View into my life

It was a pretty busy day. But nothing too amazing to report. Finally come about 7:00 PM I met up with AJ over here in Navarre. With nothing really planned to do, we just did the simple stuff of Walmart and driving by the beach. Mark called me after work. We were close by so we went and met him to eat. Nothing much, just What-a-burger. Mark and AJ ate, I just nibbled a few fries, because we had ate at home. Soft shell Tacos, so I was still full. After Mark headed off AJ just drove around, bored not ready for going home, but nothing really to do, or that we wanted to do. After another run by the beach, we sat talked, listened to some music. Before long it seemed it was getting to be morning time. I dropped him off at his car and headed home myself. Even as a night owl, I need to work on more sleep. Walking in at 6 in the morning can't happen too often, but it's fun now and then. Well I am off to try for some sleep.

Worked on some projects I have going. Went to Lowes. Went to Walmart. Went to the Center. Hung out with Mark some between his jobs. Went to Seville. Hung out briefly with Mark again. Went home.

It was a pretty laid back day. Paying bills, worked on a few projects I have going, and kept it easy. Spoke with Mark on the phone, and AJ, and a few others on-line. Not a lot to talk about for all that.

Tonight I attended a sports banquet. Food was good and I enjoyed the company of guest. Normally I have 100s of pictures taken of the team by this point, but this year was different. The season was shorter and Ivan killed almost a month of practice. I still enjoyed myself, and was proud to be have been part of the event.

I've been thinking, it's hard to belive we are almost to the middle of November. 2004 is going fast. So much to get ready and finish up before the end of the year. I hope for everyone else that they have had a good year. I know for me even with some ups and downs there have been more good things going on then bad. I count my blessings, and look forward to more good times. I hope you can do this too.

The day was an interesting day. AJ called me about meeting him at the beach, and Mark called about the same time. So the plan becamee meet for the beach. I picked Mark up in Gulf Breeze, and we drove over the bridge together to meet AJ. AJ hadn't expected Mark too, but was happy enough he came too. It was a great day for a couple hours on the beach the weather was perfect, and it was just nice. Our plan was to meet with AJ near the pier.



The water was pretty calm out, very little surf or movement. Poor Mark didn't know the plan as well so he didn't bring the right clothes.








Parts of the beach are still fenced off. Although it's great coming out to the beach again, it will be so wonderful to have full access.





We went to go check on something to eat, but the place we selected was closing the buffet.



After the beach we wnet over to hang out at the center. The staff is pretty cool. I suggest everyone at least check it out.


AJ pretended to pplay pool, while Mark and I had out laptops, and we were getting music from what the center had.



After running Mark back to his car and figuring out what to do next, we headed off to check out Best Buy that had reopened. Nothing too much going on there. We decided on Jerry's Drive in for something to eat. Food was great, so was my Corona with lime.



After dinner AJ and I drove back to his car. As always we stayed there talking for a long time. I have to admit it, he is a riot to listen too, it's always fun to hear whats on his mind.

AJ and I had made plans to hang out at the center, but it turns out it was closed on Sundays. Our plan "B" turned out to be to go look at Tatoo art. AJ wants to get a tatto in the near future, his first. So I suggested to put real thought into it by looking at what he could use and really think about it before he selects something. He knows he wants something small.



As we were leaving, I knocked my head on a door closer, and looked like I had been shot in the head. I was a sight to look at, NOT.

After leaving the Tatoo Parlor, we decided to go by and see Mark at work. There was hope that he might get off early, but it didn't happen. Finally AJ had to head for home, and I met up with Mark when he finally did get off of work. We did the Taco Bell thing, and Walmart. All pretty lame and tame to anyone else, but was pretty cool to hang out for a bit. I headed for home, and so did Mark, it was a long day, and I was tired.

