Category: me

Its Official!

I’m 38 years old today. [1]You thought I was talking about Obama didn’t you? Yeah, that too!  Yes, yours truly has reached his 38th year on this old Earth.  And while I am definitely noticing my age, I don’t appear to be in any danger of slowing down.  If anything, I think I’m speeding up! 

Its funny, I can remember a moment in 5th grade thinking, "gosh what will it be like when I’m old."  Of course, my frame of reference then was 30. heehee   Now that I’m 38, I don’t feel old.  I also don’t feel young either.  Does that make sense?  I guess the naivety of youth has been tempered with wisdom (I’d like to think so anyway) and knowledge.  I’d like to think I’ve kept the best of both worlds so far. 

On the flip side, I don’t regret or fear getting older.  If anything, I look forward to it.  My life has gradually improved with age and I can hope that upward incline continues.  I’ve made some great friends along the way.  It would be nice to find a knuckle head who could put up with me but that is not a requirement. 

So, as I look backward and forward,  I find I am still optimistic.  I survived the past and the future is still an exciting place to me.  I guess that is a good thing. 

Here’s to 38 more years!

References

References
↑1 You thought I was talking about Obama didn’t you? Yeah, that too!

Almost Done!

Purdy?

 

So, as you can see I had some more work done today. Yes, I’m still loving it.  I had a dickens of a time deciding which colors to use.  Blue and red were a definite.  Green was a contender but I couldn’t decide on the fourth color. [1]There are 4 different amino acids that form the bonds in DNA  Obviously, I decided to go with a golden yellow.  A tad darker than traditional yellow but that is so it will stand out more. 

Almost done!

The smaller strand actually has a lighter shade of green and blue.

 

I got a little nervous about half way thru the big strand.  He did the blue/red bonds first.  While he was doing the green, I got a little panicky it wouldn’t blend well.  I was thinking to myself, "oh my god, what am I gonna do if fuck this up? Its fucking permanent!"  Once he started back thru with the yellow though, my doubts melted.  The colors really came together I think. 

Colors

 

We had originally planned to finish today but since I was still undecided on some of the colors, we got started late (again).  I don’t feel the least bit upset about doing so.  It is my ink after all and it is going to be with me for awhile.  Anyway, it took longer than expected; three hours to be exact. [2]Was that the right use of a semicolon? I never know when to friggin’ use that thing!  Mainly because he had to keep switching colors.  I’m scheduled to go back on the 30th to finish up the 3rd strand.

Right now the colors tend to overpower the shading but I think that is mostly because the shading has healed.  However, if the color is still too heavy, I’ll increase the shading on the bands just a bit to compensate.  Otherwise, it will be awhile before I do anything else.  I wanna get used to it and see if I really want more.  I don’t wanna over do it and clutter it all up. 

How am I doing so far?

References

References
↑1 There are 4 different amino acids that form the bonds in DNA
↑2 Was that the right use of a semicolon? I never know when to friggin’ use that thing!

Insomnia

My sleeping habits have been whack for a while now however, last night was probably the worst so far.  I laid in bed awake until almost 4:30am before finding falling asleep.  This was after taking a sleeping pill. 

I was only able to sleep about 4 hours.  Needless to say, I’m a bit cranky today.  I’m gonna try a couple home remedies before calling the doc. 

The good news is I got the new blog a little more updated.  I brought back the rotating banners (for now).  I haven’t tinkered with the export/import features since the initial failure. 

I’m also off to finish the color on my tattoo today.  Pics forthcoming.

Excited

The decision to upgrade keeps becoming a good one.  I found a brand new plug-in today that solves all of my previous worries about hidden content on the blog.  Not only that, it gives me a very easy way to upgrade users as needed.  

What does this mean to you?  First, apologies as I have yet to find a way to import user accounts from old blog.  Not being a PHP expert, I have no idea how to copy tables over.  Unfortunately, this means if you were a registerd user on the old blog, you will have to re-register here.  Keep in mind, if you register, your email address is checked for validity and you will need to reply to my confirmation email before I will boost your access.  

Again, apologies for the inconvience however, this should make things a lot easier for me to stay on top of.

TFA Onward

I  haven’t talked much about TFA lately.  That has been partly on purpose.  I needed some time to work thru some things percolating in ma head.  I will reveal he has been dating someone new and seems absolutely smitten.  Of which, I’m very happy about.  I know I know, you are shaking head going “huh”?  (I’ll get to that, keep reading)  lol  The new guy seems to be much more what TFA needs as well as wants in a partner.  I’ve always felt TFA and I met for a reason.  Whether it was he to learn from me or vice-versa is still up for grabs.  I do think at the time we met, TFA needed me but I wasn’t what he wanted.  I know for some that won’t make sense but for me it totally does. 

