Hope everyone enjoyed their St. Patrick's Day weekend. It's always great when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday as you can really cut loose. Whenever any of my friends hit up a bar, we usually go to the same one, Old Chicago. I enjoy going their as they offer a wide variety of beers, usually around a 120 different kinds. This gives me a chance to sample many kinds and I don't have to always get the same thing, though I do tend to drink a lot of Old Milwaukee.
Anyway I had a good time, we were set up on the patio, about 15 of us, so I brought my portable speakers and IPOD so we had music and generally had a great time. Saturday's is usually karaoke there too. When they first started karaoke I usually had to have a few drinks in order to get up the courage to sing as I am seriously monotone and tone deaf, but after having done it so many times I don't need them anymore. I'm horrible but I learned the importance is picking a song in your vocal range that at least the audience will laugh with or join in. Therefore I tend to do Boyz N The Hood by Dynamite Hack or some Bloodhound Gang, even the occasional Johnny Cash. Most of these artists have a low vocal range so I don't sound awful, just bad. It's all in fun anyway so my friends can have a laugh. Boyz N the Hood always gets a good reaction too as an overweight white guy doing a soft rock NWA song is usually funny.
My best (and worst St. Patrick's Day) was last year. We were at the same bar and my good friend Bill and his wife were hanging out with me. Bill's fiancee at the time had invited a co-worker over. You know, when you watch TV or movies, you always see or hear about those super-hot lesbians, but few exist out here in the wild. You always know a guy who's brother knew one or something. Well, this co-worker was in fact a super hot lesbian. She was funny too and the four of us had a great time. We also drank a whole lot.. I mean a lot. Its a good thing at the time that Bill lived like across the street from the bar, you literally went across the street and made a right. So we were drinking green beer and mixing shots and while I was drunk, I was defiantly in the best shape of all of us, my threshold for alcohol is pretty high. We all decide that we should crash at Bill's. As the gentleman, and most sober(though that's saying little), I insist that our fine lesbian take the spare bed. She absolutely refuses claiming she wants the couch. I finally relent and crash. Not 5 minutes has passed when I hear a knocking at my door. I'm down to my boxers ( I can't sleep otherwise!) and I open the door to find a naked lesbian asking if she can sleep in the bed as she just went vomited all over the couch and her clothes. Why the underwear was off I just count as a blessing. I tuck her in and through her clothes in the washing machine and tried to clean up as best as I could. She had washed off before waking me.
Now is the part where I am a stupid fucking idiot. Instead of crashing back in the bed, I sleep on a love seat as I didn't want to take advantage of the situation. What was I thinking?!?!?! I could have slept in the same bed as a super hot drunk lesbian! The invite would have been there as there was nowhere to sleep. I didn't sleep a wink that night, the self-loathing and regret not surfacing until the morning when my thoughts were clearer. Alas that was the last time I saw my super hot lesbian. Bill's fiancee and her had a bit of a falling out over the fact that she puked so much she ruined the couch (they steam cleaned it and it still smelled) and she took a transfer to the farm belt somewhere. Alas I will always have that memory, of the time a super hot naked lesbian slept in my bed. If only I had been a part of it. Truly my greatest regret. I like to think that I could have powered through the Roman Shower aspect of the sleeping.. a little vomit, so what.. she was super hot!!
One day, maybe I can make it right....but what guy like me gets 2 chances at greatness?
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
From the Sickbed
Sorry about the lack of posts lately, I was diagnosed with pneumonia and my ass has really been dragging. The weird thing about the people in my family is that we hate to miss work. My Dad always said that if someone pays you to do a job you should do it. I've also always felt that its not fair to your co-workers to make them work harder because you can't pull your own end. So I continue to work my days at the store, but by the time I have come home at night I am usually so flushed and weak that I haven't had to much energy left.
My boss and I finally got into an argument and I went to the doctor the other day who told me that I have pneumonia. I'm on some medication now and I am starting to feel better, though I think that just having the day off has been a bigger aide in my recovery. I just feel so damn guilty calling out of work that I can't bring myself to do it. My brother, who just overcame the flu, worked through his sickness, that's just the way we are. Hell, I figured that it was the flu when I got sick and that I caught it from him. Well, the important thing is that I am feeling better and getting back into the flow.
In feeling better I did go to the movies last night and saw 300. I really enjoyed this movie! The visual style of the movie is great, I am almost a little sad that it did better in its first weekend than Sin City did in its entire run though., Both films were based on the same creator's, Frank Miller, graphic novels. Though it does bode well for that Sin City sequel. 300, though, has everything great about Gladiator, and nothing horrible like Troy. It's a modernized sword and sandals movie with a rock soundtrack, full of violence and nudity, what every growing boy wants. If you liked Sin City or really wanted Troy to be better than it was, I promise you will like this movie.
I also picked up some DVD's just as I was getting sick, The Prestige and Borat... both films I really loved. I saw Borat with my Dad in the middle of the Ohio Bible-Belt and I will always remember how much my Dad and me laughed at how offended everyone else was in the theatre, including my step mom. Very funny, very wrong...
The Prestige is also a great movie. Christian Bale is great in everything, through in the director of Batman Begins and Memento, Chris Nolan, Hugh Jackman and the ultra hot Scarlett Johanssen and I see no way this could be bad. I liked The Prestige much better than the Illusionist, which I felt kind of copped on the whole magic angle of the movie, never giving answers. With the exception of the actual prestige in the movie, I felt that Nolan did a much better job of showing the audience how things work.
I could also rant on about my new found and very late introduction to Firefly, But I am not comfortable being labeled a Browncoat just yet.
Thanks for reading.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
My boss and I finally got into an argument and I went to the doctor the other day who told me that I have pneumonia. I'm on some medication now and I am starting to feel better, though I think that just having the day off has been a bigger aide in my recovery. I just feel so damn guilty calling out of work that I can't bring myself to do it. My brother, who just overcame the flu, worked through his sickness, that's just the way we are. Hell, I figured that it was the flu when I got sick and that I caught it from him. Well, the important thing is that I am feeling better and getting back into the flow.
In feeling better I did go to the movies last night and saw 300. I really enjoyed this movie! The visual style of the movie is great, I am almost a little sad that it did better in its first weekend than Sin City did in its entire run though., Both films were based on the same creator's, Frank Miller, graphic novels. Though it does bode well for that Sin City sequel. 300, though, has everything great about Gladiator, and nothing horrible like Troy. It's a modernized sword and sandals movie with a rock soundtrack, full of violence and nudity, what every growing boy wants. If you liked Sin City or really wanted Troy to be better than it was, I promise you will like this movie.
