Out With the Old

It's the last day of what can only be described as a suck-ass year. I generally try to maintain a positive attitude at all times, and I know I sometimes fail to do that...but I can only look back at 2008 and reflect on so many things that went haywire, at least as they pertain to me. I get the feeling many are feeling the same way these days...

Am I optimistic for 2009? Yes...again, I try to keep a positive outlook. The key is, do I have a plan? Alas, I do...

If things work out as intended, I will be a healthier, happier, wealthier guy finding his way in '09. I'll be walking that narrow path of change, and all for the better. My career, my relationships, my thinking, will be dramatically different than it is now...

The plan? Well, I am not going to share that just yet, as I want to see some things come to fruition lest I jinx it early on...

Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a great 2009! Enjoy yourselves, but lets be careful out there, mmkay?

Ten Things

Ok, so The Blazing One hit me up with the pass-along thing, and ONLY because it is Mistress Blaze will I play along (ya hear that, woman?!)...

I'm supposed to list 10 honest, and interesting things about myself and pass it along to 7 others. Hell, I don't know 7 others in the blogsphere any more, so I'll spare MOST of you some pain. Here's my 10:

1) I just finished jacking off. Nice...and at my old office, I wanked my wood on more than one occasion in the bathroom.

2) I'm a dipper. I love over easy eggs, and I dip my toast in them to soak up the yolk before devouring the rest of it. People who cut up over easy eggs have always made me wonder...

3) Many moons ago, I got out of the US Navy by throwing my chair at the XO. For those who have served in the military, you know that usually entails a court martial of sorts, or at the least, some restriction. I never received anything other than a trip to the 5th floor to be evaluated for 'mental anguish'. The truth is, I was a personnelman and knew every way to get out the Navy with an honorable discharge and that is the route I chose - 'incompatibility with military life' was the final diagnosis. The other way (back then) was to act gay and perform an act. I wasn't going there. One of the top 5 days of my life when I got out.

4) I have only had one 3-some. What's worse, it was with my best friend in high school and I double-teaming on a girl. Nooo...none of our parts touched! Truth is, we kinda took turns, and it wasn't full-tilt bozo action. I never actually did tap that girl...

5) I grew up on a farm in the midwest. And there were times when one was out in the field or away from the house that you had to do your business. On a few occasions, I wiped my ass with leaves, and I remember using a corn cob once. There is a reason Charmin holds a very special place in my heart.

6) I still have dreams of being a fry cook in high school. My wife has told me she has heard me say some shit in my sleep about it. It was kinda a Denny's type place, and I really did enjoy it. Hell, I remember working the graveyard and doing one of the hot, albeit completely goofy, waitresses as customers waited out front for their post-drunk breakfasts. Ahh, good times...

7) I have slept with one of my wife's current best friends...and no, she hasn't the slightest.

8) At my old firm where I served as a portfolio manager/analyst/trader, I lost $85k on my very first trade. My boss must have thought, who the hell is this clown I just hired? I can even remember that piece of shit stock, AVNX. Luckily, all my trades weren't that bad.

9) I briefly spoke with Jerry Jones of the Cowboys once when he was walking into Sevy's in Dallas. I told him thank you for picking up Anthony Henry as a free agent to be a cover corner for us. He said thanks and appreciated it, asked if me and my friends were having a good time, and moved along. I wish I could go back and tell him what a dumbass he was for picking up Henry and how much he sucks and should be let go.

10) The last one gets a 'double'...When I was in training classes in Arizona earlier this year, I was known somewhat as the life of the party. I was secretly proud when some of my compradres there referred to me as "The Michael Phelps of drinking." What's more, an attractive female with an obvious tilt towards the zany loved me for it, and I could have shagged it. Alas, I didn't - total fucking dumbass! But only because when we retired to the room with one of the instructors, he had the same thing on his mind, and I didn't want to be a total fucktard, so I just walked away and went to my room. No need to fuck up my lame career early on, right? I found out the next morning she didn't want to go there with him, but me... Ahh...blown chances...but I'll live to fight another day ;-)

And as for passing this along, I am only going to give it to one guy...one of the first guys I read on the blogs. A guy who has entertained all of us many times with his stories of the past...So c'mon Trashy, lets hear it...

