1. Have even more fun with my family
2. Listen to better music
3. See my Coyotes, Suns, Padres, Braves, Chargers, and Falcons make the playoffs
4. Travel just a little more
5. Do more with my career
6. Lose some weight
7. Enjoy all aspects of media even more
8. Become a better writer
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Two football dreams ended within 24 hours
The first dream I speak of was for the Atlanta Falcons to make the playoffs despite finishing the regular season with a losing record. If my Falcons could have beaten the Carolina Panthers for the 2nd time this season, that would have given them a 7-9 record, the NFC South division title, and a home playoff game with the Arizona Cardinals. Instead, they got a 34-3 beating at home in the Georgia Dome by the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers are living the Falcons dream of postseason play by hosting the Arizona Cardinals on Wild Card Weekend on Saturday.
It all started badly when the Panthers got the ball to start the game. Then they proceeded to march down the field any way they wanted to for more than seven minutes. Cam Newton could do no wrong with the ball and with his legs. Mind you, he survived a car crash just a couple of weeks ago.
By air, on the ground, first down after first down, the Falcons survived by allowing only a field goal to make it 3-0 Panthers.
My Falcons had to punt, then the Panthers had another ten play drive that ate up only less than five minutes culminating in a Cam Newton to Ed Dickson five yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Carolina near the end of the first quarter.
My Falcons had hope even though Fullback Patrick DiMarco dropped what could have been a touchdown catch to make it 10-7. Instead the Falcons had to settle for a field goal and make it 10-3 Panthers.
Surely my Falcons could still dream of the postseason, but dreams came to die with my Falcons after Matt Ryan threw the first of his two pick-sixes to Roman Harper to make it 17-3. Former Bulldog Thomas Davis caught the other pick-six for Carolina.
Near the end of the half, Roddy White Fumbled, Cam Newton ran five yards for a touchdown, all hope was lost and my Falcons playoff dream was over.
My Falcons suffered their worst loss of the season; 34-3 was your final where the Carolina Panthers celebrated on the Falcons field this past Sunday.
Another dream went to die on Monday. Mike Smith's seven year tenure as Falcons head coach was over. Arthur Blank and company made it official in a late morning news conference confirming what I and all of the Atlanta Media suspected.
Mike Smith made many Falcons fans' dreams come true when he came here in 2008. He cleaned up the mess that was Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino. He brought stability and consistency (words never previously described about my Falcons). He brought consecutive winning seasons here for the first time EVER. He gave me hope in January 2013 that the Falcons would reach the super bowl (they fell short against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game). He helped make the Falcons lovable again.
Now, the Falcons must dream big just like team owner Arthur Blank does. He's hired three coaches who have NEVER had previous head coaching experience at the NFL level. He must change that and bring in someone who has won something at the NFL level. Rex Ryan (Formerly of the New York Jets) comes to mind.
My Falcons have to dream big and make a big splash at the head coaching position so that fellow fans and I do not have to endure any more consecutive losing seasons. That's the kind of consistency we don't need here anymore.
The Panthers are living the Falcons dream of postseason play by hosting the Arizona Cardinals on Wild Card Weekend on Saturday.
It all started badly when the Panthers got the ball to start the game. Then they proceeded to march down the field any way they wanted to for more than seven minutes. Cam Newton could do no wrong with the ball and with his legs. Mind you, he survived a car crash just a couple of weeks ago.
By air, on the ground, first down after first down, the Falcons survived by allowing only a field goal to make it 3-0 Panthers.
My Falcons had to punt, then the Panthers had another ten play drive that ate up only less than five minutes culminating in a Cam Newton to Ed Dickson five yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Carolina near the end of the first quarter.
My Falcons had hope even though Fullback Patrick DiMarco dropped what could have been a touchdown catch to make it 10-7. Instead the Falcons had to settle for a field goal and make it 10-3 Panthers.
Surely my Falcons could still dream of the postseason, but dreams came to die with my Falcons after Matt Ryan threw the first of his two pick-sixes to Roman Harper to make it 17-3. Former Bulldog Thomas Davis caught the other pick-six for Carolina.
Near the end of the half, Roddy White Fumbled, Cam Newton ran five yards for a touchdown, all hope was lost and my Falcons playoff dream was over.
My Falcons suffered their worst loss of the season; 34-3 was your final where the Carolina Panthers celebrated on the Falcons field this past Sunday.
Another dream went to die on Monday. Mike Smith's seven year tenure as Falcons head coach was over. Arthur Blank and company made it official in a late morning news conference confirming what I and all of the Atlanta Media suspected.
Mike Smith made many Falcons fans' dreams come true when he came here in 2008. He cleaned up the mess that was Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino. He brought stability and consistency (words never previously described about my Falcons). He brought consecutive winning seasons here for the first time EVER. He gave me hope in January 2013 that the Falcons would reach the super bowl (they fell short against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game). He helped make the Falcons lovable again.
Now, the Falcons must dream big just like team owner Arthur Blank does. He's hired three coaches who have NEVER had previous head coaching experience at the NFL level. He must change that and bring in someone who has won something at the NFL level. Rex Ryan (Formerly of the New York Jets) comes to mind.
