I recently got tagged for a meme on Facebook, so I’m posting it here, since I don’t have much to say right now. I do have a new post over at Insert Eyeroll, which I’d appreciate Stumbles and Diggs on, but y’know, whatever.

That, and I bought a bunch of button-down shirts in preparation for my shoulder surgery, coming up September 6th. Hey, don’t mock. Some of these were on clearance for $5. They’re gonna look great with my elastic waist-banded shorts, I’m telling you. Tim Gunn has nothing on me. I’m just hoping that button-downs are easier to put on than t-shirts when you’re in a sling. I’m hearing from both camps on the matter.

Right, onto the meme.

1. What time did you get up this morning?

Around 9. Still drinking coffee at this writing.

2. How do you like your steak?

Medium. Though I’d prefer a burger.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

Crazy Stupid Love. I liked it.

4. What is your favorite TV show?

Well, it’s summer time, so right now it’s Big Brother, my guilty pleasure. But I really enjoyed Falling Skies, which just had it’s season finale. Glad it got picked up for a second season.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

The Guinness Brewery in Ireland?

6. What did you have for breakfast?

Some freezer-burned pop-tart style breakfast thingie. Not good.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?

Italian.

8. What foods do you dislike?

Asparagus, lima beans, liver, seafood. Not necessarily in that order.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?

In Sebring? Probably Ruby Tuesdays. I dig their salad bar.

10. Favorite dressing?

Balsamic vinegarette.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?

A 2001 Mistubishi Galant with a rusty roof.

12. What are your favourite clothes?

T-shirts and cargo shorts. Again, Tim Gunn would love me. Or a chance to make me over, at any rate.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

California. Or Amsterdam.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?

1/2 empty, lately.

15. Where would you want to retire?

In a state with medical marijuana laws in place. Currently, 16 of them, plus D.C.

16. Favorite time of day?

Nap time.

17. Where were you born?

Long Island, New York.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Hate sports. But I do enjoy me some Olympics, strangely enough.

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?

I don’t tag, so the point is moot. As opposed to mute.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first?

See #19.

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?

Not sure if anyone else will do this or not, so I don’t know.

22. Bird watcher?

Bird, as in woman? Yes!

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Night. Though I don’t stay up nearly as late as I used to.

24. Pets?

None.

25. Any new and exciting news that you’d like to share?

Aside from the new writing gig at Insert Eyeroll, I’m having shoulder surgery in early September, but I’ve already mentioned both of those things, so no. Oh, I started on lithium yesterday, but that’s not all that exciting.

26. What did you want to be when you were little?

Superman or Batman. Depended on the day, really.

27. What is your best childhood memory?

Coffee-table dancing. Or Disney World.

28. Are you a cat or dog person?

I like both, really. Cats seem to be lower maintenance, though. Then again, there’s the whole emptying-the-cat-litter thing, so I’m torn.

29. Are you married?

Not any more.

30. Always wear your seat belt?

Yes, always.

31. Been in a car accident?

Yes, several.

32. Any pet peeves?

Closed-minded people. People that say “nucular.” People that don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re.” Hmm…people in general, really.

33. Favorite pizza topping?

Pepperoni, sausage, and onions.

34. Favorite Flower?

Tulips.

35. Favorite ice cream?

Either mint chocolate chip, or cookie dough. But there aren’t many ice cream flavors I don’t like.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?

Ugh. Not a big fast food fan, but if I had to choose one, I’d say Wendy’s.

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test?

None.

38. From whom did you get your last email?

My blog, notifying me of a comment.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

The Apple Store? I’m a geek, what can I say? I’ve almost got enough money saved up to buy a shiny new Mac PowerBook Pro.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?

This meme? Yeah, I’m pretty boring.

41. Like your job?

Writing fake news? Who wouldn’t like that?

42. Broccoli?

Yeah.

43. What was your favorite vacation?

Amsterdam.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?

My mom and a group of friends.

45. What are you listening to right now?

MSNBC. Rick Perry is announcing that he’s going to be a presidential candidate. Which scares me, almost as much as Michelle Bachman.

46. What is your favorite colour?

I don’t really have one. I like wearing dark colors because they don’t show coffee stains.

47. How many tattoos do you have?

Exactly zero.

48. Coffee drinker?

Daily.

