All things baki
brandan
Video editor and videographer. Daydream blogger and screenwriter.
Home page: http://www.bakiblog.com
Posts by brandan
How are your resolutions holding up?
2It has been too long! I wonder how all the resolutions are doing. Are we in denial yet? What resolution….I never said I’d workout more.
Well I have been away….again. But this time I have a great excuse….like I always do. Life has been busy, yet fantastic.
I started a new job at the beginning of the year. This means that I don’t have to edit weddings anymore…..yeah! That was great while I was doing it but I sure am glad a new opportunity came my way. Now I am working at Akron Children’s Hospital. My job title is ‘Multimedia Producer and Designer’.
The job entails a ton of different things as far as video work and editing. I have been doing a lot of motion graphics and green screen work which is amazing. I pretty much shoot and edit educational videos for kids and doctors and online videos for PR and Marketing. It’s a great place to be but definitely keeping me on my toes. I feel like I’m really putting my degree to the test…..finally. Which reminds me, that I am allowed to do work on the side now. So, if you need anything edited….shoot me an email.
Aside from that, I have started working for someone else’ blog. So, I have been writing, but not much for my own blog. You should check out my posts and all the others. The site is Social Technology Review. It’s an end all for social media marketing. I’ve got a new post going up this weekend, too. But this has been great to work with. The research is crazy but interesting. I hope you guys check out some of my posts.
That’s what’s new with me in the big picture. What’s going on with all of you? How are your resolutions doing? Great I hope. Let me see what all I’ve been hoping to do….
I don’t fish enough. And I don’t. I don’t workout enough, or read enough or write enough. I don’t paint….ever. I don’t call my grandma enough or listen to my vinyl collection enough. I barely ride my bike or go for a run. I haven’t kicked a soccer ball around in six month and my longboard is collecting dust.
I haven’t been fishing. I don’t mind fishing in the cold but it has truly been frigid. I promise to go soon. I have been working out. A bunch actually. I’ve been running and lifting. My muscles are enormous, even though no one will admit it. But I got myself a gym membership and have been going often. I am proud of that. My new job gets me a big discount, too so it was little stress on my wallet.
I have been reading more. I’m almost finished with a book I just started in January. I have been writing and just submitted last week for a writing group that I’ve been in for a couple years. I hadn’t submitted a piece since October. I wrote in a style that I’ve never written in before and the response was more positive than anything I’ve ever written. This has really shaken my thoughts on what I thought was my style. Which is great. So, I’m making waves in my own life.
I saw my grandma over the holidays but she deserves a call, right? I think that is in order this weekend. The vinyl collection is being used more and more. I just purchased Mumford and Sons “Sigh No More” (which reminds me that I never wrote my Lollapalooza post…damn) and that has passed a few times through the needle. The speed on the player is slowing and I want to get that repaired. Anyone know how easy or hard that might be?
I have been running at the gym between lifting so I feel good about that. But I will admit; the bike, soccer ball and longboard are still collecting dust until this stupid snow is gone. I have no remorse about that.
All in all, I’m proud. I have been doing things for me and doing them successfully for the most part. This hasn’t taken away from what needs to get done around the house at all. Actually, after doing these things for myself, I’m energized and find myself more apt to do my normal chores. I’m really feeling great about it.
But it’s only February. So, I’ve got a long way to go. I’m trying to work hard and continue all of these things. There should be a help group for resolutions. Maybe this is it. I will try to keep this blog up to date. I love writing on here but I love my own fiction work and screenplay stuff too. It’s hard to find time for everything and not feel like you’re spreading yourself too thin. But I will post as much as I can.
I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job with these promises. But, be honest…..are you keeping those resolutions?
What are you resolutin’ to do?
10
The time of year is upon us when we say goodbye to our past and get a feeling of a new beginning. A new year is upon us and we can be whoever we want to be in this new year. Or is it a big pile of bull?
I actually like the whole idea that you can reinvent yourself. You think you’re a little too big, so you say you’re gonna get skinnier. You think you don’t give enough, so you’re gonna be a little giver….These sound like song lyrics. Well for me, 2011 is going to be all about….well, me.
