Getting to Know You

As I have been posting these relentless, boring soliloquies, I have read every comment in hopes of understanding those who read these a little better. For the most part, my eyes have been opened and I have seen into those souls who willingly allowed me to do so. But now is the time to really put yourself out there...tell us who you are...let us all know you better. C'mon...you know you want to. I have designed a little quiz. Now stop biting your nails and fretting, it's not multiple choice and there are no wrong answers. It's a simple questionaire designed to open yourself up and allow us a peek inside. Nothing embarassing (well almost nothing), and nothing you can be blackmailed for later. Shall we begin?

1. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

2. What is your favorite color and why?

3. Do you have any current ambitions?

4. Leftover pizza--hot or cold?

5. What one regret do you have in life?

6. To date, what is your proudest moment?

7. To date, what is your most embarassing moment?

8. What is your worst habit?

9. What offends you the most?

10. What is one thing you want to do but don't have the guts to?

Simple enough. Nothing racy or drastic. Of course I couldn't in good spirit ask you to do something I am not willing to, so here are my answers...

1. My greatest accomplishment is my friends. They have been by my side through thick and thin, good and bad. I have not always been the best person to know, but they have never faltered.

2. My favorite color is black. It is both slimming and goes with anything.

3. I have many ambitions, but two stand out in my mind. I always wanted to be an actor, and I have always wanted to be on Jeopardy!

4. Leftover pizza--definitely cold..re-heated is nasty!!

5. I have many regrets in life. Some I will never speak of, and some are just silly. One regret I think of now is never telling the girl in high school I had a crush on her ( I still talk to her and she still doesn't know).

6. My proudest moment was cutting my son's umbilical cord. Yes, you read that correctly, and we will leave it at that.

7. Most embarassing moment? When Veigh and I were 16 or 17 we were summer clerks for Food 4 Less and while stocking shelves one day I was called for a price check. I picked up the private phone all gorcery stores have and thought I had heard the item correctly. I ran down the aisle, looked and ran back to the overhead phone system. I picked up the phone and asked over the speakers for all to hear "The kind you push in with your thumb or hammer in?" Well...what I thought I heard as thumbtacks turned out to be a price check on Tampax. Oops...

8. My worst habit by far is biting my nails. I have since I was a child

9. People who don't have all the facts about something before they speak openly about it offends me. There is nothing worse than blatant ignorance. "Tis better to appear foolish than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".

10. I have a great respect for sharks, but I would never have the guts to swim with them. I find them fascinating but deadly. I have a very real fear of sharks and can not go into an ocean because of it.

Wow! That wasn't too bad. I have opened my soul to you. Nothing bad. Nothing too painful. I understand if there are questions you choose to skip, but please try not to. I appreciate your time, your patience and your openess. As Wayne Newton has said many many times...Danke Schoen.

Brandon

Other People's Kids

I had the chance to visit my parents house yesterday, and was not surprised to find my 5 year old niece Kayla there. She is by far the most interesting child I know. She is a free thinker and often times can be found off in her own little world oblivious to all around her. She has this routine where she wakes from her nap, creeps to the top of the stairs and asks "Gramma..can I wake up now"? My parents do alot of babysitting for my sister, so like I said, it was no surprise to find her there. Immediately upon seeing me, she breaks into a huge grin and comes bounding down the stairs at break-neck speed, and launches herself into my arms from about 40 feet away. Kayla is a shy girl at first, but once you get her talking....I pity you. She can ramble with the best of them, and can tell you what all her "dollies" have been up to since you last saw her. She has at last count around 10 million "dollies". She knows all their names, and she can remember exactly who gave them to her. She can tell you their back stories, their work history, and even their birthdays, but she cannot remember to flush the toilet. Like I said...an interesting child.

