Top Chef

The season finale of the All Stars Edition of "Top Chef" aired last night, and I could not have been more underwhelmed.  As usual, I could not make it past 10:30 pm.  Luckily, the blogosphere was filled with updates this morning.  Sourpuss Richard Blais finally got the monkey off his back and redeemed himself by taking home the title.  Two years after choking on the big one, he can finally find peace with himself and be happy.  Until next season, Tom and Padma...

It's almost the weekend.  The weathermen are calling for clear skies and 80 degree weather.  It's going to be a busy week in Charleston.  We have the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament, the Flowertown festival, the annual Cooper River Bridge Run, and a Cajun festival.

I'll be braving traffic and shuttling tennis players to and fro.  I can't wait.

Blah

It's Hump Day, which is always good, but I have a major case of the blahs.

The weather is a bit suspect.  Overcast and rainy.  I wore a sweatshirt again today, but it seems to be getting better.  I think we're supposed to be back in the 80's by the weekend.  Just in time for the Family Circle Cup.

Last night was the season finale of "Million Dollar Listing."  I'm going to miss that show.  It really makes me think that I should get my real estate license.  I just find all of that so fascinating.  But I know that there is more famine than feast.

Another quality episode of "Survivor" to look forward to tonight.

I shouldn't fret, the weekend is almost here.  One more call with Europe to get through tomorrow and then it will be Friday and time for my tennis volunteering to begin.  I can hardly wait.

Nurse Jackie

The Season 3 premiere of "Nurse Jackie" aired on Showtime last night.

Unfortunately, after being outed as a drug addict by her husband and best friend/colleague, I was expecting a few more fireworks and dramatic aftermath.  Alas, it looks like Jackie has gotten away it it.  For now.

I'm sure things will heat up soon.  Kevin made his first appearance at the hospital, surprising nearly everyone.  Apparently having a husband is easy to conceal.  Easier than having an affair with the pharmacist.

My favorite character is still Dr. O'Hara.  She is such a riot.  I'm not sure how long she can continue staying mad at Jackie.  Hopefully she'll give her a hard time for at least a few episodes.  The betrayal was immense.

More to come.  It's so nice to be watching quality programs again instead of reality shite.  I even stayed up until 10:30 pm.  Barely.

Back to February

As it if it weren't bad enough that today is Monday, it was unusually cold too.  I'm talking 40's cold.  And terribly rainy.

I am not amused.

I picked up my uniform and credentials for the Family Circle Cup today.  I AM quite pleased with the uniform this year.  Anything is better than last year's baby blue hot mess.

My first shift is not until Saturday, but I'm starting to get excited.

They also announced today that the World Team Tennis finals will be held here in July.  Could this be my chance to meet Pete Sampras?  Or Billie Jean?

Stormy Weather

I wrapped up my relaxing Hilton Head weekend this morning and made the trip back hoe.  I made a quick stop to look at a house on Edisto Island, but the owner was apparently there, so I put the P-Wagen in reverse and headed home.

It's been stormy all day.  Not much actual rain but it looks horrible and we have tornado warnings.  I love a good storm.  I guess we should get ready for April showers.  Which reminds me of my favorite joke from first grade:

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?

Pilgrims.

Hahaha.

I'm so not ready for Monday.

P.S.--- Congratulations to the South Carolina baseball team for winning their series against top-ranked Florida this weekend.

Hilton Head Island Day 2

Today was another eventful day.  After getting up and making breakfast, we made a quick trip to Target for forgotten provisions.  I also discovered coconut M&M's.  Who knew such things existed?

The rest of the afternoon was spent rollerblading, playing ping pong, and sitting by the pool.  Not as much drinking today, as I woke up with a HUGE headache.

After a nice steak dinner, it was hottub time.  I don't think I could have asked for a more low key and relaxing weekend, and I can't believe it's almost over. 

Time to start planning the next minibreak...

Here At Last

Ah---finally on holiday.  what a wonderful feeling.  As planned, I ditched work promptly at noon and left Mount Pleasant.  Three hours and one stop at Chick-fil-A later, I arrived in Hilton Head.

My first official business, after unloading the essentials of course, was stopping at the Seeds of Calm Spa.  Sharon had arrived a little earlier and was mid-pampering.  I treated myself to a much needed facial, and was surprised at how relaxing it was.  I've never been much of a spa kind of guy, but I might actually be hooked.  If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend this place.

The rest of the evening was a blast.  We spent the whole time catching up, just like the good old days.  Sitting around, talking about the most irrelevant crap, eating junk, and downing a few beers.  Quality time!

We both manged to stay up to 10:30, but have now retired.  Tomorrow is going to be awesome.  Rollerblading!  I hope I still have good balance.

Almost Packed

The second load of laundry is in the washer.  I've packed the cooler.  The suitcase is out and ready to be stuffed with more clothes than I could possibly need in a week, much less two days.

