C Note(s)

Now we've cleared Christmas, here are the top 15 non-traditional Christmas I like to watch. Starting with number #15...   #15. 12 Monkeys Instead of spreading holiday cheer, try watching the spread of a deadly virus for a change of Christmas pace! And even if transmitting diseases is an average Saturday night for you, director Terry Gillam has a few unexpected twists up his sleeve to please your insatiable Christmas spirit. Specifically, a time-traveling Bruce Willis as the hero, an institutionalized, bat-shit crazy Brad Pitt as the possible villain and escaped zoo animals that may or may not possess the disease that will end humanity. There's even an obligatory airport at Christmas scene! Only instead of a tearful embrace in the terminal, there is a shoot-out and bloody visions of future deaths dancing through Bruce Willis' head. Which, in my mind, is a welcome substitute to sugarplums. #14 A Black Christmas This holiday-themed slasher flick takes place in a...

Hi Mom! Can you believe it's been 16 years since you've been away? Actually you were sleeping when this day happen so I guess I was doing most of the talking . Imagine that, ha ha! I realize my past couple of open letters to you were not so positive. That said, in the years you've been gone I've learned that an unfiltered in genuine communication with everyone is a less stressful way of life. It’s not exactly honesty is the best policy type of vain but at least I’m getting in the ballpark. And for the most part it is got me out of trouble! I have decided that lake is one of those choose-your-own-adventure books that you and I would read together. Except the comparison stops for life once the choices made there’s no flipping back to the page to reread the other path. Each life choice I have made was based on the promise I made you on this day oh-so-long-ago. I'll do my utmost to be accepted into heaven and to do enough good work that you and I can ...

Well... I've always said life is like those old "choose-your-own-adventure" books for each chapter of your life. And tonight I started my TRD declaration of being a DJ. Granted it was a co-hosted karaoke night but this time around I wasn't singing! It's just the beginning, y'all. This is a watershed moment in my life, which I'm absolutely amp'd about!! Stay tuned for more! This has been MY C Note! 'los; out

I know that the latest FB tend, internet fad was to be thankful each day of November by posting on your FB Wall. Well, I am grateful every day, and hopefully I convey that personally each and every time. I was grateful to tired on my drive into work today. Yes, you read that correctly. The past two nights and events have been incredible. That said, I'd like to recognize those that without them would not be amazing events which have been attached to my moniker 'los with the most and/or the Bayne Beer Garden. Honestly, it's only the hard work, love and support that make these events, parties, and gatherings successful. Otherwise, I'd be alone, sitting in my living room with brew, no company, and no grub. Without further ado, here are my shout outs... WCP (Charrina Bayne) Thank you for your culinary creations as they are the best this side of the Mississippi to serve our guests, friends and family. They are always tasty, presentable and continuously change. Your e...

Since it's cold outside, and close enough to the anniversary date... "Home, Sweet, Home" November 27th 2006 For those of you in the emailed audience, you may have already been following along. Below is the excerpt from my journal regarding my almost 20 hour (19hrs 56mins) odyssey from Costco Travel (Issaquah) to my home (Bothell) and the 26 miles that separate it... [430p] Left work to start my commute home. Since it had rained/snowed earlier I knew my traffic would be delayed. I just didn't realize what the Gods of Lunacy had in store for me... [630p] Two hours into my usual 1.5 hour commute, I was near 160th St SW on I-405 NB. I sat there for 15 minutes w/ no movement. I made the fateful call to bail off the freeway and brave the surface streets to home. Now to fully appreciate the situation, you must know that accessing Bothell from the Woodinville is like connecting via Hong Kong on a Seattle-Los Angeles flight. It was dark, cold and starting to freeze the wat...