I also picked up some DVD's just as I was getting sick, The Prestige and Borat... both films I really loved. I saw Borat with my Dad in the middle of the Ohio Bible-Belt and I will always remember how much my Dad and me laughed at how offended everyone else was in the theatre, including my step mom. Very funny, very wrong...
The Prestige is also a great movie. Christian Bale is great in everything, through in the director of Batman Begins and Memento, Chris Nolan, Hugh Jackman and the ultra hot Scarlett Johanssen and I see no way this could be bad. I liked The Prestige much better than the Illusionist, which I felt kind of copped on the whole magic angle of the movie, never giving answers. With the exception of the actual prestige in the movie, I felt that Nolan did a much better job of showing the audience how things work.
I could also rant on about my new found and very late introduction to Firefly, But I am not comfortable being labeled a Browncoat just yet.
Thanks for reading.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The Last Concession
No post with this one.. pretty self explanatory.
The Last Concession
All my answers have gone so far away,
So many questions, what more can I say?
I don't know what the point is to all this,
Aiming for a target I always seem to miss.
My timing just never works out right.
A mounting struggle with this same old plight.
Praying for a change to my daily grind,
But we never seem to be in a like state of mind.
I'll hold conviction to this frustration,
In my ongoing war of self-deprecation.
Looking deep towards my own reflections.
All to justify just these unanswered questions.
Keep looking for the courage to be a better man,
Try to overcome these fears as best as I can.
First I must make this last concession.
To lay true this deep confession.
Every day the same thoughts run through my head.
Always hoping for those words you've never said.
Maybe one day you'll know just how I feel,
But what I feel for you couldn't be more real.....
End of Line.
Gerrad!
The Last Concession
All my answers have gone so far away,
So many questions, what more can I say?
I don't know what the point is to all this,
Aiming for a target I always seem to miss.
My timing just never works out right.
A mounting struggle with this same old plight.
Praying for a change to my daily grind,
But we never seem to be in a like state of mind.
I'll hold conviction to this frustration,
In my ongoing war of self-deprecation.
Looking deep towards my own reflections.
All to justify just these unanswered questions.
Keep looking for the courage to be a better man,
Try to overcome these fears as best as I can.
First I must make this last concession.
To lay true this deep confession.
Every day the same thoughts run through my head.
Always hoping for those words you've never said.
Maybe one day you'll know just how I feel,
But what I feel for you couldn't be more real.....
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Redemption
Here is something I was dabbling with the last week. Its not really representative of anytime in my life, more or less the power that people can have in each others life. Its sort of an ode to redemption and how one person can change things for the better. Hope you enjoy.
Redemption
A heart grew heavy, hard from stone,
Each new hour more alone.
Left adrift among the sea,
Around the cresting waves of apathy.
Cold water seeped the ragged lung,
As silent songs were soon begun.
Darkest thoughts had turned to danger,
The welcomed arms of a black-robed stranger.
But 'lo upon the horizon behold,
A kiss of wind to chase the cold.
Redemption brought in weather's change,
A newborn chance in life arrange.
Time will turn the shadows to flight,
My day will dawn with your light.
My thanks to whom has stopped my fall,
A life without you is none at all.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Redemption
A heart grew heavy, hard from stone,
Each new hour more alone.
Left adrift among the sea,
Around the cresting waves of apathy.
Cold water seeped the ragged lung,
As silent songs were soon begun.
Darkest thoughts had turned to danger,
The welcomed arms of a black-robed stranger.
But 'lo upon the horizon behold,
A kiss of wind to chase the cold.
Redemption brought in weather's change,
A newborn chance in life arrange.
Time will turn the shadows to flight,
My day will dawn with your light.
My thanks to whom has stopped my fall,
A life without you is none at all.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
True Story Time
Hey all, sorry for the gap in posting. I went to Flagstaff for a long weekend and couldn't update. I did however come back with another true story. As I have mentioned in the past, I am unlucky in public restrooms. In a previous post I told the tale of being groped in a men's room urinal and since that (among a few others) I only use stalls so I can lock the door.
Anyway, this past Friday was the Guinness World Toast and a friend and myself went to an Irish pub in downtown Flagstaff to do some serious binge drinking. We started off with Bud Light and Guinness, but eventually got into mixing shots and other liquors. Now I was three sheets to the wind, but I can handle my alcohol at a pretty high tolerance. When we first started we were playing pool, and the place was pretty crowed and other people wanted to play on the table as well, so we were taking turns. One guy in particular played several games with us. Through the course of the evening, every time I went to use the stall, this guy was in the bathroom at the same time as me, like we on some kind of cycle.
So on my third trip to the stall, I notice the door handle was very loose on the door. I should point out here that the stall door was a regular wooden door, not the usual half doors they put on stalls. Back to the point, I finish my business and turn to pull the door open and the handle pulls completely off the door. I attempt to pull the door open, but the locking mechanism / crosspiece that goes into the door frame was latched tight still. I couldn't get a good enough grip on the door to open it, so I knocked on the door and said," Um, is anyone out there, the door handle broke and I am locked in here."
Suddenly I see a small finger poke through the hole in the door where the handle was. I said," That better be finger poking through there." The other person laughed and said that the door was stuck and that I should stand back so he could kick it in. SO this guy kicks in the door and here its the guy I was playing pool with earlier. We both laugh about the incident as getting locked in a public restroom is pretty funny. Then the guy asks me if he can buy me a drink. I must have given him a pretty funny look as he quickly said," No man I am not like that!" Then his next response was, " But do you want to dance?" At this point I sad, " Um yeah... thanks for the save there, but I think you may be mistaken..." He quickly said, " No no.. I meant with my girlfriend. She wants to dance and I don't want to."
So I did what any single guy should do, Drank four whisky sours on his tab and danced with his pretty damn fine looking GF.
The rest of the night after that was filled with getting tripped stumbling out of the bar, and watching my friend take a hit of pot (which he NEVER does) and regurgitate it all over the place.
Ah... behold the majesty of alcohol.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Anyway, this past Friday was the Guinness World Toast and a friend and myself went to an Irish pub in downtown Flagstaff to do some serious binge drinking. We started off with Bud Light and Guinness, but eventually got into mixing shots and other liquors. Now I was three sheets to the wind, but I can handle my alcohol at a pretty high tolerance. When we first started we were playing pool, and the place was pretty crowed and other people wanted to play on the table as well, so we were taking turns. One guy in particular played several games with us. Through the course of the evening, every time I went to use the stall, this guy was in the bathroom at the same time as me, like we on some kind of cycle.
