Wine In The Woods

I know it's been a little bit since I last posted... A 'little bit'?  It's been over a month since we've last had the chore privilege of reading about the ramblings of Jay.  Yeah, so I've been more than a little lazy, and had love and life in general taking up a large chunk of my free time.  Add to that a wicked case of blogger's block and it makes it a little difficult to post.

It's like, when, you don't really have any idea what to blog about...

Anyway, aside from those tiny, little, immensely large, and imposing issues, things have been going pretty good for me.  I've now officially been to Wine in the Woods, for my girlfriend's best friend's birthday celebration.  It was an experience.  Really?  Did you drink wine?  Was it in the woods?  Are you really going to come at me all spider monkey already?  Heck to the Yes I am!  I've got over a month of snarky comments and meandering asides pent up that need releasing!  Oh brother.  Anyway, about Wine in the Woods, it was an experience... 

Wine?  Why yes, I'll have quite a lot, thank you.

Let me start by saying that I had more of a good time than I didn't.  Huh?  Ok, let me explain.  My girlfriend and I got there around 1:30 on Saturday, and began the leisurely stroll to find her friends.  I had the green wristband that all the drinkers had and a commemorative wine glass that would be used for the grand tasting, my girlfriend had the yellow designated drivers wristband.  So we began our fateful adventure.  On the way, we were handed coupons to a really fantastic bbq truck called Carnivore BBQ, and we partook.  It was delicious!  So we started eating as we made our way toward where her friends were supposed to be (by the purple stage) by following the chalked out path that the fine folks at Merriweather Post Pavilion were kind enough to mark.  It wasn't a very wide path, and there was enough opposing traffic that we started walking single file, with me leading.

After about twenty or so feet like this, I hear a shout behind me.  I turn around to see my girlfriend sitting on the ground.  Why was she sitting?  That was my thought, actually.  For a split second, I though I walked right past her friends and she sat with them and was alerting me to come back.  Well, I was wrong.  The first clue that something was wrong, horribly, horribly wrong was that the totally awesome pork bbq she was eating was on the ground, on the programs, and on the birthday card for her friend.  Then I saw a horrid expression of pain and bewilderment on her face.  Finally I saw the crater that caused her to fall.

It wasn't this exact crater, but roughly as large.

My heart sank and my fears began to rise like a tsunami.  This was the second time that she had fallen while with me, the other was after a Caps playoff game, and was less than a year removed from a broken ankle.  Almost instantly I thought the worst, that she had broken her ankle again.  Thankfully, she didn't suffer injuries that severe.  However, here is what I don't understand.  The area where the hole was was inside the chalked off lines that served as the no blanket zone and the de facto walkway.  BUT, this was a huge wine tasting, where the VAST majority of the people there would be imbibing large quantities of an alcoholic beverage.  When the people making the lines saw the hole, and judging from the size, there was absolutely no way they didn't notice it, especially considering that it had part of the chalk going through it, did they think that 20,000+ drunk people would see the hole and avoid it?  My girlfriend wasn't drinking, and managed to fall because of it.  There is no way, none, that I think she was unique in falling because of it.

The event got off to a smashing start.  Sarcastic, aren't we?  A little bit.  We found her friends, and instantly discovered that they were oh so conveniently located only about 50 yards behind the oh so tasty Carnivore BBQ truck, just in the other direction.  My girlfriend sat down, put a cold bottle of water on her now very painful foot, and introduced me to her friends.  Luckily, a Dave Matthews Band cover group was performing on the purple stage.  Poorly.  Have I forgot to mention that I loathe Dave Matthews?  I think you've said it in the past.  I find him an obnoxious, arrogant, and pompous artist whose music is dreadfully terrible.  I was nervous, as I met her best friend only once and none of the other people at all, and more than a little worried about her lower appendage.  I was offered wine right away.  I drank wine right away.  I was offered more wine.  I drank more wine.  I then, casually, mentioned how torturous the band was, which didn't go over very well, as her friends seemed to have the opposite opinion of both the current band and Dave Matthews in general.  Too each their own.  My girlfriend asked me to get her some more bbq, since hers had inconveniently become part of that dirt path, and I went about acquiescing to that request.

Mmmm, deliciousocity on a bun!

    

Almost as soon as I returned, I was offered another glass of wine, which I graciously accepted.  This one was a delicious pomegranate wine that I decided I wanted more of.  And I asked where it was procured from, with the full intention of meandering my way over and purchasing a bottle or two.  Her best friend offered to get me a bottle, as she and the rest of the group were going to go on another round of tasting.  My girlfriend wasn't able to walk very well, and decided to stay.  I decided to be chivalrous and stay with her.  Well, my girlfriend's friends started saying that she was fine, and that I should go with them, and my girlfriend readily agreed.  Me, being the stubborn as a mule person that I am, dug in my heels.  I was going to stay with her, and nothing was going to change my mind.  Nothing, that is, until my girlfriend, who wasn't in a very good mood at this point, understandably so, told me to "GO!!!".  I went, which did take me further away from the atrocious Dave Matthews cover band, which was a definite plus.  I went with the sole goal of purchasing a bottle of the pomegranate wine.  Her friends, however, had other ideas.  The rapscallions!

Instead of taking a direct route to the tent that sold the wine I wished to purchase, we took the circuitous route, stopping at every tent before that one.  And at every tent before that one, we tasted wine, wines, and even more wine.  I'd like to completely blame them, but that wouldn't be factual, as I more than eagerly tasted wine after wine after wine.  Some I liked, some I really liked, and some I loved.  Well, maybe that isn't exactly true, as I'm not a very big fan of vino at all.  By the time we got to the tent that I wanted to go to, I had already purchased two bottles of wine, bought two more at that tent, and drank about forty times more than I had this year.  To say I was a little tipsy would be an understatement of the highest magnitude.  The strange thing was, that since I was a lot looser and less self conscious, and I found myself honestly liking her friends.  They all are genuinely nice people with very good senses of humor.  And if it wasn't for the starkness of my girlfriend's foot injury, I'd have called it a great day.  So all in all, spending the day at Wine in the Woods was a good day.

And I didn't have to use my AK...

Then, however, it became time to go home.  We had to park about a mile away from the event.  A mile while two steps past drunk is tough.  And a mile while two steps past drunk with a girlfriend who couldn't walk very well was way past tough.  After only maybe a hundred yards or so toward the exit, we decided that it would be just too far for her to walk.  Fortunately, there was a handicapped golf cart shuttle boarding station right by where we decided that.  So I asked the park attendant if we could take it, though I was prepared to fight until she, at least, was able to take it (I would have walked and met her down there if they said I couldn't ride).  A shuttle pulled up right then, and like locusts swarming on a field of crops, a dozen people rushed and jumped on before she could get on.  So we had to wait for the next one, which took about half an hour.