Kayla has a 7 year old brother named Jonathan. The child was born at about 30 lbs and has since grown into most of it. When he was a baby, he was a large head with stubby little legs. I still to this day call him "head". He takes this ribbing good naturedly and has even learned to kid himself about his abnormally large head, going so far as to inform Grandma that "I hope the t-shirt will fit over my head". He is a very intelligent, well spoken, and even keeled young man. For some of what he has been through, he is well adjusted. And he is an entrepeneur in the making. If you promise him a nickel for pulling weeds, you had better have the cash. He doesn't forget! And he does nothing for free. What ever happened to the free child labour of our youth? If you offer him a quarter for picking up apples, he will mull it over and respond with "Hmmm...how about 3 quarters"? I see alot of myself in him...the intelligence, the zest for life, the adventurous side, and the ability to talk to anyone. My heart aches for the little guy sometimes. His mother and father are divorced, and although his father is an idiot, he still wants a father figure in his life but has none.

Kayla and Jon are your typical rowdy, never listen, wild, loving kids. They can get into trouble with the best of them. I am proud to say that some of the trouble they get into is of my doing ( I put them up to alot of "deeds"). I want to test their loyalty is all...I swear. They fight like other kids. They loooove to be tickled by Uncle Brandon. They are avid Harry Potter fans, and can recite the movies verbatim. Jonathan is always spelling words for me, and Kayla is learning to read. Yesterday she informed she could read a whole book by herself. I thought that to be wonderful and challenged her to read to me. Grabbing a book, she climbed onto my lap and proceeded to read to me . " Can..you..find..the..duck.."? "Can..you..find..the..dog"? Etc, Etc. At this point I realised that the book she was reading was one she had memorized. So I decided to mix things up with her, and turned to the back cover and asked her to read it to me. She looked at me with big brown eyes, and said " I can't, it's in Spanish". I smiled at her, kissed the top of her head and said "Good...Uncle Brandon knows Spanish too". She looked to Gramma for help, and got none. For the next thrity minutes we worked over the phrase in the back of the book. It turns out it was in English, and Kayla has now memorized the back cover as well as the entire inside of that book. She won't be fooled next time.

Being typical children, there is a rivalry going on there as well. They are always vying for affection, attention, and favor from anyone they can. They haven't yet realised they are both equally loved. Now being only 5, and weighing roughly the same as a bag of carrots, Kayla is a feisty one. She takes no guff, and never backs down. She has been a growler since she was a baby. Always growling when she doesn't get her way. She has problem smacking the snot out of Jon if he crosses her (which he does with great frequency).

Jonathan is learning grown-up things. He loves helping his Mother cook, and has recently discovered showering versus bathing. He thinks he is the king now that he can shower at Grammas and Grampas house. My parents house has two bathrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs. As with most if not all households the water pressure is never right. If you are taking a shower and someone flushes...well you know. Jon has learned this. He has learned by example. He has been scalded more than once, and always by Kayla. Here is the conversation that took place recently....

Jon: (storming up the stairs in a towel) " Danggit Kayla, I told you not to the flush the toilet when I'm in the shower".

Kayla: "Why? Does it get on you when I do"?

Jon: "No"

Kayla ( rather sadly) "Oh"

Devious she is. And did I mention free-spirited? My Dad's favorite time of the week is Fridays. He picks Kayla up from daycare. As he sits in the truck waiting for her to return from school, he watches the line of kids trudging along, looking as if it is their last day on earth. And then there's Kayla....bopping and bouncing and skipping along. Upon seeing Grampa's truck she waves excitedly and yells "Hi, Grampa", to which all the children trundling along yell in unison "Hi, Grampa". Kids....gotta love em.

I want to get serious for a minute. This last week another person was arrested in what I consider utter stupidity. Who in their right mind would take a two year child to a midnight showing of a movie and leave them un-attended in the car? What kind of brain dead moron allowed this person to be a parent? How and why are these people still re-populating? I'm not a parent and even I know that what he did is inexcusable and wrong. If you have plans, leave your child where they can be watched over. If a movie is more important than your child, don't have children.

