awesome. I picked up whittling when I was a kid at my uncles ranch. Didnt get real good at it but it was fun.
we will see if I have any semblance of a green thumb or not lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 07, 2020, 12:42:36 AM
That's pretty damn impressive fellas, and glad you're both keeping yourselves occupied! One of those things I miss about home is not being able to grow a garden. You're absolutely right Crewe, there's nothing quite like truly fresh tomatoes and peppers.

I've been travel nursing for about a year and a half now (the first 15 months in Chicago), and got to Peoria about a month ago. This city was boring before everything got locked down lol, but it has helped me figure out some things about myself and what matters to me.

First off, I'm honestly not sure how much longer I want to do this travel nurse thing. Technically a travel RN can go just about anywhere they've got needs, but honestly I loved where I landed off the bat and it was comforting to get to know a good group of people. Plus it was Chicago, so I was living it up. When it became clear that they finally weren't going to need me as a traveler anymore (the hospital was a ton of $$$ over budget and had to cut costs), I had to line up a new job. Luckily I found one in Peoria so I didn't need to go license hunting, but then you've got a couple days of orientation, a crap ton of modules that need to be done by a certain date, a new charting system, getting to know new people and a new city...I just kinda realized I'm not really about that life. On top of missing my family and dear friends back in Michigan and my new dear friends in Chicago, now I'm in a new city that I don't know at all and it's just jarring. Yeah, it's all mindset and making the most of it, but I realized I like my friends and people I can trust and trying to find new ones is a pain in the ass (add in a lockdown and it's near impossible...and also irresponsible to go out and about anyway). Granted, even if I was back in Michigan or Chicago right now I wouldn't be able to see or hang out with them anyway...but there's just something about being closer and not being out in the sticks (and yeah, Peoria's a city but it's basically just a small city surrounded by miles and miles of farmland).

So what have I been doing? Some videogames (finally beat RDR2 and played through MW Remastered, now going through MW2 remastered...yes that just dropped for PS4 a few days ago), but mostly a lot of music related stuff. Been messing with djay software and trying to get back up to speed on mixing again, took a couple of online dance lessons with my instructor/partner back in Michigan since everything's locked down there too (and why didn't we do this earlier? Might not be quite the same but we're familiar enough with each other we make it work). Also hosting online game night once a week with friends back in Michigan (again, why didn't we do this sooner) to see each other's faces and just have a good fun night without having to worry about all this. That's helped me quite a bit since I'm basically on an island. I live for those nights I can video call with them. And yes, also brushing up on COVID a bit since while I might be sheltered for now in the NICU I feel it's only a matter of time before this hits the littlest population too and I want to be ready...already read about a couple of cases where a mom that tested positive for it gave birth to their child and that child tested positive too. That's my nightmare.

Heh, guess I had a ton to say. Props to all of you that are surviving the best you can and getting by. Hope you can all weather this storm in some way, and honestly if there's even a little something I can do to help any of you just shoot me a message and I'll see what I can do. Stay home if you can, this virus isn't a joke. And wash your hands, it shouldn't take a pandemic to remind people of that lol. Cheers friends.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on April 07, 2020, 11:55:26 AM
Glad to see all you guys are making the best of the coivdocolipis. Norm I get what you are saying about the traveler gig.  I did it a long time ago and found that I am a guy that likes roots as well. hope you figure it all out. 

Being an RN, Surgical first assist, and hospital administrator there is no time for new skills or well anything other than COVID at this point.  To add to it my wife is disabled.  She was left with less than 30% lung capacity from an incident with H1N1 13 years ago.  So not only am I worried about my hospital and staff but also taking it home to my wife.

This to shall pass.  For some, it will be the worst thing that has ever happened, the loss of loved one, life long disability, for others it will be seen as much to do about nothing.  Both parties will claim the other should have done more and life will return to normal. Lets all just try and come out the other side of this with some perspective of what in life is actually important.   

Stay safe guys and WASH those hands.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 07, 2020, 01:20:33 PM
norm thats awesome to read, even thou I know its less fun for you now than it would normally be, but you are staying in contact, finding a little joy and most important, helping people.
I felt so small reading that as you've accomplished more by contributing than I ever have, and its truly appreciated.

rigg, Im really sorry to hear of your wife's issues, I cant imagine the strain and worry you must have with what's happening now.
Being out there in front of this thing takes balls, courage and will to help that most dont possess.
Stay safe guys!

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 20, 2020, 09:20:02 PM
So...have any of you had any interesting self-realizations or self-discoveries during this quarantine? Don't feel any pressure to be deep or positive either.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 21, 2020, 08:10:19 AM
Since you asked....
This will be quite the harangue, so...

I am self employed and since the Governor shut down the courts and all ancillary activity some time ago, rightfully so, I am out of work.
Attorneys still take depositions, but they just cannot get any rulings or be heard on any matter. However, those are all remote via Skype et al which means, no work for me since I have to actually be present.

The thrust of my daily issue is sleep.
Most nights, I toss and turn all night, sometimes I dont get to bed until 2 or 3 but it makes no difference. Some nights I am so tired, I cant sleep, if that resonates.
Ill get out of bed early morning and putter around but somewhere around 8-10am, I end up crashing out, but I dont want to sleep all day. Dont know why, doesn't matter, at all, but thats just me. So I struggle to wake up around noon or one and the day is just shot because Im exhausted and you know the mind isn't high functioning in that scenario.
Wash rinse repeat.
Now once in a while I'll throw in a shot of Nyquil to get some shut eye and things are ok for a day or two.
The sleep issue ties in to my potential for depression, especially under the current circumstances and I know it's anxiety keeping me awake because my realization is one that isn't new.
Im one step from the street, one foot on the curb actually.
I wasted my life, financially speaking. Never thought I'd live to retirement age so it didnt matter. And those days that wasn't the primary thought, it was usually, something will happen.
If it's not this pandemic, it could be a heart attack, a car wreck, an accident, anything, and Im pretty much toast.
There's no-one. Just me. Pretty frightening.
No money coming in at all.
Every Federal and state grant I've been able to find are defunded and I haven't been able to get through to the Texas unemployment office for obvious reasons and thats been a thing since early March.


Since I cannot afford to be sick, I stay away from people. My cousin stopped by 11 days ago for a few minutes, but didnt even get out of the car (distancing) and prior to that it was six days since I laid eyes on anyone.
It's tough, but I have to do it. No longer with an SO, which could be good or bad I guess, I do reach out to a few folks to talk to have some sort of contact which helps. I don't mind bing alone so much, but just the circumstances are becoming weary, as it is for everyone.

I try to focus on the day and not look too far ahead as that's disastrous, and, there's nothing I can do about it.
So I try to tackle the sleep thing to help my mind and when I am up and about, I force myself to attack my to do list, both fun and not fun, in order to get me physically exhausted to help me crash. To accomplish something, no matter how small because that helps motivation and outlook.
Under that umbrella, I've started trying to grow tomatoes, herbs and peppers; have taken on yoga, practice my guitar, take my dog out (who is a lifesaver) play a fuck ton of video games, cook quite a bit because I enjoy that too and last week I did a really deep dive on my house cleaning which was a major accomplishment.
Getting outside is a positive and just trying to focus on what I can control.
To that end, I did have a good ay yesterday.
What seems like many moons ago, I was able to find a number to the unemployment office that allowed you to leave a message.
They called me yesterday and I was finally able to submit a claim. Now whether or not they approve me is another story, but it's a relief to just not have to worry about trying to get in anymore.

Ironically, this is a lot how I pictured my retirement lol
I'm sorta re thinking that now...



Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on April 21, 2020, 01:27:21 PM
Hang in there crewe.

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on April 21, 2020, 02:20:20 PM
Crewe, hang in there. I know it is cliche to say but "This too Shall Pass". Or as little orphan Annie says " the sun will come up tomorrow" . And it will.   
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 22, 2020, 12:31:45 AM
Damn. Hang in there my friend.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 22, 2020, 01:17:23 AM
I appreciate the thoughts guys and sorry, I didnt intend that to be a pity post, just sorta describing my day. I know everyone here could make a similar post, we just have to muddle through.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 07, 2020, 12:35:04 AM
Wanted to check in, although I'm probably the only one awake right now. Figured with quarantine and all, may be nice to wake up to something to reply to and replies to read to pass a few minutes.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 07, 2020, 01:48:52 PM
Things are about the same here. Im just not focusing on much down the road.
I did call my mortgage company though, they sent me notice saying we are here for you in this time of need and all that bullshit.
I had time so I figured what the hell, Ill look into this forbearance offer.
So, you apply and lets say you get a 3 month pass, no interest, no late fee, no reporting poor credit. Ok that sounds good.
After three months, you have to pay everything back in full.
Wait, what?
Or you could pay more each month, or you could take outa loan to pay everything back.
Hey motherfucker, if I had that kind of scratch, I wouldn't need the fucking forbearance in the first place!


Regarding work, jobs are starting to trickle in, and by that I mean three a month, but then they cancel, so I dont know what that means.
Honestly, Im at the point now where my options are
a) go out to work, get the virus and die.
b) stay home, lose my house, get kicked out in the street and die.

I know option a sucks, but b could be years of misery.
Thats why I try to focus on just today.

All in all, just chillin around the house with my dog and began a second play through on RDR2

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 11, 2020, 11:38:46 AM
Had a job today, my first one in almost two months. I really did not want to go but I did even though its my only one of the week.
In the very few tis Ive been out, Ive found that people who wear masks take them off or lower them below the chin within a few minutes.
It's really sad to be around people who don't take this seriously. Only 80k dead out of 320 million? That's nothing!
Yea, you insensitive prick, unless you or yours are one of them. Not to mention its going to get much worse because there is no vaccine and can your pea brain understand what happens when there is no cure? Apparently not.

A buddy of mine goes out on walks at night and he lives in a real haughty part of town. He said he goes by a bar and its just packed with people and those who do have masks have them around their necks. Just blows my mind.

All that said, Im going to have to go back to work soon, assuming there is work and there's not much I can do.
Im almost to the point where I go out in public, get the virus and die.
Or stay home, run out of cash, get kicked out on the street and die.
Which of those sounds better?

And since this is a free flowing rant, today, a girl I respected turns out to be an anti vaxxer because you know, socialism. I swear that's what she said.
Something about the government injecting us to know more about us or some shit.
I liked it much better when people just shut the fuck up.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on July 10, 2020, 04:46:54 PM
So with everything going on, I had the opportunity to have over one of my seldom seen nephews since he now has some time off as well.
We decided, that since he is a sous chef and I am a weekend chef, that we should have a food fiesta.
We made two kinds of lasagna, carne guisada and buffalo chicken mac and cheese. 
We had great fun and leftovers for days.
My sister uncovered our weekend and wanted to join, so we thought, well, it was fun so lets do it again.
Then, my older nephew heard about it and he and his wife are joining as well.
Despite them being vegetarians, I decided to allow it ;-)
So our Second Food Fiesta is now a full blown Tex Mex Food Fiesta.
The menu will consist of guac (get over it norm) and queso appetizers along with fresh salsa. Spinach mushroom and cheese enchiladas along with chicken enchiladas complete with homemade green and red enchilada sauces.
A heaping pot of Charro beans for us regular folk and black beans, adored by my vegetarian kin, green chili rice and just for the hell of it Im throwing a flank steak on the grill for some fajitas with roasted peppers and onions.
Sangria and some peach thing for dessert rounds out the day.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 19, 2020, 05:34:02 PM
Been a while since I've updated my blog  :D

So Im essentially still quarantined for all intents and purposes.
I have people over for our Food Fiesta occasionally, but its a small group and people I trust and know who take this virus seriously.
Same if I visit anyone, which is extremely rare.
Ill go to a UPS store for work once in a while or something similar, bu I pretty much stay away from people if I can help it.
I did go to a restaurant yesterday with a friend I hadn't seen in forever. I think she's a little less cautious than I, but the restaurant was empty and even though I was across the table from her, I tied to stay out of the line of fire if you will.
I was bothered by the fact I discovered she just returned from Vegas, so that's got me on edge a bit for the next 14 days.
If I get this bug, I'm dead. I'm in the worst shape of my life, so I know it won't be kind.
That said, I also dont worry too much about it.
My work is mostly hosting Zoom depo now and for that Im grateful so all in all, not terrible, considering.
What's everyone's experience like now? Do you see people returning to normal?
Are you staying cautious, or trying to get back to a normal circle?
Just curious what everyone else is seeing right now?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on September 21, 2020, 07:17:08 PM
Pretty much in the same boat as far as social interactions go. I've gone out to a restaurant once, and we sat outside-it was alright and planning on going out again but once the colder months hit I think I'll just stay in. It's not me I'm worried about, it's the rest of the morons out there (it only takes one). As much as I want to see Tenet in a movie theatre that's out of the question at the moment. Maybe in a few weeks and a mid-week matinee when hardly anyone else goes.

