6/28/11- a day so long...it may still be Tuesday

Psych!  This is Clearwater, FL's best impression of the city that never sleeps.  They're hiring though.  Mesmells an economic upswing!  

Long story short: this little piece of the American dream was discovered on a Starbucks run before driving to Tampa.  Tampa lead us to the mall and the mall lead us to the Bricks in Ybor for some sippin' and suppin'.  Somewhere in between we lost the power steering and the car started to smoke.  We sought refuge at a close friend's house.  We rearranged furniture.  We talk awhile.  We ate Pita Pit at 2AM.  We fell asleep watching Arrested Development on Netflix.  It was a long damn day.

Was yours?

Text #1:  "So Jonny...whadya think??  Grass by next Tuesday???

Mom, I think you should trade the cat for some magic beans.

Text #2:  "I'm never lost thanks to Brooklyn's penis-shaped tower!"

G, I think you misheard.  That's a c-l-o-c-k tower.

Text #3:  "...However I still cannot leave!  WTF.  Call me!

Kaeleen, (our saving grace when facing a car with a cold) show that sign around the office, all your future meetings will be "canceld" too!!

Text #4:  "Here's my fun filled Tuesday evening..."

Monica and I have a different definition of a fun filled evening though I appreciate strength in numbers!  Last night I thought I was going to be throwing on my stretch pants, lacing up my Nikes and walking a lot too.

Text #5:  "My baby I've worn around all day doing background work.  Highlights of the day include: Sasha Baron Cohen yelling at me (in character) to put down my baby and open the door for him, and then throwing a stack of paper cups in one take, which hit me square in the head.  Tuesday.

Let me stop you right there Kelly.  Your baby knows Borat!?  

Text #6:  "My walk in closet in my new condo could not be captured in only one shot.  It is larger than any closet and bathroom (put together) I ever had in NYC.  This Tuesday marks the end in organizing and hanging everything!

Well Schmidt, if that isn't OCD at it's best... though I do understand the excitement in having a closet that the world would actually recognize as a closet.

Text #7:  "Spending my Tuesday avoiding the company picnic leftovers....this is just cruel."

I say go for it Luann!  If there's still leftovers I'd be happy to come over and eat some feelings. 

Text #8:  "Star Spangled Banner at the trop with the cast of La Mancha!!!  Go Rays"

It's really good to see you back to your chipper, svelte self Nick.  I was supposed to be at that game!  Remember last year when we sang?  Apparently your melodious voice inspired the win... I think they lost last year.

Text #9:  "Mr. Popper's Penguins"

Leslie, I see your angle.  What am I supposed to say with that adorable little face in the picture.  I'll get you next time!

Text #10:  "&*@!#%"

When faced with two options of where to sleep, Jess just said "&*@!#%" and disappeared

Final Thoughts

Don't be afraid to ask for help.  At times we all could all use some and there is usually a wonderful person just waiting to assist.  You won't be an inconvenience, your friends won't resent you, and vulnerability really works with your complexion.  Hold on to that feeling of relief and be sure to pay it forward when someone in need comes a calling.  Sometimes it's fun to be a human!

Till next time...

Jonny  

6/21/11- ...Thursdays with Jonny?

Sorry for the delay folks!  Due to a combination of sleep deprivation, a trip to FL, blogspot tech issues and some other exciting stuff (to be revealed at a later date) there has been a delay!  Don't sound the alarms.  The post has arrived.  So, thanks for your patience...and away, we, go!

Ever feel a little extra slack in your drawers?  If so, you better get to T.J. Maxx and pick up your cheeks!  

*please note:  this pic is a dramatization.  The model was not in any way, shape or (lovely) form in need of bum enhancement.

Text #1:  "I love it when my hard work pays off!"

Well Leslie.  I'm not one to start conspiracies but it looks like "someone" is padding the numbers.  Enron much?

Text #2:  "Hi Jonny...A work in progress...How would you like to finish this up when you're in the area????"

Hey Faithie...nice work...I don't think I could possibly add to the artistry already in place!

Text #3:  "Happy Summer Solstice from Times Square!!!"

Yvette, while I support this hippie-dippie public welcoming of summer, I have to frown at anything that encourages people to linger even longer in Times Square.  I'm torn!

Text #4:  "The possibilities of a Tuesday..."

Miss Shook, you're killing me!  First of all, my Florida readers will not be happy to learn that I supported the Mets in my early formative years.  Secondly, I love the combo of the hat and the Mr. Met picture.  And thirdly, I haven't been to Citifield yet and I'm dying to check it out.  Raincheck (to be redeemed soon)??

Text #5:  "Ultimate first day of summer lunch!  Lobster roll, lemonade and kettle chips at Yeah! Burger in West Atlanta."

Well that looks just lovely Kelly.  Lobster at a burger joint.  Hotlanta knows how to welcome summertime!

