This is a fun one...

For those of you who haven't kept up on my blogs, life in New York has been a roller coaster to say the least. Work is crazy one minute and fantastic the next, and my often recurring homesickness doesn't make things much better. Well, this past week has topped it off. After working a 16 hour day last Friday, I made the all too common mistake of leaving my dome light on in my car. Being in New York, I didn't see or use my car again until the following Monday, when of course I found it dead. So, after paying a towing company $40 to shock my mode of transportation to life again, I decided to add some oil. After completing this task I closed my hood, or so I thought, and headed for work. 10 minutes later as I pressed the gas pedal down while cruising on the scenic Sawmill River Parkway my hood made the suprising choice to open, violently. It cracked my windshield pretty badly, broke both side panels on the front end of my car, dented the roof, and the hood itself is wrinkled like a piece of paper. Will my crappy car insurance cover this incident? In the words of many New Yorkers, "Forget about it!" So there goes any fun I was going to have this winter. The good news is that noone was hurt during the incident, which could've been much worse. As it turns out, the latch that hooks onto the hood and holds it in place is in desperate need of some grease. Now I know. Lesson learned. See the pictures below and learn your lesson too.

ADOXOGRAPHY

ADOXOGRAPHY IS DEFINED AS “GOOD WRITING ABOUT A TRIVIAL SUBJECT.”

So that’s what I do. Adoxography. Awesome. Although, I still am not sure how to pronounce it.

Life has been different lately. I know I shouldn't be surprised, since my life seems to be in a constant state of change lately. Still, this felt really different, and I think it'll last.

It started just over a week ago when I traveled back to Detroit for my dad's ordination. (Remind me to tell you about the ordination and my Deacon dad later.) I arrived early Friday morning and was able to nap away most of my day. That evening my brother, who was in from South Carolina, my old roommate Dave and myself headed downtown to have dinner at Slows. I had let my friends know where I would be and when, and figured that whoever wanted to show could. It truly couldn't have been a cooler night. About a dozen or so friends showed up and after a short hour and a half wait, we were seated at n oversized table on the patio. It was a great mix of friends and family and I couldn't have enjoyed myself more. Thanks to everyone who came out. And hopefully those of you who couldn't make it might be able to when I visit again in early November.

The following day was dedicated to my dad's ordination and family events that would follow. I can't think of a time when I was more proud of my family. Every member from my sister to my Great Aunt Tree were impressive to me. I used to hate family events. When did I grow up? I had to leave early Sunday morning, which unfortunately meant I didn't get to attend some of the most important events of the weekend. I was more than satisfied with the time I had and can't wait to do it again.

I've returned to New York more confident and ready than ever. I'm more prepared to take on the city and my endlessly irritating job, ready to battle the world.

Side Note:
While I was in Detroit for the weekend, my dog Jake got to stay at a New York pet hotel. I upgraded his room from a standard to a 'vacation villa' which apparently meant that he got two rooms and a couch and a TV., "to make it feel more like home". I also added on the 'pampered pet package' which entitled him to one break a day from the playtime with the other dogs for ice cream treats, as well as designated 'cuddle time' and a bed time story. He didn't want to leave there when I tried to pick him up on Sunday. Again, awesome.

