It's so frustrating dealing with people who want you to provide high quality, professional services to them for next to nothing. You're giving them a decent discount as it is, yet it's not enough. Some people just don't understand that hiring a professional designer (instead of the high school kid next door or somebody you know from church who understands how to use Photoshop) costs money. By all means, get yourself the kid next door if you only want to shell out $50 for an entire gate-fold b... Read Full Story

I'm waaaay busy with work (the 8-5er) and several freelance jobs right now, but for some reason the lyrics to this song keep playing over and over in my head this morning. Some reason. Yeah. Some reason like I want to shout them at certain people. Life is what you make it. :/*************"Get Over It"The EaglesI turn on the tube and what do I seeA whole lotta people cryin' "don't blame me"They point their crooked little fingers at everybody elseSpend all their time feelin' sorry for themselve... Read Full Story

This post needs a little prelude. Check out my previous post on telemarketers to understand the fake voicemail we have set up at work where we dump telemarketing calls.Anytime anyone calls at work and asks for "Jim" the call gets transferred to the void (i.e., a voicemail account for someone who doesn't exist at this company). The voicemail is never heard. The voicemail gets dumped every once in a while to make way for more unsolicited telemarketers who are oblivious to the fact that there is... Read Full Story

Imagine yourself strolling down an infrequently used half-mile of white sand beach, trying to decide if you want to go kayaking for the day or just sit and stare out across the blue waters of the Caribbean while an attendant brings you one tropical drink after another. You entertain the thought of doing a little fishing and letting the chef cook up your catch later back at the villa. Maybe you could catch a boat to Moor Reef and do some snorkeling. There's no rush to decide. As long as the dr... Read Full Story

In honor of yet another Monday, I'm taking this opportunity to run down a list of pet peeves. Disclaimer: This list is in no way in order of pet-peeviness, nor is it complete.1) Printed phone books and yellow pages: Seriously, does anyone even use these anymore other than for making themselves a little better able to see over the dashboard?2) The countless lovely ladies at bars and nightclubs whom I've witnessed coming out of a stall and walking right past the sink (and soap) and out the door... Read Full Story

Ok, so I wake up in the morning like this......and this is what inevitably happens...Not fair.Just rolling right over all my good efforts like that.The tire marks are a bitch to scrub off.Then I have to get all...I don't like being like that. I'd rather be...But when they don't let up......when they just can't quit rolling all over my good time......smashing my happiness back into the ground just as I've started to dust it off again......well, then......then...Anybody got a few of these I can... Read Full Story

I was reading an article today on CNN's site about trusting your gut. They made mention of how trusting your gut in a relationship would save you a lot of heartache and I was reminded of my favorite "cheating spouse" story. The best part is, it's a true story. I didn't know this couple firsthand, but I knew the woman in passing. The story was relayed to me by a mutual friend and I've never heard a better one, before or since.The couple wasn't actually married, but living together. They shared... Read Full Story

In a quiet office, my tennis shoes squeak. It's not something I notice anywhere else. It's only here, where there's no noise but that of the forced air and the ticking of the clock on my desk. (I haven't turned on any music yet. It's still early.) The few people here are silently tucked away in their own offices working on something or another. I just got back inside from a smoke break and, as I'm walking down the hallway to my office, I notice how loudly my tennis shoes are squeaking. I thou... Read Full Story

In lieu of paying any attention at all to that other memorial happening today, I've created my own private memorial.These are our soldiers that have given their lives for us since June 25, 2009 when the media went into a frenzy because of the untimely death of that other guy.Where are the gold caskets for these guys and girls?This list is incomplete, but it was the best I could do. If anyone has a name to add, please feel free to leave a comment.6/25/09Brian N. Bradshaw, 24, Army 1st Lieutena... Read Full Story

There's an upheaval in Iran. Another terrorist bombing in Iraq. A Yemeni plane went down leaving one 14-year-old survivor from the 150 or so passengers aboard. A school bus stop shooting in Detroit that injured 7 kids ages 14 to 17 years old. And every news blurb I've received from CNN on my phone since last Friday all relate to Michael Jackson. Farrah died, too, after a very brave and tragic 3-year battle with cancer. Long-time household name Ed McMahon died earlier in the week. Attention to... Read Full Story