49. How many children do you have?

2. Twins.

50. Are you in love?

No, but I’m totally available. Inquire within.

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

So the results are in. I have a torn rotator cuff, and the pamphlet they gave me – called Rotator Cuff Injuries – reminds me of Highlights magazine. Just look at that poor fellow above…he’s obviously hurting while trying to paint his house. Me? I just so happened to fall down while skating with a roller derby team nearly two years ago now…for a Birthday Dare. Yes, I blame BlondeFabulous. It was her team and her dare. Really, though, it was my fault for trying to roller skate after 25 years being without wheels on my feet.

That doctor looks remarkably like the surgeon who will be doing my surgery. We did discuss the options, after he looked over my MRI results. Sorry, BlondeFabulous, they wouldn’t give me copies of the scans so you could gloat over destroying my shoulder.

The results show that I damaged a joint in my shoulder, causing bone spurs to tear away at my rotator cuff. My options were limited. “Physical therapy,” the doctor said, “will only do you more harm at this point.” Right, scratch that option. The second option? Do nothing. “Your shoulder will only get worse as time goes by, and there’s already some muscular atrophy.” Scratch Option #2, then. My shoulder getting worse and worse for the rest of my life isn’t much of an option, as far as I’m concerned.

Option #3: open shoulder surgery, where they’ll apparently cover my face with a sheet so they don’t have to look at me. Really? Am I that hideous? He’ll shave away those bone spurs, tack my rotator cuff back to the shoulder with titanium pins, and then sew me back up. Yes, titanium! I’ll be one step closer to becoming a super cyborg!

I asked about his success rate, and he said it’s about 90-95%, which are pretty good odds. He also said he’s done well over 4,000 rotator cuff surgeries…again, numbers I like to hear. I asked what kind of recovery time we’re talking about and he couldn’t answer that. “I won’t know until I’m in there.”

I’ll be in a sling for 1-2 months, according to the doc. Ugh. I don’t look forward to being one-handed. Honestly, I know Anissa deals with this shit every day, but living with one working hand for a while is going to be rough for me. Thank God I’m left-handed and it’s the right arm that’ll be in a sling. Everything will be different, though…typing one-handed (when I’m a touch typist) will be a bitch. Eating anything that requires cutting (my Mom will get to cut up my food for me). Going to the bathroom (NOTE TO SELF: get elastic waist-banded shorts), showering…yeah. I haven’t yet figured out how I’ll masturbate with just one hand. It’s going to be some major adjustment. And forget driving. I’ll be a prisoner in my own house. Well, unless Mom drives me somewhere. At least there are the pain meds to look forward to.

Once I’m allowed to move my arm again, there’ll be the physical therapy. Probably two months’ worth, three times a week. That will be outsourced to someone here in Sebring, thank God. As I’ve said before, driving two hours each way to Tampa and back 3x a week is impossible for me.

When I asked all my questions, the doctor had me go back out for surgery scheduling. They told me they’d call me tomorrow with the surgery date. I left the V.A., pamphlet in hand, and headed to the Green Iguana for some lunch. It was a nice, cloudy kind of day – not too hot – so I sat on the deck (click to embiggify):

I enjoyed my chipotle chicken wrap and fries while watching boats sail by and pelicans fly overhead. Plus, the scavenger birds hopped about the deck, waiting for an errant piece of food to drop. I thought about my shoulder, how long I’ve lived with it like this, and read Tweets from people, commiserating with me and wishing me luck. And I wondered how far down the road the surgery would be.

Well, I got the call this morning and now I know. September 6th is the day of the surgery, just in time for my birthday (on the 18th). So I’ll be gimping along on my birthday this year. Needless to say, no birthday dares this year (either). I suppose I should rejoice, because I’ll be all the better for this in the long run, but I don’t look forward to the road ahead.

In the meantime, I’ll enjoy being able to type this post with two hands, showering, and playing Tiny Wings on my iPhone. Now, if I could just get to the damned 7th island…

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

Happy Towel Day, everyone. I hope you know where your towel is.

Today, in honor of Towel Day, I decided to list 42 random songs that are on my iPod. Actually, it’s an iPhone, but you get the idea.

1. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover – Paul Simon
2. Warrant – Foster the People
3. Let’s Go – The Cars
4. Show You How – The Killers
5. If Rap Gets Jealous – K’naan
6. Kicks – Everclear
7. Losing Streak – The Eels
8. Love Will – Darius Rucker
9. I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do) – Hall & Oates
10. Houdini – Foster the People
11. Call It What You Want – Foster the People
12. Building a Wall – Pet Shop Boys
13. Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House
14. Play Something We Know – Adam Hood
15. Synchronicity II – The Police
16. Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye – The Lemonheads
17. Nothing Without You – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
18. Happy in the Morning – Nikka Costa
19. Too Much Too Fast – 311
20. Shine – Cracker
21. Honky Cat – Elton John
22. It’s All Been Done – Barenaked Ladies
23. Lullaby for Mercy Ann – Eric Lindell
24. The Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga
25. King of Pain – The Police
26. Live Your Life – T.I. & Rihanna
27. Stuck with Each Other – Shontelle
28. Carry On – Pat Green
29. Mystify – INXS
30. New Sensation – INXS
31. Dip Down – Leona Lewis
32. Overnight – Hudson Mohawke
33. American Girl – Everclear
34. Not Pretty Enough – Kasey Chambers
35. Nothing Ever Happens – Del Amitri
36. This Love – Maroon 5
37. Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
38. My Turn – Hoobastank
39. Even Better Than the Real Thing – U2
40. Everything – A Cursive Memory
41. Everyday is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow
42. Real World – Matchbox 20

Finally, something I think everyone should see. An epidemic that can be handled with a simple vaccination. Please spread the word…talk to your children about it. There’s no need for anyone to suffer.

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

Stolen from Blogography because I don’t know what else to post.