Don't have too much to report on. AJ and I had planned on maybe trying to meet with Chris to watch DVDs at his place. Our lazy day threw those plans off because I had not confrimed with Chris. When I finally was able to contact Chris after AJ contacted me, it was a bit too late to start those plans, hope we can get a rain check on them. AJ still wanted to get together and so did I, so we worked on plan "B". Mark by this point had called me to say he was off of work, so I invited him to drive over to Navarre to join us. Before long we were driving off to Fort Walton Beach in the silver rice burner Mark's calls his Honda. Now I had been in contact with a guy over in Fort Walton Beach, named Shawn. He had been reading my journal and for some reason he thought it would be fun to hang out with us. Since he had given me his cell number to call him, tonight seemed like a good point to meet him for all of us. My first call to him ended up with reaching a voice mail, so I left a message and was off to have some fun with AJ and Mark. Our first stop was downtown to look at the Coca Cola Store, they always have some cool items on display. Next we were off to the beach. Both AJ and Mark took time to pose for some of our cheesey pictures in front of the beach.




We only spent a few short moments there because by this point I had heard back from Shawn, the guy over in Fort Walton beach. Next we off to meet him over at Walmart (like that's any surprise). You can tell a lot about a person by what happens in Walmart. We arrived at the Walmart parking lot and Shawn approached us. We all took time to intorduce ourselves and shake hands. Into Walmart we went.
Our Walmart stay was brief. Really just a chance to meet and figure out where to go next. The choice was back to the beach. Then next into Destin, then to another beach, then back to another Walmart, but this time in Destin. AJ wanted something to chew on, so it was a candy sweet stop.



Nothing new pictures were taken. We got to see the other side of Mark.



Althought Shawn was camera shy, I did manage to get one decent shot.



Besides buying some gummy bears, I picked another DVD. Around the World in 80 Days with Jackie Chan.



Our night with Shawn ended as we dropped him back off at his car. I am sure he thought we were all nuts. Because there was no real plan, the evening was just about meeting and hanging out wherever, and for myself, AJ, and Mark that was fun. I hope Shawn enjoyed our goofy company. When you add someone new to the circle of friends its a bit odd as you get to know the quirks of a new friendship. Some of thing things we all do may seem lame, but it's really more about a chance for us to spend time together, more than what we do.

My day was a mix of things to do. I had received several calls from Mark about hanging out, so finally I decided to mix what I had to run and do with meeting him. After stopping by the center to meet up with him we were off to Lowes.

Yea, Yea. I know exciting stuff. I dropped off my info about replacement window srceens. From there we went over to Sam's club.


I did some looking around for Christmas, and Mark was looking at some bedroom set he likes there. It's pretty nice, so I hope he is able to buy it. As I was running late we didn't get as much done as I had hoped. We headed back to the center, where it was pretty empty, but meet a couple of nice people, and learned more about what the center has to offer. All too soon, it was time for the center to be closing. We stopped by a nearby bar but it was dead, or at least I should say no one we knew was there. Not ready for our night to end, we decided to go by and check on Paul, and Dan. It was cool getting to sit in there kitchen and just chat. Paul had been out of town for a couple months and I had missed him.

Food was the next part of our night's adventure took us looking for food. TGIFridays was the place for food that night.




The food was good, we had the TUSCAN SPINACH DIP which is:
Parmesan and Romano cheeses blended with spinach, artichokes and sautéed onions & peppers. Served with tortilla chips and wedges of crusty ciabatta garlic bread. Still being hungry we opted for the sampler plate to split.



We left feeling better for some food in our stomachs. Mark was supposed to drive me back to my car, but he decided we needed a trip to AL-Mart.




As many of you may be used to, somewhere in every Walmart there are goofy hats, they must be tried on and stupid pictures must be taken.



Mark does his best to make use of his cell phone camera they same way I do, but not quite fast enough.



So when he can't take the picture the same way I do, it leads to a finger or a tounge being pointed my direction.