I will be starting a new job right away. It will be a really exciting time. I’m getting married next summer and who knows after that. This is going to be a year where I get back to basic. I was just thinking the other day…I don’t fish enough. And I don’t. I don’t workout enough, or read enough or write enough. I don’t paint….ever. I don’t call my grandma enough or listen to my vinyl collection enough. I barely ride my bike or go for a run. I haven’t kicked a soccer ball around in six month and my longboard is collecting dust.
So, these are my resolutions. To be happier, healthier and have more fun-ier. I waste too much time doing nothing when there are so many great things to be doing.
If I had to really focus my resolution, it would be to do more things I like. I love all of those things but I never seem like I have the time. I’ve got the time, I just find it easier to pretend like I don’t. But these things are so much fun, so what’s the problem?
I want to know what you’re doing. What’s your big resolution this year? I love the idea that you are going to be a better you. So do it. Don’t lie and say it….do it.
**PS. If your resolution is to give more, be sure to check out my Salvation Army online kettle. It ends tomorrow and I don’t think I’m going to hit my goal. Help my dreams come true!!!
Not Suitable for Children
4517 days
by brandan
in entertainment
I have a friend from college named Chewy…which is almost her legal name. But I shall call her Lynn from here on because she hates it.
So, Lynn is a filmmaker and she’s great at what she does. She sets big goals and knock them out. Her work is pretty amazing and she always takes on more than what you think might be possible, with an amazing result.
Lynn is taking on a new project and she needs your help. I write this, not by her request but because I think its awesome. This is a web series called “Not Suitable for Children“. Go to the link and check it out.
What do they need from you? All of your money, well maybe just a little. She has posted this project on kickstarter.com. What is that? Well, its a site where artists can list projects that they want to create and then people can back those projects with funding. You pledge to give X-amount. And if they reach their goal then you pay, if they don’t then no money is exchanged. They have to reach their goal to get any funding.
So, help out. They are looking to raise $4000 and are over half way there. They only have until December 31st, 2010 to raise the funds. This is a dream that her and several others have been working on for a while. Help someones dreams come true with just a few bucks. After you’ve donated, sit back while they complete the project. Then you can watch the end results air online and show everyone the project that you helped fund. How sweet, right? I know Lynn will get out a hilarious series that you’ll be proud of.
So, help out. Or else all of these people will have to get real jobs! And no one wants to see them in messy suits walking around your office.
The video below is for mature audiences!
Keep giving!
2I’ve had some very generous donations to my online kettle for the Salvation Army. I’m excited that people love to support things like that. Feel free to keep donating by clicking the red kettle to the right. I’m almost half way to my goal, so keep helping!
I love looking at other things that can be done to help out and if you read Kelly’s comment from the last post, you’ll see a couple of good ideas.
I just wanted to highlight a few more and encourage more comments on what others can do.
My favorite is “Chrome for a Cause“. Click that link and check it out. But basically, you download the new browser and every time you open a new tab, donations are made. At the end of the day you get to decide which of the 5 charities get your money. This is amazing and everyone should be doing it. Most importantly…This ends December 19th. So, if you’re just gonna sit on your fat butt this holiday and surf the web, at least download chrome and help people who don’t have water. Plus, the new browser is pretty sweet, too.
Another one that has been around for a while is Operation Smile.It’s a good time of the year to help a kid smile. This organizations helps give free surgeries to repair cleft lip, 
cleft palate and other facial deformations to children all over the world. It’s great because there are so many different ways to help. You can simply send money by clicking the “donate online” button at the top. Or you can shop their catalog and purchase items that they need, like medicines or hospital gowns or for the big hearts, you can sponsor an operating table. They also have a “OneSmile” program where you make your own page and encourage friends and family to donate to help raise even more money.
