All my ex's (3)

 The final girlfriend I had before I met my wife was Erin Matherne. Though we only dated for 2 weeks, I think she still counts. 

It didn't start off as love at first site either. I'd known her for a while before we ever started dating. My brother was dating her sister for a while and I was good friends with the family, so I'd hang out with them to watch Survivor all the time. 

She was engaged to another guy who everyone hated. Even the family didn't like him that much. So my brother and I went on a mission to break them up. Again, I had no interest in Erin at the time other then being her friend. But when we'd go visit her at work and tell her how she could do so much better than who she had. 

After a while it worked. She called off the engagement...and then started dating me. I guess talking to her more made me realize just how special she was. But it wasn't to last long. On our 2nd week I remember her Dad asking to talk to me in his study. I wasn't worried because as I said I was friends with the family long before we were dating. 

But what he told me shocked me. He said that he liked me and that he was happy I convinced her to call off the engagement to her former boyfriend but he also felt like I wasn't the guy for her either. He wasn't saying it out of spite, he had made some observations about his daughter that I quickly came to realize he was right about. When I spoke to Erin about some of these things we both decided to end the relationship and move on. 

3 months later, I started dating Megan. 

Where is she now? I'd heard she was a little sad to hear I was getting married. But later on Erin found a great husband and has several wonderful kids. I've only seen her once since we stopped seeing each other and we had a good conversation. I'm glad she's happy. 

And that's it folks! No more ex's to speak of. I'm just that boring I guess. 

Come back tomorrow to hear what my "code of rules" was for dating. I'm sure it'll give everyone a good laugh. 

All my ex's (2)

 Girlfriend #2 came along 2 years later in my life. Her name was Honi Jordan. 

Yeah...my brother thought that was a stripper name too. 

I'd known her for years. We went to the same summer camp. She always had a crush on me but back in the day one of the rules in the code was "no long distance relationships" Remember, the internet was still young back then so things were different back in the day. 

Anyway, after one summer week she stayed in Mobile Al, where my grandparents were. I went down and we spent the week hanging out. It was there she finally beat me down to agree to a long distance relationship. And for the next 3 months we did just that. Calling over the phone and emailing each other. 

Finally in September I was planning to fly up there and visit her and the family....and the week of my flight, was when I got a call from her sister and Mom. 

Supposedly, Honi had been cheating on me the whole time. (should've listened to the rule) And she planned to break up with me, my last day there. Her mom and sister were outraged with her and told her she needed to tell me about her other boyfriend now but she refused to do so, so they called instead and told me not to come. 

I remember them both crying over the phone apologizing for Honi's actions, so I called the "relationship" off, flew in the next week and had a buddy of mine drive 4 hours to pick me up so I could stay the week with him instead. Worked out well. We still talk about that week together all the time. 

Where is she now? I have no idea. Never spoke to her or her family ever again after that night. 

All my ex's (1)

 Welcome to the shortest series on the blog! 

For the week of Valentine's Day, I've decided to  share stories of the 3 woman I dated (yep...only 3) before I met my wife. 

Why only 3?

A) I was a loser

B) I had a standard and a code I followed to the letter (like Dexter) 

C) I was too picky. (the downfall of all single men)

So who's up first? My first girlfriend came along during my senior year of college....yep...that long. Ashley Harper went to Tech at the time and she was all that and a bag of chips. 

We were together 3 months and even my roommates had bets that it wouldn't last that long. (no joke) 

My favorite story with her was the night we were supposed to go out on a date but when I saw what she was wearing, I decided we should stay inside. She had a low cut blouse, and jeans ripped everywhere to show you she wasn't wearing anything underneath. 

On the same night my roommate was taking his girlfriend out as well. When they got to the door to leave his girlfriend turned around and in a voice dripping with sarcasm said "Bye Ashley, Bye Matt. Oh and Ashley....love your jeans."

Ashley had no idea she hated them. She thanked her and stood up to give her a 360. The other girl, disgusted, rolled her eyes and walked out. My roommate and I still talk about that story today!

Reason for the breakup? Cheated on me....with 3 guys....at the same time. 

Where is she now? (WARNING; this gets dark) Her husband and kids left her and she died alone in a fire when her house burned down and she couldn't get out. 