Finally Mark dropped me off at my car and I was on my way home. Now he has a cell phone too, the ride back seems shorter with company to talk to as we drive toward our different homes.

Today turned out to be pretty interesting. A.J. called me about meeting and after a shower and a shave I was on my way. I met up with him in Pensacola and we headed over to check out Pensacola Beach. It's sad all the damage. I was hoping to have some wings, and oysters at Crabs, but they are still closed down.
We ended up over at Flounders, and had the buffet. As we ate some ducks joined us to keep us company.



After we ate Mark called me on my cell phone, so we agreed to meet him in Pensacola. He went with us to check out a new recreation club. It was cool. We played some pool, and met a nice guy called Mike. Both Mark, and Mike had to leave for their jobs, so A.J and I were back on our own. But all was good, because we had lots to talk about.

When we returned to his car, we found a flat tire. A.J. is not the type to be changing ires, but he somehow managed. Guess this is his Karma for laughing at me having a flat the other day.



While we were hanging out we talked about the scum who keeps sending in Nasty comments to my journal. This person claims I am exploiting my friends with my cell phone camera. Truth is we all have fun cutting up and some posing. It's a way to have some fun with friends, I take some silly pictures that are corny, others might try writing crappy poetry, or pimping out some piece of sh-t Dodge. Pretty lame and inocent on our part, nothing like being asked by PJC police to stay off campus for stalking someone, like others might do.

Now I need to say this. I would rather not comment on the scum sending comments. Matter of fact, I had said nothing on him for the longest time. The reason was he had stopped for awhile, he said nothing, I said nothing about him. Easy enough. Not for the scum, he had to start in again on me. My journal was not bothering him in anyway, it was about my thoughts, and random bits of my day with people I care about. So I hope he gets the hint and stops the nasty comments, or at least not such a coward and use his name with his comments, rather than hide behind some nameless bitchy statement.

Ok, that's said. To my friends who read here. I am sorry for venting. I welcome all the positive comments people tell me about looking up to read on my day. Thanks for being there for me.

Yes, I did vote. This morning about 9:14 AM my vote was cast for the 2004 Presidential race as well as other items on the ballot. I hope everyone who reads this journal takes the time to vote. Where it's true none of the choices are perfect, there are difference in the men running. Think about who best represents the way you feel things should be done, and vote. I am tired of others telling me how to vote, that's personal, but I think everyone should vote. Make your voice count, be heard with your vote.

I am tired today, I went out last night and met with Mark. We hung out with a couple people we knew, but I got tired and wanted to leave, plus he and I had things we needed to talk about. There was a bit of friction over that, because Mark didn't want to leave, which was fine, but he didn't want me to leave either. He ended up having me stay over to talk, but then we didn't get to because he left with some others to go to Waffle House, although I was invited, I decide to pass. Some night you just are not in the mood for Waffle House.

Although I was upset over how all that happen, Mark and I did get a chance to talk later on when we went to his house. Not sure it did any good, but the words are out, and I guess thats all that can be done.

I ened up missing AJ's calls about going to see the beach. You can't take cell phones in while you vote. He called me twice and I missed them, but I am sure I will hear from him again. I am still trying to rest up from our trip to New Orleans. Wonder what we will try doing next. Send your ideas in for our review.

Well I am here, with AJ in the fun city of New Orleans again. Wow. Halloween weekend. What more should I say. Although we came into the city yesterday afternoon around five, this is my first chance to log on to here to update the journal. Our morning started off with AJ waking me up way too early, I mean why get up at 8:30 when you can sleep in. Sometimes that boy has too much energy. Since we were up, at least AJ was, he dragged me out of bed and we went for breakfast at the Cafe' Du Monde. We also stopped by and saw Richard a friend from Pensacola working that morning. Its been pretty fun so far. Although no silly hats were put on during this trip, it's always fun to plan a goofy picture here or there.

The weather has been perfect.