So on my third trip to the stall, I notice the door handle was very loose on the door. I should point out here that the stall door was a regular wooden door, not the usual half doors they put on stalls. Back to the point, I finish my business and turn to pull the door open and the handle pulls completely off the door. I attempt to pull the door open, but the locking mechanism / crosspiece that goes into the door frame was latched tight still. I couldn't get a good enough grip on the door to open it, so I knocked on the door and said," Um, is anyone out there, the door handle broke and I am locked in here."
Suddenly I see a small finger poke through the hole in the door where the handle was. I said," That better be finger poking through there." The other person laughed and said that the door was stuck and that I should stand back so he could kick it in. SO this guy kicks in the door and here its the guy I was playing pool with earlier. We both laugh about the incident as getting locked in a public restroom is pretty funny. Then the guy asks me if he can buy me a drink. I must have given him a pretty funny look as he quickly said," No man I am not like that!" Then his next response was, " But do you want to dance?" At this point I sad, " Um yeah... thanks for the save there, but I think you may be mistaken..." He quickly said, " No no.. I meant with my girlfriend. She wants to dance and I don't want to."
So I did what any single guy should do, Drank four whisky sours on his tab and danced with his pretty damn fine looking GF.
The rest of the night after that was filled with getting tripped stumbling out of the bar, and watching my friend take a hit of pot (which he NEVER does) and regurgitate it all over the place.
Ah... behold the majesty of alcohol.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
You - A Valentine
I figured with it being Valentine's Day that I would try my hand a a love poem. These are harder for me to write as I don't have the most confidence with women. I simply tried to channel some of what I am feeling now and embellished it for romanticism's sake. Hope you enjoy.
You
You occupy every waking thought.
You are everything I've ever sought.
You complete the colors of the dawn,
You brighten the stars when the sun is gone.
You bless my world with your touch,
You don't know that you mean so much.
You chase my fears so far away,
You give the life to my each day.
You break the clouds to the Heavens above,
You opened my heart to feel your love.
You show me all I can be,
You have made a better man of me.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
You
You occupy every waking thought.
You are everything I've ever sought.
You complete the colors of the dawn,
You brighten the stars when the sun is gone.
You bless my world with your touch,
You don't know that you mean so much.
You chase my fears so far away,
You give the life to my each day.
You break the clouds to the Heavens above,
You opened my heart to feel your love.
You show me all I can be,
You have made a better man of me.
You turn my world to a better place,
You fill my soul's empty space.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
True Story Time
I had a hard time coming up with a topic today but I felt the need to post something. I have a huge workload today and tomorrow, as well as an extensive backlog of quality television on the DVR, new Lost, The Office, My Name is Earl, and a few others. Thought I would leave you with something a bit more on the lighter side.
I use to room with a guy named Jeremy. Probably the most sexually frustrated person I have ever met (even more than me!) as well as the most rigid personality. For a few years while we roomed together he had let down his guard and would join in some of the black humor that my other roommate Jason and myself found so enjoyable. See in my family anything you can do to get a rise out of another person is a sign of friendship and love, the meaner the joke, the more love intended. But Jeremy, he didn't see it quite the same, and he wasn't as good at the game because it takes a hell of a lot more to get me riled. also, fr a guy so proud of his dick, he was sure homophobic.
Anyway, the two of us had decided to go get something to eat, and anytime he wanted to go to eat, he always wanted to eat somewhere nicer, no take out or drive thru, which was fine with me. The two of us went to the Red Lobster, on like a Friday night. I thought it would be funny if i gave the hostess a fake name. So when she asked for our name, I quickly replied, " Homo, party of two."
Now Jeremy lost it, went completely beet red and was pissed as hell, so of course I laughed my ass off. To this day, or at east the last time we hung out, won't let me place a name at a restaurant, he even forbade me from telling that story at his wedding, in fact he made me promise (and I don't break promises) to tell none of my good stories on him for fear his new found bride would think he was a freak. (which he kinda was) So at his wedding as the best man I was expected to give a speech, and the only person I knew at his wedding was him and his parents (I once went to California with them on a vacation-though Jeremy got pissed at me for eyeballing his sister in a bikini...)
So, back to the wedding.. I had promised not to tell any of these good blackmail stories, but I had to show him the kind of friend he was to me, which meant making fun of him. So I did the only left to do, proceeded to give a five minute speech on the look of relief I saw in his friends and family as he got married to a girl, because honestly they had to be wondering why he lived with another guy for 7 years and didn't date anyone the entire time(until his wife came along.) I then went on to my rights as the other half of what some states would call a common law marriage... anyway the speech was funny, everyone laughed, except Jeremy who was mortified that I alluded to him being gay in front of his parents and wife.
So, there you have it.. another true story tale. Thanks for reading. I also wanted to wish my friend Stef a Happy Birthday, though I don't think she even reads this.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
I use to room with a guy named Jeremy. Probably the most sexually frustrated person I have ever met (even more than me!) as well as the most rigid personality. For a few years while we roomed together he had let down his guard and would join in some of the black humor that my other roommate Jason and myself found so enjoyable. See in my family anything you can do to get a rise out of another person is a sign of friendship and love, the meaner the joke, the more love intended. But Jeremy, he didn't see it quite the same, and he wasn't as good at the game because it takes a hell of a lot more to get me riled. also, fr a guy so proud of his dick, he was sure homophobic.
Anyway, the two of us had decided to go get something to eat, and anytime he wanted to go to eat, he always wanted to eat somewhere nicer, no take out or drive thru, which was fine with me. The two of us went to the Red Lobster, on like a Friday night. I thought it would be funny if i gave the hostess a fake name. So when she asked for our name, I quickly replied, " Homo, party of two."
Now Jeremy lost it, went completely beet red and was pissed as hell, so of course I laughed my ass off. To this day, or at east the last time we hung out, won't let me place a name at a restaurant, he even forbade me from telling that story at his wedding, in fact he made me promise (and I don't break promises) to tell none of my good stories on him for fear his new found bride would think he was a freak. (which he kinda was) So at his wedding as the best man I was expected to give a speech, and the only person I knew at his wedding was him and his parents (I once went to California with them on a vacation-though Jeremy got pissed at me for eyeballing his sister in a bikini...)
So, back to the wedding.. I had promised not to tell any of these good blackmail stories, but I had to show him the kind of friend he was to me, which meant making fun of him. So I did the only left to do, proceeded to give a five minute speech on the look of relief I saw in his friends and family as he got married to a girl, because honestly they had to be wondering why he lived with another guy for 7 years and didn't date anyone the entire time(until his wife came along.) I then went on to my rights as the other half of what some states would call a common law marriage... anyway the speech was funny, everyone laughed, except Jeremy who was mortified that I alluded to him being gay in front of his parents and wife.
So, there you have it.. another true story tale. Thanks for reading. I also wanted to wish my friend Stef a Happy Birthday, though I don't think she even reads this.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Self Titled
I'm not really good at happy poetry, nor am i particularly depressed at the time of writing this one.. I just enjoy writing darker works. This poem was inspired by watching part of a televangelist on TV the other day, I am not a great believer in religion, though I find faith an entirely different matter. Faith in whatever you hold dear, family, friends, God or some other Deity I just can't believe that only one religion is the right answer. Sometimes you have to make your own answers. Anyway, hope you enjoy.
Sounds of Light and Fury
Dark days press so close at hand,
A barren waste across the land.
The horsemen rear their fetid head,
Four men ride among the dead.
Eternal questions, no more fought.
The sins of Man have now been wrought.
No repentance found at hand,
The hourglass contains no more sand.
Silent echos, those chimes of fear
Red river springs from their tear.
No more prayers, no more offers,
Empty coin has filled the coffers.
Torn from heart and mind is soul,
Empty are the parts of the Hole.
For no more felt are the fires of Heaven,
As Hell's chill breeze has rose to leaven.
Sounds of Light and Fury
Dark days press so close at hand,
A barren waste across the land.
The horsemen rear their fetid head,
Four men ride among the dead.
Eternal questions, no more fought.
The sins of Man have now been wrought.
No repentance found at hand,
The hourglass contains no more sand.
Silent echos, those chimes of fear
Red river springs from their tear.
No more prayers, no more offers,
Empty coin has filled the coffers.
Torn from heart and mind is soul,
Empty are the parts of the Hole.
For no more felt are the fires of Heaven,
As Hell's chill breeze has rose to leaven.
Now Time is done, no Savior seen.
'Tis the End of Days, no soul unclean.
Goodbye to cares, as well as worry,
Hearken soon the Sounds of Light and Fury.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Super (Dissapointing) Bowl
Most people probably caught the Super Bowl last night. What a turd. Don't get me wrong, I guess I was rooting for Indy, if for only to have to no longer hear about how Payton Manning can't win the big one. It just seemed to me that it was some of the worst football I have seen played, especially in lieu of it being the greatest game of the year.
It started off good with the Devon Harris run back, but from their it was full of missed opportunities and turnovers. Grossman played terribly, he is not the future of that franchise, and even Manning wasn't super. I was really just bored with the whole affair by the third quarter.
The commercials were pretty sad too. The commercial event of the year and they played commercials that I have already seen. That's just lazy! Budweiser had two pretty good ones with the face slapping over fist bumping and the auction caller wedding. Hell, I even liked the K-Fed mutual fund commercial, that was pretty funny. Let's hop next year is a tad more dramatic.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
It started off good with the Devon Harris run back, but from their it was full of missed opportunities and turnovers. Grossman played terribly, he is not the future of that franchise, and even Manning wasn't super. I was really just bored with the whole affair by the third quarter.
The commercials were pretty sad too. The commercial event of the year and they played commercials that I have already seen. That's just lazy! Budweiser had two pretty good ones with the face slapping over fist bumping and the auction caller wedding. Hell, I even liked the K-Fed mutual fund commercial, that was pretty funny. Let's hop next year is a tad more dramatic.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
True Story Time
Hey All.
Figured its about time for a topic of much lighter conservations. In the past I have posted some of my work stories, so I figure I should share one that happened to me this week. See I am a manager of a McDonalds, not the greatest height of accomplishment but I think I am doing pretty well.
Anyway two teenagers came through the drive thru and placed a rather large order, so I asked them to pull forward and park and that we would bring their order out as soon as it was done. After a few minutes, I bag up the order and carry It out to the car. As I approach the driver side window, I turn to my side to tell them that I had all of their order. Now before I can even get a word out, the driver whips out a magazine centerfold of some totally naked guy and asks me, " Hey doesn't this guy have the hottest balls?"
Now the way I see this there is only two responses, get flustered or angry, or bust this guy down. I, of course, went with the latter. I immediately responded," Not as hot as yours are I'm sure honey. Here's your order. " This pretty much creeped out the driver, though the passenger seemed to think it was funny and laughed yelling out, ' Damn man!" At this point the driver rolled up his window an pulled away and I went back to work. All I know is that there is no way some smart ass punk teenager is going to get the best of me.
I thought it was funny.
Current recommendation- If you are not watching Heroes, get on the bandwagon. It's a great show!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Figured its about time for a topic of much lighter conservations. In the past I have posted some of my work stories, so I figure I should share one that happened to me this week. See I am a manager of a McDonalds, not the greatest height of accomplishment but I think I am doing pretty well.
Anyway two teenagers came through the drive thru and placed a rather large order, so I asked them to pull forward and park and that we would bring their order out as soon as it was done. After a few minutes, I bag up the order and carry It out to the car. As I approach the driver side window, I turn to my side to tell them that I had all of their order. Now before I can even get a word out, the driver whips out a magazine centerfold of some totally naked guy and asks me, " Hey doesn't this guy have the hottest balls?"
Now the way I see this there is only two responses, get flustered or angry, or bust this guy down. I, of course, went with the latter. I immediately responded," Not as hot as yours are I'm sure honey. Here's your order. " This pretty much creeped out the driver, though the passenger seemed to think it was funny and laughed yelling out, ' Damn man!" At this point the driver rolled up his window an pulled away and I went back to work. All I know is that there is no way some smart ass punk teenager is going to get the best of me.
I thought it was funny.
Current recommendation- If you are not watching Heroes, get on the bandwagon. It's a great show!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Autumn Falls
I don't know if anyone even reads or writes poetry anymore, but here is something I did during work. I don't know if its any good or not... I tend to fall to the latter of the inclinations, but I take a positive out of this as it felt nice to at least stir the creative juices of the tired mire of my feeble acumen. Enjoy.
Autumn falls against the winter's might.
Another day ends, loses its fight.
Dusk gives birth to new twilight.
Moon's glow in the fade of night.
Cold air's breeze a frigid bite,
No more seen the warmth of light.
For winter's grip has seized tight.
'Tis the way of Seasons, neither wrong nor right.
So fear not the answer to this plight
The next will dawn, soon in sight.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Autumn falls against the winter's might.
Another day ends, loses its fight.
Dusk gives birth to new twilight.
Moon's glow in the fade of night.
Cold air's breeze a frigid bite,
No more seen the warmth of light.
For winter's grip has seized tight.
'Tis the way of Seasons, neither wrong nor right.
So fear not the answer to this plight
The next will dawn, soon in sight.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
....On My Sleeve.