Our chariot.  Sort of.

We got on, and figured that the majority of our troubles were behind us...  Ooops.  Turns out that the handicapped shuttle could only take us about a quarter of the way, and had all of us disembark significantly short of the parking area.  So we had to walk.  A long way.  I tried to be gentlemanly and support her weight as well as I could, but gravity and a downward slope worked against me.  Being as drunk as I was, even though I was trying not too, I was being pulled down the hill faster than she could walk, which was putting an awful lot of strain on her injured foot, which caused an awful lot of pain.  And she let me know, in no uncertain terms, that she didn't want my help walking.  That stung.  But we soldiered on, and about a half hour later, made it to her car.  For the record, if I thought that she was suffering from a broken bone or was unable to walk, I wouldn't have drank hardly at all, certainly not enough to be close to impaired. 

The ride home wasn't that good.  I was too far gone to really hold an intelligent conversation and found myself repeating stupid things.  Unlike when I am really tired, and there seems to be a delay between my thought and then my mouth speaking, it was like my mouth was saying stuff before my brain was thinking.  I know that I was making her more upset, but couldn't seem to stop saying the wrong things.  Sounds frustrating.  It sure was.  We decided to pick up some food on the way, well it was probably her decision and I probably agreed before I had time to even realize the question.  So we got Chik-Fil-A salads and then got home. 

I found myself on the couch watching television with my dinner and a large cup of cold coffee sitting on the table.  Moments later, or in reality over three hours, I woke up and decided it was time to go to bed.  I apologized for everything that ever went wrong in the history of God's green earth, and shambled my way upstairs.  I struggled to get my pants off and my night shorts on, then collapsed on the bed.  Maybe an hour later, I decided I needed to take my T-shirt off and brush my teeth.  I succeeded in removing my shirt, but forgot my undershirt, and cautiously made my way into the bathroom.  I managed to get the toothpaste on the brush, and make a cursory pass on my teeth before the spinning of the room became too much.  I, instantly it seemed, spit and rinsed and again collapsed into bed.  Next thing I remember is my girlfriend getting into bed.  I was facing her, and distinctly remember her pulling her body pillow up to her face.  Alas, I knew why.  My breath probably stunk like a man who drank way too much sweet wine and couldn't muster enough soberness to brush his teeth.  I said that I knew why she did that, and began to roll over.  She wrapped an arm around me and said it was fine and that she would deal.  I continued, and completed my roll over, she thought I was going to try and get up to brush them, I knew I couldn't walk five feet.

The next morning, after we both woke up (I woke up at about 5 and brushed my teeth, I couldn't take her not liking how my breath smelled) I looked at her and said "Honey, if I could travel back in time and tell my past self just one thing, it would be that Wine in the Woods does not end well for either of us.  Both of us end up in a lot of pain."  She chuckled, and told me that dinner for that night was the dinner I didn't eat before passing out.  Odd, as I distinctly remember eating it.  Only I didn't.  Being drunk isn't a great ingredient in a great day, that is for sure.  And that day was far from my finest...

If you attended Wine in the Woods with us, and I messed up some of the details, I apologize.  My memory of it is, to say the least, a little foggy.  I've been trying for four days to pull the details out of that obfuscation, and it has been difficult.  Also, because this has been quite a long recounting, I'm going to skip the usual other things that I normally add in, save one.


Just to make you laugh (and no, none of these guys are me):

This blog was written while listening to The Beastie Boys (RIP Adam Yauch), Metallica, Daughtry, and Fuel.

History For Vacation, Great Nicknames, and Being Stalked By A Song

Vacation.  It is a word that just oozes happiness.  Vacation.  Now I realize that vacations can be stressful, cringe-inducing endeavors that can, on occasion, cause people to flip out like Clark Griswold discovering from the Moose out front that Wally World is closed, but I seem to be lucky in that, since I've reached that magic age of being able to go on vacations without my parents, I've never had a bad vacation.  A little braggadocios, aren't we?  I speak the truth, though.

Bragging about your 'magical vacations'?  Well, isn't that special!

Which brings me to this blog post.  Now, a little while back, I told you about how I planned my vacation to the lovely and historic Hagerstown, Maryland.  And as you may recall, I chose Hagerstown because I fancy myself a quasi-history buff.  Quasi-histo-what-now?  A quasi-history buff.  And what in the wacky world of interests is that?  Ok, let me explain in some pretty plain language.  I have many interests.  I love reading, movies, Halloween, and my girlfriend.  I enjoy science fiction, horror, and conspiracy theories (not that I believe any, but I do take a perverse joy in watching people freak out about nothing).  And, I love history.  Since I have taken no formal higher education courses, let alone specializing in history, I can't claim to be a tried and true historian.  But, I can continue to learn as much as I can about it, and what better way to do that than to visit the very sites where history itself was forged.  And, here is where Hagerstown comes in, because as it just so happens, Hagerstown is pretty centrally located in regards to two of the most important battles in the American Civil War, Antietam and Gettysburg.

It is true that this map interests me probably a heck of a lot more than you, but it's my blog.

Which is why I chose Hagerstown.  And I was lucky enough to find a girl who shares that love of history.  So I got to spend a couple of days with her exploring those two battlefields (after a little side trip to an exceptionally awesome little place called Hershey.  Alas, she was only able to stay until Wednesday, leaving me alone in my pursuits of relaxation and historical educations.  NERD!  Whatever.  Today is Thursday, and I've spent three days driving around, stopping at interesting places, seeing cool sites, and taking it easy.  And yes, I was in attendance as my Capitals lost to the Bruins, but won't be in attendance tonight when my Capitals get their revenge.  It is, after all, my vacation and I won't be beholden to silly little things like playoff schedules.  Wait, did you just say that!?!  Yes, shame on me, I know.

I can't believe I decided to learn over Caps Playoff Hockey either!

I've driven down historic roads, through historic towns, and through mountains.  You've driven though mountains?  Ok, I've driven on roads that twist and turn their way through the Appalachian Mountains, not literally through any tunnels that cut through.  One thing that I really like is going through old towns that remind me of Main Street, USA.  Maybe because I've spent the vast majority of my life in the suburbs, the quaint little hamlets that are no more than three or four roads filled with local businesses and friendly people tickle my heart.  I also love to drive on lonely roads that feature spectacular views of pristine waters, picturesque spots mostly ignored by people.  This trip has been filled with such towns, such roads.  This vacation has been simply awesome thus far!

