Happy Thanksgiving

Greetings Readers

As the post says - Happy Thanksgiving to all

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

An Annual Thanksgiving Tradition Over?

Greetings Readers

In the past month I have noticed that the Black Eyed Pea Restaurant that is located on Arapahoe Road has closed down. I am not sure when it officially closed it doors, but I happened to noticed in the past month that the Black Eyed Pea signage has been taken down and that there are no vehicles parked in the parking lot that I usually see vehicles in. All that is left is the Black Eyed Pea Color scheme on the building and the "for lease" signage that now adorns the empty building.

What that means now is that my annual traditional Thanksgiving ritual that I have been doing for the past ten years or so when I am in Colorado for Thanksgiving appears to be over. Over in a sense that I will probably never have another Thanksgiving dinner at Black Eyed Pea when alone on Thanksgiving Day in Denver.

This was a tradition that I started when I first found myself alone on Thanksgiving Day and I did not want to impose/get invited to a Thanksgiving gathering. In my view, not an opinion, I believe in Thanksgiving Day is for immediate family. I can not see myself at Friends, acquaintances for Thanksgiving Dinner. Granted, I may know the person really well to be invited to go over to their house for Thanksgiving, but I just do not feel comfortable being with others I may not know well, or at all.

I know it sounds kooky, crazy, weird, but that is how I feel about this particular Holiday. It is not that I would/desire to be alone on Thanksgiving Day, but I want others to feel good about their Thanksgiving and perhaps not fully enjoying their Thanksgiving due to me being at their Thanksgiving gathering. I am sure that it is okay with everyone, but with me I am not okay with that.

I am not sure if I have gone over my Thanksgiving Tradition when I am in Denver alone with you Readers, but I will once more. Basically, I go to the movie theatre and see a movie that I wanted to see or perhaps that was released that holiday weekend. After that I then treat myself to Black Eyed Pea since they usually have a Thanksgiving Dinner special that they serve. And that is that. Simple and I am okay with that - a movie and a dinner. No hassle. No worries if I am making anyone uncomfortable at some one's Thanksgiving Dinner.

Yes, I do get asked if I am staying in town for Thanksgiving or if I am going down to the Ranch to see my parents and have Thanksgiving with them. If I am staying in Colorado I usually get invited to one or two dinners, but I have always declined.

Although! Last year if I was in town I would have loved to gone to Bobbie Rae's Thanksgiving Dinner due to what transpired over there, but alas. It was not to be (you can check my blog history on that incident).

Anyway, I feel kind of "empty" or "sad" that Black Eyed Pea has closed just that location (or all of them?) down. For the future, I am going to have to find a new place to have my Thanksgiving Dinner at after my Thanksgiving movie tradition.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Qdoba "Alcohol" Incident - Part 1

Greetings Readers

I have been putting this off for a bit. Another “Qdoba Incident,” but not like the complaining incident.

For the past week I have been kicking and calling myself names about how I fucking complained about my “free” burrito I was entitled to. I wondered how she now felt about me. I wanted to know how she felt, but then again I did not want to know how she felt about the last “incident.” I was a mess and felt that I should have let go the error Qdoba caused. It was after all only $ 7.00, but it was 10 prior visits to earn that free burrito.

Now, I have had the past week to reflect, plan, and to ask how to recover from my past incident from my friends. Of course, they laughed and smiled at me when they heard of the “Qdoba incident”

Anyway, I told the story over and over to the people who do not read my blog and I pretty much got the same reaction.

Well, by Wednesday I decided and came to the conclusion of what I needed to do and perhaps what the problem was/is.

I was sober.

Yeah. I was sober and I apparently was trying to score while in a sober state. After all, my past history shows that I have done better with alcohol in my system as opposed to no alcohol when trying to score.

Well, between Wednesday and Friday I had to come to a plan in order to get a drink in me. Do I go to the liquor store and buy a bottle and basically drink behind a tree? Do I go to a local bar? Do I bring a bottle of beer from home? Getting a drink before seeing the Qdoba girl was getting a bit more difficult than I planned to.

Yet, overall when I spoke to my friends about what I planned to do they were in agreement. After all, I am uptight most of the time and a drink would loosen me up - a bit. Be a bit more approachable. Yet, all my friends warned me not to drink too much. I replied that one beer is not going to make me drunk.

So comes Friday and I was ready. It was cold and it was only cold because of the wind. I was freezing. I had to take Light Rail to shorten my trip. I arrived at the place I decided to get a drink. Just a short hop and a skip away from Qdoba’s.

I walked in and saw that I was going to be the only one at the bar. Not a problem since I had a goal in mind and I was not looking for someone at the bar to “hook up” with.

I ordered a draft beer – Odell’s wheat beer. The bartender asks me what size. For a few seconds I wonder, then decided I might as well as go to the largest size available. Why not. After all I am only having one beer. I think it was 33 ounces. Sounds like a lot, but manageable.

While drinking my one beer the bartender made conversation. About biking, then running. I, of course, gave only what was pertinent to the conversation and said no more. The bartender was over 10 years younger than me, but I made sure that I did not come off to conceited or the “I am better than you” attitude, which I am, but know when not to use/say that.

I would say it was about 20 minutes of me sitting at the bar taking my time drinking that tall glass of beer, when I see two blondes take the two bar stools one bar stool away from me. I was about ¾ done with my beer and just minding my business since I had a goal that evening – the Qdoba girl.

I then hear “yeah this guy bikes also” I turn and look at the bartender. The two blondes look at me. Five minutes later everyone was impressed with I do on and off a bike. On how hard-core I am, but do not act like I am hard-core.

I grabbed my mug and see that there are about two swallows of beer left and I have been drinking for about 30 minutes.

Finished. “Well I guess it is time for me to go.”

“Really?” one blonde says.

“Can we buy you another beer?”

About two seconds pass in my mind. Of fucking course, but then the reasoning side of my brain tells me that the Qdoba girl is waiting for me to make an appearance.

I look at my watch, but honestly Readers I did that just for the sakes that I could stay for another drink. After all, I was getting a beer for free! “Well, Ok”

15 minutes after that I had finished another tall glass of Wheat beer and I was starting to feel good.

The bartender comes over and holds out his hand. “Hi, my name’s ##### and thanks for sharing.” Or something very close to that. “I have to close out my drawer now.”

I was taken back for a second or two, but I put out my hand shook his. “My name is Daryl and thanks.” And “here is your tip.”

That was that. Or so I thought. I see him pouring a drink, but not paying attention.

The bartender turns around and says “Here’s one to keep you warm on your ride home.”

Damn.