Another great thing that people find fun is donating an animal. It’s a pretty cool idea. Two of the big ones are Oxfam and Heifer. They both work pretty much the same way. After little research, Oxfam seems more global and huge while Heifer seems more focused on certain groups (which I could be wrong about), but both are great. You basically “purchase” an item as a gift. Select anything like worms, baby chicks, goats, or a camel…whatever. And you pay for that and get a card to give to someone which would basically be like 
donating that in their name. But imagine how rewarding it would be to actually know that you sent a goat to a family so that they can have milk for years. That’s how you provide! Now, you’ll never even know, but do understand that in some cases, they may send different animals. They send what is needed. They try to send what is purchased but if 5,000 baby chicks are purchased and they don’t need baby chicks, then they will send something else. Like I said, you’ll never know anyway.
Finally, we come to the best of the best (in my personal opinion)…..Kiva. Please, someone tell me why this doesn’t have more publicity. I will break it down simply and you can do more research if you wish. Say you have $100 to donate. You can go to Kiva.org and put your 
money there. What you do is you select someone to receive your money. They list how much they need and their stories right on the site. You select the exact person who gets it. But here’s the twist. These aren’t starving people, these are entrepreneurs. These are workers who need money for their business. These businesses are in third world countries and they typically entail tools to help build a school or fencing for their cattle but they can be anything. Please check it out because I think it’s awesome. So….it gets better. You aren’t donating the money to them, but you are lending it. They make payments back to you through a field agent and they deposit this money back in your online account on the site. So when they repay your $100, you turn and give it to another person and so on. How awesome. Your $100 could inevitable help so many more people. These aren’t just starving children but workers who are fighting to rid their own town of starvation. It’s the whole “teach a man to fish” scenario.
So, there are just a few more. If nothing else, just send some links to others and maybe they donate because of you.
Again, have a great holiday…be super safe and don’t be afraid to open your wallet to people you don’t know. That will give you a feeling bigger than Christmas morning.
Do Something Good….
2The holidays are coming fast, some are already here (Jewish shoutout!!!)…My question to all of you is, what are you doing that’s good?
The sad thing is that for a lot of people, this is the only time of year where they really think about other people. Once a year we give and donate to help those who are less fortunate. The good thing is that we open out hearts (and our wallets) so wide that we can make a lot of change for the entire year after.
So, tell me what you are doing to make the world around you better? Are you recycling? Did you put some change in that red kettle outside of Walmart? Are you volunteering? Maybe making donations. Whatever you are doing, I think it’s fantastic. We can’t all give money and possessions but sometime all people need is your time and compassion.
Let me know what you’re doing? Anything? Every little bit does actually count. What am I doing? We a few years ago, I rang a bell for the Salvation Army. I did it because I was bored and home from school and I think it gave me carpal tunnel. But I remember how fun (and cold) it was ringing that bell. I loved when kids came up and put something in. A lot of parents told me stories about how they were given that money and told they could do anything they wanted with it….they decided to give it to charity. How sweet. All lies I’m sure….but sweet none the less.
But, I am thinking that I will try and ring the bell again. I liked it. And I didn’t have to give them a dime. Just a little of my day. You’d be surprised how great you’ll feel when you’re done.
So, again…..do something good. Anything. Go get your old neighbors trash cans and bring them up to his house after trash day. Do something. Include your whole family and make it “a thing”. The holidays will truly be that much more important to you.
If you want to do something and don’t want to get up off of your desk chair, I started an online kettle for the Salvation Army. My goal is a measly $200. You can donate anything. And EVERY little bit counts. So click the picture below and get me to that $200 mark.
Tell me what you’re doing this holiday season. Give some ideas for what other people can do to help. If the Salvation Army isn’t your kind of charity, I will find one that will fit you. Let me know!
Do something good for others and the joy you’ll get will make it feel like you did it for you. Be safe!
I’m Back!…Let me tell you where I went.
6
Hey everyone. I am back and I’m sorry I was away. If you ever read my old blog then you will understand that that is just something that happens.
But I hope we will be seeing more of each other. I was away for two reason. I remade and relaunched my resume website, BrandanBaki.com and put on some new videos, which you should check out. As of January I will be working at a new job at the Akron Children’s Hospital as a doctor. Or as a multimedia producer, whichever they need. I will be handling their video needs for a bunch of facets. I am very excited about this.
I made a new Freelance page on my resume site too, so if you need any video work (or slideshows) at all that’s listed there, please contact me and see if I can do what you’re looking for.