There has been a great uprising and public outcry for the woman in Centreville who "forgot" her child in a car for a few hours resulting in the childs death. I honestly feel she was not treated fairly. Her negligent actions resulted in the death of her child. She recieves a slap on the hand and a stern talking to????? Please!! Had the child been taken and ended in the same fate, the person responsible would have been sent to prison. Why is it that you can be responsible enough to pro-create, but not be held responsible when you KNOWINGLY put your child in harms way? I am both disgusted and saddened whenever I read a story like this in the paper or hear it on the news. I understand that people get busy and often times forgetful. I also understand that life can be hectic. But to forget your child for three hours AFTER you bring in groceries?? To visit a friend and not have them ask you "Where's the new baby"? Something is wrong in todays society when children are dying due to neglect and stupidity. The most wonderful thing about the country we live in is this...free speech. On that note, I want to express my opinion. I hope the parents of these children are haunted to the end of their days. I hope everyday is a hell to them. I hope they look at happy kids playing and think "that could've been me".

I apologize if my venting at the end offended or hurt anyone. I merely wanted to express my opinions and beliefs. I am done ranting now. I am calm. I am on my way to a family BBQ where I plan on teasing my niece and nephew until they are exhausted and go to bed knowing how much they are loved. I wish you all the very best 24th. I wish you safety and happiness. If after reading this, you gather your children and hug/kiss them...very well indeed. Peace be with you all, and thank you for who you are.

Brandon

Dear......

Dear....

You are sleeping now, but I wanted to write you a note to brighten your day. I'm sorry I won't be here when you wake. The highlight of my day is seeing you first thing in the morning. I covered you before I left, you were shivering my darling. If you find yourself smiling today for no apparent reason, it is because I am thinking of you and smiling too.

I long to hold you, but know I must wait. I ache to see you, but need only close my eyes. My life with you has been wonderful. I desire you with every fiber of my being, and admire you in ways words cannot express. You bring joy and happiness to an otherwise lonely soul. I regret not meeting you sooner, but wouldn't trade a second. You are my everything.

You call me your hero, but it is you that has saved me. You suprise me daily with your depth of understanding and your bottomless well of patience. I cannot fathom to think where I would be without you.

I will have dinner for you tonight when you get home. Please allow me to make tonight yours. It is the least I can do to show my love.

I love seeing your face every morning, and knowing that you are still here, but it is night I look forward to most. It is in my dreams I find you, and in my heart daily I keep you.

I can see you now, twirling your hair between two fingers and smiling. Dry your eyes lover, this is a happy letter. Thank you for making me what I am. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for loving me. Your strength inspires me, your passion drives me.

All my everything. Now, forever and always.

.............



I have no idea where that came from.....weird!

Singleness

O.K., when I joined Facebook, I listed myself as single. Little did I know what I would be getting into. Since then, my email inbox has become inundated with offers to join singles sites. Even on facebook, there are offers that run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now I may not be the only one who receives these little offers, and if I am in fact not the only one, than I sympathize. They don't bother me, I actually find them amusing if anything. What amuses me the most is the strikingly beautiful girl who appears in the ad stating that she too is single. Yeah! Right! I understand that it's a money ploy. Preying on the weak minded. Offering salvation from the lonely nights of microwavable mac & cheese and Will & Grace re-runs. What ever flips your skirt up I say. But thanks to those ads on facebook, I now know I am NOT the only professional, over 30, Christian, Jewish, single Muslim in my area. WHEW! That is always a good thing to know. Useful information right there.

That basically led me to this entry. I thought since I have no desire to meet someone through a singles network who not only lies about their occupation but standard appearance, I would post my singles page here. Where noone can see it and all can view it. Where there is no hope for acceptance or chance of rejection. I would post the picture of my face on Brad Pitts body, but I lost it...my apologies. Now mind you, rejection is part of the game...and I have been told I'm a playa. So....GAME ON !!!!!!

