An Arizona Cheesehead's Thoughts

Most of 2020 sucked. But, there were some good moments that made memories to cling to. I'm going to review some of those moments from each month. (Disclaimer - my memory isn't what it used to be so this is my story and I'm sticking to it regardless of reality.) January 1, 2020 = NFW How convenient was it that the first day of the year fell on a No Fun Wednesday! Shorty and Steven joined me and the gang at Fatso's. Funny how my usual $13 bill turns into more like $70 when those two are with me. Go Coyotes! My buddy Steve got us fantastic tickets to see the Arizona Coyotes play. We were only a few rows off the ice. We pregamed at Yardhouse where Steve was flummoxed by their many beer selections and ordered the wrong one. Oh, how we mocked. The Coyotes beat the crap out of the Flyers, 6-2. Sweet! Quite the group of athletes! I really only walk when I can get a medal. I still call it the PF Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. Just like I call Ak-Chin Pavilion, Deser...

Another project complete! Picasso would be proud. Or, more likely, rolling in his grave. Here's what the box showed it should look like. Seven hours in. Sixteen hours in. Eighteen hours of my life I'll never get back. That last one looks done, right? So. Not. Done. The final step is to pore over every section and see if you missed any little dots or lines or even larger sections. Then, you have to figure out what color it should be because you've somehow painted over the number. After comparing the canvas to the box picture multiple times, you just decide to use the color that's currently on the brush in your hand. Repeat previous paragraph ad infinitum because no matter how many times you think you've found them all, yet another spot jumps out at you as unfinished. It's not like you're A) getting graded, B) anyone will notice and C) anyone will care so, eventually, you have to call it done. Tadah! Probably close to twenty...

It's surreal that I've been working from home and socially distancing for over two months and haven't lost all sanity. There have been points where it could have happened. One night, April 7th to be exact, I had too much wine (that's not just on April 7) and tried to find a new hobby activity. After scouring the Michael's website, I came across paint by number kits. They didn't actually have any available at the time so it was off to the interwebs. I found Bling Painting  and ordered two kits. Then, I emailed a bunch of girlfriends and suggested they might want to do the same. I got about a dozen takers. I see a Zoom art show in our future. What I didn't predict was that the kits were being sent from China. Ugh. They got held up in customs and it took for what felt like forever to arrive. But, arrive they finally did. At least, I hope everyone has theirs by now. Here's a picture from the website of the one I started on first: Moo Since ...

I was already a prolific consumer of content from my TV before getting locked down in my house thanks to COVID-19. It's even worse now. Or, better. Depends on your point of view. Besides my usual shows, here's what I've been watching. Schitt's Creek I'm late to the party that is Schitt's Creek. I started watching right before the last season began and it was all I could do to force myself to go to bed each night instead of watching "just" one more. The rich people go broke theme has been done nearly to death. This was done exceptionally well. The characters not only redeemed themselves from their selfish, out of touch with reality ways but they learned they were capable humans and worthy of being loved by others. Superb casting and fun to see many Canadian actors that I'm used to seeing on SyFy shows. I've been pushing this on everyone I can. It's that good! Watch it and thank me later. Tournament of Champions I lo...

I'm usually one to let my birthday slide on by with as little pomp and circumstance as possible. It's just not a big thing to me. I think people who actively forget their age are like that. Please don't ever do the math. But, this year I was truly sad coming up to the day. I share the same day with my friend Adam and we were all supposed to be in Vegas celebrating his 40th. Not my 40th, again, please don't do the math. Instead, I got up at 5:30 AM on a Sunday to do a 4 mile walk through my neighborhood. So. Not. Me. But, leave it to my family and friends whom I don't deserve to make this a fantastic day. Card Barrage Starting a few days ago, I started getting cards from people I've never gotten one from before. It was only a few and I thought maybe they were taking the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason to stay more connected.  Thursday's Haul My letter carrier rang my doorbell on Thursday because this box didn't fit into my mailbox. She...

I was "transferred" to a new office on March 16. It's pretty roomy, has a nice view of the great outdoors and easy access to snacks. Perhaps too easy. Overall, it wasn't a bad transition despite having to sit at my kitchen counter to work. My VOIP phone has to connect directly to my only router and I couldn't find a 75 foot ethernet cord to go from the living room, down the hall and across my actual office in the chaos that was our last day of full freedom here in AZ. Could I order one online now? Sure, but I'm too lazy to move stuff. While my new working digs may be nice, my new colleagues are a nightmare. The girl is a complete narcissist. Everything is about her, all the time. It's a constant barrage for attention for most of the day. She messes with my computer and interrupts all of my calls. I'll give her one thing, she's completely comfortable with her body and proudly shows her butt on every video call. I'm waiting for you! ...

Trust me, I have all the emotions about our current situation. I may write them out some day but I think if I do it now, I'll just send myself further down the mental spiral of doom and gloom. Ain't got time for that. I just finished my first full week of mandatory working from home. Fortunately, my entire team is able to do so. We're super busy and we need all hands on deck. I recognize our good fortune. But, what to do once the work day (or night) is over? I already watch too much TV. I read a lot of books. I cook and keep a fairly neat house without needing extra hours. What did I used to do (an ENTIRE week ago?) to fill in the rest of my time? I was with my peeps! Happy Hour, dining out for lunch and dinner and even the occasional breakfast, game lunches and game nights, watching live music, golfing, sporting events, book club and just hanging out. That's what I used to do. I can't help but feel it will be longer than we expect before that all becomes ...