I’m sure by now you are gathering from my comments I have indeed let go of the angst I felt regarding TFA.  Actually, it was some time ago.  It had more to do with my own insecurities really.  Seeing that and dealing with it was an important step for me.  I still care for him very much but that concern has evolved into an enduring friendship. [1]well, a friendship with ‘benefits’. heh heh heh

Having let go of my internal issues, I find I am extremely happy with our relationship at present.  His new boyfriend knows about me and is completely ok with the connection and friendship we share.  After a long talk last night, I think TFA has clearly conveyed to him I am not a threat to their budding romance.  Considering he will be here for a long layover the weekend after my upcoming birthday, I felt it was important to make sure our connection would not hinder or interfere with his new love interest. 

* 

On a side rant, seeing TFA struggle to overcome his demons these last couple years has served to remind me of my past struggles and has kept me focused on my own life’s path.  He often tells me he sees our friendship lasting well into old age.  I’m very flattered and heartened by that. 

One of my life’s goals has been to know when I die, I’ll do so knowing I leave behind people who will remember and miss me. [2]For you tiny few LONG time readers, this will make total sense to you.  The rest of ya…get busy!  TFA definitely brings me one step closer to that goal.

References

References
↑1 well, a friendship with ‘benefits’. heh heh heh
↑2 For you tiny few LONG time readers, this will make total sense to you.  The rest of ya…get busy!

TFA Onward

I  haven’t talked much about TFA lately.  That has been partly on purpose.  I needed some time to work thru some things percolating in ma head.  I will reveal he has been dating someone new and seems absolutely smitten.  Of which, I’m very happy about.  I know I know, you are shaking head going “huh”?  (I’ll get to that, keep reading)  lol  The new guy seems to be much more what TFA needs as well as wants in a partner.  I’ve always felt TFA and I met for a reason.  Whether it was he to learn from me or vice-versa is still up for grabs.  I do think at the time we met, TFA needed me but I wasn’t what he wanted.  I know for some that won’t make sense but for me it totally does. 

I’m sure by now you are gathering from my comments I have indeed let go of the angst I felt regarding TFA.  Actually, it was some time ago.  It had more to do with my own insecurities really.  Seeing that and dealing with it was an important step for me.  I still care for him very much but that concern has evolved into an enduring friendship.1

Having let go of my internal issues, I find I am extremely happy with our relationship at present.  His new boyfriend knows about me and is completely ok with the connection and friendship we share.  After a long talk last night, I think TFA has clearly conveyed to him I am not a threat to their budding romance.  Considering he will be here for a long layover the weekend after my upcoming birthday, I felt it was important to make sure our connection would not hinder or interfere with his new love interest. 

* 

On a side rant, seeing TFA struggle to overcome his demons these last couple years has served to remind me of my past struggles and has kept me focused on my own life’s path.  He often tells me he sees our friendship lasting well into old age.  I’m very flattered and heartened by that. 

One of my life’s goals has been to know when I die, I’ll do so knowing I leave behind people who will remember and miss me.2  TFA definitely brings me one step closer to that goal.

  1. well, a friendship with ‘benefits’. heh heh heh
  2. For you tiny few LONG time readers, this will make total sense to you.  The rest of ya…get busy!

Pondering…

…my new years resolutions.  I managed to handle most of last years list.   Well, I STILL haven’t gotten braces.  UGH.  It will be on the list again this year.  I’m such a procrastinator.  lol  

I did lean up a bit.  I’m not ripped by any means but, I’m lighter now than I’ve been in years.  Granted it is only about 15 or so pounds but I’ll take it. lol  Actually, the accident really helped as I could only do cardio for awhile so I got accustomed to doing it.  I find I skip it less now. 

The debt is half and half.  All the high-interest stuff is completely gone.   That is good.  I’m down to 3 credit cards and my debit card.  All of which are manageable.  The accident back in August forced [1]not that I was complaining. heehee me to incur a significant hit in purchasing a shiny new motorcycle.  Still, things are ok there.  I am extremely grateful I have a job in this ever toughening economy.  For the most part, I live within my means.  While I have a weakness for good food, I don’t spend extravagantly. [2]well except on gadgets  I still have a heavy hit coming soon.  The land my dad left me (and my brothers) is going to cost to be separated, surveyed, deeded, etc.  I’ll probably have to absorb my little brothers part as he is in no condition to pay for it.  It sucks, but necessary.  Anyway, I’ll probably keep this on the list this year as well.

