I'm sorry.....

It takes a big person to admit they are wrong and a bigger person (damn those Krispy Kremes) to announce it to the world. But, I am a big enough person (in heart not size) to do BOTH. Contrary to popular belief, I am not perfect. Not that I ever claimed that I was, but you know how it is, you write a few spectacular blogs and right away people assume. ;0) I make mistakes, sometimes big ones, HUGE ones. In the past it's been extremely difficult to admit to when I had erred. And say "I'm sorry"?...Uh, never. I always felt like if someone got hurt by something I said or did, as long as hurting wasn't my intention, why should I apologize? And then it happened...you know, IT. Or more to the point, HIM. Sure when it came to my kids, if I made a mistake I was quick to tell them how sorry I was, they're my kids. But HIM was a different story. To actually love someone so much that I felt bad when he did....unthinkable. Corny, I know, but a true story none the less. If there is anyone that deserves and has certainly earned the right to hear the words "I'm sorry" from me, it is certainly HIM. In the years that have been our life together so far, I have fucked up, and fucked up big. I am an extremist, what can I say. It's go big or go home. But seriously, that saying, you only hurt the ones you love... couldn't be more true.Why is that? In my well meaning, sharing me feelings, being the new and improved me, I have fucked up royally along the way. Not to make this a total Martyrdom blog, he's done his fair share of fucking up as well, but he manages to make his amends in his own special way. Me, sometimes yes and sometimes no. I am stubborn (shocking, but true). I have a hard time seeing things in any other colors than black and white. Or a more accurate description would be MY way or the wrong way. It's a character flaw, but what are you going to do? No body's perfect. So this is my way of making amends. A public apology if you will. HE doesn't really care for PDA's. HE's more of a private, actions speak louder than words kind of HIM. Probably one of the things I love most about him and something that drives me crazy (not in the good way) about him as well. Now that I have finally found someone worth loving, I like to share it with everyone. HIM, not so much... Men are from Mars Women are from Venus.... Anyhow, I am sure this list could be much longer but it's a start. HE probably won't even read it, but at least I know it's here. So bare with me and endure some mushy love stuff for five minutes and Thank you for letting me share! 

I am sorry for not understanding that everyone has things that are just for them. It's a foreign concept to me, but I am learning. 

I am sorry for complaining about not having any pictures of us together. It's a sore point still, but I am working on it.

I am sorry for not always putting in my full effort when it comes to things (and people) that are important to you. Work in progress...

I am sorry for not always forgetting the past and then reminding you about it, repeatedly. :0( 

I am sorry for not always being the one person that should be there for you and instead letting my feelings over petty things get in the way. 

I am sorry that I cannot stand some of things that you like. (i.e., Lakers, etc.)

I am sorry for not understanding fully the concept that men are completely different in some aspects than women. I don't know if I am ever going to necessarily get over this one, but I am sorry that I'm not....

I am sorry for not remembering that everyone has a past....including me. 

I am sorry that despite my best efforts, there are just things I am not EVER going to understand or be okay with with. But I promise to not over analyze them and pick on you for them. 

I am sorry that you are so stubborn.... ;0)

I am sorry that I don't like Halloween as much as you do. 

I am sorry that I sometimes ADD to the drama instead of helping to lessen it. (I admit it...)

I am sorry for sometimes letting work stress spill over onto you. 

But the thing I am most truly sorry for, the thing that I wish I never had to apologize for because it never happened....I am sorry for one second of pain I have ever caused you. One second of hurt or anger or doubt because of my words or actions. For that,  I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. 

