Birmingham, AL
Mood: Introspective
Music: Kelly Clarkson - WhyYaGottaBringMeDown

I was sitting here thinking how fragile the human condition is......how easily we're broken, hurt, or even killed. Also, how we rely on each other to get through it all day to day. I was thinking about my friends. There are two or three I know I can count on......and then about two or three more that will surprise me sometimes. But, still there are that few that never bother to pick up the phone or see how you're doing. I have to ask myself? Why do I keep these people around? Just for more people on Facebook. Please, I'm so sick tired of that over-hyped stupid ass website. But, I digress. The aforementioned friends,........it has come to my attention that I have kept many around that are past their expiration date. They clearly have no interest in keeping the friendship going. I mean if this was a real relationship and it was one-sided everyone of us would be going "dump their sorry ass." Friendship is no different in that regard. I, after much pondering, have decided that it is time for some serious "house cleaning" in the friendship department. This has been a week of some serious thinking time. To reflect.....etc. etc.

I have also decided that the day for Hyphenate's end may have finally come. I think it takes energy away from other projects that might actually one day come to fruition. I just don't know if it's worth it all anymore. I don't know. As usual, your opinions are welcomed. I'm not saying I will agree with you wholeheartedly. But, opinions are always welcomed.

So, this entry of Hyphenate is one of my favorite kind. When I just sit down at the computer and write what's on my mind. Those types of entries are the greatest. So, hopefully I've given you some things to think about and for now I will go.

Love and Peace.

Hyphen

Gone Too Soon

Michael Jackson
The King Of Pop
1958-2009


My mind won't allow me to stop thinking about this incredible loss..........in our lifetime we have witnessed the rise and fall of the world's biggest star. Each one of us was touched in some way by his amazing talent. It is my hope that he has found the peace he so desperately fought for......and was so brutally denied in this life.

One Last Gaze Upon The Sun

Incredibly sad news out of Rhode Island last night. My friend Ryan has lost his more than 6 year battle with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

I am inconsolable. I always heard that word when I was a kid and wondered what it meant. Now I know all too well.

I spoke briefly with Ryan about his faith, because I wanted to make sure he was a spiritual person. That's important to me.....with me being a Catholic. He had as strong a faith as the next person. Which gave me a little peace in my already smashed heart. It is from the things we talked about in that conversation that I will pick up the pieces and try to go on---as if nothing had happened---which is exactly what Ryan would have wanted. Lately, I've been playing a gospel Elvis CD over and over again. I have found peace in the voice of the king of rock-n-roll. Go figure, right? I'm going to share those lyrics with you at the bottom of this post.

Of my friend I can only say this,
every challenge he met with answers;
every fear, with bravery;
every limitation with defiance,
every interrogation with the soundest logic;
and every agitation with absolute calm.

I will never forget him. He restored my humanity and in a way, taught me how to be human again.

I promised Ryan I would always fight for him and for all those suffering with Leukemia/Lymphoma, so I will be joining the American Cancer Society and volunteering whenever possible. I would love it if some of you joined me as advocates.
That's all for now.

Love and Peace,

Hyphen



His Hand In Mine (Elvis Presley)

You may ask me how I know my lord is real
You may doubt the things I say and doubt the way I feel
But I know he’s real today he’ll always be
I can feel his hand in mine and that’s enough for me

I will never walk alone he holds my hand
He will guide each step I take
And if I fall I know he’ll understand
Till the day he tells me why he loves me so
I can feel his hand in mine
That’s all I need to know

I will never walk alone he holds my hand He will guide each step I take
And if I fall he’ll understand
Till the day he tells me why he loves me so
I can feel his hand in mine
That’s all I need to know

Hit The Ground Running

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Introspective
Music: Sugarland - Love
Reading: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer


OK. It's been a while I know. But I have an excuse. Better than that. A good one. I've been incredibly busy. Thinking. Dreaming. Climbing. On this journey called life. I know I haven't told you guys my one big decision I made. I'm going back to school to study Infectious Diseases. I won't be moving anywhere, I'm still going to go to the University of Georgia and do my classes online for the most part. I've just enjoyed working at the hospital so much, I decided to make the most of it. The hospital pays for all tuition, books and fees. You can't beat that.

So, I saw Keith Urban this weekend in Huntsville. He was great as usual. I'm going to go see some more dates on this tour as time and my schedule allow.



I'm going to Michigan in July, Chicago in September (to see my first U2 show of this tour) and then to Atlanta in October to see U2 with a bunch of friends from the hospital. Fun, Fun. I'm ready for summer and that's really unusual because I hate the Alabama Heat. But, I'll get over it.