My Falcons have to dream big and make a big splash at the head coaching position so that fellow fans and I do not have to endure any more consecutive losing seasons. That's the kind of consistency we don't need here anymore.
Monday, December 22, 2014
I had a dream that the Atlanta Falcons were losing
I was an early Monday or Tuesday morning that I was finishing up my sleep for the night and I was watching a FOX/NFL game where my Atlanta Falcons were battling the New Orleans Saints.
In the dream, I think the Falcons had a 7-0 lead before Drew Brees and the Saints were scoring at will on them.
It was immediately tied at 7, then it was 14-7 New Orleans, then it became 21-7, 28-7, 35-7, 42-7, you get the idea. It was 42-7 in the 3rd quarter and the Falcons had no answers for them.
It just seemed like the Saints were running up the score on the Falcons and the game would have no end.
It didn't seem like a repeat of the 2014 season series between these two teams where the Saints just squeaked by in both victories over the falcons, sweeping the season series. In the dream, it was a total butt-kicking.
Now in reality, I saw at least half the game and my Falcons came out on top 30-14, sweeping the season series for the first time in 9 years. The Falcons are 6-9, and have a chance to win the NFC South and host a wild card game.
With that victory, the Falcons eliminated the Saints from the postseason picture. The Falcons will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday for a shot at getting back to the super bowl.
Good luck to my Falcons.
In the dream, I think the Falcons had a 7-0 lead before Drew Brees and the Saints were scoring at will on them.
It was immediately tied at 7, then it was 14-7 New Orleans, then it became 21-7, 28-7, 35-7, 42-7, you get the idea. It was 42-7 in the 3rd quarter and the Falcons had no answers for them.
It just seemed like the Saints were running up the score on the Falcons and the game would have no end.
It didn't seem like a repeat of the 2014 season series between these two teams where the Saints just squeaked by in both victories over the falcons, sweeping the season series. In the dream, it was a total butt-kicking.
Now in reality, I saw at least half the game and my Falcons came out on top 30-14, sweeping the season series for the first time in 9 years. The Falcons are 6-9, and have a chance to win the NFC South and host a wild card game.
With that victory, the Falcons eliminated the Saints from the postseason picture. The Falcons will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday for a shot at getting back to the super bowl.
Good luck to my Falcons.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Scary Work Dream
During the week, I had this dream where I was chasing my executioner. Let me explain.
This is the same dream where I got laid off at CBS46 right here in Atlanta. I couldn't believe what was happening to me again. Back in 2011, I got laid off at CNN and have bounced back successfully.
After my layoff in my dream sequence, I was trying to find my HR representative to find out what to do and where to go from there. Along the way, I was in a huge atrium area crowded full of people.
I was looking for my HR representative to explain to me the details about my job loss, but lo and behold, Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN came up to me and said hello.
I found one of my newscast directors in a line. His job was safe and I don't remember what I said to him or what we talked about.
No pun intended, but it was a 'wake up call' for me as I woke up and I realize I still have a job. Life can happen at anytime and a job is not guaranteed in this day and age.
I'm proud of the work I can do for CBS46 here in Atlanta, Georgia. I'll be back at it again on Friday.
This is the same dream where I got laid off at CBS46 right here in Atlanta. I couldn't believe what was happening to me again. Back in 2011, I got laid off at CNN and have bounced back successfully.
After my layoff in my dream sequence, I was trying to find my HR representative to find out what to do and where to go from there. Along the way, I was in a huge atrium area crowded full of people.
I was looking for my HR representative to explain to me the details about my job loss, but lo and behold, Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN came up to me and said hello.
I found one of my newscast directors in a line. His job was safe and I don't remember what I said to him or what we talked about.
No pun intended, but it was a 'wake up call' for me as I woke up and I realize I still have a job. Life can happen at anytime and a job is not guaranteed in this day and age.
I'm proud of the work I can do for CBS46 here in Atlanta, Georgia. I'll be back at it again on Friday.
Monday, November 24, 2014
I had a dream of living in New York again
I had this dream where I moved to New York in a loft somewhere in Manhattan.
In my dream, I started my day listening to WABC-TV Eyewitness News and reading newspapers by either the New York Post or Newsday.
I didn't know what I was doing for a living in the dream, but I seemed to have fun being at home in New York and getting my day going with a lot of news in my hand and my ear.
Something in my dream inspired me to make the move up North.
In reality, I'll never live up in the Big Apple. For one thing, I'm comfortable living with my family here in Georgia. This is the place where I want to raise my family. Since having a family of my own, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Not only that, I wouldn't trade any place in the world for my family. Being a dad is the hardest job I've ever loved.
In my dream, I started my day listening to WABC-TV Eyewitness News and reading newspapers by either the New York Post or Newsday.
I didn't know what I was doing for a living in the dream, but I seemed to have fun being at home in New York and getting my day going with a lot of news in my hand and my ear.
Something in my dream inspired me to make the move up North.
