Thursday, June 29, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Woooo! The footing has been dug! On to phase 2!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Hmmm. On sale for $799. Very tempting. You know my procedure though... No purchases over $100 without sleeping on it and researching it online. And now a new aspect: discussing with my gf. Lol

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Hard at work today: eating junk food and reading a book on Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0. On a different note, Jawana prepared another awesome dinner last night: chicken, mac'cheese, fried potatos, and

rolls. Delicious. Sure beats what I'm eating right now!

Monday, June 26, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Why would you put a home theater control center, on a mobile cart, in the water heater closet? I saw this in a $350,000 home.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Scratchy asleep.

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Why I Love My Girlfriend

The thing I like about Saturdays is, it's the one day when Jawana and I get to eat lunch together.

As we were discussing plans for tonight, which sort of revolve around me and some other guys playing guitar early in the evening, I made a comment like, "Well I'm not sure how much fun you'd have being around a bunch of guys just going over some music and such." and she replied like, "I have fun no matter what we're doing as long as I'm with you."

Awwww.... that's why I love my baby!

A little piece of property

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Here's a pic of the lot, where in about 6 months my house should be done. Thanks to J-mo who came out this morning and took a real picture of it with his camera.

Yesterday proved to be quite an exhausting day. While not much went on at work, I was tired from staying up late the night before because I was working on updating the busiess website. Anyway, after work, I picked up Jawana and Shayla and we hit up Huntsville. First was Backyard Burger's for dinner. Good stuff. Then it was off to Kohl's. I had never been there, but hooked up with a new pair of Nike tennis shoes which were on sale (naturally) for $39.99. Honestly, I've needed a new pair of tennis shoes since last summer. I just hate going shoe shopping, so since we were already there, and they were on sale and looked good, I'd get them.

We were planning on seeing Charlotte's Web at Big Spring Park, and were one lawn chair short, so we stopped at Target next to get one. While there, I saw that game "Boccee" or whatever... that ball game... it was on sale for $15.00 so I picked up that too. I figure I need to start amassing some games for the new house. I should probably get Croquet too. Any other good -yard- games that can be played by multiple people?

Got downtown around 7:45 PM and set up camp. Watched the movie and headed over to Krispy Kreme for some donuts! Got home around 11:00 PM and crashed.

Today will be spent working on videos. That's ok though... it's hot outside!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Compassion for the kitty

When I got to Jawana's, none of us had eaten dinner yet so we decided to run to Sonic. As we were leaving, I thought I heard a cat meow, but was like, "Eh can't be, they don't have a cat." But then, a kitty appeared in the driveway. We petted the kitty and Shayla named him "Fuzzy Wuzzy" We ran to Sonic and when we got back, Fuzzy Wuzzy had gone to a neighbor's across the street, but came running back over when he saw us. Jawana and Shayla fed Fuzzy Wuzzy some treats. I gave him some of my bacon cheeseburger. He gobbled it up. When I left, Fuzzy Wuzzy was no where to be seen. I hope he's doing ok. I always hate to see strays out like that. I wish I could take care of them all.

You're the best daddy in the world!
I guess this kind of coincides with Father's Day this past weekend. The other night Shayla exclaimed something along the lines of, "Mommy, you're the best mommy in the whole world and if you're going to be my daddy (referring to me), you're the best daddy in the whole world!" That's encouraging.

Donald Trump and TVs
I'm sure everyone is aware of the daily blurb that Donald Trump does called "The Real Deal". (Like the Rush Limbaugh morning update or the Kim Komando computer minute) Today Don was talking about TVs in kids bedrooms. He says it's not a good idea to let children have a TV in their bedroom. Parents should be reading to their kids and singing them lullaby's. Isn't that how things use to be?

Growing up, we had one 19" TV in the front room. That was it. Much like now, the TV only picked up 5 channels. Based on the programming I've been seeing since I started dating Jawana and watching some TV again (remember I haven't had any kind of premium TV service in 4 years), it seems to me that 99% of the stuff on TV... I don't want my kids to be exposed to. If it wasn't for the fact that I love to watch my guitar hero DVDs, I would seriously consider NOT having a TV in my house.

I'm leaning heavily towards continuing not having cable or satellite TV. However, now that Glenn Beck has his on TV show, it is kind of making me think hard about that. Plus Sean Hannity has a TV show too. If I could just get those 2 channels I'd be happy. Well... and the one from Nashville that Dave Ramsey is on. Life would be grand! lol

After my computer outage last week, I started believing I could do without the internet at home as well, and came real close to getting rid of my MySpace account last week, and stopping my personal website. However, there are still thousands of visitors stopping in every month, it feels kind of wrong to just yank the plug since this adventure started back in 1997. (I know a lot of you miss the travel pages, and I swear, I'll get them back up one day.)