I have come to relize truth and honesty are really different things...Honesty is a very valuable trait that I admire in poeple, myself included. Truth is often seen in the eye of the beholder. The truth is really what you make it out to be. Something can be true, an emotion, thought or action by force of will. You can shape the truth into what you need. If you tell a lie long enouh, it becomes the truth.
What you can't make up is honesty. Honesty to yourself and those around you means dealing with things, even the truth, when they don't necessarily reflect things that you want them to. Finding honesty in action is something I am trying really hard to do now. I am trying to be honest with someone I know and I am having trouble finding the courage to own up to what I am feeling. I have never been very confident in myself, its easier to pick at a flaw than illuminate a strenght. Well at least for me. Maybe writing this will help, I dont know. What I do know is that I can't change the truth of the matter, I can only accept it. That's being honest with myself, and with the people around me.
Honesty is the best policy, they just don't say that it's the easiet.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
What you can't make up is honesty. Honesty to yourself and those around you means dealing with things, even the truth, when they don't necessarily reflect things that you want them to. Finding honesty in action is something I am trying really hard to do now. I am trying to be honest with someone I know and I am having trouble finding the courage to own up to what I am feeling. I have never been very confident in myself, its easier to pick at a flaw than illuminate a strenght. Well at least for me. Maybe writing this will help, I dont know. What I do know is that I can't change the truth of the matter, I can only accept it. That's being honest with myself, and with the people around me.
Honesty is the best policy, they just don't say that it's the easiet.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Ground Zero
I don't really have any good reason as to why I stopped posting. During the New Year's holiday I decided that I needed to start writing something again and I fugured this was the best manner in which to do so, and somehow hold myself accountable for putting stuff up every week at the least.
Hence I am basically going to give this a try again.
There was pretty much a time there were I wasn't happy with what was going on in my life, and I decieded that I needed a change. Personally and professionally I wasn't in a place were I was meeting the expectations that I set for myself, and the best way to fix what you don't like is to stop bitching about them and start acting on them.
I am sure I will be writing on events in my life or other pop culture topics, but I am also going to try to broaden the perspective. Maybe posting bits of a bad horror story I am starting, or a poem or short essay, just something to stimulate the creative juices. I look at the depth of talent in my roommate and sometimes it is just depressing that he can create so easily.
At any rate, his is step one......hopefully my pace will not falter.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Hence I am basically going to give this a try again.
There was pretty much a time there were I wasn't happy with what was going on in my life, and I decieded that I needed a change. Personally and professionally I wasn't in a place were I was meeting the expectations that I set for myself, and the best way to fix what you don't like is to stop bitching about them and start acting on them.
I am sure I will be writing on events in my life or other pop culture topics, but I am also going to try to broaden the perspective. Maybe posting bits of a bad horror story I am starting, or a poem or short essay, just something to stimulate the creative juices. I look at the depth of talent in my roommate and sometimes it is just depressing that he can create so easily.
At any rate, his is step one......hopefully my pace will not falter.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Entertainment....Monthly?
Hey all, sorry about the consistent lateness in posting, but its been frustrating not being able to figure out exactly what's wrong with my PC. It just seems like one difficulty after another. I'm posting again from my roommates MAC. Anyway, lets get down to business.
Caught X-Men: The Last Stand and I have to say that I enjoyed the film. I don't think that it beats either of the first two installments, but I think it did all right considering the circumstances. While I enjoyed the focus on action, I feel they went for a quantity of characters over a quality of characters. I believe the key to developing X-Men movies is to introduce new characters to the audience while not losing focus on existing ones. Nightcrawler, Col. Stryker, and Deathstrike in X2 were developed nicely, while teasing characters like Kitty Pryde and Colossus for future use. I feel that they only really explored the Beast in X3, short changing Juggernaut and Angel. I also tend to agree with many critics calling out director Brett Ratner, as not really having a strong visual presence, but sustaining a big movie image with out giving it the substance. I do recommend that you catch the flick as Hugh Jackman and especially Sir Ian McKellen give stellar performances. McKellen's got some serious box office chops here. He is in way to many popular movies giving credibility to everything.
I also got Season 2 of the HBO series Deadwood, by far my favorite show on TV. I'm a sucker for a good western and as this second only all time to The Magnificent Seven. (I'm a sucker for a Steve McQueen flick... But that's a topic for later) Deadwood has some of the best writing in any series I have watched and, as I have raved before, chock full of all the things a growing boy should want: Sex, violence, and profanity, wrapped in an autuer shell of condensed story about real life in the old west. Please check it out.
I also just finished washing that toilet bowl of a broadcast the 2006 MTV movie awards. What's a steaming turd of self-indulgent poorly written fluff. I believe that I officially passed the barometer for being allowed to watch MTV 5 months early, as it is my belief that after 30, MTV no longer communicates to you on the level it should. Its wear you start to realize that music use to be better, and that most of those emo-ridden sea-hags on that show really just annoy you. When you think it sucks getting old, just watch half and hour of My Super Sweet Sixteen or Laguna Beach and you will realize that the days before TRl were better times.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Caught X-Men: The Last Stand and I have to say that I enjoyed the film. I don't think that it beats either of the first two installments, but I think it did all right considering the circumstances. While I enjoyed the focus on action, I feel they went for a quantity of characters over a quality of characters. I believe the key to developing X-Men movies is to introduce new characters to the audience while not losing focus on existing ones. Nightcrawler, Col. Stryker, and Deathstrike in X2 were developed nicely, while teasing characters like Kitty Pryde and Colossus for future use. I feel that they only really explored the Beast in X3, short changing Juggernaut and Angel. I also tend to agree with many critics calling out director Brett Ratner, as not really having a strong visual presence, but sustaining a big movie image with out giving it the substance. I do recommend that you catch the flick as Hugh Jackman and especially Sir Ian McKellen give stellar performances. McKellen's got some serious box office chops here. He is in way to many popular movies giving credibility to everything.
I also got Season 2 of the HBO series Deadwood, by far my favorite show on TV. I'm a sucker for a good western and as this second only all time to The Magnificent Seven. (I'm a sucker for a Steve McQueen flick... But that's a topic for later) Deadwood has some of the best writing in any series I have watched and, as I have raved before, chock full of all the things a growing boy should want: Sex, violence, and profanity, wrapped in an autuer shell of condensed story about real life in the old west. Please check it out.
I also just finished washing that toilet bowl of a broadcast the 2006 MTV movie awards. What's a steaming turd of self-indulgent poorly written fluff. I believe that I officially passed the barometer for being allowed to watch MTV 5 months early, as it is my belief that after 30, MTV no longer communicates to you on the level it should. Its wear you start to realize that music use to be better, and that most of those emo-ridden sea-hags on that show really just annoy you. When you think it sucks getting old, just watch half and hour of My Super Sweet Sixteen or Laguna Beach and you will realize that the days before TRl were better times.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Memoriam
Just a few lines tonight as my regular PC is still down. Not sure when my brother will have all the bugs out.
I just read the news of Alex Toth passing, at his drawing board no less. It's truly a great loss to the artistic community as Alex Toth was such an influential artist to many in today's medium. Toth worked for Hanna-Barbara creating such famous characters like Birdman and Space Ghost, which live on in today's Adult Swim programming. I'm no artist by any means but Toth's strong visual style and clean dramatic lines always impressed me. His influence can be seen in the likes of such artists as Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy, and Alex Ross, painter.
To know that at the age of 78 he was still creating is an inspiration to me. He will be missed.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
I just read the news of Alex Toth passing, at his drawing board no less. It's truly a great loss to the artistic community as Alex Toth was such an influential artist to many in today's medium. Toth worked for Hanna-Barbara creating such famous characters like Birdman and Space Ghost, which live on in today's Adult Swim programming. I'm no artist by any means but Toth's strong visual style and clean dramatic lines always impressed me. His influence can be seen in the likes of such artists as Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy, and Alex Ross, painter.
To know that at the age of 78 he was still creating is an inspiration to me. He will be missed.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
MAC ATTACK
Hey all.
Thought I would post a quick update here from my friends MAC as my brother seems to be taking his sweet time repairing my PC. He hasn't figured out what seems to be the problem, but I am sure he will find it soon... I hope.
I caught The Da Vinci code over the weekend and I thought it was a pretty decent movie. I hav read that alot of critics are lambasting it in thier reviews but I feel that it is kind of harsh. In reading the book its not really an action story, its a puzzle thriller, and adating that into a movie is difficult as portions of the book are simply running from one place to another. Making that exciting isn't an easy task. I also feel the book lent itself to faster pacing by having such short chapters, giving the reader a sense that they have read more and the book a quicker tone. In the movies you tend to try the same elemnts with camera cuts and such, but it doesn't translate the same. To many cuts makes it way to MTV, and not enough makes it to VH1.
That being said, I enjoyed the film, especially Ian McKellen, who always sems to give strong performances and Jean Reno, a favorite since The Professional. Tom Hanks does a passable job, it's not his best work but he rarely comes across the screem poorly (despite recent projects like The Ladykillers and The Terminal)
Go check it out.
End of Line!
Gerrad!
Thought I would post a quick update here from my friends MAC as my brother seems to be taking his sweet time repairing my PC. He hasn't figured out what seems to be the problem, but I am sure he will find it soon... I hope.
I caught The Da Vinci code over the weekend and I thought it was a pretty decent movie. I hav read that alot of critics are lambasting it in thier reviews but I feel that it is kind of harsh. In reading the book its not really an action story, its a puzzle thriller, and adating that into a movie is difficult as portions of the book are simply running from one place to another. Making that exciting isn't an easy task. I also feel the book lent itself to faster pacing by having such short chapters, giving the reader a sense that they have read more and the book a quicker tone. In the movies you tend to try the same elemnts with camera cuts and such, but it doesn't translate the same. To many cuts makes it way to MTV, and not enough makes it to VH1.
That being said, I enjoyed the film, especially Ian McKellen, who always sems to give strong performances and Jean Reno, a favorite since The Professional. Tom Hanks does a passable job, it's not his best work but he rarely comes across the screem poorly (despite recent projects like The Ladykillers and The Terminal)
Go check it out.
End of Line!
Gerrad!
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Missing in Action....
Hey all.. Just a quick update to let everyone know that the site will be down for a bit. Finally getting the PC overhauled and it may be a little while before I post, unless I can use my roommates (*gasp*) MAC to update.
Hey, I will relate a funny story before I go. A friend of mine and myself went to our usual watering hole for a couple of brews this Friday night. I hit the men's room after a few beers and hit up the urinal. There was another guy next to me there, and unfortunately there was another guy at the urinal. Before I go any farther let me point out that my usual safety zone in the stall was occupied and I really had to go. Anyone who read my earlier incident can relate to my reluctance to use urinals at all anymore.
Anyway, I digress. As I am doing my business the guy next to me starts talking to me. "Dude, check out my dick. It's so small. Seriously, look at this thing man. My penis is fucking small." What do you tell a guy at that point. All I could say is.."Umm that sucks man." I certainly didn't want to look at it.
At this point I am laughing my ass off as this guy is so shit-faced. How does this stuff keep happening to me?! Can anyone have more strange things happen to them in a bathroom?
Hope you all liked that one. See you in a while.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Hey, I will relate a funny story before I go. A friend of mine and myself went to our usual watering hole for a couple of brews this Friday night. I hit the men's room after a few beers and hit up the urinal. There was another guy next to me there, and unfortunately there was another guy at the urinal. Before I go any farther let me point out that my usual safety zone in the stall was occupied and I really had to go. Anyone who read my earlier incident can relate to my reluctance to use urinals at all anymore.
Anyway, I digress. As I am doing my business the guy next to me starts talking to me. "Dude, check out my dick. It's so small. Seriously, look at this thing man. My penis is fucking small." What do you tell a guy at that point. All I could say is.."Umm that sucks man." I certainly didn't want to look at it.
At this point I am laughing my ass off as this guy is so shit-faced. How does this stuff keep happening to me?! Can anyone have more strange things happen to them in a bathroom?
Hope you all liked that one. See you in a while.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Catching the Fever
Being from Phoenix, I don't think that there are to many people not caught in the grips of Suns playoff basketball. Sports have always been an off and on again thing with me. In my youth I truly enjoyed football and watching the games, as I entered my teens, I fell out of being interested in sports in general. Sometime after I hit 25, the old flame came up and caught me, where I found my self watching more sports and generally being more knowlegable about them. The two biggest sports for me are football and basketball.
With football, I will now watch like any game on TV, sure I have my favorite teams, but I think there is some kind of weird genetic coding that will make man watch any given game on TV. With basketball I am more selective, and found that I am only interested in my teams (The Suns and The Cavs-as I originally hail from the Cleveland area)
Suns basketball is just plain exciting to watch, as despite their thrashing at the hands of the Clippers last night, I have high hopes that the leagues reigning MVP will shut them down through the series. I am not so blind to think that they can win the championship, as the Spurs and particularly Detroit seem just unbeatable. I really hope to see the Suns again next season with the return of Amare Stoudamire giving them the one thing they truly lack, interior offensive presence. If the Suns shoot bad, they could really use that key interior game to keep the perimeter open.
I'm not writing them off yet, I do feel that if they can get past the Clippers and in the conference finals, we could give either Dallas of the Spurs a good series. The longer the Dallas and Spurs series go, the better it bodes for the Suns, as the run and gun offense that they use could really wear on the other team.
Anyway you look at it though, its a good time to be an Arizona sports fan, with the Suns on fire and the Cardinals shaping up with solid drafting and talent on the roster for once, I for one can look forward to this year in sports.
Now, if any of my friends were even remotely interested in this scene I could talk to someone about it.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
With football, I will now watch like any game on TV, sure I have my favorite teams, but I think there is some kind of weird genetic coding that will make man watch any given game on TV. With basketball I am more selective, and found that I am only interested in my teams (The Suns and The Cavs-as I originally hail from the Cleveland area)
Suns basketball is just plain exciting to watch, as despite their thrashing at the hands of the Clippers last night, I have high hopes that the leagues reigning MVP will shut them down through the series. I am not so blind to think that they can win the championship, as the Spurs and particularly Detroit seem just unbeatable. I really hope to see the Suns again next season with the return of Amare Stoudamire giving them the one thing they truly lack, interior offensive presence. If the Suns shoot bad, they could really use that key interior game to keep the perimeter open.
I'm not writing them off yet, I do feel that if they can get past the Clippers and in the conference finals, we could give either Dallas of the Spurs a good series. The longer the Dallas and Spurs series go, the better it bodes for the Suns, as the run and gun offense that they use could really wear on the other team.
Anyway you look at it though, its a good time to be an Arizona sports fan, with the Suns on fire and the Cardinals shaping up with solid drafting and talent on the roster for once, I for one can look forward to this year in sports.
Now, if any of my friends were even remotely interested in this scene I could talk to someone about it.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Back in the Saddle
Original title eh?
Anyway, other than the one person who got that joke, lets get on with the business at hand.
Finally got the PC back up after a couple of days being down.. I really have to invest some money to fix this.
First off I promised like a week ago to talk about the big movies I am looking forward to this summer.
#1- Pirates of the Caribbean 2; Dead Man's Chest.
The first flick was great, Johnny Depp owned that performance and that movie and they took what was a dead genre (Cuttthroat Island anyone?) the pirate movie and made it great. Plus the fact that its based on a theme park ride. Imagine the opposite of that.. Oh yeah, Haunted Mansion. THAT MOVIE SHOULD HAVE BEEN CRAP!!!
The sequel should have everything we loved about the first one. The only complaint I have heard is that people have begun to wonder if that Keith Richards act that Depp is doing will get stale. I don't think so, its been a long wait for this movie and it should pay off big time. Definitely a top 5 summer finish.
#2- The Da Vinci Code- The biggest book phenomenon of all time hits the multiples in just over a week, and it looks solid. Tom Hanks is Hollywoods most loved actor on the whole and despite his last two films commercial failure, his Teflon image should rebound here. Its got a solid creative team in Ron Howard who rarely directs clunkers, with a smart script and a solid supporting cast.
The only potential downfall is that EVERYONE has read the book and that could impact repeat viewings. Then again, everyone knew what happened in Titanic and look at what that did.
#3 X-Men: The Last Stand- The first 2 films were solid comic book movies with plenty of plot and story driving them. I personally am looking forward to new director Brett Ratner upping the action quota here. I am not saying that it doesn't need to be smart. But like Elvis said, "A little less conversation, a little more action..."
The downside is the loss of Bryan Singer. He made 2 almost universally accepted movies keeping close to the fans hearts, will Ratner see things the same way...
#4- Cars. Pixar has yet to make a bad movie. Think about that. No other company has turned out such solid dependable and well made movies in the last 10 years. CGI animated movies are pretty much unbeatable at the box office (The Wild not withstanding) The film has solid voice casting and a solid history. I will sincerely be surprised if it is not #2 or 3 at the box office this summer.
Downside- There have been some so-so prescreening reviews of the films rough cut.. But remember, Finding Nemo had the same things said about it.
#5- Superman Returns- In what most critics and box office pundits are calling the summers surefire guarantee film, Superman returns to the big screen. The word is that proven comic book director Bryan Singer's movie will take place between the events of Superman 2 and 3, staying close to original director Joel Silver's take on the first 2 movies. Utilizing archival footage of Marlon Brando as Jor-El, Superman's father, and pieces of John Williams original theme, Singer hopes to hearken back to what made the original Superman movies in the 70's so great. Also casting Kevin Spacey as Lex Luther was a solid move.
Downside- Can unknown actor Brandon Routh hold up as Superman? With the huge expectations on this film, will he be able to handle the pressure. Also, will people support Singer's take on Lois Lane? Superman, having left Earth on a five year exile after the events of Superman 2, returns to find Lois with another man, she has moved on and had a child. Superman... As My babies Daddy?
Keep in mind, Christoper Reeve was also an unknown when he was cast, and that paid off, lets hope this move will too.
Hope you all enjoyed that. I hope to have another update soon on some of the goings on around here. Including Suns playoff fever!!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Anyway, other than the one person who got that joke, lets get on with the business at hand.
Finally got the PC back up after a couple of days being down.. I really have to invest some money to fix this.
First off I promised like a week ago to talk about the big movies I am looking forward to this summer.
#1- Pirates of the Caribbean 2; Dead Man's Chest.
The first flick was great, Johnny Depp owned that performance and that movie and they took what was a dead genre (Cuttthroat Island anyone?) the pirate movie and made it great. Plus the fact that its based on a theme park ride. Imagine the opposite of that.. Oh yeah, Haunted Mansion. THAT MOVIE SHOULD HAVE BEEN CRAP!!!
The sequel should have everything we loved about the first one. The only complaint I have heard is that people have begun to wonder if that Keith Richards act that Depp is doing will get stale. I don't think so, its been a long wait for this movie and it should pay off big time. Definitely a top 5 summer finish.
#2- The Da Vinci Code- The biggest book phenomenon of all time hits the multiples in just over a week, and it looks solid. Tom Hanks is Hollywoods most loved actor on the whole and despite his last two films commercial failure, his Teflon image should rebound here. Its got a solid creative team in Ron Howard who rarely directs clunkers, with a smart script and a solid supporting cast.
The only potential downfall is that EVERYONE has read the book and that could impact repeat viewings. Then again, everyone knew what happened in Titanic and look at what that did.
#3 X-Men: The Last Stand- The first 2 films were solid comic book movies with plenty of plot and story driving them. I personally am looking forward to new director Brett Ratner upping the action quota here. I am not saying that it doesn't need to be smart. But like Elvis said, "A little less conversation, a little more action..."