If I have the opportunity to post on the last day of the year, I will do so. But in the event I don't have that chance, may the new year bring ya'll much happiness and all the things you desire. Lord knows 2008 sucked ass, and I'm soooo looking forward to 2009...I have a plan...

Sucks

What a fitting end to a fucked up 2008 season...and year.

The Cowboys are awful, and I can only feel like it is the ebb before the flow...

It will get better, I must have the belief...but for Lord's sake, get rid of Phillips now...

Fuck it...it is what it is...fuck it all.

Tick Tock

I cannot believe Christmas is only a week away. And exactly how much shopping have I got done? Zero, Zip, Nada, Zilch. Well, I did order one online item which should hopefully arrive by that time, but other than that, I still have some things to get.

My family finally got around to bugging me if I am going to make it down to Austin this year. I have no desire to, but my son does want to see his cousins, so we'll see what happens there. Listening to my mother be negative, and my brother brag is just not my idea of a good time. But I guess one does for his kids things he normally wouldn't do.

Rented 'Don't mess with the Zohan'. It's kinda like Family Guy in that it is so crude in places that you just have to laugh. I am not a big fan of Adam Sandler, but this did have some funny things in it. It's good for a renter, but not a buy.

And you see how exciting my life is right now, huh? How can one be so busy, yet not have much going on? Hmm...something to ponder.

Lost my playoff game in fantasy football...by two freakin' points! Ugh. Now I play for 3rd place, which means if I win I get my entry fee back. Lets hope my running backs actually do something for me this week.

Have a Q

So, the question is this -

What would you do with an attractive 5'9" blond, smart, with a great rack?

Just askin'.

Oh, and I won my first playoff game in fantasy football...on to round two, which looks tough. First game I took 120-103, but this week is going to be brutal looking at the opposing lineup.

More than that even, is I need my Cowpokes to beat the Gmen this week...we're still in the hunt!

Month 12 Arrives

I hope folks had a nice thanksgiving. Mine was ok, though I wasn't too pleased that all the other teams vying for the playoffs with my Cowboys managed to pull out their games yesterday. Everyone 'cept for the skins, anyway. We just need to beat Pitt this week.

December is here, which means Christmas is just around the corner. I have come to dislike this time of the season, as it means I will have to find a way to dole out gifts and cards to people. The only ones I really want to are my kids and close personal friends...the in-laws, family, and all others should just as soon forget who I am, cause I'm taking the hard line and not budging on sending stuff this yr...the kid doesn't have it.

The good thing is that this awful year is almost over. For that I can be grateful, even if 2009 doesn't prove to be much better. At least it holds hope, for 2008, it holds only broken pieces of ideas, dreams, and other things which I care not to comment on. To be fair, it does hold some good memories, but all in all, 2008 has sucked ass.

Happy Thanksgiving

It's my favorite holiday of the year again. A time to kick back from work and the everyday stresses of life, fill my belly full of wonderful food, and watch football. Ahh, how I look forward to it!

It's also the reason we should be thankful for the things we have and which bring us joy.

Life hasn't quite gone the way I planned in 2008, and Lord knows I've spent my fair share of time bitching, pissing and moaning about it. But looking on the other side of the ledger, I must be thankful for a fabulous son. A son that seems to draw closer to me each day. And a daughter I have reconnected with, while despite having shortcomings, is coming around. Thankful that I have material possessions, a roof over my head, and a way to make a living. Many cannot say that, and for that I am grateful.

So with that in mind - thanks for all that I have and will be given!

Now if my Cowboys will kick some Seahawk rear tomorrow, it will be yet one more thing I can be thankful for!

Not Tonight

Another day. Another frickin' whacking to the market. GM and Ford fixing to be body bags, along with all the employees and related jobs with it. Man, maybe I DO need to go invest in guns and ammo.

Received the following from a friend of mine. And yes, SHE forwarded it to me...don't hate the messenger ;-)

When Girls Don't Put Out!