I was buzzed, but this shot was going to get me further buzzed.

What the fuck - you only live once.

Needless to say – I said goodbye to the two 21-year-old blondes. After all I had a destiny with the Qdoba girl. Oh yeah Readers, my friends said I should have said at the bar with the two blondes, but again I had a “Friday date” with my Qdoba girl. The two blondes were cute, but not cute enough for me to stay and try to score with one, or both of them.

I got on my bike and proceeded to head to Qdoba’s, but knowing that perhaps I should go straight home due to how buzzed I was getting, on an empty stomach. I do admit I was shakily riding home on my bike. I was nearing Qdoba’s and I literally felt the shot kick in. I saw Qdoba’s and I also saw the path home. I knew I should go home since I did drink more alcohol than I planned to.

At the last second I turned my bike into the parking lot and saw myself pedaling to Qdoba’s

From outside the restaurant I saw my Qdoba girl. I pushed opened the front door, caught the eye of my Qdoba girl and had the biggest alcohol smile on my face. I did the reverse nod to her with a smile on my face and never broke eye contact with her. Even though she did.

Fuck me. The alcohol was in control...

To Be Continued

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sleep Well My Friend

Greetings Readers

I am happy and very happy to share this letter with you. A letter from Berkeley Breathed that was/is on his website regarding my friend, Opus.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Soprano's Box Complete Series

Greetings Readers

There was no question, no hesitation, and no expense that I had to purchase the complete Soprano’s series boxed set DVDs right away.

With me being a die-hard fan and still a faithful watcher to this day, I had to get this set as soon as possible.

And with the release of this set this past week I knew I had a chance before the week was up that the sale price would be a good price to buy the complete Soprano’s series at. Basically, Target had the lowest price at 249.99. That was that. I knew that once the week was over the opening week sale price was going to go to normal MSRP. And once after the first week was over I knew the complete series will be staying at normal price for a while.

Why? Well first it is an HBO set, which means any DVD sets hardly go on sale until four years later or so. And in between now and Christmas I highly doubt there is going to be a bigger sale price on the Complete Soprano’s seasons DVD set. Either buy the set now or wait, which the set will not get any cheaper. Or that much cheaper than what I paid.

Needless to say, I bought the set and I am so glad I did. The big reason that I decided to buy the set was that I have been waiting and waiting until the Season Six, Part II to come down in price. What I mean is that for the eight episodes HBO still wanted full price of a regular season (roughly $ 80.00). To me, that was a rip off. So ever since seeing the last episode I have not be able to see the second part of Season six.

When I got to Target and saw the Soprano’s I picked up the box and it was heavy. And I mean heavy. But the weight of the complete series I held in my hands I knew I was about to be reunited with my second family.

Tone, Carm, AJ and Med. A family not so much different than our families that we may know. I know that it is a fictional family, but it is pretty close to dysfunctional to a family that you may know of. Besides being dysfunctional, the Soprano’s are a family that you could relate to on another level.

I care about the family. I feel their heartaches, their anger and their issues. All in all they have secrets, have race issues, money issues, life issues and day-to-day relationship issues that are not much different from our issues in life. To say that is not true is not accepting that it is true.

Anyway, this past weekend I made it a Season Six – Part Two marathon. I had to catch up where I left the family last. Those last eight episodes are pretty remarkable. Written, directed and nicely put together those eight episodes gave us “the beginning of the end”

I could not help to reflect on the last commercial I saw for Season Six – Part Two being released on DVD. The woman crying because she saw two garbage men throwing a rolled carpet up in the trash dump truck in an alley, the black guy crying when he sees a heavy set guy walk past him by in a track suit. The man crying in the deli over deli meats he sees in the window counter display. And lastly, the guy crying outside a train store window that holds a model train set being run.

That commercial ranks up in my top 5 commercials of all time. Yes, it was sad to see those last eight episodes. Bobby, AJ, Christopher, Uncle Junior, Silvio, to name the “good guys.” And then a couple of the bad guys, Johnny (I have to admit I got choked up), Phil (oh yes!). Overall, I did mimic that commercial, I shed a tear and then some.

Readers, I want to tell you about my favorite scenes and episodes, but I am sure that some of you Readers have not seen the Soprano’s and perhaps are waiting to see the Soprano’s when the time is right.

Getting back to the box set. Beautifully put together. There is a black box made out of sturdy material as opposed to just cardboard. Inside the box is a black velvet-like bag that contains a “family” album. An album like you Readers might have for photos. The album is also black with red lettering of “the Soprano’s” on the front of the album. Inside the album contains album like pages made out of very sturdy material. Pretty thick pages so the pages will not get bent. Each page holds four discs (two on each side). At the back of the album there is are some pages that give a brief description of each of the season’s episode. Unlike the normal description, these brief descriptions are to the point and are pretty humorous to read. Funny, but to the point.

I just love my family Album. With my box Seasons of the Soprano’s I plan to give them to my parents.

Anyway, I am very, very proud to own and say that I have the complete series of the Soprano’s on DVD. I can see Paulie, Pie o Mine, Big Pussy, Dr. Melfi, Hesch, Vito, Agent Harris, “Ichabod Crane”, to name a few characters whenever I want. 86 Episodes, 33 DVD’s, over 3 ½ hours of extra stuff. Nice.

And in my opinion - the last scene of the Soprano’s that has the song playing “Don’t Stop Believing” is very good. To this day I still wonder. The Soprano’s getting together in a restaurant after all that has happened and Tony’s last look, supposedly, to the front door of the restaurant then the scene goes black. Wow.

Mad? Yes. Yet, after being mad it was a perfect ending to the Soprano’s. Granted, I wanted an ending to wrap up loose ends, but then again whatever happened to the Russian in the forest in the middle of winter?

I am still wondering about what ever happened to that Russian that “supposedly” got shot. So, with the series finale you Readers can see that David Chase is not unfamiliar to leaving loose ends open.

P.S. To be honest I miss Tony, Carmella, A.J. and Meadow as much as miss my parents and brother. The Soprano’s are as real as my family. I did care about the Soprano’s and always hoped the best for them.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

My "15 Wishes" are no Longer

Greetings Readers

Well, it almost took me two months to redeem my “15 wishes.” ( you can click to see the original Blog post on obtaining and thinking of the 15 wishes I granted myself. Also, I know I usually do not reference past blog posts, but I thought just in case you Readers need to read about me getting my first iTunes gift card to redeem http://redhooktyrant.blogspot.com/2008/09/15-wishes-roughly.html) 56 days for me to finally put a list together that I deemed worthy to be purchased.