Ouch. I didn't like her when we broke up, but I'd never want that to happen to anyone. Too sad. 

The beginning of the end

 I cracked the corner of my laptop a few months ago and now it's beginning to fall apart at the hinge. Repairing it will cost half the price I paid for the laptop and I'm not prepared to do that. Just like in the photo, mine is tapes at the sides at the moment and taped up, but I know it won't hold up for much longer due to the use of having to constantly open and close it. 

So I guess later down the road I'll be looking for another laptop. Sadly, I've barely had this one for over a year. A pity. I love this one too. 

Asus laptops are the best (in my opinion) but it's getting hard to find one at a good deal because they NEVER go on sale. 

But oh well. Whine, whine. Sob, sob. 

Silk boxers

 Is there anything more comfortable in the world than these? I don't think so. 

It's been ages since I've gotten any. I ask for them every Christmas but no one ever orders them. I'm tempted to go an Amazon now and order them but I'll keep asking for my birthday and maybe receive a few pair. 

They feel GREAT. Highly recommend them to anyone interested. I enjoy silk sheets too but my wife and I learned they aren't great for the summer time. (too hot) But as boxers they're perfect for any time of the year. 

Ok folks, that's it for now. Have a good weekend!

Bracelets

 Men's bracelets. I have none at the moment but I do think they'll pretty cool. Megan bought me one years ago with the names of all my kids on them. I wore it every day until it broke. 

I said last week I have no need for watches anymore, yet a bracelet I would do in a heartbeat again. Why don't I buy one? I never go shopping for one. 

In fact, the only time I was halfway tempted was last summer vacation when I was out with my family and we stopped into a flea market that was running a hug jewelry sale. I almost got a bracelet for myself but decided against it at the last minute. 

Who knows? Maybe this birthday or fathers day Megan will get me another one again to wear. Guess I'll just wait and see. 

T-shirts

I'm a sucker for a retro T-Shirt. Especially those found on the websites where people can make any old design. The more oddball and unknown, the better. 

I have several of them in my collection. 
 

I also have a short list of ones I still won't to buy but I'm trying hard not too because in reality I have too many as it is. 

But still, something about these unique and obscure t-shirts just call to me. For example, my favorites are "Kidd Video" my two "TG&Y" shirts and a shirt depicting Randy Johnson knocking the feathers off a bird with a 98 mph fastball. 

Classic. 

Carpenter Jeans

 I wear blue jeans all the time. But my favorite style has ALWAYS been carpenters jeans. You know, the ones with the side pocket, where I kept my cell phone so I wouldn't feel it crushing against my thighs when I say down

Plus, the little loop meant for holding a hammer? Don't ask me why but I always love tugging on it every so often. 

Sadly, these are hard to find in stores. I only see them online now. But it's still my favorite style of jeans! 

Raincoats

 I think I want one of these. Umbrellas you have to carry around with you once you go inside. Taking up one of your arms or hands when having to carry it around. 

Here in Louisiana umbrellas are pointless too since it rains sideways. So the back of my shirt can get wet as well. But with a raincoat? I don't know. Just a thought. 

Oh and I would NOT want rain boots. Those are still pointless for me. 

Styles that aren't for me (5)

 Watches. 

There was a time where I WAS the Watch Guy. I had several to choose from and wore different ones all the time. I couldn't live without a watch around my wrist. 

Then smart phones came into our lives and I realized I was checking the time on my phone more than on my wrist, so I after my last watch broke, I never asked for another one again. 

I still like the look of them but it just doesn't serve a purpose for me anymore. 

Maybe next week, I'll talk about clothes I do enjoy. See you then folks!

Styles that aren't for me (4)

 Scarfs. 

I think I have one left. I've purposely left the others at house parties over the years because I care NOTHING for them. 

It's just a fashion statement to me. Nothing more. I don't feel warmer wearing one, nor do I ever think "Boy, I could really use a scarf right now"

For that matter, I also think it's just fashionable for women too than something that truly keeps you warm. 

The one scarf that's survived my collection is because when we moved Megan packed the last remaining one in a box that went upstairs and when I unpacked it, I stuffed it into a drawer and it's still in there today. It never gets worn, not will it ever again. Unless I need to leave it at someone's house after a party.....hmmm...

Styles that aren't for me (3)

 Turtleneck. Yuck. 