It's rare in Chicago but I don't hesitate to call out someone for not wearing a mask or wearing it incorrectly in a grocery store...if they want to get pissy about it, fuck 'em lol. I'm not there to make friends and I can defend myself just fine. If someone thinks I'm being too cautious or "afraid" of a virus, I really don't give a shit haha

I've hung out responsibly with friends a couple times when I'm back in Michigan (friend's deck, we're at least 6 feet apart, etc.). But other than that, I just chill out a lot. Gyms have been open here a couple months and as far as I can tell have been safe...but I haven't gone back. Just working out in the condo (lot of bodyweight stuff, plyometrics), and have thankfully lost most of the weight I gained in Peoria during quarantine. Always forward.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 21, 2020, 07:57:32 PM
Yeah, similar. Been doing the WFH thing since this all started. I hate it, I miss the office. Autumn does virtual "happy hours" with her team at the Foundation every Friday, and she's been finding these crafty little things, sort of like Blue Aprons but much much smaller, that she can order for her team and they do them together during their Teams call. One time she got a "cupcake making kit," last time it was smores.

My job did a poll to see who wanted to do some sort of virtual group event, and who'd rather just get an Uber Eats gift card. Only 4 people voted for a group activity. I was one :(

Beyond work, similar to you and Norm. Funnily enough, last year Autumn's sister moved here (with her husband and kid), and earlier this year (MID-pandemic) her aunt, niece and uncle all moved here, so we've seen them a few times. We went out to dinner ONCE to a restaurant, outdoor dining of course, with her family, but that's been it. Besides that, takeout and home meals.

We did go to a drive-in theater a few weeks ago and saw The New Mutants with Iron Man. Took her niece, that was a lot of fun. I miss theaters something fierce, you have to understand, I was a Stubs List member at AMC, with my 3 free movies a week, and I made use of that thing. I won't step foot in a theater until there's a vaccine. It's just not safe, with this virus lingering in the air in enclosed spaces.

Went to the zoo once, which was nice, and this past weekend we went to a local nursery so Autumn could grab some more house plants. We've actually gotten a lot of things done at home during the quarantine. It's only a rental, so we can do so much, but we got our back patio finished with curtains and lights. She's gotten so many houseplants, she got a terrarium for them indoors and all of our windowsills are basically lined with them now, haha. She got herself a potter's desk for the patio so she can move all the new plants she desires. Renovated the office too, due to the whole WFH thing. She'd been wanting to do that, and lo and behold, when you rarely have to put gas in your car and you're not spending money on movie concessions all the time, the money obstacle is a lot easier to get past (time obstacle, too, given the quarantine thing). 

My brother goes to the gym a lot in South Carolina, which is scary, but he also works in grocery stores (not essential, he's a wine salesman) and seems to have lasted this long so far. I had a friend in SC who's gotten it, said it was the worst experience of his life. It's funny though, because now it's like he's living in the future. He went to the theater the other day and I was about to yell at him for it before I remembered he's already been through it and come out on the other side, haha.

I've seen one couple we're friends with once since this began, and as far as my other friends here in Washington, nada. Most people don't want to leave their house anymore than they have to. I've been trying to find socially distant stuff that might be fun, but strangely, no one seems to want to go to any batting cages, and I can't seem to get interest in going for a trip to the driving range. Maybe it's for the best.

Impulse buying the Switch a few months ago was a great idea, because honestly the games I play on Switch are far more relaxed than what I play on PS4 (which is part of why I bought it, I didn't care for the AAA-Mario titles, I wanted those sweet, sweet indie games). I feel like a lot of my time this year has been spent staying in a constant state of distraction, so I can basically fast forward past any quiet moment so I don't have to dwell on anything. Basically, I use video games like the remote in Click.

This weekend was rough, given the RBG deal. I read about it, walked out to the living room, gave Autumn a hug and told her the news and we shared a cry. The strange thing about myself is, as negative as I am, as pessimistic and "realist" as I am, somehow I don't lose hope. I'm too stubborn or arrogant. Too practical? If I lose hope, my brain goes "Why go on," and frankly that's just...a waste, so, I keep hoping. Keep hoping things will get better. Honestly, it's less COVID now. I said at the start of this "I'll see everyone in 2021," half jokingly, but I was setting myself up to not be disappointed and, well, here we are, it's looking like we won't have a vaccine before 2021, and I don't feel disappointment because I expected that. Woohoo, way to mitigate your emotions through pessimism, Mike.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 22, 2020, 01:27:16 AM
Sounds like I'm a bit more careless than you two lol
I'm really wishing I hadn't gone to that restaurant now, but nothing I can do.
It's interesting too...I now measure my life in 14 day increments based on interactions I have with people.
I have my own birthday thing I have to go to at my sisters this weekend. She's cautious and all but she has custody of her 17 year old grandson and 8 year old daughter. Lord only knows what those germ factories will be bringing. So for now, October 10th is my "live to" date 😏
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on September 22, 2020, 12:03:49 PM
So COVID is always at the forefront of my day since I run a hospital.  No WFH for me. Which is a bit unnerving since my wife is disabled ever since her run in with H1N1 15 or so years ago. She is none too happy about "being a prisoner in her own home" but she complies, for the most part.

I am in the middle of building a new facility so my days are very "filled" with vendors and contractors not to mention interested community members. So, for the most part other than masks and lock down precautions its business as usual.  At this point regarding COVID, it all seems kind of pointless to tell the truth. As a community our hospital and nursing home has been on lockdown since the start. My hospital provided every incoming student with safety materials, 5 masks and hand sanitizer and yet it all is for naught. The nursing home is now overrun.  I have staff testing positive on the regular.  The county as a whole has reached a level that we are to assume everyone has been exposed according the county health department.  So, knowing for a fact we did everything "right" and we still ended up at the same place we started I am not sure that Sweden and their do-nothing approach wasn't the correct way to go.

I feel we did the right thing in the initial days to prevent our health system being overwhelmed but now? I am not sure we are doing anything but slowing the maddening crawl of COVID through our population. As a health care worker, I am tiered of it being use a political weapon by both sides of the isle. It is something to be taken seriously but its not the bubonic plague.  Like all things being use to manipulate us the truth is somewhere in the middle.
Anyway, I am ready for COVID to ride off into the sunset as a footnote in history but that wont be for awhile. 

Other stuff in my life, my youngest is a senior in high school.  My oldest is in her second year of college and I am getting older and fatter by the hour.       
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 22, 2020, 12:53:47 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on September 22, 2020, 12:03:49 PM
So COVID is always at the forefront of my day since I run a hospital.  No WFH for me. Which is a bit unnerving since my wife is disabled ever since her run in with H1N1 15 or so years ago. She is none too happy about "being a prisoner in her own home" but she complies, for the most part.

I am in the middle of building a new facility so my days are very "filled" with vendors and contractors not to mention interested community members. So, for the most part other than masks and lock down precautions its business as usual.  At this point regarding COVID, it all seems kind of pointless to tell the truth. As a community our hospital and nursing home has been on lockdown since the start. My hospital provided every incoming student with safety materials, 5 masks and hand sanitizer and yet it all is for naught. The nursing home is now overrun.  I have staff testing positive on the regular.  The county as a whole has reached a level that we are to assume everyone has been exposed according the county health department.  So, knowing for a fact we did everything "right" and we still ended up at the same place we started I am not sure that Sweden and their do-nothing approach wasn't the correct way to go.

I feel we did the right thing in the initial days to prevent our health system being overwhelmed but now? I am not sure we are doing anything but slowing the maddening crawl of COVID through our population. As a health care worker, I am tiered of it being use a political weapon by both sides of the isle. It is something to be taken seriously but its not the bubonic plague.  Like all things being use to manipulate us the truth is somewhere in the middle.
Anyway, I am ready for COVID to ride off into the sunset as a footnote in history but that wont be for awhile. 

Other stuff in my life, my youngest is a senior in high school.  My oldest is in her second year of college and I am getting older and fatter by the hour.     

that is the most pandemic quote I've seen lol

Sorry for your wife's condition, especially in these circumstances.
I hope in your daily instances, people are practicing safer rituals and being respectful.
Regarding lockdown, I truly believed it would have worked, but, there's just no way that people are going to follow the rules and recommendations, especially in this redneck country. And then, when people are asymptomatic, it becomes silently prevalent like herpes, only until it kills you.
If we had shut down February, March, April, I think it would be well under control, but that was never, and will never happen.
People are going to go back to normal and risk it.
And part of me can't blame them, especially now. There's no safety net for most Americans when something like this happens and people have to go to work to survive.
So, what do you do? The government is so embroiled in controversy and emboldened with bona fide selfish hate mongers, there's no real help available.
So, I just think this virus is going to be our life from now on.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 22, 2020, 01:03:32 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 22, 2020, 12:53:47 PM
If we had shut down February, March, April, I think it would be well under control, but that was never, and will never happen.
People are going to go back to normal and risk it.
And part of me can't blame them, especially now. There's no safety net for most Americans when something like this happens and people have to go to work to survive.
So, what do you do? The government is so embroiled in controversy and emboldened with bona fide selfish hate mongers, there's no real help available.
So, I just think this virus is going to be our life from now on.


It's almost like our government should have been taking care of it's citizens and accommodating accordingly so they could stay home and protect the most vulnerable, instead of diverting PPP funds to their friends and COVID response money to jet engines and body armor for the military.

It's not hard to understand why this got political. It got political because, simply put, the President lied, the party he represents rallied behind him to continue the lie, and those that still spread the lie see their states having the worst COVID deaths (looking at you, Florida). Remember when NY was bad, and they turned it around? Meanwhile Florida remains a petri dish? There's a reason.

It got political because one party told you to ignore the actual science, and also we're not going to make any attempt to help you out during this lockdown (meanwhile, Canada was and still is giving money to their citizens. What are our tax dollars even for, anyway?)

We can talk about Sweden's strategy, but we saw other successful countries, if not eradicate COVID, at least flatten the curve (mainly in Europe), while strongman countries get blasted (the US, North Korea, Russia).

The whole point of lockdown was to protect the most vulnerable citizens, and that's still the point of wearing the masks. I don't know how to teach my fellow citizens a little fucking empathy, so, yeah, we've got idiots that refuse to wear them and march around protesting (strange how they don't get tear gassed...), even in states where it's been made mandatory.

200,000 deaths is nothing to scoff at, and yet, it's not too hard to find people telling you that's an acceptable number. Meanwhile, remember when this same administration said if we did everything right, it'd be 60,000, and that'd indicate a great job? We're at 200,000 and yet our President gave himself an A+ on coronavirus response. They can't even meet the goalposts they set themselves.

ON TOP OF ALL THAT, even if you SURVIVE COVID, we now know it does weird things to children's blood, and there are after effects in the lungs and heart too, including scarring and swelling, so it's not like it just ends when your main symptoms go away either. We STILL don't fully understand this virus (which I imagine is another reason it's taking so long for a vaccine, and hey, I'm willing to wait).