So far I am glad we came over, good food (Gumbo), good times (jazz and fun), and good friends (AJ and others).
We went by the Riverwalk Mall, it's pretty nice. I had some good stuffed pizza at the food court. Even though the food court had a bunch of different foods and choices, AJ ended up getting the same type of pizza as I did.

Power nap time.

Costumes of every kind were out tonight. Leave it to the people of New Orleans to do Halloween in a big way. Me I was in regular street clothes. We met several cool people while out during our stay. Funny thing was while there we ran into like 10 people we knew from the Pensacola area. I have mixed feelings on one thing. Mark was supposed to make the trip with us, but a family event out of state kept him from going too. He was back intime he could have driven over to join us, but instead made the choice to meet someone else in Pensacola. Still the trip has an interesting time.




Have a good start to the next month.

My day started off sucking. I had to get up early to check something. I walked in the dark, which is a bad habbit of mine. For the most part I know the house well enough with or without lights on. Well today I didn't know it well enough. I stubbed my middle toe on my right foot, and took a half inch gash of flesh. I bled for the longest time, and hurt like hell for going back to sleep. I throbbed and sleep was not easy.

Next part of my day was I need to complete a 30 second commerial for a small project I had going. Over all it went well until the cd I went to deliver didn't work right on the system where I took it. I had to go back home for my laptop to make a transfer of the video file with the completed comericial. Running back and forth, I did finally complete what I needed for that to be done.

While all this running was going on, I had made plans to hang out with A.J. Of course I was running late by about 20 minutes. He didn't seem to mind when I got there, just gave me a smile and got in the car.

Our first thing to do was to go find a place to eat. I really wanted raw oysters and wings from Crabs on the island, but the beach over there is still closed. Back up plan was a place I saw in the mall.



I will say, I really liked this place. The food was good, and they had free wireless internet. I ripped some music CDs while I was there, and A.J. kept me company.

We decided to go check out the bluffs on Scenic Highway. I had not been there in forever. It was pretty broke up in places.




A.J. seemed to enjoy a chance to get some sun. It felt great getting out and walking around down there.



The wooded dune areas are all gone. Its like a totally different beach with rail road track near it. We still enjoyed our time walking around. Although my foot still hurt from my morning accident and while at the park, a stick caught my sore foot and added a six inch cut to the top.

A.J. was just enjoying himself, so it was fun. I am glad we went by there.



A.J. was pretty upset with me when I told him of the possible move to Atlanta. It's nice to know there are people who care. I did receive the 2 post from the one creep who wants me to move, but I don't really care what he thinks.

We drove by to say hello to Mark, and wish him safe travels for his trip to Memphis. He will be gone for a few days.

By the way, the blue roof people were out from FEMA. Yay. And can you say Yay again. I was worried. I am still trying to find a roofer. I been told it may take months.

Well thats it for the moment. Count your blessings, and say a prayer for those you care about.

Today proved to be interesting. I went to go see the Vice Preident speak. I even got to shake his hand. Now for many of you that may not be important, but for me it is. So I don't hear about it from a bunch of people. I take time to listen to Kerry, Edwards, Bush and Cheney. I want for my vote to be based on being informed, by listening to those who may be running our country. I would like to think that when I do vote next week, my vote will be based on what I think is the better choice of the options we have. The great thing, we dont all have to agree, just vote based on your on choices.

Side point, last night I received a pretty nasty journal comment about if I should take the job offer. Ok, here it is, this journal is about my random thoughts, and to share some info with friends. It is not here for nasty comments to be posted. I can't see why you bother to read my journal if you can't stand me. It seems such a waste of time to do that. Go get a life of your own rather than worry about me and my choices in my life. Most of the comments sent into me are great and very supportive. For the one creep who keeps doing the nasty comments, I am not sure who pissed on your frosted flakes, but leave me alone. I can't see why my life and happyness is a factor you need to make comments on. So crawl back under your rock with the other slime you consider you real friends.