I love you, HIM. <3

Michael Jordan is the greatest...Period

I know, I know, many debates rage over the topic of "Who is the greatest basketball player of all time"? And I am going to tell you why it's Michael Jordan. You don't have to agree, but I'm right. Okay, rings aside, MVP's aside, and stats aside (What...no stats you say...WTF?) Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time, period. The easiest answer to the argument is that no matter who you are talking about, Kobe, Lebron, etc. they all ALWAYS get compared to who? That's right, Michael Jordan. You don't have to like him as a person, but you have to respect him as a player. If you're a fan of the game, and yes, I will even allow that there are Lakers fans who are actual fans of the game and can take of their We Love Kobe glasses for 5 minutes, the one thing that escapes people who make arguments to the contrary is that Michael Jordan changed the way the game is played. Kobe and Lebron emulate HIM. Maybe they can do it better and faster now, but it's because of Michael that they play the way they do. Sure, there are a lot of old school players who you can say changed the game as well, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, heck I'll even give some props to Magic Johnson. But, you cannot point to another single player who has influenced so many that came after him. From the fade-aways, to the tongue hanging out, everybody wanted to be "like Mike". For me personally, what makes Michael Jordan the greatest, is that he elevated the game of everyone around him. Who would have ever heard of Scottie Pippen, John Paxson, or  Bill Cartwright if it wasn't for Michael Jordan? He may have been an asshole about it, but he demanded the best from every one of his teammates because he demanded the same of himself. Why do all of the new players that come into the league want to wear #23? Why does Kobe want to win 6 championships? The answer is always the same. To equal, resemble or attempt to surpass the greatness of Michael Jordan. He is the bar setter. I am not lessening the accomplishments or skills of any of the talented players that have come after him. I am certainly not saying that there won't be players that may surpass his skill level, number of all star appearances, number of championship rings, or even number of MVP's. What I am saying is that there will never be another Michael Jordan. Period.The man took the NBA and the game of basketball to a level that has yet to be equaled. The game changed because of his talent. There are always going to be the Kobe lovers who will stand and tell you that Kobe is better. Does it better, faster and has almost as many championships. I am not saying that Kobe is not a good player, maybe even better at this age than Michael was, but he's not the greatest. Lebron? Sure, he's a good player, again, maybe even better than Michael at his age, but he has a long way to go to even be mentioned in the same breath. And it's not because he hasn't won as many championships or even because he hasn't been around as long, it's because he doesn't have it. What is it? It is the thing that makes Michael the greatest. The ability to make others want to play better, the ability to lift the game to a whole other level, the ability to do what needs to be done in order to win. It doesn't make him a better or even nicer person, it just makes him the greatest player ever. You can argue from here until the next conversation on ESPN erupts about the topic, but it won't matter, Michael Jordan is the greatest. The mere fact that every "hater" of Michael Jordan still compares their favorite player to him is proof enough that he's the greatest. I don't hear anyone comparing people in the league to Kobe or Lebron or anyone else. Maybe their time will come, but even then, they won't be the greatest of all time. And it's time to admit that if you don't now, you have in past owned a number 23 jersey, worn a pair of air Jordan's or cheered for the Tarheels or Bulls. Admit it, deep down, you know he's the greatest. So, instead of hating on or comparing to Michael, Kobe and the like should do what is owed, what is required, just say "Thank You" and move on.
Besides who else could hold their own co-starring with Bugs and Daffy?

What's my status?

As I begin to write this particular blog, I know that I am going to be judged. People are going to project their personal feelings onto my status blog. Well you know what? Whatever, I don't care. Judge away Judgie McJudgersons! 