I will not say that this is my number one list of all time. Not by a long shot. These are just my choices to choose from by many factors I weighed in by personal opinion.

There were a lot of factors that I took in consideration. Granted, half of the songs that I bought I have on cassette tape, but I do not have on CD. Most of this is not unusual, but what is unusual is that I do not have one single Pink Floyd CD in my collection. I do have every Pink Floyd album/CD on cassette tape, but I do not have any Pink Floyd on CD.

Very strange for me not to have in my CD collection, but I think the reasoning is that in the past most, if not all, Pink Floyd CD were never on sale, so I did not want to pay the full price. And the funny thing is that I love The Wall, A Delicate Sounder of Thunder and A Momentary Lapse of Reason, to name a few Pink Floyd CD’s I would just love to have in my CD collection.

Now, I gave some serious thought to buying a couple of Pink Floyd songs on iTunes, but the accountant came out in me. If I buy a song for a .99 cents and tax - what happens when I buy that Pink Floyd CD later down in the road in life? I guess I would be paying more than I should be paying since I would be buying the CD, plus any single songs I buy from iTunes.

Now, I do not know when I am going to buy A Momentary Lapse of Reason, but just the thought of buying a song now and then buying the CD later is not cost effective. I would be losing money on the deal. One could argue just buy the song now and then listen to my heart’s content, but I could not. I would love to have the song “Dogs of War,” but then again I have done this long without “Dogs of War” so far so what is more time? I do not know, but I am okay with waiting for me to purchase the CD.

So, with that reasoning I did not buy one single Pink Floyd song, even though listening to the 30-second clip brought back memories. Though I guess I will have to listen to my cassette tape. Ain’t no thang.

I chose songs that I have heard at one time. Or have thought about buying the music at one time. Or songs that are one of a kind, in a sense, to me.

Now, choosing this list did not take the entire 56 days. A week would go by before I even thought about my “15 wishes.” Other times I would think of something or something would remind of something and then I would quickly write down the song and or artist. Then, I would forget about what I wrote down until I remembered days later perhaps.

Now, there were two artists that I saw on iTunes that I looked over and over at. Tiesto and Natalie Merchant. I was very, very hesitant of buying any songs from these two artists since I basically have bought or would buy any CD’s that I do not have in my collection. And buying any single song would mean that I just “threw away” money.

Yet, I was able to find two songs that I did not have and most likely would not find on any CD in the future.

All right Readers, I think I have rambled enough.

If you clicked on the blog picture post first then you probably saw the list of “15 wishes.” Actually, I was only able to purchase “14 wishes” due to sales tax. Sales tax, fuck me once more.

Let me not broach that subject of sales tax, though I did use a zip code that I know has one of the lowest sales taxes that I know of the addresses that I have available.

Let me begin.

1. Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing – Chris Isaak. I think, the first time that I heard this song was in Stanley Kubrick’s last movie. I loved the song from the first time I heard it and I just never got around to buying the CD soundtrack (which I would assume that the song was on) or a CD from the Artist since it would be on an album of Chris Isaak. I just love hearing “Bay Did a Bad Bad thing” in that voice in the song.

2. All You Zombies – Hooters. I heard this song in my Uncle’s El Camino going down I-40 in New Mexico when I was younger. I just loved the opening music and the beat throughout the song. I do not care for the guitar riff in the song, but other than that this is a song that reminds of listening to while we were speeding down I-40 and this song playing full blast from the stereo speakers my uncle installed in his El Camino.

3. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley. I do not know the artist, but I hear this song every now and then on a TV show. I do not know if it was this song specifically or redone by another artist, but I chose this version, because of length and popularity on iTunes. I have to say I chose right. The haunting word of “Hallelujah” makes such an impression on me – simple but effective and in my opinion not religious-like.

4. God’s Gonna Cut You Down – Johnny Cash. Wow. I first heard this song was the On-Demand video on Comcast Cable. This was/is during my Johnny Cash phase and I wanted to hear more songs of Johnny Cash. Anyway, the back-story is that I absolutely love the video / song. The video is in Black and white and features many, many famous people in many different states. Chris Rock moving his head back and forth, Lindsay Lohan looking ordinary in a manner of speaking, ZZ top, Sheryl Crow, etc. It is the video that helps the song, but the song’s beat is fantastic, the lyrics being sung by Johnny Cash is so on and eerie since it was the last of Johnny’s music to be recorded before he past away.

5. Black Horse and the Cherry Tree – K.T. Tunstall. This is a live version via iTunes version. Anyway, I love this song and the beat once more. I chose this version since it is longer than the radio/original version. I really first paid attention to this song when it was used for the U.S. Open Tennis on USA Networks. From that point, I was hooked and have been looking forward to buying this CD/song, which I still need to do since this version of the song is an iTunes exclusive.

6. Mad World – Micheal Andrews and ????. I first heard this song in a commercial and that was for the first Gears of War game. I think, I remember the commercial of a marine in the dark and this song playing and then out of the darkness came a beast towering above and behind him. It was not the commercial that drew me to the song, but the melody of the song and the simplicity of the music and lyrics I heard. Then, it was this year, 2008, that I saw the movie “Donny Darko” for the first time and I heard this song in the movie and I was reminded of the piano playing and really making the song work.

7. Kind and Generous – Natalie Merchant. I saw this particular song was on a WDST CD, which might be like our radio station in Denver, Colorado KBCO. KBCO each year puts out exclusive songs by various artists that are recorded in the KBCO radio station studio (also known as Studio C). Often acoustic or a different variation of the song from the album version was played in Studio C. So, I listened to the 30-second clip and I heard that this was an exclusive song and I knew that I needed to have this song for my Natalie Merchant collection. I knew that I would never by that album with this song so that is why I bought this song.

8. Promiscuous – Nelly Furtado. I first heard this song on SNL (Saturday Night Live) and I could not believe Nelly Furtado was singing this with someone else. It was not the Nelly that I have heard in the past. Ever since that Saturday night on Saturday Night Live I have been wanting to buy this CD, but I have not gotten around to, yet. So, I bought this song, which is another iTunes exclusive, which means I am okay with this purchase too.

9. Long Hard Road – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I have heard this song before, but not really listening to and being hooked to the “Long Hard Road” after hearing this song in the credits of “Texasville.” I know that I have had a long hard road and listening to the song relaxes me and also makes me think of Texas and my past in general. Perhaps there are more songs by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band that I my like, but I guess this is where the benefit of buying a single song actually comes in handy. And I have to admit when I am down at the Ranch in New Mexico I do hear this song every time I am in New Mexico.

