Random thoughts from the 44th state

Things that crossed my mind while I have nothing else to do. Unemployed.  On the soup line. Nobody knows the trouble I'm in, nobody knows my sorrow. Actually, the opening line I've had in my head for awhile now is, things that crossed my mind while wondering what the guy in "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" was in the joint for.  It was three long years and his gal waited for him.  What did he get busted for?  Break and entering? Petty larceny?  It's a good question.  I didn't google the answer, I'll leave that up to my devoted followers.

1) I need to change my heading to "Located 360 miles due south of the Center of the Universe" but don't think I have the skills on the new blogger.

2) As stated in Random thoughts #26, The Prodigy arranged a trip for us to go to Augusta and watch The Masters.  It was awesome.  The golf course is like none I've have ever seen.  The trip was fabulous.  I downloaded the Augusta weather and packed accordingly.  Unfortunately it was Augusta, Maine.  I bought a pair of souvenir shorts at the pro shop for $75 as I didn't pack any.  It was about $45 over my maximum for that type of apparel but it was also 88.  Stupid Iphone.

3) Been in Wyoming for just over a month.  No job yet but I had planned on taking the summer off anyway unless something shows up.  TP has a job for my in Sheridan to get me by for "walking around money" so that is my fall back.

4) I'm exhausted.  I spent the majority of the day in BRM's garage cleaning her tools.  She was married to a farmer who passed several years ago and the tools have been sitting since she sold the farm.  Soaked them in white vinegar and scrubbed the rust off.  Over 80 screwdrivers.  Then to make matters worse I chipped golf balls for two hours.  It's a rough life I'm leading.

5) Heading to Vegas tomorrow with BRM and her sister and brother-in-law to meet the third and final sister. Will have to bring my "A" game.  Was in Vegas in February while I was still employed and will be going back in June as me and the guys from Malta are having a gathering to celebrate all of us turning 50.  You all are invited as well.  Vegas in June should be splendid.  Probably only 100 or so.

6) Spending a day in Augusta was awesome.  It is a well oiled machine and the service is first rate.  Throughout the course of the day nature does call.  I entered the restroom.  One of the young men working there looked at me "Do you need a stall sir?" "Yes please" I replied. "One moment while I disinfect it for you."  He entered with a roll of paper towels and a spray bottle.  "Every patron gets a clean seat" he said.  That's service.  It's also probably an entry level position I'm guessing.

7) I can't figure out how to get pictures from my Ipad to post but am working on it. Apple technology is great but I do have my struggles.

8) I miss Bozeman.  Especially on Friday nights.  That's the big one.  Meeting the same people for Friday drinks for 15 years is a hard one.  Such great, wonderful people.  Devoted followers but better friends.

9) I don't want to talk about Boston right now only to say that I don't like the statements coming from the White House. A horrific act and my heart goes out to the victims.

10) I hurt my elbow moving.  I don't know what I did but it has a twinge of pain sometimes when I'm lifting something.  Fortunately it doesn't affect my golf swing so I can live with it.

11) I had to register my truck in Wyoming. It was hard removing my commerative MSU plates but I can always personalize my Wyoming plates for MSU.

12) BRM and I spent a week in Arizona visiting our mothers.  Played some golf.  My mother had not met her yet and her husband told me I "can quit fishing" so she must have made a good impression.

13) We live ten miles out in the country. It's awesome.  BRM kept a few acres and the house when she sold the farm to her son-in-law.  Peaceful.  It is drag when you need something and have to drive ten miles to town but it makes you plan better.

14) The Ipad is not my favorite for blogging.  It gets to the bottom of the page and I can't see what the hell I am typing.  Just a glitch I supposed but as my typing skills are limited it makes it difficult.  Have a great weekend.

Safe journeys,
Chip

New Pope

Pope Francis.

It reminds me of the time the Pope was in Calgary.  People were saying "whose the guy in the pointy hat with Milk River Madman?"

Best wishes Pope Francis.

Moving...two words

It sucks.

Have made two trips to Worland since Sunday. Have one more  to make and I'll be home free. When I moved into my little townhouse in 2001 I had little, now I have more. I have made two trips to Worland and Friday will be my last.

This part of the plan is one more than I thought. Other than that I'm right on track.

As my dad told me "Life has only one direction and that is forward"

Good advice.

Random thoughts #26

Things that crossed my mind while wondering what the guy in "Tie A Yellow Ribbon" did time for.  He was in the joint for three long years. What did he do? It was the early 70's and what did three years get you back then? Grand theft was still probably 20 years. So what was it? On with the random   thoughts.

1) The Rolling Stones are not even close the greatest band ever. This foolish talk should end now. They aren't even in the top five British bands. Those are:The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Queen and The Kinks.  The Stones are about 23rd. I'm sure I can come with 17 bands better than the Stones. FRom 5 to 23 I mean.  The Sex Pistols immediately come to mind.