So, what IS my status? What does this status even refer to? I am talking about my Facebook status? Here are the choices for Facebook statuses. I have taken the liberty of demystifying them so that you all know what the statuses actually mean. 
Single: Self explanatory. With the asterisk being that there are some crazy ass people that are actually in a relationship that change this status at the end of every fight with their significant other. And also cheating men. 
In a Relationship: This status can be misleading. It could be one date and the stalker to be is already committed you to a life time of restraining orders. This could also mean you want to seem more attractive to certain crazies and therefore it is a smoke screen. Or it could mean that you are actually in a relationship with a real live human being. 
Engaged: Another misleading status. I think the misconception here is that you ACTUALLY have to be asked by someone to marry them. It's not a wishful thinking kind of a status. Asterisk-it does not qualify as a synonym for busy. 
Married: Legally entangled with a real live human being. Asterisk-you will note that FB does not allow for part time married, married for legal reasons, not sure if the baby is mine married or married for tax reasons. 
It's Complicated: (My personal favorite) This is code for I am not certain how the other person I obsess over feels about me.  It can also be code for, I have multiple love interests and don't want to piss any of them off.  Another potential code is I am currently stalking a celebrity and not sure if they even know I exist, yet. And last, but certainly not least, I am awaiting termination of the temporary restraining order against me and will update my status to "In a Relationship" as soon as it is. 
In an Open Relationship: This one, I have to admit, confuses me. I mean it's so honest and up front, it doesn't seem to belong in the FB universe. This one, I have to say, if you have the proverbial testicular fortitude to display, it probably literally and accurately reflects your status. 
Widowed: This is used for the obvious status of "I got dumped and wish the other person was dead". Or it could really mean your significant other has passed. 
Separated: Ah, another favorite. My significant other and I just broke up five minutes ago and I am not sure if we are going to get back together or not and I still want to have a booty call so I'm not changing my status to Single just yet. 
Divorced: Female definition: I am an over 40 year old cougar and think that this status will turn on men under 30 because it means I'm experienced. Male Definition: I am over 40 and recently divorced and want to attract a 20 year old who thinks because I can afford a divorce I must have money to spend on her. 
In a Civil Union: I honestly have no idea why you would put this as your status other than you live in a state that discriminates against your sexual orientation and I think you should take a stand and say FUCK YOU and put that you're married. That's just my opinion though.... 
In a Domestic Partnership:  Don't lie, you automatically assume gay here. BUT...there are many definitions (and I'm not just saying that because it happens to be MY personal status). Co-habitation of two people could be reflected in this particular status. Again, you live in a state that discriminates against your sexual orientation. Asterisk-You don't want your internet boyfriend/girlfriend to know you are actually married, so you put this status instead. And a remote possibility, the IRS is searching your "social media profile" and you don't want to tip your hand about your exemptions. (Oh yeah, it's true)

Now in the "real world" and not FBland as I like to call it, these statuses are useless. They are about as useful at telling you what the actual situation is as having Red Sox tickets in October is. So in the real world when someone asks you what your status is, what should you say? What does it refer to? 

I find it odd that in today's day and age, it really is one of the first questions people ask you, male or female, when they meet you. Like this so called "status" defines who you are. Does it? Was the single (truly single, not FB single) you different than the married you? Do you answer questions differently now that you are divorced than when you were married? I guess it depends on the questions. 
For me personally,  I have a significant other, and I call him a significant other because I feel like I am too old to have a boyfriend. I don't know why I feel that way, but I do. This is just a personal thing really. But that really doesn't tell you who am I as a person. I mean, yes, you know that I am committed to someone, but not where I live, what I do for a living or how I vote. It would seem to me the question is a set up for judgement. Because I am a certain age and am in a domestic partnership and not married, people will assume that means something. When really, it means that I am a certain age and in a domestic partnership. I guess the point here is that why should we continue to place one more label for people to make incorrect assumptions and judgments about who we really are? Don't get me wrong, I get the comfort and security of having a label to describe the domestic bliss that you may be a part of. But does it need to be out front of everything else that defines who you are? Weren't you a solitary, independent you before you were part of a "coupling"? I mean why is there pity or disappointment in someone's eyes when they proclaim that they are single or unattached?  Having been in some kind of a relationship for the majority of my life, I can understand the constraints of constantly being associated with another person, good or bad. For some reason people assume that once you are a couple your brain functions in rhythm with your partner. You MUST be interested in the same things. Got news for you, being different is probably what attracted me to this person to begin with. Why would I want to adopt their views just for the sake of our couple status? 
At the end of the day, people are still going to judge you by your status. They are going to make assumptions about what your status says about you. But you know what? Fuck 'em. Let them assume all they want. You keep them guessing and make up your own status. (Which is another thing that pisses me off about FB. Why no free form status available?) From now on my status is going to be Mind Your Own Fucking Business. Or on a good day, Fuck You, Have a Nice Day!  

If I wanted your opinion, I'd ask.....