In reality, I'll never live up in the Big Apple. For one thing, I'm comfortable living with my family here in Georgia. This is the place where I want to raise my family. Since having a family of my own, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Not only that, I wouldn't trade any place in the world for my family. Being a dad is the hardest job I've ever loved.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
One dream ended three years ago today
I've been spending all day searching for the words I wanted to say about a day that both ended badly for me and gave me a new start all at the same time.
It was on this day three years ago that my time and career with CNN came to an abrupt end. This was a dream that I could not wake up from.
In previous dreams, I voluntarily left CNN to move back to California or Arizona with no job prospects and very few friends to come back to. At least at the end of my sleep, I would wake up and either have the day off or go back to work at CNN later that day (or night).
I choose to write about this today because my layoff is still fresh in my mind and more layoffs have happened at both CNN (where I worked 11 years) and The Weather Channel (where I freelanced for most of 2012). I feel bad for my friends and former colleagues who were involuntarily separated.
I woke up on 11.11.11 and checked my Facebook and read stories from my favorite cell phone apps as I always do to start the day. One Facebook posting from a friend and former co-worker said it was his 'last day at CNN'. I just saw him the night before. Alarm bells and a sense of fear should have started to set in immediately, but it didn't. I simply moved on from that post and looked to see what else was going on in the world.
Later that morning, I was doing some birthday shopping for my family and I was getting pictures developed at a local Super Target. The weather was nice and crisp in Acworth and I was feeling pretty good.
Later on I drove to CNN to do some logging overtime to make some extra money and try to accomplish some lifelong goals along the way. I was really interested in the topic at hand that I had to log video and sound for: Traveling to Oregon and the sights and sounds from that state up in the Pacific Northwest.
I was interested in the Japanese flower garden in Portland, the movie museum where "The Goonies" was filmed, and a local brewery there. I was truly loving what I did even if that was deemed menial labor in the video world. No matter what I do in my career, I find myself being a note-taker, logger, and an amateur archivist at heart.
Now came the tough part (though I didn't know it at the time), I was marching down from one of the higher floors of the CNN Center to the lobby area where I was scheduled to work my 3-11pm shift as an editor for CNN.com/video. One of my co-workers told me 'thank goodness you're here.' I was wondering what the hell happened. I then learned about the layoffs of some of our editors I used to work with and know pretty well. I was cautiously optimistic that I would not be one of them. Oh how I was so wrong.
The man who hired me as an editor pulled me from CNN.com on up to the 5th floor. As soon as that happened and I made the long march up those stairs, I knew that the end was near for me at CNN.
I was told that the advances in technology to where Producers and Writers could edit their own basic clips made me and my position both obsolete. 24 other editors got virtually that same speech and a packet to take home. I felt disappointed that I couldn't get the chance to edit more high end videos after the basic editing was supposed to go away from the edit pool that I used to work in.
It's a difficult, competitive, ever-evolving business and I felt disappointed that I couldn't be part of the transition into higher-end editing. There were editors that were more talented and skilled than I was that got laid off that day. If I didn't deliver a good product on the TV side of things, I am sorry. My goal was to do a great job on each piece of video each and every day. I know that the editors and photographers that were with CNN made it their mission to get it right the first time, every time.
With the layoffs, CNN lost hundreds, if not thousands, of years of experience and knowledge on how to do things the CNN way.
The biggest lesson I learned along my journey from unemployment to where I am now is that no job lasts forever. I was told by someone that I respected at CNN that news organizations need video editors to get video and other forms of media on the air for you at home to see. With the shift in technology, News organizations don't need nearly as many editors anymore to get the day-to-day video on TV.
I'm optimistic about the future, even just days after my layoff at CNN three years ago. I had to be in order to fight on and succeed here at WGCL-TV today.
By working here at the local CBS station, I'm having to get more and more out of my comfort zone, take on new projects, work on my writing skills, refine my editing techniques, work with producers and people out in the newsroom, and most importantly, build relationships.
I'm going to ride this wave of local news as long as I can, and I will do it for the good of my family.
It was on this day three years ago that my time and career with CNN came to an abrupt end. This was a dream that I could not wake up from.
In previous dreams, I voluntarily left CNN to move back to California or Arizona with no job prospects and very few friends to come back to. At least at the end of my sleep, I would wake up and either have the day off or go back to work at CNN later that day (or night).
I choose to write about this today because my layoff is still fresh in my mind and more layoffs have happened at both CNN (where I worked 11 years) and The Weather Channel (where I freelanced for most of 2012). I feel bad for my friends and former colleagues who were involuntarily separated.
I woke up on 11.11.11 and checked my Facebook and read stories from my favorite cell phone apps as I always do to start the day. One Facebook posting from a friend and former co-worker said it was his 'last day at CNN'. I just saw him the night before. Alarm bells and a sense of fear should have started to set in immediately, but it didn't. I simply moved on from that post and looked to see what else was going on in the world.
Later that morning, I was doing some birthday shopping for my family and I was getting pictures developed at a local Super Target. The weather was nice and crisp in Acworth and I was feeling pretty good.
Later on I drove to CNN to do some logging overtime to make some extra money and try to accomplish some lifelong goals along the way. I was really interested in the topic at hand that I had to log video and sound for: Traveling to Oregon and the sights and sounds from that state up in the Pacific Northwest.
