What's rolling around in my brain..

1. Last week was one of "those" weeks where I went out every night. and spent a LOT of money. oops.
2. 98% of the time I'm disgusted by the programming that MTV presents its viewers.... except for this crazy parody of The Hills that I am watching right now. Literally rolling on the floor. Seriously, at least MTV knows how bullshit this show is, and can make fun of themselves.
3. I have a new obsession with Belgian White beers.
4. I'm so happy to sleep in a bed tonight... even though it's not mine.
5. I also have an obsession with my new Raybans.
6. Seriously looking forward to election night - both to see what kind of drama will happen, and also just to have this over already.
7. Amy Poehler's Sarah Palin Rap last night on SNL was one of the funnies things ever.
8. My early 90's rock kick is in full effect right now - The Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, Built to Spill, Dinosaur Jr., and Ride are all in my CD player right now.
9. Even though the movie The Happening was pretty stupid, it was also pretty disturbing.
10. Poor Mr. Nuts is forced to be holed up in my parents guest room bathroom at all times. I think he'll need therapy after this.
11. It's probably time to start looking for a new job.
12. The AWESOME Girl Talk show last Saturday. Yes, I think we were the oldest people there.

I'm back...sorta

I haven't written a post in quite a while, which is pretty sad considering it doesn't take very long to do. However, I have a pretty valid excuse - back surgery. Yes, it is what it sounds like.

For the past few years I've had on-again off-again back pains, that I had attributed to chronic sciatica - as it runs in the family. I had seen a couple different chiropractors, both whom had their own theories as to why my lower back / right leg was hurting so much. Neither really helped very much. It wasn't until around this time last summer when I was visiting my buddies in Greenville, SC and I slept on a crazy marshmallow couch that the pain really began getting out of control. I decided to go see an orthopedic surgeon and get some information on ways that I can alleviate the pain. After a series of x-rays and MRI's I discovered that I had three (well, 2 and a half) herniated discs. These discs were putting pressure on my spinal cord, causing the severe pain and numbness in my right leg.

The doc gave me some pain meds and told me to go see a pain management specialist to get a series of steriod/neuro-inhibitor shots in my spine. Each shot helped get rid of the pain for probably 2 weeks. Finally, about a month ago, the pain became so debilitating that I couldn't walk for more than a minute without my right leg feeling like it was being cut open by the devil - so, luckily my good friend Keri's dad referred my to a neurosurgeon who specializes in backs. After out first meeting I had the date scheduled for my surgery - he believed my problem was so severe that I would be risking paralysis if action wasn't taken immediately.

I've never really had any surgery done before - I guess if you count having your wisdom teeth taken out then yes, but that was like a 30 minute procedure and they did it at the dentist's office. Needless to say, I was a little (a lot) freaked out when the doc told me that I would have to be in the hospital for three days, that the procedure would take around 4 hours, and that I would have 8 screws and four rods in my spine when it was all done with. Basically - this is what they put into my spine:

So now here I am, about 2 weeks since my operation - and I'm actually doing pretty well. Amazingly, my back/leg pain has subsided - and I'm left with some residual numbness (which is normal) and outer pain from the incisions. I'm left with two scars - one that's about 12 inches long and goes directly down the middle of my back - the other is on the right side of my back and is about 6 inches long. I'm stuck wearing a back brace for the next three months and, obviously, my activities are quite limited during that time. But, the fact that the pain that I've had for so long isn't there anymore, is incredible.

Oh, and on a sidenote - I've quit smoking, have started a pretty rigorous diet, and suddenly my head feels a lot clearer than it has in a while.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out over the past few weeks - especially my parents and my brother - they've been so great to take care of me. And everyone who has sent me good wishes, it means a lot - I'll be up and running in no time!

useless

movies are the bane of my existence. take for example the movie i'm watching right now.

blah blah blah treasure map blah blah find the treasure blah blah nicolas cage is screaming blah blah blah treasure!

preamble ramble

I woke up today feeling good - like in a good mood. I actually sang in the shower. It's sort of a rarity these days, mostly related to a lack of interest in my current job. And by lack of interest I mean I want to get the fuck out of here ASAP. But this post won't be a rant about what exactly it is about my job I hate so much. That won't get me anywhere.

Instead, I'm going to use the time that I should be getting shit done at work to put down a short top 10 of those things that are currently giving me hope, or that I'm looking forward to, or simply make me smile. Let's begin.

1. The Rockets. We're on a 22-game winning streak. Best in the West. I have kickass seats to the game tonight against the Celtics. Awesome.
2. Tornados. Now I know that sounds weird - but I like them. I doubt I would like having one destroy my house, but they bring excitement into my life.
3. Sandwiches. I love sandwiches - probably all types. I had a roast beef and horseradish one at Brown Bag Deli today for lunch. It was delicious.
4. The prospect of getting a new car. It might be happening. Soon.
5. St. Patty's Day. Yes, it was yesterday but for me St. Patty's Day lasts an entire week. I still have green on today. And I will tomorrow.
6. My new puppy. I think he was birthed by the Devil, but I still love him. He's really cute.
7. Radar Detector Deterrent Detector Deterrent Detector Detector Deterrent...Detector............Deterrents. So much technology.
8. Television. In general - because to name off my shows this season would take a while. Here's a few. LOST. The Riches. John Adams. The Soup. Well, actually maybe that's it.
9. The Fam. Cause they're always there for me and don't ask questions.
10. Obama. An embodiment of the direction I want for our country.

In closing, I submit to you some of my favorite mc, Slug

what's going on here?

sure, fashion can be strange or exciting or different or inspring or any other adjective you can think of... but i came across these photos from some recent Galliano runway show and, dear god please don't tell me this is the future of women's clothing...













unless of course this is a tribute to Dr. Seuss's The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins in which case, bravo.

Post primary reaction / cough drop hell

Hillary Clinton is a waste of space.

I was elected as a delegate to the senatorial district something or other convention on march 29th

It could be 80 degrees or snowing outside for all I know because I've been holed up in a conference room without windows all day.

It's probably not good to eat 47 cough drops in one day.

here's to you, internet!

Yes, the time has come.

I'm giving up and starting a blog.

While I haven't actually decided the theme, concept or purpose of my pontifications, it's all happening nevertheless. Initially I would find great pleasure in crafting my blog around my love of music. But I'm easily bored and often lack the stamina to keep up with the daily influx of the new post-punk or brit-rock or underground hip-hop phenomenon who was just discovered in some dingy after hours nightclub in LA or Paris or Berlin. Plus, I have a job.

Granted, I'm at my job right now penning the first entry of my new online journal - completely unrelated to the work that I actually get paid to do.

So before I go back to slaving away in the underpaid, high-stress, corporate rat race jungle be on the lookout for this blog to capture my prowess of cultural commentary, essential mind-altering youtube discoveries, and basic tomfoolery.

I leave you with my favorite piece of modern cinematic genius ever produced.