Nodope

...and go VOTE tomorrow!

Two posts in one week; what will this world come to?

Ok if you must know I'm playing hooky today. No, I didn't call in sick, just using up some vacation time in a very non-productive manner. Since I never really took an official vaca this year (yet...) I have a bunch of time to use up so what better way to do so than goofin' off on a Friday while everybody else slaves away? No, BTW, you may NOT have some of my extra time - there is no such thing.

I have company coming to stay this weekend and should probably be making the house a little more accommodating BUT...like I said, I'm busy goofing off. Got up this morning and the dogs were already in round two of doggie wars. Lady as you might recall is a medium size lab-type dog while Leroy...well Leroy is not.

Yeah, he's a pint-sized rat terrier who is convinced he's a rottweiler. He starts sh*t with Lady the does his little terrorist act darting in for an attack then scampering away before Lady can get in a lick. Lady compensates for his speed by way of distraction. She'll go get one of his toys and taunt him with it, thus luring him in close enough for an attack of her own.

This morning she decided my sock (lying on the floor from last night) would do the trick so she grabs it, flips it in the air and right on cue, Leroy comes in for the bait.  He grabs on end and she the other and soon enough one sock becomes two. Good thing I didn't REALLY want that sock. It can now join all the other mate-less socks I have tucked away in the bottom drawer.

Why keep 'em? I dono really....I guess it's like those worn out undies that should have been thrown out a year ago but still inhabit my dresser waiting their turn. Yes, they know it's only a matter of time before I neglect to do laundry and they will once again be center stage.

I didn't feel like getting the cam for doggie wars so I supplemented a couple pics I already had on hand. When they really get going I sometimes shoot a clip of the fight and will one day (maybe) post them for the fighting enthusiasts among us.

Later folks,

Hope your weekend is grand

I learned this morning watching the local news that Iowa has a long-standing law on the books prohibiting “idiots” from voting. The law, now under scrutiny, literally states that “…no idiot shall be allowed to vote in the great state of Iowa”. Opponents seeking to have the law repealed say that no law should include defamatory language and furthermore that it promotes discrimination.

After some thought, I’m inclined to agree with those seeking to allow idiots to vote. After all, we allow idiots to hold office…

I know, it sounds too funny but, sadly, it is true.

Apparently, Iowa’s forefathers had little sensitivity to the mentally challenged and in writing the law they intended to prohibit mentally incompetent individuals from voting. I gotta wonder though:

A: Who determines mental competency in regard to voting ability?

B: Even the mentally challenged have concerns that would enter the political arena. As citizens,  shouldn’t their vote count too?

If you think that’s nuts, according to common wisdom* Nebraska only recently repealed it’s idiot law (don't know if it's true or not). It allowed that Indians on horseback could legally be shot providing the shooter was in a covered wagon.

PROGRESS

Don't mind me... Just dropped by to clean the place up a bit. Damn, look at all those cobwebs! Hi guys, Hope you're all doing well. I'm pretty good considering I haven't been "well" really since contracting a summer cold a few months ago. Just never really seemed to shake it. But, if you know me at all, that hasn't held me back much. I've been checking in periodically with some of you and if I've missed others it's only because I didn't see any recent updates when I checked in. From what I can tell though, everybody's still got all their limbs and other (critical components) so I'll trust that all is relatively well with you.

You might remember a couple of months ago I adopted a friendly pooch named Murphy but as fate would have it, was unable to keep him. It turned out just a month or so afterwards that my ex was unable to keep Leroy (Bad, bad, Leroy Brown...) the puppy she had taken with her when we divorced. Given Leroy's nervous nature and Murphy's easy going 'tude, my choice was pretty clear that Murphy would be the easiest to transition to another home. Turns out his previous "person" missed him terribly and talked her boy-friend into letting her take him back. I'll post a pick of Leroy soon so's you guys can get acquainted...

I've also been spending a lot of time renewing my social network. Translation: finding good peeps to hang out with that ain't connected to my ex. If any of you have ever had to "move on" you know exactly what I mean. Dating has been good too. Can you imagine? There's hope for the over 40 crowd! I'm kidding (kinda). For the first time in my life I'm actually dating women my own age. The idea took more time getting used to than did the women. I guess my "hot meter" just got stuck in the 30's and, given that I'm nearing 50 well, you do the math. None the less though, I finding it less a problem than I imagined to make a connection.

Well, now that I've shared way TMI, what have you guys been up to?

Hmmm, my paragraphs all seem to have run together (much like my thoughts) after publishing this post. Don't know what's up with that because in edit mode, the paragraph breaks are all there. Oh well, deal with it... or not. New browser, we'll see if that fixes it

Whoot!

Hi gang, how's it hangin? Hope you guys are having fun because that's *um* what its all about now, isn't it?

Yes, I've recieved your inquiries, thoughts, well-wishes and "hey, where the hell you at"'s. Trust me, all is well in SUX (that's really what all the travel agencies call Sioux City...nice, huh?).

Some have begun speculating that I have someone new in my life that is taking up all my time. While I have been dating, it's purely social (ok, maybe a LITTLE romance) but no, I'm not seeing anyone in a committed way.

I have been busy living. That's all - no great revelations, no monumental events, just living. You see, I spend most of my time outside in the Summer when I'm not working, going out with friends, hiking and playing with the dogs or sleeping.

Anybody catch that? No? Damn, pay attention will ya? I said dogS, as in plural.  Here is my new friend. Space-friends, meet Murphy...

He and Lady met at the dog park last year and we've all become a little closer recently because Murphy's mom had to move and couldn't take him with her.  So now my little girl has a brother.  She didn't think it was absoLUTELY necessary that he move in, but...

She didn't mind posing for a pic with him just the same

I feel so blessed with all the love in my life. Between my friends & family I just don't have time to feel lonely. Even when you guys come by my space and nag me to post something it lets me know you care - some way, some how.

Rest assured, while you won't see much of me through the nice weather, I'll be back in full force when the snow flies again so don't write me off just yet.

Later kidos,

Joel

The setup is familiar enough I feel no need to post the rules. Never mind that I remain a nonconformist at heart. My tagORs know who they are and if you saw yesterday's post so do you.

#1

I have become more community minded than I ever thought possible. If ever I'm inclined to bitch about something or someone I believe it is more likely I who should leave. Unless it's my house...

#2

My back yard is a nature garden. No not all pretty wildflowers, whatever the f**k cares to grow there may.  It all cuts pretty much the same and it's much less bother. Besides it's all nicely contained in a privacy fence.

#3

My front yard conforms to social standards. I prefer the back yard and so does my dog.

#4

Mr happy and his nutty friends enjoy a clean smooth environment.  Don't ask; it'll come to you. I selected that word carefully.

#5

Since discovering my preference for new growth versus stubble and nicks, my razor is reserved for my face.

#6

I could tell some very (tearfully) funny stories about hair removal

#7

I have been to many of the places on this continent. Some of the locals would prefer I didn't return. I wasn't always a nice guy.

#8

I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything living in the Midwest. I know where the other places are and I know how to get there when I choose to.

My unexceptional quirks and I feel we have done our job. May you feel blessed if you share no commonality with said quirks.

As for my tagging efforts, lets just say that if you have been tagged and didn't comply, you are re-tagged. Live a little, it's fun. If you haven't been tagged, you are now; get your little [keyboard] peckers busy.

Later folks!