I was interested in the Japanese flower garden in Portland, the movie museum where "The Goonies" was filmed, and a local brewery there. I was truly loving what I did even if that was deemed menial labor in the video world. No matter what I do in my career, I find myself being a note-taker, logger, and an amateur archivist at heart.
Now came the tough part (though I didn't know it at the time), I was marching down from one of the higher floors of the CNN Center to the lobby area where I was scheduled to work my 3-11pm shift as an editor for CNN.com/video. One of my co-workers told me 'thank goodness you're here.' I was wondering what the hell happened. I then learned about the layoffs of some of our editors I used to work with and know pretty well. I was cautiously optimistic that I would not be one of them. Oh how I was so wrong.
The man who hired me as an editor pulled me from CNN.com on up to the 5th floor. As soon as that happened and I made the long march up those stairs, I knew that the end was near for me at CNN.
I was told that the advances in technology to where Producers and Writers could edit their own basic clips made me and my position both obsolete. 24 other editors got virtually that same speech and a packet to take home. I felt disappointed that I couldn't get the chance to edit more high end videos after the basic editing was supposed to go away from the edit pool that I used to work in.
It's a difficult, competitive, ever-evolving business and I felt disappointed that I couldn't be part of the transition into higher-end editing. There were editors that were more talented and skilled than I was that got laid off that day. If I didn't deliver a good product on the TV side of things, I am sorry. My goal was to do a great job on each piece of video each and every day. I know that the editors and photographers that were with CNN made it their mission to get it right the first time, every time.
With the layoffs, CNN lost hundreds, if not thousands, of years of experience and knowledge on how to do things the CNN way.
The biggest lesson I learned along my journey from unemployment to where I am now is that no job lasts forever. I was told by someone that I respected at CNN that news organizations need video editors to get video and other forms of media on the air for you at home to see. With the shift in technology, News organizations don't need nearly as many editors anymore to get the day-to-day video on TV.
I'm optimistic about the future, even just days after my layoff at CNN three years ago. I had to be in order to fight on and succeed here at WGCL-TV today.
By working here at the local CBS station, I'm having to get more and more out of my comfort zone, take on new projects, work on my writing skills, refine my editing techniques, work with producers and people out in the newsroom, and most importantly, build relationships.
I'm going to ride this wave of local news as long as I can, and I will do it for the good of my family.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Monday, October 13, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Dreams come true, ASU Football edition
https://soundcloud.com/img-audio/sun-devil-img-tim-healey-asu-usc-fb-highlights-10-4-14
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Friday, September 26, 2014
A pretty good dream turns BAD (ASU vs. UCLA)
I had a dream last night where I was watching the UCLA/Arizona State game on TV. It was a miracle that Arizona State was in the lead in the 2nd quarter. It was as if I was watching TV in my bedroom. That was the place I was sleeping as I had the dream.
In reality, I woke up to find ASU in the lead through my iPhone on m.espn.com. I was feeling pretty good about myself and hoping that my Sun Devils could start the season 4-0.
See highlights below (or in my case, lowlights)
Now, I woke up to my facebook feed to find that ASU was losing big to UCLA at the start of the 3rd quarter. I was thinking to myself 'damn, here goes another choke job on the big stage by my Sun Devils."
Thursday Night was another colossal failure by my Sun Devils to make a positive statement in the national spotlight. Final Score: UCLA 62 ASU 27. This game follows a series of failures by my Sun Devils versus quality competition.
Here are some losses by my Sun Devils on the big stage:
#11 USC 44, #7 ASU 24 (2007-Thanksgiving Day)
#3 Georgia 27, ASU 10 (2008)
#8 Boise State 56, ASU 24 (2011 Las Vegas Bowl)
#2 Oregon 43, ASU 21 (2012)
#7 Stanford 38, #11 ASU 14 (2013 PAC-12 Championship game)
#11 UCLA 62, #15 ASU 24 (2014 Thursday Night)
In order to be the best, you have to beat the best. That is nevermore true than it was last night. My Sun Devils will never, never, NEVER become a part of college football's elite until they can manhandle the opposition that is in front of them that is better than them going into a game.
My Sun Devils will excite the masses in the beginning, make us feel good about ourselves, and then lay an egg on us.
Also, it's time to get rid of the #Blackout campaign at Sun Devil Stadium. The way my team plays, our fans seem dressed more for a funeral than for a championship quality victory.
It doesn't matter who our coach is or who our coach was. It matters who we have as players on our team.
The belief of you defeating an opponent has to come within my team's players. Our players have to be stronger than the other team's players in order to succeed. Our teams have to beat the stronger teams in order to be part of the national conversation when it comes to naming college football's elite teams.
UCLA finally figured it out how to be an elite team on Thrusday Night, by beating the hell out of someone in all phases of the game. UCLA is now part of the PAC-12 Championship race and the national conversation. ASU is not.
It's time for ASU to learn how to win a big game.
That's my dream. What's yours?
In reality, I woke up to find ASU in the lead through my iPhone on m.espn.com. I was feeling pretty good about myself and hoping that my Sun Devils could start the season 4-0.