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT? There’s a scar on my right thumb. I don’t remember how I got it. Yeah, it’s been that long. Either that or I’m just old.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR BEDROOM? Paint.
3. WHAT DOES YOUR MOBILE PHONE LOOK LIKE? An antique iPhone 3G.
4. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO? I like most music, except for country and rap. And opera. Right now my favorite is the latest album from The Cars.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN? I think it was around 2:30 in the afternoon.
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW? A million dollars.
7. WHO DO YOU MISS? My grandma.
8. IS ANYONE IN LOVE WITH YOU OR HAS A CRUSH ON YOU? Unlikely, but there might be some crazy person out there.
9. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU KISSED? A girl I was dating.
10. WHAT’S YOUR MIDDLE NAME? I always joke that it’s Tyrone, but it’s Thomas.
11. THE BEST TV SHOW EVER CREATED? That’s a tough one. I’m going with MASH.
12. THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO? My mother.
13. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK? Are you kidding? I get scared in the light.
14. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY? Another toughie. I rarely cry. I’m gonna go with an ex-girlfriend. What? I can be sensitive.
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COLOGNE / PERFUME? Rarely wear any myself. But I’d love a perfume for women that makes them smell like cupcakes.
16. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOUR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX? I gravitate to brunettes. Don’t really have a favorite eye color, though I will say redheads with green eyes have been my downfall more than once.
17. WOULD YOU RATHER BE SMART OR FUNNY? Smart.
18. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS? Coffee. Red Bull tastes like crap.
19. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIZZA TOPPING? Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions.
20. IF YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A giant bowl of Fruity Pebbles with ice-cold milk.
21. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON WHO MADE YOU MAD? That’d be me. I am my own worst enemy and all that happy horseshit. Someone other than me? I’d say the mother that gave her 8-year-old daughter Botox.
22. DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE? I’m rusty, but I can still manage some Pig Latin.
23. WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIFT SOMEONE EVER GAVE YOU? Um, life?
24. DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE? Sure, I like lots of someones. I crush easily.
25. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED? No.
26. FAVOURITE CLOTHING BRAND? I don’t have one. If I had to choose, I’d say Tee Fury or Threadless. Yes, I’m very aware that I need a makeover.
27. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM CAR? A time-traveling Delorean.
28. WHAT COLOUR IS IT? Silver.
29. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE KIND OF EXERCISE? One that doesn’t require me to do anything.
30. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING? I have, and it sucked.
31. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU? Open your mouth and speak.
32. WRITE A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED? 18.
33. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES? Already said this, but brunettes have dominated my dating pool over the years.
34. WHAT IS THE ONE NUMBER YOU CALL OFTEN? 69! Heh.
35. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST? Stupid people.
36. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF YOUR COUNTRY? WHERE DID YOU GO? WHAT PLACE DID YOU LIKE BEST? Yes. Lived in England for three years. My favorite place in my limited out-of-country travels was Amsterdam, though.
37. YOUR WEAKNESSES? Kryptonite, self-doubt, women…in no particular order.
38. FRIES/CHIPS, RICE, OR BEANS? Fries.
39. FIRST JOB? I had a newspaper route. My first REAL job, though, was as a disc jockey.
40. EVER PRANK CALLED SOMEONE? Yes.
41. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED OUT THIS? Watching TV. Still am.
42. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE? I don’t need plastic surgery. I need REAL surgery for my messed-up shoulder.
43. WHY DID YOU FILL OUT THIS MEME? Bored and don’t know what else to blog.
44. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST? My sense of humor, though it’s been waning of late.
45. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL? Build a speakeasy.
46. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY? A new shoulder.
47. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT? I have two. I’m too old to start over. Just don’t have the energy needed to run after little ones.
48. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My grandfathers.
49. DO YOU WISH ON STARS? Yes, Jaime Murray.
50. WHICH FINGER[S] IS YOUR FAVOURITE? My opposable thumbs.
51. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Ham, veggies, and rice.
52. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not really. It’s at the point now, though, where my handwriting doesn’t get exercised very often.
53. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? Ham.
54. ANY BAD HABITS? Answering memes? OK, I’m riddled with bad habits.
55. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF? A Paula Abdul remix album.
56. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Depends on the day.
57. HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A SECRET YOU SWORE NOT TO TELL? Yes, but I was 6.
58. DO LOOKS MATTER? To a degree, but they matter a lot less if you can make me laugh.
59. HOW DO YOU RELEASE YOUR ANGER? Wait, I can RELEASE it? I’m a bottler, mostly. I can rant, however.
60. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME? Um, the Guinness brewery?
61. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY? No.
62. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TOY AS A CHILD? Talking G.I. Joe with Kung-Fu Grip.
63. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR MOBILE PHONE? I don’t know how many phone numbers there are, but I have 1,192 contacts.
64. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Incessantly.
65. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE FAMOUS? Nope.
66. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A MOSH PIT? Yes.
67. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PLACE TO LIVE? Good cell coverage, movie theaters with stadium seating, weather that doesn’t get too cold.
68. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES? Just Karl.
69. HOW MANY HATS DO YOU OWN? WHAT’S YOUR HAT SIZE? Lots of baseball caps. I don’t know my hat size.
70. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes.
71. WERE YOU UPSET ABOUT STEVE IRWIN DYING? Yeah.
72. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint chocolate chip.
73. ARE YOU LAZY? Yes.
74. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS AT THE MOMENT? “Forget You” by CeeLo Green, and the entire new album by The Cars.
75. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BAND? Barenaked Ladies, though not so much now that Steven Page is no longer with them.
76. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE? None. I’m not wise.
77. DO YOU WANT TO GO ANYWHERE SPECIAL THIS YEAR? Yes, but I’m skipping BlogHer, anyway.
78. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? CNN? Seriously, how many times can I say I’m listening to The Cars’ latest album?
79. LAST THING YOU ATE? Dummy, that was covered in #51.
80. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? A friend.
81. WHATS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT YOURSELF IN THE MORNING? That I need to brush my teeth.
82. FAVOURITE THOUGHT PROVOKING SONG? “My Father’s Chair” by Rick Springfield. Yes, really.
83. FAVOURITE TWO THINGS TO HATE? Hmm, lima beans and Dave Matthews.
84. FAVOURITE DRINK? Non-alcoholic? Cherry Coke Zero. Alcoholic, Guinness.
85. FAVOURITE ZODIAC SIGN? Virgo, though I don’t really believe in astrology.
86. SPORTS YOU LIKE TO WATCH? Um, poker?
87. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOUR? Brown.
88. EYE COLOUR? Hazel.
89. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES? Yes.
90. SIBLINGS? Yes!
91. FAVOURITE MONTH(s)? October. It’s when it finally starts to cool down in Florida.
92. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI? Ew, no. HATE seafood.
93. LAST THING YOU WATCHED? The series finale of Smallville.
94. FAVOURITE DAY OF THE YEAR? I don’t have one.
95. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT? Very much so.
96. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter…as long as I’m somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
97. KISSES OR HUGS? Why not both?
98. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE-NIGHT STANDS? Normally, I’d say relationships, but at the moment I’d take a one-night stand.
99. WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CELEBRITY? Jaime Murray.
100. WHO IS THE LEAST LIKELY TO ASK YOU ON A DATE? Jaime Murray.
101. BOOKS YOU’D LIKE TO SEE TURNED INTO A FILM? The Repairman Jack series.

