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March 31, 2006

 

Just Another Saturday Night

 

It's Saturday night and you're going to town
Gonna find a little action and get on down
You grab your keys and climb in the car
And boogie on down to your favourite bar

You have a couple drinks, get a little drunk
Have a couple more, you're such a big hunk
Head out on the dance floor and walk the walk
Find a pretty little lady and talk the talk

Things are going well,you feel real cool
You're playing it right, you're nobody's fool
She asks if you love her, will you be true ?
You know what she wants, you promise to be true

You split the bar and head back to her place
Car tires squealing, you wanna finish this race
You have a little fun, and in the middle of the night
You slink out the door, it's just another Saturday night

   

Posted by OldGuy at 1:21 PM | Comments (2)

   

March 30, 2006

 

Floating

 

I'd like to float up in the sky
Watch the world from way up high
I'd marvel at all the colours below
And feel such peace, this I know

I'd punch a hole in a cloud and look through
See fields of gold and oceans blue
I'd watch the people running around
Way down there on the ground

If a plane should happen by
I'd smile cheerily and say hi
And when the sun went to bed
I'd find a cloud and lay down my head

I just found this graphic I made a few months ago, it was one of the first ones I did in Photoshop. It's a little fuzzy I know but it inspired me so I thought I'd use it.

Enjoy.

And on another note, my son got his acceptance letter for university last night so he's floating on a cloud today !

   

Posted by OldGuy at 12:40 PM | Comments (2)

   

March 29, 2006

 

The Atlas

 

My wife and daughter went to a hockey game last night as they won tickets to a Senators game on the radio. They really enjoyed it except for the traffic jam in the parking lot to get out.

I stayed home and as I had a few chores to do I put on my Rolling Stones cd, Forty Licks. No wonder they're called the kings of rock and roll, they are so awesome. Every time I listen to these guys I get such a rush.

Funny, my two favourite artist are Neil diamond because he makes me cry and the Stones because they make me shout.

My mind got to wandering and I was reminiscing about high school and a place I frequented in my last year. I was going to be living with an aunt and uncle in Welland Ontario, and my parents drove me down, kind of a mini-holiday before I started school.

Our first night my dad, my cousin, a family friend, and I went to a local watering hole called the Atlas Hotel. The Atlas would later become my regular Saturday night hang out. I would also find out that a lot of the local wives hated the Atlas because their husbands often ended up there after work; Welland was a blue collar town and working men get thirsty.

Anyway, the Atlas had two floors. Upstairs was a kind of a honky tonk place and that was where the working men usually wet their whistles. Downstairs was the club, and that was where the young folk hung out because there were bands there every weekend.

Loud bands, split your eardrums loud.

So that first night my cousin takes us to the club because he wants to introduce me to this place, and there's a lot of young people about but my dad is okay with that because he's a cool guy, he can party with the best of them. It was somewhat quiet because the band hadn't started yet so we had a beer and my dad is saying it's a nice place, too many kids maybe, but otherwise okay.

Then the band came on and they launched into Tush by ZZ Top.

My dad almost had a heart attack. He finished his beer and got the hell out.

Me, I loved it, spent the night there with my cousin and we had some fun.

And as I said, the Atlas became my regular hang out that year.

It was loud, it was a bit of a dive, but it's where the action was.

I don't think they had much of a sign outside either, probably didn't need one, everybody knew where the place was.

But you know me, I love to play, so last night I made them one.

Oh yeah, one more thing. I decided to put the glass orb in the sidebar just because I like it. I changed the signature a bit, made it red instead of pink so now it looks more like it's etched into the glass, added a background, a little shadow underneath, resized it, and voila.

   

Posted by OldGuy at 11:06 AM

   

March 26, 2006

 

Sunday Morning Musings

 

You know how sometimes something suddenly dawns on you, like you knew it all along but just didn't get it and then the light goes on ?

