Question of the Week

I hate the words “New Year resolutions,” because that’s all they are—words. You make a few, then after a couple weeks into the New Year, you forget about them, or at least I do.

Instead, what I’ve been doing lately, is not to make it all former, but in my head tell myself I’m going to try to shake a few things up.

For example, my intent in 2010 is to cut back on smoking. No, I’m not going to quit, but just stop smoking when I don’t really want a cigarette.

Another goal is to freelance more for other publications. I’m in the habit of mostly writing for a couple publications here in town, kind of in a rut and I need to spread my wings a little more.

I have a novel coming out in the late spring or early summer. It’s all finished, but I’ve been working on another one that I want to “fine-tune” in 2010.

Tell me, how do you intend to shake things up in 2010?

(Image from WordPress)

On New Year’s Eve, Don’t Let This Happen to You

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow and, of course, I’ll be drinking but in the safety of my own space—my apartment.

Some years back, I learned that this works out best for me. I’m no stranger to going to downtown bars here in Cincinnati and having a few drinks, but on New Year’s Eve, I don’t feel like being out with the crazies and I certainly don’t want to get pulled over and get a DUI.

Let me make it very clear: I don’t approve of drunk driving. It’s a sin I tell you—an absolute sin—but let’s be honest, drunk people can be kind of funny when they get pulled over and it’s caught on tape.

Take a look at this. . .

Admit it, you laughed.

Don’t let this happen to you. On New Year’s Eve, don’t drink and drive. Get a ride home with a sober friend or call a cab and always remember, don’t even think about calling me.

(Photo from WordPress)

Got a Kindle?

Maybe you got one of those Kindle things for Christmas. Maybe you need some suggestions as to what books to download. If so, The Huffington Post is here to help.

I don’t have a Kindle. Whenever I want to read a certain book, I go to a bookstore to buy it or I’ll order it on line.

I like turning the pages; I like a good old fashion bookmark and I don’t have to worry about batteries going dead when I’m reading.

When I’m done with the book, I don’t have to turn it off. I simply put it in one of my bookcases and it’s there waiting for me should I decide I want to reread it.

Don’t get me wrong—modern technology is great, but when it comes to books, I think I’ll stay old school.

(Photo from Google)

Please Notice the Look of Joy on Our Faces

Yes it’s true. I’m sharing with you my Christmas evening through pictures.

Above is my son Brandon’s house. That’s him standing out there on the porch. Look at the joy on his face and please note how tastefully the outside of his house is decorated for the holidays. Nope, not a Homer Simpson inflatable Santa in sight.

Here’s one of me with my daughter Jennifer and son Brandon. I think at this point, I’m on my third vodka and tonic. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. How could a young looking guy like me have kids that are in their 20’s?

Here’s Jen standing by some of the food. She brought a pasta salad. My son had finger sandwiches and fruit. My ex-wife Linda brought shrimp and I brought a veggie tray, forgetting that nobody really likes veggie trays.

This is my ex-wife Linda surrounded my some of the gifts she received. Can’t you feel the joy?

And there’s even more joy. Here’s Brandon with some of his gifts.

Yes, that’s me on the left with my son on the right. He got me a badly needed filing cabinet for my office area at home. I think in this photo, I was on my fifth vodka and tonic but at that point in the evening, I really wasn’t counting.

So that was our Christmas night. Anyone want a veggie tray?

(Photos taken by Santa)

I Still Don’t Really Care

I haven’t followed the Cincinnati Bengals for years and despite the fact they’re doing well this year, I’m still not. At least I’m not a fair weather fan—doesn’t that count for something?

Still, I know many of you are thrilled that our team beat the Chiefs yesterday 17 to 10 and are the AFC North champs. Here’s your link to read more about it.

There. I don’t want any of you complaining that I never write about sports.

(Photo ripped off from The Cincinnati Enquirer)

That Was the Week That Was—In Blogs

If you’re reading this, you apparently got past Christmas or whatever you want to call it. Did you have a good one? My head is still trying to recover from the drinking I did Christmas night—can’t believe I drank that whole damn bottle—but outside of that, it was a good day.

On her blog, C.A. MacConnell tells us about her Christmas and how she got that keyboard she’s always wanted. C.A., once my head stops hurting, I may come over and you can play me a few songs.

Jami Attenberg at Whatever – Whenever got what she wanted for the holidays—a copy of her latest novel that will be released next month. Jami, once my head stops hurting, I may come over and you can read me pages from your book, but it’s not all that likely I’ll be over because I don’t feel like taking a bus to New York.

I don’t think the Pope wanted to be knocked over for Christmas, but you can’t always get what you want. Wonkette fills us in.

John Fox over at The Daily Beat was proud that many of us here this holiday season shopped local. I did my part. That bottle of vodka that I bought for Christmas for which I’m paying the price for now was purchased at a locally owned liquor store in Newport.

I know I’m not being very witty this morning but with my head hurting I simply don’t care. Sue me.

Moving on. . .

Are you into celebrity scandals? I could care less, but if that’s your bag, The Huffington Post wants to know which ones you found the most shocking in 2009.

And if you’re going to the Bengals game this afternoon, The Cincinnati Nation tells us you’ll still find good seating available. Me? I won’t be going.

Now where the hell did I put that bottle of Aleve?

(Photo from goodfinancialcents.com)

It Wouldn’t be Christmas Without a Little bit of “A Christmas Story”

Don’t you hate it when somebody asks you if you have a favorite Christmas movie? Well, I’m not going to ask you but I will volunteer that I have one.

And it’s only one. I make a point this time every year to watch “A Christmas Story” at least once. After all these years, I never tire of it.

Here’s a little bit of it.

Enjoy your day. We’ll be back on Sunday.

(Photo from WordPress)

Tomorrow will be Whatever You Make It

Knock wood, tomorrow will be my 55^th Christmas and I’ve learned a few things over the years.

Tomorrow, Christmas—or whatever you want to call it—is really what you made it. I wrote about it this week in CityBeat. Click here to read the column.

Regardless of how you want your day to be, I hope you have a good one or at the very least get through it.

My plan is to enjoy the day. I think I’ll be fine, but in case I’m not, I’ve planned ahead. I’ve got plenty of vodka and cigarettes to help get me through.

(Photo from Google)

We’re Literate Here

It’s very common to find Cincinnati on many “worst” lists, so it makes me feel good when we’re on a “best” list.

Did you know that Cincinnati is one of most literate cities in the United States? Seattle came in first, but we came in at #7. To see the rest of the top ten, click here.

This is why I write and stay in Cincinnati and not live in New York. I want to work and live in a city that’s literate.

This is, of course, a lie. I’d love to live in New York City, but I’d run out of money there in a New York minute.

(Photo from WordPress)

It’s the Most “Whatever” Time of the Year

Actually it’s the time of year when I feel like I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off (sorry—know it’s not a pretty vision this early in the morning).

I got the shopping done on Monday afternoon. On early deadline for the CityBeat column, I wrapped that up Tuesday morning.

Today I’ll be wrapping gifts in the morning, then preparing a few meals for myself for tonight and Thursday night as I’ll be out with some friends tonight and tomorrow night and know I won’t feel like cooking when I get back home from drinking.

Yes, drinking. Who the hell can stop this time of year? Not that I was ever planning to.

Christmas day, I’ll be at my son’s house with my ex-wife (of course we’re still friends) and daughter opening gifts, eating good food and—again—drinking.

What are your plans?

(Photo of Larry drinking found on Google)