While I feel for those who have jobs that don't translate to WFH, or who lost their jobs completely, blaming the lockdown is simply incorrect. We have a government for the people, by the people, and, quite frankly, it has failed, and continues to fail, it's people in it's response to this virus. There was so much more we could've done, and there's still more we could do, but instead we just have apathy and burnout over everything and everything just becomes normalized because it's easier to compartmentalize and deal with.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 22, 2020, 03:03:50 PM
Also, does anyone have any pets? Our 3 cats have certainly been happy to basically have us home every day this year. One cat is sort of independent, but my fiancee's cuddly man and my trashy garbage cat have absolutely clung to our sides all day every day. Which has been kinda nice, I only had Ally for about a year (our first two cats bonded with Autumn, but Ally bonded with me for some reason), so it's been nice having all this time to create that bond, but I'm very worried for her and Spooky when we eventually have to go back to the office (although, it sounds like the Foundation is considering either going fully work from home, or limited in-office, when 2021 comes around. Obviously Microsoft can't close their offices, and I prefer working in the office to working at home so I'll definitely be going in). I fear we're setting these cats up for a deep depression next year....
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 22, 2020, 05:31:38 PM
I have my dog, Snowman.
He's happy and healthy and glad I'm here, but unfortunately he has spondylosis which flares up if he gets too much activity and then he's literally rendered immobile and in great pain. So I can't take him out for lots of walks, but he is happy and gets around the house just fine, bounding around like a spry pup. I just cant have him highly active too long for fear of his injuries resurfacing.

Whenever I go back to work, he will be fine and will be waiting for me in his spot when I come home  :D

Since we are in the life thread, Im curious, anyone else have serious unhealthy eating habits amplified by the pandemic?
Im in such bad shape, worst of my life and Ive got to turn that around. My depressive, apathetic tendencies kinda shine through during times like these and are hindered even further by my joy of cooking and the fact I don't have to wear pants lol
Sometimes I wish I was one of those "eat to live" kinda guys, but man, I just love to mow. Im seriously addicted.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on September 22, 2020, 05:38:47 PM
Our two older dogs passed.  We had a Golden retriever mix and Begal that passed during the early days of this mess.  Since then we had added a German Shepard to the house.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 22, 2020, 05:56:37 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 22, 2020, 05:31:38 PM
Since we are in the life thread, Im curious, anyone else have serious unhealthy eating habits amplified by the pandemic?
Im in such bad shape, worst of my life and Ive got to turn that around. My depressive, apathetic tendencies kinda shine through during times like these and are hindered even further by my joy of cooking and the fact I don't have to wear pants lol
Sometimes I wish I was one of those "eat to live" kinda guys, but man, I just love to mow. Im seriously addicted.

I'm too scared to weigh myself, haha. Honestly, I've probably shaved off years of my life during the pandemic through sheer immobility. We have an office, but the setup doesn't really work for me, so pretty much 5 days a week I'm spending 8 hours literally seated on the edge of my bed (criss-cross applesauce!) or I'm laying down on my stomach, typing and scrolling and browsing, haha. My wrists will also be mad at me before the year ends, I'm sure.

Then I get done with work, spend some time on the couch watching TV with the fiancee, dinner at some point, then it's back to the bed to play some PS4 before sleep. I'd love to run, but my knees and shins never really recovered from the damage I did to them back in my 20s. I should go for walks though, I'm just too depressed most days to find the motivation.

Eating though, it comes and goes. Sometimes, thanks to the depression, I just don't eat very much for periods of time. Sometimes, also thanks to the depression. I EAT A LOT IN A SHORT PERIOD, haha. I tell you what though, ever since Taco Bell removed all potato items from their menu, I've basically eliminated fast food from my diet, so that helps.

It wouldn't be so bad if we could still get our Blue Aprons, but she cancelled them because they sent us the wrong stuff multiple times, and they also had to reduce their offerings tremendously due to how many people signed up during the pandemic, so there were less pescatarian options as a result. I eat my healthiest when we get those regularly. We go to like, the local Fred Meyer though and get some fresh fish on occasion. I actually got some ground Impossible meat from there a weekend or two and finally made some Impossible burgers for us at home, was really good.

But yeah, most nights, we get done with work, usually wait an hour or so, and whoever's already hungry pops the "what should we do for dinner" and then the great debate begins for another night. Local restaurants, we do order from chains on occasion, Red Robin, Panera. There's a downtown area 5 minutes away with a lot of great local restaurants too, but I do feel like whenever we order out, due to my pickiness and general "I don't want to spend my time picking a restaurant, I'd rather do other things," I end up eating a lot of burgers, grilled cheeses, etc. I have far greater things I can beat myself up over, though, so strangely, I mostly overlook my poor eating habits.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 27, 2020, 02:29:23 PM
it would be different if I had an SO still, someone that could, ot really intervene, well, I guess they could, but you know if I had to account for someone else's palate, it would help deter me too somewhat.
Also, I probably wouldnt be bored as much which would lead to eating crap.
I wish depression would affect my appetite by undereating instead of over, although neither is healthy really.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 13, 2020, 02:49:52 PM
My uncle passed a few days ago. He was 77, ten years older than my father, and younger than both of them are their four sisters.

I didn't know my patriarchal grandfather or matriarchal grandmother, they had passed either before I was born or during my first year or two, respectively. My matriarchal grandfather passed back in 2012, when I was deployed, and my grandmother in 2018. I was able to attend her wake and funeral, not his.

Grandparents go, when you're a kid your grandparents are old already and you expect it. When you lose an uncle, even one 44 years your elder, it finally clicks that boulder rolling downhill, it's coming for you. No one gets an out. I guess this the beginning of my mid-life crisis?

Making things even worse, of course, is the pandemic. So many of us aren't able to go, and instead are relegated to watching on Zoom, which was just...weird and inhumane feeling. Robotic. It's missing the humanity of the actual thing.

And as I type that, the meeting got Zoom bombed. I was concerned, as they provided a link to the meeting on my Uncle's obituary page, but I thought to myself, "Certainly no trolls can find this, let alone join a random person's visitation viewing," but, sure enough they did. They sent a chat message to everyone professing joy over my dead uncle, and joined voice to call everyone the n-word, so, that's the state of humanity today.

Well, I was feeling a bit wistful, a bit reflective, now I'm flat out angry because what in the everloving fuck is wrong with people, and why is empathy lost in today's America? Maybe I'll return to this later for my original thoughts, but I'm very clouded in anger now because I'm just, unbelieving that that just happened....



Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 13, 2020, 03:37:20 PM
Damn man, that's just beyond me. Im so sorry for your loss and even more sorry people trolled a zoom remembrance.
That's just downright mean spirited. To go out of their way like that is beyond cruel.

I hope you are able to get some sort of pleasant closure, maybe follow up interaction with family for support.

Regarding you mid life crisis query, Im not sure I believe in a mid life crisis, but more of an awakening.
I remember when I was a teenage, I was truly having a religious quandary which obviously included fear of death.
My dad told me "it's going to happen to each and every one of us" and while I didnt want to hear that obviously, but at the same time it resonated with me. Dealing with death, especially my parents, was almost crippling, but there was this
sort of inner peace underneath it all.
You do start to realize your mortality and it can affect your ambition, personality and the like.
Like me, I picked up guitar last year and thought well, the most I can get out of it is 20 years probably and most of that will be as a doddering old man, what fun is that?
Of course that's the pessimistic version but you can choose how to deal with it.
Im on zoom job right now and cant really keep a consistent thought so Ill revisit. In the meantime, Im truly sorry for you loss and for what you and your family had to endure.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on October 13, 2020, 07:37:26 PM
Hey folks,

Long time no see. Sorry I have been away. Its been a crazy few years since I was really active. Been laid off, changed jobs, got hired back by the original company, and I went through a divorce. That got final, it would have went final in march then covid hit, so was delayed so much and it finalized in august. Eventually me and the ex started being friendly and amicable, almost could say we are friends. I met a lady a month ago and we have been getting serious and she is a bit younger than me LOL. I have been getting back to a sense of normalcy, and Life is turning good again. I missed hanging on here but its been a wierd few years during that separation and divorce. All is well as of now folks
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 13, 2020, 09:00:08 PM
Truly sorry to hear about your loss to you and your family, Bo. My condolences.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 16, 2020, 01:01:21 PM
Firstly, thanks for the kind words, it's very appreciated.

But, before I continue:

Quote from: rollntider on October 13, 2020, 07:37:26 PM
Hey folks,

Long time no see. Sorry I have been away. Its been a crazy few years since I was really active. Been laid off, changed jobs, got hired back by the original company, and I went through a divorce. That got final, it would have went final in march then covid hit, so was delayed so much and it finalized in august. Eventually me and the ex started being friendly and amicable, almost could say we are friends. I met a lady a month ago and we have been getting serious and she is a bit younger than me LOL. I have been getting back to a sense of normalcy, and Life is turning good again. I missed hanging on here but its been a wierd few years during that separation and divorce. All is well as of now folks

TIDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What's up, man?! Well, I guess all those words above are what's up, haha. While I'm sorry you've had a rough go of it of late, I'm very excited and happy to hear things are going well for you now. Divorces suck, I know, but it really does feel better once you're on the other side of it, and I'm glad you and your ex-wife have found a place where you can be friends after the experience.




Quote from: Crewe on October 13, 2020, 03:37:20 PM
Regarding you mid life crisis query, Im not sure I believe in a mid life crisis, but more of an awakening.
I remember when I was a teenage, I was truly having a religious quandary which obviously included fear of death.
My dad told me "it's going to happen to each and every one of us" and while I didnt want to hear that obviously, but at the same time it resonated with me. Dealing with death, especially my parents, was almost crippling, but there was this
sort of inner peace underneath it all.
You do start to realize your mortality and it can affect your ambition, personality and the like.
Like me, I picked up guitar last year and thought well, the most I can get out of it is 20 years probably and most of that will be as a doddering old man, what fun is that?
Of course that's the pessimistic version but you can choose how to deal with it.

Yeah. Admittedly, death's been on my mind for far too long ("I imagine so much it feels more like a memory", as a particularly well-known playwright put it). I don't know why, I always sort of felt like 60 was going to be my time, so, being 33, the fact that I've convinced myself of this just leads me to horror at "already" being halfway through my life. Of course, my uncle just passed away at 77, my grandmother 2 years ago at 93, so I may actually have some time left, but, in the end, I know that dark place is coming. Death is a very big commitment, and I know people say "Well, remember what it was like before you were born," and, I get that, there's no pain in death itself, but in my 33 years on this earth I've become RATHER attached to life and would prefer to stay, insane as it all is sometimes.

It probably does help that until 8 years ago, I didn't really have to deal with it. I think I said on here before, my maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather both passed before I ever got to know them, so death wasn't a thing for me until my maternal grandfather passed. Even then, it barely struck me because I was on the aircraft carrier at the time, so it never truly felt real until I visited his grave a few years later. Grandma was easier because I was able to attend and get that closure, whereas my Uncle was just this Zoom meet.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 16, 2020, 01:26:01 PM
welcome back tider! good to hear things are on the mend.

I feel ya man. I thought there was no way Id live beyond 35, had no plans, no nothing. In the back of my mind, I think I was kinda hoping the 2k glitch would get us all and I wouldnt have to cope.
made my life much much worse, even though I turned everything around in my late 20's. By then though, it was like my life learning experiences were just beginning because that was when I was actively trying to succeed and find happiness, direction and meaning. And now, here I am, almost done and I just feel, unsatisfied.
Not sure what can be done about that so I just keep looking for whatever the hell it is I need and try to be happy in the interim.
I also try to put myself in the frame of mind I might have if I were on my death bed, morbid as that sounds.
What would I regret? At least regret within the scope of things I could correct now, not something like feeling bad for peppering the freshmen during dodgeball.
Things like travel, guitar, painting, whatever it may be. I still havent found it and the pandemic makes it worse.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on October 16, 2020, 03:51:04 PM
Thanks for the welcome backs.

Bo, (hard not saying Buc) I hit a midlife in my 40's . I look at it like this, there are people that passed before us that were way younger. Enjoy each day that you can for what it is.  Youth goes by fast, enjoy 33, if you are lucky enough to be 48 like me and think man I was a kiddo back then.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 16, 2020, 06:25:45 PM
Missed this a few days ago, but welcome back tider. Good to have you around again. :)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 16, 2020, 10:25:14 PM
Quote from: rollntider on October 16, 2020, 03:51:04 PM
Thanks for the welcome backs.