I have never quite figured out why the sexual urge of men and women differ so much. And I have never figured out the whole Venus and Mars thing. I have never figured out why men think with their head and women with their heart.

For Example:

One evening last week, my girlfriend and I were getting into bed. Well, the passion starts to heat up and she eventually says, "I don't feel like it, I just want you to hold me."

I said, " What? What was that?!"

So she says the words that every boyfriend on the planet dreads to hear...

"You're just not in touch with my emotional needs as a woman enough for me to satisfy your physical needs as a man."

She responded to my puzzled look by saying, "Can't you just love me for who I am and not what I do for you in the bedroom?"

Realizing that nothing was going to happen that night, I went to sleep.

The very next day I opted to take the day off from work and spend time with her. We went out to a nice lunch and then went shopping at a big, big unnamed department store. I walked around while she tried on several different very expensive outfits. She couldn't decide which one to take, so I told her we would just buy them all. She wanted new shoes to compliment her clothes, so I said, "Lets get a pair for each outfit."

We went to the jewelry department where she picked out a pair of diamond earrings. Let me tell you...she was so excited! She must have thought I was one wave short of a shipwreck. I started to think she was testing me because she asked for a tennis bracelet when she doesn't even know how to play tennis.

I think I threw her for a loop when I said, "That's fine, honey." She was almost nearing sexual satisfaction from all the excitement. Smiling with excited anticipation, she finally said, "I think this is all dear, lets go to the cashier."

I could hardly contain myself when I blurted out, "NO honey, I don't feel like it."

Her face just went completely blank as her jaw dropped with a baffled, 'WHAT?'

I then said, "Honey! I just want you to HOLD this stuff for a while. You're just not in touch with my financial needs as a man enough for me to satisfy your shopping needs as a woman."

And just when she had this look like she was going to kill me, I added, "Why can't you just love me for who I am and not for the things I buy you?"

Apparently I'm not having sex tonight either...but at least that bitch knows I'm smarter than her.

Bada bing!

And it's a special time right now. In just a few days, my girl turns 21. Yep, I sure am an old fuck. I sure do hope she acts her age...history has shown she can revert to the sweet sixteen years a bit too often...

Now, dammit, stock market...GO UP for a change, will ya?!!!

Family Drinking

And here I thought my family was fucked up...

I mean, I like to drink, hell we all do...but that is just a bit too much...

Contemplating Change

I am so frickin' tired of the enormous amount of mail I get, a good portion of it having to do with debt collecting scum that tries to make life miserable for me in an effort to pay. Hey, you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip. You'll get your money when I get mine...capice? They have even been calling my family, my office, etc in an attempt to embarrass me to speak with them. My office assistant knows the drill - I am NEVER available, which gets them angry as they try their intimidation tactics. I don't have a home number, and they don't have my cell, so other than mail, they have no way to contact me. Time to send a cease and desist to them, tho, as I am growing tired of their bullshit.

I have been seriously contemplating leaving my current employer to trade independently. A few issues are involved, and include:

- I need more capital. About $20k would do the trick, as the firm I would trade with will allow me to leverage that at between 5:1 and 30:1 depending upon the strategy employed and the risk involved.

- I won't have health insurance. And I know the insurance individuals are able to get versus a group plan are horrible.

- How will I manage the inevitable drawdowns, especially when I am dependent upon the trading to provide my income?

- Will I be able to get someone to loan me the money? And what will all that entail? I have a few options in mind, but again, will THEY be willing to place a bet on me for a return of principal, interest, and a portion of profits?

- This isn't an issue; actually, it is the whole reason I am thinking of this...I hate my job and dread going in these days, especially given the current market climate. I Love trading and all that it entails. That is the bottom line - I just want to be happy and be able to provide and pay my bills from it. Can I do it? I damn sure think so!

Oops, looks like I went off on a little tangent there, so I best go get another cup of coffee, get busy, and see if I can sell someone something to make a few $$$.

Out of the Blue

The past few days in the market have been brutal...not alot new there, eh? I am long, and on margin, because I think we will have a hellacious rally over the next 6 weeks or so. Who knows for sure, tho...I've been wrong before.