I remember the late comedian Mitch Hedburg talking about how they felt like a someone lightly choking you all day long. I agree. So uncomfortable. 

For that matter I'll go the extra mile and say long sleeve t-shirts. Yuck. I hate them. I only have a handful left in my closet and I don't know why I haven't thrown them all out. In fact, if it isn't a dress shirt, I despise long sleeve shirts in general. 

The only exception would be sweaters (of which I have very few) and pull overs. Which I rarely wear as well. 

Styles that aren't for me (2)

 Vest. Super popular today. Everybody wears one it seems. But I've never seen the point. When it gets cold I need my arms and shoulders covered or I'm freezing all the same. Having a coat on that's unbuttoned if preferrable to having my arms exposed in the cold weather. 

But I guess that's just me. Sweater vest are in the same category too. Hate them. I used to have one I'd wear every so often but I wore it with a coat I never took off, so I eventually got rid of it too. 

Just not a style I'm into at all. 

Styles that aren't for me (1)

 Welcome to a new series this week, where I'll be going through fashions that just aren't for me.

Starting with beanies. 

I have no need for these. To date, I think I have 3 that were given various times at Christmas. I've never worn a single one. 

To be honest, I don't care for them. Maybe they're all too small for me, but they just don't feel right on my head. I hate they was they feel. So whenever I go out, I use a hoodie on my coat to to keep my head worn. 

I threw away the 2 I had earlier. The one I got for Christmas, I can't find at the moment but when I do, it's going straight into the trash as well. 

These are just not for me. 

Yoo Hoo

 When I was a kid, I loved this drink. Then about 20 years ago, I feel out of love with it and didn't think it tasted as good. I remember my Dad asking for a 12 pack every Christmas because he enjoyed drinking them but I kinda thought they were garbage and never tried them again. 

Until this year. 

My little girls had some at my parents house over Christmas and were begging us to buy some. So the next time I went out to the grocery store, I picked them up a 12 pack. 

I noticed that in just 3 days we were down to our last 2 cans. Not wanting the kids to fight over them, I put them on the top shelf and drank one just to see how it held up. 

I love them again.

Drank the 2nd one immediately and got another 12 pack. Don't know if it's because I'm getting old and my taste buds are dying off, but I love this drink again. I'm sure the formula hasn't changed in 20 years since I last tried it but for some reason, it tastes great to me now!

So here I am. A Yoo Hoo drinker, back after all this time. Who could've known right?

Have a good weekend folks!

Australian Survivor: Redemption

 Now for the REAL Survivor series I'm looking forward too. 

Australian Survivor always delivers in ways the American version can't. Better characters, better story arcs, even fresh new twists never before seen in a game.

After the epic idea of Australian Survivor vs The World the show now turns its attention to all those it left out to form a new season of past players seeking redemption. 

No cast has been officially announced as of yet nor has a release date more specific than "early 2026" But I can't wait for this one to air! 

Will it beat Survivor 50 in the States? Yes. I'm almost sure it will. And that's sad. 

The only sad thing about the show is the fired their long time host Jonathan and replaced him for someone else. No reason was ever given but I feel it may have been a mistake. Jonathan was better than Jeff Probst in my opinion at hosting the show. 

Back in the first few seasons, he wouldn't shave like the castaways and have a full beard by the end of the show like they would. I loved that. 

I don't think we'll ever know why he was fired but if the new host sucks, it will hurt my opinion of the season as a whole. A bad host (like Survivor UK had) can sink a show. 

Either way, I'll be looking forward to this one none the less! 

Survivor Season 50 (Preview)

 Well, well, well...here we go. 

Finally after 10 seasons they're bringing back old castaways. Some I know and love like Colby (who I'm rooting for once again but has ZERO chance to win) and others I can't remember at all but that's Survivor in a nutshell. For the past 10 years the characters seem more and more cookie cutter shaped than special.

Will this be the greatest season ever? 

No. Not by far. But hopefully it'll spark some of the magic back into the series I grew to love. 

I'll do a breakdown of the entire cast some other time but wanted to give my overall thoughts on it now. Of course I'm watching it. But I'm not as excited as I would've been 10 seasons ago that's for sure. 