Is it just Americans that feel the need to comment or have an opinion on everything or is it human nature? Seriously, why the fuck do people feel compelled to tell you what they think or how they feel....UNSOLICITED. You are wondering right now how I, creator of such thoughtful, wise and meaningful opinions, can have the audacity to criticize. And I will tell you. My opinions, while in theory may be unsolicited, are a choice because people CHOOSE to read my blog. I don't force it upon them. Unsolicited opinions that fly out of peoples mouths everyday, ah, those are different stories. Let me provide you with some examples. I color my hair. Pretty much everyone that reads this blog knows that I color my hair red. At different times it has been different shades of red. My hair is naturally curly. I can straighten it with the assistance of modern technology. I wear it curly, I wear it straight, my choice. Why the fuck would people feel the need to come and tell which hair color and/or style they think looks better? Do I give a fuck? Are you my fucking stylist? If I gave a shit about what you thought, you'd know by now. Or have you ever been in a clothing store and a complete stranger comes up and tells you that they don't like the way something looks on you? Or vice versa, that they think it looks good? Or how about the dumb fucker that approaches you to advise what is a wise shopping choice and what is not? It takes all my energy not to punch these people in the fucking face. Didn't their Mom teach them that they shouldn't speak unless spoken to? WTF? People give opinions on how to raise your child, what kind of food to eat, what type of car to drive, what school to go to. When the fuck did being a part of the human race entitle you to infringe upon my personal space? Your rights end where mine BEGIN fucker. This epidemic needs to be stopped I tell you. My proposal? Cattle prods. From now on when someone provides an unsolicited opinion, you get to shock them with a cattle prod.Although this may seem cruel and unusual, AT FIRST, but it really is the best solution. Plus, you would get to carry a cattle prod...added bonus. 
But seriously, a compliment is one thing, but these unsolicited opinions have got to stop. And just because some people couple them with "friendly" advice, does NOT make them any less unsolicited. When my kids were little people would come over all of the time and tell me why my kid was doing what they were doing. Oh, he's crying because he's hungry, you can tell. She's drooling because she's teething. Thank you Captain Fucking Obvious. Now mind your own fucking business and while you're at it stop eating McDonald's and jump on a treadmill every once in a while. Now see if I had said that, I would have been the asshole. But what's the difference? I want to believe at the end of the day stupid people such as these truly believe that they are adding value in some way. However, when you look at it from the perspective of, how fucking arrogant are you to think that I want or need to hear what the fuck comes out of your mouth every second of the day, they really aren't. 
I would get T-Shirts made up that say "Before you open mouth ask yourself if anyone gives a fuck" but I am too lazy. 

So, if you are guilty of these unsolicited opinions, you better stop because I have my cattle prod charged and ready. 

That F'n Fruit Company......

