Got a New Relationship? Got Some Advice For You....

Greetings world, I'm back. It's been a minute and now I have returned.

Here's the scene...A group called "Story Corps" (You can find them on the google) is stopping by my town and this is their biz. "Biz" is the term we in the 'business' use to refer to THE 'business'. They pull a shiny, Airstream trailer full of audio recording gear and they take reservations of sorts for people to come into the trailer after they park it in a high-vis area to record themselves. I talked to their marketing and PR folk and they were very nice. They told me the point of this exercise was to record what people are thinking about and talking about in 2008. People can talk about anything. How they are feeling, they can bring a loved one or friend into the booth and they can interview each other. Family can reserve the booth and they can spend their time telling each other how much they mean to them. When the customers are done they are asked to sign a form that allows the Story Corps folks the ability to archive the sound clips in the Library of Congress and they run off a CD copy for the customer so they can send it to friends or archive it for themselves. I got to thinking what I would possibly have to talk about if I were to schedule a block of time for myself to head in there to share a bit of my mind. A couple of thing came to mind: could I come up with something profound enough to help out future generations or could I adlib something to make the future laugh?
Thought all day and I was cleaning up after dinner, with Mandy in the living room watching The Break-Up with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. Then it hit me. My bit of advice would have to be relationship advice because I'm thinking about them enough to think I have enough insight to dispense something, someone can use.

Here it goes: "Never expect anything from your partner."

Seriously, don't. The instant you start expecting something, you lose and you'll be let down. Instead earn everything you get from you significant other. For example, if I would expect Mandy to cook for me everyday. The first time she doesn't, my feelings would be hurt and our relationship could go from there to over really quick. But, if I'm genuinely thankful for her and her desire to show me love by fixing me some dinner than I'll; one, always be grateful, regardless of the dish-two, I'll treat her tenderly and thank her with words and actions for her sacrifice of time and effort to prepare dinner.

It is important to reciprocate to your other half with words and actions. Words without actions mean nothing. Thankful actions would be me cleaning the kitchen after she cooks dinner as a thank you. But if we 'assigned' jobs to each other it takes the thanks out of our actions. Keep things spontaneous and fresh by throwing each other curve-balls to show each other just how lucky you both are...because honestly...why are you together if you aren't blessed to have each other...WINK***


-WP

Long Overdue...

So, recap in crazy, montage fashion.

My 45 year-old father had a stroke in his sleep and spent two and a half weeks in the Duke University Medical Center, before coming home. He is recovering nicely and we thank God everyday for that.

My 1995 GTI VR6 is for sale for $5600. Sad to have to sell it but I'm paring down.

Fall semester is almost over and I'm all registered and ready for spring semester.

That's it in a nut shell. More to come. Thanks.


-WP

I Moved. I'm Pleased. I'm Pissed.

Man, I've had a seriously crazy, last weekend. I moved completely across town to abandon the drug infested neighborhood I used to live in. Now I live near the beach. Also I work on a military base on the east coast and if you know anything about military bases You'd know that tens of thousands of people work on them and they all need to be at work at the same time. Well, because of its military base status, it goes without saying that some measures of security are probably being taken to protect government assets and people. There are usually more than one entrance to a military base though those entrances have limited use. The main gates to military bases are crammed packed with people trying to get to work.
I tell you that to tell you this. I moved so I could take advantage of a lesser used gate and get to work more efficiently. The speed limit on this road is 55 mph. The road is a rural route so an average traveling speed of 60-63 mph. isn't too strange. I get on base and the speed limit maintains its 55-ness. But we've got people driving 45-50 mph. The road is still considered rural, even though it's on base there's nothing around for miles. The kick in the pants is that I always, ALWAYS, I never don't, not get behind them. Today for example; I leave for work, I'm truckin' along and I end up behind two cars who are no-kidding going 45 mph at six-thirty in the morning on a road that is in the middle of NOWHERE. So I passed them going about 65 mph and resumed my commute. Seriously, why? Drive the Speed Limit.