IRON MAN

This has been an extremely eventful week for me. In anticipation of my sisters’ arrival tomorrow, I've spent the week cleaning and preparing my apartment. Simultaneously, it seems I've inadvertently taken part in some serious self-observation. As many of you have pointed out, I am not at my best here in New York. This has definitely impacted me, increasing my personal home-sickness and anxieties. But this week has been different. While I started the week at one of my lowest points since my move, I feel that I am now successfully returning to my pre-move self. As my good friend Elayne pointed out after her visit, "I could tell that you aren't happy because your apartment isn't funky." So my goal this week; funkify my apartment. I've got some pretty sweet ideas to finish it too. I'll be creating some extremely cheap yet awesome artwork for the walls, and hope to find some creative lighting while I'm at it. So there's that. I'll feel more 'at home' in my apartment. The thought is that I'll be more optimistic and outgoing in general once this is done. Either way, it'll give me something to do other than concentrate on work all of the time.
I have also ordered myself a DVR box from my local cable company. They tell me it should be delivered within the next 2 days, which is fantastic considering that next week is a very big week for T.V. premieres. Heroes, Bionic Woman, Bones, House, Law and Order: SVU, and Journeyman are just a few of the season premiers this week. Meanwhile, my sister will be visiting from Detroit, so I would likely have missed all of them otherwise.
Speaking of Jenn's visit, I can't wait for her arrival tomorrow. This is truly the highlight of my month. I've had so much fun with the company I've had so far that I can only imagine what Jenn and I will find to do. We are already planning on seeing the play Pygmalion starring Claire Danes live on Broadway! Awesome. I know we'll have a great time.
Finally, I saw the 'Teaser Preview' for the new Marvel Comics flick Iron Man. Check it out below. If this is just the Teaser, I can't wait for the real thing. This movie is gonna ROCK! For those who don't remember, or never bothered to read the comic, the story is about Tony Stark. Tony is a billionaire alcoholic weapons designer. A series of events (cooler than the average comic strip story) lead Tony to give up alcohol and use his knowledge to create the ultimate weapon and fight evil doers. Throughout the years fans watched as the Iron Man suit evolved and developed as Tony added gadgets and technology. Judging by this preview, I don't think this film will let us down in that area. I can't wait for May.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhgzIM-9lfA

The future is here.

After writing my Back to the Future themed blog, I felt the need to rant about my displeasure with the direction science is taking our future.

It's actually been a pretty amazing year for science. There have been some major developments from scientists who clearly watched too much sci-fi as children (and likely still do). For example, this past year some science nerds in Denmark actually teleported an object a full 18 inches. That means that at some point in the future, we may easily be able to transport ourselves a full foot and a half. In my studio apartment that might actually get me halfway to the fridge from the couch... I'd take it. Now they've done it again. Engineers here in the US have created a laser rifle that can burn through a person with pinpoint accuracy from a five mile range. That's comforting. I'm sure that this is a technology that will catch on with the public. Why can't these guys spend their time on something useful like in home 'moving walkways' or flying cars? There aren't any hovering skate boards or talking holograms either. I'm fairly sure that scientists of today were watching the wrong shows as children. Unless some Jetsons fans show up in the science world real soon, the future is a very scary place.

Where's Michael J. Fox these days?

Have you heard the latest? Apparently, the DeLorean Motor Company is back from the past and ready to build cars again. All new DeLoreans to be released in 2008! Here's the odd thing; they haven't changed at all. At a surprising cost of $57,500, you can get yourself the exact same car Teenwolf drove back in the early '80s, without the flux capacitor of course.

A homesick feeling in my stomach... or maybe thats the ham sandwich I had for lunch.

I don't remember ever being in a place in my life where I long for the past. Until now. New York is amazing. I am a New Yorker now. I realize this more each time I venture out into the city.

The past few weeks have been amazing. April and Stanley and Elayne and Sylvia have all visited over the past couple weeks and we've had a ball. Visiting seedy spots like Coney Island or making friends at the Motor City Bar in SoHo was great. Broadway shows and Tigers games at Yankee Stadium all helped me to see why I miss Detroit, and what I miss about Detroit.

All the same, I'll have to head back to the Motor City Bar at some point soon. I'll buy a round of drinks for all of my friends back in Detroit. So please find a way if at all possible to stop by New York when you get a chance. I'll look forward to your visit. See ya then.

The benefits to being lonely.

Before moving from Detroit to New York, I expressed my fears to many of my family and friends. In one way or another I said that my primary fear was going somewhere where I knew noone. Everyone had the same response. "You'll meet new friends." Isuppose I should've specified that this was actually my biggest fear. The fear that I would make new friends. The fear that it would really be that easy, to move hundreds of miles away and just make new friends. If I could make new friends that quickly, what do my friendships really mean? Am I thinking too much? Absolutely. But, thankfully that hasn't been the case. After more than two months away from Detroit, I appreciate my friends more than ever. I now realize that even if/when I make new friends here in New York, they will never replace those friendships. So, I am finally taking some time off of work to hang out. I'm opening up and making friends comfortably, without fear. Still, I wish my friends from back home could be here with me. See you guys soon.