The dream I had last night came out of no where. Usually I am able to figure out why I had a particular dream, if I remember it. Last night's was a few sisters from high school. We were in this library/hotel (?) and I bumped into one and just gave her a hug. Her sister, who used to date one of my friends, came up and looked great...but she was like 6 inches taller than me...what, did you grow another foot after high school? Then they started asking me where "BW" was - 'cept I have no idea who BW is...but I have heard the name before. Anyway, it was just outta the blue.

Today is a special day - here is a big shout to #5 - congrats! You Rock!

The Opposite of Love isn't Hate, it...

...is apathy.

I say that after an exchange with someone I use to be with on a regular basis.

The short story is setting up a time to meet, then them giving me a story about their child getting out of school early, then telling me they had to work until 2 pm...and then finding out they left work before noon, had plenty of time, and had lied about it cause I just wasn't interesting enough for them, I guess. Oh well, live and learn - why should I ever expect that to change? Just as she lied on many occasions, including the many hits I got from different parts of the state and country due to all the guys she was talking to about me, as well her liasons with others she lied about - I mean, c'mon Bent, you oughtta know better.

So enough with that.

Work continues to be a beating, although yesterday's massive rally helped me feel a little better. Sure wish I would have participated more. But people are scared, and they let their emotions drive their investment decisions, instead of fact and logic. I can only do what I can do - but damn that job is getting old in a hurry.

Halloween just around the corner. My son is going as "Jackie Moon" from the movie Semi-Pro. He looks pretty funny - and I can tell you, his mind is definitely evolving into that of a teenager, along with his body - geesh, can't I just make him 3 yrs old again?

The elections are also right here, and I've went and cast my vote. Those who are repeating the mantra of 'change' better be ready when they get what they ask for...and it ain't gonna be a good thing.

My Cowboys have an important game this week, and honestly, I ain't expecting anything good. Not with BJ at QB. Nope, guess we'll have to wait til after the bye week. Hey, maybe the barbarian will rack up 200 yds and save us ;-)

All There Is?

It's monday morning, and that familiar 'ugh, another week' feeling has set in.

I am asking myself this morning is this all there is to life now? A job I don't really like and dread going into. A situation at home that seems oh-so-much less than fulfilling. The constant pressure of finances and things I am behind on.

About my only saving grace these days is my son. I am grateful that as he grows older he isn't really pulling away, but pulling closer to me. Even so, he will soon be a teenager and some of his remarks and actions reflect that. I am dealing with it much better than mom.

I usually look forward to sundays, but after the Cowboys ass-whuppin', I'm wondering if I should even feel that way. They look awful - at this rate we'll be out of the playoff hunt by December.

Well, time to quit whining and make my way into the j-o-b. Put on the game face and try to convince nervous nellie investors that life isn't about to end. Tough task given my state of mind.

Oh Marcia!

Maureen McCormick, whom we remember as Marcia Brady on the Brady Bunch, has a new memoir out. In it, she tells stories of growing up Brady, and about little things like trading sex for drugs. Whatever would Jan say? I find this stuff from actors I knew growing up to be fascinating. I haven't read the book, but I'm sure the next time I'm at Barnes and Noble, I'll be browsing through it...

Monday was a huge day for the market - the single biggest one day gain in the Dow Jones Average in 75 years. I was ecstatic...until yesterday. We gave back 733 points in stomach churning volatility, and I once again expect the calls to come flying in today from my clients. It's getting real fucking old telling them to hold on when they are taking such a beating, as is my little portfolio. But I do believe the worst is behind us, and we are going to have a monster run into the end of the year.

My football life is sucking. The Boys are now without Tony Romo, Adam Jones, Terrence Newman, Matt McBriar, and Felix Jones. We are a walking medical unit, for crying out loud. And while it is great we got Roy Williams as our receiver from the Lions, I fear we badly overpaid for him, sacrificing some of our future for the now.

I think I will head out to the State Fair of Texas this weekend. Can't really afford it, but you know, it will be something different. Going with friends so that should make it easier, as I'll have someone to enjoy the thrill rides with me.