That happens to me every once in a while. Now sometimes something is just plain old hard to understand or the information isn't readily available and when that happens I go digging for it until I find the answer, but sometimes it was there all along but I just didn't see it.

Let me explain. As you know I've been playing around with graphics for a while and so far everything I've done has been at one sitting, that is to say I've created something then immediately saved it as a gif or jpeg, regardless of whether I was completely satisfied or not, so I just got into the habit of doing that. Sit at the computer, play around, save for web, period. If I was happy with the results, great, if I wasn't, too bad so sad because you can't save something to work on it later right ?

Wrong !

So I'm playing around in Photoshop yesterday and I've just made this red orb and I'm thinking "damn, I've got work to do, if only I could save this thing and come back to it later maybe I could add my name or something. Surely there must be a way, after all graphic designers don't just sit down and bang out an incredible design every time. How the heck do they do it ?"

Yeah, that's right, all this time I knew I could save a graphic in Photoshop PSD because I had read about it in numerous tutorials but it never occured to me to actually do it. So I'm sitting there thinking there's no way, I either finish it now or start all over again later when suddenly the light comes on.

Save it as a PSD file !

So I did, and then I closed it and immediately reopened it just to see if it was still editable and it was.

All that to say that sometimes the answer to a problem is staring you right in the face, you just have to stop and think for a minute before rushing ahead.

On the other hand I did learn a few things about gradients and layers and I think it turned out okay. Of course if I decide to play around with it some more, I can.

Wanna know something else ?

I actually made about 4 of these things, trying different techniques before the light went on.

Anyway, so what do you think of it ?

On another note, it's a nice day and between cleaning the house and working on this little project I didn't get to spend any time with the princess yesterday so she made me promise to take her outside today, so the plan is breakfast then head outdoors for the day.

Have a good week folks and take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

One other thing. Please say a prayer for Stacie and her family. Her daughter Faith is quite ill right now and they're going through a pretty rough time. Maybe you could drop by her place and wish them well too.

   

Posted by OldGuy at 7:20 AM | Comments (7)

   

March 24, 2006

 

The Poem Below

 

No, I would never do such a thing but I am definitely having a bad day and sometimes when that happens the goodness and lightness and fluffiness just aren't there.

   

Posted by OldGuy at 11:55 AM | Comments (4)

     

Only One Way Out

 

Sometimes life doesn't seem worth the effort
Every time you try something it turns out bad
So you try one more time, praying you'll get it right
But once again you've played the wrong card
And you're left battered, broken, bloody and scarred

Is it me you ask yourself
Do I not understand how the game is played ?
So you give it another go, hopings things will go well
But once again you've chosen the wrong fork in the road
And it feels like you're carrying a much heavier load

You start to watch your every move
Always worried about your next step
Catiously you venture forth one more time
But once again you take heavy flak
And you just wish life would cut you some slack

And finally you realize you'll never win
So you make the only decision that you can
It's been a long time coming but there it is
You decide to cut your losses and run
Knowing salvation lies at the business end of a gun

   

Posted by OldGuy at 9:14 AM | Comments (2)

   

March 23, 2006

 

First Try at a Glass Orb

 

I made this last night, followed a tutorial of course. It could have turned out better but I think I have the basic idea down for making these things. I'm currently working with Photoshop, and for those of you who use it, you know what it's capable of, for those who don't, it's an incredible program. It's absolutely massive and has more bells and whistles than I've ever seen. Needless to say I've barely scratched the surface of it and will probably never exploit it completely, I'd have to be a graphic designer to do that.

Anyway, I'm still having fun, reading books and signed up for a few online tutorials.

   

Posted by OldGuy at 11:01 AM | Comments (2)

   

March 22, 2006

 

An Interesting Misson - Chapter 2

 

James Bond stood at the ferry's railing looking towards the Irish coast. He noticed that the water looked murky near the shore, like soup, potato soup to be exact. A mist was rising from the water and the wind blew it towards the ship. It even smelled like potato soup. They did this to attract the tourists.