If only they'd taken me seriously.

When I was very young I often said things that would give everyone a good laugh. My family called them "Jerryisms". They were the type of things you'd expect to come from the Olsen twins or Webster. I remember one incident that occurred when I was 3 or 4. My mom had just served me a hot dog which I thought was too hot. I asked that she put it on the stove top and turn it off so it would cool down faster. This made perfect sense to me, if the stove heated things up when it was on, why wouldn't it cool them off when it wasn't? Of course I recieved an uproar of laughter in response, and the thought was dismissed as just another Jerryism. These things are still brought up now and again, and I'm truly not sure my family will ever let me live them down. Then today I came across an article about a 'new' invention from the laboratories of Whirpool Appliances. "The only oven that thinks like a refridgerator" they call it. An, "Innovative idea from Whirlpool". It's basically my idea. Some old nerd at Whirlpool is getting rich off of an idea I had as a toddler. I think this says a lot about me. I also think there is a lesson to be learned here. Might want to try cooling that hot dog again, mom.

That Guy

Things are really starting to go well here. My apartment is finally coming together, as is my office, allowing me to fell more comfortable in my surroundings. This also is giving me more time to miss my family and friends, which I do often.

I think it has finally hit me that I live in New York. It felt like an extended visit up until this past week, when I began to form habits and get on a standard schedule. I've had nothing byut good experiences here so far, and am looking forward to many visits from friends and family over the next couple of months.

I saw Stanley Tucci at the gas station the other night. Bumped into him actually, literally. I then stood behind him in line while he had a very ADD discussion with a younger woman who I can only assume was his personal assistant.

I never made it to the Tranformers movie on the fourth. I made it to Times Square and even bought my ticket, but never made it in. I was too worried about leaving my dog alone at home and headed back to care for him. He was fine. I won't make that mistake again. I'll be trying again tonight. Wish me luck.

"100 times better than Armageddon."

I can't wait to see Transformers. The reviewers are happy for what seems to be the first time this summer, and I hope I will share in their joy. Adding to the experience will be my first subway ride from my apartment into Manhattan to catch the flick, possibly followed by some firework watching, depending on crowds and my navigation of the subways.

I had two little old women ring my doorbell this morning. I answered the door and the first of the little old women asked, "You speak Spanish?" "No, sorry." I said. Both of the women were short and wrinkled and looked as though they had just hiked to my door from Spain. They each had a handbag that they were holding in front of them. After hearing my answer and looking disappointed, she attempted to apologize for intruding and turned to leave and walked towards the stairway. No sooner had I closed my door when I could hear their chattering getting closer rather than further. I put my ear closer to the door and suddenly had a small paper slid under the crack, stopping near my right shoe. I could hear the two old women hurrying away, chatting triumphantly. They were like little kids running away after leaving a burning bag of poop on someones porch. I picked up the paper and found that it was a Jahovas Witness pamphlet. One side in English, the other in Spanish. Nice.

More later....
It's time to head to the city.

Catch Up

There is so much happening in my world. I realize I've done a poor job of keeping most people updated, so I'm summing it up below:

• I recently moved to New York City.
• I've moved into my apartment, but my furniture won't move in until Thursday. Until then it's just me, Jake, and an air-mattress.
• My dad drove with Jake and I from Detroit to New York this past weekend. It was great spending time with him and it was also cool to have him around for a while. I'm looking forward to more visits from friends and family over the summer.
• Work has been great. There is a lot to do here, but I'm learning quickly. Everyone I work with has been great.
• My calendar is quickly filling up. I already have people planning visits on almost every weekend this summer. Don't delay, book your trip now, while there's still room.

I think that covers most of it. If I have missed anything, please let me know.

Finally!

For those of you who have been keeping track, I've finally got my apartment. It has it's flaws, but I think in a few weeks time it'll become a cozy home for Jake and me. Here are some pics:

So this is a picture of the front dorr and hallway from the inside. I've got two large closets on either side on the hall for plenty of storage, in New York terms at least. I don't really know what I'll do with that little inset area, but I'll figure something out.