I'm still totally addicted to General Hospital. I Tivo it everyday and never miss an episode. It's the strangest thing, being addicted to a show that comes on every single day. You have to really stay on top of things. Because if you fall behind. You're screwed. Anyway, I'm fascinated with it.

So, I'm writing you guys from the hospital. It is 3:39AM and I am completely alert and aware. There's something not quite right about that? What do you guys think?

I just recently made the decision to keep my CR-V for a few more years. I'm going to invest some money in it and clean it up really good. You just can't kill a Honda. So, why try? I'm probably one of the few people I know without a car payment. And it feels really good.

I guess I will sign off now. I hope things are great out there. And if there not, let me hear about it, you guys always have a forum to bitch about stuff here. My blog is your blog.

Love and Peace.

Hyphen

P.S. Belated birthday wishes to Gabe. I totally forgot this year. Sorry.

Bea Arthur Dead at 86

-She was a comedic great, I am crushed that she is gone.



'Golden Girls' star Bea Arthur dies
AP Television Writer Lynn Elber, Ap Television Writer – 1 hr 19 mins ago
LOS ANGELES – Beatrice Arthur, the tall, deep-voiced actress whose razor-sharp delivery of comedy lines made her a TV star in the hit shows "Maude" and "The Golden Girls" and who won a Tony Award for the musical "Mame," died Saturday. She was 86.

Arthur died peacefully at her Los Angeles home with her family at her side, family spokesman Dan Watt said. She had cancer, Watt said, declining to give details.

"She was a brilliant and witty woman," said Watt, who was Arthur's personal assistant for six years. "Bea will always have a special place in my heart."

Arthur first appeared in the landmark comedy series "All in the Family" as Edith Bunker's outspoken, liberal cousin, Maude Finley. She proved a perfect foil for blue-collar bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), and their blistering exchanges were so entertaining that producer Norman Lear fashioned Arthur's own series.

In a 2008 interview with The Associated Press, Arthur said she was lucky to be discovered by TV after a long stage career, recalling with bemusement CBS executives asking about the new "girl."

"I was already 50 years old. I had done so much off-Broadway, on Broadway, but they said, `Who is that girl? Let's give her her own series,'" Arthur said.

"Maude" scored with television viewers immediately on its CBS debut in September 1972, and Arthur won an Emmy Award for the role in 1977.

The comedy flowed from Maude's efforts to cast off the traditional restraints that women faced, but the series often had a serious base. Her husband Walter (Bill Macy) became an alcoholic, and she underwent an abortion, which drew a torrent of viewer protests. Maude became a standard bearer for the growing feminist movement in America.

"She was an incredible actress and a woman I will miss, and I think everyone else will," said Bud Yorkin, producer of "Maude" with partner Lear.

The ratings of "Maude" in the early years approached those of its parent, "All in the Family," but by 1977 the audience started to dwindle. A major format change was planned, but in early 1978 Arthur announced she was quitting the show.

"It's been absolutely glorious; I've loved every minute of it," she said. "But it's been six years, and I think it's time to leave."

"Golden Girls" (1985-1992) was another groundbreaking comedy, finding surprising success in a television market increasingly skewed toward a younger, product-buying audience.

The series concerned three retirees — Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan — and the mother of Arthur's character, Estelle Getty, who lived together in a Miami apartment. In contrast to the violent "Miami Vice," the comedy was nicknamed "Miami Nice."

As Dorothy Zbornak, Arthur seemed as caustic and domineering as Maude. She was unconcerned about the similarity of the two roles. "Look — I'm 5-feet-9, I have a deep voice and I have a way with a line," she told an interviewer. "What can I do about it? I can't stay home waiting for something different. I think it's a total waste of energy worrying about typecasting."

The interplay among the four women and their relations with men fueled the comedy, and the show amassed a big audience and 10 Emmys, including two as best comedy series and individual awards for each of the stars.

McClanahan said Arthur felt constrained by the show during its later years and in 1992 she announced she was leaving "Golden Girls."

"Bea liked to be the star of the show, she didn't really like to do that ensemble playing," McClanahan said.

McClanahan first worked with Arthur on "Maude," playing her best friend, Vivian. The women quickly became close friends in real life. McClanahan recalled Arthur as a kind and caring person with a no-nonsense edge.

The three other stars returned in "The Golden Palace," but it lasted only one season.