Single, 36 year old male. I am a professional steel fabricator and amateur comedian. I enjoy long walks in the cool night air ( moonlight optional ), trivia, reading, poetry, crossword puzzles in bed, crime scene t.v., cooking, outdoor activities ( summertime preferably ), and beautiful women. I am an adamant reader, and consider myself well read and intelligent. I can form complete sentences without using the word "like", and do not discuss politics. I have been told I have the heart of a child ( it's in a jar on my desk). I enjoy many forms of music, and always appreciate a good version of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Ave Maria is one of my most favorite songs, and lately have enjoyed the version performed by Il Divo. I enjoy opera and have seen Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Madame Butterfly, and Don Giovanni several times each. Movies and movie trivia is a passion of mine, and I prefer sitting on the couch versus fighting a crowd. I smoke and partake of the occasional "spirit". I am DDF (NO! not a Divorced Dad of Five...Drug/Disease Free ). I am adventurous, outgoing, slightly over-weight, funny, witty, charming, quiet, talkative, artistic, and curious. I am full of useless information, and like taking the "Asimov" quiz in the paper everyday. I can multi-task, but I cannot juggle efficiently. I am an honest to goodness, tried and true smartass. I am a snoring, bed hog....it IS my bed.

I seek a beautiful, passionate, sensitive, outgoing, adventurous, spontaneous, caring woman to share those talked about walks. I look for someone I can trust and share with. Someone who has a smile to rival the stars in the night sky. When she walks into a room, I want to be able to forget my own name. The envy of every woman, and the desire of every man. A face I look forward to seeing every morning. Lips I long to kiss every passing minute. She must be able to hold her own end in an arguement, and learn that the past belongs in the past. She must know that absolutely no good can come from living in the past. Strong, passionate, desirable, and mind numbingly beautiful are wonderful traits to possess. She should be over 5'6'' as I am 5'15''. She must fit perfectly in my arms, and understand there is a time and a place for PDA (public displays of affection ). A good sense of humor is a bonus, understanding mine a plus. Drug/Disease Free an absolute must! Knowing every word to every song in Grease appreciated. Willingness to experience new things even if not fully interested always a great thing. The ability to see into my soul not necessary, but proceed with caution. She must be strong yet in need of support. Employment is desired. A down to earth, grounded dreamer sought. Acceptance of all my friends no matter how odd they may be a must. I seek one who sees the world through child-like eyes, and admires the simple beauty life can offer. Someone who will break out in song or dance even if they can't sing or dance. Tattoos, piercings and children all ok...as long as kept to a minimal degree.

Well, there you have it. My expectations are high, I know. But I don't feel I should settle. I know I'm no prize, but I know what I want. I guess the reason I don't post this on the internet dating sites is mainly because I don't need them. I still date occasionally. I went on a date this last weekend. It was horrible, a disaster. I now know everything about my dates ex-boyfriend. More than I feel I wanted or needed to know. It's dates like those that make me feel like I am wasting my time and effort. I know all the pick-up lines ( most would make you blush), and I've never been accused of being "shy" or "introverted". I'm not as young as I was yesterday, and I'm not afraid to be alone. But there are some things in life that are far more enjoyable with someone on your arm.

So...now that I know I'm not alone ( the internet told me so...and it never lies ), the search continues. I know that many of my friends wish I would settle down...get married and re-produce. I know my mother wishes I would. One step at a time for now. So anyway...there is my singles site dating application. Not worth $30 a month to post is it???

As always, thank you for reading. Feel free to comment, shake your head or roll your eyes. Ave Maria just came on...I think I'll relax and close my eyes and listen. Goodnight folks


Brandon

Reading Pt.2

As you will notice, on the right I have added a few things. One of which is a links list to many authors and their websites. This list is far from complete, and I welcome any input in the additions. Also, you will notice some links to my favorite blogs. I love reading what is going on in the wacky world of the Tonks family (crunchy bottoms still kills me), or the fascinating life of the Wilson family (the battery episode could have turned out one of two ways..."positive" or "negative"). As I am not allowed to have children left alone in my care, I live my life vicariously through yours. Please let me know if there are other blog pages I need to add. I will read them all and laugh/cry/strangle the children right along side you.

Today I want to discuss my reading habits. I often have people ask me "what do you like to read"? Easy...anything but romance (yuuuck), or autobiographies. I know I have said this before, but today I thought I would go over some of my favorites with you, and let you decide if you in fact might enjoy them as well.