Some days you could actually smell the aroma from England. The Queen hated potato soup and on those days all the windows would be shut tight at Buckingham palace and she stayed indoors.

He also noticed how green the land looked, a brilliant green so vivid it almost hurt the eyes. James knew the Irish spent big money on the fields and farms around the coastline, again to attract the tourists. Ten miles inland the place looked quite ordinary. He took out his sunglasses and put them on but this only increased the effect, then he noticed he'd chosen the ones with the green lenses so he put them away and took out his pink ones. The effect was surreal, like an acid flashback. Perfect.

The ferry docked and James went below decks to retrieve his car. He spent several minutes looking for it but couldn't find it. Had Q forgotten to have it brought aboard ? The man was getting a bit old and senile.

After 15-20 minutes all the cars had been unloaded except one. It was a Jaguar painted red, white and blue, in the design of the British flag, and the licencse plate read "Shag." James walked over to it, took out the remote control Q had given him, and sure enough, it unlocked the door so James got in.

Inside the car was entirely carpeted in white. A disco ball hung from the ceiling reflecting sunlight throughout the car. Thank God for his sunglasses. The control panel for his weapons had stuff with names like "Electric Blue Orgasm", "69 Kisses", and "Creamy Delight." This wasn't a weapons panel, it was a bar.

Suddenly it all became clear. He'd gotten Austin Power's car by mistake. Austin was driving James's fancy new BMW with all the latest weapons and James was blessed with this rolling den of iniquity.

"Cool" he thought. Let Austin have the bloody weapons, James would make do. Austin might be an idiot but he was always getting laid in this baby.

Things were looking up.

   

Posted by OldGuy at 10:28 AM | Comments (2)

   

March 19, 2006

 

Sunday Morning Musings

 

Hey, I was musing at 6 a.m. so it counts.

Anyway, it was the princess's 8th birthday yesterday so we went to Kingston for the day and an overnight stay at a hotel.

We started the day early, left the house yesterday around 8:30 a.m., drove to Brockville and stopped and had coffee and doughnuts at grandma's house before continuing on.

Once in Kingston we went to a local mall there so the princess could do some shopping. Also stopped at Best Buy as my wife had laid aside a keyboard that grandma was buying for her. Later we went to lunch at East Side Marios, where we indulged in pasta and desserts. After that it was back to the hotel for a bit of swimming then we were going to go out to dinner but my son had a bit of an upset stomach so we got Subway and brought it back to our room instead. Unfortunately our neighbours were somewhat noisy (not their fault, they had a little one and the rooms aren't as soundproof as they should be) so it was a bit of a long night, but hey it was still a hotel so what the heck.

This morning we went for a swim again, then brunch, then back to grandma's for a little visit, then home.

One of the highlight's of the day yesterday was a visit to Chuck E Cheese's, where the kids had a ball. They also have those cheap picture booths, and they take decent pictures, so I've posted a couple. That's the kids in the first photo and me and Mrs. OldGuy in the other.

All in all a good weekend, we're content but tired.

   

Posted by OldGuy at 7:43 PM | Comments (9)

   

March 17, 2006

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

And here it is in green. I tried to put it in the title like that but it messed up the whole page. Gotta figure that out.

I haven't been around for a few days because I was sick and needless to say this thoroughly dampened my enthusiasm for pretty much everything, including blogging. Although I still don't feel 100% I feel 100% better than I did a week ago.

So onto the latest news. The Princess turns 8 tomorrow. It's hard to believe. When I first started making internet friends she was only 5 and we used to have date nights every Friday so I'd have to cut conversations short sometimes because she was waiting for me. Here we are three years later, and although we still have those date nights they're fewer and farther between. I wish they'd never end but know full well they will so I'm taking advantage of them while I still can. In a similar vein, my son turns 18 in May, so legally a man.