Arthur was born Bernice Frankel in New York City in 1922. When she was 11, her family moved to Cambridge, Md., where her father opened a clothing store. At 12 she had grown to full height, and she dreamed of being a petite blond movie star like June Allyson. There was one advantage of being tall and deep-voiced: She was chosen for the male roles in school plays.

Bernice — she hated the name and adopted her mother's nickname of Bea — overcame shyness about her size by winning over her classmates with wisecracks. She was elected the wittiest girl in her class. After two years at a junior college in Virginia, she earned a degree as a medical lab technician, but she "loathed" doing lab work at a hospital.

Acting held more appeal, and she enrolled in a drama course at the New School of Social Research in New York City. To support herself, she sang in a night spot that required her to push drinks on customers.

During this time she had a brief marriage that provided her stage name of Beatrice Arthur. In 1950, she married again, to Broadway actor and future Tony-winning director Gene Saks.

After a few years in off-Broadway and stock company plays and television dramas, Arthur's career gathered momentum with her role as Lucy Brown in the 1955 production of "The Threepenny Opera."

In 2008, when Arthur was inducted in the TV Academy Hall of Fame, Arthur pointed to the role as the highlight of her long career.

"A lot of that had to do with the fact that I felt, `Ah, yes, I belong here,'" Arthur said.

More plays and musicals followed, and she also sang in nightclubs and played small roles in TV comedy shows.

Then, in 1964, Harold Prince cast her as Yente the Matchmaker in the original company of "Fiddler on the Roof."

Arthur's biggest Broadway triumph came in 1966 as Vera Charles, Angela Lansbury's acerbic friend in the musical "Mame," directed by Saks. Richard Watts of the New York Post called her performance "a portrait in acid of a savagely witty, cynical and serpent-tongued woman."

She won the Tony as best supporting actress and repeated the role in the unsuccessful film version that also was directed by Saks, starring Lucille Ball as Mame. Arthur would play a variation of Vera Charles in "Maude" and "The Golden Girls."

Take No Prisoners

SUPERSTAR REBA’S “STRANGE” MAKES HIGHEST SOLO CHART DEBUT OF CAREER
First Valory Music Co. Single Debuts Top 40 on
Billboard Top Country Songs Chart

NASHVILLE, TN – Superstar Entertainer Reba McEntire’s new single, “Strange,” debuts at #39 on the Billboard Top Country Songs chart this week, marking the highest solo chart debut of her career.

“Strange,” a sassy, tongue-in-cheek rocker about lamenting (or not) a spurned love, also earned Billboard Hot Shot Debut status and entered at #45 on the USA Today/Country Aircheck chart (powered by Mediabase).

When told of the milestone, Reba said, “I have had the most fun of my career picking out songs for my new record on Valory. To have this first one be the highest debuting song of my career so far, is just icing on the cake. I am thrilled with my new team!”

Reba debuted the highly-anticipated new single with a powerhouse performance live on CBS last Sunday on the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards earning rave reviews across the board -- from The Los Angeles Times to Entertainment Weekly.

“Strange” is the lead single from Reba’s first solo studio album in six years, as well as her first album on her new label The Valory Music Co.

The superstar signed with The Valory Music Co. in November 2008. The move reunited the multimedia entertainer with industry leader Scott Borchetta, now President & CEO of Big Machine Records and sister label The Valory Music Co.

Reba’s new studio album will follow in late summer. Next up, Reba will travel to Indio, CA, on April 25th, for a performance at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, one of America’s top destination festivals.

One of the most successful female recording artists in history, Reba has sold over 65 million albums worldwide and her last 13 studio albums have all achieved platinum-plus status.

Musicology 108

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Upbeat
Music: U2 - Breathe
Soda: Pepsi

So, I've noticed myself buying a tremendous amount of new music lately. And, to my surprise it's all quite good. So, I would like to pose a question that will bring you guys into the discussion. Fair enough?

If you could be a member of any band in the world? Which one would it be? And why?

I'm looking forward to reading your responses. I promise I will not publish them if you don't give me permission. You have the Hyphen guarantee on that one.......ok?

So, let me have em guys.........

Don't Let Me Stop You

Atlanta, GA
Mood: Great
Music: Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
Book: Texts for school and Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

So, guys I decided it was time to drop you a line and tell you that the rumors of my death are once again greatly exaggerated.

