Mike's Musings

I'll be posting my musings from time to time on various subjects some just because I feel like it, others because I'm mad, still others because I want to make the world a better place. Now that the "d" is done, it's time to move on to other things. I'm reminding myself that life is just too short to focus on just one thing.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Mike's Screwed-Up Adventure...

Well, if you read my previous post, you know I'm soon to be officially "single again." Well, in preparation for this event, I decided to spend some time looking at the singles scene in East Tennessee. Well, after my adventure, I think I'll just have to be content to be alone for a long time. I won't go into details, but let's just say if the singles scene is nothing but adult entertainment, alcohol and clubbing, then I'm going to have to be content being single.

Let me know if there is anything else for a single guy to do in this town. Please, I beg of you!

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Note:The original opinions shown on this blog are mine unless quoted from someone else via "" marks and () showing source. Remember, these are only opinions and if you really want to convince me otherwise, post your own response. "Go ahead, make my day!"
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A wise man once told me "Listen to the opinions of the extremes and you'll discover that the truth is somewhere in the middle."

Friday, June 24, 2005

Single Again...I Don't Like It!

Well, ever since my wife moved out, it's been a surreal experience. I am having to learn what it means to be single again, and you know what? I am beginning to remember why I hated it in the first place! I am one of those guys who actually enjoyed being married! But here I am single again. Oh well, I'm discovering things alone again (like basketball, baking brownies, going to movies, etc.), but I really miss interacting with another person. I know this process will take a while, but I'm really no good at being single. Anyway, just one of those things one must deal with.
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Note:The original opinions shown on this blog are mine unless quoted from someone else via "" marks and () showing source. Remember, these are only opinions and if you really want to convince me otherwise, post your own response. "Go ahead, make my day!"
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A wise man once told me "Listen to the opinions of the extremes and you'll discover that the truth is somewhere in the middle."

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

The Dreaded "D" Word

Divorce....I hate even the mention of the word. Yet here I am, a man in his mid-30s going through this horrible process. My soon to be ex-wife decided that the words "till death do us part" aren't really meant to be taken literally. I have decided that I'm not going to just roll over and die here, but I'm not taking it too well, either. For those of you who know me, just keep praying for God's will to be done. For the next few weeks, understand if my blogs aren't the most coherent or if they even make any sense. Eventually, I'll get back to normal, but until then...

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Note:The original opinions shown on this blog are mine unless quoted from someone else via "" marks and () showing source. Remember, these are only opinions and if you really want to convince me otherwise, post your own response. "Go ahead, make my day!"
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A wise man once told me "Listen to the opinions of the extremes and you'll discover that the truth is somewhere in the middle."

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Tips for Bad Service?

Well, after having been at a few restaurants in my day, I've run across a few bad waiters/waitresses. My philosophy has and always will be that you get a tip based on how good your service was from the moment I sat down until the moment I pay the check and leave. I have been known to tip 25% or even more for great service, and I've been known to give an "insult tip" for really bad service (that's where you leave the server a tip so small, it's an insult! In my case, it'll usually be a "round-up" to the next quarter, i.e if the total was 12.35, I give .15 and spend a total of $12.50)

Now some people think that's not fair. Well, you know what? If you're employed in a service industry, leave the sob stories, problems with the boss, etc. in the BACK ROOM! Do not bring them out in the open. I could care less about your ex-boy/girlfriend who dumped you for a newer model (I actually had this happen to me, and it almost took 2 hours to get food, much less a check!), or the problems with your car. Now I will admit, the exception to this rule is if I'm a regular customer and I know the waiter/waitress and actually asked for the life story. Keep your chin up, your smile plastered on if you must, but unless I ask for your sob story, don't tell it to me, o.k. All I want is to enjoy my meal and/or spend some quality time with friends or family.

Anyway, if you feel differently, let me know why.

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Note:The original opinions shown on this blog are mine unless quoted from someone else via "" marks and () showing source. Remember, these are only opinions and if you really want to convince me otherwise, post your own response. "Go ahead, make my day!"
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A wise man once told me "Listen to the opinions of the extremes and you'll discover that the truth is somewhere in the middle."

Monday, June 13, 2005

Is There Any Decency Left In This World?

I ask myself this question every time I come across someone who decides they need to be first for everything--whether it's for a promotion, a spot in line, a limited supply of you-name-it, etc. Well, I don't necessarily begrudge them their need, so long as they are willing to be fair about it (you know like those folk who get in line the night before for concert tickets, or Day-After-Thanksgiving Sales), and actually be in those lines first. Its the ones who think that they're above the rules and believe that they can "cut the line," cheat, lie, steal, etc., in order to "beat the system". Well, I'm tired of seeing it and I've been fairly vocal in the past about those types of folks, but I guess now I'll have to be even more agressive in my tactics, because it seems like I've been seeing even more of this than before.

Well, it's time to make a stand for what is right and not back down. Time is too short to allow injustices pass.

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Note:The original opinions shown on this blog are mine unless quoted from someone else via "" marks and () showing source. Remember, these are only opinions and if you really want to convince me otherwise, post your own response. "Go ahead, make my day!"
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A wise man once told me "Listen to the opinions of the extremes and you'll discover that the truth is somewhere in the middle."

Friday, June 10, 2005

Knoxville is the 5th Safest City for Driving???

Allstate did a study and concluded that Knoxville is the 5th Safest City in the US for drivers. Now, is it just me being cynical, or am I seeing a different version of reality here? Apparently this is good news if it is in fact true. But my gut tells me that this can't possibly be reality. I've seen too many accidents lately as well as many more "close calls" than I care to admit. Something is really askew here. Can y'all figure out what it is? If so, let me know.

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Note:The original opinions shown on this blog are mine unless quoted from someone else via "" marks and () showing source. Remember, these are only opinions and if you really want to convince me otherwise, post your own response. "Go ahead, make my day!"
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A wise man once told me "Listen to the opinions of the extremes and you'll discover that the truth is somewhere in the middle."

Friday, June 03, 2005

Camping in the Smokies

Well, I'm headed out camping for the first time in 15 years! Don't know if it's going to be good or not, but I'll try to enjoy myself regardless. Unless the campgrounds in the Smokies have gotten Wi-Fi and electric service, I'm not blogging this weekend.

See y'all later and have a great weekend.

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Note:The original opinions shown on this blog are mine unless quoted from someone else via "" marks and () showing source. Remember, these are only opinions and if you really want to convince me otherwise, post your own response. "Go ahead, make my day!"
--
A wise man once told me "Listen to the opinions of the extremes and you'll discover that the truth is somewhere in the middle."