The second thing that I have been working on is another blog. I know, I can’t handle one blog properly, why take on two? Well, I super enjoy this blog and want to continue its use as a personable blog, which I will keep doing. But I do want to fully break into the whole blogging world with a true niche blog. I am still ironing out some kinks. I had an idea that I loved but think it may be too mountainous for me to take on right now.
If you have any good ideas for something that I may be good at, let me know. It’s supposed to be something that I know about and could write many posts about. And it needs to be quite specific. So, not cars, or even Honda’s but civics and maybe just something more specific about them. Like the safety of Honda civics. Get it? Any help is appreciated. I have a few more ideas that I’m rolling around still but want to make sure that its a well planned step.
As always, thank you all for reading. I will be posting much more often now that I can refocus my attention. Hope everything is wonderful with you all and have a super amazingly safe holiday!!
The Social Network (did you need a dislike button?)
13573 days
by brandan
in entertainment
I recently saw, The Social Network and was really intrigued by a lot of things. First, I know I’m late to the party, but come on. It’s still out. Second, I really loved the movie. If that’s what you’re looking for then you can exit here. But I shall go on for the others…
I have heard a lot of hyper and over-hype about this movie. Rightly so, it is great. But for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, don’t go in expecting the greatest movie of all time. It will probably set itself up to fail. Its just good and borderline unexplainable. Nothing blows your mind but the actors are perfect, the mood is eerily similar to Fight Club (thanks to the same director, David Fincher). The story was great. And everything lined up just right.
I think what might just blow your mind is to step back and remember what the topic is….facebook. I mean, the lawsuits and the drama, all surrounding this network of supposed friend. Its amazing.
Before getting into the bulk of the film, I want to say something quickly about David Fincher’s directing. The movie had a dark tone which was perfect. I thought he did wonderfully. There is one scene in the UK where the twins are competing in a race. This is the first and only seen with harsh cuts to the beat of the soundtrack. When I first saw it, I thought it seemed completely out of place. The more I think about it, it felt very David Fincher and changed the tone of the film. Thinking more, that scene was a huge catalyst for the rest of everything making everything make more sense and cause me to love David Fincher just a little bit more.
The actors were quite spectacular. The casting seemed just about right on. They not only looked like their real life characters but also acted like them. I have heard people say they don’t like Jesse Eisenberg because he plays that same Michael Cera character in everything. I agree, but give him a chance in The Social Network….he knocks it out of the park. Justin Timberlake plays Sean Parker, who is the creator of Napster and co-president of Facebook. He does really well with this. He supports just as well as anyone. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty amazing actor. (Have you ever seen Alpha Dog? Good movie and J-Timbo steals the show.) He just really impresses me every time I see him.
The story was good. Really good. I’ve read a lot about all of this long before the movie but this showed what I thought I knew in a whole different light. You love Mark Zuckerberg and want to fight for him but when you see the real him, you know you can’t. Your morals are too high. The story brings out the true relationships and feelings of these people that the media has already portrayed as geniuses. You almost get the sense that this Billion dollar corporation was a simple accident.
If you liked the movie, I suggest you delve more into the story. There is so much more that has been left out. A good place to start is a book called “The Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich. This is the story the the movie was based on. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (Sports Night, A Few Good Men) turned it into the script you see on the big screen.
What a lot of people don’t realize after they watch the film is who they like. Who should you be rooting for when the dust settles?
***SPOILER ALERT***….sort of
Now these aren’t really spoilers but I don’t want to kill any experience for anyone. But the story was originally written because Eduardo Saverin tipped off Mezrich to write the book. Everything is considered fiction but when you really look at everything, Eduardo looks like the best of the bunch. He never really faulted except for being bad at business.
No matter how you analyze the book or the movie, it truly turns out to be a character assassination on Mark Zuckerberg. Not that his empire will even be effected, which it already has been financially positive for him. (I recently read that in January Zuckerberg was worth $2 Billion and now he is worth $6.9 Billion….thanks Eduardo.) But this was Eduardo’s way of letting the rest of the world know what happened and that you can use facebook, but you don’t have to like Mark Zuckerberg.