I'm doing really well. I made a HUGE career change late last year and it's all worked out better than I could have ever hoped. I'm an EKG analyst. That's right, I told you I could learn anything if I put my mind to it. This was really tough too, and I didn't think I would pass the test the first time around. But, I did.....and with a perfect score. Go Hyphen, Go Hyphen.
I really enjoy interacting with people, staff, nurses and doctors. It's great fun. So, fun in fact that I've decided to go back to school and get (degree #3), or at least that's what I'm calling it for now. We have tuition reimbursement benefits so why not. I've always loved college. I wish I could have stayed in some sort of time warp and never left college. God, what fun that was.

Same as the job, everything else is going well. Finances, Personal Life, etc. One interesting development.......lately, everything I have prayed for has been granted. It's crazy. Well, with one exception of course......my beautiful friend Ryan hasn't been healed. But, I've been letting everyone but Santa Claus know I would really like to see that happen. You all know the situation so I won't elaborate much. Only to update you by telling you that Ryan's condition continues to deteriorate, but he is the toughest person I've ever known. Had it been me, I would have probably slipped into a coma by now. But, not him........he is the consummate fighter! I'm very proud and thankful for each day I'm given that I can enjoy his company and his kind words and insights. Still praying for that miracle.

On the music front, still waiting for the new Reba, and the new Keith Urban. I'm wearing out the Kelly Clarkson and the U2. Love, love, love them. Kelly's album has this really smart ass song called, Don't Let Me Stop You. If only that song had been around during the Kevin years.

OK, I would love to hear from all of you, especially those of you who may have visited a former Soviet Republic in say.....the past few weeks. No names will be mentioned.

Love and Peace.

Hyphen AKA Vegas Fairchild

For My Broken Heart

My friend Ryan


I'm sure I've spoken about my friend Ryan to some of you. I met him while living in Chicago and I've been amazed by his strength and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles. You see, Ryan was diagnosed years ago with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, extremely aggressive and terminal at this point. The doctors in the United States gave up months ago (because of the ridiculously strict policies of the FDA which govern experimental and non-traditional treatments.) So, Ryan left the United States 162 days ago to seek treatment in Paris. He began the treatment and it worked well, his body seemed to be extremely receptive to what they were doing. But, in November that all changed. His red blood cell count dropped to staggering lows and the doctors in France (like their American counterparts) were forced to stop their treatment.......or risk killing him in another way.

Today, I logged in to myspace and saw his status update. It says in French, Je suis de retour à la maison pour mourir.........I am coming home to die.

Just when I think I have seen the deepest of blues and the most heartbreaking example of life's cruelty, I am slapped in the face with yet another horrific example. I am sad. I am angry. I am so fucking angry. I curse life. I curse the fact that I'm totally healthy and my friend is not and will soon lose his life (and he is much younger than me). It's all so fucked up. It's almost more than I can bear. But, I'll never stop hoping......and praying. Life may be tough right now, but it won't break me........it won't shake my undying faith.........and it never will.

I ask you all to remember my friend, in your thoughts and in your every prayer.

And Ryan if you ever read this, know that I will be with you always........if not in body and mind, in spirit.
It is my hope that you will come to know that through Jesus, who is the Christ.......every ending is a new beginning.
Please Don't Give Up.

Et je t'aime encore

Goodbye Condi, Hello Sanity

By Elise Labott - CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has phoned a slew of leaders since taking office on Thursday, reaching out to key allies in the Middle East, Asia and Europe as the Obama administration reviews foreign policies.

Clinton, who was sworn in Wednesday, has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, as well as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan's King Abdullah and the foreign ministers of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, according to acting State Department spokesman Robert Wood.

The calls were "introductory" and did not delve into the nuances of Middle East policy, despite a simmering crisis in Gaza and Thursday's naming of former Sen. George Mitchell as a special envoy to the Middle East.

President Obama said Mitchell will help implement a cease-fire between Israelis and Hamas and support anti-smuggling efforts to prevent the latter from re-arming.

But he added, "Lasting peace requires more than a long cease-fire, and that's why I will sustain an active commitment to seek two states living side by side in peace and security."

By naming Mitchell as his personal envoy, Obama is sending a diplomatic heavyweight to the region.

"He's neither pro-Israeli nor pro-Palestinian," Martin S. Indyk, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, told The New York Times. "He's, in a sense, neutral."

Flawless

The Greatest Singer In The World Does Not Disappoint

I saw Celine Dion again on Thursday, January 15th in Birmingham. I am never disappointed........she always blows me away with her vocals. In a world of Britney's and J-Lo's, Celine proves that live vocals are not a dead animal. Incredible presence, great stage, awesome show.........she makes it seem easy. The third "Celine" show I've seen and there's no chance of me stopping now.

The hospital is still trying to kill me in this new job. I'm actually enjoying it. I can't tell you all the many ways I'm being educated. And I'm being paid......not the other way around.

Hope all of you are doing well, and staying warm, for all of you in the Midwest.......yikes. Glad I got out when I did........talk about dodging a bullet.
If you guys have any crazy winter weather stories, I'd love to hear them.

That's all for now. Thanks for your patience, it's taking me a long time to put out new posts. However, this time it's because I'm actually SO busy, not lazy. That's a good thing.

Love and Peace.

Happy Belated Birthday Kell!


Hyphen Out

Best Wishes for 2009

Birmingham, AL
Weather: Cool And Overcast
Mood: Good
Music: Goo Goo Dolls / Ain't That Unusual


Hello my friends, it's been a while. I've been incredibly busy or I would have been writing more. God knows I've had plenty of material. Working at the hospital has been an experiment in terror and fitness. I think I sweat off approximately two pounds a day. It's ridiculous. But, it's definitely been an education. I've seen things I would have never seen had I picked a job in administration (or stayed in the legal field). I plan to eventually make it into compliance and reassume my legal roles in the medical field but I'm going to take my time getting there. I'm learning way too much in the O.R. as a technologist. It's a good thing I had medical psychology in school. I never thought I would use anything from college in my career, but boy was I wrong. Wish me luck on this new journey.

This weekend I saw Marley and Me. And I'll be perfectly honest at the end, I wanted to go to the bathroom and slit my wrists. But, as far as movies go, it was a masterpiece. AND more importantly, I'm glad to see Jennifer Aniston kick Brad Pitt's ass at the box office. That is how God intended it to be.

As far as life goes, besides being incredibly busy. It's been relatively good. I'm making decent money at a time when most people are losing their jobs. I am very fortunate and I am very aware of that and thankful for it.

I'm saving money for a new car, but first I think I'm going to get a new phone. I've been needing a phone with internet capability and a camera, but I've been trying to determine which one I want. Not sure I want to go to the Iphone yet. Even though, I hear they are not as pricey as they once were. Still, that's a lot of new stuff to learn and god knows I have enough to learn at work.

I hope you all had a great holiday season.......I know for my buddy Gabe, travel was beyond HELL. The Midwest is continuing it's tradition of having the most god-awful winters in recent history. I'm sorry you guys. I wish you could all live within 10 minutes of me, we would have Hellafun.......and you would never have to complain about the weather or road & runway conditions.

I would love to hear from you guys. I would love to know how your Christmas was and how things are going. It's been a while. I know for some of you, there were some incredibly sad things that happened at Christmas and in some case on Christmas day. That is beyond terrible and my heart goes out to you (especially you Hills). The love of another animal is probably the only thing that will lessen the hurt you guys feel from this tragedy. Something to think about.

You guys have a great New Years. Be safe.

Love and Peace,

Hyphen

P.S. Everybody wish the Alabama Crimson Tide the best of luck as they take on Utah in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Friday January 2nd, 2009!!!

Roll Tide Roll

Landslide

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Cheerful
Weather: Clear and Cool, Abundant Sunshine
Music: AC/DC - Black Ice

I can't believe I let another month and a half go by without writing a new blog. I was so busy. I know I told you guys I was working on a new diet plan, but I was dealt a serious setback. About a week before I was to get my flu shot, I got the flu. I thought I was going to die my friends. The older you get the harder it is to beat it. So, get those flu shots!!! So, I lay in bed for almost 8 days without getting out much at all. I just didn't feel like raising my head. But, finally the body kicks influenza's ass and I am back amongst the living with you guys. The problem was while I was laying in bed all I did was eat junk food; so I gained back 6 pounds of what I had lost. But, I'm doubling my efforts to get it off and be even thinner. When I'm thinner I feel better. About everything. I actually think it makes me a better person. :)

I hope everyone voted. Voter turnout in Alabama was 73% of registered voters. That's incredible. The best we've had in my lifetime. I'm really excited to see the younger generation and hell, my generation too.......get so involved in the political process. So, that was nice for me to see. I hope in some way I inspire you guys to get out there and raise your voice.......your vote is all you have in America. Hopefully you guys didn't have to stand in line, I was listening to the news and they said to go to the polls between 10 & 11:30. So, I had myself parked there at 10AM, and I walked right in and was handed my ballot. ROCK ON.

OK, more updates, for those of you who didn't know (and I think most of you did) my friend Gabe is now a resident of Omaha. And we of course wish him the best of luck there. I think it's going to be great for Gabe, just as soon as they find his furniture..HAHAHAHA!!!!

Alright, well I guess that's about it for me. I hope everyone is doing well. Let me hear from you. Enjoy the cooler weather and the approaching holiday season.

Love and Peace,

Hyphen

P.S. Hyphen is pondering a MAJOR career change, I may soon be hanging up the scales of justice for another field........You guys will be the first to know when and if it happens.

Omaha--Somewhere in Middle America

For those of you who didn't know.... My good friend Gabe, has accepted a new position in Omaha, Nebraska! I think it's a great move because he was growing weary of Chicago (whether or not he chose to admit it.) It was stifling his creativity. And I think now is the perfect time to get out.

A few years in Omaha and god only knows where you could go Gabe. Oh, and BTW Bright Eyes has his studio there and that is where he launched his career. Coincidence? We don't believe in coincidences my friend. Remember when you are ready to write those liner notes who your Atlanta-based publicist is.......I'm gonna be looking.

So, CONGRATULATIONS, GOOD LUCK AND I WAS TOTALLY SERIOUS ABOUT COMING TO VISIT. I want to try and visit you in Omaha and my buddy John in Lincoln, Nebraska in the same visit. If I could pull that off I would be THE MAN!!!

So, GO CORNHUSKERS........or whatever the hell they are.

Love and Peace.

H-

A New Door

Birmingham, AL
Weather: Windy with Light Rain (Thanks Again Ike)
Mood: Great
Music: Metallica / The Day That Never Comes

Well, I certainly got your attention on those last two blogs. I got sooooo many comments, and most of them were GREAT!!! I had my friend Lisa who said she "loved my passion for politics" and that she "respected the fact that I was willing to break with party when necessary." My friend John said that he wished I had "kept commenting live on the content of the convention during Obama's speech." I would have loved to have done that, but it got old. Gabe said he was "extremely disappointed in me" and then I had one friend who totally flipped out, but unfortunately she was unable to find a coherent thought with a map and a search party.

So, I read them all and there is one constant in just about every message. People do look to me to be a political advocate and they prefer it (understandably) when I agree with them.

Anyway, I heard you all......and I'm really just glad that you're still listening long after Hyphenate's third anniversary. Not bad. Not bad at all.

OK, back to my personal life, far outside the political arena. I have lost 10 lbs on a new diet and exercise routine. One that actually works and I'm very excited about it. It turns out all that sweating does release endorphins and they really do make you feel good. It's not just a bunch of health freaks blowing smoke. I feel great and I look a hell of a lot better. I'll throw up some new pics when I hit my goal weight. Which should take a couple of months at least and that's being very optimistic.

I was just watching some CNN footage of the hurricane damage. I can't believe people are crazy enough to remain behind in a storm like that. What possible material possessions are worth losing your life...........and to be perfectly frank, high water has always scared the hell out of me. So, remain alert my friends......the planet only has more freaky weather in store for us, it's called "payback." And it's always a bitch.

I hope everything is going well for you guys. If you have something (anything in fact) to get off your chest---please send me your comments or email and let me know what's happening in your corner of the world.

Love and Peace

H-

Why So Serious

Alpine, AL
Mood: Tranquil
Weather: Really nice as usual
Music: Smashing Pumpkins / Disarm

So, it's been a while again. I'm not going to promise that it's going to change though, because everytime I do, it ends up taking just as long.

This was HELL week at work. I thought it would never end. It really seemed like we were all suspended in time. But, anyway it's over now and that's all that matters.

I'm back at my grams house. Chilling out. I saw the new Batman film tonight, it was good. I was counting on Heath Ledger to really deliver in this movie, and boy did he. He was great, completely maniacal and over the top. He really proved his range as an actor in each one of his films. What a talent and what a huge loss.

I'm counting the days to the new X Files movie. It's been so long, TOO LONG without Mulder and Scully. I hope the story line is strong and it is a "stand alone" movie that everyone can enjoy. From what I've read, that's what they're shooting for. Hopefully, they've accomplished it.

Nothing incredibly important to tell you guys right now. I wish there was, but there isn't.

I hope this finds you all in good health and spirits.

Love and Peace.

Hyphen

To Wish Impossible Things (Part 2)

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Great, it's the weekend.
Weather: Isolated Thunderstorms
Music: The Goo Goo Dolls / Real

OK, so I was checking my email the other day.......the REALLY old email addresses that I've had for years. And what do I find? Well, a very long time ago I had subscribed to my ex's blog for obvious reasons.......you know, I was in Chicago, he was in Iraq......it seemed like a good thing to do.
So, I've been officially notified by the good people at blogspot.....a new blog went up on May 10th. I, of course, had to read as I am a Leo and my inquisitive nature gets the best of me. I go to the site and in fact, it is true. Kevin has reappeared. Yes, ladies and gentleman after over 2 years of complete silence and virtually disappearing into the woods of Northeast Alabama. He is back. So, here is a sample of the aforementioned blog and his explanation of where he's been:

Don't ask about the last two years. I just told you all about them. Alright, perhaps there is *slightly* more but that puzzle that is me should not be so easily put together with a few random facts from a couple of missing years. Many things were changing in my life then. The farewell of the entire military lifestyle, for good or ill, brought with it the failure of not completing my full obligation and potential. With the shedding of military identity and everything related to that life, including people that were friends, and a very wonderful someone, I also lost a huge amount of support. For a while there I didn't have any friends at all.

*************************************************

Hail Mary Full Of Grace........

I tried to read it from the standpoint of a third party. That's always best when you're emotionally vested in something right? And so I do. And gee.......these friends he had while he was in the military (not to mention this special someone) sound like real ASSHOLES don't they??? It really sounds like all they cared about was the fact that he was a Marine. Delightfully superficial people. But, then I thought about it, (I then lost my adopted neutrality)........I was one of those people and that's not how it happened AT ALL.

Here is an excerpt from my journal dated Tuesday, December 12, 2006:

I guess I should let you all know that I tried to call Kevin again. I will never understand when exactly it was that I becamse such a pariah. I can think of so many things I wish I'd done differently. I wish we were still together. I wish we would've tried harder.......I wish we would have talked more, about things that really matter and not about the war or the stupid-ass President.

HMMMMM. Interesting huh? Those two blog entries don't seem to reconcile themselves to each other whatsoever. Maybe there's a reason for that.

My main question still remains: how can someone be man enough for Parris Island and the Iraqi desert, but seemingly unable to pick up the phone and simply say, "I Fucked Up."

Killer Tomatoes

Birmingham, AL
Mood: Exhausted (jet lag finally caught up with me)
Weather: Sunny and Warm
Music: Alison Krauss / Down To The River To Pray

I got back from Los Angeles on Monday but have honestly been too tired to write a new blog. But, I knew you guys wanted an update (this means you Tonya) and so I decided not to put it off any longer.
The truth is, it was one of the most enjoyable trips I've ever taken. I was gone for a short length of time, but we accomplished an unbelievable amount of stuff. Both touristy and non-touristy.

I flew in Friday night on United on a shiny new Airbus 320, which made me VERY happy (it had all the bells and whistles, comfortable seats, in-seatback TV monitors and the works.) It actually still had the new smell. All of my flights were on time (which is practically unheard of these days.) BTW, my new favorite airline is Continental. On the first leg of my flight home from L.A. to Houston, they served us individual sized cheese pizzas, salad, a Twix bar for desert and did drink service TWICE. And I was sitting in Economy Class.......hello?! CONTINENTAL ROCKS!!!

So anyway, Friday night we went to In-N-Out for burgers (and that is where I came up with the name for this blog.) Matthew just loves to humiliate me in any way possible. So, he lapsed into a southern accent just long enough to harass the drive-thru employee regarding the "safety" of the tomatoes that I would NOT be getting on my burger. Anyway, from there it was back to the apartment for some long-overdue catch up time with my buddy. I haven't seen Matthew in a while and we don't talk often to be honest. It's actually one of the things about our friendship I would change if I could. He's one of the closest friends I have, but we just don't talk enough......PERIOD. You guys know me, I need to feel loved. I need to feel like I'm part of my friends' lives and "in the loop" so to speak. So, just hanging out, watching tv and talking was good and I'm glad we had the opportunity to do just that.
Thanks for the Fruity-Red Rum drink. It kicked my ass after those flights!!! What is it they tell you about drinking making jet lag much worse? True. All True.

Day 2 - SATURDAY

Saturday was by far the busiest day. We got up, went to the Farmers Market for lunch, then to the Grove for some shopping, took some pics. Then it was off to Beverly Hills for more sightseeing. Rodeo Drive Baby!!! It's just as beautiful as they say it is. I would love to see it at Christmas. I didn't bump into Jennie Garth, but I had a great time anyway. More pics were made and then we were off to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. More shopping and more pics. I had to get my boss an Oscar. Don't ask. And then it happened, I saw stars. Real ones, but don't worry......they were on the ground where they are supposed to be. Loads of them, some worthy of mention simply because I like them and respect their work: Ozzy Osbourne, Dolly Parton, Amy Grant, Bob Hope and Phil Collins. Tom Cruise's star was there as well, but it had joined an elitist cult and refused to mingle with the other stars. Oh well. I did some more shopping but mostly staring at the ground at all these stars. I sometimes found myself in a trance only to be awakened from it by Matthew snapping his fingers and saying, "Shane, what the hell are you doing?........You're acting like a tourist.......we've got places to go, things to see." BA HAHAHAHA!!! I told him he should have been a drill sergeant. It was really funny, no one ever keeps me on a schedule, so it was kind of cool.
That afternoon, we went up to the Griffith Observatory which has sweeping views of the city skyline, the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Hills. Got some super pics up there. Awesome place. Matthew had never been up there because it's been closed for some time due to extensive renovations. So, that was cool. We both got to see it at the same time.
After leaving the Griffith, we took a short break (and with Matthew that's ten minutes tops) then we were off to Pacific Park. Pacific Park is a mini-theme park built right over the pier at Santa Monica. Cool, huh? The roller coaster there is over the water which plays on your senses a little more than the average coaster. We rode the roller coaster, (humiliated once again) and the ferris wheel (which provides great views of the beach and ocean at night......WOW.) After the park, we went to Barney's Beanery for dinner. Cool little place in Santa Monica. On my side of the table where we sat---as luck would have it---was a super pic of the incomparable Reba McEntire. I guess someone must have told them I was coming. After dinner, I was sunburned terribly and tired and I think I must have kept slumping over in the passenger seat b/c Matthew kept asking if I was gonna be OK. HAHAHAHA!!! I don't usually do that much in a typical day. I don't think anyone does that much in a typical day. It was awesome! So much fun and still one more day to go.

Day 3 - SUNDAY

Sunday was beach day----ALL DAY! Santa Monica again, which I'm in love with now. But, this time I'm armed with sun tan lotion. We spent the day on the beach there and then later met up with a couple of Matthew's friends for some cheap dinner. After they drove us back to the car (which must have been parked in another county); we were off for home. After a quick shower and change we were off again to the Libertine in West Hollywood to see Matthew's friend, the very talented singer-songwriter Kim Divine. Check her out at myspace.com/kimdivinemusic
She's awesome. After the show, we had drinks with Kim and some friends at the Bar Marmont; site of the Chateau Marmont, the ultra-chic hotel favored by stars such as Lindsay Lohan, Leonardo DiCaprio and the late-Heath Ledger. It was also the site of Jim Belushi's overdose back in March of 1982. This place is unbelievable with dark paisley print chandeliers, butterflies on the ceiling and one giant peacock planted on the wall. We hung out, had lots of laughs and didn't actually leave the bar until about 1:30am. My flight was to leave in about 7 hours.....I had lost track of time. Oh well. No problem, I got a few hours sleep that night and then a few more on the flights back home.

Anyway, so before I knew it, I was home.......after criscrossing North America twice in less than 72 hours. It was all a little sad actually. Time really does fly when you are having fun and I had some SERIOUS fun!

I really have to thank my buddy Matthew, (Beverly Hills AKA Jungle Cat), for being the most gracious of hosts and letting me crash. For the laughs, the memories, and a great time in the city of angels.

So, this one is dedicated to Matthew. Love you little brother.......see ya on the rebound.

Vegas AKA Hyphen

Living Well Is The Best Revenge

Los Angeles, CA
Mood: GRRRRREAT!
Weather: Couldn't be better
Music: None

Keeping it quiet tonight, my buddy Matthew went to bed earlier, and now I'm up on the internet being the insomniac that I am. Tonight was awesome, we went to the park in Santa Monica on the pier. It's like a little mini-theme park built right there over the water. Very Cool. Then to a little sports bar across the street where I had the biggest club sandwich in the history of mankind. I just wish I could go to sleep quickly like "normal" people. Maybe I should have had Matthew make me another rum drink. The first one I had kicked my ass because I couldn't taste the rum and so I downed it all at once and then I was buzzing the next hour......haha! Funny.

So, so much to tell you guys. I'm really enjoying L.A. Everything has been great! The city is beautiful, the weather is awesome, the flights were awesome (and that hardly ever happens). What else can I say my friends?? Good times.

I would like to thank God, Beverly Hills, United Airlines and the academy. Oh, and the fans. Geez.

Love and Peace.

Hyphen