EAR WORM ALERT!

And for those who, for whatever evil purpose proposed by the evil corporation known as Apple, can't see the video, here is the link.

Would You Rather:  On your vacation, relax or do exciting things?

Have you ever had a song follow you?  Huh, what?  I mean, has a certain song been on every time you turn on the radio or happen to pass by someone who has their radio on?  You mean an earworm?  No, not an earworm, as it doesn't have to be a song that embeds itself in your head and won't go away, rather it a song that just happens to be everywhere; stalking you like a lion going after an antelope.  My girlfriend told me about her escapades trying to avoid Bruno Mars' Lazy Song last year, and I chuckled at her misfortune never imagining that that very thing would happen to me.  You can't get away from Lazy Song?  What? No, not Lazy Song, but the song We Are Young by the group Fun.  Hold on, here is a group that calls itself Fun?  Apparently.  Isn't that a little self important by the group?  What if they aren't fun at all?  Why are you asking me?  I didn't name them, and never heard of them before they set their song on me like a bulldog, ever relentless.  Literally every single time I hear a radio, within three songs is We Are Young.  I turn on my car, and the first song I hear is We Are Young.  I flip the channel, and within ten minutes, there is We Are Young.  It is everywhere.  I cannot shake it, no matter how hard I try.  And the worst part is, it isn't a bad song, but I fear that I will grow to hate it because it is everywhere like carbon dioxide, obnoxious tweenagers, or Liam Neeson.

My top ten favorite professional sports team nicknames, just because I love sports, in no real order:

1. The Chicago BEARS - Yeah, its one of my favorites team names because the team is my favorite football team, but you have to admit that few teams have taken on the persona of their name like Da Bears have.  Brutal, fierce, strong.  Those are some of the adjectives that are used to describe the Bears.  Oh, and Monsters of the Midway.
2. The Hershey BEARS - Yes, I realize hat I just picked the same nickname twice, albeit for two different sports, but so what!  The Hershey Bears are the minor league team that all others are compared to, no matter the sport.  The Bears have the most loyal, most hardcore fans of any team not playing at the highest level, and much more loyal and hardcore than many that are playing at the highest level.  Here is a fun little fact, the Hershey Bears were originally called the Hershey B'ars when they were formed in 1932 and weren't known as the Bears until 1936.
3. The New York YANKEES - I hate the team.  I hate the arrogance of the fans, the brashness of the players, and the self righteousness that the team exudes.  But, I love the name.  It is simple, it is classic, and it simply fits.  If only they didn't play the spend more money than everyone else so we can win more titles than anyone else game...
4. The Toronto MAPLE LEAFS - Most people know that the Maple Leaf is the national symbol of Canada.  And many people know that Toronto considers itself the center of the hockey universe.  So it is only fitting that they claim the Maple Leaf as their name and logo.  And while I'm not too fond of most Canadian fans, including the majority of the Leafs' fans that I've met in person, I do have to give the team credit for using such a symbol.  It is a classic name, and one that I really like.
5. The Boston CELTICS - I'm not a very big basketball fan.  In fact, I don't really like basketball at all.  But, I do love the name of the Celtics.  Maybe it's the fact that it represents many of the immigrants who came to Boston during the 19th century.  Maybe it's the classic nature of the team.  Maybe it is the draw of Larry Bird.  Whatever the reason, I love it.
6. The Baltimore ORIOLES - The O's are named after the bird the Baltimore Oriole, a bird that has the coloring of the Coat-Of-Arms of Lord Baltimore, which just happen to be the basis for the Maryland State Flag.  While it is true that the Birds haven't been exactly relevant in the last fifteen years or so, nobody can deny that their name is among the best in the sports world.
7. The Detroit RED WINGS - Few team names can be said and have most everyone immediately know what city and sport they are talking about.  The Red Wings are certainly in that select few.  Detroit is a city struggling, but the Wings continue to plug away, providing hope and character to that once proud city.  Boasting some of the greatest players in NHL history as alum, it is a proud franchise with a great name.
8. The New Orleans ZEPHYRS - Simply the best name for a minor league baseball team, period.  A zephyr is a light wind from the west, and is just a fun word to say.  And the Nawlins Zephyrs boast a history that goes back over 100 years (though not in New Orleans the entire time).
9. The Las Vegas 51'S - Perhaps its the nerd in me, but a team that uses a base that supposedly houses crashed UFO's as it's name just seems awesome.  Add the fact that their logo is the grey alien, and you have a winning combination.  Plus, they have a mascot named Cosmo who is pretty unique (in a JarJar Binks kinda way)!
10. The New Jersey DEVILS - The Jersey Devil is a cryptid that allegedly inhabits the Jersey Pine Barrens, a half goat, half horse, half dragon thing that was featured on the X Files.  While I hate the team for originating the trap style of hockey (which makes the world's most exciting sport boring), I love that they chose the local legend as their team name.  If only they featured it as their logo instead of a boring NJ with devil horns...

Just to make you laugh (and no, none of these are me):

 Movie Review: The Big Lebowski - Trailer.  One question that I've always asked is what happens when an uberslacker is mistaken for a millionaire by a bunch of nihilists who ruin a rug in order to extort loads of money?  The answer is, of course, one of the funniest, and quotable, movies of all time!  Jeff Bridges is simply perfect as the Dude, John Goodman IS Walter Sobchak, and John Turturro is amazing as The Jesus.  The adventures are inane and unquestionably funny, the acting is superb, and the comedy is several levels deep.  While it is filled with oodles of language, it doesn't take away from the funny.  My Rating: 9 out of 10.

This blog was written while listening to Megadeth, Eminem, Dovetail Joint, and New Radicals.

Love

So it has been a little while since I blogged, and this post will be brief.  A little while?  The wonderful world of the Interwebz thought that you fell into a black hole.  Ok, so it has been a long while.  But I have been busy, to say the least.  Busy?  You mean lazy?  Nope.  I mean busy, as in almost every night has been booked, almost to the point of complete exhaustion.  And, to be honest, complete exhaustion a couple of times.  Well, what, exactly, have you been so busy with as to prevent your loyal readers your pointed opinions and clever wit?  Ok, I think I've fallen in love.  WHAT?!?