Well I got the adjustors report. Few mistakes that need to be fixed, Ivan did about $26,084.92 in damages. A few things will up that because of size errors, or additional repairs. Tomorrow I will order some roofing, and get started on rebuilding. I hate all thats going on, it sucks to have to deal with it. Ok, my pity party is over. I am still having to deal with FEMA, and work out the rest of the mess going on. But at least now I have a starting point. Wish me luck, finding a roofer.

As you make your way through life, you discover different paths to take on the journey. Recently I have had a chance to change my direction and walk a new path. From a project I worked on several months back, I have been offered a job up in Atlanta. Now this is not the first good job offer to come my way, but this offer comes at a time when I was thinking about changes anyway. The biggest road block to a move would be my home. A lot of work went into building it, and I want to see it finished, but even that has a place in deciding what path to take. With out trying, I was asked to sell my home at an amount greater than I would have expected. I checked with a friend of mine about the offer and have been told it was a fair offer, or I could hold out for more. It's a seller's market right now, and to sell my home would not be a problem, if I chose not to accept the offer on it now. Some of the reasons for me to stay are changing too, or never were there to start with.

My plan is to bring a few things to closure. For those of you who have followed this journal, thank you for your support. Depending on my final choice, things may happen pretty fast. I will be closing the journal here if I move, because it will be an end to this chapter in my life.

Well today I set in motion the repairs to the hottub and other items around here. I just got off the phone with the hottub repair man. He will be here at 3 to let me know what's needs and how much it will be. I am looking forward to that, to be soaking in the hot steamy water looking out to the stars. Update to be added later.....,

Nothing happen. Nothing to write about.

My day started with a phone call from A.J., and I was sleeping pretty good when my cell phone rang. He wanted me to hang out, but I still had not fixed my tire problem. Off to Walmart I went, with the plan of meeting him there and hanging out while my tire was repaired. Saddly, the tire had to be put down. The puncture was too close to the edge and it was not meant to have a full and complete life on the road with the other tires on the land cruiser. While I waited on A.J., I found a DVD movie set I wanted. The Star Wars Trilogy



After walking around Walmart for a few minutes we decided to head off to the beach in Navarre to see what it looked like. On our ride over there, Mark called me on my cell phone. He seemed to be in a pissy mood. I don't think he was happy I was hanging out with A.J., but he was invited to join us. A.J. and I drove over the Navarre bridge to see what Ivan had done to our beaches. Don't get me wrong with this statement. Although it's bad over there, I was expecting to see everything gone. I am happy to know we still have a beach, and some people still have their homes. The beach was so nice to walk on again, I have missed that so much. Our pier, even though damaged still stands.



We still have several condo building stand tall and mighty, ready to be lived in again.





Even though many condos still stand, others are broken beyond repair. This condo stands next to the tall one. It's so damaged it will have to be torn down. If you look in the image you will see the cement post that once held up a 7 story condo building just like the damaged one.


This is the downstairs row of condos, of the one damages building. It's sad to know they were once pretty grand condos.


I know I have writen a lot on the impact of the storm, but it still shocks me what the power of nature in a few hours of time did to our area and to the lives of so many.

I myself and still trying to cope with all that happen to my home, but I still can live here, and know I will get it repaired. God bless those who felt the impact of Ivan, and may your lives return to normal in short time.

Mark joined us at the beach briefly, beofore we drove off to have lunch and go to the mall. On a stop at a building supply place, Mark joke kicked me in the butt. Being I have had back surgery, I did not take it with any humor. It sent a shock all the way up my spine and hurt an awful lot. It also bothered me that after almost 3 years, he didn't know better. I was ready to just be taken back to my car and call it a day, but decided to carry on to see how I would feel. We ate at a place called Toco Town. They have an awesome Nacho Supreme.

The mall was just a trip to the mall. Doing the shopping for up coming Christmas, and looking for clothes. Like usual it takes nothing to get my friends to pose for pictures with goofball stuff. A.J. took about 5 minutes to get to put this back pack on.