Survivor 49 (review)

 Wow! Literally a whole month's gone by and I'm just not realizing I didn't give a review of my favorite show. 

Ok, so for the past 8 seasons, the American version of the show has went downhill big time. So much so, that I've been looking at other Survivor programs from other countries just to find joy in watching it again. (Aussie Survivor being the BEST)

But this season was one of the best since 40. It felt a little more like how Survivor used to feel. Not as many annoying characters and Savannah being the winner, wasn't dislikable. She was one her own since the merge. No one wanted to go to the end with her, she was used as a number the entire time but ended up tying the record for most individual wins for a female and overall dominated at the last tribal. 

Rizzo was also enjoyable to watch, though he was more out of his league than he thought. Overall, the season gives me hope for what future seasons could be. 

That said, even the WORST season of Aussie Survivor was better than it. Guess we'll have to wait and see what Season 50 has in store. 

TI4 Game #1 for 2026!

 With my day off yesterday I was able to play my first TI4 game of the new year and oh what a game it was!

I took a healthy 4 point lead during the game, standing at 7 points with everyone else having 3 or 2 points. I thought I had things in the bag. (then everything started getting dicey)

After taking the capital Mecatol Rex, I couldn't score any of the other objectives, so the only point I could get every round was the one for being on Rex. Meanwhile this girl scored a 2 point objective and one of her secret missions. 

After the next round, the score was 8 to 6. Having already scored both my secret objectives, I couldn't depend on getting any extra points. The next round's objective revealed another goal I was no where near completing, so once again, Rex was my only point. 

The same girl was able to score another 2 point objective as well as her last Secret Objective, tying the score with me 9-9. 

But the game was in my hand at that point. Being Speaker for the prior round I was able to choose my strategy card first. I chose 8 which guaranteed me another point. Everyone else's ships were nowhere near Rex so they couldn't take it from me. I had secured a victory at the end. And it's a good thing too, because the next objective revealed, I STILL couldn't do. 

Very close game and an excellent one to kick off the new year. We were successful in opening the void from the latest expansion. (only a 20% chance to do in each game) I rolled a perfect 10 and we placed it out. 

No one ever went. 

It was strange. I didn't think it would happen but we had a standoff. No one wanted to be the first one to enter and fight the pirates there, for fear they would be weakened and someone would come behind them swooping up their hard fought planet. 

I wanted to go so bad to gain the planets for myself, but I had to stay focused on scoring, so I just kept up the idea of threatening to go like everyone else was. 

Wild that we finally had it open but no one went. If I'm behind in the game next time, I think I'll go for it. Not as a winning strategy but just to see what it's like owning a planet that gives you a relic each round. 

Either way, I didn't think that's the way the situation would unfold. 

The only thing I forgot to do was bring out a situation card for the game. I loved the last one we did and was hoping to bring another out but forgot during set up. 

Don't know when Game #2 will happen. Maybe Spring break? Either way, I'm looking forward to going back with that galaxy again soon. 

Fear the Walking Dead: Season 4 Review

 Ooh... this show is bad. 

I'll start with the things I hate: (SPOILERS)

1) In episode 3 they kill of the son. One of the main (and most likeable) characters in the show, because the actor wanted out. (he probably knew this show was going nowhere) Anyway, he dies in the third episode HOWEVER he's in 6 episodes afterwards that really don't have him doing that much, just flashback tales of something that happened weeks earlier (and not directly related to him)

This confused me for a moment and then I understood what was going on. In post production someone probably said "He guys, if we save a big death until the middle of our season, we may not have people tuning in that much. Especially when they find out we're not wrapping up the story lines from last season. Should we move his death episode up?"

I swear it sounds like someone in the editing room said that. Because to have Nick (the son) back in the next 6 episodes, kinda cheapens the fact that he died in the 3rd episode. Dumb move but the dumb people in charge. 

2) Madison the main character dies in the mid-season episode. Not everyday you see them kill of the lead character in a show. But it was easy to do if you're Madeline. She had no direction, she was boring to watch and according to website, the fans hated her so the writers decided to kill her off too. She was really a drag in the show and I don't blame her at all. Again it's the writers not knowing what to do with her most of the time. She sits there waffling back and forth on decisions she had to make and never look confident or convincing when she makes up her mind. Glad she's dead but it also didn't help the show either. 