A few other birthdays coming up too, my wife and I both in April and I think Easter is coming too right ?

Busy times ahead, but it's all good.

Anyway, it's St. Paddy's so I give you a little ditty. Enjoy

This morning when I was riding the bus
A little old fellow got on, making such a fuss
He hemmed and harrumphed and stamped his feet
As though he was listening to a musical beat
Then he began to cackle with glee
And came and sat right next to me

The little old fellow told of the lovely maidens he'd had
And how in his youth he'd been so very bad
But I could see the twinkle in his eye
As he told me stories of his sweet by and by
And although it was obvious he'd enjoyed his youth
I also suspected he was stretching the truth

I asked him if he'd ever met a leprauchan
Only once he said, but it was there and gone
Just then the driver pulled over and parked
And all of us passengers slowly disembarked
The old fellow wished me good day and good cheer
And lo and behold, left me holding a mug of green beer

   

Posted by OldGuy at 8:53 AM | Comments (7)

   

March 9, 2006

 

Still Sick

 

I was still feeling pretty crappy yesterday so my wife dragged me back to the doctor. Good thing she did.

It seems my immune system took a bit of a beating. While fighting the flu it was weakened to the point that I developped several painful lumps under my armpits. Turns out they're infected, so I'm on antibiotics for those. I hope they work otherwise the doctor will have to lance them and I am definitely not looking forward to that ! Furthermore I also have shingles, which is kinda like chicken pox, and I'm quite itchy. I'm also contagious so have to stay home until it's all cleared up.

Anyway, I'm tired, my appetite is barely coming back (I'm sure I've lost a few pounds this past week) and I feel like sleeping all the time.

But I'm still alive so hopefully I'll be back up to snuff soon.

Now I'm gonna go lay down again.

   

Posted by OldGuy at 8:37 AM | Comments (4)

   

March 5, 2006

 

Sunday Morning Musings

 

I got up early so I could compose this week's little nugget.

I've been sick most of the week and still don't feel 100% but better than a few days ago, at least my temperature's finally down. I still can't eat though, just don't have much of an appetite. I'm also still coughing quite a bit, so last night was another rough one.

I entered TNChick's St. Patrick's day limerick contest but I don't think I'm gonna win so I decided to put the limerick up here because, well, I wrote it, and I like to have my stuff here, so here it is. I polished it up a little too:

There once was a leprauchan named Sean
He was a handsome young fellow but shy and withdrawn
One night he met a fair maiden named Colleen
And now he's happier than he's ever been
Because he and Colleen make love from dusk till dawn

I've been thinking about a second chapter to the James Bond story. I'll have to give it a few more days, see if anything develops. I do have a few ideas though.

Anyway, that's it for now. Yeah, it's kinda short compared to the usual Sunday morning stuff but like I said, I'm still recuperating.

Have a great week folks, and if life gets rough, eat cake.

Now back to bed.

Oh, one more thing. I did this in Photoshop last night. I actually did it at 2000 x 2000 and set it as my desktop. It looks pretty cool. I call it Face to Face

   

Posted by OldGuy at 6:16 AM | Comments (4)

   

March 2, 2006

 

Deleted Your Good Wishes

 

Thanks for all the good wishes folks. Unfortunately I accidentally deleted them all.

I think I'm still unwell. :(

   

Posted by OldGuy at 10:05 AM | Comments (4)

   

March 1, 2006

 

Sick

 

Just a quick entry. I'm not dead, although I wish I was.

I've been sick for the last couple of days, plus my arthritis is being a real bear, so basically I've been a sniffling, quivering, alternately hot and cold, mass of painful flesh since yesterday.

Needless to say I don't feel like writing much else.

One thing, I've finally decided to let comments appear immediately. I figure my spam filter is working pretty good so it should catch most of the junk, and I can always set it back if it doesn't.

   

Posted by OldGuy at 8:56 AM | Comments (2)