This is the kitchen, obviously. It's small, but has everything I need minus a microwave. This is probably where Jake will be spending most of his time. He can't do any serious damage here...

Now if only the fridge worked.

Here's a photo of the living room. It's a pretty big room, and while I don't know exactly how I'll be setting it up yet, I suspect I'll have enough room for a living area with a pull out couch as well as a sleeping area. Only problem is that there aren't any cable hook ups in the apartment. I'll definitely have to look into that.

Some of the detail work on the floor. Adds to the character of the place a little. I like it anyway.

And finally, the view from my windows. It's pretty nice. Very urban. I think I'll be happy.

Today was the day... and now the day is tomorrow.

It almost happened today. I almost had an apartment. The only problem is, I had already cancelled my hotel reservation, so now I'm spending my night in my office. I will most definitely have an apartment tomorrow though. I collected some pictures while I was there today that I wanted to share with everyone. First is a picture of my street. They weren't kidding when they said 'tree-lined', which is a big deal in NYC apparently. It's actually a pretty nice street. Mostly quiet, with an occasional store or restaurant mixed in with the apartment buildings. I've got a small grocery store, a chinese food place (with free delivery), a laundromat, and a deli/breakfast bar across the street from me. I can't tell you how happy I am about that. I also have a fairly good sized park at the end of my block, which will be great for walks with the dog. Right next door to me, between my building and the park, is a nice little Catholic church, Our Lady of Angels. They have different mass times for Spanish or English. I hope to learn Spanish soon so I can attend any of them. I was really impressed with the church itself. I haven't even seen the inside yet. My apartment is pretty nice as well. Actually, I never really saw my apartment today, but the lobby is nice. The windows show the age of the building. They remind me of the windows on the Henry Ford Museum. A classic look with the rounded top. It's very colonial, early american style. Furthering this theme are the fantastic murals on the walls. They feature people clearly dresses in revolutionary period outfits farming, fishing or hunting. There has been some clear damage to them over them many years they've been there, including some graffiti and some other damage, but they are in great shape considering their vulnerable location. I was also impressed by the detail work in small places. I took a picture of the ceiling to exemplify my point. The design work on the ceiling and the molding around the room are in themselves very beautiful and artistic. The owners have clearly noticed this as well, and have taken the time to highlight and preserve their beauty. This only convinces me further that I have picked the right apartment. If only I could get in. In the center of the lobby is a fireplace that looks to have been unused for a very long time. I'm sure it would've been very impressive in the days when it still was lit each evening. I can only imagine what it would've been like to live in this building when it was first concieved. I'm sure the Bronx was a very different place then.

Okay... I think this is it.

Knock on wood, I think I've got it. I will be meeting my realtor tomorrow afternoon to give him all of the needed paperwork and such and will finalize the deal to move into my new apartment. Lets hope nothing else goes wrong.

Usually in life everything falls into place. I don't know if I'd call it falling this time, as much as being forced and beaten into place, but with the proper support, guidance and negotiation everything seems to be coming along. I'll take some photos of the new place tomorrow to show everyone. Hopefully I'll be able to relax a little bit now. If only I had some furniture for the apartment I'd be all set.

Homeless again...

My realtor informed me Saturday afternoon that the apartment I supposedly had was no longer available, as someone else had apparently taken it out from under me. I had planned on spending my Saturday night attending a party in Brooklyn, but decided that finding a new place was more important than pretty much anything else. So instead I met my realtor at his office in Northern Manhattan at about 4pm and spent the next six hours driving from one apartment to another. Very few of the apartments that we visited were ready to be lived in, most requiring at least three weeks of renovations etc. Only one apartment met all of my standards and was ready for living. The downside is that it's a studio. All the same, I told him I'd take it. It's better than my hotel, and I did get a really good feeling from it. I liked being there, I just wish it were a little bigger, with a bedroom. I will hopefully be moving into this place by Tuesday if all works out well. I'm not getting my hopes up.

No longer homeless.