Text #6:  "Time for a mouthful...I just spoke to 40 people and told them they can utilize each other in other conference rooms...That's what I get for not memorizing the script... I'm Ron Burgundy?

Kaeleen, I think I speak for all of my readers with a callective "HUH!?"  I do, however, get the Anchorman reference.  Well done!

Text #7:  "Missing you guys."

Well Trumble, you can add Leonard and Agnes to that picture as soon as tomorrow.  The lesson learned? Guilt trips get quick results with us.

Text #8:  "Tech rehearsal for Man of La Mancha, it's going to be a great show!"

Nick...I heard the show is gonna be great.  How about some comps?

Text #9:  "Send this to Jon for my Tuesday picture."

Monica says "who needs a costly gym membership" when you can walk through 100 degree weather to the mall?"  

Text #10:  "Spring break '98"

... screamed Jess as she shotgunned a PBR and went streaking through the quad!

Final Thoughts

Though I strive to post each week in a timely manner, things sometimes come up (technical difficulties, responsibilities, extreme tanning).  Gotta roll with the punches and be prepared for anything.  Ever heard of the ancient art of Drunken Monkey Fighting?  Look it up!  The general gist (as I understand from the one poorly dubbed 60's kung fu movie I saw) is that the practitioner rids themselves of all tension and therefore fights without resistance, using the attacker's momentum against him/her.  Or it was some drunk guy punching the side of a barn.  No clue!  But, keeping with my initial thought, channel your inner kung fu master and allow yourself to take in outside stimuli and adapt.  Makes for far less stress...and grey hairs (my running count is 16).

Is it redundant or apropos...or slightly racist, to say "Confucius Out!" (again)?

Jonny 

6/14/11- a day to gain fame

Today was just a bit off of center.  It was rainy, it was exciting, it was nerve wracking.  This pic was taken from my post as Tech Geek model #3.  Keep your eyes peeled for pictures of me and the girl wallpapering the city...or at least at the back of the Village Voice with all the dirty ads.  Hey, aim low and be happily surprised!

Text #1:  "My Tuesday photo.  I got nothin'"

Hey now Leslie.  Clearly you have an abundant supply of paper and a sharpie!

Text #2:  "This is my Tuesday... at least I'm out of bed this time, am I right? ; )

  

Kudos to your move from the bed to the couch Monica.  Big achievement!  Sure...I'm not one to talk.  Yes...I also enjoy that movie (your daughter made me watch it).  And...I'm in bed as I write this.  Hmm...

Text #3:  "Best bbq in town for lunch to celebrate 3 years of the marriage with the hubs!

Luann, judging by the sheer volume of meat, this is the likely the only bbq in town.  It that vegan?  It looks great!

Text #4:  "It's called Fatal Frame, and it's about teenage girls killing ghosts with a spiritual camera."

G, it's called amish country.  It's about tourists stealing souls with their polaroids!

Text #5:  "Every time it rains, I go shopping for plants.  It better stop raining soon or I won't have anywhere to put the stuff...oh yeah, it was 5 pairs of shoes on my un-Tuesday!!

Faithie, I know a couple who can organize a killer tag sale and get rid of all those unwanted plants and shoes!

Text #6:  "So I have tickets to glee in 119 but they just released better tickets!  Do I buy better ones and cross my fingers the other ones sell?  Gleelema."

Yvette, I'm pretty sure the "Gleelema" is that you bought Glee tickets in the first place.  I'd sell the originals and use the profits to get myself a nice cup of coffee or a newspaper.

Text #7:  "¡Arriba! ¡Arepa!"

Jess likes to fully embrace the culture when dining out.  She made me order in Spanish.  I'm pretty sure I offended everyone there!

Final Thoughts

Some days are just inherently upside down.  Embrace them because the harder you try to turn them right-side up, the more distorted they become.  It's said that the only time you're truly in control is when you relinquish the need to be in control.  Try it sometime!

Confucius out...

Jonny

6/7/11- a day to recoup

I took it old school today with some pretzels, ginger ale and a day's worth of naps!  We hit the ground running since landing in NYC so I took a break.  The girl introduced me to "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia".  I'm now addicted.  Add that to my coffee obsession and I'm working with some serious problems over here! 

What were you up to?

Text #1:  "My Tuesday pictures a little early"

Leslie and Max, Sign Makers Inc. are at it again!  It's hard to tell which one drew this sign but the sentiment tugged at my heart strings!  Who's a good girl!?!?!

Text #2:  "DIY Teaser Tuesday"

I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I can only imagine that Erin will turn this fabric into something absolutely hoe-down chic.  Check out the dress she made for the Jess!

Text #3:  "Hi Jonny!  Nuttin' but hard work going on here.  I really like my new patio doors."

Mom, why are there so many men at your house?  You're grounded young lady!