3) The walkers are the easiest ones to get around in this series. The characters time and time again find themselves engulfed, overwhelmed and covered in a swarm of zombies each episode, yet come out without a scratch or bite. And I mean SEVERAL times. It got to the point I was actually shocked when one person was bitten. We didn't see it, but it appears all these zombies do when you get surrounded by them is pat you with their hands and that's about it. Soft. 

4) Gas must be easy to come by. In the Walking Dead, gas is rare and hard to find as each season goes by. But Fear doesn't have that problem. Everyone is driving and speeding along the streets. We even have a car chase scene! No reason is given to why gas is so abundant in the area but it obviously is. 

5) Electricity it everywhere. They kept the lights on in Texas it appears. I counted 4 to 5 buildings and house that had power on. One was explained as "solar panels" but afterwards the writers got too lazy and stopped explaining why a gas station in the middle of nowhere still has power. Or a building in a city or in a mansion, a log cabin....it's hard to believe this shares the same universe as the Walking Dead did.

6) The writing is bad. The choices are stupid. One character has a gun pointed at the villain in the season  , only to get hit in the face with a stick....from the FRONT! Why she couldn't shoot when seeing the woman lift her stick in the air is still not clear to me. Or when they jump back and forth in the past in future that sometimes, I don't know which it is. Or in episode 3 when a girl breaks off the tip of a machine gun silencer and then uses it for the rest of the season as a weapon....why? Is it supposed to be cool??? not hard to see why this series lost millions of viewers each season. 

The good?

1) Good locations for zombies encounters. A water park, an island (which has a zombie eating gator in it and a few other places Walking Dead never got to go, was a good choice. 

2) Some of the new characters introduced in Season 4's reboot are pretty good. I found myself liking them better than anyone from the original cast. 

3) The show got me to laugh....twice. Bravo. I think this is the reason I'm trudging forward to Season 5

I'm not convinced I'm in for all 8 seasons of this crap, but I'm taking things one season at a time for now and we'll see where this leads.  

Fear the Walking Dead: Third Times the Charm?

 Oh dear, I think I've made a terrible mistake. 

Over the holidays my old roommate was in town and he came over to my house one evening to hang out. One of the topics we discussed was TV shows we never finished. 

He'd never completed Smallville after Season 6. Neither had I until a few years later after the show ended, I decided to muscle through the remaining awful seasons. So I challenged him to do the same. 

He then said he'd do it, If I'd start back on a show I'd quit twice. 

Fear the Walking Dead.

When this first came out Megan and I gave it a shot. By season 1 she had lost all interested and had no desire to move on to Season 2. I did....then quit after the 2nd season. 

Years later, when Walking Dead had a cameo from Morgan (one of the main cast members of Fear) I decided to give them a try again. 

I made it through season 3 and up to the 2nd episode in Season 4 before I quit the show for a second time. 

It appears at the end of Season 3 the writers gave up on the storylines they created (since the show lost millions of viewers at this point) and decided to do a reboot in Season 4 that confused the crap out of me. All of the sudden the cliff hangers in Season 3 were nowhere to be seen and instead, a year had gone by, personal conflicts had ended and we had no idea what all the characters we doing back together under the same roof. 

Drove me nuts. 

So after 2 episodes of Season 4, I bailed. 

Now here I am for a 3rd (and final) time to try and finish the series. I'm wrapping up Season 4 over the weekend so I'll give a review of it then. 

Have a good weekend folks! (I might not)

Super fast chargeres

 So after my kids lost my second phone charge, I went on Amazon and found a "super fast" phone charger for $24 bucks (2 pack)

I got it, not really believing it's claims. 

Dude. These things are legit. Done are the days now where I'm letting my phone charge for over an hour. Usually 30 minutes and I'm at full power. Incredible. I didn't think it was possible. 

Easily one of the best purchases I'll make this year. 

The "Towel" rule

 There's a rule I have that you always make sure there's a second towel available in the bathroom. That way if someone (for whatever reason) walks off with your towel you still have one when its your turn to take a shower. 

This is a rule only followed by myself evidently. 

The Mrs is constantly taking my towel off somewhere and time and time again I'm left looking for one after getting out of the shower. 

There are TWO there. If you take it, replace it. That simple.....well at least for me.  