The downside is the loss of Bryan Singer. He made 2 almost universally accepted movies keeping close to the fans hearts, will Ratner see things the same way...
#4- Cars. Pixar has yet to make a bad movie. Think about that. No other company has turned out such solid dependable and well made movies in the last 10 years. CGI animated movies are pretty much unbeatable at the box office (The Wild not withstanding) The film has solid voice casting and a solid history. I will sincerely be surprised if it is not #2 or 3 at the box office this summer.
Downside- There have been some so-so prescreening reviews of the films rough cut.. But remember, Finding Nemo had the same things said about it.
#5- Superman Returns- In what most critics and box office pundits are calling the summers surefire guarantee film, Superman returns to the big screen. The word is that proven comic book director Bryan Singer's movie will take place between the events of Superman 2 and 3, staying close to original director Joel Silver's take on the first 2 movies. Utilizing archival footage of Marlon Brando as Jor-El, Superman's father, and pieces of John Williams original theme, Singer hopes to hearken back to what made the original Superman movies in the 70's so great. Also casting Kevin Spacey as Lex Luther was a solid move.
Downside- Can unknown actor Brandon Routh hold up as Superman? With the huge expectations on this film, will he be able to handle the pressure. Also, will people support Singer's take on Lois Lane? Superman, having left Earth on a five year exile after the events of Superman 2, returns to find Lois with another man, she has moved on and had a child. Superman... As My babies Daddy?
Keep in mind, Christoper Reeve was also an unknown when he was cast, and that paid off, lets hope this move will too.
Hope you all enjoyed that. I hope to have another update soon on some of the goings on around here. Including Suns playoff fever!!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Rallying Cry
I know I promised to do some movie picks on this post, but this is more important.
Yesterday's immigration reform rally really makes a big impact in running a restaurant, especially here in Arizona. With such a large Hispanic community and Hispanics being such a big portion of my job market, it makes it difficult to do my job. I don't claim to be the most informed person on any situation, but this I know... cracking down on illegal immigrants won't work. I'm not saying that you don't try, but what was wrong with the old situation? Grinding the economy like this really impacts the businesses that depend on these workers. We need to make some kind of choice that will benefit everyone, because our current path is not leading to an equitable solution. I want to tell you a little story, but let me give you a little background first.
I know my policy is that anyone who wants a job, can get a job. McDonalds, while not being on the glorious side of the job spectrum, has been good to me, affording me a great deal. I get more paid vacation a year than my Father did at his prime working for Goodyear, I will be eligible for a company car in about a year, paid leave every ten years (2 months worth) (that's in addition to the 6 weeks a year I currently get) 401k, medical, dental, life, health insurance, all working at a job most people don't want to do. Hey, every two years is a paid trip to National Convention, which was a paid trip to Vegas in 2005! Its not hard, it can be a little time consuming some weeks, but I like working with such a wide spectrum of people. Giving people their first job is a great feeling, one of my favorite parts abut working there. Especially for those few people who later come and tell me thanks for treating like an adult, not like a child. For trusting them and giving them the opportunity to move on. Hell, I have met some really great friends working their too. The best part about this is that anyone can do this if they try.
Now this is what really bothers me, we were forced to close our lobby a little early on the first for the rally, which I was okay with, our Hispanic crew asked for the day off to go and support the rally and what it means to their people. I am really okay with that, this is a big issue for them. Despite the fact that our employees have to have valid identification to work for us, they believe that this cause is important. I am sure some of them were doing it just for a day off, but that's beside the point. I was leaving work yesterday, after a pretty long day (hey this is one of those times) when I saw a customer come up to go inside. I informed that I was sorry and that the lobby was closed early today. He asked me why? I informed him that due to the rally we didn't have the full staffing requirements needed to be fully operational and that we had gone drive thru only after 5pm. HE proceeded to rant and rave about the fact that we only hire wetbacks and that we should "get off our fucking asses" and do our job. I informed him that we DO check all of our workers legitamancy and that we were doing our best. He looked at me and said you should hire some real Americans. I looked him in the eye and said, that's what they are trying to be, its racists like you who are keeping them from being one. And I turned and left.
I fucking hate racists.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Yesterday's immigration reform rally really makes a big impact in running a restaurant, especially here in Arizona. With such a large Hispanic community and Hispanics being such a big portion of my job market, it makes it difficult to do my job. I don't claim to be the most informed person on any situation, but this I know... cracking down on illegal immigrants won't work. I'm not saying that you don't try, but what was wrong with the old situation? Grinding the economy like this really impacts the businesses that depend on these workers. We need to make some kind of choice that will benefit everyone, because our current path is not leading to an equitable solution. I want to tell you a little story, but let me give you a little background first.
I know my policy is that anyone who wants a job, can get a job. McDonalds, while not being on the glorious side of the job spectrum, has been good to me, affording me a great deal. I get more paid vacation a year than my Father did at his prime working for Goodyear, I will be eligible for a company car in about a year, paid leave every ten years (2 months worth) (that's in addition to the 6 weeks a year I currently get) 401k, medical, dental, life, health insurance, all working at a job most people don't want to do. Hey, every two years is a paid trip to National Convention, which was a paid trip to Vegas in 2005! Its not hard, it can be a little time consuming some weeks, but I like working with such a wide spectrum of people. Giving people their first job is a great feeling, one of my favorite parts abut working there. Especially for those few people who later come and tell me thanks for treating like an adult, not like a child. For trusting them and giving them the opportunity to move on. Hell, I have met some really great friends working their too. The best part about this is that anyone can do this if they try.
Now this is what really bothers me, we were forced to close our lobby a little early on the first for the rally, which I was okay with, our Hispanic crew asked for the day off to go and support the rally and what it means to their people. I am really okay with that, this is a big issue for them. Despite the fact that our employees have to have valid identification to work for us, they believe that this cause is important. I am sure some of them were doing it just for a day off, but that's beside the point. I was leaving work yesterday, after a pretty long day (hey this is one of those times) when I saw a customer come up to go inside. I informed that I was sorry and that the lobby was closed early today. He asked me why? I informed him that due to the rally we didn't have the full staffing requirements needed to be fully operational and that we had gone drive thru only after 5pm. HE proceeded to rant and rave about the fact that we only hire wetbacks and that we should "get off our fucking asses" and do our job. I informed him that we DO check all of our workers legitamancy and that we were doing our best. He looked at me and said you should hire some real Americans. I looked him in the eye and said, that's what they are trying to be, its racists like you who are keeping them from being one. And I turned and left.
I fucking hate racists.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)