Bo, (hard not saying Buc) I hit a midlife in my 40's . I look at it like this, there are people that passed before us that were way younger. Enjoy each day that you can for what it is.  Youth goes by fast, enjoy 33, if you are lucky enough to be 48 like me and think man I was a kiddo back then.

48 lol I remember that age, sonny boy  :D
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: bigbaldben on October 17, 2020, 04:48:15 PM
Hi everyone - not sure if I need to make an introductions thread or a sorry I've been away thread or whatever, but this felt like a good place to say hello.   :)

BOJACK/BUC/JETFEVER - sorry on the loss of your uncle and sorry trolls exist.  I continue to hope that society gets better at handling them but the anonymity of technology provides cover for the worst of them.  I would kill to be 33 again, but can't say I would do it better.  I fully expect to be 62 and wonder what the hell was wrong with me at 47.

CREWE - awesome that you picked up the guitar!  JUST JAM.  Playing is it's own reward.

NORM - I don't know how you manage to keep your sanity engaging like you do on Facebook.  These days, I type anything politically related that hints in one direction or the other and I fear the apocalypse. 

TIDER - sorry to hear about your divorce but pumped to hear things have turned around for you, especially with someone "a bit younger" than you!   8)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 17, 2020, 11:37:28 PM
Quote from: bigbaldben on October 17, 2020, 04:48:15 PM
BOJACK/BUC/JETFEVER - sorry on the loss of your uncle and sorry trolls exist.  I continue to hope that society gets better at handling them but the anonymity of technology provides cover for the worst of them.  I would kill to be 33 again, but can't say I would do it better.  I fully expect to be 62 and wonder what the hell was wrong with me at 47.


Appreciate it Ben, and welcome back!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 18, 2020, 12:42:13 AM
Quote from: bigbaldben on October 17, 2020, 04:48:15 PM
Hi everyone - not sure if I need to make an introductions thread or a sorry I've been away thread or whatever, but this felt like a good place to say hello.   :)

BOJACK/BUC/JETFEVER - sorry on the loss of your uncle and sorry trolls exist.  I continue to hope that society gets better at handling them but the anonymity of technology provides cover for the worst of them.  I would kill to be 33 again, but can't say I would do it better.  I fully expect to be 62 and wonder what the hell was wrong with me at 47.

CREWE - awesome that you picked up the guitar!  JUST JAM.  Playing is it's own reward.

NORM - I don't know how you manage to keep your sanity engaging like you do on Facebook.  These days, I type anything politically related that hints in one direction or the other and I fear the apocalypse. 

TIDER - sorry to hear about your divorce but pumped to hear things have turned around for you, especially with someone "a bit younger" than you!   8)

it's frustrating for me because I think the length of time Ive been playing, I should have the easy chord progressions down but just havent mastered them yet. I've tried to strum along with my oldest nephew and his wife, just on the patio type thing you know, and it is fun but it'd be better if I could get the basics down. But, I just keep trying. My nephew, who's been playing 20 years, tells me, sooner or later, it'll just happen, so Im taking him at his word
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 18, 2020, 06:57:53 PM
Quote from: bigbaldben on October 17, 2020, 04:48:15 PM

NORM - I don't know how you manage to keep your sanity engaging like you do on Facebook.  These days, I type anything politically related that hints in one direction or the other and I fear the apocalypse. 


Honestly, it helps me weed out my friends list.  :D
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 27, 2020, 07:12:01 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 18, 2020, 06:57:53 PM
Quote from: bigbaldben on October 17, 2020, 04:48:15 PM

NORM - I don't know how you manage to keep your sanity engaging like you do on Facebook.  These days, I type anything politically related that hints in one direction or the other and I fear the apocalypse. 


Honestly, it helps me weed out my friends list.  :D

lol I have a lifelong friend who is an ardent supporter, opposite my beliefs, and sine adulthood, I can stand him for about 4-6 hours at a time but sooner or later he's going to launch and when he does, Im out.
We know where each other stands and try not to talk about it and we normally dont see each other that often so it helps, but, even less given the pandemic so it's probably best for both of us lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on October 27, 2020, 10:56:52 PM
A lot of these people I've picked up over the last few years from the ballroom studio I was practicing/performing at, so they aren't exactly lifelong friends I'm arguing with here...and a lot easier to cut them loose. Will that make the first big gathering at the studio a little awkward whenever it's safe to do so again? Yeah, probably...but I don't care lol. Barely wanted to talk with them before all this went down, and the last few months has confirmed that.

Now lifelong friends like the one you mention Crewe? We knew awhile ago social media wasn't/isn't the place to discuss it, so we don't. Not saying I haven't lost some people I thought would be those lifelong friends, and yeah...it does bother me a little bit. But more in the sense that they've so "bought into the kool-aid" that it became that much easier for them to demonize me and/or what I stood for. Oh well.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 28, 2020, 01:36:06 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 27, 2020, 10:56:52 PM
A lot of these people I've picked up over the last few years from the ballroom studio I was practicing/performing at, so they aren't exactly lifelong friends I'm arguing with here...and a lot easier to cut them loose. Will that make the first big gathering at the studio a little awkward whenever it's safe to do so again? Yeah, probably...but I don't care lol. Barely wanted to talk with them before all this went down, and the last few months has confirmed that.

Now lifelong friends like the one you mention Crewe? We knew awhile ago social media wasn't/isn't the place to discuss it, so we don't. Not saying I haven't lost some people I thought would be those lifelong friends, and yeah...it does bother me a little bit. But more in the sense that they've so "bought into the kool-aid" that it became that much easier for them to demonize me and/or what I stood for. Oh well.

That was a factor in me getting off FB eons ago. Id gone to a reunion and guys were, ah man, Ill hit you up on FB and we can hang out, and then they connect and I'd never hear another word. It was all about the "number of friends" and it was phony.
Then with the political and even the sports stuff, it was just too much.
And you know what confirmed I made the right choice? A day before I deleted FB I posted, if you want me to have your contact info, send it now....and not one of my 200+ "friends" did a thing.

On a closer familial front, my cousin now hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas since my mom passed and its fun and all but she and her hubby are for the other guy, completely. Their two kids are not btw lol
My nephew wont go because of that, and I tell him, look man, they spend $1000 on food, and yea they are very well off and can aford it, but that's not the point. The point is, they do it, AND they invite all of us even they know we are staunchly opposed to their beliefs.
it's not like we walk in and they start taunting us. But he still wont go.
And honestly, there are times where it does come up and I've left before, but it was never fisticuffs or anything like that.
Again, don't see them often even though they are 10 minutes from me lol

So I havent lost any real close friends due to opposing beliefs, unless you count my last SO. We never talked about it much but we were opposites and it was going to come up sooner or later. Would it have caused a split? I dunno, and it doesnt matter because it happened before we ever dove in to it lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on October 31, 2020, 12:55:59 PM
Quote from: bigbaldben on October 17, 2020, 04:48:15 PM
Hi everyone - not sure if I need to make an introductions thread or a sorry I've been away thread or whatever, but this felt like a good place to say hello.   :)

BOJACK/BUC/JETFEVER - sorry on the loss of your uncle and sorry trolls exist.  I continue to hope that society gets better at handling them but the anonymity of technology provides cover for the worst of them.  I would kill to be 33 again, but can't say I would do it better.  I fully expect to be 62 and wonder what the hell was wrong with me at 47.

CREWE - awesome that you picked up the guitar!  JUST JAM.  Playing is it's own reward.

NORM - I don't know how you manage to keep your sanity engaging like you do on Facebook.  These days, I type anything politically related that hints in one direction or the other and I fear the apocalypse. 

TIDER - sorry to hear about your divorce but pumped to hear things have turned around for you, especially with someone "a bit younger" than you!   8)

Dude miss seeing you on here. Hopefully we start growing again. I need to do more for sure to make it active.  I actually miss pan/sakura.... been a while since we have seen her.  Whats a forum without phenom? CFLnut and the rest of the crazy Canadians.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 31, 2020, 01:31:03 PM
I see phenom on Twitter frequently
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 24, 2020, 01:28:49 PM
I hope everyone is having a good holiday season under the circumstances.
Merry Christmas guys
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 28, 2020, 05:25:14 PM
Quote from: Crewe on December 24, 2020, 01:28:49 PM
I hope everyone is having a good holiday season under the circumstances.
Merry Christmas guys

Was a pretty good Christmas, all things considered. I mentioned in another thread, we had her aunt, uncle and niece come over. They moved here in April mid-pandemic, so they don't have anyone to hang out with besides us, and us them for the most part, so that's actually been kinda nice and a safe normalcy-harbor, if you will.

We opened presents before they arrived, then my fiancee made a crazy big brunch spread, we opened more presents once they got here, put on Wonder Woman 84, played some board games, drank some alcohol. Was a good time.

After that, just hung out with the fiancee until this morning, when I dropped her off to the airport so she can fly to SC and see her mom and sister. I'm not THRILLED, but, what can I do?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 19, 2021, 02:37:59 PM
Soooooo....how's it going, Crewe?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 19, 2021, 03:41:36 PM
You know, I feel pretty guilty because it hasnt been bad for me. I was never without power for more than say, 15 hours. So when the power went out, I just wallowed out a warm spot in bed, read a book and hibernated.
A pipe burst at my sisters house so we are having to deal with that, but it wasnt near as bad as it could have been. Course its easy for me to say, wasnt my house.
Im usually reasonably stocked with food just because Im a glutton so that wasnt a problem, plus, its just me and my dog. A lot less stressful I imagine when you dont have a family to worry about.
This is one time where living in the burbs was a benefit because Houston was hit hard. All my friends were in pretty bad shape for most of the storm.
As soon as we get a plumber to my sisters and get an estimate, we will be pretty much recovered.

Appreciate the check in dude  :D
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 19, 2021, 11:45:53 PM
Grateful for your safety, and glad your family's doing well, one burst pipe aside.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 19, 2021, 03:30:24 PM
A couple of months ago I was thinking about my dad who passed in 2004 and my thoughts rifted to his memorial service and I recalled how blown away I was that my old boss had shown up.
We were friends, as in friends you work with or in her case, for.
She knew what my dad meant to me and when I told her he died, she of course told me to take as much time as needed.
No way she knew his name, or where the funeral was, none of that, but she figured it out and showed up without fanfare, just sincerity.
That made me realize I hadnt talked to her in some time (we last worked together in 05, last spoke maybe in 14?) so I sent her a message and after the how are you's, we began discussing my industry. She had left our business in 05 to sell life insurance.
I told her how things were progressing slowly and how it's hurting financially. I mockingly said, hey, if you hear of anyone hiring...hahaha.
She responded with, well, ya know....
I've been looking to slow down and eventually retire, and how it works in this business is that I get another agent to take over my clients, but the problem is, once a renewal term comes up, they wont share the commissions with me and cut me out, so, Im sorta looking for someone I trust who can come in with me.
In a matter of weeks, I was enrolled in an online course, took the prep course and yesterday, passed my state licensing exam.
Im now able to sell insurance.
It's tough because these guys are just go go go all the time, but for me, I still have to work, especially since everything is at an even more reduced rate right now. But, Im going to try to intergrate as fast as I can and see what happens.
I'll be selling life, health and accident, so we dont delve in to the medical bs, and I know, there are negative connotations with insurance salesman, a lot like a car salesman, but what the hell.
Ill see what happens. Most importantly, I hope I like it. I hope I make more money than my current career so I can make it secondary. It would be nice if I could manage both but in the end, I just want more stability and happiness.
So, here's to what's next...
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 19, 2021, 05:33:08 PM
Cheers to you man, and good luck. Do what you gotta do to get that cheddar, no shame in that.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 03, 2021, 05:29:26 AM
So two weeks to the day after I received my second COVID vaccination, I decided to finally hit the gym again. I typically go early in the morning when I get out of work and I don't have to be back that same night (because f that). Gym is much less crowded then (they limit the number of people anyway and typically that early there aren't many to begin with) and masks are required at all times (although you'll still find the occasional moron that doesn't realize the mask goes over your mouth too).

