Brentology.com

Just had a most enjoyable dinner with Alison and Paul to celebrate Alison's b-day. We went to Point Brugge Cafe, which is a favorite spot and one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh. I had the Macaroni Gratin and Chicken Skewers. For dessert, ice cream with their special fudge sauce. It was extremely yummy.

Now I'm just kicking back and watching some TV. I don't have to go into work tomorrow until 1:00 so that means I get to sleep in tomorrow morning. It's always a good feeling on a weeknight knowing you do not have to get up early the next morning. It is especially nice since I had lots of trouble sleeping last night, again. I wish my brain had a switch that I could just turn off when I get into bed. I think there is too much going on at work lately (new title added and some responsibilities -- more later on that) along with some life stresses all combining to make my mind race when it should be resting. It affects my morning routine too because this week I have been hitting the snooze button an extra time figuring I can drive to the gym then to work rather than walking as usual thus giving me the extra 10-15 minutes in bed. That has to stop, I just don't drive to places in my hood beacuse it's silly. And really, why does an extra 10-15 minutes seem so vital in one's sleepy haze when in reality that amount of time makes no difference to anything.

I wish there was a 'Sonic Burger' near me because I just saw one of their commercials for a banana pudding shake.

Finnigan is amusing himself batting and chasing a racquetball around. Could he be any cuter?

Tomorrow night is my monthly networking group mixer. I'm skipping a grand opening party of one of our new branches to attend. I think the world will continue to spin if I skip a work function in favor of something I actually enjoy.

Good night....

Posted by Brent at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (680)

It's Alison's Birthday today!! Her birthday actually started two weeks ago and goes for another couple weeks, but today is the official day. Happy birthday to my fellow Pittsburgher!!

Posted by Brent at 06:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (168)

I just got a speeding ticket. CRAP. I was on my way home tonight from my third meeting of the day out in Wexford and got busted doing 77 in a 55 mph zone coming home on I-279. I did think I was in a 65 zone but apparently not.

The evil/nice officer did give me break in that instead of writing me up for speeding, he gave me a ticket for "non obedience to traffic control devices." And this was further explained on the ticket by "failed to obey posted speed limit sign." And of course he noted on the bottom "77/55" just for good measure.

Oddly, this is a nicer form of speeding in Pennsylvania because with this option the fine is the same, $107.50, but it is no points on your license unlike if he had written it as a regular speeding infraction. So he gave me a break on that which is good. But still.......CRAP.

Posted by Brent at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Not much happening this weekend. Just kind of a laid back/lazy couple days. And that's a good thing because it gives me and my wallet a break. I think I have gotten over my sleeping issues with a little help from some cute little blue pills and I'm feeling better because of it. So maybe in the coming days I will feel more like ranting, sharing my unique perspective on the world, and just spreading the greatness that is me.

But for now I just want to urge fellow cat lovers not to skimp when it comes to buying kitty litter and please read the package carefully. Peace out.

Posted by Brent at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

News headline today: "Chimpanzee Seen Hunting With Weapon"
--I think he also had a republican voter registration card.

A coworker came in this morning and annouced that she had bought muffins for everyone and that they were in the breakroom. "Great" I thought since I was hella hungry after a good 40 minutes of swimming and had just gotten my coffee and passed on the goodies at the coffee shop. So salivating with the thought of muffinny (its a word because I say it is) goodness, I head back to the breakroom. But my giddy anticipation (what can I say, I was hungry) turned into utter horror when I saw what she had bought. CARROT muffins. GAG. Gee thanks, can I also have a side of cauliflower with my breakfast? I mean it's a nice thing to do and all, but at least get an assortment instead of a bakers dozen of grossness. Anyway, since by now I had to have something I went back to Starbucks and got some lemon poundcake.

I just found out this afternoon that on Monday I have to go downtown for a morning meeting and then out to BFE, aka the suburbs, for not one but two afternoon meetings. But get this, they are at different locations in the same town. Yes the communication and coordination at my company is just remarkable. So not only do I have to suit up for these snooze fests, it also means I have to put gas in my car. And I just did that like a month ago. Geez.

I love having HBO again.

Finnigan In Laptop Bag

Posted by Brent at 07:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Going back to work today after a four day weekend and a good night's sleep thanks to a sleep aid, I was hoping to have a productive day getting caught up on little things that have been piling up. But my grand plan was quickly squashed by the dreaded "A" word. Thats right, Audit. Internal company auditors crossed state lines and traveled from our company headquarters just to see little old me. So my day was spent providing info, keeping anyone else in the branch from doing anything non-compliant, doing my best reasoning while really reaching (in fact I think I got points for creative bullshitting if nothing else), and drinking more coffee than normal. But in the end everything went fine and my branch scored high. So that made me and the bosses happy. I'll try again tomorrow to actually get some real work done.

Posted by Brent at 09:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Emotions can be frustrating and illogical.

Posted by Brent at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I tune in to my news channels to get a news fix and what do I see????