Text #4:  "Relaxing week of fun at the beach with my best friend.  It's our tenth annual trip!"

The sun, the surf, and a good book vs. the sun, the steaming pavement and a hole outside my apartment that ends near the 7th layer of hell.  Kelly wins!

Text #5:  "Orange crusted BBQ chicken with a vegetable complement to be named later...taken with my new iPhone 4!!!  Woot woot!"

Nick's day of culinary feats...I didn't know having pancreatitis makes you gay!  Glad to see you're feeling better and that you scored the iPhone 4 though!!

Text #6:  "Hydrating muscles for Saturday!!!!"

I'll say it Kaeleen, mostly because I'm afraid, you're lookin' pretty ripped!

Text #7:  "Sunset in the city!"

Goodnight rats, goodnight bums, goodnight horn honking, goodnight construction outside my bedroom window, goodnight guy urinating in the phone booth.  Goodnight Yvette.

Text#8:  "Just what the doctor ordered!"

Well, well.  Looks like someone, not naming names (Jessica) hopped on the relaxation band wagon.  Was it as good for you as it was for me?

Final Thoughts

We've been in NYC for just a little over a week now and I'd estimate that we've walked at least 50 miles, probably more!  Today I laid down!  Feel guilty for being lazy?  Nope!  Sometimes you just have to kick back and let life happen around you.  It's helps recharge your battery for the next adventure.  It's hard to believe but the Earth will actually rotate just fine if you take some time for yourself. 

Till next time...

Jonny

5/31/11- is it Tuesday already?

No, but seriously.  Is it?  You know the old adage time flies when you're having fun?  They're not just whistling dixie!  Jess and I have been (quite literally) walking our feet off all over this great big city, catching all the sights we possibly can, and acting like the dorkiest tourists ever.  As you see above I was able to find some time today to make it to the gym, a crowning achievement compared to the last month of full-on hiding from the gym.  I also had Thai with my mom, Jess and friends.  Showed the girl a revolving dining room on the 44th floor of the Marquis.  And saw Kung Fu Panda 2.  Kick ass Tuesday!!!  

I wonder what you were up to:

Text #1:  "Beer tasting in full effect"

Apparently my talented friend Luann (yes, I am now a follower of hers) not only has a rad blog but also knows how to throw a party.  I thought we were living it up until I saw this plate of cheese and hershey's with a beer flight backdrop!  That's Fatty McHack's wet dream right there!

Text #2:  "Fancy huh?"

Kaeleen does well at finding leisure when she should be working.  I'd like to give a shout out to her groomer there who has lovely manicured man hands.

Text #3:  "Just finished painting my room.  Look familiar?"

I'm not sure Colte's feng shui is correct with the placement of the bed in front of the window, but something about those colors together is oddly reminiscent of an apartment we once shared.  I'll be considering it an homage to me.

Text #4:  "Here's my Tuesday...bringing life back into my garden!"

Monica, I'm not sure it counts as a garden if all of the plants are still in green plastic pots from Home Depot...

Text #5:  (no caption)

Jeremy knows that when surrounded by such serenity a picture is worth a thousand words.  The mountains, the rolling waves, the sand...the Christmas tree...the creepy steam boat. 

Text #6:  "The view from my work.  Use whatever you want."

Out of the 11, that's right 11, photos that Leslie sent I chose this cool pic.  Judging by the proximity I'm assuming she's working air traffic control these days.

Text #7:  "Playing fetch with the cutest dog in the world."

Hear that dog lovers?  Miss Schmidt is saying her dog is cuter than yours.  Do I smell Tuesday's first annual dog off??  Winner gets a milk bone.

Text # 8:  "Kelly went shopping today!  New toy!!

Kelly is speaking in the third person and Kelly should have mentioned that Kelly was in the market for a new camera because  I have a Canon EOS Rebel S from 1995 or so that I would have given Kelly for cheap.

Text #9:  "Dinner at Bangkok House and then we'll be off to see Harry Potter!!  Fun times!! Jonny, hope you are havin' fun too!!"

How to succeed at stealing jobs from trained singers who committed their lives to the study music and the pursuit of a dream.  Bangkok house with Faithie and co. was lovely though  : )

Text #10:  "the perps!"

Jessica, really!  How can such cool kicks (I have a very similar pair in a sensible shade of blue) even be in the lineup?  Sure they gave you a huge, nasty blister.  Sure you've been limping around the city for 2 days.  But...they're awful cozy if you're just sitting.

Final Thoughts

Today was a great day in a long line of great days.  I'm loving seeing my city in a completely new light with someone who delights in discovery and appreciates adventure.  Try to remember this:  you may grow weary of things in your everyday from time to time.  This doesn't necessarily mean they don't have a place anymore.  Allow yourself to take a step back and make sure to look through all the different lenses of your mind's eye.  You may be very surprised at what you see.

Till next time...

Jonny