10. Ready, Steady, Go – Oakenfold. Again, another song that was used for the U.S. Open Tennis. And it fucking fits. Yet, the past two years USA Networks did not use this while televising the U.S. Open. I also heard this song in the movie “Collateral” and just recently the “Bourne Identity.” I love the music and beat and it has not left my head. This was basically a no-brainer to purchase.

11. Black Betty – Ram Jam. I never knew the artist who sang this song. This song rocks – period! I bought the original version, but I did listen to some re-mixes and thought about buying a version of Black Betty, but thought to stick to the original since that is what I have heard of Black Betty. I think Black Betty really came to my attention from the movie “Blow.” Ever since I hope to hear this song on the radio.

12. Big Log – Robert Plant. This was a no-brainer for me to buy. “My love is in league with the freeway…” and “the coming of night time” I first heard this song probably in Junior high or perhaps high school, but since then this song means a lot to me. My love was the freeways of life and I did drive all over the central United States to the western side of the United States and I was in league with the freeway. There is more that this song means to me, but I think that is something I need to keep to myself, for now.

13. Lethal Industry – Tiesto. This song was sort of up in the air to purchase. I am sure that I would find this album and buy when I see, but the thought of not owning this version of the song that is 8 minutes long was too good to pass up. I have two short versions (about 3 minutes) and then I have like an almost 18 minute version of the song. So, having a version of the song between 3 and almost 18 minutes was too good to pass up. The song is good and there is a particular riff of the song that I could listen to over and over. All other parts of the song don’t matter.

14. Telling Stories – Tracy Chapman. I first heard this song on KBCO and it was probably due to Brett Saunders of KBCO that got me hooked to liking this song. Brett said to us listeners that he like/loved this new song from Tracy Chapman, when it first came out, and from that point on I was hooked. From the opening of the song to the lyrics it really caught my attention. This song to me was nothing like the Tracy Chapman I heard from before (example – “Fast cars” and “Give me one reason.”)

And there you have it Readers. My “15 wishes” were finally redeemed and decided and now it was time to share my first ever purchases from iTunes with you faithful Readers and general Readers alike. I would have to say that the list is pretty well rounded and I am proud to say that I am very, very happy with my choice of songs that I purchased. Songs I obviously wanted and not songs that I had to have because I needed to have. I actually took some thought and what may happen later down the “Long Hard Road” of life.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The "Missing" Ice Cream Bars

Greetings Readers

Well, you faithful Readers have heard (read) me blog about my “missing” Subway sandwich and perhaps other “missing” items throughout this blog. If I remember correctly, I was a bit irate since the day after I got my 12” Subway sandwich I put the other half in the work refrigerator so I could have the other half for lunch the following day.

Lo and behold – my last Subway sandwich went missing earlier this year.

Since that last incident I have occasionally bought and brought in some ice cream bars before work. Usually, it is box of 6 ice cream sandwiches or drumsticks. Mind you not the cheap kind. We are talking Dreyer’s, Dove, Nestle Crunch, etc.

Unfortunately, it is the work refrigerator freezer that I have to store my ice cream in and there is no way for me to guard my “good stuff.” Anyway, every now and then and ice cream bar would be gone and that’s that. I am fucked. So, I usually have a lost of one ice cream bar per box I bring in to work.

Well, last month I brought in a box of ice cream, Nestle Crunch, and I only got to have three ice cream bars in two days. Actually two ice cream bars, since I gave one to my friend. One disappeared between the afternoon and the following morning when I checked the refrigerator. Then, I decided that morning my friend and I are going to have ice cream for lunch. Lunch came and then there was no ice cream bars left. Un-fucking-believable.

Fuck me.

I was pissed, fucking pissed. Subway sandwich – no real reason to get pissed, but ice cream sandwiches are a fucking reason to get fucking pissed off when three go missing in four hours.

I know that I was asking for it when I included a post-it note on the ice cream box “I bought these ice cream bars, therefore they are not yours to eat. They are not free-so do not eat.”

Yet, where I work sometimes other departments have treats and the “extras” get put in the break room and the floor refrigerator. And in that case any “extras” are usually fair game to take and eat for free.

Yet, I wanted to state for the record that this was my ice cream and I bought it.

I was mad. Real mad. And I stayed mad for about two days. My close (so called) friends laughed and smiled and joked about if did I bring in more ice cream bars for the ice cream bar “thief.” At the end of the second day of being mad I had laugh with them. Though, I am secretly planning on how to get the last laugh. I think I know who this person is and they are having free treats on me, but I promise to have my revenge.

I have not let this go by a long shot, but I have not brought in any new ice cream bars since that last incident.

I would not have mind if someone had dropped some money in my ice cream box, buy the box was empty of money and ice cream and nothing to show for my purchase.

As the old Klingon saying goes

“Revenge is a dish best served cold”

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

First Snowfall of Autumn

Greetings Readers

If I am thinking clearly then today is/was the first snowfall of autumn this year. Sure, we have had some frost and hard frost, but no real accumulation of snow in Denver, Colorado.

I have to say that I was skeptical of snow actually falling in my area of South of Denver, but as I got up and looked out the window this morning – I immediately thought to myself “that’s fucking great.” I am sure that it was not real cold, but I did not want to deal with snow – at all. With that frame of mind there was no way I was going to bike the entire way to work. No reason, I just did not want to.

So, with the snow falling I decided to wear my bike shorts and that’s it. I figured that the air was warm enough and not terribly too cold for me to put on my long cycling pants. Again, it was just the state of mind I was in that morning. I did shove my long cycling pants into my backpack for use when I go home from work that night.

And it did not help that I was hung over from the night of drinking.

So, if you have seen or clicked the blog picture post for today you can see my “winter” beater bike at the RTD bus stop. By the time I got the bus stop my brakes were iced over and useless. I was using my infamous “Fred Flintstone” foot stop.

A few people saw me riding into work and commented on me riding with shorts only. Yes, it was cold, but not cold. Very manageable to me.

I had heard it was going to be in the 30’s this day and to me that is very manageable to ride in. What I did not hear that is was going to be windy. Fuck me. Oh yes, when I got off work at about 4:30 or so the wind was blowing gustily and I only had my wind breaker, bandanna on my head and thinsulate gloves on. And I had to go to the bank to get some spending cash.

After all, I had to go to Qdoba’s to see my Qdoba girl. Though this time around I was not ready since the last time our meeting did not go well, from my point of view.

And that story will be told later when it happens, which I am not sure that it will happen. I am just psyching myself out right now since according to me I had to do what I had to do last week when I saw my Qdoba girl last Friday.

“Principality.”