I've shot hoops for at least a half hour each time (and they don't allow pick-up games for social distancing measures), and even after all the at-home workouts I did to stay somewhat in shape during the last year my legs are just done after two days. Shooting form is also gone to hell but that's to be expected when you haven't handled a basketball in over a year and fixable with time lol. Spent some time on the elliptical trainer too, also probably contributing to my legs being sore almost 48 hours after my last workout...no one said it'd be easy to get back into the swing of things; that being said it's nice to be ever so slightly closer to a bit of normal.

Purchased some boxing gloves too since the gym also has a couple of their heavy bags up. Can't wait to hit something again.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 04, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
I need to get back to the gym so bad. This at home stuff aint cuttin it for me.
Although I dont look forward to the shortcomings you mentioned, getting my legs under me, literally lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 06, 2021, 02:48:03 PM
I have been pretty potato-y during the whole pandemic. It's strange though, we went snowshoeing back in January during a small vacation (AirBnB, out in the mountains), and I felt pretty good.

This weekend, we went to a tulip festival and did some grilling outside on Sunday, and my legs and, strangely, my arms were SO SORE yesterday. Just a shit ton of tension in my shoulders, and this weird pain around my left bicep. Naturally I feel fine today because I guess it was just more activity than my body's used to lately, but YIKES.

So anyways I'm finally starting the most minimal workout routine since I'm WFH anyway (a few exercises with a set of just 5 reps for each hour of work) which, I'll increase week to week to, not to GET JACKED or LOSE ALL THE WEIGHT, but apparently to put my body back into just a state of "can handle the slightest uptick in physical activity," because damn.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 06, 2021, 03:21:22 PM
Thought we had a thread about books but it appears we only have book reviews, which is fine, but I'm not done with this book so I can't really review it, so I guess I'll double up on replies here -



I bought a few books that I haven't read yet during this pandemic, mostly focused on historical pop culture and/or generally the 70s. I'm building some sort of curriculum for myself, to what end I don't really know.

Right now I've got The Great Movies III by Roger Ebert on my shelf, and I've started digging into Hoberman's An Army of Phantoms, which is part of a 3-book series (although I missed out on the first book so may need to go back) covering movies from the 50s through the Reagan years. Hoberman's books contain bibliographies, so I'm basically keeping track of other books he references in his notations (as well as movies he spends extended time on), and am building out a Goodreads list of books based on those books, and a Letterboxd list of movies based on those references, which I'll do with each book as I go.

I've got a few lists on Goodreads started of books I've read up on that I either want to buy about the 70s:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/16962625-michael-grella?ref=nav_mybooks&shelf=70s-reads

or about movies and their history around that time period:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/16962625-michael-grella?ref=nav_mybooks&shelf=movies-tv-want-to-read

Or general past culture (more music than movies, but there's a few bits I'd like to read more about certain people. As you can tell from the list, The Andrews Sisters are one of those I'm curious on):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/16962625-michael-grella?ref=nav_mybooks&shelf=movies-tv-want-to-read



Assuming I ever read all of these, and/or more, what will I do with this knowledge? i don't know. Maybe I'll win more bar trivia. But it interests me, so, here I go.




Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 06, 2021, 03:37:03 PM
There is a book thread here somewhere because I updated my Star Wars reading salvo there not long ago.
Nice to see Lebowski and the Office crack any list lol

On the health front, I seriously need to lose weight, like a metric fuck ton as Im in the worst shape of my life.
I have completed a beginner 30 day course of yoga, twice, and am now just bouncing around through other beginner courses on line.
It was amazing to me how much strength I lost during the pandemic, and If Im being honest, it began before that but Covid just exacerbated everything for the worse.
So I picked up some cables not long ago just to get something going at the hosue, but man, as much as I hated going to the gym, I miss the results. My 1 rep max is probably equivalent to that of a junior high girl.
Once I hit my 14 day post second shot threshold, I may hit the gym again, although that means paying for it, and well, that's a whole other story...
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 06, 2021, 03:57:11 PM
Honestly, way back in my Navy days (so...................literally over a decade ago), I used that "Beachbody Insanity" with Shaun T at home, and lost a ton of weight. I pirated it back then, not sure how easy or tough that is these days but it was a great at home workout for shedding weight. Sure there was some muscle building too there but it wasn't the main focus (whereas I think P90x, at the time, was considered the muscle builder). Plus Insanity didn't require any additional items (no weights or cables or anything), just a full body workout.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 06, 2021, 03:58:36 PM
I remember that and on best days I could complete that shit lol.
Remember the Tae Bo fad?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on April 06, 2021, 05:40:55 PM
Quote from: Crewe on April 06, 2021, 03:58:36 PM
I remember that and on best days I could complete that shit lol.
Remember the Tae Bo fad?


I think I was a kid back then but I definitely remember the commercials (that was Billy Blanks, right?)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on April 06, 2021, 06:31:36 PM
yep, good memory lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on April 09, 2021, 04:17:54 AM
Lol I tried that Insanity for a bit...nope. All of his stuff is on Beachbody On Demand now...T25 is a good start if you decide to sign up for all of that. Same concept, doesn't require equipment.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on May 13, 2021, 06:09:51 PM
Im here to make you feel better about yourself by comparison.
So, I pawned a bunch of crap for $100 yesterday.
So I figured it was time for a trip to the store, free groceries right? Well, I mean I sold shit for it, but I didnt want it anyway so yea, free.
At the cashier, I exceeded my $100, so I put it back in my pocket, paid with my card and left.
Came home, put away food, went on a bike ride. Came back in, $100 is gone.
So, the TLDR is, I gave $100 to charity today and you better believe I'm writing that shit off.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 14, 2021, 05:55:51 PM
I am no longer the only guy that has never been to Colorado!

Me and a couple of friends took off to the Rockies and I am so happy we did.

First off, this was my first real big outing since the pandemic hit and while I felt safer having been vaccinated, I was still leery heading in to an airport. I don't freely touch anything now and am cautious still about touching my face and of course, others.
Mask mandates are on in airports and on planes, and I have to admit, it kind of is a pain in the butt to wear one that long, continuously. Not to the point of complaining though, and certainly not to the point of dressing some one down over enforcing said rule.

So, Monday afternoon we arrived in Denver, hit a few bars as we were only there one night. Really wanted to hit Rockies stadium, but it didnt work out.
We did however, find an Astros bar, well, Houston bar I should say, so it was great meeting some immediate friends.
Tuesday morning we boarded a train to Glenwood Springs. My cousin and I wanted to take a train trip all our lives and now we have. The scenery was just stunning, especially to someone who hasnt been there before.
That afternoon, we endured the hike up to Potters Field to see Doc Holliday's grave site along with Kid Curry and others.
Relics like that just fascinate me as a reader of history.

Wednesday morning, rafting the Colorado river. Now Ive been tubing here in Texas, floated the river and what not but never actual rafting and it was fun as hell. Maybe the highlight of the trip. If I get pics sent to me, Ill post a few.

Thursday was the amusement park atop Iron Mountain in Glendwood. You have to take a gondola ride up, scamper in and enjoy the vertigo inducing rides.
We did the zip line, well, that's what they call it I think, but you are taken up in a seat away from the mountain an then they reel you back, or zip you back in. A few roller coasters that were fun but not torturous or anxiety ridden.
For that experience, we chose the Haunted Mine Drop.
You are in a short bench seat with six people side by side, and when I say short, I dont mean width wise, but the edge of the seat didnt extend out to mid thigh for instance, more like to the edge of your butt.
You are in the mountain now, seated, while a holographic video is displayed about 30 feet in front of you against the make shift mine wall.
I knew this narrative didnt play long but wasnt sure how the ride was executed because we were up against a wall ourselves.
We would be dropped of course, I knew that, but as I was sort of tuning out the happening in front of me, sort of gawking around, in an instantaneous second, I hear "fire in the hole" while simultaneously noticing the floor was retracting from under us.
110 ten feet later, we were at the bottom of this cold, pitch dark mine inside the mountain.
That was an instant free fall that will get your heart in your throat lemme tell ya. I typically dont shy away from shit like that, but even having done it once, Im not sure Id do it again...unless I could get one of your fellas in it, then I might 😝
As we are lifted back out, the worst part was thinking we were going to be dropped again. Fortunately, we weren't.
After reaching safety, I told my fellow riders, the good thing was, I didnt have to pee any longer.
There was more, but those were the highlights.

Friday, we had a rental and drove to Silverthorne just in time to take a biking tour that also hit a distillery and a brewery, which of course is always fun.

Saturday we toured a working gold and silver mine. As a reader of old west history, everything stems from mining and the boom towns so I was really interested.
We went 1000 feet inside the mine and it was fascinating to me. We were shown the evolution of methods and equipment, given demonstrations of panning and even allowed to pull out some rocks we thought might be laced with ore and minearls and if they were, we were able to keep them.
Our guide was telling us how miners in the 1850's had to use candles because you didnt want to bring kerosene lamps in with you.
He lit one, wedged it in to a nook then turned out the lighting. It really put in to perspective the drive and determination those folks had back then. Well, lets be honest, necessity too.
At that point, he blew out the candle without turning on the lights and if you arent scared of the dark, you woulda been then.
We have all been somewhere and uttered the phrase "couldnt see your hand in front of your face."
I shit you not, you couldnt see your hand a literal inch from your face. It was suspenseful dizziness at its finest.
Once out, we broke open our rock(s) each of us freely selected. Our group of about 8-10 people all had gold, quartz or silver in their finds.
Now, in a mine, standing at a working vein with tons of rubble to choose from, who can guess if my choice had any of those minerals?
Of course it fucking didnt lol!!
Lucky me, my buddy cracked open a pretty good one and gave me a piece and the guide let me choose a rock from previously mined rocks, so that was a win, I guess? ;-)

Saturday we tooled around Breckenridge, hit a few original 1800's saloons and also went axe throwing, which was fun in its own right.
I didnt even know that was a thing.
You get ten rounds of throws and I came in second in our group by only four points (35-31) while sticking nine out of ten tries.
Guy that beat me lived there and had done it before, so yea, Im calling win lol

We flew back Sunday and all is well as far as I know.
Ill say one more thing, people are acting like everything is safe and sound now and maybe it is magnified by the pandemic, but I notice now that people, most, and I mean like 99% of ones I see, are really careless, if not down right disgusting.
I really hope my vax held up. I still washed my hands as often as possible. honestly I didnt mask up unless it was mandated, but I still kept my distance as best I could. Everyone I went with either had Covid or was vaccinated, mostly vaccinated. So here's hoping 15 days from now Im not regretting this decision.

I wish there was a way I could upload a few short vids and some pics for you guys. Maybe Ill look in to that a bit later.


Edit - You cant take phones, etc because you'll lose them, but here's a promo vid and the only thing it doesnt demonstrate well is the surreal surroundings, and keep in mind, you arent aware the floor is sliding out from under you because you just walk in and sit down right there so unless you see it, and even if you do, like I did, it doesnt matter, its over lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4J8RtllQS4
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 14, 2021, 08:47:24 PM
That sounds like an awesome time Crewe! If I ever make my way to Colorado I'll have to copycat some of this, not so much the roller coasters as I am a certified scaredy cat when it comes to those, but the gold mine and Breckenridge sound incredible.

Like you, I want to make my way to CO eventually and go to the Rockies stadium. My brother went here a few years ago and said the stadium is amazing, one of his favorites.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 15, 2021, 11:56:13 AM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on June 14, 2021, 08:47:24 PM
That sounds like an awesome time Crewe! If I ever make my way to Colorado I'll have to copycat some of this, not so much the roller coasters as I am a certified scaredy cat when it comes to those, but the gold mine and Breckenridge sound incredible.

Like you, I want to make my way to CO eventually and go to the Rockies stadium. My brother went here a few years ago and said the stadium is amazing, one of his favorites.

I can help you with info if you ever do go lol
It was too bad I couldnt get to Rockies stadium, but that means Ill just have to go back, right? ;-)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on June 15, 2021, 06:50:52 PM
Sounds like a blast, man! Glad you had a good time, long overdue. :)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 28, 2021, 04:51:03 PM
Got to spend the 19th-26th in Myrtle Beach. City itself is still garbage, with even more garbage apartment complexes going up on every corner, so many trees gone. Suppose that's the story everywhere.