See highlights below (or in my case, lowlights)
Now, I woke up to my facebook feed to find that ASU was losing big to UCLA at the start of the 3rd quarter. I was thinking to myself 'damn, here goes another choke job on the big stage by my Sun Devils."
Thursday Night was another colossal failure by my Sun Devils to make a positive statement in the national spotlight. Final Score: UCLA 62 ASU 27. This game follows a series of failures by my Sun Devils versus quality competition.
Here are some losses by my Sun Devils on the big stage:
#11 USC 44, #7 ASU 24 (2007-Thanksgiving Day)
#3 Georgia 27, ASU 10 (2008)
#8 Boise State 56, ASU 24 (2011 Las Vegas Bowl)
#2 Oregon 43, ASU 21 (2012)
#7 Stanford 38, #11 ASU 14 (2013 PAC-12 Championship game)
#11 UCLA 62, #15 ASU 24 (2014 Thursday Night)
In order to be the best, you have to beat the best. That is nevermore true than it was last night. My Sun Devils will never, never, NEVER become a part of college football's elite until they can manhandle the opposition that is in front of them that is better than them going into a game.
My Sun Devils will excite the masses in the beginning, make us feel good about ourselves, and then lay an egg on us.
Also, it's time to get rid of the #Blackout campaign at Sun Devil Stadium. The way my team plays, our fans seem dressed more for a funeral than for a championship quality victory.
It doesn't matter who our coach is or who our coach was. It matters who we have as players on our team.
The belief of you defeating an opponent has to come within my team's players. Our players have to be stronger than the other team's players in order to succeed. Our teams have to beat the stronger teams in order to be part of the national conversation when it comes to naming college football's elite teams.
UCLA finally figured it out how to be an elite team on Thrusday Night, by beating the hell out of someone in all phases of the game. UCLA is now part of the PAC-12 Championship race and the national conversation. ASU is not.
It's time for ASU to learn how to win a big game.
That's my dream. What's yours?
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
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Monday, September 22, 2014
Dreaming of two California baseball jobs and an airport
Over the weekend, I was involved in a deep sleep. This was one of those rare days where I could sleep in and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
In this dream, I was set to work in the press box at Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium in Southern California. It was never determined what those jobs were supposed to be.
My first job in a press box was at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles during the daytime hours. I remember having fun working with a crew I worked with in 1999 in Phoenix. I still don't remember what I was doing though. I remember sitting far out in the outfield during the preparation for a day game before I knew what I was doing.
After that assignment, I was en route to Anaheim for another game at Angel Stadium. On my way to that game, I was headed to an undetermined airport for some reason. I was driving my old 2-door Mercedes-Benz coupe to get to the stadium. Somewhere along the way, I drove to the airport. Not only did I drive to the airport, I drove through the airport.
I'm not sure why I did that. One of the people I recognized was a photographer from CBS46 in Atlanta. I was sure I was getting my car towed for parking my car inside one of the airport shops. I pleaded my case to get my car back. Unfortunately, no such luck for me. My car was being taken away from me.
The next think I know, I was headed out to the desert. I'm not sure why I was going there. I heard something on the radio that there was a traffic jam in Irvine, California. I recognized a voice in my ear, a voice of a CBS46 newscast director complaining about the mispronunciation of Irvine. He complained that it was being pronounced as "ER-VIN" when it should be "ER-VINE."
In reality, I woke up. I haven't been back to California since 2008. I haven't been back to both Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium as a baseball fan since 2007. I have never worked in either stadium for anything.
One day, I have to return back to California, Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, and Petco Park for good measure.
In this dream, I was set to work in the press box at Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium in Southern California. It was never determined what those jobs were supposed to be.
My first job in a press box was at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles during the daytime hours. I remember having fun working with a crew I worked with in 1999 in Phoenix. I still don't remember what I was doing though. I remember sitting far out in the outfield during the preparation for a day game before I knew what I was doing.
After that assignment, I was en route to Anaheim for another game at Angel Stadium. On my way to that game, I was headed to an undetermined airport for some reason. I was driving my old 2-door Mercedes-Benz coupe to get to the stadium. Somewhere along the way, I drove to the airport. Not only did I drive to the airport, I drove through the airport.
I'm not sure why I did that. One of the people I recognized was a photographer from CBS46 in Atlanta. I was sure I was getting my car towed for parking my car inside one of the airport shops. I pleaded my case to get my car back. Unfortunately, no such luck for me. My car was being taken away from me.
The next think I know, I was headed out to the desert. I'm not sure why I was going there. I heard something on the radio that there was a traffic jam in Irvine, California. I recognized a voice in my ear, a voice of a CBS46 newscast director complaining about the mispronunciation of Irvine. He complained that it was being pronounced as "ER-VIN" when it should be "ER-VINE."
In reality, I woke up. I haven't been back to California since 2008. I haven't been back to both Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium as a baseball fan since 2007. I have never worked in either stadium for anything.
One day, I have to return back to California, Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, and Petco Park for good measure.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Dreaming of Tulsa
Overnight in my sleep, I had a dream where I was by myself in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I was riding around in a nice truck with my mom and her late husband along the freeways and Turnpikes throughout Northeastern Oklahoma. I remember having fun riding in the back seat of the truck as the sun was going down and later on as it got darker and darker.
I don't remember seeing any tollbooths or places where you drop quarters in for you to keep on driving without a penalty. I just remember riding along without a destination in mind.
Also, I had a dream there where I was applying for all kinds of editing jobs for all of the Tulsa Area TV stations. For some reason, I was fixated on applying for a job at KOKI-TV/FOX23. I logged onto fox23.com to apply like crazy for a job.
After I got onto the website, I got back in my mom's truck and kept on moving. I don't remember exactly where I sat at a computer in order to apply for that job. It was a blur to me all the way around.
In reality, I woke up.
I'm not looking for a job in Tulsa right now. I was in Tulsa to see my family in July and get them to meet my son Ben for the first time. Everybody loves Ben and Ben loves everybody back.
I can't wait to see my family again and for them to see Ben again. He'll bring lots and lots of smiles to everyone, including me.
I was riding around in a nice truck with my mom and her late husband along the freeways and Turnpikes throughout Northeastern Oklahoma. I remember having fun riding in the back seat of the truck as the sun was going down and later on as it got darker and darker.
I don't remember seeing any tollbooths or places where you drop quarters in for you to keep on driving without a penalty. I just remember riding along without a destination in mind.
Also, I had a dream there where I was applying for all kinds of editing jobs for all of the Tulsa Area TV stations. For some reason, I was fixated on applying for a job at KOKI-TV/FOX23. I logged onto fox23.com to apply like crazy for a job.
After I got onto the website, I got back in my mom's truck and kept on moving. I don't remember exactly where I sat at a computer in order to apply for that job. It was a blur to me all the way around.
In reality, I woke up.
I'm not looking for a job in Tulsa right now. I was in Tulsa to see my family in July and get them to meet my son Ben for the first time. Everybody loves Ben and Ben loves everybody back.
I can't wait to see my family again and for them to see Ben again. He'll bring lots and lots of smiles to everyone, including me.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Well it happened again Braves fans, another bad dream come true
It has been a bad dream relived again and again. It happened again tonight at Turner Field.
On my TV at work, I saw my Braves lose a home game where another team celebrated another championship on Turner Field real estate.
It has been a scene played out over and over again since the stadium was built for baseball in 1997. The then Florida Marlins clinched the NLCS in 1997 as did my San Diego Padres in 1998. The Arizona Diamondback did that too in 2001.
Most of the time the Braves saw countless other teams advance to the NLCS on their dime (starting with the Cardinals in 2000, Giants in 2002 and 2010, Cubs in 2003, Astros in 2004, and the St. Louis Cardinals winning the wild card game in 2012).
I thought it before and I'll say it now, the Braves are cursed at Turner Field. It is their house of horrors, and they play their HOME GAMES there.
I was so glad to see video of the groundbreaking of their new ballpark up in Cobb County, newly named SunTrust Park. I think that it would serve as a better home field advantage than the one they have now.
I've lived in Atlanta three fewer years than Turner Field has been a baseball stadium. I've witnessed too much history from other teams, making the Braves history in the process. The Washington Nationals made history of their own at the Braves expense tonight.
I dream of a day where the Braves are not such gracious hosts when the games count and playoff bids are on the line. Until then, I'll start a countdown of how many Braves home games are left at Turner Field.
Right now, that count stands at 170.
On my TV at work, I saw my Braves lose a home game where another team celebrated another championship on Turner Field real estate.
It has been a scene played out over and over again since the stadium was built for baseball in 1997. The then Florida Marlins clinched the NLCS in 1997 as did my San Diego Padres in 1998. The Arizona Diamondback did that too in 2001.
Most of the time the Braves saw countless other teams advance to the NLCS on their dime (starting with the Cardinals in 2000, Giants in 2002 and 2010, Cubs in 2003, Astros in 2004, and the St. Louis Cardinals winning the wild card game in 2012).
I thought it before and I'll say it now, the Braves are cursed at Turner Field. It is their house of horrors, and they play their HOME GAMES there.
I was so glad to see video of the groundbreaking of their new ballpark up in Cobb County, newly named SunTrust Park. I think that it would serve as a better home field advantage than the one they have now.
I've lived in Atlanta three fewer years than Turner Field has been a baseball stadium. I've witnessed too much history from other teams, making the Braves history in the process. The Washington Nationals made history of their own at the Braves expense tonight.
I dream of a day where the Braves are not such gracious hosts when the games count and playoff bids are on the line. Until then, I'll start a countdown of how many Braves home games are left at Turner Field.
Right now, that count stands at 170.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Distant Video Replay of 2014 #34: "The Home of the Future, 1999 A.D." (1967)
Check out a young looking Wink Martindale in this movie
Monday, September 15, 2014
Dreaming of a 2015 Braves Season
This season, NOBODY should be allowed to participate in the postseason if they can't beat the Texas Rangers.
This year's Braves not only did not sweep Texas, they didn't win one single solitary game down in Arlington. The Rangers are one of baseball's worst teams in 2014.