-WP

I am Guilty.

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Well I'm all Moved and Manders Couldn't be Happier...

This past weekend was insane. Literally, insane. Our lease was up on our house on the Richlands side of Jacksonville and we're now out in Snead's Ferry. In a sweet-ass little townhouse. Our move wasn't without complications.
I try to be a self-starter, who gets things done. Case in point, I'm a change-my-own-oil'er. I changed the oil on all four of our cars one afternoon while Mandy was at work. Did it by the book, contained all the waste oil in the drum/pan and set it on the side of my house. I guess the ground was uneven and I think my cat, BK Broiler, knocked it over and spilled a good bit of it on the ground. Not being a huge environmentalist I merely moved the drum over and left the spilled oil. The spilled oil subsequently left a nasty, black patch of dead grass. This weekend Mandy was fretting over the dead, black grass on the side of our old house. I eased her mind by telling her, "I'm going to rattle-can that black grass!" She didn't know what it meant to 'rattle-can' something. So, I rephrased, "I'm going to spray-paint that black grass!" So that's what I'm going to do. Rattle-Can my yard in the dead spots.
Also, moving into our new house was a challenge because while the new house has about 100 more square-feet it also has stairs. So, if you can picture this, me and Mandy's little, sawed-off self wrestling our queen-side mattress and box spring up a flight of about 25 stairs. A fun time.

-WP

Alcohol Update: Carolina Pale Ale

Being a North Carolinian I was pretty excited to check out a local brew. Through Google, I found the Carolina Brewing Company and in turn found out they brew Carolina Pale Ale.

Upon first examination, it has a pleasing dark amber color with a full, creamy head. First drink, not good. Really. Not good.

I love beer. I am a lover of darker beers, but I couldn't choke down a pint of Carolina Pale Ale. I took three drinks and sent it back for a Magic Hat #9.

I was too bitter, with an overbearing aftertaste that wasn't sweet or sour or dry or fruity. It was rancid. I expect a bit of a kick in the aftertaste of a good beer but it should give way to a smooth enjoyable flavor. This unfortunately did not. If anyone has a positive experience with this beer please let me know. I am willing to admit if I've had a bad batch. Anything is possible.


-WP

I'm Looking for Readers...Any Ideas...???

I've been writing this blog since 2005 and I think I only have five readers, at the most, at this point. I think people would enjoy reading if they knew it existed. I know that sounds a bit presumptuous but I think I'm right on this one. If anyone has any ideas let me know. Thanks and Thanks for Reading.

-WP

Happy Birthday, My Dear Mother....

My Mum is celebrating her 2nd 25th birthday today...Happy Birthday Mum....I Love You.

If Trailers are Manly. Pulling a Trailer With Your Truck is Manlier...

My truck as you well know is a 4Runner SR5 4X4. After the unfortunate accident it is now a Toyota truck green with a white hood and fender. Passenger side fender so you can get the whole experience. I tell that tiny snippet, to tell you this much better, more fantastic story.
We've been waiting to get the truck out of the shop so I could hook a trailer up to it and make the trek out to Richlands to fetch our grill.
The day finally came. Manders and I got the truck back about a week or so ago and I first, ventured out to my folks house to pick-up the trailer, then second, went out to Mandy's folks house to fetch the grill.
For those of you, who've never pulled a trailer, I was you before this past Saturday, it's daunting. It's like doubling the length of your vehicle and putting a hinge in the middle. A hinge that causes you to reverse in reverse. Going backwards in a car or truck is a pain anyway, the whole time you are keeping in mind that to go left, turn right and vise versa. With a trailer, if you want to go left, then go left. If you want to go right, go ahead and go. The whole time you are reversing with a trailer you're thinking,"Why the hell am I doing this?" Then you remember that you're doing it because the lock you have on your hitch is for a locker at the gym and could easily be cut and some mangina could very easily make off with your trailer.
So I went and got the grill with the help of Mandy's brother and off I went. Mission successful.
There's something very manly about pulling something with your truck. I'm not sure what it is. I guess it could be the functionality of the truck being put to it's fullest use. Actually the fullest use would have been pulling a trailer down a old dirt road in 4H in the rain with new off-road tires and ZZ Top on the radio.
Speaking of ZZ Top, it's song recommendation time. Just Got Paid is my new driving song. Check it out.

Thanks for reading,

WP

I Know I'm Pretty Much Married, But Seriously...

I'm crushing on Eva Mendes. I know what's going to happen too, Manders is going to read this and go, "Of course you think Eva Mendes is hot, she looks nothing like me...." Which is so true. But that's why fantasies are fun. It's enjoying something you can't have. Not that you aren't happy with what you have, but sometimes looking is fun.
Also, another relationship breaking tool in now in the area. I got my 4Runner back. After being in the shop for about 6-months it's finally back on the road in all of its off-road capable glory.

**VR6 Bumper Crush Update**

My buddy who takes Art Appreciation with me is a local GM certified wrench and knows the guy who previously owned the truck and was able to verify that the truck had already been sold to the guy who owns it now when the VR6 got hit.

That's all for now. Thanks for checkin' back.

-WP

...Case Officially Open....We're Gonna Get'em

Called my local polizia and got connected to a fine Officer of the Law who deals with traffic infractions. I told him the whole story...much like the story that I posted the other day for you fine folks. He listened intently and is opening the case and is following up on leads that i provided him with. So, there we go. That bastard who thought he was that cool that he could get away with running over my VR6. GOT'EM. BADOW! More to come.

-WP

Sit Down, Strap In, It May Get Bumpy....

OK Bloggites, check yourself before you wreck yourself.


So, a couple weeks ago I left my last class, American History II, and stopped by WallyWankerVille to do some grocery shopping. I parked next to a 13ft-tall early 90's Ford F-150, with huge tires. It was white, much like the VR6 is white. Being a photographer I snapped a shot with my phone to show Manders.
I do my shopping and come out about an hour or two later and that dick less, son of a goat, hit my car with one of his over-sized tires. But the kicker is that he left, no note, no nothing. Gone.
So, like any system loving American I called the local Polizia and a very cordial officer arrived on scene. I filed a report and a APB went out for the truck. The officer assured me that if the truck was around it wouldn't be that hard to spot. Feeling encouraged I asked the officer, "What is the next step?" He said, just wait, if we find the truck we'll bring him in and if you see the truck get the plate number and call it in. Sweet.
Nothing for two or three weeks.
Today, Sept 15, 2007, Manders and I are going to look for a new house when we turn down the street and lo and behold the truck is right there in a guy's driveway. I told myself, as a former Marine, that if I found the guy and he would more than likely be a Marine, I was going to take him from all angles. I was going to find his unit and let them know, I was going to get the State on him for a hit and run and I was going to sic my insurance company on him. So, here's the truck. Manders jumps out of the van and goes to get the plate number. There isn't one. No plate. completely de-registered. So, we knock on the door. A spindly, tattooed white guy comes out.
(My words are in very manly BLACK and his are in a girly-mangina PINK)
"Hey bro," I said, "'Zat yer truck?"
"Yeah," he said.
"Did you happen to hit a small, white VW a couple weeks back in the Walmart parking lot?"
"No, man, why?"
"Because I own a small, white VW and I was hit by your truck a couple weeks back in the Walmart parking lot and the dick less, bastard didn't leave a note or anything."
"It wasn't me, I just bought this truck a week ago."
"Who did you buy it from?"
"I don't know."
"Nice. Well either way, I called the police when it happened and filed a report. I'd be careful driving that truck around, the cops are looking for it."
"Really!?"
"Why would I lie about something like that? I'm out $400 bucks to fix the front of my f*ckin' car. I'm serious."
"Well, I know the guy who sold it to me used to let a bunch of people borrow it."
"I thought you didn't know who you bought it from?"
"I don't."
"Have a nice day. I'm calling the police. Have a good weekend."

I called the polizia from the next street over and a cruiser was sent out and I told him the story and he went and talked to the guy. I should find out what's up in a couple of days. Thanks for reading. I'll keep you all posted.

WP

Community College is easier than Regular College...

....That's probably why I'm doing so well...


I'm sitting here in my usually haunt, downloading pirated music of off a free hosting software that combines a small green citrusy fruit and something that conducts electricity. I thank you.

I'm really enjoying some Silverchair right now. Really. I Miss You Love and Straight Lines are both awesome songs. Mind-blowing.

I'm officially against the war in Iraq. I haven't really sided on my blogosphere so now I am.
I was thinking the other day, I enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 2002 did my time, including a deployment to the nether region of the world and got out in June 2007. The part that blows me away is that we are still at war. I remember discussing the war in boot camp and how the guys were hoping that it wasn't over before we graduated. How unfortunate is it that the war wasn't over by a long shot.

Having been eight-years old when Desert Shield and Desert Storm were going on, I remember seeing the hordes of Saddam's men surrendering and bowing before our armored brigades as they thundered across Kuwait. I've been to the Death Road in Kuwait, I was there this past summer and there are still remnants of vehicles that have been their from the early 90's.

I recently talked about the war with a new Marine Lieutenant and his take was that of a junior enlisted Marine who just wants to kill people.

I firmly believe that we didn't have enough of a good reason to be in Iraq blowing things up. I think that the evidence pointed so much stronger towards Afghanistan. If we'd sent the awesome might that we sent to Iraq to Afghanistan we'd be done or might have been done a couple years ago.

The Lieutenant who we'll call Guy said that a valid reason to attack Iraq was that 'Horrendous things were being done...'. He is of the school of thought that we as Americans should be World Police because we've done it right and our country is so awesome. Guy missed the part that Iraq is a sovereign nation who if they want to whack all of their people then they'll be a smaller sovereign nation. I think that we should be less interested in the affairs of other nations. It's none of our business if they want to do terrible things to their people. If their people don't like it then fight or leave. We did it. We told Britain to pound sand all of those years ago and we're doing great. If those crappy countries can't rally around a person or ideal to recify a problem then they deserve what they get. Good Riddance.

I'm also concerned about the up coming election and I'm planning on being much more vigilant this election than I have been. Be sure to check back in a couple days when I'll have some fact sheets and run downs of canidates and where I'm leaning. I will admit that I voted for Bush, twice. Not because I love him but because I hated the other party more. I am serious when I say that the country and the world for that matter needs a Bush Break...So I'm off to look at Obama's page...stand by...


Piece Out, Citizens....

WP

Insert biting, regretful comment here....

Ha Ha just joshin' ya.


So, I know it's been a while. Well, a couple days. Got engaged last weekend to the Amanda H I've been dating for the last 8 months. All of you pitiful non-men who read this and all you shixes who read this listen up because after I tell this tale you aren't going to want anything less than this for you own proposal scenario.


First put on some White Stripes. Because that is what I'm listening to while I write this. The cool thing about the Stripes is there new stuff is just as good as their old stuff and vise versa...Word.


Ok. Down to the Biz, which is what we call 'business' in the Biz. Right.

First buy a ring. I saw buying a ring much like a gladiator of old might have looked at a rack of weapons, pre-fight. To continue with the gladiator analogy, I knew that if I walked into the ring with something too small I'd be killed. If I went in wielding something much too big for myself I knew I'd be killed. So I went shopping/researching. Learned up on some rocks. Got a little wiser about some metals. Decided that gold is WAY too common and rocks are expensive. Especially if they are good rocks. So, I figured that if going to my death anyway, I might as well go out in style. Fity-cent and Jay-z are always hollerin' about Platinum so I figured, "Hell, those cats are getting laid so it must be in the ice...." So, I went Plat, baby, Plat. I settled on a .35 of a carat diamond. I'm of the school of thought that if you are going to lay down the cheddar for a D-rock, I'm going smaller and purer rather than bigger and more flawed. I found a .35 carat D-rock that was one step down from flawless and cost just as much as a flawed 1.0 carat. So purer being better I purchased the .35. Not going to tell you how much I spent but if you must know call me or shoot me an email.

So I get the ring at the beginning of last week and decided that I'm gonna do it that weekend. So, we hang-out Friday night at the In-Lawyers, having a 5 hour, alcohol induced Cranium-fest, me and girl-wonder against her mum and dad. We beat them with time to spare. I decide that Saturday night is the night.

We go out to a wing place in Snead's Ferry that her dad said would undoubtedly give us the loose-poop...yuk...but we go there anyway and I'm sitting there eating onion-rings and wings with my Plat, D-rock in my pocket waiting for the moment. We finish, I pay, were walking out to the VR6, and I open her door, she gets in and I drop to my knee. Toothpick in mouth, her hand in mine and I ask her to marry me. She thought I was joking. I know that because she said "Are you serious?" I pulled out the ring and said "Do I look like I'm joking? Does this look like a joke?" She screamed, literally, screamed. Fortunately she and I were the only ones out there. Because had there been other's they would have thought that I was attacking her. She said yes and now we are officially engaged.

Stop weeping. I know it's a classic, heartwarming tale. I'm sending in the screenplay to MGM. So that's pretty much what's new. Thanks for reading.

-WP

POST 100!

What better way to commemorate my 100th post than to brag about my fantasy football team. Be on the lookout for Kerosene Douche. They are on the warpath. They don't have any players yet but the name alone causes fear to burn in the hearts of enemies... I'm done. Thanks.

-WP

Goin to Busch Gardens...But Need to Register for College First

Good Morning and Good Day.

I'm really stoked about starting school again. I've got my registration process in full swing and am a placement test away from signing up for classes. I'm taking it today so hopefully I won't bomb it and end up taking classes that don't count for actual credit and thereby wasting my college money. The plan right now is to finish up my associates at a local community college, then transfer to a four year college to get my degree in Public Relations. Then from there, who knows.
I'm also going to Busch Gardens next weekend and that's going to be a hell of a party. We've been wanting to go all summer and haven't made it until when we go next weekend.

That's about all. Another day in the life.

-WP

Positive Word Time Accompanied by Pellet Rifles

I like positive word play. People showering each other with witty, kind sayings. Like 'Have Fun', 'Go Gettim', 'Super'.

Encouragement is going down the hole. People are way too negative and pessimistic. I enjoy a person with a positive mental outlook. A go getter mentality. A rock'em, sock'em attitude. We are surrounded by people who are 'closet-happy' and 'blatant-downers'. Always looking at the negative side of things.

On that note I'm sure that by varying ammunition and number of pumps, all of life's problems could be solved with a pump-action air rifle.

1. Stray Animals - .177 Hollow-Point Pellets and about 20-25 pumps
2. Speeders down your street - Standard Steel Ball BB's and about 10-15 pumps @ about 20 or 30 feet.
3. Children - Standard Steel Ball BB's and about 2-5 pumps
4. Aluminum Cans - Shooters Choice on ammo and pumps. **hint** you are going to need less pumps the closer you are to your target.
5. Neighbor Animals - Depending on the size and animal. i.e. Big Dog/Mean Dog: .177 darts can be fun with about 20 pumps. They also come in a variety of colors.

If you are going to go all out and spend a good bit on a rifle, usually they only need one pump for about 1,000 feet per second on a .177 pellet. Also if you are going to invest in a scope, make sure you zero it before using. Nothing is worse that drawing a bead on your target and missing because your scope wasn't properly zeroed.

If you are going to snipe a neighbor, under the cover of darkness or gillie suit, don't aim for the face, eyes, neck, or groin. If you really hate the person then disregard the last 26 words.

Don't drink and shoot. Buzzed shooting is drunk shooting....

-WP

Good Day Blogerica...or Amerilog...

It's a fine day to be alive. A fine, fine day. I think I'm going to head out of work early today and hit the gym. I've been going to the gym with fantastic regularity and have put on about 4 pounds of muscle in about 3 weeks. So...yeah getting bulky.

My Mandy is enjoying it as am I enjoying, her enjoying it. Words. Words are fun.

I'm at a loss at the moment. I'm trying to make sense of working again. Working a 7:30-4:30. I'm now a drilling reservist in my beloved yet beleaguered Corps. It's a strange time we live in. With the BIG war still going on. I mean, it's going on only so far as we are still sending people over to it. It's not still "Raging", or "raging" in the sense of the Battle of Iwo Jima or Fallujah '04. Raging in more of an occupying force sort of way.
It's funny to hear junior troops talking about 'getting in on the action'. It's funny because the majority of the battles are against getting blown up. You can't really respond to getting blown up with automatic weapon fire. No amount of 'Talking Guns' is going to save you from a car door slicing you in half. So, the rage is mental. The rage is boredom. The rage is feeling like you've missed the party, the keg is spitting foam, and it's nothing but tipsy fat girls hanging out. Seriously I know. I've talked to the guys just getting back. Unfortunately I didn't get to Iraq. I was way too busy evacuating American Citizens from Beirut Lebanon. Sorry for missing the party.

But it's a funny place being surrounded by Marines, who've never gone anywhere. To hear them talk about a 'warrior-mindset' is hilarious. "Keep your mind sharpened like a well maintained razor-blade..." "The scalpel that is your mind should never dull..." Blah. Blah. Blah.

Have fun.

Alcohol Update

I'm now an official North Carolina Beer Delegate.
http://www.united-nations-of-beer.com/north-carolina-beer-guide.html

Another Update. Welcome.

Harp Lager.

I purchased a sixer the other day and really enjoyed it. It is brewed in Ireland and the first bottle rolled out of the Great Northern Brewery in Dunalk, Ireland in June 1960.

Harp Lager is distributed by the good folks at Guinness, all over the world.

Harp's refreshing taste earned it six gold medals in the famous annual Monde Selection beer tasting competition, making it Northern Ireland's favorite lager. Harp was created by Dr. Herman Muender in 1960 to bring integrity back to the Irish lager industry.

This is a full bodied beer with rich flavors and a slightly bitter aftertaste. A pleasing drink.

That's about all I'm going to throw down about Harp.


Happy Drinking,

WP

DISCLAIMER** This segment is not condoning the misuse of alcohol in any way shape or form. This segment is being weblished for the information and the responsible, enjoyment of fine beverages and in no way liable for any criminal or civil crimes committed by readers of this fine weblog. **DISCLAIMER

Alcohol Update

I'm starting the Alcohol Update. Welcome.

First order of business is Mississippi Mud, a delicious black and tan beverage from the Matt Brewery in Utica New York.

Here's the commercial description:

"Dating back to 18th century England, the custom of blending pale and dark beers has kept the "Black & Tan" a favorite of experienced beer drinkers for centuries. Our famous recipe combines a robust English Porter with a fine Continental Pilsner, preserving the character of each, while creating the classic taste of the legendary "Black & Tan." In true American style, we bring you the best of both beers as they meet in Mississippi Mud."

It's sold in a great moonshine looking jug with a screw-off top and a vintage looking label.

First visual impression when pouring it is, "This looks just like it should, really dark with a fantastic creamy head."

First tasting impression is, "Rich, Robust, Full, and surprisingly creamy with an uncharacteristically un-bitter aftertaste."

It is a pleasing brew that can be indulged in plentifully with little or no stereotypical repercussions. I drank a quart jug in one sitting and was barely, but coherently buzzed. By one sitting I mean over the course of about 2 hours. So My recommendation is that you all sample this delicious dark brew...

For those of you who may desire more information about this fantastic beverage I encourage you to follow this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_Tan


Happy Drinking,

WP

DISCLAIMER** This segment is not condoning the misuse of alcohol in any way shape or form. This segment is being weblished for the information and the responsible, enjoyment of fine beverages and in no way liable for any criminal or civil crimes committed by readers of this fine weblog. **DISCLAIMER