Looking Past the Past

I said I was going to write about events in the past that led me to this point. After further thought, and talking and texting with her, the last one being just a few days ago when it was made clear to me she didn't want me involved, I have decided to let that go. I must stop looking to the past and be looking forward.

So I will use my little space here to post whatever is on my mind from time to time...my journal of all that is good, bad, and just random thoughts.

My main thought these days is how the market just keeps getting hammered, day after day. The selling is relentless, and I have to admit that it has even a bull contrarian like myself doubting a positive outcome in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Which leads me to my job, which has really sucked lately. I love the market, but what I really love is analyzing and trading the market, not handholding and playing pyschologist to those who want to reap the rewards, but don't want any of the risk involved. There may be a way to get where I want to be in that light, and it's still a work in progress...we'll see how it goes.

For now I must be off to the office before heading to the regional meeting this afternoon. I'll be staying overnite away from home, which on one hand stinks because I know how my little dude will miss me, and I him. But to do something away from the norm might be the thing to get me outta the funk that seems to be gripping me the past few weeks.

Again?

A lazy morning on this holiday, and so I am out trolling blogs. And lo and behold I come across one which ripped off scabs that I thought were long since healed, only to find the wounds underneath still remain to some degree.

Those who know my past probably have a clue as to what I am talking about. Suffice it to say, the past is something we should all be acutely aware of, but by the same token, it shouldn't be something that causes anguish when one looks back at it months, and even years later.

In the 4 years+ since I ascended (or some might say descended) the slippery slope that was my personal life with another, a great many things have changed in my life. Some major, most minor. And looking back and reflecting, I can't help but think about roads taken, forks in the road that were better left as is, and zigging whilst I should have been zagging.

I know this sounds convoluted, but I'll be back to put this all in perspective...without worries about what anyone thinks, cause I doubt any readers here exist anymore.

MEN - A MUST READ - BEWARE!

Police are warning all men who frequent clubs, parties & local pubs to be alert and remain cautious when offered a drink by any woman.

Many females use a date rape drug on the market called 'Beer.'The drug is found in liquid form and is available anywhere. It comes in cans, bottles, or from taps and in large 'kegs'. Beer is used by female sexual predators at parties and bars to persuade their male victims to go home and sleep with them.

A woman needs only to get a guy to consume a few units of Beer and then simply ask him home for no strings attached sex.Men are rendered helpless against this approach. After several beers, men will often succumb to the desires to sleep with horrific looking women whom they would never normally be attracted.

After drinking beer, men often awaken with only hazy memories of exactly what happened to them the night before, often with just a vague feeling that 'something bad' occurred.

At other times these unfortunate men are swindled out of their life's savings, in a familiar scam known as 'a relationship.'In extreme cases, the female may even be shrewd enough to entrap the unsuspecting male into a longer term form of servitude and punishment referred to as 'marriage.'

Men are much more susceptible to this scam after beer is administered and sex is offered by the predatory females.Please! Forward this warning to every male you know.

If you fall victim to this 'Beer' scam and the women administering it, there are male support groups where you can discuss the details of your shocking encounter with similarly victimized men.For the support group nearest you, just look up 'Golf Courses' in the Yellow Pages.

S & M

Oh yes - S & M...what a wonderful thing!

No, sorry to disappoint, but I am not talking about the whole sexual thing. You didn't think I was going there, did you?

I am talking about an old album from Metallica where they play live with The San Francisco Orchestra.

A buddy of mine gave me the cd to listen to a few months back, and I must say, it has quickly become one of my faves. Listening to the melody, and having seen the video where the violins are jamming and just trying to keep up, well...lets just say it rocks. If you're a rock afficienado like I am, and you can appreciate stellar lyrics coupled with multiple melodies that entertain the soul, you will love this! Try it - you will like it!

Moving on to other things - lets talk about the career thing.

I have been so focused, so totally involved in attempting to be the guy that gets after it and shows what good is, that I sometimes forget a simple fact.

And what is that fact?

This is a contact sport.

That means that I am talking to dozens of people on a daily basis, and in the course of those conversations, flirtations will take flight. I had a friend ask me a while back, "What will you do with those that take it a bit further and decide they don't want the investment, but rather you?"