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

The other day I asked you to convince me to go to BlogHer 2011. I appreciate the comments from you guys. After careful consideration and a perusal of my finances, I have decided to skip BlogHer again this year. Much as I’ll miss lots of my favorite people, a new laptop is more important.

I’m saving up for a Mac PowerBook. Decades of being invested in Windows PC’s have me a little worried about this leap. I know Macs are supposedly very easy to use and far better stability-wise. I’m just hoping that the learning curve isn’t too steep for me. Old dog, new tricks, and all that happy horseshit.

Look how purty that sucker is.

In other news, The Cars have a new album out! “Move Like This” came out on Tuesday and so far I’ve only heard a couple of their new songs. They still sound great. I can only hope they decide to come to Florida on tour. Right now there aren’t any FL dates.

A review from Rolling Stone is pretty positive: “Move Like This is a reminder that New Wave can still sound new, especially when the Cars do it.”

Here’s “Sad Song.”

The Cars will forever be one of my favorite bands. I still remember the first time I heard them. I was in 10th grade. We’d just driven cross-country from New York to Alamogordo, New Mexico, our new home. Arrived in the evening, and stopped in at the Pizza Hut for dinner. And the first song that came on the jukebox (Google that shit, you youngsters) was this one:

The catchy tune opened me up to all sorts of new music. I’d previously thought that ABBA was cool – even had their greatest hits on 8-track (again, GTS) – but no more.

Shortly after we moved into our new home, a trailer on the south side of town, we got cable. And MTV…y’know, back when MTV stood for Music Television and ALL THEY PLAYED WERE MUSIC VIDEOS. My musical education was just beginning.

How about you? When do you feel like your musical awakening took place? And what artist or band was your very first concert? Mine was Men At Work.

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

I’ve been to BlogHer four times. I missed last year because, well, it was just a shitty year and I couldn’t make it happen. Now I’m considering going to BlogHer 2011 (in San Diego) – I WANT to go – but need some convincing.

For one thing, the expense. That’s a biggie, actually. There’s the $298 ticket (missed the Early Bird pricing, dammit), the $300+ plane ticket, and the hotel at roughly $215/night. And since I’d arrive a day early and leave a day late, that’s 4 days in the hotel. We’re talking roughly $1,500. That’s not even including any extras like food or sightseeing.

Now, yes, there’s the Party Pass, which is only $99, but I want to attend sessions, too, not just socialize.

For another thing, I’d have a DEFINITE need for a roommate, which isn’t exactly an easy proposition, me having a penis and all that. Still, a roommate would cut my hotel bill in half.  That would make the hotel stay $430, which still brings the cost down to around $1,100.

Then there’s the need for a new laptop. I’ve been saving up for one, but I don’t know if I can swing both a new laptop AND BlogHer.

On top of all this is my anxiety, which has been epic in scale of late. I’ve managed not to freak out (too much) each time I’ve attended the conference, but this year feels…different. Sure, I have my coping mechanisms – glomming onto familiar faces, sticking to small groups as much as possible, curling up in the fetal position – but the anxiety can’t be overlooked.

But I really, really want to go. I just need some convincing. Are you going this year? Would you be willing to let me hang with you, particularly when I’m shaking like a leaf? Do you know of anyone going that needs a roomie? I promise not to piss on the floor, or drink too much (which leads to pissing on the floor). Do you have access to some of the exclusive parties and can you get me in?

Let the convincing begin…now.

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

This is Movember, where I grow a moustache for prostate health. Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer affecting men. You can donate or just watch me grow a cheesy moustache all month. (Proceeds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Livestrong.)