So, since I haven’t said it enough already, the movie was great. Expect to see some Oscars fly their way. Mark Zuckerberg says he will never watch the movie and Facebook has said that they hated it. That’s too bad because its a good one….one for the books.
Lady Parts Comedy (Where clothing is optional)
0586 days
by brandan
in entertainment
Miss me?
I’ve got a great, simple post for the world today. There is a sketch comedy troupe called Lady Parts (VERY EXPLICIT CONTENT). They formed in Chicago and have since taken their comedy to California to shoot some webisodes. They post videos online and do live shows, which is a lot to take on.
They recently won an online competition for best comedy group and got some money out of the deal. They saw that as their chance to shoot an entire season of shows and start posting weekly videos.
The group consists Justin Howard, Chelsie Jangord, Aaron Alonso, Donna Morley, Dane Lewandowski, Leslie Baird, Jeph Porter (writer/director/producer), and Corey Powers (director of photography).
Why do I care? Well, I know a few of them and quietly, while no one is around, I call a couple of them my friends. But mostly because they are a representation of that band you were in, in high school. This is how you get in. You played crappy 18 and up clubs and they post their videos on the Internet. The difference is that they are good and your metal band sucked. Like it really, really sucked. What were you thinking?
They need everyone’s support though. Not for money or even exposure (which both are nice) but they are looking for the same thing that I am looking for. They just need to know that people are watching and that you’re laughing. If you’re doing that then they’re happy and they keep posting.
If you are in Chicago tomorrow (Wednesday October 13, 2010), you should check out their big premier for their first episode of their first official series. Its at Gorilla Tango Theater (1919 N Milwaukee). It starts at 7 and goes until 9. It is first come, first served. And it is free if you buy a drink. So, go early!
If you’re not in Chicago, check out the show with the rest of the planet on Monday October 18. Tune in, make comments (if you can) and buy whatever the heck they’re selling. They need your eyeballs.
So, check out Lady Parts Comedy online, find them on facebook, youtube and follow them on twitter.
You can see their older videos on facebook if you have to play catch up. They are pretty hilarious.
New Fall TV lineup
7601 days
by brandan
in entertainment
I watched a bunch of shows last week. Some because I was excited to see them and some because I was just bored. I suppose I will just start at the top of the week and roll through what I’m watching. Some are new but I will touch on my old favorites and what they are doing to help/hurt their stock in my weekly viewing.
Although it will seem like I’m an avid TV watcher, I’m not. I record everything and play catch up. I will watch 3 episodes on a saturday just to keep up with programming. There are a few shows that I love to watch live. Those are pretty much all on Thursday. (weird.)
Beginning with a bang!
How I Met Your Mother (CBS Monday 8:00) – This is one of my favorites. I have always loved the show. If you don’t watch it, you should. The comedy isn’t the best but it never fails week in and week out. Plus, with Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segel, it really is one of the strongest shows on TV. The problems? Well, the show keeps the lingering question alive, which is ‘how did Ted meet his kid’s mother’. At times in the past season it became annoying when you thought the story was moving along and then didn’t. I have definitely come to think Ted is a baby (and a bit of a psycho). The best episodes are all about Barney (NPH) and Marshall (Segel).
Rules of Engagement (CBS Monday 8:30) – I chuckled a little. Probably just because I still like David Spade. Maybe one for the parents but I like the classic sitcom attempt.
Two and a Half Men (CBS Monday 9:00) – What is everyone laughing at? I still don’t get it. Just the same simple jokes over and over again. This show is on my worst list. Please someone explain to me what we’re supposed to be laughing at. Or is it just “laugh whenever the laugh-track laughs”?
Mike and Molly (CBS Monday 9:30) – Wasn’t a fan. Just a bunch of fat jokes. Don’t get me wrong, I like fat jokes just as much as the next guy but that’s all the show is. Lots of subtext that the characters might just eat each other. Sad?