To which I guffawed, and said, aint' happening. First, I am all about the biz, ain't lookin', and wish to get to the facts. Secondly, that won't happen, as I am just some guy off the street, and folks have other things in their lives to worry about other than some guy standing at their door trying to get into a convo about how he can help them secure their financial lives.

And...Wrong!

I ran into the deviation from the mean, which is to say, I ran into a few that weren't about the investments so much, but let me know they wanted to talk to me. My friend told me this would happen, but I wasn't a believer. I mean, c'mon, I am not at all going there or giving off those vibes. When someone goes from not wanting to give you their name to wanting to make sure you stop back or call them, and they have already told you they are divorced, or single, or a single mom, or they are fixing to go out on girl's night out and where they will be, they are sending clear, obviouls signals. What's more, when this happens within one block, you wonder if you're dealing with desperate housewives scenario, or just what exactly is going on. Maybe I am just sending out a karma that makes them think it is ok.

And what did I do with this?

Nada. Again, I ain't lookin', I am all about business production and getting onto the next. But I would be lying if I didn't say it didn't make me reflect and smile. It IS a contact sport, and very much like those guys who didn't have the 'game' in school, they knew one thing most don't - if you keep asking, and pressing, you will walk away with the cheese.

As for the rest of it, life has been moving at a rapid pace. I'll likely be moving soon, I can't find time to take care of mundane things, and I wake up in the middle of the night wondering what the hell I am doing and where I am going to be...you know the classical question from tests - Do you ever have racing thoughts?

Umm, yeah, pretty much every day. Doesn't everyone have those?

At any rate, I have rambled enough, and I must get a few things done. I am not able to log in and check the interesting posts of others near enough, but that is just the way things work these days. At some point, given the effort I am putting forth, that will change and I will be able to go back to actually having a life. I would rather that be sooner, but until the numbers prove it out, I am the proverbial mouse on the wheel in the cage.

Hope ya'll are doing great and bringing it!

Catching Up

I know I have been woefully inept at keeping up this blog; sometimes, one can only do so much, ya know?

I have been working a ton of hours, the results which won't likely be seen for weeks and months. It's ok - I have time.

See, the way the program works with my company is "as percent of standard." So, in other words, where you stand is a function of where you sit in the percentage game. If I'm at 40% of standard, that wouldn't be good. You go on 'goals' which is a nice way of saying you're on probation, and if your rolling average doesn't come up, you'll be gone next quarter. If I'm at 100% of standard, all is fine - I won't hear a peep from anyone. If I'm at 200% of standard, the awards come, I'm in good graces, have a shot at Limited Partner, and make some nice coin to boot. Pretty simple, right?

So going through and crunching the numbers this weekend with my business partner, we determined just what a nut it is I have to crack. Because of where I am, and the program I am involved in, I have to do 3.5X what a new guy has to do to maintain the standard percentages. Am I whining? Hell no, I wouldn't have it any other way - I have a nice starting book of business...it's just that I have to work the bejeezus out of it along with new biz to make my nut. I'll get there, I am confident - but I would be lying if I didn't tell you it is somewhat daunting.

Away from work, just finished up the basketball season. I have coached for 5 or 6 years now, and thankfully, this IS my last season. We did fine during the regular season, going 6-2, but we royally got our asses kicked in the playoffs. Oh, and I got my first two technicals, back-to-back. Hey, I can't help it if the refs need a lifetime prescription to Eyemasters! One of 'em was such a jerkoff, the other ref told him to get his hand outta my face. He tried to kiss up and make nice during the 4th quarter, but I let him know I still thought he was a dick and horrible ref, and I would be speaking with the director of the program, whom I know quite well. That was merely a threat - I really don't give a rat's ass because I am done coaching and wont' be seeing that program again. Hell, I am moving anyway, so I won't even be in this area anymore.

As for the personal things, I made a comment in an earlier post that I had a person from the past that was wishing to reconnect. After further consideration, I thought it best to let the past stay where it was. I can have a beer with her, but at the end of the day, the past is something I am moving away from, only looking forward, to I have let that slide and have only had contact when she contacts me. And no, that doesn't include early mornings calls - again, I ain't going there.