The Braves did it to me again on Monday Night. They sucked me back into exciting game at the end when all seemed lost most of the game (which it was).
I kept going back to "Dallas" and "Monday Night Football" before tuning into the end of the Braves game on SportSouth.
For the Braves going into the bottom of the ninth down 4-0 to the NL East leading Washington Nationals, things got a little interesting.
Down 4-2, B.J. Upton could have played the role of hero by extending the game with a hit. Didn't happen. Shocking, I know.
B.J. sent a sharp ground ball to a diving Ian Desmond at short along with a great throw at first to end the game and, quite possible, the Braves' postseason dreams.
Let's face it, you can't make good on succeeding in the playoffs, let alone, making the playoffs if you score three or fewer runs in 84 of your teams games at this point in the season.
Once you make the playoffs, three runs might be enough to win a postseason game or two. The Braves are not making the playoffs this year.
I see too many strikeouts, too few clutch hits, and too many home runs that make up the Braves' offense in 2014. That's not what I call a recipe for a successful meal.
My Braves must make the tough choices to move forward. They must not get attached to players who need to go to make way for players that can step in.
As for me, time to put away my dreams of a 2014 postseason and dream about next season.
This year's Braves not only did not sweep Texas, they didn't win one single solitary game down in Arlington. The Rangers are one of baseball's worst teams in 2014.
The Braves did it to me again on Monday Night. They sucked me back into exciting game at the end when all seemed lost most of the game (which it was).
I kept going back to "Dallas" and "Monday Night Football" before tuning into the end of the Braves game on SportSouth.
For the Braves going into the bottom of the ninth down 4-0 to the NL East leading Washington Nationals, things got a little interesting.
Down 4-2, B.J. Upton could have played the role of hero by extending the game with a hit. Didn't happen. Shocking, I know.
B.J. sent a sharp ground ball to a diving Ian Desmond at short along with a great throw at first to end the game and, quite possible, the Braves' postseason dreams.
Let's face it, you can't make good on succeeding in the playoffs, let alone, making the playoffs if you score three or fewer runs in 84 of your teams games at this point in the season.
Once you make the playoffs, three runs might be enough to win a postseason game or two. The Braves are not making the playoffs this year.
I see too many strikeouts, too few clutch hits, and too many home runs that make up the Braves' offense in 2014. That's not what I call a recipe for a successful meal.
My Braves must make the tough choices to move forward. They must not get attached to players who need to go to make way for players that can step in.
As for me, time to put away my dreams of a 2014 postseason and dream about next season.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Dreaming of Vegas, again
Stop me if you heard and read this one before, I had another dream about Las Vegas. This was at the tail end of my sleep on Saturday Morning. The dream ended when my Alarm clock woke my family up at 7 in the morning.
In my dream, it was my final day in Las Veags. I was trying to cram everything I wanted to in the last 15 minutes. I wanted to hit all the buffets with Pepsi products that I could find. I also had to try to chase a flight back home or else I'd be in big trouble for missing my flight home. I wanted to be in search for the best roast beef and prime rib I could find.
Just when I thought I was getting close to my dream meal, I wake up.
In reality, it has been seven years since my last trip to Las Veags. With life happened at the rate it has for me so far, I won't be heading back there for a while. I would love love love to go back there for my next birthday. I would almost give anything to go back there. I will have to be a good boy and wait and see if I can swing it.
My dream trip to Vegas would include my wife and I would love to see a show, play a few slots, and eat some of the best food I will ever have.
Thank you "The Hangover" for some of the best movie quotes of all time and for the inspiration for me to want to go back to the Southern Nevada desert town of VEGAS!!!!!!!!!
VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!
In my dream, it was my final day in Las Veags. I was trying to cram everything I wanted to in the last 15 minutes. I wanted to hit all the buffets with Pepsi products that I could find. I also had to try to chase a flight back home or else I'd be in big trouble for missing my flight home. I wanted to be in search for the best roast beef and prime rib I could find.
Just when I thought I was getting close to my dream meal, I wake up.
In reality, it has been seven years since my last trip to Las Veags. With life happened at the rate it has for me so far, I won't be heading back there for a while. I would love love love to go back there for my next birthday. I would almost give anything to go back there. I will have to be a good boy and wait and see if I can swing it.
My dream trip to Vegas would include my wife and I would love to see a show, play a few slots, and eat some of the best food I will ever have.
Thank you "The Hangover" for some of the best movie quotes of all time and for the inspiration for me to want to go back to the Southern Nevada desert town of VEGAS!!!!!!!!!
VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!
Dreaming of San Marcos, again
Early Friday Morning, I was here at work and I got tired. I didn't mean to, but it happened. I dozed off a couple of times and I had an amazing, scary dream all at the same time.
I had a dream where I was taken to San Marcos, California. Only this time, my wife and baby boy were with me as we were getting ready to unpack our boxes. You see, we decided to move there for some unknown reason. At first I was excited about moving there to where I grew up as a young child. it was one of those moments where I did good and 'came back home.'