I've never seen so many chunks of grass
Saturday morning I met up with Shane and we went to the driving range at Repar Golf on Danville road. I'll tell you what, the fella working behind the counter was like the nicest dude. We paid for the smallest bucket of balls, but he gave us the next size up for the same price. Plus he loaned us a couple of irons to hit with, since neither Shane nor I have our own set of golf clubs. I doubt I will ever take up golf, as it is too expensive. Plus I find it slightly embarrassing when I attempt to hit the little white ball, and on the upswing, all that rises into the air is a large chunk of grass and dirt.

Addicted to love
It doesn't feel right to post a blog without saying something about my amazing girlfriend.

At the end of the day, I know that I'm going to get to hold her in my arms. I just love that. It makes everything better, regardless of how my day has gone. You know what I'm saying?

There has only been one day when she and I haven't seen each other. It's almost as if we're married. Monday night after another long day at work for her, she came home and prepared dinner. I am so thankful for her kitchen skills! I can't wait until we get a grill!
this is an audio post - click to play

Monday, June 19, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
We were getting Father's Day cards at Hallmark in the Decatur mall Saturday night when I spotted this. Absolutely ridiculus. Did Snoopy go to school and learn Spanish? I highly doubt it. Can I get a

taco and beef enchilada please? Thank you.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Shane and I went to the driving range this morning. Here he is tee-ing off.

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Now thats an oven!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Why Friday?

Lately, I've noticed I look forward to the weekend more and more. I wonder if this is what happens when you get older and are "nearing retirement age". I find myself thinking, "I don't want to work the rest of my life, why can't I just win the lotto?" and crazy things like that.

How great would it be, to have millions of dollars and not have to go to work every morning? I really do enjoy my job, but the prospect of being able to lay in bed until noon is extremely appealing.

I have always been a night person, and having to be at work at 7:00 AM is just wearing me out at the young age of 31. Despite the fact that I like my job and everyone I work with, I haven't gotten to work on time ... um... ever.

I'm like, "If people aren't waiting on me for a specific reason, I don't see any need to be there right at the start of the hour." You know? I get my work done, receive a lot of awards and recognition, so it's not like I'm a slacker, just very time independent as I like to call it.

Looks like it is nearly 11 PM and I've got to be up for work in a few hours. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
I'm busy shopping at the Ashley Furniture Million dollar tent sale! What a day!

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Excellent! I got the final set of house plans last night and everything looks fantastic! Going to go through the set today in depth. Next step, the construction phase! I am very excited!

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

this is an audio post - click to play

The BIG announcement! It's Official!

This is it! I'm sure everyone thought this day would never come. Personally, I never thought I would live to see this day either, but it has happened. Finally, after nearly 13 years. . . . I am officially tired of eating out.

I was telling Jawana last night (over another one of her delicious home cooked meals), that I think I would just prefer to eat-in as much as possible from now on. Home cooking is so much better. Of course, it helps that she has impressive kitchen skills. If the cooking part were left up to me, we'd be eating toast, cereal, and occasionally ramen noodles for the rest of our lives. So, thankfully, that is not the case.

When I say it is so much better, I'm not talking about just the fact that it is fresh and tasty. There is something special about sitting down at the table with your wife and kids that I personally find very satisfying. Even though at this point, she isn't my wife and the kids weren't there. With the hustle and bustle of the society we live in, I view dinner time as when we get 30 minutes to relax and just be with each other without disturbances from the outside world. I mean, she works 50-60 hours a week and takes care of dance and sports. I also work 50-60 hours a week at 2 jobs and play in three bands. Busy you know?

We are excited about learning how to grill. We both concur that from a flavor standpoint, getting a good old fashioned charcoal grill is the way to go. My favorite part of grilling when growing up was, after the charcoal was lit and well on its way, I'd get out what was essentially that big bottle of lighter fluid and squeeze it over the hot coals and watch the flames roar up from the grill. Fun! Big Fire!

Squirt, Woosh! Squirt, Woosh!

If you see any red glowing skies coming from Hartselle or SouthWest Decatur, you'll know we're grilling out. Come on over. Drive towards the smoke plume, not away from it. Well, unless the plume is over by Brown's Ferry Nuclear Power Plant (TVA). In that case you want to drive away from the smoke plume.

Has anyone noticed?
Ever since I got my first job in the mall in 1993, I've loved to watch people. Some people are Wheel Watchers, I'm a People Watcher. There is a lot you can learn by observing how people handle themselves and live their lives.