The mall was fun, but got old so it was time to head on. We decided to go check out Branes & Noble.



I love book stores, and can spend hours in them. I am an avid reader, and could never own too many books. Only problem is the cost of buying all that I would like to own. Our evening came to an end as A.J. had to go home because of early morning classes. It was an interesting day. Some good some bad. I drove home with a lot on my mind. With everything going on, I guess it's time for me to make some choices. Not all of them are going to be easy ones, but maybe for the best.

Yesterday had its pain in the ass moments. I had to add another tarp to the roof for storm damage from Ivan. Let me tell you it's not easy putting a 24' x 30' tarp down. At the right angle it wants to become a sail. Getting it on was a good thing, I still need to complete more patch work, but some each day is all I can get done.

AJ called me about meeting him at the mall, so I agreed, but as I went to leave my tire was flat. Now the best thing to do was change the tire then, but I am not always that smart. I decided to blow the tire up and have it worked on at someplace. Not my brightest choice. I did add air to the tire and it did blow up. But the leak was giving out faster then I thought it would be. I had to add air on my way to the mall it was flat again. Then my idea of where to have it fixed fell through. The service station was closed for good. So there I was at the mall, flat tire, every place for it to be fixed is closed, and it's Sunday. AJ came out and helped me, or I should say tried to help me.

Mind you, I have had my Land Cruiser for a little over 2 years, and never had to change a tire on it. I knew where the spare was, but to get it down from below was not working the way they show in the glove box book. Then there was the problem about getting the tire off. Those tiny jacks they give you suck. Finally I get the car jacked up, and the tire will not come off at all. It was like it was wielded on. End result, 2 cans of fix a flat, and a couple bucks in air, I was alble to drive it. I will be finding some tire place to complete, what I was not able to. Believe me, I will find out more on what I did wrong. I have had that tire off before to replace my brake pads, I am wondering if my last trip to go mudding created a bond to keep the tire on.

In all this, Mark called, he got off early and asked to join me to help. After using the fix a flat, and a refill on my air, we drove over to Wal-mart, or as the sign says AL-Mart.



My luck for the day ran low, the tire place was closed. Oh well, gave me time to go eat. We decided on going to Dennys, which was a mistake. The food was pretty blah, and the service was not very good.

Well it was time to return to AL-Mart, thats where Mark had left his car, and I needed another can of fix-a-flat. We all sort of walked the store, just killing time. Mark had to try on the lamp shade to decide if the shade suited him for next time he got wasted at someones party.


AJ was looking for just the right pumkin pail for Halloween.



Not happy with the lampshade look, Mark decided to look for the perfect hat. As you can see he found it in the fashion department. He was lucky to have found both it and a plan "B" hat.

Well today has been a long one. Had to work with FEMA about getting tarps, and correcting certain information they had input wrong. That was half the day shot. After completing the process I stopped by to see Mark at where he worked because it was about a block from where FEMA is set up. I figured I would just say "Hi", but he was just starting his lunch hour. We decided to grab something together because I had not eaten at all during the day. We checked out this one place around the corner from where he works and they had German food on the menu for October fest. This one older man was playing music and singing. It was pretty funny. Food was pretty good, and I had fun.



I am still in process of moving certain journal entries over from where they were written to here on livejournal. Maybe some pictures too.

Today was a super long day. I had an apointment in Pensacoloa, and running around to do in FortWalton Beach. My day started early, and never seemed to end. I was ready for a break. Tonight's break of choice was Seville.


I had fun even though I went early. The place filled up and it was cool. I ended up seeing my one friend A.J. Who I had wondered about since the storm had hit. We hung out for a bit, then he had to make it home before to late. Also ran into Monty who used to be a doorman there, but was there tonight as a regular guy having fun. Always fun to run into people you know when you go out. It ended a long day, but a good one over all.