5 Nights at Freddys 2 (review)

 The first one was fun, this one was about the same. Some really good moments in it, I was impressed. About the only drawback is the setup for an obvious 3rd sequel and establishing a story that will be continued in Part 3. 

Who can blame them? These days if a movie makes money it MUST have a sequel according to the studios. So it's inevitable at this point. 

But if you enjoyed the first one, this will keep your attention the whole way through, It won't bring me to the theaters, but these days, very few movies ever do. 

Snickers Xtreme (review)

Tried it...delicious. The best version of snickers I've ever had. 

Try one. They're great. I'll buy these whenever I see them and have a sweet tooth. 

So good. 

More peanuts and caramel. Just as they advertise. Perfect version of the bar. 

Yum.  
 

2026 Goals

 Not resolutions.

1) Kick ass at new job role. Really need to let them know they made the right call. Everyone is onboard and happy with my reports and strategy game plans to roll out this year. Now it's time to follow through and show them what I can really do. 

2) Get back to board games. 2025 I lost the last remnants of my gaming group. Now I have one who returned back into town. We are a group of 2 but I plan to play as much as I can with my buddy Jake moving forward. SO happy to have him back. He's really the only social contact I have besides the podcast. 

3) Gen Con. I really want to go this year. Just need to clear it with Megan first...and there's never a good time to ask if I can go to a board game convention and leave her alone with the kids. But when a moment arrives, I'm asking. 

Ok folks, that's it for now. Have a good weekend! 

Terminator: Dark Fate

 After trying to watch this years ago and giving up because it was so awful, I gave it a second chance....it was tough. 

Took 4 days of my trudging through about 20 minutes at a time. It is SO BAD. What was James Cameron even thinking releasing crap like this? 

The movie has no redeeming qualities. It's so terrible and at this point, I feel it's on the level of Genysis, which was the worst in the series. After this.... I'm not sure. 

I can't believe Linda Hamilton and Arnold actually thought this was a good script to go with. I guess they trusted in Cameron and he really let them down. 

Either way, horrible franchise killer. This series really went downhill after Salvation. 

Why does this happen?

 My kids are constantly giving me things I don't need. Like they take a brush off the counter and hand it to me, only for me to put it right back. Or an acorn they found at the park, or some random toy, I never asked for and they walk away. 

I don't know why this is. Kids giving stuff to their parents for no reason and then just walking away. 

Anyway, that's my random thought for the day. 

Running Man (review)

 What a fun film! I love Glen Powell and once again he saved this movie. Good action, characters and story arc. I really wasn't excited to watch this and if it had not have been for Mr Powell, I probably never would've. But I'm glad I did! 

Well worth your time!

12th Day of Christmas

A very merry Christmas everyone! It's been a great season. Tomorrow I take down my tree and call it another great season. 

Most people I feel, took down there tree this weekend anyway. Or will next weekend. In Louisiana, a lot of folks keep their trees up for Mardi Gras too, turning it into a tree for that season. 

My all-star friend Mikey, once kept his tree up for 10 straight months, decorating it throughout the year until taking it down after Halloween so he could put it back up the next month. Sad to see, because I was curious what a Thanksgiving Tree would look like. 

I think I'll do the same one of these years when the kids gets older. Sounds fun. 

Anyway folks, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

 

11th Day of Christmas

 I have a strict rule around my house. NO Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. BUT I also allow it all through the Christmas season. 

That's right, I'm still listening to it now. And I will continue to listen to it until tomorrow. What album have I enjoyed the most? 

It's available to listen to on YouTube and it's fantastic! I've listened to this almost every single day. One of my favorite bands but since they broke up years ago I guess I should say "was" But it's worth listening to if you're still in the mood for some holiday tunes!

10th Day of Christmas

 Dec 12th 1pm 2026. (Place TBD)

Merry Christmas

9th Day of Christmas

 After 2 weeks off, it's time to go back to work....on a Friday!

Mostly should be me, catching up on emails and getting things set up for next week. Then it's another weekend off!

By the way, because I was "on call" since my potential lay off last year, I calculated I had 3 months off total last year. 

Not bad. No chance I'm doing that again this year. : )

Have a good weekend folks!

8th Day of Christmas

Happy New Year folks!

I hope 2026 is better than 2025!