Live courtroom coverage of asshats arguing over Anna Nicole Smith's body.

REALLY?? Give me a break, I still have a headache from OJ.

Posted by Brent at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I had to call Comcast about my cable service today, twice. And it actually went very well both times, didn't have to wait on hold or get transferred around too much. And at least for small amount of time today, the people were pleasant on the phone. Maybe someone spiked the water cooler. Don't get me wrong, I still felt dirty after talking to them because cable/phone companies are generally evil and violate you any way they can.

But this time I called to see if they had any promotions to offer since I was out of my first sign up promos and my bill went up like seven dollars. This made me question how much of a deal I was really getting. Turns out I was still getting the good price for internet. Anyway, added HBO and my price actually went down ten dollars. Go figure. It goes to show how screwy they can be with you and leave you wondering how many things they can actually do but don't offer. Where's the soap?

Posted by Brent at 04:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I have had such a lazy day today and it feels great. I needed a day of sloth and playing with kitty. I have only left the apartment to get coffee at Caribou this morning and then a short while ago to satisfy an ice cream craving. I just had a big bowl of cookies and cream while lazing away on the couch. And the rest is in the freezer calling my name. But I shouldn't eat any more of it. But I love it and it's sooooooo good.

Posted by Brent at 09:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The b-day party for my Grandpa went great. It was kind of a reverse surprise party. Instead of yelling "surprise" at an 85 year old, we had him come to the house and guests started arriving about half hour later. What he thought would be a small family dinner turned into a birthday bash as a stream of people started showing up until the number of guests reached 35. He had a great time celebrating with all his old friends and family so it was great success. Now today is a day for sleeping in and relaxing until dinner tonight. We then will hit the road back to Pittsburgh this evening.

Posted by Brent at 02:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

TGIF. The week that would not end has actually come to an end. Lots of things going on at work that I will elaborate on in the near future. Had a nice talk with bosses and got some potentionally good news.

Tomorrow I am heading to Michigan with Alison and Paul for my Grandpa's 85th brithday party at Grace and Jerry's house. Just a quick trip this time, coming in Saturday and returning Sunday. Finny Finn Finn is going to have the place to himself for the first time. I will leave lots of treats and toys around as well as a light and the radio on for him. I have also told him not to open the door for strangers and he is not allowed to use the stove.

Posted by Brent at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don’t like to be around gay people," he said. "I'm homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."
-- Tim hardaway, former NBA star quoted on Miami radio

Great, another sports role model.

And as far as I am concerned, he can stick his apology up his ignorant bigoted ass. He can have his opinion, he's entitled. I'm entitled to wish him misfortune and pain. Too bad it is not my birthday, I'd make a wish.

So much hate in the world, so unnecessary. But as long as its there, I'll keep wishing. Screw turning the other cheek.

Posted by Brent at 09:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The Office is the best show on TV right now. I about spit my coffee across the room at least five times tonight. And while I am easily amused, it takes some serious funny to make me spew beverages.

Posted by Brent at 08:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

"Nigerians release seamen"

Hmmm, hostage situation or something entirely different?

Posted by Brent at 06:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Winter has officially come to Pittsburgh. At my office today we sent everyone home by noon except for two of us. Me because I walk to work, and another manager who has 4-wheel drive, were the lucky ones to stick around all day and help all the 112-year olds.

What is it about old people that makes them fearless of wild weather and will come out no matter what is falling from the sky? I remember it was the same way at work in Michigan. The only cars on the road were snow plows and huge Buicks heading between the banks and Old Country Buffet. It could be total blizzard conditions, and the only people to come in the bank all day were people over 75. And most of them would have large sums of money already in their accounts, but still Ethel McOldfart just has to get that $3.50 rebate check deposited no matter what Mother Nature does.

Anyway, glad to be home. Its a good night to stay in with coffee and TV.

Posted by Brent at 06:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Recently I feel like I can't get my shit together. I know, kind of a crude word to describe the daily happenings in The World of Brent, but trust me it fits........

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow......
So speaking in planetary terms for shits and giggles and because I have wanted to work 'shits and giggles' into a post for a long time, I feel like the sun sitting still with all my energy (and some burning gases) while the Earth with all its gravity and oxygen gets to move forward. And while I think the world should indeed revolve around me, I would rather join it than watch it pass by. The sun will come out tomorrow? Always tomorrow....why not today?

Blame Game
I think part of my 'tude lately comes from work. I tend to blame work for everything from pissy moods to insomnia. But I really have to look into my inner planet or to my core if you will, and ask if that isn't just a cop-out? Don't my experiences and how I process them and handle them come back to me and my own issues? Yes I have to work. But do I need to let it bug me? I like to think I am pretty self aware so why is it so hard to change my attitude, not only about work but life in general. Besides as far as work goes, I have it pretty good compared to many people I know. But often things come back to money issues, which plays into work. And money makes the world go round me.