The Event (NBC Monday 9:00) – This was on Tuesday last week but will be Mondays for now on. Just a miserable show. There is a joke with TV and movies that when the story is boring, just shuffle up the scenes to confuse the audience. That’s what this show did. It goes backward in time then forward and all around. I was more confused than anything. Then (SPOILER ALERT!) to end the show, the plane just disappears! Watch “Lost” much? I get that the Lost story-lines were successful and it will be copied, but it was too obvious and too much of a stretch. “Questions will be answered”. Not if I don’t watch you piece of crap show. Be original. I won’t watching this, so if it turns out to be amazing, be sure to let me know.
NCIS (CBS Tuesday 8:00) – Just a guilty pleasure. My brother turned me on it. I tried watching LA and hated it. NCIS is the only cop/law show I watch. Not sure why I like it but I do. More like a “when I’m bored” show. I don’t really follow the whole storyline.
Parenthood (NBC Tuesday 10:00) – What a good show. Sophomore year for this show will tell me a lot. They have always done a nice wrap up at the end of each episode where everyone is happy and things get tied up in a little bow. Its a real drama so that can’t happen all through the second season. I love the show and will keep following but we will see after this year if it’s going somewhere.
Modern Family (ABC Wednesday 9:00) – Won Emmy’s for a reason. Watch this show. If you like comedy this is it. Just an amazing show and came out swinging this year. Good for them and you should be watching. You don’t have to catch up if you’ve never seen it. Just turn it on and enjoy.
My Generation (ABC Thursday 8:00) – Got really bored and turned it off. Can’t give you a firm one way or another but I didn’t care for it. Tell me if you liked it or if I should give it a real try.
Community (NBC Thursday 8:00) – Just an all around perfect show. One of my favorites in a long time. Joke after joke. The characters are completely multi-dimensional and the storylines are amazing. Every episode has a different feel and seems like a different genre. Just great. If you haven’t seen it, watch it from the beginning. You will not be let down.
30 Rock (NBC Thursday 8:30) – One of the best shows on TV. Now I don’t completely follow it. I will miss a few episodes here and there but I say one of the best because the show is written perfectly. Tina Fey jams joke after joke. She is amazingly talented. The show is really well done and It’s something every writer would aspire to have created. The show continues its dominance.
The Office (NBC Thursday 9:00) – This show has been letting me down for a while. My co-worker says that if they ended the show with Pam’s baby being born it would have been great. I agree. The comedy is flailing and now they are just reusing all the old storylines with different characters. Quite sad. Even worse, the mention Holly in the last episode of last season just to keep viewers who are done with the whole runaround. The show needs to end and soon if it wants to be remembered as funny.
Outsourced (NBC Thursday 9:30) – I was very happy with this pilot. I wasn’t completely sold but will definitely be giving it a chance. It’s just a great idea all in all. It’s basically a guy who is transferred to India to manage the people who are taking over the former American jobs. So, it’s him and a bunch of Indians who speak broken English. It’s full of funny racism. Who does’t like racism? Give it a try. It probably needs the support and I want to see a few more episodes before I decide.
Park and Recs (NBC Thursday ???) – I have read that this is coming back but have not seen any firm times. I don’t know if they are just waiting to see if Outsourced will work or not. I will keep you posted if you watch it.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX Thursday 10:00) – Best show on TV right now? Quite possibly. FX is pretty good at putting original content on. They are now on season 6 and the comedy is still strong. The first two episodes didn’t amass to all the hype but were still pretty good. This season should be a big one for them. They’re now pretty commercial and have the success that the first 5 seasons should have had. The show is vulgar and very dirty, in case you have never seen it. The whole story is a group of 4 friends who are the worst people to ever exist. They all only care about themselves. Plus they own a bar in Philly and one of the guys and the girl are the children of Danny Devito. That is a good show that keeps on giving.
The League (FX Thursday 10:30) – This is a sleeper show for me. I didn’t like the first season last year until the end. I stopped watching and then started back up. After giving it another chance it became amazing. I didn’t think it would last one season but this year seems to be even better than last year. Always Sunny should watch out.
The Simpsons (FOX Sunday 8:00) – Makes me sad to watch because of how lame and not funny it is. It used to be great but jokes do run dry. They are plagued with an SNL-like disease. This horse has been beaten into dust.
The Cleveland Show (FOX Sunday 8:30) – Just never funny. Never had been, never will be.