P.S. Readers for the next Amazing Race I chose the “Frat Boys” to be eliminated. They are not smart and somehow they are making it further and further in the Amazing Race by luck and chance. Well, their luck has to run out - and soon. My co-worker chose the “dating couple” no reasoning behind that she shared with me. But I have to agree that they do seem like the next team that would be the weakest.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Other Side of Mr. Charley

Greetings Readers

Well, I thought to once more “toot” my own horn (since you know I love to do as much as I can). As you can see from the Blog picture post I got a letter from a vendor indicating to me that my “communication skills” were appreciated.

Oh yes readers, I have been carrying that letter around for the past week. I wanted to put this in my personnel file, but then I thought this just a letter, with a gift certificate, and I am happy enough. I do not need this in personnel file, since this may promote me, which I do not want to happen.

Anyway, I wanted to share this with you Readers. Yes, to show you that the “business” side of me is opposite from what you have read on this blogsite. As I have stated for the record in my blog profile - I am two different people. There is “work” Daryl and then there is “not at work” Daryl.

And I am looking forward to take me and my friend to lunch on behalf of this very nice vendor that I deal with. After all, my friend is the one that does the driving when we go out for lunch each week.

Changing subjects – I think I have finally given away all my Halloween candy. Unfortunately, I did not get the trick or treaters in my neighborhood. And as per my custom I buy full size candy bars to give out as Trick or Treat Candy. I do not believe in the little bars of candy of bags of Halloween candy that us consumers can buy for the trick or treaters.

This past Halloween I was unable to go to ZZ Top so I was going to entertain the trick or treaters. And I have to say that it went well. The trick or treaters, and their parents (the hot moms) remembered me from last year. “Oh, you are the full size candy bar guy” or “you are the bike rider in our neighborhood” and I smile and agree. After all, one of those hot moms, if single, might come by. It has not happen, yet, but it might.

I think, that since Halloween was on a Friday this year it kept some of the Trick or Treaters from coming out. Perhaps their parents had plans on a Friday. I do not know. But in my opinion I think that is the reason why I did not get a lot of costumed children.

I used my bike wear as my costume and should anyone ask who I am I would say that I am either Greg Lemond or Jan Ulrich. Should someone say, “Are you L.A.?” I would say quickly – no.

P.S. Readers I lost my first bet of this Amazing Race Season. My friend chose “the divorcees” and she won. Urgh. I chose the “separated couple” since they had a speed bump to complete before resuming the Amazing Race, but they were able to recover nicely and not come in last. Oh, my friend had the taste of victory and she said “ah.”

I could not help to laugh with her. Hah hah.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Thank you Berkeley Breathed

Greetings Readers

I do miss my friend and I especially missed him this past Sunday. I bought the Sunday paper and I was hoping to see perhaps it was a "joke", but where "Opus" was on the front page was another Comic in its place. The Reality of "Opus" being gone really hit me.

I grew up with my friend since I was in junior high school and have to come to terms that it was the final good-bye.

Yes, the final good-bye. To me I lost my best friend. And his best friends.

Opus has been there for me for almost all my life. Well, not just Opus, but all the characters from Bloom County. When I had read that Bloom County was ending I was sad, but never thought anymore about it. Then, Outland was born and I got to see some, if not all, my Bloom county characters.

When Outland ended I thought that was the end.

Then, I saw in the Rocky Mountain News “Opus” and I immediately knew that is was Opus, the penguin from Bloom County. Since seeing Opus I have been a faithful follower. After all Berkeley Breathed has only a Sunday Comic to do each week. He does not have to do a comic each day. I was happy that Berkeley Breathed came back and if only to do a Sunday only comic. To see Opus and perhaps other characters I was more than willing to accept those terms.

“Opus” since his inception was nice. I followed every Sunday and made it a tradition to buy the Sunday paper for just “Opus” Even with the cost of the Sunday paper going up. Opus meant that much to me.

Each week I looked forward to “Opus” and perhaps a character from Bloom County showing up. After all I grew up with Bloom County and I deserved to see characters from Bloom County to make an appearance in “Opus”

Steve Dallas, Bill the Cat, Binkley, Oliver Wendell Jones, Lola and other characters made there way into “Opus” and I was happy and choked up to see my “old” friends once more.

When I found out that “Opus” was ending last month and Berkeley Breathed was hanging up his comic drawings I became very, very sad. Since Berkeley Breathed never mentioned of giving up Bloom County before in the past I assumed that he would come back. Now, he has stated for the record he will not bring back Opus and Bloom County - ever.

I did cry Readers. After all I grew up with Bloom County and all the spin-offs of the comic Bloom County. Each week I had something to look forward to on Sunday. Seeing Bloom County and perhaps laughing, but other times choking up on some subject in the comic “Opus”

Opus made me laugh. Opus made me cry. Opus made me remember the past. And Opus made me remember what I loved about Opus.

I just want to thank Berkeley Breathed for all the times Opus and Bloom County made me laugh and cry. Opus touched me and made laugh when I needed a laugh. I am sad to see Opus go, but I also understand why Mr. Breathed has decided to stop “Opus.”

For the past month I have been in denial and saying to myself “please don’t stop,” but I knew that this is really the end.

Goodbye Opus. Bill the Cat, Oliver Wendell Jones, Milo, Binkley, Steve Dallas, John Cutter, Hodge Podge, Ronald-Ann, Milquetoast, Rosebud, Lola, and other minor characters. You made me laugh more than I cried at you guys. I know for a fact there will never be a comic like yours to come.

Farewell. And once more THANK YOU very much for being in most of my life

Update 11/12/08 - these are my only two Stuffed Opus's that I have pictured on today's post.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Veteran's Day - Remember Them All

Greetings Readers

My Dad is a Veteran and I am thankful he is still living for I would not be here.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

Mr. L.A. - The "Male" Paris Hilton

Greetings Readers

I was thinking about Mr. L.A. Getting to the bottom of him he is like the male version of Paris Hilton.

He is okay for a while being in the spotlight and then not in the spotlight, but somehow he has to come into the spotlight so us Readers do not forget him.

I do not have a clue how many of you Readers know or heard about Mr. L.A. returning to the cycling world. Anyway, he made an announcement to return to cycle and wants to ride in the Tour de France next year.

Believe me Readers I was up in arms. I rolled my eyes, shook my head in disbelief and wondered what the fuck.

Well, let us fast forward to the past month. L.A. announced he was going to compete in this race and that race. And then there was a race in Australia that he wants to compete in, but his application period does not finish until after that Australia race in January 2009. Mr. L.A. becomes eligible to race officially in February 2009, but he has appealed to the IOC and they have granted early riding privileges. Meaning he will be racing mid January 2009 in Austraila.