Dating. A necessary evil if you're seeking companionship. Completely optional if you're not. Being a single male in the Pacific Northwest, I am on the dating scene therefore seeking companionship. So evil. At times it gives you elation. Other times it's frustration. It can be humbling. It can be introspective if a lesson can be learned. All I've learned is that it's about much fun as brushing your teeth with steel wool.  Slightly amusing but mostly painful! And then... add in the Seattle Freeze . Before you nay-sayers start commenting how it's not real, and all in my head, ask yourself - have you ever looked for it or do you blithely ignore the observation? It's real, and defined. Don't believe me? Read the following - http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Seattle%20Freeze Still think I'm full of bullshit? Here you go: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Freeze Here's the coup de grace... The Seattle Times Newspaper has a ma...

Hey Mom, You've dishing out some hard lessons learned lately. Patience, resourcefulness, gratefulness, and more. One of which I finally relented to. To forgive someone who (in my mind) doesn't deserve or earned an ounce of it. I truly mean forgive too! Not just saying it out loud, or intend to forgive. Truly forgive them in your heart, soul, and mind for the trespasses against you, without them offering an apology to you. While I can forgive, I will not forget. I'm so sorry, Mom. I know you were devoutly Catholic, but this is as pious as I can be. Can you please advance me to the next life lesson? Love you as always, Your Son

Q: What is Tabula Rasa Day? A: I created a holiday to celebrate inner freedom to start over. I declared  December 1 st  , as Tabula Rasa ['tabula rasa' is Latin for "blank slate"] Why? It's the first day, of the first month, of the first year, of the rest of my life Q: Why 'Tabula Rasa Day', 'los? Why not blank slate day or something easier to digest? A: Most languages are based in Latin, therefore English. I created the holiday for myself - a day to challenge myself to be introspective, or perhaps run head long into a challenge. Most importantly, it's NOT A RESOLUTION DAY LIKE NEW YEARS! Q: Is it always celebrated on December 1st? A: Regardless of the day of the week, it'll ALWAYS be December 1st. No exceptions, I will not be swayed on this matter. USA holidays either fall on the same date every year (e.g. Christmas) or same day (e.g. Thanksgiving) I was forced to pick one, and I chose the former over the latter. Q: When will you st...

What's in a song? Music, lyrics, thoughts from the artist. As many of you know, I love music! I love listening, singing, and creating music. It's as simple as that. Every once in awhile as Mark IV [my named iPod] will blast out a tune that'll make my toes tap, there are some tracks that well, pardon the pun, but stop me in my tracks.  "One Headlight" by The Wallflowers So long ago, I don't remember when That's when they say I lost my only friend Well they said she died easy of a broken heart disease As I listened through the cemetery trees I seen the sun comin' up at the funeral at dawn The long broken arm of human law Now it always seemed such a waste She always had a pretty face So I wondered how she hung around this place I heard this song on the radio on October 7th, 1997, late at night. I just left a hospital room at Northwest Hospital. The doctors explained to us that Mom has had a tumor on her esophagus a has esophageal cancer. S...

Mom, I have no idea how this life lessons, taught by distance, like The Force, works but… I’m good now! You can’t stop this craziness about “patience is a virtue”, and “good things come to those that wait”. The Sapphire Sled is still dead, therefore I’m resourceful on securing transportation to and from events that I only absolutely need to accomplish. And of course, an honest evaluation on the events that while I deemed “necessary” (e.g. karaoke) ending up being a “want”. I’ve saved money, time, and of course, the environment by not driving. I’m also good on the life lesson … “revenge is a dish best served cold”. Yeah, I’d rather sell popcorn while Karma f—ks them over with a cactus. Instead? I almost bit my tongue in half in attempt to not ask a question which would allow me to launch into tongue lashing that I wouldn’t stop until they cried. And I’d continue to berate them until they fled. I especially loved that. Yep – I’m a douche like that when I’ve been f’d over. :...