Yes, you read that correctly.  I am in love!  I've been dating a beautiful and completely wonderful woman who has stolen my heart.  Wait, say that again, as I think I misread that.  You didn't just say that you were in love, did you?  No, you read that correct.  Jay, the man with a serious lack of confidence, the man with a wit quicker than a certain time machine requiring 1.21 gigawatts of electricity, the man whose teams seem destined to always disappoint, has fallen, hard.  Wow!  I know, right!?!

So, tell us about her.  Well, sure!  I met her at an NFL opening day party, felt an instant connection, but took a little while before I gathered the courage to ask her out  In fact, I wasn't sure if she felt for me what I felt for her so I asked her to a neutral place (a Caps game that I often take friends to) for our first date as to sufficiently buffer my heart if she thought of me as just a friend.  To be honest, I was too nervous, and because of that, was more of a jerk than I'd care to admit, but I managed to get a second date.  The second date was a lot better, mostly because I was a lot less nervous.  The third was even better, and so on and so forth.  Now, it is a full blown relationship that, so far, seems like it could last.  And that is great!

She has already met my parents, briefly met my brother and youngest nephew, and my cat.  All seem to love her, though my brother did chide me for not letting him know he was meeting her (he was wearing sweat pants and a hoodie and thought he looked like a slummy dog, which he totally is!  But he is my brother and he was right, I should've let him know in advance).  She is already good friends with my best friend and his family, has briefly met my best friend at work, and is meeting my other best friend tomorrow night.  I have met her best friend, met her mother, and the rest of her family, and have won over her horse 130 pound rottweiler/mastif mix.  We seem to be spending most of our waking hours together, which, as you can imagine, leaves us little time apart for things like blogging.  But that is a sacrifice that I'm willing to make.


Wait, what?  I said that my blogging frequency will probably diminish as I dedicate more time to my love.  Though I will be checking in at least once from Hagerstown while on vacation.

So, no list, no earworm, no tough question.  Until next time, may love fill your hearts with joy!

Requiem For An Hour, A Beautiful Day, and A Song That Speaks To Me Pt 3.

Today I felt the pain of Daylight Saving Time.  Today?  But didn't it start Saturday night at like 4 am?  Yes, but I didn't have to get up early for work on Sunday.  Ok, but what about yesterday?  Yesterday I had a touch of insomnia and awoke at about 3 (which is now 4) in the morning, and try as hard as I could, sleep would not return to me.  So I was awake without the butt dragging that I should've felt (until that evening, when only having 4 hours of precious sleep caught up with me).

Yeah, I was dragging...

Now, as you may know, I abhor the very idea of Daylight Saving Time (and if you don't, you can catch up here).  I also greatly dislike the feeling of being tired, of being a half step behind where I normally am.  I don't like the feeling that my brain is on a three second delay, as if some censor has to approve my thoughts before they become words.  As someone who is a smart ass quick witted, that really dampens my ability to both assert myself, sarcastically and sometimes ill-timed, and make people laugh.  I'm sure that my cohorts at work today noticed, I sure did.

Yawn?  Oh yeah, like a lot!

I'm not going to go on a rantpage, mostly since I know that it isn't worth it.  I think I'd have more success trying to stop the tide with a plastic shovel than change the world's (wrong) notion that DST is a good and beneficial thing.  A wise woman (my Mom) once told me to pick my battles, and right now, I don't really feel like rolling up my sleeves and going to war over my clocks reading an hour ahead of what they should be reading.  Wait.  Clocks read?  For crying out loud, really?  You must have some really smart clocks!  Ugh, sometimes I wish I had no inner monologue...

I might actually be a little more successful, now that I think about it...

And beside, even being a half step behind today, like I was, I was still able to enjoy this nearly perfect day.  I don't know where all my readers reside...  Most of them you do.  Yes, most of them do live within 60 miles of me, but I'm throwing caution to the wind as thinking that my blog is a truly global one.  Really?  A man can dream in this country still, right?  I suppose so.  Like I was saying, today was a truly gorgeous day.  It was 80 degrees with a goodly amount of cloud cover, which I adore, a little breeze, and it just felt awesome.  Did I mention that some of the trees are beginning to blossom?  I'm going to count an 80 degree day in March as a win, but hopefully not a presage to a hot and humid summer.

Not quite this in bloom.  Yet.

So I guess when you factor in my dragging posterior with the nearly perfect day, I'd have to say the peace of the day wins out.


EAR WORM ALERT!

For my readers who, for one reason or another (APPLE SUCKS!), can't see this video, the link is here.

Would You Rather: For free, in any form you might want, have coffee or tea?















In my last two posts, here and here, I've prognosticated about songs that have spoken to me.  I feel the need to continue that internal exploration, maybe for the final time.  Everyone has songs that they love, from happy ditties and high energy booty shakers to soulful ballads and love songs.  We all also have songs that might not be our favorites, but strike us in our souls as if the lyricist and songwriter were looking in on you when the wrote it and when they sang it.  For me, the songs that speak most have addressed failings that I know lie within me, reside in me.  The third song that speaks to me is This Is Your Life by Switchfoot.

(Warning: personal reflection coming followed by some more Religion)  As I've said, I struggle in my life with confidence and have had my struggles with depression.  This Is Your Life is a song that helps me realize that whatever happened in the past, be it good times or bad, are gone.  We only are promised today, so what good is it to dwell on previous mistakes or gloat on prior successes?  We all must live today to it's fullest, as we never know, can never know, when today will be our final day.  Some of us find that easier to do than others, never worrying what tomorrow will bring or not getting stuck on things that happened yesterday.  I wish I was more like that, more able to wrest control of my life away from my failing self and give full control over to God.  I can talk the talk, but when it comes time to actually trust in God, trust in my Savior, I find myself unwilling to fully do that. 

Perhaps it is because I've had my struggles, or perhaps its because for all the struggles I've had, I've never really been to the point where I've had no other resource, no other safe harbor than Jesus.  Part of me wants to think that I can do that, but part of me wants to never have to.  I know that for me to become the Christian that I want to be, I must completely forget about my past failings and victories, because Christ won the only victory that matters.  And His victory is, without doubt, larger than my failures.

Music moves us in ways that we don't often realize.  I never knew that Sea Of Faces was going to help strengthen me inside, showing me how important I am to God.  I never figured that Voice Of Truth would be a song that made me look at myself positively, knowing that my Savior will be with me in all my trials.  And I could never imagine how This Is Your Life would show me that what is most important is what is here, what is now, because yesterday is dead.  But they did.  And other songs have, as well, but this self reflection has been both therapeutic and vastly difficult. 