Family Guy (FOX Sunday 9:00) – Sort of funny. They ran an hour long episode that easily could have been 30-minutes. I don’t record it. I just wait for someone to tell me when there is a funny episode and watch it online. Just too hit or miss.
American Dad (FOX Sunday 9:30) – Really sad that the same three shows run back to back. Just bad ideas and sad that someone who is considered to be so funny (Seth McFarlane) probably isn’t. I don’t know if he wrote his own jokes for the Roast of The Hoff, but he was the worst part about it. Did you hear me? The worst part of a show with David Hasselhoff, wasn’t David Hasselhoff. This line-up, even if it’s doing well should be a big red flag that Fox sucks.
Shows I am waiting for are Parks and Recs and East Bound and Down (I don’t have HBO!). Can’t wait for them.
That’s a lot. I’d be willing to give some of them another chance if you guys tell me to. What did you watch. What did you like or hate? Spread some TV love and help me out so I’m not wasting my time!
The road is less traveled because it takes forever (Texas Trip)
4First off, I don’t recall any steers and I’m not sure they even allow queers to cross the border. So, I don’t know what all that is about. We had creepy cowboys staring us down outside of Houston. I imagine because my hair is long and I don’t fit in. Luckily Bryan (my brother) is the prettier of the two and took all the hootin’ and hollerin’.
Jeff and Bryan
First, we had some running around to do before we could leave. We had to drop off the manly dog at Steph’s (my fiance’s) parent’s house. They were super awesome about taking care of him while we were gone. (And we extremely appreciate it!) So, we did that and visited for a bit then went to our parent’s house for a bit and waited for Jeff to come and pick us up. We waited for a while and ate Hobo Dinner, which is amazing, thanks Dad.
Jeff pulls up with way more room than anyone expected. He was worried about two things; that there wouldn’t be enough room for 3 people in his 2002 Focus and that the car wouldn’t make it to Texas. Well, he managed to pack his whole life into a trunk and half a back seat. Did I mention that he owns two guitars and an amp?
We pull out of the drive but Jeff’s gotta say his final goodbyes to our friends and where else would they be but at a dive bar. Sidelines it is! We head up there and hugs and whatnot happen. Nick (another friend) gives Jeff and I a picture frame which was both funny and awesome…Don’t worry about what was in it.
Bama Rain
Skip ahead to Jeff driving the first leg. We started about 10:00 pm and Jeff drove for probably four hours. Bryan and I napped quite a bit. Bryan drove, then I drove when the sun came up. It was a great drive and we took the long way so we got to see Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. And everything was good, until Louisiana.
We went through New Orleans and got to see the gulf which looked clean. I don’t know what everyone is complaining about. (I don’t know how to add a ‘sarcasm’ emoticon.) We had a great idea to play in the Mississippi. It is highly debated who came up with this great idea because it resulted in a bad idea.
But we stopped in Baton Rouge to ask this delightful lady where we could play in her lovely river. She told us and we parked downtown and played in the river. It was muddy and smelled like crustacean death. Jeff almost lost a sandal. It was interesting but made lake Erie look like a pond Jesus would swim in.
The Sipp
We went back to the car and it wouldn’t start. Actually, it started but wouldn’t stay on. After it stalled a million times we made calls to our amateur mechanics. They all had different answers so we tried everything. We gave up and decided to gamble at a casino since Jeff was going to have to drop $400. When we walked over there, Jeff forgot his wallet in the car so we walked back and decided to get a bit to eat.
We were told that there were only two food joints in Baton Rouge that were reasonably priced and one was Po Boy Larry’s. We ate and it was delicious. Bryan drank so he wouldn’t have to drive. Trickster. The bathroom was 130 degrees easy. That’s a weird side note. Are you still with me? We haven’t even gotten to Texas!
So, we walked back, prepared to call a tow truck. Jeff got this crazy feeling that the car was going to start. It was weird, seriously. But we walked back and Jeff hopped in the driver seat and it starts right up. We jump in and finish our trip. We made in the in just under 24 hours.
I had no idea this post was going to be so lengthy…..Let’s make this ‘to be continued’….
Texas Sunset