You Take The Good, You Take The Bad.....
And There You Have The Facts Of Life. And apparently you get an 80's tv show tune stuck in your head. As I sit and ponder things here at my computer, my desk at work, in the coffee shop, or wherever I spread my sunshine, I can see where I want to be and the things I should be doing. But why is it so hard to stop on the path you are on long enough to change direction? I have an opinion on just about everything and have no problem with saying what my ambitions are, but what kind of epiphinay does it take to change? How does one get the planets aligned to alter their path? All I need are better decisions, more wealth, less frustration, and confidence to act on my grand notions. So basically just the tools to get my shit together.

Posted by Brent at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Got asked today by the head honcho of our company to be part of a team to head up a project on 'Employee Engagement.' Another participant called and we were talking about it and he wondered if it meant more pay. After we stopped laughing, we figured it was good that out of the whole region only five people were hand selected and it was a good thing to be asked.

Posted by Brent at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- A man sentenced to death in Kuwait for the 1983 bombings of the U.S. and French embassies now sits in Iraq's parliament as a member of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's ruling coalition, according to U.S. military intelligence,

Jamal Jafaar Mohammed's seat in parliament gives him immunity from prosecution, but Washington now says he supports Shiite insurgents and acts as an Iranian agent in Iraq.......

OK now, even I had to go through a background check for my job and it doesnt say "member of Parliament" on my business cards. He probably does consulting for Halliburton too.

Another interesting item I came across today...

DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- One of four ministers who oversaw three weeks of intensive counseling for the Rev. Ted Haggard said the disgraced minister emerged convinced that he is "completely heterosexual."

Haggard also said his sexual contact with men was limited to the former male prostitute who came forward with sexual allegations, the Rev. Tim Ralph of Larkspur told The Denver Post for a story in Tuesday's edition.....

Ummmm Yeeeeaaaahhhh. As much as I don't like you on my team You are soooooo gay. Pray all you want, god knows your gay. After all he made you that way. Now go home and tell the missus you only need her for a tax deduction.

Posted by Brent at 07:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Or any of the other cute little afflictions at Giant Microbes? Visit the site and take a little E.coli to bed with you. Have fun with Mad Cow. Enjoy your Syphilis. Get down with Ebola. They are cute in a sickly gross kind of way.

Posted by Brent at 07:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The temperature dropped all the way down to eight degrees today with it getting colder tonight. My walk to and from work today was hella cold. I almost enjoyed all the unnecessary hot air that so freely flows from certain people at our Monday morning meeting.

Posted by Brent at 07:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So I got my gay on instead of watching the football game today. Eh, it's not like I had money on it. I ultimately caught a little of the big game, but not before opting instead for a little one on one time having dinner and drinks with a new friend. This past Thursday at my monthly networking social evening, I was talking to this guy about the upcoming game. For blogging purposes, he will be known as Mr. McH. So while Mr.McH was buying me a drink, we were talking about how we didn't really care about the teams in it this year unlike last year when the Steelers were in it, blah blah blah. So long story short, he got in touch on Friday and asked if I wanted to do dinner and an evening out tonight.

We wound up going to dinner at a great little bistro in Oakmont. It was a great evening, good conversation and good food. McH and I did make it to a local bar for the last quarter and some good times rooting on whatever team had the ball, so I at least know who won. And checking out some highlights now on TV, I should be able know what people are talking about at the office tomorrow. And after hitting the bar tonight, I'm not so sure about getting up and working out before work tomorrow. We'll see how many times I have to hit the snooze button.

Posted by Brent at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (447)

Open Mouth Insert Foot
Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, who announced his candidacy on Wednesday with the hope that he could ride his foreign policy expertise into contention for the Democratic nomination, instead spent the day struggling to explain his description of Senator Barack Obama, the Illinois Democrat running for president, as "the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy."

Ooops. Suuuuure race will not be an issue. At least he can take comfort in knowing he has a long way to go to catch up to the blunderings of Bush.

These Are The People Who Want To Spread Democracy??
Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, said Friday that his party would unite to block Senate debate next week on a bipartisan resolution opposing President Bush's troop buildup in Iraq....

With all the hot air these old windbags have, you would think they would like to release some of it. If your argument can't stand up to a debate, you have no argument. Idiots.

Calling All Hypocrits
Veep Cheney angrily said in an interview with CNN, that the baby his lesbian daughter is carrying and his feelings about it is a private matter.

So the 'Family Values' guy in this administration now thinks it is a private matter. After initiating so many proposals to deny civil rights to gay people and spewing his own brand of hatred, all while having a family member in need of basic civil liberties, this personification of intolerance NOW decides it is a private matter? Too late Hypocrit.

Boston, WTF?
No other city thought anything of these cartoon characters including New York, Philly, Chicago, Atlanta, and several more. Turn off 24 or realize it is just a tv show. Turner Broadcasting is being villified along with two simpletons hired to place the ads, but what about the over reacting officials?

Posted by Brent at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)