I'm almost ready to head to Hilton Head.

Only a half day of conference calls tomorrow and I'm off.

Not a moment too soon.  I need the break...

Elizabeth Taylor

The entertainment world lost another icon today when Elizabeth Taylor passed away.  She is one of those few people who I remember being around since my earliest years.

I sincerely hope that in remembering her, people can get past the larger than life aspects of her celebrity.  The marriages, the illnesses, all the things which seemed to overshadow her reputation can never overshadow her beauty and talent.  Furthermore, her beauty inside, most clearly shown through her constant activism, inspired so many people to courageously act before it was en vogue.

She will be missed.

Summertime

It seems that after only a few days after the official start of spring, we've hopped directly into summer here in Charleston.  Today is was 86 degrees and I could not be happier.  I feel sorry for the poor unfortunate souls still dealing with snow and such.

I'm about halfway done with the week and closer to my upcoming minibreak.  Only a few more grueling conference calls with Europe stand between me and my getaway.  I can do it!

Monday

Another wild Monday.  After such a busy and productive Sunday, it's no wonder that I had trouble sleeping last night.  I was a total wreck this morning, and was slow moving.  Unfortunately, today was the big conference call with our friends in Europe.  It was two hours of pure torture.  We didn't cover nearly as much as we had planned, so it looks like follow-up calls will be necessary.  Ugh.

The rest of the day was a blur.  I'm now sitting in bed.  I just had a hot bath.  I still have a crick in my neck from last night's fitful sleep.

Only 3 and a half more days until Hilton Head.  Yay.

Cirque du Soleil

Last night I saw Cirque du Soleil's performance of "Alegria" here in Charleston.  I've always wanted to see one of their shows and I was definitely not disappointed.  Everything about it was mesmerizing.  The music, costumes, acrobatics, it was all just amazing.  I would highly recommend catching a show if the tour happens to be coming through your town.

Today I was a little dynamo.  After sleeping in late (8 am), I busted loose and got some much done.  Here is a list of my accomplishments:

• Grocery shopping
• Trip to the park
• Completed 2010 income taxes
• Funded my SEP IRA
• Bought tickets to NYC
• Made hotel reservations for NYC
• Watched some tennis (sorry, Rafa)
• Spent an hour catching up with a West Coast friend
• Imported more music into iTunes (now on the 2nd batch of 200)

It might not sound like much, but I've been going non-stop and I am exhausted.  Here's hoping the upcoming week as just as productive.  It's going to be busy, and I can't wait to leave for Hilton Head Island!

P.S., congratulations to the Gamecocks who won their series against Georgia.  Go Cocks!

C.H.C.

What a beautiful morning in downtown Charleston.  Those of you who keep up with the guidos and guidettes of "Jersey Shore" are familiar with G.T.L., or Gym, Tan, Laundry.  I have started my own Saturday morning routine, C.H.C..  I started out just after 7 am with a much needed carwash, eliminating all traces of the nasty yellow pollen which has plagued our city.  Then it was off to the Broad Street Barber Shop, where I snapped the picture above, for my bi-weekly haircut.  Finally, a chicken biscuit (or two) at Chick-fil-A.  What a great morning.

I also dropped my car off to get my windows tinted at Pleasant Details.  They did a great job.

In just a few short hours, I'm going to see Cirque du Soleil.  I'm very excited.  Such an action-packed weekend for me.

Telephone Boycott

I had the most unimaginable day at work.  I was on various conference calls from 9 am to 5 pm.  Not even a measly break for lunch.  Is that not the most ridiculous thing?

How I managed to stay in a good mood escapes me.

I did reward myself with a trip to Chick-fil-a for dinner.  Only the best for me...

Ok, so I did have a brief 3 minute period during which I managed to mute my home line and call the window tinters using my mobile.  The planets must be perfectly aligned, as I was able to get an appointment at 9 am tomorrow morning.  Amen!

One More Day

I cannot believe it is almost Friday.  This week has been so busy, it's really flown by.  I suppose that's a good thing.

I got much accomplished today, a few deliverables down, numerous meetings.  Next week will be just as busy, but once it hits noon Friday, it's off to Hilton Head Island for a weekend of fun with Shazza.  Yay!  Time to catch up.

The only bad thing about being so busy is that I can barely stay up until 10.  As a result, I have no idea who has been kicked off of "Top Chef" and my other programs.  I don't really miss it though.

Maybe I can catch up this weekend.  Although the weather has been way too nice to be cooped up indoors.

Shocking

Ok, call me a geek, but "V" was quite a shocker last night.

It was a bloodbath.  The Fifth Column's plan to bring down the evil Anna was a failure as usual.  They enlisted Anna's dumb pussy daughter, Lisa, to assassinate her.  Of course Anna caught on at the last minute and manipulated her blonde offspring.