UPDATE 11/25/13 Microwave Version : Not exactly what I had planned for version 1.1 but long story short, my stock radio and speakers have been exchanged for an entertainment system! Pioneer AVHX3500T 2 DIN [touch screen, Bluetooth technology, HD radio, CD player, DVD player, Pandora capable, and most importantly, iPod / iPhone capable!] and Infinity speakers have been installed. (Pictured below)   I was just informed it's ready for pick up today!     Now if you care or dare to read a feel-good-heart-warming-story as to how AND why this came about, read on. It's lengthy (what 'los story isn't?), but I'm confident it'll make the day-to-day all the more worth it on this intergalactic ball of dirt and water that I constantly refer to as Spaceship Earth.  I firmly believe that the Universe / Fate / Luck / God / the Gods / no gods make things right. Maybe not in the way you envisioned or prefer but it does - IF you recognize pivotal moments ...

Facebook friends! Family! Countrymen! Lend me your eyes... aside from the obvious resources, that you know damn well I've exhausted, any other suggestions on locating housing for this player? I want to live in and/or around the Issaquah-Renton area, near Costco Travel. And starting at the end of January, for a temporary amount of time. I wanna gather up the money, etc to be pre-approved for a house i.e. a pre-approval letter as soon as possible. I just know in my heart-of-hearts that's not gonna materialize in the next couple of months. No amount of digging will make that happen; must stay practical and reasonable. That said, anyone wanna chime in? I'm asking for help via this channel. 'los; out.

So... about a week ago, the Sapphire Sled (my named 2004 Acura RSX Type S) started making a rattling noise that was undeniable from the front right. It was loud and clear i.e. 5 by 5. I didn't have the immediate cheddar to drop on it for repair but knew I would soonish. As soon as I could, I did. I drove it to my trusty mechanic, and all-around good-guy, Greg Martinez and left it overnight at his shop on Tuesday. Wednesday morning he began work on my vehicle as I indicated on the workorder sheet. He text one single message with a photo, "Started with oil change in the attempt of isolating the noise. Only 10oz of oil drained and in that oil was metal. Not good." I trust no one else with the SS, so I know he's not playing. Today? He isolated the issue, made his professional assessment and called me this afternoon. I must quote Seyton from MacBeth , Act 5, Scene (yes, another reference to 5 by 5), "The queen, My Lord, is dead." That's right, y...

I woke up hungry this morning. Not just a voracious appetite for breakfast. No. I've been chewin' on a thought for a couple years now. What is it about that makes me undateable / undesirable boyfriend? Before you launch into some inspiration laced, quotable quote diatribe lemme offer up this, if I'm "such a great guy, why I'm still single?" The answer is simple: I'm not-so-great, apparently. The truth is obvious & painful. Maybe I try too hard? Maybe I reek of desperation? Maybe I'm too energetic? Maybe I'm too obnoxious? All these questions tumble through my mind, fueling my hunger to find these answers. Reminds me of the How I Met Your Mother episode that addresses pimping out your friends to other single friends. "S/he's great but..." There's some deal-breaking behavior you display that is off-putting to the opposite. So interwebs, friends, family, Spaceship Earth, hell ANYONE... What is my biggest...

Elevator speech version : In 9 weeks, after dedicated workouts of free weights, and intense interval cardio plus self-discpline and a somewhat nutritious diet, I carved myself down to 191 lbs, and 18% body fat [not to be confused with BMI]. A loss of 17lbs, and 7% of body fat. There. Now you can Facebook "Like" this post and continue scrolling through your newsfeed. For those that want to enjoy a bit of reading or at least like my writing stylings, then here we go... War and Peace version : So. A couple of months ago, I bought tickets to Watershed Musical Festival. At the Gorge. In August. Basically hotter than Georgia asphalt on a summer's day! Might be occasion to take my shirt off. That said, I don't wanna be one the many that, "those that shouldn't, do; and those that should, don't." HM! Do I look good now? Am I feeling healthy or at least healthy? First answer to first question while subjective is still, no sir. Otherwise I would've h...