Woodshed time (caution, adult language)

Yes, It's woodshed time. Someone I know needs a "Look Bitch Speech". A trip to The Hurt Locker even. The difference is, that when I set that person down and give them the ole "Look Bitch, shit needs to change!", I should be looking in the mirror.

I did a little soul searching today, and decided I didn't like my attitude this week. Bitching and moaning. Getting all butthurt over stupid stuff. Basically, I was acting like the assholes I hate.

A good example. I'm cutting weight again. Because of that, when I was at Jiu Jitsu tonight, I was a bit more tired and didn't perform like I should have. This caused me to get the redass over an honest mistake. A mistake made by one of the nicest guys in class. Looking back I definitely needed a checkup from the neckup.

I can make excuses, I'm tired, hungry, the Sun was in my eyes, the dog ate my homework, but the reality was, I should have been better. Short story long, I needed to change my attitude. Thus, I take a trip to the woodshed. Tomorrow I am going to bust my hump at work, act like the consumate sales professional I am, and win the contest they are running. Then, I will use that money to buy a new shotgun. Either a Stoeger sxs 2 barrel set, or maybe one of those CZ O/U shotguns.

It's amazing what a little perspective can do for a bad attitude.

The lotto Meme

Hammer created this one, and I figured it might be fun.

You just won the mega powerball jackpot to the tune of 150 million dollars (after taxes)

1. What would be the very first thing you would do?

Other then create a Corporation to claim the winnings? Probably go shopping (at the gun store).

2. Where would you choose to live?

I would have a nice ranch near Austin, then keep a couple other properties to visit (including one in South America).

3. What kind of house would you live in?

Luxury rock/log cabin

4. What kind of car would you buy?

Probably should read: What kind of carS would you own? I would get a nice SUV for Rabbitteach (probably something like the Cayenne), then I would get a new F250, a big H1 Hummer, and a nice Mercedes (a going to town car).

5. Where would you vacation?

Brazil and the Dominican Republic. Of course, we would probably hit Europe, since I have never been.

6. Would you have anything on your body fixed?

Is anything on my body broken? I would probably get more ink.

7. What kind of hobbies would you engage in?

Pretty much the same as I do know (Guns, hunting, BJJ, custom knives, etc). I would probably end up getting a full knife making shop setup so I could tinker. Blacksmith shop also.

8. What charities would you donate to?

TSRA and the International Dyslexia Association would get a nice check. I would probably give some money to a local church (in whatever small town my ranch is located). I would also keep a hunting ranch setup for people with disabilities. Wheelchair friendly deer stands, and things like that. Then I would probably offer hunts for free to Make a Wish (or a similar group) and the Wounded Warrior project.

9. Would you give money to your relatives?

Probably, but more for the kids. Give each kid a $50k college fund. By the time they are older it should be enough to pay for college (or start a business if they decide not to go).

10.Would you run away from your current life?

Nope, no reason to do that.

11. Would you continue to work?

I would start my own businesses, although I wouldn't bog myself down with the details.


12. Would the money change you in any way?

I would like to say no, but odds are it would.

Freaking out the norms

A couple weeks ago I went to a Tattoo Festival. This was my first Tattoo festival, so I didn't really know what to expect. All in all I can say it was interesting. The lighting was challenging, so not every picture worked, but I did get a couple cool shots.

While walking through, I started flipping through one of the artists flash, just to get an idea of what they prefer, and if it would be worth while to hang out and take some pictures. Apparently I looked a little too normal, as this older guy (late 60s or so) came over and started talking to me. He was covered in old ink on his arms, and had a fresh one on his leg, and generally was a little intimidating at first. Fairly gruffly, he started asking me questions. I explained I was interested in taking some pictures of artists working, and had been thinking about some new ink. Of course, he looked at the flash book I was checking out, and it was all low quality flowers and tribal stuff. Awwwkwaard. Anyway, I explained I was looking for an artist to do some Japanese work (in prep for my Foo Dogs) and then showed him my right shoulder. He looked at me thoughtfully for a second and said "but you look so normal!". I responded with "I'm just here freaking out the norms." He thought that was hilarious.

I guess stereotypes run both ways.

Viva! Viva! Las Veeegggggaaaaas

Back from Vegas. The good news, is that my wife, Rabbitteach, has finally decided these aren't boondoggles. She even said something to the effect of "I didn't realize how much you work on these trips." Apparently she got bored while I was working in the booth. Anyway, Vegas was good. No serious flight delays (coming home I had about 45 minutes in DFW but it wasn't horrible).

Vegas has gone through some serious growth since I lived there. They added the Wynn resort (and a 2nd tower), THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay, and they started on a huge building project called City Center. Back in the day people used to go to Vegas for a cheap buffet and gambling, but the nightlife and gastro scene is incredible. However, it isn't cheap anymore. Even the crappy buffets are $27 at night.

While there we decided to go for a good dinner (completely breaking my diet). I had Fois Gras Sliders, Duck Fat fries (Amuse Bouche) , a big dry aged steak, scalloped potatoes with goat cheese and onions, and Creme brulee. It was lovely.

I also managed to win a little cash playing Black Jack while there. In the end, I walked away with a little over $500 in winnings. Rabbitteach lost $40 or so in the slotmachines. We had a good time. Back on the diet wagon this week. If I can get down to my target goal of 205 I get a new tattoo. I'm thinking Foo Dogs this time.

Leaving, on a jet plane.

Off to Vegas again. Should be the last trip for a couple months. Next will be probably be NYC for Interop. Lots of toys, to play with lately. I horsetraded a fantastic deal for a Larue upper (not complete) and a complete DPMS sportical upper (complete but ugly). Once I finish with these two, I will have 3 complete ARs. Not too shabby. Plus, the new iPhone. I know, Steve Jobs could shit in a box and mark it iCrap and people would stand in line to buy them, but the iPhone is a decent piece of hardware.

In other news, the Olympics are going on. My problem, is they never televise the events I want to see. We will watch 700 hours of badminton and women's gymnastics, but fuck Judo. Why should we care about that. I just end up watching it on the computer, but come on.

Also, a big FU to my Utility District. In the past month, we have been without water for two days, and had to boil (or more realistically use bottled water) for another two days. I know where that plant is, and am willing to go over at 5AM when I'm cranky and need a shower to settle this shit. I'm barely human in the morning, and hot water does lots to make that transition to the living. Utility district and the asshats who work there, you are on notice!