First off, my all time favorite author. Stephen King. Now before you grunt in dismay, know that not all of his books are horror in nature. His Gunslinger series is a wonderfully written period piece about well...gunslingers. There is also The Eyes of the Dragon, a book he wrote for his son that is more of a fairy tale than anything. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is a beautiful, tear jerker of a book about a lost girl and what she does to survive on her own. Bag of Bones and Lisey's Story are about a love lost, and the ones left behind to prevail. Both beautiful books. His latest, Duma Key, is a good book for all the die-hard Vampire readers out there. Eyes of the Dragon, and the Gunslinger books (7 in all) good for younger folk. Most of the other a little advanced in nature.

Next I think we will discuss Dean Koontz. Now like the above mentioned author, he has dwelt alot in the supernatural. But not all of his works are the same. His Odd Thomas series (4 in all) is well read, and well written. My favorite book of his would be One Door Away from Heaven. If you can read this one and NOT fall in love with the little girl Leilani Klonk...you're stronger than I am. I would ok Dean for reading by anyone above 12 years of age.

Anne Rice of course did the Vampire Chronicles ( Lestat, Interview With a Vampire, Queen of the Damned, Etc.), but she has also written books about witches, and her latest delves into the spiritual side of things. Her writing style is fascinating, her stories seem to tell themselves. She is definitely not for everyone. Not reccomended for teens under age 15, unless they truly enjoy scaring the crap out themselves.

Jeffery Deaver is responsible for giving us The Bone Collector. His series about Lincoln Rymes and Det. Amelia Sachs are wonderful to read. They include The Coffin Dancer, The Stone Monkey, and The Twelvth Card among many others. Good detective who-dunnits. I have yet to solve one before the end. Not suitable for children/adolescents due to language, murder and other thematic elements.

James Patterson is one of those authors who appears to be able to write about anything. His serial thrillers The Womens Murder Club are good, easy fun reads. He has written lovey dovey books as well, like Bleachers. He also writes detective novels like Mary Mary, Violets are Blue, Roses are Red, and Kiss the Girls (also a movie). I enjoy his works, and find I can usually read one of his books in a few days.

Terry Goodkind is a fantastic fantasy author. I read his first book and was hooked. His stories are the "adult" version of Harry Potter. There is dragons, magic and creatures. There are 9 or 10 books in the series, and I wouldn't suggest these books for kids under 13 due to some rape (nothing descriptive), and there is war/death. But I would suggest them for anyone fascinated by these types of stories.

John Grisham is the man to read if you enjoy a good courtroom drama. I like his books, and the good guy always wins. What more can I say?? Nothing wrong with letting the kiddies read these.

Now we come to some female authors. I, unlike my boss, am not adverse to reading a book by a woman. Patricia Cornwell is a great read if you enjoy books about forensics and the steps used to solve violent crimes. She is a noted Forensic Specialist, and she is also Chief Medical Examiner for the state of West Virginia ( I think). She was at one time a lawyer, and speaks well on legal matters too. Please visit her website for the list of her books in order. I made the mistake of reading book 5 first. Makes more sense to start at the beginning.

Another fascinating female author is Kathy Reichs. She too writes books on forensics, and solving violent crimes. I would not compare her to Patricia Cornwell, as their writing styles are very different. Kathy uses alot of French (she is the Anthroplogy Specialist in both the United States and Quebec, Canada), but aside from that her books are addicting. I have started reading her only recently, and have enjoyed the three I have read so far. Her main character Temperrance Brennan is the same one the T.V. series "Bones" is based on.

I would read one of these first before allowing your kids take a gander. Both contain harsh language, scenes of brutal violence, and some sexual themes. There are also some lovely morgue/autopsy descriptions.

Janet Evanovich writes some humorous books about Stephanie Plum, a female bounty hunter who can toss it up and kick butt with the best of them. I enjoy her books for a good laugh, and where NOT to hide if there is ever a female bounty hunter after me.

Now although this list isn't complete, it should give some idea into what I read, and what I would allow my children (if I was allowed to have any) to read. If I had to suggest books for the younger group, you can't go wrong with The Spiderwick Chronicles, Lemony Snickets, The Hobbitt, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Eragon series, or even Harry Potter. There is also my all time favorite young adult author...Roald Dahle. He brought us Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and James and the Giant Peach. Anything written by Judy Blume is great for young or pre-teen girls. And let us not forget Superfudge.