In the travels of my professional life (that makes me laugh) I have had the misfortune, er, I mean fortune of working with that fruit company. For legal reasons, they shall remain anonymous, but you all know of whom I speak. At first, like most people would have been, I was excited at the opportunity to work with these innovators, these trailblazers in their respective field, and let's be honest, I thought I would end up getting a hook up as well. But alas, no hook up, no inciting of my creative juices only an inside look into what I have to call the largest, most profitable cult in the history of the world. If these people could turn themselves into said fruit, they would. They eat, live, sleep and breathe their company. I am all for being passionate about what you do, but there are limits. Yes, it's cool that they can pretty much come to work in their pajamas (seriously, I saw two people in "lounger" pants, one in yoga pants and unfortunately one chick who had no business wearing the Daisy Dukes she was sporting) and sure it's cool that they get to work with cutting edge technology, and sure their AWESOME (subsidized) cafeteria puts Hollywood catering to shame but at what cost I ask? Where are their boundaries? It's your job, not a way of life people! There are other companies, other hobbies, other people on the planet. To say these people have an elitist attitude is putting it mildly. They truly believe that they are making the world a better place. Hmmm....they don't develop cutting edge medical technology, they aren't developing a cure for cancer (just ask their dearly departed former cult leader), and they aren't inventing a car that doesn't use gas that costs a million dollars a gallon (can you believe that shit?). What they are doing, is creating a lazier, more reliant on technology, two steps away from the Matrix kind of society. It's not that I don't appreciate the products they produce. My significant other (THAT is another blog) practically has the fruit company's store front right there in our living room. It's just that having to deal with them on a professional level (ha, ha...I can't help myself) is so ridiculous that I can't even describe my misery when I am forced to do so.Let me provide some examples.....I myself, have to carry a Blueberry for work. As you know, the Blueberry is NOT an accepted fruit of the fruit company, they despise Blueberries. I was forced to conceal my Blueberry while in the other fruit company's building. Really? Isn't competition what makes America so great? For those of you who don't know what I do, don't worry, I'm not going to tell you now. But, I will tell you that the general focus of most of my clients is saving money. Saving money on how much they pay out to their employees. The fruit company's focus? Are our employees happy? While in theory, that is a noble concept these people are fanatical about it. The little guy getting consideration from the "man" is all well and good but these people take it to the extreme. They want to ensure that their employees get a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon kind of feel when they get treated for their work related injury. Um....not so much. Most employers are happy to know that the doctors in the clinic where their employees are getting treated all have valid medical licenses.
Maybe the problem is that I wish MY company was more like that. Maybe I wish that my colleagues were prompted to strive for perfection in everything that they did and demand the same of every vendor partner we have. I don't really think that's it, I think that it's just that they are a pain in the ass that focuses on whether or not we put a comma in the right place in the letters that go to their employees. I shit you not.
In my most recent visit to the main "campus", which by the way is set up EXACTLY like a college campus would be, the spot where they memorialized (literally the memorial was there which really kind of grossed me out that there was a dead body in the place where I was getting ready to purchase my lunch) their departed cult leader was pointed out to me. It was a grassy place where people can "stop by and reflect on what a great man he was" (I didn't make that up, that is EXACTLY what they said to me). I think the only man I would stop by and reflect on is Derek Jeter and it sure as fuck better be while he's still alive. Just saying. 
While I get that being the best has its perks and advantages, I also think that (and don't criticize here) that with great power comes great responsibility (thank you Uncle Ben). I think the fruit company has forgotten that while their commitment to excellence to their customer base is great, their vendor partners and people that have to DEAL with them also comprise that customer base. There really is no such way as "the fruit company's way", it's just a mantra to get college graduates excited about a job that you've convinced them will change the planet. I could go on and tell you stories about how their interview process is 10 steps long and that they don't really have job descriptions (because that's too limiting), or that there was a team within the company that spent 34 weeks (I swear to you I am not fucking around) on a TAB to remove a plastic cover to ensure that it met the cult leader's approval, but that would take up too much time. Just remember that the next time you fruit company fanatics purchase more and more products to make them a global powerhouse worth more than the USA's GNP, don't say that I didn't warn you. And whatever you do, don't injure one of their damn employees, the ramifications of this make my life HELL! 

If I ruled the world.....

With all of these lunatics running around shouting about the end of the world (only 4 months 13 days until D-Day) it got me wondering how different the world would be if we had one person to run it. One very charismatic, intelligent, super hot, wise person.....ME! I know you're thinking that the world would then be subject to my mood swings, my harsh criticism and unwillingness to put up with any bullshit. But that's what makes it SOOO fun! So, if I ruled the world, here's how things would go....(and don't go expecting any Martin Luther King, Jr, JFK, Ghandi save the world kind of ideals either)

If I ruled the world, you would have to pass a test before you could have a child. I just don't mean women, I mean EVERYONE. Implanted at birth would be a device that prohibits pro-creation. Until you can pass a three part test that includes written, verbal and psychological, no kids for you. Harsh you say? Look around at the people that you know that have kids. I rest my case. 

If I ruled the world, professional athletes would make the same salary as teachers. Now that could go two ways. Either we would pay teachers the pay they finally deserve or we would pay athletes the pay they finally deserve. Either way, win-win. 

If I ruled the world, we would have toilet seats that automatically returned to their correct position (it's DOWN by the way) and were self cleaning. 

If I ruled the world, reality TV would be banned. Enough said.

If I ruled the world, George Carlin would be a national hero and have his own holiday. If you don't know who George Carlin is, just stop reading my blog now. 

If I ruled the world, the new world anthem would be written by a collaboration of Eminem, Lionel Ritchie, and Billy Corrigan. It would be the best EVER! 