I started my day yesterday wandering the streets of Manhattan. I stopped in a Duane Reade drug store, which seem to be on every corner here. I requested the discount cards for my keychain and wallet and the friendly woman behind the desk gave me a quick 'application' to fill out. So, I did, but became a little confused when I reached the address section. "Um," I started, "I don't really have an address. I'm kind of homeless right now." I said with a smile. "Just fill in the last known address then." she said politely. I followed her directions and she gave me my cards and the receipt for my purchase. As I walked out of the store she yelled over to me, "Keep your head up and don't ever give up your dreams honey!" I thought this was an extremely friendly way for a drug store clerk to say what in Michigan would be, "thanks for shopping with us." or "have a nice day." About half an hour later I was sitting on a park bench cleaning junk from my pockets when I came upon the receipt she had given me. On the back she had written information for a homeless shelter. No more than three hours later I picked my apartment. It's in rough shape and is in the Bronx, which many people had warned me about, but at least I'm not homeless. Besides, I am from Detroit after all, the Bronx doesn't really phase me. (note: New Yorkers don't believe that Detroit is tougher than the Bronx.) Also, the community seems great. This particular neighborhood of the Bronx is known as Bedford Park. As my realtor and I drove through to the apartment, I saw old women sweeping their walks and children playing in their yards. It seemed pretty docile to me. When I visited the building yesterday I met two of the superintendents who introduced me to their wives and multiple other residents of the building. They were all spending the day together planting flowers in the very large courtyard. The building itself is interesting, but nothing spectacular. It's definitely nothing compared to the Fyfe. Still, the inside of my apartment has more character than all of my previous apartments combined, hands down. Like I said, it's in rough shape, but with some love over the next year I think it'll be a fantastic place to be. In the picture on the right, you can see my new apartment on the rounded corner facing us. I'll have the second floor. That’s the Botanical Square train station right across the street, which I can hop on for a quick ride to Grand Central or to White Plains. It might prove to be useful. So, I'm pretty excited. They are putting in new kitchen cabinets and appliances, so I'll likely be living in a hotel for another week or two, but I'm psyched to have taken this step. This also means you can begin planning your visits starting at the end of June. If anyone wants to come out for the 4th of July that'd be cool. I need someone to go see Transformers with.

Whats Happened to my Life?

It's been just one week, but it feels like 6 months already. After a few dinners in Manhattan and a few trips to the local grocery store, I'm finally settling in. I'm sure this feeling will be completed once I move from my hotel room into a real apartment somewhere. I miss my friends and family more than I can say, but am not feeling homesick for Detroit yet, thankfully. On my short visit to Detroit this past week I realized that I wasn't missing it at all, and in fact could finally see the negativity that outsiders see in Detroit when I show them around. I am eagerly awaiting the moment when I crave the city, my city, again. When things go so badly here that I would do anything to be standing in the middle of Campus Martius. All the same, I'm having a great time in NYC and am looking forward to the weeks to come.

Someplace to Visit.

The Motor City Bar, located on the Lower East Side of the island of Manhattan, is a standard New York theme bar. It is however New York's only Detroit themed bar. According to one review, the Motor City Bar presents much of the 'raw charm' that can otherwise only be found in Detroit. That raw charm is provided by the owners, Detroit Natives who were transplanted to NYC 10 years ago and have operated Bar ever since. With car seats as bar benches, hubcaps on the walls and murals of multiple big three classics, I could see easily forgetting that I'm away from the D at all. But the auto theme alone isn't what carries this bar. It's the attention to the smaller details that really make it feel like home, like local Detroit street signs and sports logos. (There's a wings logo on the window near the entrance.) This will surely place where I'll go if homesickness kicks in. Personally, my favorite feature is the white board behind the bar. If you are missing a friend you can buy them a drink and the bartender will write your name, their name, and the drink you bought them and will leave it there for your friend to redeem at a later date. That's something I will likely use at least once. If you come to visit, make sure you swing by the Motor City Bar and check to see if I've bought you a drink lately.

So considering the apparent popularity of the Motor City Bar in New York, I couldn't help but wonder what New Yorkers think of the real Detroit. After a quick search, I found a fantastic article that gave me my answer. Check this out if you have time. I like that they call Detroit "a friendly small town masquerading as a desolate big city." I have to say that I agree whole-heartily with that statement.

What to Expect.