That is not fucking fair. Why does Mr. L. A. get an early exemption to ride when all other riders must abide to the rules of the IOC? Why? Mr. L.A. must adhere to the rules that the IOC and any other cycling foundations have laid down. Just because he is L.A. does not mean that he gets special privileges.

Anyway, L.A. announced his return. The world awaited which team would he be joining or what team would be formed. Though every one knew that it would be the first thought – what team, since he technically “destroyed” team Discovery into oblivion.

Readers, this post is entirely in my opinion and no thorough research has been done on my behalf.

Team Astana, which is currently being lead by Johann who was L.A. former manager on Team Discovery and U.S. Postal, was the team that L.A. has joined. Or to specific as the news - L.A.’s team. No fucking way. Team Astana has two strong leaders – Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer. And for L.A. to all of sudden to come out of retirement and want to win another tour de France is un-heard able.

Well, Let me say this for being out of cycling for three years and then all of a sudden to come out of retirement, join a team and presumably become team captain is bullshit. There are other riders who have earned the respect to be team leader. For L.A. to come out of retirement and get on a team and perhaps become team leader is pure bullshit. Other riders have perhaps earned the right to lead a team. We do not know.

Fast forward – Now, L.A. is “afraid” for his safety. Well, I have to say he has been afraid for his safety since winning those tour de France and breaking the record. Not being selfish the French did and prepare for an American to break the record of most tours won. Not to mention other records. L.A. rode and there was no mention of extra security needed for him when he broke all records.

Now, for him to say he fears for his safety and whether or not he will be able to ride in the tour de France is just hogwash. If he wants to ride in the tour de France he must prove himself to the team and also earn the right to ride to ride in the tour de France.

With L.A. announcing that he is concerned about safety, the president of the tour de France and people like me, who have second thoughts about L.A. he should be concerned about his return. Times have changed, perhaps his prescription to his cancer drugs are no longer used. His high cadence is great, but now we may see the truth. Again, I do not know nor will I ever know. The tests are better, but the turn around time is still about a week. Readers, I am totally assuming this since I saw the turn around time last year in tour de France for positive drug use.

Oh by the way Readers, L.A. has hired his own drug tester, but come on – he hired this person. Who gives a fuck! What matters is when the test is done and what the results are. That is what matters. After all how do we not know that L.A. has not “paid off” this drug tester? And not in the sense of salary.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The "Qdoba" Incident

Greetings Readers

As I walked into Qdoba’s last Friday I saw that the place was a bit busy, busier than usual.

I saw my Qdoba girl and she was looking just as gorgeous as the last time I saw her.

I saw that she was manning the first station on the line – meaning that she was the person greeting each customer and asking what he or she wanted to eat.

When my turn came I was acting pretty customer-like, meaning I was not too friendly since there were other customers around. I just did not want to make our meetings too friendly in front of other customers. Her co-workers I was not worried about at all.

I said “Steak burrito – black” and she started getting my burrito together.

About 20 seconds later she passed me off to the next person whose job on the line was to add all the ingredients to the burrito, main dish. I was unable to say, “see you later” or “bye” since it was busy and there was a line behind me. We made brief eye contact before she greeted the next customer, but that was all.

Then, the ingredient woman passed me off to the cashier lady who rang me up. I said “Steak burrito, chips and salsa and a large drink” and she responded $ 10.65.

I gave her a ten-dollar bill and a one-dollar bill for a total of $ 11.00. I got my change back and proceeded to head to the table that I ate at the last time I was in Qdoba’s (Two Friday’s ago).

I was happy to see my Qdoba girl and the happiness showed on my face. Not to mention that this was going to be night that I am going to make my move.

Well, something occurred to me while I took my first bite of my steak burrito. I picked up my receipt and looked at the receipt.

Flashback – I remember from the last visit two weeks ago that I had reached my free burrito status. What that means is that I have bought 10 burritos so with my loyalty card after my 10th burrito I get the next burrito free. Anyway, last week my Qdoba girl was not there so I only ordered chips and salsa, which meant I would get a “free” burrito on the next visit.

Present – I see on the receipt that my meal cost about $ 3.65 and according to the receipt I gave the cashier lady four dollars. Readers, as I just wrote I gave her $ 11.00 dollars. And believe me, since I knew I only had a ten-dollar bill and some ones, since I planned to go the bank for some spending cash this weekend because I was broke. Yet, I was not able to get to the bank, therefore I made sure I had enough money to go to Qdoba’s that evening.

There I sat with my left hand holding the steak burrito and my right hand holding the receipt. I shook my head back and forth in a no-no motion.

I thought to myself “fuck me.”

Why could not this have happened on the second burrito, the seventh burrito or the eighth burrito purchase? Why did this have to happen on the “Free” burrito time? Why?!

Damn. My faithful Readers probably know what’s going to be the next thing I do in such a situation I found myself in.

I looked over my left shoulder and still see that there is still a line and they all are busy.

I turned my head back to the front sitting position and bowed my head in what I was going to do next.

Readers! I am not a fucking “cheap bastard.” Yet, there I was thinking about what I was going to do next. Granted, they charged me for my free burrito and basically that is about $ 7.00 dollars. I know Readers – it is only seven dollars. But. Yes another but. But it took me 10 visits at the cost of about 8 dollars per visit to get my “free” burrito. In the grand scheme of things, and yes my accounting side once more made an appearance, multiply 8 (8 dollars a visit) times 10 (each visit) and you come to $ 80.00 dollars. It took me roughly $ 80.00 to earn my free burrito.

If it was any other visit besides the “free” burrito visit I would have fucking let it go. Yes, I would have fucking care less. Yet, this was the “free” burrito visit and I really earned this “free” burrito visit.

I grabbed the change that I grabbed out of the change dispenser when I paid for my meal and headed up to the cashier lady that checked me out.

Just my fucking luck that I had to address the person who did not speak English well and apparently she did not understand English well. And Readers you know this is what I hate about the fast food places I visit. I am happy for immigrants to get jobs, but on the other hand I want to be understood and be able to understand what I may have to say should I say more than what I want to eat.

If you cannot speak and or understand English then you should not be in a position to be dealing with the public. As I have just written there are instances that require for us customers to address the employee who helped “us.”

As I spoke and explained what I just noticed the cashier lady just looked at me.

Readers, it took great resistance not to act like I would normally do when in a position such as this. Believe me I was just itching to say, “Give me someone who understands English!” or something to that effect. But. My Qdoba girl was just down the line and I sure did not want to look like a fucking rude customer in her eyes.