No one likes to admit their faults, even semi-anonymously on the internet.  Nobody wants to be that vulnerable.  But I was compelled to do so, and I feel cleaner somehow having done it.

"This Is Your Life"

Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
Yesterday is a promise that you've broken
Don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
This is your life and today is all you've got now
Yeah, and today is all you'll ever have
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes

This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose

Yesterday is a kid in the corner
Yesterday is dead and over

This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose

Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes

This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life are you who you want to be?

This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose

And you had everything to lose

My top ten favorite countries (aside from the USA) in no real order:

1. Ireland - The birthplace of Guinness and the Leprechaun, and home to the red haired and fair skinned, the Emerald Isle is a beautiful nation.  One day I'd love to visit.
2. Germany - The birthplace of many fine beers, several styles of sausage, and both my brother and sister.  I can't remember much about living there (I was a kid!), but I do remember the friendliness of the people.
3. The United Kingdom - I'm of, I think, Scoth-Irish-German descent, so it seems natural to include these three.  The UK is full of history and culture, some great architecture, and some of the world's best accents (sorry Massachusetts).
4. Canada - Like I was not going to include the home of hockey?  While Canada does have a lot in common with us Yanks, it also has some unique differences (poutine anyone?), which is great.  What more could you want in gentle and friendly neighbors to the north?
5. New Zealand - The All Blacks.  The simply beautiful landscape.  The fact that one of the best trilogies in history was filmed there.  Yeah, another nation that I'd like to visit before I die.
6. Australia - A diverse nation, and beautiful.  From the awe inspiring Great Barrier Reef to the breathtaking Outback, the Aussies certainly can see nature's glory.
7. Mexico - The originators to my favorite cuisine, Mexico is chock full of history and culture, and some very friendly people (and a vicious drug war, but I blame criminals for that not the people).  Our neighbors to the South are good ones.
8. Brazil - The originators of Carnivale, the thong, and Jiu-Jitsu, not to mention home to one of the most impressive rain forests in the world, Brazil is a fabulous nation.
9. Sweden - I like cold weather.  I like friendly people.  Sweden is home to both.  And I've yet to meet a non friendly Swede.  Add in the whole bikini team, and you have a nation to take note of.
10. Japan - Home to some hardworking, and in many ways, completely alien, people, and a storied and long history, some excellent cuisine, Japan is also a nation that I'd like to visit before I pass on.  If only to see some of the weird things that the Japanese like.

Just to make you laugh (and no, this isn't me):

This blog was written while listening to Santana, Linkin Park, Seven Mary Three, and AC/DC.

Odd Sights, Being a Caps Fan, and A Song That Speaks To Me Pt 2.

Have you ever taken a moment and just observed the people around you?  And before you go and get all creeped out, I don't mean ogling the ladies or anything like that.  I mean, have you ever just stopped and noticed all the little idiosyncrasies that other people project?  Or see all the little odd things that they do? I've been doing that a little more lately, and have noticed some pretty weird things.

For example, I saw a young couple walking down the street holding hands.  What's strange about that?  Well, the odd thing was that the young man scooped his paramour into his arms and gave her a big kiss.  And?   It just so happens that there was a sewage truck pumping, well, sewage on the other side of the street.  You mean to tell me that the mood to smooch struck this man as the smell of crap was very prevalent?  Yes, their lips locked while my nose protested the disgusting odor.  Maybe they had non-functioning nasal cavities, maybe they first met in a similar situation and the bouquet of festering poo reminds them, maybe she dared him that he wouldn't, or maybe they are just a little bit freaky-deaky?  Maybe.  Whatever the reason, and I'm not trying to ruin the moment that they shared or anything like that, they kissed while it stunk.

Imagine this while smelling a Port-A-Potty...

Ponder this one.  I saw a tall and very skinny lady walking down the street.  I'm afraid to ask...  No, no, nothing like that.  Anyway, I saw this lady, and she was dancing, or more specifically sauntering with arm swinging, down the street.  She had a smile on, and was oblivious to the fact that some people were giving her strange looks.  Were you?  Of course not, I think it's great that someone could be so happy that they don't walk but groove.  I can't imagine why she was doing it, and, honestly, I don't really care.  She was having a great time in her own little world.  I'd like to imagine that in her head, an orchestra was playing Mozart's Symphony #40.  Whatever the reason, it put a smile on my face.

Seeing people happy makes me smile.  There, I said it!

Or take this one.  I walking around at work, and as I was crossing a street, I passed a man who just picked up his cell phone to answer a call.  Ok?  Doesn't that happen, like all the time?  Sure.  But this was different.  How?  Well, the gentleman answered his call by, literally, yelling at the top of his lungs into his phone like the person he was talking to was a hundred yards away and down the street and wasn't talking on a mobile communication device.  Was he angry and yelling to make a point?  Absolutely not, it was a standard conversation like "Hello...  Yeah, that sounds good...  Sure, I'd like that...  See you later...  Ok, buddy...  Bye..." just at like 110 decibels.  Hmm, was he an older person who didn't grasp the concept of a cell phone, with it being a new fangled invention and all?  No, he looked to be in his thirties.  Maybe he was hard of hearing?  Perhaps, though he didn't speak yell as if he was.  What ever the reason was, he was oblivious that his side of his conversation was heard by everyone else on the street.  And he wasn't exactly a quiet yeller, either.  Or maybe he didn't care that half of Annapolis heard his side of his call?  Who knows, but he was the loudest cell phone talker I've ever encountered.  It would've been rude if it wasn't so funny.  Or outside.

CAN YOU HEAR ME KNOW?  Of course we can.

EAR WORM ALERT!

 And for my readers shackled to the wall of the dungeon that is Apple, here is the link.

Would You Rather: While being completely safe, see a whale in the ocean or an elephant in the wild?

As you probably know by now, I am a huge Washington Capitals fan.  I've been a Caps fan for over 20 years, and am a season ticket holder (in awesome section 405).  The bad part, however, is that the Capitals are a team that seem destined to let you down.  No matter the circumstances, they can't seem to be able to take the proverbial next step.  Here are the Nine Phases to Washington Capital fandom:

1. Hope - This usually occurs every offseason, when the team adds a player or two.  It also occurs when the Caps go on a win streak, and usually when the playoffs start.
2. Joy - This happens while the Caps are playing really well.  High fives are a common occurrence during this phase.
3. Shock - This happens when either something amazing happens, or when the NHL seems determined to undermine the team.
4.  Bewilderment - When things start to unravel and nothing seems to go right despite all the efforts apparently being made by the team and it's fans?  That's the bewilderment phase.
5. Anger - Pretty self explanatory.  The realization that things aren't going to get better, are getting worse, or have hit the point where the playoffs are out of reach.
6. More Anger - This is like the anger phase, but more intense.  Usually coupled with lots of alcohol to dull the pain and outbursts laced with profanity.
7. Resignation - Once the anger subsides, the resignation sets in.  Feelings of hopelessness and apathy are commonly associated with this phase.
8. Acceptance - This happens when the negative feelings subside, and the realization that it is just a game, an entertaining and amazing game, and that it shouldn't cause excessive amounts of grief.
9. Renewal - The prequel to hope, it is the phase when the cycle starts again.

Rocking the Red, even when it brings anger and resignation.

We all have our favorite songs, the songs we listen to when we want to be uplifted, or the songs we listen to when we want to be energized, and the songs we listen to when we want to unwind.  Every one's favorites are different, and everyone has songs that elicits different emotions in them.   In my last post, I talked about how some songs speak to me, and I'm going to continue in that vein a little while longer.  Numerous songs have spoken to me on a very personal level for one reason or another.  One song that does so is Voice Of Truth by Casting Crowns.  This is about to get hard to write.  Again.

(Warning: personal reflection coming, followed by more Religion).  I don't like to make a big production about it, but I have my battles with depression, especially around my birthday.  I don't know why, but I when I look at my life, I have a tendency to focus on the failings that I am and not the accomplishments that I've had.  I look more at where I am in my life and compare it to where I thought I would be.  By this point in my life I thought I'd have a good career, a family, and be a published author.  Instead, I have a menial job (albeit for the State of Maryland), no wife, and have only published on this blog.  A lot of my failings harken back to my lack of confidence, to that voice in the back of my head that tells me that I am not good enough, not handsome enough, not creative enough...

Now, before you go and get all 'Woe is Jay', please realize that I am not the voice in the back of my head.  I know I am not the man who isn't good enough, or handsome enough, or creative enough.  I am, as I said in the prior post, a good person who possesses a quick wit and a gift for making others laugh (sometimes, at least).  I try my hardest to live the life I should be living, not dwelling in the pain of my past.  Hard as that is.

The song Voice Of Trurh speaks to me, as it helps me realize that the voice in the back of my head, telling me of how everything I try is just an exercise in failure doomed from the start, is wrong.  My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does not look at my failings, He does not judge the mistakes I've made, for He sees my true self.  And He died for me, even though I crucified him with all of my sins.  Sometimes I need a reminder, a push if you will, to get me going again.  Sometimes I just  need a reminder that I am a good person, worth so much more than the mistakes that I've made or leaps of faith I've yet to make. 

We all have arenas that offer us the opportunity to grow as people.  Some make the right decisions right away, and become shining examples of how to live life to it's fullest and most fulfilling.  Others, like me, are often hesitant to make mistakes and, thus, stand around wishing for this or that.  We look back and see the wrecks of our past failures, and then fail to realize that those mistakes, though they make us who we are, aren't who need be.  We sometimes just need a kind voice to reassure us, to encourage us, to sheppard us.  Even though I know that I have the ultimate Sheppard willing to go to the ends of the earth for me, I often give into to that vile and cowardly voice in the back of my head.  It is songs like Voice Of Truth that often serve as lighthouses in the storms of life.  If only I listen more to the voice of Truth and less to the other voices...

"Voice Of Truth"

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "Boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

My top ten eleven favorite restaurants (to bring some levity) in no particular order:

1. El Saltos - A Mexican restaurant that makes good food.  And it is usually very quickly on the table.  And it is not very expensive.  What more can you want?
2. Mongolian Grill - An Asian restaurant with a unique approach: you pick the ingredients, all of them, from the vegetables to the proteins to the sauces, from a buffet, then drop them off at a large grill where a chef cooks them.  Each bowl can be an adventure, which is awesome!
3. Irish Channel - My favorite pregame spot before Caps games, the Irish Channel is a great Irish Pub, with a friendly staff, good food, and a very good selection of adult beverages.
4. Absolute Thai - Another DC restaurant that I've been known to frequent before Caps games, Absolute Thai simply has great food.
5. The Olive Tree - My favorite Italian restaurant, The Olive Tree offers great food at good prices.
6. Captain George's - Quite honestly, the biggest seafood buffet these eyes have ever seen.  Add in the Haunted Dinner Theater, and this is my favorite dinner restaurant in Williamsburg.
7. Dalesio's - A fantastic Italian restaurant in Little Italy Baltimore, Dalesio's has very tasty food and a great ambiance. 
8. Paladar - A frequent Happy Hour locale for my fellow coworkers and I, Paladar features a diverse menu of Latin food, a very good selection of beers, and makes the best Mojitos I've had (though to be honest, I've only had them at two places).
9. Castle Bay - Perhaps my favorite restaurant in Annapolis, Castle Bay often has live music to go along with the best pint of Guinness I've had. 
10. Cheesecake Factory - Yes, it's a chain.  Yes, it's overexposed.  Yes, it's a tad expensive for what it is.  But, it is tasty.  And they do make some very, very good cheesecake (Duh!).
11. Cracker Barrel - Another chain, but another tasty, tasty one.  Cracker Barrel has some fantastic comfort food, plus they feature a general store at each location.  Hello, awesome!

Just to make you laugh (and no, this isn't me):

Movie Review: The Godfather - Trailer.  One of the best movies of all time, certainly one of the two best gangster movies, The Godfather is as close to a flawless movie as your like to find.  From exceptional acting from Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, to a story that is riveting and emotional, to a masterful directorial effort from Francis Ford Coppola, there isn't anything I can say that is negative about this movie.  My rating: 10 out of 10.

This blog was written while listening to Smash Mouth, Queen, Steel Dragon, and Johnny Cash.

Courtesies, A Song That Speaks To Me, and Furry Cheerleaders

Where did common courtesy go?  What!?!  I mean, why are people in such a hurry with whatever it is they are doing to forget common and socially accepted forms of courtesy?  And I say, again, what?!?  Ok, lemme break it down: When you pass someone you know, be it as an acquaintance or a lower tier friend, in the hall at work, or on the street, or in a store, or wherever, what do they say to you to acknowledge you?  Most say 'How are you doing?', but what does that have to do with 'common and socially accepted forms of courtesy'?  And what is your response?  I usually say 'How are you doing?' in response.  And then what happens?  We go about our separate ways.  Exactly.  When did "How are you doing?", or more realistically "How ya doing?" become the standard way to acknowledge someone without really acknowledging them? 

Huh, what?

One thing I've discovered is that we've become, hmm, programmed to use "How ya doing?" without really caring how the person we're asking is doing.  Instead of sincerely caring how they are, we just rifle off that dismissive phrase and expect the exact phrase as the response, like we've all become Italian (not that I have anything against Italians or anything).  The funny thing is, when you are asked, and honestly say how you are, in fact, doing, the other person still just walks on by.  This is an actual 'conversation' that I had with an acquaintance at work:



Acquaintance:  How ya doing?

Me: I'm hanging in, a little busy today.  At least it's nice outside...


Acquaintance: (He continues to walk down the hall without waiting to hear my response).

People, if you ask a question, you should expect an answer.  If you don't want an answer, don't ask the question.  Perhaps say something, as I try to do, that wouldn't offend me if I don't get a response, like "Good Afternoon", "Hello", or "Howdy".  And for crying out loud, don't anticipate that I'm going to parrot what you just said and then look at me funny when I don't.  That just makes it awkward.  For you.  And me.  Plus it makes it look like you don't really care how I am doing.  Maybe it is because you really don't.  Which is beyond awkward.  And a little discourteous.

And don't get me started on how rare it is for someone to do something that used to be the normal in regards to helping other people.  Ok, I won't.  Quiet, I'm stepping onto a soapbox here.

It's time someone said it!

Soapbox? What?  No, let it go.  Why don't people hold doors oped for other people much anymore?  Uh, I do...  And what ever happened to the notion of letting women onto and out of an elevator first?  What?  And why is everyone in such a rush to be first that others are, literally, shoved out of the way?  It isn't cool, it isn't nice, and it should stop!  We are all in this together, maybe we should take ten seconds and put others first.  That isn't that hard, is it?  Nobody is in that much of a hurry that they can't be courteous when the situation presents itself, right?  Uh, yeah, right.  I'll step off of the soapbox now.  Gee, thanks.  Your most welcome!  Ugh...


EAR WORM ALERT!

And for my beleaguered brothers and sisters still hitched to the evil machinations of Apple, here is the link.

Would You Rather: For the same salary, have less work or more more work that you find fulfilling?


Have you ever heard a song... Of course I've heard a song.  Stop, please.  Ok.  Have you ever heard a song that had lyrics that you thought spoke directly to you?  I mean, have you ever heard a song at a particular time in your life that just screamed sang your story?  Maybe it was during a fantastic time in your life and you heard an upbeat song and it just stuck.  Maybe it was during a tough time and you heard a sad song and it just seemed fitting.  Or maybe you heard a song that personified something about you, uncannily you.  I think we all have.  My song is Sea of Faces by Kutless.


(Warning, personal reflection coming followed by a bit of Religion).  One of the major things that I struggle with in my life is a lack of confidence.  For what seems like my entire life, I've had that feeling in the deepest pit of my stomach that I'm not good enough.  And because of that, I've, much more often that I'd care to admit (well, I guess I just did) tried my best to blend in, to not stand out, to not draw attention to myself.  I know I am a good, mostly humble, often opinionated, and decent person.  But, I have a difficult time speaking up, especially around people I am not comfortable with because I don't know them.  To be perfectly honest, I get intimidated easily around people.


Don't get me wrong, I wear the mask well.  I scream at the top of my lungs at hockey games, and overcompensate for my lack of confidence with too many self deprecating jokes.  I guess I figure that if I make fun of myself, then others won't.  It is foolish, I realize, but it is there.  My favorite Christian band, Kutless, put out Sea of Faces a few years ago, and as soon as I heard it, the impact that the lyrics had on me was immediate.  To know that Jesus Christ saw my weakness, my failings, and decided that I was worth enough to die for, worth enough to save, still just blows my mind. 




"Sea Of Faces"

I see the city lights all around me
Everyone's obscure
Ten million people each with their problems
Why should anyone care

And in Your eyes I can see
I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world
Lost in a Sea of Faces
Your body's the bread, Your blood is the wine
Because you traded Your life for mine

Sometimes my life it feels so trivial
Immersed in the greatness of space
Yet somehow you still find the time for me
It's then You show me Your love

And In Your eyes I can see
And in Your arms I will be
I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world
Lost in a Sea of Faces
Your body's the bread, Your blood is the wine
Because you traded Your life for mine

If only my one heart
Was all you'd gain from all it cost
Well I know you would have still been a man
With a reason
To willingly offer your life

I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world
Lost in a Sea of Faces
Your body's the bread, Your blood is the wine
Because you traded Your life for mine

Just one in a million faces

My top ten favorite mascots (just because who doesn't love mascots?), in no real order:

1. Slapshot - Yeah, this probably is a homer pick, being a Washington Capitals fan (and boy is that anything but fun right now), but it's my list, so there!
2. The Stanford Tree - Yes, it's an Evergreen Tree.  Who doesn't like trees?  And no, I'm not some tree hugging hippy.  
3. Youppi - The 'face' of Montreal sports, Youppi used to be the mascot for the Expos before they moved south to DC.  So the Canandiens picked him up. 
4. The Philly Phanatic - The giant fluffy green Qbert looking thing...  Yeah, just odd enough to make you forget it represents a team that represents Philadelphia.  Almost.
5. San Diego Chicken - Perhaps the first 'celebrity' mascot, and certainly one of the most famous.
6. Mr. Met - Yeah, a baseball head.  But, it works.  When you think of the Mets, tell me you don't think of Mr. Met...  After you think of Ponzi schemes that is.
7. The Oriole Bird - About the best thing the Orioles have going right now.  Well that and a pretty sweet ballpark.  And Boog's BBQ.
8. Harvey the Hound - The giant dog with the floppy tongue who cheers on the Calgary Flames is, quite frankly, awesome.  Plus, he had his tongue ripped out by an opposing coach because he was getting under his skin too much.  That is the personification of a successful mascot!
9. Phoenix Suns Gorilla - A dunking gorilla?  Yeah, that is pretty cool even for a non basketball fan like me.
10. Testudo - The University of Maryland's terrapin is, without doubt, a unique and awesome mascot.  Fear the Turtle indeed!

Just to make you laugh (and no this isn't me):

Movie Review: Wild Hogs - Trailer.  A very fun buddy film starring John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy.  The four, all needing a break from life, set out on a road trip to see the Pacific Ocean on their motorcycles and the mayhem that ensues.  Yes, its a bit formulaic, and some of the gags are set up a mile away, but the chemistry between the four more than makes up for its failings.  Plus it has Marisa Tomei, who is always awesome, and Ray Liotta, who almost never gives a bad performance.   My rating: 7 out of 10.

This blog was written while listening to Switchfoot, The Heavy, Arcade Fire, and Cake.

Wet Socks, Dirty Glasses, and Less Bills

I am a man who likes the rain (as you see under my awesome Simpsonized pic in the About Me section to the left).  I don't know why, exactly, I like the rain so much.  Maybe it is because it is refreshing, or cooling, or washes away the pollen.  I don't mind when my hair gets wet.  I don't really even mind when my clothes get wet.  Except my socks.  I hate when my socks get wet.  I hate the squishy feeling, I hate the squeaky sound, and I hate that wet socks seem to take on dirt just that much easier.   

A pair of dry socks is a great thing.  A pair of wet socks, however, are anything but.

Wow, a lot of hate lately, huh?  Well, it's not like, I, uh, uhm, yeah, I guess.  Anyway, today was a pretty rainy day.  And, as my job does require me to be outside from time to time, I had the misfortune to get one wet sock.  Just one.  The left one.  How did I get that wet sock, you ask?  Actually, I didn't ask.  I just figured you stepped in a big puddle of gray water.  Well, I didn't.  I don't know how, exactly, my left sock got wet.  One moment I was walking along Church Circle in beautiful Downtown Annapolis, enjoying the lovely precipitation and humming a Switchfoot song, and the next...  Squish, squish, squish.  No puddle, no huge downspout, no giant splash from a car, just a sudden wet sock.  One step I'm doing great, having a great day, and the next step I get that sudden cold feeling, that instant shock.  Bad luck sure sucks, don't it?  It sure does.

This was not how my left sock became suddenly moisturized.

There is one other thing I strongly dislike about the rain.  Raindrop spots on my glasses.  That is annoying.  You said it.  From the refraction from the drops to that weird halo effect from the lights, spotted glasses are a pain.  And worse, since I am more prone to migraines than I'd like, they can help cause the massive and often debilitating pain in my head that shuts me down like business in Athens when the protesters get a bug in their bonnet.  And, try as I might, I can never get my glasses quite clean enough when it is raining and my undershirt is wet.  Yes, I've discovered that the best way, at least for me, to clean my glasses is with a dry white T shirt.  A cotton/polyester blend works best, but if its wet, or even just moist, it more smears than removes the dry spots.  Luckily for me, it was raining almost all day so my undershirt was never quite dry.

Rain.  Which led to wet sock and spotted glasses.

So, for about two hours today, I had the dreaded wet sock.  And rain spotted glasses.  So I had that going for me.  Which is nice.

In other, completely unrelated news, I just paid off my car.  YAY!  It is a great feeling to finally pay off a major purchase.  I also paid off the laptop that this very blog is written on.  Which is also pretty cool.  It is strange, but paying off major purchases feels kind of like walking in the rain, but without the downside of the wet sock.  And some extra money in my pocket surely doesn't hurt. 

EAR WORM ALERT!

For my readers still under the crush of Steve Jobs' (zombified?) thumb, here is the link.

 Would You Rather: See a rainbow everyday, or find a $100 dollar bill in a puddle?

My Top Ten Favorite Sci-Fi characters, because I am a nerd after all, in no real order:

1. Han Solo, Star Wars - Smuggler, hero, friend to a Wookie, unquestionable badass.  Solo, despite owing Jabba the Hut oodles of money, still came back to save Luke.  Which led to the destruction of the Death Star.  Which saved the galaxy.  For a little while at least.
2. Lt. Worf, Star Trek: The Next Generation - A Klingon on the Federation's flagship. Worf was the epitome of honor and duty.  He is a fierce warrior, a loyal friend, and used the awesome Klingon knife thingy.
3. Marty McFly, Back To The Future - A unique hero (he was only like 5'1) in a very fun movie about accidental time travel with consequences.  Cool?  No, more like awesome!
4. Dr. Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park - Chaos theory expert?  Check.  Unique speaking manner?  Check.  Heroic actions?  Check.  Amazing and unforgettable character?  Check and check.
5. Captain James Tiberius Kirk, Star Trek - A bold explorer, dashing ladies man, intrepid scientist, Kirk was the embodiment of the swashbuckler in space.  He led a great crew through some great adventures, and was thoroughly unforgettable.
6. Mr. Spock, Star Trek - And the yang to Kirk's yin was Spock.  He was incredibly intelligent, surprisingly strong, and above all else, logical.  Seeing a character doing all he could to be devoid of emotion was, to be honest, refreshing when compared to Kirk's abundant displays of emotion.
7. Willis Davidge, Enemy Mine - Take a hotshot fighter pilot with a burning hatred for his enemy, throw in a situation where the pilot and his enemy must band together to survive, add a dash of redemption and you have the story of Willis Davidge.  A great character in a vastly underrated movie.
8. Fox Mulder & Dana Scully, The X Files - A duo of FBI agents on the search for aliens.  Mulder is compelled to because his sister was abducted when he was a kid, while Scully was assigned there and slowly became just as compelled as he was.  Their chemistry was undeniable, and the stories they investigated were both fun and well thought out.
9. Agent J, Men In Black -  A hotshot former cop chosen to be the next agent for the super secret MIB, Agent J was quick witted, eager to prove himself, and as funny as any character on this list.  He made it look cool.
10. Jason Nesmith as Commander Peter Quincy Taggert, Galaxy Quest - An actor playing the commander of a space craft who is unwittingly viewed as a hero for some desperate aliens.  Jason Nesmith became the hero they thought he was, and did it in a redeeming and funny way.  Never give up, never surrender!

Just to make you laugh (and no, this isn't me):

Movie Review: The Prestige - Trailer.  A very clever, very intriguing movie about two magicians who start as friends and become rivals.  And when one performs an impossible trick, the other becomes obsessed with proving himself better.  With superb acting from Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and Michael Caine, The Prestige grabs your attention from the very beginning as you try to figure out what is real, what is an illusion, and what is truly magic.  My rating: 9 out of 10.

This blog was written while listening to Switchfoot, Adam Tensta, Bruno Mars, and Eminem.