In the past, my blog entries have acted more as journal entries documenting events in my life. Moving forward, I plan to maintain some of my original style, with additional focus on arts and entertainment as well as some tech news thrown in. You'll notice each blog labelled as one of the three, either Pop Culture, Tech, or Personal. If I get very daring in the future I might even add in a design or architecture section. Feedback is always welcome and comments are open for anyone. This is a great way for us to keep in touch. Hopefully I can write enough to keep you satisfied and interested.

Microsoft Surface? Seriously?

I'll write more on this later, but you have to see this, if you haven't already. I think I saw this featured in a Michael Bay sci fi film a few years ago. Good work microsoft. Now get it to the public before Mac rips it off and steals all of your money! Anyway, to see this thing in action, check out the videos I've posted below. This is truly something I could see integrated into our everyday lives in the future. I can only imagine the fingerprints. Buy stock in Windex now.



Seriously, I can't wait to get one of my own. This is truly the ultimate gadget.

My Disconnect

Tonight will be my final night in my apartment. Tomorrow morning the movers will arrive with trucks to take all of my belongings to New York. This means it will be a few days without internet, which I think is the only thing that I'm the least bit nervous about. I know I'll find a computer somewhere. I've scheduled to have my cable disconnected tomorrow morning as well. It's gonna be an interesting weekend. By Monday I hope to have a new home. I'll be back in Detroit on Tuesday night, and will be here until Thursday when I leave for New York for possibly the final time, if everything goes well. Either way, I'll keep posting.

The White Stripes are Back

After a short run with his 'Nashville' band, the Raconteurs, Jack and Meg White have reunited to release their first album since Get Behind Me Satan. They're back, and the White Stripes rock more than ever.

On the new video for the single, Icky Thump:

I've spotted Meg White on numerous occasions around bars in Detroit and have always been stunned by how much hotter she is in real life than she appears on TV. Watching the new video, she was the first thing I noticed. You have to admit that she is pretty hot in this video, sporting new hair and a much more stylish look. She finally looks like the rock star we always knew she was. Even Jack is looking halfway cool, as opposed to the freakish Frankenstien look he usually sports. It looks like they've finally accepted that they're international rock stars. And while they have changed their look, they're sound hasn't changed. Thankfully, thay've maintained the amazing raw sound we expect from the White Stripes and other Detroit rock bands while still managing to come across so beautifully tight. This is a great step forward for the White Stripes, and if the rest of the album is anything like Icky Thump, it's sure to be their best to date. I can't wait for this album to be released.

Blogspot V. Myspace

For those of you who have voluntarily chosen to spend time reading my blogs, I will now be posting them on a new site as well. Jerryschiffer.blogspot.com is the new home of my blogging. Since I want to be able to keep everyone updated on my life after the move to NYC, I wanted to find a site that wasn't blocked on most work computers. Now when you have a few minutes to spare at some point during the day, you can check in and see whats new. I will also be posting the cmoplete blogs on myspace, but blogspot will often have additional information, photos, or videos added, so be sure to check in often. And yes, I am ripping my titles from Scrubs. I love that show.

Law and Order to the White House?