Once they returned to the mothership, Diana, played by the fierce 80's icon and the original Diana, was addressing her former subjects.  Anna snuck up behind her and stuck her tail through Diana's midsection, killing her.  I'm so depressed over that.  I'm hoping that she had some little clones, or lizard eggs stashed away somewhere so they can bring her back.  Alien technology is supposed to be awesome.

As punishment, Anna threw Lisa in Diana's former dungeon.  Lisa's clone had finally hatched, and let me tell you, that thing looked more like a giant grasshopper than a lizard.  But once it was put into human skin, it was a stunning replica of Lisa.  Anna then made Lisa watch footage of the clone seducing Lisa's boyfriend, Tyler.  Once the deed was done, the clone actually ATE Tyler.  What a bitch.

And as if that were not enough, Marcus was killed by his own daughter.  THAT little bitch snapped his neck with HER tail.  These alien chicks and their tails possess an unfair advantage.

So I'm not sure if that was the season or series finale.  It had the feel of a finale, but I heard the show was getting axed by ABC.  Just when I'd started to really get into it.

All Work and No Play

Today was way too busy to just be a Tuesday.  The morning was productive, but the afternoon was one bad conference call after another.  I didn't even have a chance to call about getting my windows tinted.

At least tomorrow is Wednesday.

And some good news, a former co-worker of 13 years is coming to work with me at the bank.  I'm so excited.  We're still attached at the hip after all these years.

This is bad, all of my recent posts revolve around work.  When can I concentrate of my shows?

Monday Monday

It actually was a pretty good Monday here!!!  I was very productive at work.  I was a bit tired this morning, but the time change didn't totally ruin my day.

It was warm again.  I think the spring weather may be here to stay.  Here's hoping.

I wish I could give a decent recap of last night's "Amazing Race" but I as barely paying attention.  I do know that it was one of those dumb "You're Still Racing" pitstops, where no one gets eliminated.  Lucky for the Dating Goths, Kent and Vyxsin.

I began watching "Celebrity Apprentice" but I'm not sure it has me hooked.  I was dozing towards the end, but I believe big-lipped Lisa Rinna was eliminated.  Yes, the original Billie on "Days of Our Lives" for those of you who watch "the stories."

Sunday

It's Sunday and I'm so tired.  We sprung forward an hour last night, and it's made a HUGE difference.  I was so tired this morning, and I'm afraid I'm going to be wrecked tomorrow morning.

It's been a pretty lazy day.  It was 73 degrees.  I ate a great pimento cheese burger at Mozzo and did the grocery shopping.  The rest of the day was spent doing laundry and loading 10 gigabytes of tunes to my iPhone.  I've barely made a dent...

I'm not ready for the work week.

Japan

I'm still in shock over all of the devastation in Japan.  Earthquakes, tsunamis, and nuclear meltdowns.  It just seems like the world is enduring one disaster after another lately.  Rather unsettling, and makes one wonder about the whole 2012 nonsense.

My thoughts go out to the citizens of New Zealand, and now Japan.

Here in Charleston, the weekend has been calm and without incident.  I woke up this morning and headed straight for Verizon, where I indulged a bit and purchased an iPhone.  I'm already hooked and have spent the remainder of the day importing my music into iTunes.  Just a few hundred discs to go...

Survivor Update

After a busy week and being deprived of my shows, it was nice finally catching up with the latest "Survivor" episode.  I can't believe I'm saying this, but I was actually sad to see Russell go.  Of course I despise him, but that's half the fun.  At least Boston Rob is still in it to win it.

Work was great today.  My motivation was in high gear and I got so much accomplished.  My reward was a nice meal at Long Point Grill.  As if I needed to eat anything after a week on the road.

Afterwards, I stopped by Verizon, where I almost purchased an iPhone.  I say almost because none of the salesmen seemed deserving of my business.  So I'll return at 9 am tomorrow morning to seal the deal.  I suspect I'll spend the remainder of the weekend downloading CD's to iTunes.

Home!

Just walked in the door.  Had a nice dinner with Tonya at California Dreaming in Columbia.  Other than that, it was an uneventful trip home.

But I'm so glad to be back, just in time for the weekend...

Almost Done

Another full day in Charlotte.  This time I awoke at 5:30 am and was in the office by 7 am.  After a full day of work, I had dinner with colleagues and their recruiters.  I'm not used to this much social activity, but it was an excellent Spanish restaurant.

I'm back at the hotel without the energy to even iron my shirt.  Packing will have to wait until tomorrow morning.  I plan to leave tomorrow afternoon, stop in Columbia, and have a quick bite with Tonya.  Then back home.  At last!  I'm certainly glad it's almost the weekend.  I'm so tired.