In broad sweeping terms, over the past 13 years I've realized that it seems folks who adhere to what I would consider a "conservative" Christian lifestyle tend to be better off than those who adhere to a "liberal" lifestyle. I wonder why that is?

When I say better off, I don't necessarily mean financially or "status" wise (although both those attributes seem to benefit from holding conservative values as well), but better off in terms of home and family life, which to me, is what really matters.

When people adhere to basic moral principles, say the 10 commandments for instance, the level of "issues" that crop up in their lives tend to be far less than those who do what they want, when they want. I think it all comes down to both self-respect/respect for others and communication.

Random I know, but it's something that has been on my mind after watching, "The Break-Up" (starring Jennifer Aniston and some other guy) and "The Family Stone" (starring Cameron Diaz and some other semi-famous people) this past weekend.

The 3-armed child.
So by now, I'm sure everyone has heard of the news story about the Chinese kid that was born with three arms last week. I was thinking, I bet that would open up some amazing opportunities on a musical instrument like the drums or piano. Can you imagine if he could achieve limb independence on the drums?!?!

What if he was in the marital arts? He could be doing the nun-chucks and throwing ninja stars at you simultaneously. He'd be sort of like Goro in Mortal Kombat! Is anyone else disturbed that I know that? I am.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
My drink stash at work. Everytime I see this I think, ';i am slowly killing myself here.'; I know i shouldn't be drinking this garbage. I need to be drinking water and orange juice instead.

Monday, June 12, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Last week I recorded guitar parts with a friend at his studio and developed a ';hip-hop/funk/groove'; track. Just received an mp3 of the jingle. Killer. A 3rd ';band'; could develop out of this. Fun.

Blues, shred, and I'm getting into beats and mixes. Crazy!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Aaron, Sara (the birthday girl), and Emily. Our fellow weekend party people, partying at Humphrey's with Jawana, me, Vance, and the Playboy.

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Vance and The Playboy scoping out chicks at Humphrey's, after hanging with us for major partying with Bishop Black at Sammy T's.

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
The bachelor's loaf of bread.

Friday, June 09, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Intermission. Working hard.

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
The computer on the left is the one that crashed. It's the only one I use for the internet. The other two are used for audio/video production.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Everytime I see this picture, I am reminded that I am so lucky to have such an awesome girlfriend! We're going on 2 months, and I swear with each day, it keeps getting better! Thanks for being there

for me baby. I love you!

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
What a healthy mid morning snack! Don't worry, I'll definately be hauling my fat tail to the gym later today.
this is an audio post - click to play

Monday, June 05, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Just made a special guest appearance at Rhodes Ferry Park. Off to a city council meeting.

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Bad Monday: when the market tanks before lunch. I'm having a blah day today. What's up with you? We really need to hurry and win the TN lotto so we can all retire and live the good life. I've worked

hard long enough! I'd like to retire at age 40 or so.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
My once a week trip to ABs with church friends.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

this is an audio post - click to play

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Lunch, or really breakfast, for two.

Friday, June 02, 2006

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Shama's 32nd bday party.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

this is an audio post - click to play

I didn't post my Memorial Day post on Monday.

I hope everyone took the time to stop and reflect on all our brave soldiers who have died fighting battles for our freedom. Without their sacrifice no one in America would have the freedom or luxuries we enjoy every minute of every day. I started to say "Waking Minute", but even at night, we are able to sleep without fear of us or our families being kidnapped, tortured, raped, maimed, and killed because of our personal beliefs.

I've heard people saying, "Happy Memorial Day". To me, it should be a time for remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice given by so many over the years.

To those who have died, so that we may live in peace . . . Thank You.

Why is the good stuff always so expensive?
Don't you just wish the good stuff could be cheaper? I sure do.

Yesterday, I was at a high-falutin' furniture store in Decatur where I had previously found a really nice master bedroom suite. At the time all the piece parts had prices, but there wasn't a package price. Last night, they did have a complete package price which included: The Bed Frame & Headboard (king size), Dresser & Mirror, two night stands (3 drawers each), one armoire' (7' tall), and one chest of drawers (6' tall, 8 drawers) . . . . all this quality furniture was on sale for $6,999. What a bargain!

It is very well constructed and I know it would last a lifetime because it's real wood. That's the dilemma, sure I could buy something cheaper, but would the quality be as good? Plus I really love the way the wood looks.

Like I told the sales lady yesterday, (she wanted to write it up for me on the spot), "I can't buy this without consulting my girlfriend first, because while I like it, I know she wants a poster bed, and this isn't a poster bed."

A Picture Share!

A Picture Share!
A Picture Share!,
originally uploaded by java boo boo.
Hmmm. I wonder if my gf is in Huntsville? Lol