So there you have it. What I like to read. And I do read alot. I usually have three or four books going at one time, and I tend to finish around 50-65 books a year. If the book truly grabs me, I will re-read it over and over. My copies of The Hobbitt and the subsequent trilogy are old, worn out and dog-eared, but still among my all time favorites.

Now please stop by the other blogs I have listed and lose yourself in the life/lives of others. If you know of anything I have left out, or if you would like to add something, please do. As always, I value your opinions and your comments. If you have any questions on the authors I have listed, I'm here for you friend. Be good, be wise, and never be without a good book.


P.S. The reason I'm not allowed around children is I tend to mess with their little heads. I'm a bad influence on young, unfetered minds. Just a warning if you're ever looking for a babysitter.

Until next time............................ Brandon

Expectations

I recently had an experience with a sales clerk that led me to this post. What I would like to discuss is our expectations in this world. What do we feel we deserve when we dine out, or buy our groceries, or even just stop for a cup of coffee in the morning? What exactly do we feel we are owed??

First off, let me tell you where I come from. My resume can honestly boast over 16 years in the customer service industry. 11 of those years were in restaurant management (Ponderosa, The Pie, Mulboon's, Rocky Mtn. Pizza), and the remainder in service industries such as Target or even 7-11. Right out of high school I was wating tables and worked my way into management. I have since chosen a different occupation, but the lessons taught to me are still there. I know what I offered then...and I know what I expect now.

The other day, like every work morning, the man I carpool with and I stopped at the 7-11 for our morning ritual. We have stopped every morning for the past 16 months or so. The same lady is there every morning. By now, after being asked over 300 times for my I.D. when buying cigarettes, I tend to get a little irate. Anyway, this particular morning something had definitely planted itself firmly in this womans' rear end. She went on and on about how the Budweiser delivery guy had actually dared "tell her what to do." As I appraoched the counter she was ranting to Hispanic man about it. The ONE person in the store who didn't speak a lick of English, and she just wouldn't let it go. He politely nodded and smiled, not knowing what in the world this crazy person was going on about. My turn comes and I lay down my juice, my croissant ( ain't I dainty?), and my daily newspaper. She scans the newspaper twice, and the guy I work with informs her of this. She looks at him and says "Oh, you're one of those". I politely asked her what she meant by it and she responded with "One of those that likes to tell others how to do their jobs." I simply stated that in fact he was informing her of a mistake that could cost her company money. She decided to go on the offensive.....WRONG move to choose around someone like me. I lit into her saying "First of all, he wasn't telling you how to do your job, and secondly, this isn't your first mistake". She huffed and huffed (if I had a house, woulda been blown down I tell ya). She informed me I could take my business elsewhere if I didn't like the way she did things. Hmmmmm...now what would Brandon do???

Now over the years, I have had many people tell me this exact thing. After a poorly cooked meal, or absolutely inadequate service. Most of the time, I let it go. But on those rare occasions when I speak up, and I am told I can take my business elsewhere, I like to inform them of the 10-10-10 rule. Simply put, I tell 10 people about my experience, they tell 10 people, etc. etc. It snowballs into the possibility of over 600 people being told about one establishment and their inefffective ways. That usually makes them think twice or even recant their decision. A butt kissing is usually in order when I'm through. I guess I'm the customer service nazi to some.

It's what I was taught, trained, and groomed for. I learned from the start that every dollar counts. I understood the customer/server relationship and I followed it. I never spoke out of turn to a customer (unless it was a comment that I knew would get a laugh). I would have never treated someone poorly without a good excuse.

