It's that time of year again. I wasn't in the mood last year and this year is shaping up the same way. How do you people do it? It's friggin December this week and every year seems like a more slippery slope than the prior.
What get's people in the Christmas spirit? I sure as shit haven't felt it in years. I can't remember the last time I looked at Christmas as more than a few days off and an enormous expense.
I lie. I remember what it felt like as a child to wait in anticipation for what things would be under the tree. Mind you, we didn't have enough money to keep a decent fire burning for 5 seconds, but I still approached each Christmas with wide eyed optimism.
I found beauty and awe in celebrating the birth of Christ (I wasn't Catholic then either). I watched every Christmas show, commercial or religious. My Mother had a spooky little elf that she would position somewhere in the house and I really believed that the damn thing was watching me to see if I was being good or bad.
I've wondered if my kids feel any of the wonder and awe of Christmas that I did at their age, or if they see it as time off and a chance for boodle.
I need a change. I need to find myself. I want to recapture some of what I've lost. Not just Christmas, but in life.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Iowas changing landscape
These things are everywhere in northwestern Iowa now. I was told that they cost over $1 MM to install and that the farmers get between $3k-$5k per windmill for rent compared to $140/acre for farm rent - not bad
Maintreet Galva - all of it
When we moved to Galva in 1977, there were 3 bars on this block. It was actually a pretty bustling place until we consolidated schools with Holstein and then it seemed to just dry up.
Population 2004: 342
Population 1990: 398
Population 2004: 342
Population 1990: 398
The old house
This is the home that I lived in from age 10 to graduating high school. Pretty run down. Dad paid something like $5000 for it in 1977 and it had shingle siding at that time. It was built sometime in the 1880s. I'm sure it was a real beauty once. We pulled the shingles off and sided it the 1st year we lived there. I put the shingles on the roof. I think I was 13 or 14 when I did that. Dad is/was afraid of heights.
City dog in the countryside
This crazy dog just wanted to be outside all of the time while we were in Iowa. It must really smell different there than in the suburbs of Chicago...
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Mr Sore Foot
Pups got his dewclaw caught in the muzzle at the groomers/vets today and broke it. On top of that he had his shots today, so he's not feeling his best - :-(
Monday, November 21, 2005
XBOX360 on sale Tuesday
I was amazed that there was a line outside of the local BestBuy at 8pm.
So I can't figure out who is the bigger loser. Someone who'll stand in line waiting for the new xbox, or someone who will sit in their car at Best Buy and take pictures of people waiting in line to buy the next xbox.
So I can't figure out who is the bigger loser. Someone who'll stand in line waiting for the new xbox, or someone who will sit in their car at Best Buy and take pictures of people waiting in line to buy the next xbox.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Photo Friday - Imperfection
I wanted to pee in some pure white snow, take a picture of it and submit that for photo Friday, but alas, I have no snow to pee in.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Q-Center Stiffs
I have been at technical training the past couple of days - besides the rain, this is about all I've been able to see out my dinky hotel window.
I'm only happy when it rains
Im only happy when it rains
Im only happy when its complicated
And though I know you cant appreciate it
Im only happy when it rains
You know i love it when the news is bad
Why it feels so good
to feel so sad
Im only happy when it rains
Pour your misery down
Pour your misery down on me
Pour your misery down
Pour your misery down on me
... Garbage ...
Im only happy when its complicated
And though I know you cant appreciate it
Im only happy when it rains
You know i love it when the news is bad
Why it feels so good
to feel so sad
Im only happy when it rains
Pour your misery down
Pour your misery down on me
Pour your misery down
Pour your misery down on me
... Garbage ...
I decided not to stay a 2nd night
I decided not to stay a 2nd night
Originally uploaded by ddurbin123.
I literally was falling out of bed and braced myself on the dresser on the other side of the room. Easily the smallest room I've ever stayed in and for $125/night. My bedroom closet at home is larger than this.
