Trying to Curb my Enthusiasm

For the past 7, 8 years, everyone talked about the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm" - "great show", "very funny", "smart writing", "addictive".

My lack of an HBO subscription hindered me from watching the show for many years so I was not very familiar with it, other than Larry David (head writer and co-creater of the funniest show ever: "Seinfeld") was the writer and star of "Curb".

For a couple of years my daughter was in an on-again/off-again relationship, and the ex was nuts about "Curb", so much that their agenda revolved around the show. She hated it - maybe because the ex was controlled more by the show than by her.

As I was flipping through Comcast OnDemand choices last night, I noticed that they are playing season one of "Curb" so I thought I would give it a try. Episode One, ok. Episode Two, smartly written. Episode Three, I am intrigued by the characters whose mental derangement overshadows Larry's - yet they see him as nuts. Episode Four, with the ending freeze shot of Larry David having just evicted Richard Lewis from a jewelry store, I am HOOKED.

I feel guilty because I am now loving a show that my daughter hates for personal reasons. I promise this does not mean I am on the ex's team - but I have to keep watching this show!

I might be savvy

or maybe I'm not. I just tried to link this blog to my twitter account. Maybe it will work?

The good, honest auto mechanic

These are a rare breed. When you find one, make sure you save the digits.

About two weeks ago, I took my pony to the local oil/lube franchise for the three month oil change. I wasn't surprised when they told me it was time for new brakes and rotors with an estimate of $399. I could do that; however, every penny scrimped and saved is a penny towards a visit to my daughter.

I called the mechanic who lives way out where God lost his shoe, and he said he could do the job for $200, $225 tops. Plenty enough savings to justify the ride out to the boondocks.

Well, guess what. My car is ready and the total cost is $149. Don't tell his wife, but I am guilty of secretly being in luv with my grease monkey.

Going once, going twice, gone!

About a year ago, my daughter asked me to sell her Wii on Ebay. Even though I had made a purchase or two in the past, selling was new to me. Needless to say, Wiis were still rare and the sale went smoothly for the right price.

I am now at a point in my life where I am trying to rid myself of the clutter I have accumulated over the years. What better way than to put my junk on the internet's best garage sale site?

Dipping my toe in, I listed five of my Shelia's. I had no idea what to expect, or what to charge for shipping, so I let the bids start at $.99 with shipping of $4.95 per house. Bidding ends tomorrow about 10am EST.

I have looked at my merchandise several times a day for the past 9 days, and even though a handful of people are "watching" the items, no bids were placed UNTIL TODAY. Hey, these things might not sell for more than a couple of dollars each, but I am taking great pleasure in fantasizing a bidding war in the last 15 minutes!

Triple A and cell phones

My new motto: A world without AAA and cell phones is a world I want no part of.
Yesterday was great fun for the most part, but ended with a ppphhhhhttttt. After a yummy dinner of jerk pork with black-eyed pea relish and sweet potato, I dropped my car off at the mechanics, then borrowed my parent's truck to use as a loaner. Half way home the temperature guage shoots to the max and I pull over. I keep that little plastic AAA card and their toll-free number with me at all times, and with cell phone in hand start dialing. In less than 40 minutes my knight in shinging armor arrives, courtesy of Bubba Diass towing, and takes me and the truck back to Mom & Dad's. By 9:30pm, I had reclaimed by car from the mechanic and was heading home.
You young whippersnappers have no idea how good you have it. I broke down on GA 204 - 1 mile over a bridge in one direction to the nearest phone. Up until 10 years ago, I would have been making that walk of shame. Nowadays, the inconvenience of sitting on the side of the road with the emergency flashers clicking is an opportunity to stop and smell the roses.

It's my Birthday, me, Me, ME!!!!

Actually, my birthday was two days ago. But today I am enjoying the guilty pleasure of dragging it out and sapping it for what it is worth!
Two of my coworkers are taking me to lunch today, and I chose a new Parisian Restaurant on Broughton Street and I can't wait. For dinner tonight, I am meeting my parents and I think I want them to take me to my favorite casual south-side eatery.
A few of my Facebook buddies even fussed at me because they were not aware of my birthday. Sorry 'bout that! It wasn't intentional, but it did feel very good knowing that they wished me their best.
So to everyone out there, Happy Un-Birthday to you!

The morning shower

Maybe its instinct, who knows. I drag and drag before I will step foot into the shower each morning, delaying the inevitable. But once in, I don't want to climb out.

The warm water, the cleansing soap, the fragrant shampoo, I don't know. Its just so weird that I know the shower is something I will enjoy, yet I prolong its inception as one would a root canal.