If I ruled the world, the Olympics would be an intelligence event, not an athletic one. Let's see who dominates now??!! 
If I ruled the world, after you pushed the elevator button once a little electric shock would be given if you pushed it again after it was lit. 
If I ruled the world, there would be a channel that ran nothing but the Godfather Trilogy all day everyday. (In HD of course)
If I ruled the world, we would have flying cars by now. Priorities, priorities.....
If I ruled the world, everyone would get a "do over" like when you were little. If you die, you get ONE do over. 
If I ruled the world, Dan Marino would get one more shot to win the Super Bowl so that the argument of who the best QB ever is can be put to rest because he will have a ring. Yeah, I said it.
If I ruled the world, anyone could marry anyone they wanted, and be just as miserable as everyone else in the world. 
Alright, these are just a few of my agenda items for when I rule the world. I mean, it's not like I can't think of more, but there are only so many hours in a day. Just remember that when I take over the world, you heard it hear first....so you're not surprised!! 

REAL LIFE......

Unfortunately another moment of brevity is required here in my small space of humor. Considering events of the past couple of weeks, I have been moved to speak my mind. Shocking as that may be, it must be done. I cannot even imagine the horror and sorrow the people in Aurora, Colorado are feeling at this moment. I can't pretend to understand it and I can't pretend to know what it feels like. What I did do, was listen to Barack Obama (fuck your political beliefs at this time people) recount a story that moved me to tears. The story was about two best friends, 19 years old and 21 years old who went to see a movie on a Friday night. The story ends with one friend helping another friend during what I can only imagine to be the most horrifying experience of their lives, survive. Both of them survived. And while this story had a happy ending, the only thing that ran through my mind was my son is 20 and my daughter is 18. It could have been them. I won't go into my feelings on guns in America, or what makes crazy and deranged people do the things they do. I will however say the following: What the FUCK is wrong with America? Do you know how many times I have heard people say that they felt sorry for Christopher Nolan and the cast of Batman? How sad it is that their movie will be forever tainted with this tragedy? Are you fucking kidding me? Who the fuck cares about the overpaid pieces of shit who made yet ANOTHER useless fucking movie about a comic book? Yes, I went to see the movie and regardless of what I thought about it, I sure as fuck do not feel sorry for one single person associated with the making of this movie. They do not need your sympathy. They will take your money that you spent at the box office and be just fine thank you very much. While I realize in no way are the actions of a lunatic the fault of the movie or in any way are the people that made the movie to blame, but come on. It's sad that this movie will forever have a stigma attached? How about the sadness of the parents of the six year old little girl that is dead? Let's get it right America, for once. Fuck the media and the callous pieces of shit that didn't even bother to post the names of the victims, but sure as fuck made sure their reviews of the movie were posted on time. It makes me sad to think that in today's time the public is still so enamored with Hollywood that the souls of real life people are easily forgotten and discarded. And the arrogance of Americans to act as if they are the only country where tragedy strikes.

But why should I be surprised when I awoke another morning to hear the country breathlessly awaiting the punishment that would befall Penn State. Again, what a tragedy that is for the university. A tragedy? Really? The tragedy is that the victims of this crime have to LIVE with what was done to them for the rest of their lives. The tragedy is that Americans paid more attention to the punishment that was handed down that morning than they did to the outcome of the trial for the CONVICTED child molester that perpetrated these heinous crimes. Who the fuck cares about the statue of an old man who coached football. He didn't fucking cure cancer, he didn't save lives and sure as fuck didn't help children. Football is a game. It is not a life saving technique taught to young men in college. Just because you haven't figured out how to generate any other income aside from what the ridiculous TV networks pay you to air these games does not mean participants are above reproach. If your institution is really about learning, learn another way to earn income aside from football. I don't feel sorry for you Penn State. I feel sorry for the victims of the crimes that trusted you to protect them. I feel sorry for the parents of the children that have to find a way to help their children cope with this tragedy for the rest of their lives. What I feel for Penn State and the media is pity and contempt. I pity their stupidity, their lack of human decency and I pity their plain just fucking ignorance of the problems that exist and their inability to be part of the solution.

These are only two examples of what is wrong with people today, with what is lacking from our social consciousness

 It's a sad day to call myself an American when the top headlines are still how much money Batman made and what punishment was doled out by the NCAA for the pieces of shit at Penn State.