Busy Day

Busy day in the office.  Left uptown Charlotte at 7am and drove down to the Ballentyne office.  From there, it was meetings from 8-6.  Afterwards we had a farewell dinner at Maggiano's for a co-worker.

I'm now checked into my new hotel and BEAT.

Time for rest.  Only one more full day before heading home.

Charlotte

After waking up at the buttcrack of dawn, I managed to get on the road slightly before 7 am.  I made a quick stop to drop off some books with the parents, and was graced by a visit from little Jay-Z.  Adorable with 2 new bottom teeth.  Thank you for not drooling on my work clothes, Jaylee.

I arrived at the hotel just before noon, brought the bags up to the room, and made it to the office in time to go to lunch with my ladies.  Well timed!

The rest of the afternoon flew by, and after a quick trip to the Harris Teeter for dinner and drinks, it was back to the hotel.

Unfortunately, unpacking was bittersweet, as I am checking out tomorrow and switching to a different hotel closer to the South Charlotte office.  So long, Uptown!

Sunday

Well it's been a great weekend, but all good things must come to an end.  The weather was wonderful today.  I got out and ran a few errands, and took the car for a bath.  Damn the pollen!

Unfortunately the rest of my day was filled with chores related to my trip out of town tomorrow.  I'm headed out for Charlotte, but I'm sure the time will fly by.  Thursday will be here before I know it.

I'm getting better about packing.  No longer do I feel it necessary to lug a huge suitcase for what amounts to 3 full days in the office.  Instead, I'm cramming all the necessities into a small duffel bag.  I'm making progress regarding my goal of being low-maintenance and living with the bare necessities.

Let's see how long this lasts.

Barber Shop

I got my hair cut today.  Nothing makes me feel better than a fresh haircut.  I woke up early, a little before 7 am, showered, and drove downtown to my old barber shop on Broad Street.  I used to go there all the time when I lived a few blocks away on Queen Street, but since the move to Mount Pleasant I've opted for a place closer to home.

I've missed this place though.  I was the second person there so I didn't have much of a wait before Abby was able to give me a trim.  It looks great and I think it's well worth the drive--definitely part of my new Saturday routine.

I picked up some Chick-fil-a on the way home, ate breakfast, and then headed to the park for a walk.  Afterwards I dropped off a few items at Goodwill and did some shopping at the Harris Teeter.  All of this before noon---waking up early definitely has its advantages.

I just had wings and think I'm going to settle in for an On Demand movie.

Tomorrow I definitely intend to rest up before the big business trip to Charlotte.

Friday

Friday at last and I survived another week.  Next week I'll be in Charlotte, so hopefully it will go by quickly and painlessly.

I'm pretty exhausted.  Work was busy but tolerable and I was approached about a potential position.  For the first time in ages, it seems that I actually have choices.  too bad I'm horrible at making decisions.

I had a nice dinner at Long Point Grill.  It's made me very sleepy though...don't think I'll be able to stay up much longer.

Thursday

Well it's Thursday and I had a bad day at work.  Certain people who shall rename nameless should be a little more thankful to be working in our country, and attempt to be more agreeable.

And that's all I have to say about that.

On the bright side of things, tomorrow is Friday.

"Survivor" was excellent last night.  Aside from seeing the sight of Russell's armpits covered in puss-filled sores, caused by shaving no less, it was a pleasure seeing him voted out.  He was totally outplayed by the hairy Sasquatch.  Unfortunately, he's off to Redemption Island, so he's not out of it yet.  I can't wait to see what happens next week.

I hope it's warm this weekend.  Today was just shy of 60 degrees and very windy.  However, I persevered and ran my little heart out during lunch.  Such a trooper...

Hump Day

Another Hump Day down, and I'm that much closer to the weekend.

It was another pretty good day.  Work was great.  My lunchtime trip to the park was a blast, although it was a bit cooler than I had anticipated.  Glad I took a sweatshirt.

My next big project over the next few days are to get my windows tinted.  I hope work does not interfere with that plan.  As long as I can have it done before my trip to Charlotte next week, I'll be happy, but I'd rather not spend my whole weekend dealing with it.

Hmmm, what comes on TV tonight?  I feel so out of touch without my housewives.

Congrats to the Gamecock baseball team.  They spanked Furman last night 14-1.

Random Thoughts

My random thoughts for Tuesday:

• Jane Russell passed away.  Am I among the last generation who even knows who she is?  Granted, I'm familiar with her mainly from the Cross Your Heart Bra commercials I saw during my early days.
• Along the same theme, I was watching the Oscars the other night and they showed a clip of Bob Hope.  I doubt kids today even know who he is, along with George Burns, Johnny Carson, etc.  It's really kind of sad.
• Charlie Sheen is officially batshit crazy.
• Pete Sampras beat Andre Agassi in an exhibition at MSG yesterday.  Yay.