The tattoo(s) I’m clearly working on.  I’m extremely happy with the work I’ve had done so far.  I’m sure 2009 will see at least 1 or 2 more.  I’m not interested in turning my body into a canvas so won’t go far beyond that. 

Last but not least is my paramedic training.  The hurdles left are significant so not sure on this one.  With the economy and the City cutting back more and more the opportunity to go part time at work while I go to school is not looking good.  Disappointing but not the end of the world.  Having a job right now is enough in itself. 

So now I’m back to pondering this years resolutions.  What are YOU pondering?

References

References
↑1 not that I was complaining. heehee
↑2 well except on gadgets

Trust

In a slightly less exciting rant and not meant to damper the thrill I have from my tattoo, I discovered this weekend, and not for the first time, someone I trusted has been running their mouth about my business.  Business they were instructed was private and only shared in confidence.  Serves me right for reaching out to someone I saw in pain and deciding to share part of myself. 

Well, lesson learned. [1]And needless to say, they won’t get a 2nd opportunity

*

The irony here is for a long time I didn’t see myself as an overly moral or ethical person.  Never having the benefit of strong family ties as a child, I had to teach myself right from wrong.  All things considered, I’ve accomplished that goal to my satisfaction. [2]Of course, there is always room for improvement.  And while my own brand of morals may not be the norm, they keep me on the path I have chosen in this life.  I guess the point of my ramble here  is I’m more disappointed than angry.  Disappointed that integrity seems to be a catch phrase for most guys these days.  I’m also disappointed in someone who obviously cares more about their next drinking buddy than true friendship.

Or, it could be I’m just getting old and crotchety.  I mean my 38th birthday is fast approaching. *ducking*   

References

References
↑1 And needless to say, they won’t get a 2nd opportunity
↑2 Of course, there is always room for improvement.

Filler

So that tat is coming along nicely!  I finished the shading this past Friday.

Flexing the ink

Latest look. 

The red is not color but irritation from the needle.  That will eventually fade into gray shading.  The bands are now officially done.  Next on the agenda is color!  And I still haven’t ironed’em out yet.  I leaning heavily toward blue and red in the big one but haven’t decided the two smaller ones.  I’m thinking of green for sure but the rest is a guess at the moment.  Yellow and orange are not my favorite colors and they don’t really show up well in tattoos.  Purple is an idea but it tends to be very dark and blends too much with black.  You can see from my back tattoo (below) the dangers of putting like colors too close together.

Tattoo

 

Basically, I want the colors to really stand out.  Luke suggested I get some magic markers and play around with colors until I find what I like.  A good idea.  Of course, there are also shades of colors vs primaries too.  I could do shades of blue and red on each one.  The wheels are turning…suggestions?

Shading done

 

Ok, I couldn’t help showing off one more pic.  I totally love it!  The idea of what I wanted is slowly coming to life and I can’t wait for the final product.   I have a sneaky suspicion I’ll be adding more to it though.  The inside shoulder looks a tad bare and begs for either another strand or something to compliment the strand look.  The inside I’m not overly worried about as you almost never see it (and it hurts like a bitch to ink). 

So whaddya think?

Changing Schedule

So in anticipation of my changing schedule, [1]It changes the weekend of the 10th. I’m already altering my gym routine.  The last time I was on a 4-10 shift, I really struggled to keep up with a consistent work-out schedule.  I’m hoping to prevent that this time around.  Instead of working muscle groups, I’ll work 1 primary muscle a day (along w/supporting muscles).  I’ll also increase the frequency of days in the gym to make up for the shorter workouts.  I’m hoping these two changes will help me cope with the lack of free time on work days.  *crossed fingers*

For all my setbacks this year, I have done a decent job of keeping to a consistent schedule.  The motorcycle accident set me way back but I managed to bounce back.  The one good thing from the accident is I managed to get myself into doing more cardio.  It has paid off as I’m a tad leaner than I’ve been in about 8 years. [2]Nothing major but I certainly don’t mind the 15 missing lbs

And for all my bitchin’, I am looking forward to the 3-day weekends again.  Especially, since I’ll have Fri/Sat/Sunday’s off.  It is a premium slot and I am grateful I could pull it.  I’m thinking Friday’s will by errand days.  Typical shit.  Lunches for the next week, chores around the house, beat off, blah blah blah…

References

References
↑1 It changes the weekend of the 10th.
↑2 Nothing major but I certainly don’t mind the 15 missing lbs