I make no apologies to you Readers or anyone else. I am rude every now and then, but believe me Readers I just do not get rude for the sakes of getting rude. Usually something sparks of the rudeness – whether unintentionally or intentionally.

Man oh man – I was submissive and not being me when trying to explain to the cashier lady what I just noticed on my receipt. My number one priority was not making sure that I was not looking like a fucking rude customer in front of my Qdoba girl.

Well, the cashier lady did not comprehend and soon enough what I did not want happen happened.

My Qdoba girl comes over and said something to the effect “How can I help you?” or “What seems to be the problem?” in the most nicest way. By the way, she was fidgeting in front of me and I think this was due to the way we know each other. Then again, it was probably just me noticing. I do not know. She moved her hands in front of her, in back of her and then crossed her arms. Meanwhile, I was thinking, “Damn, she had to come over herself.”

Oh Readers, since she came over no one was manning the burrito station, which meant every customer in line was looking at me and her. I was holding up the line with my issue.

I quickly explained what I noticed when I got back to my table and then what I just said to the cashier lady. My Qdoba girl speaks Spanish to the cashier lady. There were about three quick conversations. Meanwhile, no burritos are being made.

I know, I know I probably should have let the “free” burrito go, but it was principality. Just like the movie “Friday” – “…principality, Smokey”

I was being so not me, I did not want Qdoba girl to think anything bad about me, but I also did not want to pay for my “free” burrito.

Now, this conversation was about a minute or so then Qdoba girl reaches into the cash drawer and pulls out $ 7.00 dollars and hands me the money.

I said thank you, but then I thought I wonder if she thought I was trying to rip-off the store. I was not. Or perhaps she was thinking “let me get this guy (customer) out of my fucking hair so I can get back to the line of customers that were waiting” for her. I do not know.

I said something to the effect “are we cool?” she nodded yes, but I thought not.

I go back to my table with the $ 7.00. Damn Readers, I felt like an ass, but I did everything right.

Well, perhaps not all right, since perhaps I should have checked my receipt before leaving the cash register. But, I just saw my Qdoba girl and as you faithful Readers know she is one the top things on my mind these days. Everything else is basically second to her.

I got back to my table and immediately thought to myself I should have let it go. Now, I look like an ass. Now, I cannot give her my phone number. I mean how would it looked if I try and give her my phone number after bringing up I was charged incorrectly for my meal. I just fucked up the rest of my visit to Qdoba’s that Friday. I can only hope that she comes by my table and says something.

Damn. Damn. Damn. Why does this sort of shit happen to me? Why?

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The "Out of that Beer" Incident

Greetings Readers

So last night there was a Bronco Game on a Thursday night and I got invited to go out after work and have a drink with them. I was debating on going to have a drink, but I thought that this was a first time that I got invited to go with this particular group.

The place that the gathering was going to be at was just down the road from where we work, which was on the way home for me. Yet, I did not want to show up in my biking gear, which is now consists of my jacket, stocking cap, gloves, a couple of bandannas and a back pack. Too much stuff to stop by with to have a drink with.

I asked another friend if they were going to get a drink after work. Yes. Cool, there was my ride to the place and then I could take RTD home. I have no problem leaving my bike and gear at work. After all it is not the first time that I have left my bike at work. And I have to mention that the area that I keep my bike in is patrolled and security cameras are placed in the area.

And if needed, I could always put my bike in my area where I work. That would not be a problem either.

We get to the place and meet up with the others. Time to order a beer. For me that was going to be decision. After all I was with a new group of friends, which I have not drank with and I wanted to show to them that I do not order whatever is on happy hour, special or draft. I wanted to show them that I love my beer and that I have “taste.”

What I did not expect was that they already knew this. Fuck me. So much for being discreet in a manner of speaking. Hah hah the joke is on me.

I spent about 5 minutes or so looking through the drink menu. Finally I decided on Odell’s Wheat Beer. The waitress comes by and sees that I made my decision and she ID’s me. Woo hoo. The third time that I have been carded since my birthday. She goes off and I turn my attention to my friends who are in conversation.

I would have to say about 3 to 5 minutes pass when the waitress comes by and tells me that they are out of that beer. Fuck me. My friends laugh and smile and say something to the effect that this could only happen to you. Fuck me. I really spent time trying to figure out what beer I was going to have first and then come to find out they are out of that particular beer.

Let me tell you Readers, only this kind of shit can happen to me. Really. My friends start asking what I want and start naming beers, but I was ignoring them. I was a bit mad for not getting the beer I wanted. Eventually, I chose a black ale. The waitress says that it is in a bottle and will cost more. I look at her and say “and?” I was offended that she thought that perhaps I could not afford that beer. Not all of us beer drinkers want more for our money. I want a taste I know and I have no fucking problem spending the “extra” money for a beer I like. After all I spend the extra money for hard alcohol.

I do not want Coors, Bud or whatever cheap beer on draft they might have. Yet, there was Guinness, but I did not want that as my first beer. I just did not.

And there you have it – my Readers, I seem to draw “situations.”

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The "Safeway" Incident

Greetings Readers

So, nothing sucks more than having an off morning and only to find out later that something was destine to make the day much more off than it should.

So, there I was not ready to take on the world and running a bit late. Not to mention that I need to pick up some Coca-Cola at one of the grocery stores on the way to the Light Rail station. Oh yes Readers, I was not in the mood to ride all the way to work. So, I was going to ride about 2 miles and be done with it.

Well, there she was on Arapahoe Road – Safeway. I figured that I would stop here since the day before I had stopped at Albertson’s and saw that there were no good sales on Coca-Cola. Perhaps there was going to be a good sale at Safeway.

I was not running late, but had no reason to browse the grocery store. I made a b-line to the soft drinks aisle and headed directly to the Coca-Cola section. Which by the way they moved from the front of the store to the back of the store and we Readers know why Safeway did that. Why? Well, Pepsi products are not being bought as much as Coca-Cola. So, when Safeway moved the Coca-Cola to the back of the store every customer must walk by Pepsi and all other brands until we get to the back of the store.

Fuck me right? Nope. An inconvenience, but nothing to get worked up about.

So, I see nothing on sale so I decided to buy those 12 oz plastic bottles that come in the 8-pack box container. The price was about four dollars, but I figure to throw caution to the wind and splurge a little. I thought about a 12 pack of Coca-Cola, but 3 for $ 12.00 was something I did not want to do.

I know I have wrote that I am a person looking for the best buy, but in some cases I have to take something over another.