So life sounds pretty dull on this end, huh?

It basically is, as I have a ton of things going on, much to worry about, and all the while I'm trying to keep up a smiling game face. In several weeks I make another trip to the desert, and that is where the rubber meets the road - I'll be on my way or falling on my face, but come what may, I'll damn sure give it my all and continue working the 12-14 hours days I've been logging. I'll go down swinging if it doesn't work...no regrets!

And hey, have you figured out what you're gonna do with that check the government is fixin' to give you?

I know what I am doing with mine.

Paying bills, trying to get caught up, and maybe buying a decent steak dinner, the likes of which I haven't seen for far too long...

Keep looking up, keep looking ahead, and make every day count...you never know when this day might be your last!

It's just life

I apologize; life is kicking my ass, and at this point I am just trying to find a timeout.

Not to worry, all is fine - just that time is at a premium, and this kid doesn't have the $$$ to pay that gatekeeper. Capice?

When you're having dreams about work, and you go to sleep thinking about it, and wake up thinking about it, and the whole time all you want to do is just go hang and drink beers with buds, life becomes burdensome, no?

On the brighter side, I think my career is going well, and even brighter, others are wanting to 'reconnect' - and not the red-headed monster either...I want no part of that action. But rather, a person from my past who makes 2am bootie calls and gets a wild streak that gets me goin'.

Yeah, I can bitch, piss and whine - but all in all, I'm sure life has dealt a tougher hand than mine to others...

Time keeps on tickin' into the future...

Man - is it me, or is time just flying by?

I got back from Arizona with a huge 'to-do' list, and it seems I'm not making much headway. We're nearly a month into 2008 (!) and it appears that things on that to-do list just keep escalating, and none of it is an easy fix. Lemme 'splain, Lucy.

I have a house to get on the market and get sold. I have a job that regularly demands 12+ hours per day, and that's just to keep up. I have the typical "need to get dones" that seem to go by the wayside, eg. oil changes, prescript refills, appts, etc.

All work and no play makes Bent a very dull boy.

I'm working on that last part, but in all honesty, finding the time to find some playtime is becoming quite troublesome.

Throw in my son being sick, my being a dumbass because I rubbed the edge of the garage and need to get it fixed, and time is on the short side...but alas, I have no doubt things will ease up...they have to. After all, the good times aren't going to make themselves...and this kid is all about the good times.

Soo....what to do?

Well, for starters, one of you could offer me a beer...or...I could go find it as I am accustomed to. Lord knows I'm not a saint, and I do my best to be involved in all that has to do with the good times. So I guess I better figure it out, after all, you only live once... Yeah, that latter thing will work...

Back from the Desert

Made it back from my week in AZ. Incredibly nice weather the whole week, tho I didn't really get to enjoy it as I arrived at the conference center when it was dark, and left back to the hotel when it was dark.

Thank goodness my roomate (yes, they made us have one to save on $$$) was cool. He didn't mind me stumbling in at midnight after having numerous cocktails at the hotel bar. And I know what you're fixin' to ask, "Did you hook up with anyone?"

The short, straight answer? Nope. Could I have? Easily...I mean, on this one, it was money good before I woulda asked. But I learned a long time ago, don't shit where you eat, and that would have been the case here. So no - no boning for this guy.

Hope ya'll had a fantastic week.

Why's of Men

A good friend sent this to my inbox this morning - and even if you've seen it before, you can't help but laugh:

The Why's of Men

1. WHY DO MEN BECOME SMARTER DURING SEX? (because they are plugged into a genius)

2. WHY DON'T WOMEN BLINK DURING SEX? (they don't have enough time)

3. WHY DOES IT TAKE 1 MILLION SPERM TO FERTILIZE ONE EGG? (they don't stop to ask directions)

4. WHY DO MEN SNORE WHEN THEY LIE ON THEIR BACKS? (because their balls fall over their butt-hole and they vapor lock) (You're laughing aren't you?!?!)

5. WHY WERE MEN GIVEN LARGER BRAINS THAN DOGS? (so they won't hump women's legs at cocktails parties)

6. WHY DID GOD MAKE MEN BEFORE WOMEN? (you need a rough draft before you make a final copy)

7. HOW MANY MEN DOES IT TAKE TO PUT A TOILET SEAT DOWN? (don't know.....it never happened) ( C'mon guys, we laugh at your blonde jokes!)

And the personal favorite:
8. WHY DID GOD PUT MEN ON EARTH? (because a vibrator can't mow the lawn)

Remember, if you haven't got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart...Then you are just an old sour fart !

As for me, I'm leaving out on a training expedition to Arizona in a few hours. The weather should be pretty decent there - Lord knows DFW is pretty frickin' chilly today! It isn't like Green Bay, mind you, but for a guy who hates cold weather, anything below 60 pretty much sucks.

Freaks of the World

OMG - Is there any bigger celebrity freak than Tom Cruise? If you haven't seen the Scientology video with him as the star you must watch it. It's longer than most, but I guarantee you will walk away shaking your head.

What is amazing to me is how people can be drawn into cults like this. Look, I am a big believer in our freedoms to choose, and religion is one of those, but this stuff is just plain scary. Think of some poor believer with a mentally ill child that won't get treatment because these fucking morons think they have the answer.

Mormonism, while not as bad, is another cult. Sorry, when you believe some of the goofy things they do, you are an idiot. That is precisely why I'm against Romney in the GOP primaries. If this guy can actually believe the things espoused in the book of mormon and the teachings therein and in the D&C, than how weak-minded is he going to be to believe what some rogue foreign nation is telling him. e.g. Iran saying, "No, we're not training insurgents in Iraq!" Romney saying, "Well thanks for letting me know. We're good to go now!" Extreme in a sense, yes! But you get the point.

So next week I am off to Arizona for the week. I almost typed "fun in the sun" there, but alas, I will be working like a dog every day, so that doesn't really apply! I think about the only fun that will be had will be later in the evening at the hotel bar and having a cocktail or two. But hell, won't even be able to get a good buzz on, as I'll have to get up at like 6:00 each morning to get to the conference center again. Ugh.

Going Down

You didn't think I was going to discuss going down again in the sexual sense, did you? Nope, we're gonna talk equity markets today.

For those of you who remember me from my previous blog, you know that I am in financial services. More specifically, I deal in stocks and bonds. A challenging profession, to be sure, but interesting and I do enjoy the hell outta it.

What has got me down lately is how badly the market has been faring. For example, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the average the news stations typically report on) is down from its early October closing high of over 14,000 to under 12,500. It has lost over 1700 points, or a bit over 12% in the past 3 months.

There are several reasons pundits can point to as the cause for the shaky market, including the lousy housing market brought on by the sub-prime mortgage crisis. High energy prices certainly aren't helping, and just yesterday the news came out that inflation was the highest it has been in the past 17 years.

Those are valid reasons, but if one is going to be successful in this business, you need to look past the bad news that everyone all ready knows. In other words, will any of this crap mean one iota 3-5 years down the road? Nope, not even a lil bit. If you're a long-term investor, I would stand my ground if you're confident that you're holding solid securities. If you're a trader with a shorter time horizion, get ready, cause we're fixing to rally hard within the next week or so. I can't tell you exactly when, but when you see a day in which the market gets hammered yet again in the morning, then reverses to close higher above the previous day's high, I would buy stocks and bank on at least a 5% upward move.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Super Friends

Have you ever wondered what Superman would say if Wonder Woman said she wanted him to go down on her?

"Umm, well, I don't think Lois would much approve of that, Wonder Baby...but what the hell! Here comes Clark!"

Yeah, I've never really wondered about it, either.

Arrival 2008

Happy New Year...it is finally here!!! I've been waiting for 2008 for a while now, cause quite frankly, 2007 sucked.

But I have faith 2008 will be good - one must always look forward and maintain a positive attitude!

I have so much to catch you up on, some of it which pertains to a path I wish I had never gone down, but suffice it to say, I am here and will pass some of my happenings along from time to time...