Today is the last day, so please donate if you can. If not, thanks for watching!

I’m also doing a 30-day meme, the whole of which can be found here.

Today’s photo of the ’stache:

Oh, moustache, how you'll be missed!

Day 30 – Who are you?

Just a dude.

“I’m Just A Man” by INXS

I’m just a man
My will is so strong
When I’ve got plans
I close my eyes to the pain

My mother ran
My father left town
But we still have what’s necessary to go on

Flesh and blood
Flesh and blood

I’m part of you
Your part of me
There’s nothing said
That cannot be undone

My brother’s sane
His heart is so strong
He’s killed some pain
To himself nearly did the same

It washed away
Into the cruel sea
Like everything that’s built upon the sand

Flesh and blood
Flesh and blood

Sweet sister T
She loved so long and hard
Kept to herself
Until that right man came along

Some men they lie
Some men they cheat
But now she’s found
Someone to be as strong

I’m just a man
My will is so strong
When I’ve got plans
I close my eyes to the pain

My father ran (flesh and blood)
My mother left town
But we still have (flesh and blood)
What’s necessary to go on

I’m part of you
Your part of me

Wow, do I miss Michael. So thanks for hanging with me this month for Movember. I have no idea what I’ll do for a follow-up come December. Probably back to sporadic posts.

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

This is Movember, where I grow a moustache for prostate health. Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer affecting men. You can donate or just watch me grow a cheesy moustache all month. (Proceeds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Livestrong.)

I’m also doing a 30-day meme, the whole of which can be found here.

Today’s photo of the ’stache:

It'd be nice to break $100, so you know, donate today.

Day 29 – In this past month, what have you learned?

I learned that I can grow a ’stache in less than 30 days.

I learned that the flavor-saver aspect of moustaches is way overrated.

I learned that there’s a reason – multiple, actually – I haven’t grown a moustache since the early 90’s.

I learned that moustaches make me look like I belong on either a mugshot and/or sex offender list. Yeah, that’s one of the reasons.

I (re) learned I need a lot of work in the art of self-portraiture.

I learned I don’t like feeling afraid to leave my house.

I learned that I’d rather keep my hair short. May get it buzzed today. Where can I find a barber who makes house calls?

I learned how important it is that I remember to laugh. And there aren’t a whole lot of people who have made me laugh more than Leslie Nielsen. RIP, dude. Nice beaver.

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

This is Movember, where I grow a moustache for prostate health. Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer affecting men. You can donate or just watch me grow a cheesy moustache all month. (Proceeds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Livestrong.)

I’m also doing a 30-day meme, the whole of which can be found here.

Today’s photo of the ’stache, complete with bedhead:

Day 28 – A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

Well, you’ve already seen today’s picture of me. Hell, I’ve run a picture of me and the moustache every day this month. Ugh. Here’s one from last year, my KarlTuckyLoo trip. Laci and I took a little road trip to Cincinnati to see Sybil. Here’s me and Sybil Law:

Aside from losing some weight and gaining a (temporary) ’stache, the ways in which I’ve changed since then are not pleasant, to be honest. My introverted nature has gone extreme; I’m now nearly a complete shut-in. Hate leaving the house. I’ve even skipped a couple of blogger get-togethers in my area because I just can’t make it happen. (Yes, Sybil, I said AREA.) My depression is really out of hand these days. Mix the anhedonia in there, along with the dreaded holidays, and I’m not a very happy person. Hard to believe I’m the same guy who jumped out of a plane four years ago.

I thought this was a fun meme. Who needs a drink?

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan

This is Movember, where I grow a moustache for prostate health. Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer affecting men. You can donate or just watch me grow a cheesy moustache all month. (Proceeds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Livestrong.)

I’m also doing a 30-day meme, the whole of which can be found here.

Today’s photo of the ’stache:

Day 27 – Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

I got the idea totally from LeSombre, who is doing the same thing. That includes Movember, which is a silly way to raise money (and that’s why I like it). I haven’t raised $5,000 like LeSombre’s group, but hey, I’m happy to have raised $60 on my own. Better than nothing.

My creativity has been suffering a lot this year, so the 30-day meme helps to prompt me with things to post. God knows what will happen next week when the 30 days is over and I shave off the moustache.

--- Thanks for reading! SecondHand Tryptophan