BUT! Fortunately I had a very good time and a very good trip. Got to see my son for the first time in over a year and spent the whole week with him which was great. We stayed at my parent's place as did my brother and his two nieces, so had everyone together. Brother grilled out two of the nights, steaks, burgers (which I didn't eat the beef burgers, but he got some Beyond for me), shrimp, tuna steak (those two I ate with no hesitation).

Spent some time at the pool, got to catch up with some old friends for sushi, and even hit the theater with kiddo to see Fast 9, even though he's never seen any of them and I've only seen, oddly, 1 and 5. We enjoyed it for the "switch your brain off" entertainment that it was, haha.

The one crazy thing to me was the day before I flew out, I had to make a quick run to a grocery store up here. WA had only recently lifted its mask mandate, and a few employees had no masks, and a few customers, but majority were masked.

Fly to South Carolina the next day, go to a grocery store, there are like, 1% of people masked. Not only that, my own parents shamed me for trying to wear one in the store. "We've all been vaccinated, you don't need it!" No shit, I wasn't looking out for myself. Bizarre times.

But yeah, all-in-all just a relaxing, fun trip. Was nice to see the family and especially kiddo. Figured out he'll be getting my 2012 Cruze in October as his first car. I'm sad, there goes my stick shift (especially since we're both working from home, fiancee and I figure we'll just share her automatic. Very saddening). Also, kiddo just got his permit, and despite me living all the way out in WA, somehow I was the first person to take him out driving (for only ten minutes, but still, gotta break that ice initially). So I got to have a big dad moment too.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 28, 2021, 06:15:36 PM
that sounds really cool. glad you got to see your kiddo.

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 29, 2021, 01:05:20 PM
I was able to re visit this thread today and...

Im curious and dont share if you dont want, but what prompted you to be a vegetarian?
Was it just a cleaner healthier lifestyle? Were you a big meat eater before, and if so, was it hard to switch over? Kinda like quitting smoking?
I wonder because I dont think I could ever do that, even though I probably need to for obvious reasons lol

Were your parents always anti maskers or just since the vaccines became somehwat ubiquitous?
For me, I would never shun anyone for that, but I find myself pretty relaxed about it even though I was sort of skittish during my Colorado trip.
Im not out much so it doesnt really affect me but I dont wear one at the grocery store etc anymore.
I still keep my distance from folks though

And lastly, I used to be turned off by sushi so much, but I guess it was maybe 7-8 years ago, my cousin introduced me to it in Vegas and I really like it now. I mean I dont gush over it, but I get cravings once in a while and Ill even buy it from my local grocery store from time to time. They have an Asian couple there making fresh sushi every day at their kiosk.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 29, 2021, 07:55:29 PM
My parents were never anti-maskers, no, it's just since they've been vaccinated themselves I guess they decided they were fine now. Which, I mean, I get it, you're in your late 60s and all and it sucks breathing with the mask on and you did what you're supposed to do, get the vaccine, but with this delta variant out there, and the fact that you could, especially in a place like SC where people DON'T get vaccinated, spread it to others and the immunocompromised, I'm not thrilled with their post-vax stance.

As far as being vegetarian, never, EVER would have considered it. But, my fiancee, before she moved to SC and we met, was vegetarian (well, pescatarian, she did and we do eat fish). Anyways, she gave it up in Myrtle because Myrtle's grocery stores and restaurants weren't too accommodating to that crowd. But, when we moved to Washington she wanted to get back to it, and I was iffy, but when I got my job at Comcast out here, one of my coworkers was vegan, and yes, he was the type to talk about it and push it on everyone, BUT I actually learned a LOT from him even though I didn't go full vegan.

And especially with the latest stuff like the entire Morningstar Farms selection, Beyond, Impossible, it was actually an easy transition for me to make. My fiancee always said she'd still eat meat on special occasions, like on a vacation or whatever. I actually went two years with no meat, and finally broke that this past January when we took a brief trip to the mountains in Wenatchee for our anniversary and did outdoor dining at a real nice Italian place. Got me some chicken parm that was fantastic.

EDIT: I'll also note here, I HAVE felt genuinely better since giving up meat. Less lethargic, just overall better physical feel. What's great is this past year, during the pandemic, I didn't exercise one bit because I suck, and yet, I gained 0 pounds. Not snacking had a lot to do with this, I was very good about avoiding temptation at the grocery store and if I don't get something then, I won't like, go out at 9 PM when the craving hits me. I'm lazy, I need the snacks to already be in the house, so yeah, I think the combination of very minimal snacking and removing meat from my diet over the past year helped me maintain a healthy weight. And you know, they always say removing red meat's better for your blood pressure or cholesterol or whatever, and that red meat leads to cancer, so hopefully I'm setting myself up for success in those areas too.

Oddly, going back "home" to Myrtle, I did hit up a few places. My old chinese restaurant, got my chicken and broccoli, the chicken felt yuck to me now, but I will say the brown sauce they used was still FANTASTIC coated on top of the white rice, which I guess was always the real appeal.

Even more odd to me, given the previous chicken parm anecdote, I went to my favorite Italian place and got some chicken parm this past week too, but was unsatisfied. The cheese and sauce were good, but the chicken was kinda dry and not crispy at all.

Then lastly, I hadn't eaten beef in nearly 3 years, but I went to my favorite sub place (I hadn't planned on it, but my son actually wanted to eat there) and I got a meatball sub, partly out of science, and partly out of nostalgia. Unlike the other two it actually still tasted great, but it left me feeling bloated and disgusting, and a lot of abdominal cramps which I don't really get with the chicken, so I think that's officially the last of beef for me, which is fine. I've got greater burger substitutes, and somewhat strangely, I don't really miss steak at all.

The crazy thing about sushi is my ex-wife was always trying to get me to eat it. We'd go to the hibachi steakhouse and she'd get simple tuna rolls and I'd always be like "WHY IS THE RICE COLD, THIS IS DISGUSTING."

Fast forward a few years to back when I was in the Navy and we ported in Hong Kong back in 2011, I went with one of my buddies willingly to a sushi place and just....ate it like a normal human being. Still a tuna roll! Same thing! Just had to be in that mindset I guess. Haven't stopped since.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on June 30, 2021, 02:00:47 PM
that was my thought too, revolving around the new variant.
I keep my guard up still, and when I have in person jobs now, I still wear a mask.

My nephew turned me on to morningstar black bean and buffalo chick patties. I use them in my salads instead of chicken etc.
Sometimes Ill use em in a sammie because I typically stay away from deli meat.

As for meat, I just use it in everything almost. I mean, I love my chili, just smoked ribs this weekend. Sausage and all that comes with that, jambalaya, gumbo and the like, pastas...I enjoy making my own red and white meat sauces, so I just dont see myself as a vegetarian.
I just incorporate healthy meals more often, like smoothies and salads all week then its go time on Saturdays lol
The snacking gets me too. I cant have Reeses, Twinkies, anything in the house. No matter what, Ill eat em, all of em, quickly lol

That makes total sense how your body reacts after not eating meat for so long, so now, you dont even miss it. Interesting.

Side story; said nephew is pescatarian also. One time I was making my tomato sauce which included beef, pork and veal, while he and others were visiting me one day.
In this dish, once done, you remove all the met once the sauce is done, and you can serve it with your sauce if you want or ala carte.
I asked him, once removed, could he still eat the sauce even though it was made with beef.
He thought for a moment and said, just dont tell me beef was used
LOL



Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on August 09, 2021, 04:40:40 PM
Back in school, I used to ponder the future of society, with regard to population, resources and the like, but I never envisioned the things we seemingly accept as normal now.
I remember hearing about population concerns as far back as the early 70's. Obviously it didnt resonate back then.
And I get it. Every generation has its dystopian concerns, and history eases the impact.
Now I sit around and think about the future and how things might be, its seriously soul crushing.
I mean, almost literally, half the world is on fire and the other half is flooding. Just in California, people are being evacuated permanently because towns are being destroyed. Where do they go? Most come here, apparently. We are losing resources at rates higher than previously thought, cities all over the world are sinking faster than initially projected. But hey, as long as some zillionaire asshole can launch himself through the atmosphere, things will be ok, right?
And Im not trying to paint a picture suggesting my mind is telling me this all happens at once, or even in my lifetime.
I do have to say, Im really glad Im not a younger generation because how could it not be a bleak outlook?
Is society changing for the better? Is there time?
Until education becomes the focus, I dont see it getting any better, and even then it will take generations to nullify all we destroyed.

The thing is, I marvel at how everyone just goes on with their daily lives, mostly completely unaware. Well, that's what I say to myself, but are they? it's just a new normal.
I have friends in CA living in a raging inferno of a state and they seem totally unmoved by what is happening.
But, what could they do? What could I do if I were them? They cant fight fires, or increase fresh water supply or preserve land.
This is not a hopeless we are doomed post. It's just an observation of things progressing in my lifetime.
In the 80's, when the term "going postal" was created by stressed postal workers shooting up their respective places of employment, it was unfathomable that someone could do that. But it happened more than once, and became a joke on late night tv after years. It happened seemingly all too frequently but I would never imagined I'd get used to hearing about so many mass shootings, in schools even.

In any event, maybe it was due to me being younger, but there always seemed to be an answer; a hopeful one. Maybe my thoughts drift too much to the fatalistic side of things, I dont know. And I dont know the point of this post either.


Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 17, 2021, 05:42:52 PM
Life update: am married.


(https://i.postimg.cc/cgx6jsqQ/5-B7-D0-BD4-09-E1-4159-ABA9-1-B9-F34-F3-AB34.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgx6jsqQ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JycGPsFr/93620-D4-C-03-CF-4257-987-B-34-D4601-B6-A1-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JycGPsFr)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on August 17, 2021, 08:47:30 PM
Congratulations man!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on August 18, 2021, 11:15:05 AM
Awesome. Congrats dude!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 25, 2021, 07:02:56 PM
Merry Christmas, everybody. Hope you're all warm, cozy and happy.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on December 26, 2021, 02:50:22 PM
85 degrees here lol Warm Xmas, but yep al good and same well wishes dude
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on January 18, 2022, 03:52:51 PM
I was watching a limited series on Ted Bundy. Cut to the end and there's news footage of college kids outside the prison, along with tons of others, but it was a pure celebration of his execution taking place that morning.
And I say celebration because that's what it was, a frat party. Drinking and partying. For me, now, watching that, I just thought it was rather, ghoulish, if you will.
I remember seeing the news of that when it happened because of course Bundy was a huge deal, and Im sure I was cavalier about it then too.
Nobody was talking about the victims, nobody was sharing their stories or feelings of the families. It was all about the biblical revenge. Selling FryDay tshirts and pins and all other sorts of crap. And I get it. hey, there was a time in my life not even too terribly long ago i wouldve volunteered to throw the switch myself.
He absolutely deserved it, but that scene, it was just weird to me.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on January 21, 2022, 02:48:15 PM
i am sorry Bojack, I could have sworn i said congrats.


Congrats man.

I am back to being single. Me and My girlfriend split, it hurts but it is for the best we are not compatible.  It was getting toxic.

I do love her and it hurts but I am moving on. Been split for a few months and now going out on dates. Shocked at how forward women are.

I had a woman try to get in bed on the second date... I am not here for hookups lol. Plus I was not that attracted after we met. I went on a second date out of obligation i guess.

Also I think I am being picky.... but I want to find the one.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on January 24, 2022, 09:58:47 PM
Sorry it didn't work out for you Tider, but good luck in your search. Looks like you're off to a decent start from the sound of things.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on January 25, 2022, 11:05:09 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on January 24, 2022, 09:58:47 PM
Sorry it didn't work out for you Tider, but good luck in your search. Looks like you're off to a decent start from the sound of things.

same
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 08, 2022, 01:10:44 PM
So uh, things are a little unhinged lately, eh? How's everybody doing?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on March 09, 2022, 01:55:37 PM
Not dead yet lol.
When I ordered my version of "Now This is What I Call the 80s, vol. 8675309" I didn't realize it was gonna come with a Cold War reboot. Sorry.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on March 12, 2022, 09:01:01 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on March 08, 2022, 01:10:44 PM
So uh, things are a little unhinged lately, eh? How's everybody doing?

Honestly, Ive checked out. Im tryin to evict everything negative in my life that I can and that includes social media, news and anything where comments are allowed.
Im old and while working on myself for a while, I am now working towards acceptance. To what you ask?
Everything. I just want to be at peace and ready. And whatever it is, I dont want it preceded by an exhibition of the self absorbed greedy uncultured uneducated rednecks that have run amok and ruined this world for the rest of us.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on June 16, 2022, 11:10:58 AM
Update on me, I met a nice nurse and we have been hitting it off. I bought a house and been spending months culling old shit, moving unpacking and doing repairs.  I started a new job in Jan to get back into being a programmer (software dev) So a lot of training and catching up. Life is doing better. Hope all is well with everyone else.

What is funny my last post is this thread is when I met this lady, and its been working out.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on July 05, 2022, 03:13:48 PM
Still a hospital administrator in Kansas in the middle of a new hospital build.  Kids are grown and in college.  My wife and I are struggling to find each other in a post-child-centered world but we have a hard time losing at anything so we will find our way. My favorite football team has chosen the worst name in history to replace its previous. The Royals are back to sucking, the Celtics disappointed me and the penguins are meh.  I am mostly disconnected from the digital world except for my work accounts.  I check in to old haunts from time to time but there are no civilized discussions to be had in this world (digital) anymore everyone has chosen their jersey and we switch hitters are left to figure it out on our own. For the most part, doing well just trying to keep my head above water like everyone else. 
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on November 18, 2022, 10:38:21 AM
I'm impressed, this place may outlast Twitter.
Elon Musk is a twat.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on December 06, 2022, 03:56:28 PM
well we dont have much traffic anymore. I am keeping it alive hoping we get more people or an idea strikes that brings folks in.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on December 29, 2022, 02:27:55 AM
What few of us are here . You may remember Joe Gandolfo. His wife passed away and he needs a little help with expenses...

https://gofund.me/59bde6a2

If you can spare a few bucks maybe chip in a few. Not sure what to say. God bless.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 25, 2023, 02:21:16 PM
Anyone heard from Crewe lately?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on May 27, 2023, 03:01:11 AM
I have not heard from many folks lately.
I can reach out to him.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 27, 2023, 01:36:46 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on May 25, 2023, 02:21:16 PM
Anyone heard from Crewe lately?

Text him off and on, just as recently as a couple days ago. He's good.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on May 27, 2023, 11:58:02 PM
Update: Crewe sends his regards...he'll stop by sometime soon.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on May 30, 2023, 06:49:21 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on May 27, 2023, 11:58:02 PM
Update: Crewe sends his regards...he'll stop by sometime soon.

I hope everyone is doing well. I sent him an email. But not sure if he responded.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on May 30, 2023, 06:51:02 PM
BTW guys I got married again this year. been hectic last few weeks.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: TheNorm on June 01, 2023, 12:52:59 AM
Congrats man!
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 01, 2023, 02:50:59 PM
Quote from: rollntider on May 30, 2023, 06:51:02 PM
BTW guys I got married again this year. been hectic last few weeks.


Nice, congrats! Happy to hear things are on the up and up. Hopefully those last few weeks were the good kind of hectic and not the bad kind
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on June 02, 2023, 12:01:38 AM
Moving and selling a house kind of hectic, about to do it again when we close on her house.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Rigg44 on July 19, 2023, 05:18:49 PM
Quote from: rollntider on May 30, 2023, 06:51:02 PM
BTW guys I got married again this year. been hectic last few weeks.

Very belated congrats!

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on August 15, 2023, 11:44:59 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on July 19, 2023, 05:18:49 PM
Quote from: rollntider on May 30, 2023, 06:51:02 PM
BTW guys I got married again this year. been hectic last few weeks.

Very belated congrats!

Thank you sir.
We are about to go through selling my house and buying a house together.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 17, 2023, 02:07:44 PM
Quote from: rollntider on August 15, 2023, 11:44:59 PM
Quote from: Rigg44 on July 19, 2023, 05:18:49 PM
Quote from: rollntider on May 30, 2023, 06:51:02 PM
BTW guys I got married again this year. been hectic last few weeks.

Very belated congrats!

Thank you sir.
We are about to go through selling my house and buying a house together.


Oof, those mortgage rates are rough but at least prices are down. Can ways refinance when the rates drop.

We got into ours as they were starting to rise last year and got in at 4% or so. I saw an article today about them hitting 8%. But hey, my brother bought a house a few months ago and my parents just bought one near him so it's all whatever I suppose.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on August 18, 2023, 11:58:10 PM
yeah the lender said he feels the rates will drop next year.
Currently I am at 4%
But not looking forward to the higher interest.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on August 30, 2023, 09:51:59 PM
Quote from: rollntider on May 30, 2023, 06:51:02 PM
BTW guys I got married again this year. been hectic last few weeks.
Congrats dude! Good things.

Thought I'd pop in and see how everyone was getting along.
Going ok here as far as I know.
Not sure what was going on with me the last time I was here, but in short, I've been working on me quite a bit and making progress.
Spending a lot of time on new hobbies and veered into a somewhat new arena of video projects.
I've been so focused on work video the last twenty years (with no real film industry to speak of, at least back then) which is no creativity, no input at all, for so long, I forgot what it was I originally wanted to do.
During the pandemic, my nephew left the restaurant biz, not by choice obviously, so I got him into my arena.
Short version is, we've progressed into other arenas, making music videos, corporate vids, promos and even wrote a screenplay for a 5 minute short Ill be shooting later this year.
The plan is to turn it into something one day, but until then, I'm really having a blast. Even took some online writing courses and wrote a 20 chapter manuscript.

I didnt take any time to poke around to see what everyone is up to, so chime in, lemme know how things are with everyone.

Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 31, 2023, 03:10:07 PM
Quote from: Crewe on August 30, 2023, 09:51:59 PM
Quote from: rollntider on May 30, 2023, 06:51:02 PM
BTW guys I got married again this year. been hectic last few weeks.
Congrats dude! Good things.

Thought I'd pop in and see how everyone was getting along.
Going ok here as far as I know.
Not sure what was going on with me the last time I was here, but in short, I've been working on me quite a bit and making progress.
Spending a lot of time on new hobbies and veered into a somewhat new arena of video projects.
I've been so focused on work video the last twenty years (with no real film industry to speak of, at least back then) which is no creativity, no input at all, for so long, I forgot what it was I originally wanted to do.
During the pandemic, my nephew left the restaurant biz, not by choice obviously, so I got him into my arena.
Short version is, we've progressed into other arenas, making music videos, corporate vids, promos and even wrote a screenplay for a 5 minute short Ill be shooting later this year.
The plan is to turn it into something one day, but until then, I'm really having a blast. Even took some online writing courses and wrote a 20 chapter manuscript.

I didnt take any time to poke around to see what everyone is up to, so chime in, lemme know how things are with everyone.


That's awesome! That sounds like a lot of fun in and of itself, but even more cool you got to enjoy it with your nephew.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 01, 2023, 01:29:54 PM
Yea it's been fun and nice to have something to look forward to as well. How's your world moving along?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 01, 2023, 07:04:19 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 01, 2023, 01:29:54 PM
Yea it's been fun and nice to have something to look forward to as well. How's your world moving along?

I guess the last big update I made here was when I got married which is two years ago now.    ;D

We bought a house last year, so that was good. Earlier this year though we lost our senior cat to a stroke, and our next oldest got diagnosed about a month or so ago with lymphoma, so we've been dealing with taking her for chemo treatments. Fortunately she's doing much better, although we're still going through it, although today's appointment had some bad news, as the fluid in her chest cavity returned in a small amount, so she may be resisting the chemo now and they're going to start her on a stronger regimen.

So, those parts suck. But kiddo's 18 in one month and he already graduated from high school, he's flying here at the end of this month so that'll be a good time. Our new house has about three stray cats that come by regularly, and another two that seem to be house cats that are allowed outside time (one has a collar, one just isn't seen very regularly so we think she either escapes or has limited outdoor time). One of the strays got pregnant, and is currently in our guest room with her six kittens happy and healthy. They're only about two or three weeks old now, so eventually we'll need to get some of them adopted as nine cats is just too many to handle.

Other than that, works good for me and the wife, life has been pretty good minus the chemo bits.

Don't watch many movies these days though, I've become a bit of a hermit who hates leaving the house, although we did manage to make it out to see Barbie.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 05, 2023, 01:46:35 PM
Did I know you got married? I think I knew that? Not sure, but congrats if I didnt say so lol
A new house is fun and stressful. Ive been in mine about 5 years now and just got it settled in last year, everything the way I want it lol
It's fun project though.
Why dont you get some more cats/ lol
That really sucks though, it's the only downside to pets. You have really have to start making quality of life observations.
My dog is 13 now. when he was 9, we found a large mass in around his heart and esophagus so there was no way it was going to be removed.
At the time it wasnt really affecting him as we caught it on a checkup xray. Doc said his breed mix etc and the mass, maybe two years. Well he's made it two more plus so we are on bonus time.
Although I had to drop nearly four bills on him the other day, but totally worth it seeing that happy boy. He's diminishing quickly though, we agree this is probably his last year, if that long.
I told her Im counting on her to help me see when he's hurting because I don't trust just me to notice.
Till then though, whee... lol

I cannot believe your kid is 18, thats unreal dude. it just can't be lol
thats gotta be cool though, having your boy graduate and move on. that's your retirement plan lol
Glad things are well other than the cat hiccup.

I've been on a movie tear for a while now. My other and I are movie buffs and like,almost the same genre although she isn't down with war movies, but I don't like musicals so I consider us even.
We go to movies as often as possible.
I have that bucket list movie poster of 100 to see before you die and just finished it off.
I have one more to go (West Side Story, speaking of musicals) on the AFI original top 100.
Then I have about 9 more to go on the AFI 10th year anniversary list. It's a fun hobby.
For Christmas, she got me everyone's a Critic movie book. it has 52 genre categories defined (pick a famous stars first movie, pick a movie from the depression era, pick an academy award winner etc...)of movies and you are to watch one a week and it has short 2 page questionnaire about the movie, why you chose it etc, what you liked, didn't like etc...
She has one too and at the end of the year, we are going to trade books and watch each others list, so that will be fun.

So, get to the movies, or at least watch at home while hermitting lol
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on September 06, 2023, 12:21:27 AM
Quote from: Crewe on September 05, 2023, 01:46:35 PM
Did I know you got married? I think I knew that? Not sure, but congrats if I didnt say so lol
A new house is fun and stressful. Ive been in mine about 5 years now and just got it settled in last year, everything the way I want it lol
It's fun project though.
Why dont you get some more cats/ lol
That really sucks though, it's the only downside to pets. You have really have to start making quality of life observations.
My dog is 13 now. when he was 9, we found a large mass in around his heart and esophagus so there was no way it was going to be removed.
At the time it wasnt really affecting him as we caught it on a checkup xray. Doc said his breed mix etc and the mass, maybe two years. Well he's made it two more plus so we are on bonus time.
Although I had to drop nearly four bills on him the other day, but totally worth it seeing that happy boy. He's diminishing quickly though, we agree this is probably his last year, if that long.
I told her Im counting on her to help me see when he's hurting because I don't trust just me to notice.
Till then though, whee... lol

I cannot believe your kid is 18, thats unreal dude. it just can't be lol
thats gotta be cool though, having your boy graduate and move on. that's your retirement plan lol
Glad things are well other than the cat hiccup.

I've been on a movie tear for a while now. My other and I are movie buffs and like,almost the same genre although she isn't down with war movies, but I don't like musicals so I consider us even.
We go to movies as often as possible.
I have that bucket list movie poster of 100 to see before you die and just finished it off.
I have one more to go (West Side Story, speaking of musicals) on the AFI original top 100.
Then I have about 9 more to go on the AFI 10th year anniversary list. It's a fun hobby.
For Christmas, she got me everyone's a Critic movie book. it has 52 genre categories defined (pick a famous stars first movie, pick a movie from the depression era, pick an academy award winner etc...)of movies and you are to watch one a week and it has short 2 page questionnaire about the movie, why you chose it etc, what you liked, didn't like etc...
She has one too and at the end of the year, we are going to trade books and watch each others list, so that will be fun.

So, get to the movies, or at least watch at home while hermitting lol

Glad to hear that pooch is doing good.

One thing I got into was action figures ... masters of the universe to be exact. It started during covid, and loved MOTU when I was a kid and saw they were doing a modern version and said

"I will only collect Skeletor and He man" Next thing I know I have most of the line LOL

When I get my new house i will post the room. I also pick up a few Spiderman and Batman here and there.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 08, 2023, 02:45:21 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 05, 2023, 01:46:35 PM
So, get to the movies, or at least watch at home while hermitting lol

Yeah, the issue is my wife isn't the biggest fan of movies, she prefers prestige TV, your Mad Men, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad type of shows. Which is great, and we're watching a lot of great TV that I probably wouldn't watch otherwise, I wasn't the biggest TV person before I met her (never watched BB or MM until we started dating, she was the one who told me I needed to).

Kiddo's carrying the torch though. I see on his Letterboxd he's been working his way through the canon, he went all the way back and watched the original Nosferatu, and it's fun because I see him go on director binges. He's gotten really into Michael Mann lately, and he's gotten into directors like Kurosawa and Wong Kar Wai, so I've kinda been living vicariously through him  ;D

That's what I'd do though, if I wanted to get back into movies. I'd try to run through directors, a movie a night, then move on to the next one once I'm done with their filmography. Go back to directors like Bergman and Wilder who I've never watched before.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 13, 2023, 04:27:00 PM
Quote from: rollntider on September 06, 2023, 12:21:27 AM
Quote from: Crewe on September 05, 2023, 01:46:35 PM
Did I know you got married? I think I knew that? Not sure, but congrats if I didnt say so lol
A new house is fun and stressful. Ive been in mine about 5 years now and just got it settled in last year, everything the way I want it lol
It's fun project though.
Why dont you get some more cats/ lol
That really sucks though, it's the only downside to pets. You have really have to start making quality of life observations.
My dog is 13 now. when he was 9, we found a large mass in around his heart and esophagus so there was no way it was going to be removed.
At the time it wasnt really affecting him as we caught it on a checkup xray. Doc said his breed mix etc and the mass, maybe two years. Well he's made it two more plus so we are on bonus time.
Although I had to drop nearly four bills on him the other day, but totally worth it seeing that happy boy. He's diminishing quickly though, we agree this is probably his last year, if that long.
I told her Im counting on her to help me see when he's hurting because I don't trust just me to notice.
Till then though, whee... lol

I cannot believe your kid is 18, thats unreal dude. it just can't be lol
thats gotta be cool though, having your boy graduate and move on. that's your retirement plan lol
Glad things are well other than the cat hiccup.

I've been on a movie tear for a while now. My other and I are movie buffs and like,almost the same genre although she isn't down with war movies, but I don't like musicals so I consider us even.
We go to movies as often as possible.
I have that bucket list movie poster of 100 to see before you die and just finished it off.
I have one more to go (West Side Story, speaking of musicals) on the AFI original top 100.
Then I have about 9 more to go on the AFI 10th year anniversary list. It's a fun hobby.
For Christmas, she got me everyone's a Critic movie book. it has 52 genre categories defined (pick a famous stars first movie, pick a movie from the depression era, pick an academy award winner etc...)of movies and you are to watch one a week and it has short 2 page questionnaire about the movie, why you chose it etc, what you liked, didn't like etc...
She has one too and at the end of the year, we are going to trade books and watch each others list, so that will be fun.

So, get to the movies, or at least watch at home while hermitting lol

Glad to hear that pooch is doing good.

One thing I got into was action figures ... masters of the universe to be exact. It started during covid, and loved MOTU when I was a kid and saw they were doing a modern version and said

"I will only collect Skeletor and He man" Next thing I know I have most of the line LOL

When I get my new house i will post the room. I also pick up a few Spiderman and Batman here and there.

lol thats cool though
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 13, 2023, 04:29:36 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on September 08, 2023, 02:45:21 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 05, 2023, 01:46:35 PM
So, get to the movies, or at least watch at home while hermitting lol

Yeah, the issue is my wife isn't the biggest fan of movies, she prefers prestige TV, your Mad Men, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad type of shows. Which is great, and we're watching a lot of great TV that I probably wouldn't watch otherwise, I wasn't the biggest TV person before I met her (never watched BB or MM until we started dating, she was the one who told me I needed to).

Kiddo's carrying the torch though. I see on his Letterboxd he's been working his way through the canon, he went all the way back and watched the original Nosferatu, and it's fun because I see him go on director binges. He's gotten really into Michael Mann lately, and he's gotten into directors like Kurosawa and Wong Kar Wai, so I've kinda been living vicariously through him  ;D

That's what I'd do though, if I wanted to get back into movies. I'd try to run through directors, a movie a night, then move on to the next one once I'm done with their filmography. Go back to directors like Bergman and Wilder who I've never watched before.


Wait, but you've seen Sopranos and Deadwood right?

That's cool about the kiddo, that's what I do pretty much.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 13, 2023, 07:12:23 PM
I have not watched Deadwood, no.

I actually did what turned out to be a rewatch of Sopranos last year, because I thought I had stopped watching as it was around the time I had kiddo, back in 2005, but I guess I made time to watch it back then because I remembered pretty much every episode as I was watching them.

When work's slow, I'll pop on an episode of something too. Right now I'm 2 seasons into Halt and Catch Fire which I've been enjoying. Great cast headlined by Lee Pace, although everyone's great, especially Toby Huss.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on September 20, 2023, 04:41:29 PM
Sopranos, Deadwood and The Wire, my top three, interchangeable
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 20, 2023, 07:05:35 PM
Quote from: Crewe on September 20, 2023, 04:41:29 PM
Sopranos, Deadwood and The Wire, my top three, interchangeable

Watched The Wire for the first time ever this year and yeah, what a show
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on October 12, 2023, 09:53:24 PM
I recall it took me about three tries to get into it, couldnt get beyond first couple of episodes, but finally was able to get going and have seen it probably 3-4 times now
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on December 09, 2023, 02:53:01 AM
its been a hectic few months.

Sold 2 houses and bought a new one, and started a new job.

Had to sell my wifes house then had to house hunt and sell my condo and look for a new one for the new family.

Anyways hoping to settle some roots down and start living life again. its been a hectic few years.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on December 19, 2023, 04:11:43 PM
Quote from: rollntider on December 09, 2023, 02:53:01 AM
its been a hectic few months.

Sold 2 houses and bought a new one, and started a new job.

Had to sell my wifes house then had to house hunt and sell my condo and look for a new one for the new family.

Anyways hoping to settle some roots down and start living life again. its been a hectic few years.


Glad things are settling down for you at least, that all sounds like one big headache.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on January 20, 2024, 03:04:59 AM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on December 19, 2023, 04:11:43 PM
Quote from: rollntider on December 09, 2023, 02:53:01 AM
its been a hectic few months.

Sold 2 houses and bought a new one, and started a new job.

Had to sell my wifes house then had to house hunt and sell my condo and look for a new one for the new family.

Anyways hoping to settle some roots down and start living life again. its been a hectic few years.


Glad things are settling down for you at least, that all sounds like one big headache.

thanks man. They are starting to. Time to do some remodeling lol :)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 20, 2024, 05:48:59 PM
Just checking in with everyone.
No major changes here...well, IK did have to put my dog down two weeks ago. Absolutely still wrecked.
I'm completely re writing the manuscript I wrote last year because I've learned so much more, now I know how bad it was lol
Still trying to get a short film in the can, hopefully by this summer.
Tax time  :-\

did not want KC to win, primarily because of Kelce.

I've heard the last Spidermman and Star Wars games were top notch but haven't tried them.

that's all I've got thus far....hope everyone is well
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: rollntider on February 25, 2024, 01:16:18 AM
Been remodeling my house. So its been taking some time to complete.

Sorry about the pup. They are family members and its hard.

Could not care less about the super bowl.  No team i wanted was in it. I used to be a KC chiefs fan so it feels odd to not pull for them or cowboys anymore.

I am liking the UFL (former XFL USFL)
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 26, 2024, 01:34:30 PM
Quote from: rollntider on February 25, 2024, 01:16:18 AMBeen remodeling my house. So its been taking some time to complete.

Sorry about the pup. They are family members and its hard.

Could not care less about the super bowl.  No team i wanted was in it. I used to be a KC chiefs fan so it feels odd to not pull for them or cowboys anymore.

I am liking the UFL (former XFL USFL)

I am so removed from football now. It started a few years ago. It just grinds my gears that noone can decide on the definition of a penalty. There is no unity of any kind across games on any  Sunday, it's just so ridiculous. The SB was the only game I watched this year and I didn't even watch all of it. Just so disinterested.
I havent kept up with the UFL. Are they off the rails like XFL?

yea its hard losing my dog. I honestly dont think Ill get another. I love em so much, but it's just too damn hard. Time well tell.

What kind of remodeling? Due to damage or just desired upgrades?
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: BojackHorsefella on February 26, 2024, 04:16:34 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 20, 2024, 05:48:59 PMJust checking in with everyone.
No major changes here...well, IK did have to put my dog down two weeks ago. Absolutely still wrecked.
I'm completely re writing the manuscript I wrote last year because I've learned so much more, now I know how bad it was lol
Still trying to get a short film in the can, hopefully by this summer.
Tax time  :-\

did not want KC to win, primarily because of Kelce.

I've heard the last Spidermman and Star Wars games were top notch but haven't tried them.

that's all I've got thus far....hope everyone is well

Ugh, the dog thing sucks Crewe. We lost our eldest cat in April of last year, and it still hurts to this day. Meanwhile the current eldest cat was diagnosed with lymphoma last June and it's just a matter of time. Chemo's already given her a lot more time, but based on last week's appointment we're coming to the end as it's been getting less and less effective.

Sorry, not trying to trauma dump, just I understand that the pain of losing a friend that was literally there for you every day never goes away, but I'm sure you also gave that dog plenty of sunshine and happiness in his/her life too, and in time their memory will at least inspire a smile in addition to tears, as opposed to just tears right now. That's about the best that it gets.
Title: Re: The Life Thread
Post by: Crewe on February 29, 2024, 06:15:48 PM
Quote from: BojackHorsefella on February 26, 2024, 04:16:34 PM
Quote from: Crewe on February 20, 2024, 05:48:59 PMJust checking in with everyone.
No major changes here...well, IK did have to put my dog down two weeks ago. Absolutely still wrecked.
I'm completely re writing the manuscript I wrote last year because I've learned so much more, now I know how bad it was lol
Still trying to get a short film in the can, hopefully by this summer.
Tax time  :-\

did not want KC to win, primarily because of Kelce.

I've heard the last Spidermman and Star Wars games were top notch but haven't tried them.

that's all I've got thus far....hope everyone is well

Ugh, the dog thing sucks Crewe. We lost our eldest cat in April of last year, and it still hurts to this day. Meanwhile the current eldest cat was diagnosed with lymphoma last June and it's just a matter of time. Chemo's already given her a lot more time, but based on last week's appointment we're coming to the end as it's been getting less and less effective.

Sorry, not trying to trauma dump, just I understand that the pain of losing a friend that was literally there for you every day never goes away, but I'm sure you also gave that dog plenty of sunshine and happiness in his/her life too, and in time their memory will at least inspire a smile in addition to tears, as opposed to just tears right now. That's about the best that it gets.


I appreciate the kind words and yes it certainly is not fun.
My status has almost reached acceptance I think, which is a far cry from where I was though.
I still look for him every time I come home :-(
Sometimes I feel sorta foolish about it, but this loss is on the level of my parents.

I'm sorry you are going through that as well. It's good to know you have more time via the treatment.
It's so hard to watch. I'm so glad I had help in being able to remove my selfishness from the situation, i.e., wanting him to be here longer. It would have been too much if I later realized I let him hurt, but at the time, you just want them with you.
Sincerest wishes man.