So now that I have ranted myself, I leave it in your hands. I ask you this...what do you expect from your experience? Do you think that the customer/consumer relationship has gone downhill? Do you demand more for your dollar? Do you think certain people demand a little more than others? I know that working on the east side of Salt Lake, and managing a restaurant there, they sure do. Do you feel that society today is lacking in quality? Do you feel that your opinion is taken seriously when you "complain"? Do you want to reach behind the counter and choke the person telling you " Uh, yeah, like I got to get my manager and stuff k"? Have we gotten too used to just taking it on the chin? I will honestly admit that I can be overbearing when I am the recipient of some high school dropout and his/her attempt at what they call "service". I have embarassed both my family and potential Mrs. Brandons...so be it. I know what I expect, and I know how it should be. I leave it up to you now...tell me what irks you. Let me know where you stand.

Thank you again for your candor, and your honesty. Happy reading..........

Brandon

Friends

Today was the mini reunion, and I will admit, at first I was apprehensive. I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to go and rehash old memories, or even see how happy everyone is. I'm glad I went. As far as I could tell, a great time was had by all. Some faces had changed, some people had changed. Some of us have gone gray, others didn't appear to have changed at all. But the most surprising thing to me was how well received I was when I walked in. People were both surprised and happy that lil ol me was there. I thank you for that. It made an old man happy to think he has not offended anyone with senseless blogging or even ran anyone off with useless application invites. I received many good appraisals on the blog page, so here I continue. I thank you all.

Driving home it was "remember when we did that" or "remember that one time.." All great memories. There was even a discussion of those who aren't with us anymore, and those that should have been there. I know many had "valid" excuses like camping in Montana, or hiking in the mountains with the kids, or even, get this...a root canal. Sheesh. I've heard some whoppers in my time, but those? Come on. I jest. It was unfortunate some could not attend.

I value my friends for not what they are, but for WHO they are. Every one of you is unique in your own sense. Some of you challenge me spiritually, others mentally. I take from you all something valuable and precious, and I try to return my greed with something just as needed or wanted. I always hope it's an even trade.

I will close this blog by saying thank you again. Thank you for who you are, and what you add to my life. Thank you for reading the ramblings of a slightly warped, and often times, disturbed mind.

There has been talk of another get together, a BBQ perhaps, where the chillins can run free and roam wild. I look forward to this with no trepidation. Until then, you keep reading, and I'll keep writing.

Brandon

What will you be remembered for?

Today I was thinking about what we do and how we are remembered when we are gone. So, I thought I would pose the question to you all.. What would you like to be remembered for?

Were you an outstanding athlete that set some new records? Do you have a genius I.Q.? Are you proud of your parenting skills and feel that is your legacy? The world's best cook? Can you hold your breath for 10 minutes without going crosseyed? Can you move objects with your mind? Can you sing like an angel? Lift a car one-handed? All of these are not only noble, but worthy of being remembered for.

Me, I don't honestly know. I always imagined people would say years after I'm gone " He sure could make ya laugh". Not exactly noble, but hey..we all got our thang. There is one talent I possess not many people know about (actually noone til now). I can read a person's eyes. I see things in them most people would rather hide. I know, sounds implausible, but I really can. It has served me well over the years. I can tell if a girl is interested from across the room, or I can tell if I'm being lied to. I promise I don't use it for evil, only good. I can't save the world with it, and it's not really a talent. A simple act of observation into ones soul is all. But enough about me.

What do my readers want to remembered for? What would you like a statue erected in your honor for? Have you saved someone's life( and I know of one of us who has done just that)? Did you avoid a disaster by intuition alone? Can you make your children clean their rooms (and the neighbor's house as well) with just a look? Do you have the ability to control a situation with your mere presence?

I am most curious about this one. I love getting to know you all on a deeper and more personal level. I understand if you read and decide not to comment, but I do love reading your comments. I hope you do not find these a waste of time. I hope you gain some insight into your lives and the lives of those around you. I hope above all, that you walk away after reading these and say " He sure can make me laugh". Be good to one another, be generous in your thoughts, and do right by each other. I look forward to seeing you all this coming Saturday.

Brandon

Tired

Today, I just want to vent. There will be no pop quiz, and no answers to questions. I simply want to vent.

I'm tired...tired of war, destruction, poverty, and death.

As you all know by now, we have lost another of our classmates. He died too young. They all did. It is both sad and unfortunate. I feel for his loved ones, and I grieve silently. I did not know James but from auto mechanics class. He was gifted with tools and always had a good joke to tell. I wouldn't go as far as to say we were close, but we were familiar.

The tragedy is unbearable to some, unthinkable to others. He gave his life in the service of saving others. It haunts me to think of those we went to school with in harms way everyday. Several are police officers, I know of one that is a firefighter.

I have dealt with death many times in my life. We have all lost loved ones, I'm sure. I have lost friends, cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents, and people I never knew. I have seen death first hand, and I know its capability.

I have lost people to the war, and people to disease. I have seen death take those who seemed healthy and those who were far too young to leave. I have watched helplessly as a 10 year old boy died in my arms from a traffic accident. It all haunts me.

I know this is macabre. I understand it can be considered in poor taste. I apologize to any I have offended. I simply needed to vent.

Many feel it is all part of a "plan", some say "It was just his time". There are many avenues to use when dealing with grief. My way...I think of the person and toast them one last time.

So...raise your glass..a toast to those passed on, and a toast to those left behind. May some day soon we meet and remember old times once again.

What DO Women Want??

I'm fully aware as I type this that I have opened a can of worms. I'm also aware that I perhaps may NOT be the right person to ask this question or even be allowed to comment on it. But alas, here it is and there I went. So simply put dilligent reader/s,....What do women want?

We have all heard the book "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus", and we have all heard the numerous comedians that have alluded to the female species being possibly difficult, or even confusing. Furthermore, we all know that men don't have a clue. Now I know most of you are married, and of that majority that are, you all seem happily married. Great! Fantastic! But...does he really, truly, without a doubt know you and what you want?????

We have all done the romance aspect; the flowers, and the notes, and the dinners. A given. We all have also done the acceptance aspect; the slight flaws, the ticks, the bad qualitites. A must. These are what it takes to make a relationship work. This is what's needed for true, open, honest love. But those come with the territory. That is all part of the ancient ritual of courting. Named after the way Romans would "court" or trap the women in a fenced off square, and having blindfolded themselves, fire arrows randomly. Upon hitting one, she was his for life. Ok, Ok...I'm full of it...but it WAS funny on my end.

SO, now we have the "musts" out of the way. Let's move on to the "wants". What do women want? Do they want someone who will never argue? Perhaps someone who let's themselves be molded or shaped into the perfect specimen of manliness. I have actually asked this question to some of the many women/girls I have dated and these were some of the responses. (names withheld for fear of retribution)

"I want a man who loves me for who I am. A man who does not care about my past, but only what I can offer him for the future."

"I want someone who will work hard to provide the life I never had as a child and who will give in to my every whim or desire."

"I want a guy who reminds me of my Dad."

"I want a guy who will remind me everyday why and how I fell in love with him to begin with."

Just a random few, and trust me when I say, there were more. I never said I dated rocket scientists or even MENSA candidates. After asking over 20 (yes, you read correctly) women, I have come to the conclusion that we men are clueless. In a way, they all had a quality that when thrown together with the others, would create the "perfect" man. But is that what women want? Someone perfect? Someone flawless? Someone that others would envy? I know one person who has already stated that she felt her husband was the perfect person to play the role of Edward in the upcoming movie "Twilight". I also know of one who says her husband couldn't be any better than he already is. I applaud both of them, but I'm left asking...is there anymore you could want in your partner?

Do women seek perfection, honesty, values, fortitude, strength, trust, beliefs, similar qualities, intelligence, spontaneity, humor, looks, passion, or romance? They are all fine qualities, but do they make the person you love better? Would a man who can read their mind be that much more appealing to them? Would you be happy with "perfection"? Is there anymore you could possibly want? Is there something they lack, that although it does not affect your love for them, you wish they had? Is there something they do that you promised you wouldn't fix that truly annoys/bothers you? Do you feel that many of these qualities are ingrained into a person? That they are natural qualities? If so, what would you add?

So come on, spill it. Tell me what you feel women really want. As before, there is no wrong answer, only sage advice. Enlighten me wise women of the net. Make me believe once again that there is hope, even for a phobic like me.