Is anybody else following the career of Fred Thompson? For anyone who isn't impressed with the current candidates for 2008, I suggest you look into him. He has an extremely impressive resume, that has taken him from investigating watergate to staring in movies such as Die Hard 2. Oh, and he spent quite a bit of time as a U.S. Senator. He hasn't announced his candidacy yet, but I expect and hope he will soon. Whats special about him? He knows what he believes, and the rest is up to the people. He really is a people's politician. Not in the sense that he will say whatever it takes to get votes, as most of the current candidates would do. No, Fred Thompson has definite beliefs, but doesn't believe thats those beliefs are whats best for the country. When asked tough questions he gives direct, balls out answers with no hesitation, but always reenforces that thats his opinion, not the opinion of the people, and the peoples opinion comes from voting. These kind of politics excite me. I wish more politicians would stop kissing peoples asses and tell it like it is. Mr. Thompson has nothing to lose. He is a successful man with plenty of accomplishments under his belt. He knows that it doesn't really matter if he loses, but if the people want him and choose him, then thats great too.Anyhow, he hasn't announced that he's running yet. Still, I am an active member and contributer to DraftFred.com and have signed multiple petitions for the draft Fred movement. He has teased us twice now by publically saying that he would 'consider' running, but he hasn't yet made it official. Those mentions of possibly running instantly threw him to third place in polls among republicans, tied with Hillary Clinton, and he isn't even running yet. He is currently starring on NBCs Law and Order as the DA. Tonight I finally got around to watching the latest episode of Law and Order and got quite the surprise at the end. Freds character, Arthur Branch confronts Sam Watersons character in Branchs office. "You know one day this chair is gonna be empty." Says DA Branch. This comment leads me to believe Thomsons character is leaving the show??? "I'm no politician Arthur." Replies Jack McCoy, Watersons character. "Yeah, everybody says that." a contemplative Branch says as the two share a friendly smirk that's clearly out of context with the scene. Thats how the show ended. Could it be that the writers added that in to toy with the Fred Thompson fans watching? Was there more meaning to those few lines, or am I reading too much into this? I decided to do some web searches and look for posts on my favorite Fred Thompson sites mentioning the scene, but there was nothing. How could it be that noone caught that? Anyhow, I honestly believe that ALL of the current candidates pretty much suck. I'd love to see this election come down to Al Gore V. Fred Thompson. Now that would be something to watch.



I don't normally discuss politics, so I apologize if this bored you.

Parties Anyone?

My family threw me a going away party last night. It was intended to be a BBQ, and unfortunatly got rained out, forcing us all indoors. I realized at the time just how uncomfortable I am at the idea of moving. Everyone kept asking me if I was excited to move. I answered confidently that I was most certainly not excited about it. It's not that I don't want to go, I know that I do. It's actually more that I don't want to leave everyone here. It was really good to see everyone for the few hours that I had to see them, and by the end of the night I was having a great time. Thanks to everybody who came out.My next and last party is this Thursday night at the Wheat and Rye on Merriman Rd near the airport. I'll be there as soon as I get done working, so probably around 10:30 or 11:00. Hopefully by then I'll have accepted the fact that I am leaving and will start the night off in better spirits.

My dog the wingman.

Jake is seriously a complete pro at meeting girls. This past week I took Jake to the local pet store, as we do every week, and I realized just how great a conversation starter he can be. I had a large bag of dog food thrown over my left shoulder and was holding Jakes leash with my right hand when two twenty something girls approached. They immediately started making sounds like they were talking to an infant, and Jakes reaction was perfect. For once, he sat down rather than jumping, and he looked up at them with the adorable puppy dog eyes he's learned to use when he's in trouble. "Can we pet him?" They asked. "Of course," I said. After a few exchanged high fives, (from the dog, not me) and a smile or two (from me) we parted ways. I'm sure I could've taken things further and learned their names and probably even gotten a number, but figured I'd save that for the streets of New York. Still, it's good to know I'll have a built in wingman when I get there.

My Last Days in Detroit

You may have noticed a new photo album on my page labeled 'My Last Days in Detroit'. Some of you have already been made aware, but I thought it was about time I made the announcement official. At some point over the next few weeks I will be moving from my beloved hometown to New York City. Most likely to the Bronx. (At the request of my parents, I will also be looking at areas north of the city.)

I have recently been very lucky and was offered numerous jobs in the New York area without seeking any of them. For those of you who have known me for some time you know that I should fit right in there. I have always thought that I would end up in New York at some point, but believe in letting life take me, rather than forcing it along myself. In this case, life was beating me over the head. I am lucky enough to have been offered a manager position there with the same company I've been with for the past 9 years, and couldn't be happier about it. Despite the many rough times that my company has gone through recently, I still love it and the people who work there. I will be able to maintain my flight benefits, which will allow me to come home for visits. I will also maintain my vacation time that I have saved up for this year, which will be great for the long trips home.

I hope to get a chance to see everyone and enjoy your company one more time before my departure, so shoot me a comment or message if you have some free time to waste. Also, begin planning your summer vacations to NYC. I've worked hard to get here, so I will expect visits from you guys. Besides, it really is a pretty sweet destination, and you'll have a free place to crash, which is a pretty good deal for New York.
And yes, I will be having some kind of going away something…. I'll let you know.