2) Of the last statement, the debate for number one starts and ends with The Beatles.  All other arguments are null and void. Don't try to make them for anyone else. It isn't going to happen. Cease!!

3) Of the American bands the title belongs to The Doors.  Please don't tell me it is The Eagles. Don Henley would sell his would to Satan to be as good a song writer and singer as Jim Morrison. For the record, The Eagles don't make the top five either. Yawn.

4) I could really get used to not working.  I am not one of those guys who if I won the lottery would wonder what I would do with the money. Quitting my job would be the first thing.  Hell, I quit my job two weeks ago without the lottery.  Now it is my goal to win it. I guess you have to play which is something I don't do.  I think playing increasing your odds.

5) The move to Wyoming was well planned.  I saved money until I hit my number. As I stated, Titan was given the chance to retain me.  I did not present it as an ultimatum. Quite the opposite, I asked if they would entertain the possibility of my leaving. As stated they declined so I left.  Was going anyway with or without them.

The Last Third, The First Load

Hello, yes, it's been a while, not much, how bout you?

Yes, that is exactly how I am starting this post.  With the first line of England Dan and John Ford Coley's hit "I'd really like to see you tonight."

I moved to Bozeman from Malta 25 years ago.  Hard to believe it has been that long.  As I hit the magical number of 50 a couple of weeks ago, it made me pause for some reflection as I am want to do a lot lately.  One half of my life in Malta, one in Bozeman.  But wait, life isn't over.  What about the rest of life?  Though longevity is a family trait, especially on my dad's side, I can't honestly say if I'll hit 100 so to say that life is half over might be a little cocky.  Though that is a quality I have in spades, if you don't let a little humility enter your life after you get your first application to AARP, then you are never going to get it.

So now it's the last third.  What will it bring?  When will it end?  Mortality is never a fun subject.  I'm still waiting for a cure but there does not seem to be one forthcoming.  What do I do?  I never really thought of it.  Life has been on a good run for me so I really wasn't concerned about the last third.  Keeping working, going to Bobcat games.  Run to the COTU to see the kids, start looking for a house in Arizona.  You know the usual. Then God decides to stir things up by throwing in a woman. Curses, foiled again.

She's pretty nice.  The consensus on here nickname is Bighorn River Madwoman.  I must really like her because I broke my "I'm never going to date a Scorpio again" rule that had been in place since November 2004.

So you meet someone and things go exceedingly well.  Better than expected.  Your friends and family love her and are giving you the "don't mess this up" speech.  Her family and friends think you are great. You're vacationing together and her kids trust you with their kids.  Not really anything to complain about.

So what do you do?  Uproot her from her family and the business she owns? Or take your job to her?
I chose the latter and requested for relocation.  It was denied.

For the first time since I graduated from high school, I am unemployed.  I resigned Wednesday much to the shock of my superiors.

I'm not worried.  I have a plan and a pretty good one. I won't get rich but I won't go broke.  And I've never been happier.  Hell, I might become a "post a day" guy again.

I don't know what the last third has in store.  I know it will be tough to beat the middle third but I do know this, the last third is off to great start.

I'm moving to Wyoming.  Brought down the first load yesterday.

I'll be in touch.  What else do I have to do.

MRM

Just catching up

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I did and my best to all of you.

I won't be around for New Years. I will be in Cancun, Mexico. I met a wonderful woman in June and have been seeing her since. I haven't figured out a nickname for her. She lives on the Bighorn River in Wyoming and has her own real estate  business. So, do i call her The Realtor or the Bighorn River Madwoman? The first is a lot of typing, the second is just BRM. I leave it up to you dear followers and expect many votes.

Honestly, she is a very nice lady. Took her to Malta for Christmas and she still likes me. And so did my family which is good. I haven't said anything about this all summer in my few posts but it is good.

All that aside, my best to all of you for a great 2013. It will be a tough one as The Duke will be 50 in February.   Life is just life. Embrace what it gives us. You all do and that is why I am so thankful for everything I have.

Like I said, just catching you up.

Happy New Year,

Chip

It is what it is

So Barry is playing the same cards. We are sinking. John Boehner needs to grow a pair and say "Hey. You want a 2% tax increase? Fair enough. We will pass it." The problem is that Boehner has less balls than a heifer calf. Pass it. For Christsakes make it happen. Revel in the fact that it won't make things better. Hell, let the Bush tax cuts expire. I'm all in. Let the morons who voted for Barry see what happens.

On a lighter note. My beloved Bobcats play Stony Brook on Saturday (espn360) in the first round of the FCS playoffs. It will be a tough game but I think we will prevail.

Some other things to report on that I am not obligated to talk about at this point.

Best Christmas wishes. Not "Happy Holidays"

MRM