I grabbed what I wanted and headed down the aisle straight for the register that had a light on indicating that the register was on.

At the register I see that there is that black (afro-American) lady that I do not care for. I do not hate her, but I do not care for her. As I was approaching the register, which by the way Readers she was standing tall before the register, she starts to leave the register.

“What the fuck?” I thought to myself. I made eye contact with her, I was walking straight to the register and I looked ready to be checked out.

She continues to walk away and I decided to slam down my 8 pack of Coca-Cola on the conveyor belt. Not hard, but enough to make some noise to indicate that I am ready to be checked out.

I see her casually turn around and head back to the register and then proceed to walk on by. She did not say a word. Not a fucking word. Meanwhile, my gaze never left her.

She then heads to the next register and then fiddles with something below the register, but not acknowledging me that I am looking at her. And by gosh she knows that I am looking at her.

I would have to say about 30 seconds have passed by this point. I was pissed off, but a controlled pissed off. I just could not believe that she just walked away from the register and then returned to the register and then walked on by without saying a word.

Fuck me.

Finally she looks at me and says, “I can’t help you.” A pause “he will be able to help you” she points to the customer service desk at the front of the store. Which by the way that other cash register person is helping another person.

Now. In the grand scheme of things I would have no problem waiting for that guy to finish up with that customer. But. Yes, a but. But it is about 7:45 A.M. I had already saw that the customer service person was already helping that person before I even reached the cash register. I know for a fact that black lady was not a manager, a supervisor, a bagger, or a deli person. I know that she strictly deals with the check out.

My question was what the fuck was she doing then when I made a b-line to the register? If she was on break then she should not be out in the register lane looking as if she was waiting for the next customer. If that was not her register then perhaps she should have opened “her register” lane for me (or anyone else.) Again Readers, I point out she was standing at the open register looking as if she was ready to check anyone out and then she leaves the register when she sees me approach. Then she turns around and walks toward and by the open register where I am standing at not saying a word.

That is what pissed me off.

Then, I thought about work – team player. I joke about “team player” and what that means when I say that. I could not think that this was the perfect time to bring that up.

Still looking at her I say “I see that you put the “I” in team player.” I did not shout or yell that, but I did say that louder than one would say.

I let about five seconds pass and I can literally see her mouth get smaller and her right eye twitch a little.

I continue “Well since you can not check me out then why don’t you make yourself useful and put this away.”

I have a very slight smile on my face, but not a smile by any means. I then turn my back on her and walk on out the door.

By the way Readers – If you are new Readers – I do not believe in self check out. I am the customer / consumer and no one is paying me to check myself out. That is why there are cashiers who handle the registers – if you are hired as a cashier then it is your fucking job to check me (a customer) out. After all that is why a store hired your ass.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

After Election Day - Obama Chosen

Greetings Readers

I woke up this morning and I pretty well knew who became the president elect. I did care on a very small level, but really did not matter one way or the other.

I am just so fucking glad that there will be no more fucking “Bush” in office come the New Year. He cannot even say “nuclear” right.

Anyway, I will and along with the rest of the nation wait and see what becomes. I did hear and see and what Obama said and what others said about him. Yet, I would never consider that factor as gospel (or fact).

I do want to state for the record once more that I biked over 150 miles when the DNC was in Denver. No, Obama does not owe that to me, but I want to state for the record that I gave that much of my time to him this past August when the DNC was in Denver.

Readers – Now this is something I want to say. Risky, but I have to say this. I am afraid that they’re a lot of people out there who are not going to accept this newly elected president. There are many reasons, but none that I can list for you. I have nothing against the newly elected president, but I do have to say that the South will.

I do hope that security will be more tighten than usual. I feel that there is very high risk for the newly elected president once he comes into office. His youth, race and views. I truly hope the best for him, but I fear the worst. And this sort of thinking only comes of way how society is now these days.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A Bottle of Rodney Strong

Greetings Readers

Pictured is my bottle of wine that I treated myself to buy this past weekend. It is Rodney Strong and she cost me 48.99 and change. Oh yes, almost fifty dollars.

Was this a lot for a bottle of wine to purchase for myself? Yes it was, but I wanted to say that I bought a $ 50.00 dollar bottle of wine. To me that is pretty nice, but not as my ex-co-worker would, say “awesome.”

If any of you faithful Readers have been following along you probably would assume that this purchase would not be unusual for me to do. If I want quality in alcohol then I will make the effort to buy quality. After all, I never, ever want to be reminded of my college days when I drank fucking cheap beer, twist off wine cap bottles, and hard liquor from a plastic bottle. Note Readers, plastic bottles of alcohol in my past was “cheap” alcohol and I guess that what it was probably targeted for the college kids, such as myself back in the day, and others who could not afford the good alcohol in the glass bottles.

“Go Green” and “recycling” was not as big as it now.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you a picture of my exquisite bottle of wine. Who knows when I am going to open this bottle of wine? I have no set plans for the bottle of wine to be open. Though I have to admit there is some possibility of hope and wanting to share this bottle of wine with the Qdoba girl. I do not have a clue if she drinks wine, would like wine or evens drinks. Yet, I have the bottle in mind for that occasion. However, should an occasion for me to open the wine happen then by all means I would crack the cork and have a nice glass of wine.

I would have to say that bottle of wine is not even close to my Single Barrel of Jack Daniels, since I regard the Single Barrel Jack Daniels as off limits to drinking. Yet, since buying those two bottles of Single Barrel Jack Daniels over a month ago I did open one bottle and did mix the Single Barrel Jack Daniels with Coca-Cola. Oh my fucking gosh, that was the best mixed drink I drank. Quality Jack and Coca-Cola together were great. I also have used the Single Barrel Jack Daniels to cook with. Oh yes Readers, I actually used some to cook with. For me to do that is taboo, but since I have “extra” I made the decision to use some for cooking – steaks and roast, basically using for meats.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Good-bye

Greetings Readers

"Remember me and smile, for it’s better to forget than remember me and cry."

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Guitar Hero - Mini Sized

Greetings Readers

My friend gave me their cereal prize. As you can see it is “Guitar Hero.” I laughed, but I was also touched that my friend would remember me. Actually, it was her husband who I have nicknamed some time ago “Rusty”

I got a bit choked up when I saw this “gift” and note “from Rusty.” I could not help to be touched.

I did tell my friend about me buying Guitar Hero two months ago and she remembered and most likely told “Rusty.” Which in turn Rusty remembered me.

I did beat the “mini-Guitar Hero” in about 5 minutes, but the thought of Rusty giving up this prize from the cereal box was amazing in my view.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete