Here I sit in the house protected against the frigid weather lurking outside. Until last night it hadn't been so bad weather wise.

Saturday was day care day as Sadie spent most of the day with us. By the time dinner needed to be prepared, I was so ready for a break. Trying to entertain a five-year old who has an attention span of thirty seconds is draining. To top it off she was tired and cranky and didn't want to take a nap. I had a terrible headache by the time it was over. Thankfully, Erika's aunt Mary entertained Sadie after dinner.

Sunday was just as busy. We had lunch with a couple of Erika's college friends at a place called Melts which specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches. I had a chorizo and potato grilled cheese which was thick and huge. The chorizo wasn't very spicy, but the sandwich was tasty nonetheless. I basically sat there listening while the three of them chatted; I was the fourth wheel. I can't complain about the cookie appetizers though.

After dinner yesterday, we went down to Akron to brave the winter weather and see some Christmas decorations at Stan Hywet Hall. The weather outside was frightful (mid 20's with a stinging wind). Thankfully a good portion of the decorations were inside. Even prepared for the cold, I was pretty frozen walking around outside. I had on a short sleeve t-shirt, a long-sleeve t-shirt, a sweatshirt and a winter coat with a hood.

What's on tap for today? Hard to say. It's still bitter cold outside, so staying in until time for the Christmas Eve party sounds like a fantastic idea. Chances are, my laptop and I will become friends.

Tomorrow I begin the journey to the land of ice and snow. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and starts the new year off with a bang (not literally).

I haven't listened to Cowboy Mouth in almost a month, at least not before last night. I needed something other than sportstalk radio to pump me up for the final, and Cowboy Mouth happened to be in the CD player. The fanaticism I had for the band has dwindled excessively over the past month thanks in part to a terrible concert experience (not necessarily a terrible concert.)

Six weeks ago, Erika and I saw Cowboy Mouth at The Legacy in Tuscaloosa. After that show I was rather bitter about what transpired. I always thought that I was a member of a select group that was close to the band. I frequently participated on the message board and we went to just about every concert within a 3 hour radius to support the band we love. We even drove to Charleston, SC for a Cowboy Mouth "convention" where we saw them 4 times in 4 days. It was a ton of fun and we made two new friends in Mike and Healey. Anytime we saw the band members, they recognized us and chatted with us for a few minutes before and after the shows.

But, for the show in Tuscaloosa, I was snubbed. Not to speak for Erika, but she was snubbed as well. In trying to talk to the band members after the show, we were simply ignored because of the presence of another fan. This particular person has always exhibited an air of most important person on the planet as well as being "close" to the band. Apparently, the band members considered that person more important at the show that night and took the time to talk and present birthday presents to that person. Even though we were standing there next to that person, none of the band members we tried to talk to acknowledged out presence. It was extra stinging that even though some members of the band were told Erika's birthday was forthcoming, her birthday wasn't acknowledged in any way.

Is this a jealousy issue? To some extent I believe so. I thought all of the major fans were on the same level, but apparently, there are higher levels within the group. I pay my money to see the band and buy their shirts and CDs, while the "center of the universe" fan finds a way onto the guest list and contributes nothing to the band. For all of this, I get ignored. Yeah, I'm jealous and a little bitter.

So, why am I mentioning this now? Simply for the sake of trying to let it go. I like the music and the concert experience. I'd love to see another show in order to get this bitter taste out of my mouth, but my driving distance is considerably shorter now. I may have to come to the realization that I'm a regular fan and nothing more.

Their plans have been in motion for decades.  When my friends and I went to college, we noticed an abundance of enemy troops scattered all over campus.  What better way to infiltrate the country than by taking over the educational institutions.  They are always around, sitting in plain sight at times, acting as if they are minding their own business.  While you aren't paying attention, they are listening to you and watching your every move.  But some of us are paying attention. 

Recently, a new couple moved in next door.  Someone must have snitched on me, so the enemy sent someone to keep me under surveillance.  I can't think of any other reason why they would be so close.  I'm writing this now with the blinds drawn in case they are peeking in at me.  Sure, they pretend as if I don't exist, going about their day scampering in the bushes and trees, but I know better.  I'm watching my back (and my window) should they be given the command to attack.  Should I become a victim, please continue the crusade.  Everyone should know that squirrels are trying to take over the world.  As GI Joe said, "Knowing is half the battle."  I present to you pictures of the enemy as taken from my window.

  

I'm so glad I have my video game rocker after seeing this.