At the same time, I had a part in the dream where I asked myself 'What have I done?' For some reason, I had immediate regret that I decided to move away from Georgia. I didn't know what I was doing where I had that sensation that I had decided to leave behind everything that was familiar to me here in my current home state of Georgia. I don't remember in the dream if I had disappointed my wife on this move.
In reality, I woke up and I haven't been back to California to visit in almost 6 years. With life happening as it is right now, I'm not sure when I'll be back in my old old hometown for a visit. I hope to have fun there again and this time get to enjoy it with Kelly and baby Ben.
Both of them can one day see where I came from to get to where I am in my life now.
I had a dream where I was taken to San Marcos, California. Only this time, my wife and baby boy were with me as we were getting ready to unpack our boxes. You see, we decided to move there for some unknown reason. At first I was excited about moving there to where I grew up as a young child. it was one of those moments where I did good and 'came back home.'
At the same time, I had a part in the dream where I asked myself 'What have I done?' For some reason, I had immediate regret that I decided to move away from Georgia. I didn't know what I was doing where I had that sensation that I had decided to leave behind everything that was familiar to me here in my current home state of Georgia. I don't remember in the dream if I had disappointed my wife on this move.
In reality, I woke up and I haven't been back to California to visit in almost 6 years. With life happening as it is right now, I'm not sure when I'll be back in my old old hometown for a visit. I hope to have fun there again and this time get to enjoy it with Kelly and baby Ben.
Both of them can one day see where I came from to get to where I am in my life now.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Had a dream of being in Alaska
Over the weekend, I was at my friend's house with his family (along with my father) somewhere in Alaska. I remember watching some TV and having coffee and drinks with them. I don't remember what I saw on TV, maybe it was a 1980's drama or something. I remember the sun was setting around 9:00 PM one night.
The following morning, it was 10:00 AM and it was still purple dark outside. I remember having my morning coffee and for some reason, my dad put a finished cigarette in my drink. I remember drinking it, and thinking to myself 'that's disgusting.' I even told my dad that what he did was gross. I can't believe I would ever drink coffee with a cigarette inside.
In reality: I have never been to Alaska. I remember that the days are longer in the Summer. I think the sun is out 20 hours a day in the Summertime. I had a few friends and classmates from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Broadcasting get their first TV jobs in Alaska. Even one of my closest friends and co-workers from The Weather Channel worked in Alaska for years.
I know that Sarah Palin is from Alaska.
Finally, I saw Alaska depicted in cartoon fashion in "The Simpsons Movie." That alone inspired me to know what was going on in the news from the 50th state in the country.
It would take my retirement for me to be able to go on an Alaskan cruise with my wife and family. Someday, I will have the desire to go to Alaska for the first time.
The following morning, it was 10:00 AM and it was still purple dark outside. I remember having my morning coffee and for some reason, my dad put a finished cigarette in my drink. I remember drinking it, and thinking to myself 'that's disgusting.' I even told my dad that what he did was gross. I can't believe I would ever drink coffee with a cigarette inside.
In reality: I have never been to Alaska. I remember that the days are longer in the Summer. I think the sun is out 20 hours a day in the Summertime. I had a few friends and classmates from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Broadcasting get their first TV jobs in Alaska. Even one of my closest friends and co-workers from The Weather Channel worked in Alaska for years.
I know that Sarah Palin is from Alaska.
Finally, I saw Alaska depicted in cartoon fashion in "The Simpsons Movie." That alone inspired me to know what was going on in the news from the 50th state in the country.
It would take my retirement for me to be able to go on an Alaskan cruise with my wife and family. Someday, I will have the desire to go to Alaska for the first time.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
A dream of San Marcos
Early this morning, I had a dream where I moved into an Apartment in Southern California. It had been a huge departure from my current home here in Georgia, but for some weird reason it felt right.
I moved into a tiny studio apartment where the shower was right next to the kitchen. It didn't matter because I was "home" in San Marcos, California. I even took a 'shower' and bit my tongue to make sure it wasn't a dream. Hell, I even screamed out loud saying "I'm Hoooommmmmeeeee!!!!!"
And then, I wake up.
In reality, home is with my wife and baby boy in Acworth, Georgia. I might go back for a visit to Southern California one day. For now, it's not to be.
I have many higher priorities that I have to get to before I go out on a nice long vacation to the West Coast again.
Time for me to go home after a long day of work.
Z
I moved into a tiny studio apartment where the shower was right next to the kitchen. It didn't matter because I was "home" in San Marcos, California. I even took a 'shower' and bit my tongue to make sure it wasn't a dream. Hell, I even screamed out loud saying "I'm Hoooommmmmeeeee!!!!!"
And then, I wake up.
In reality, home is with my wife and baby boy in Acworth, Georgia. I might go back for a visit to Southern California one day. For now, it's not to be.
I have many higher priorities that I have to get to before I go out on a nice long vacation to the West Coast again.
Time for me to go home after a long day of work.
Z
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Monday, June 16, 2014
Distant Video Replay of 2014 #23: San Diego Padres' Tony Gwynn gets hit # 3,000 (1999)
See video below at the end of the story.
Tony Gwynn was one of my favorite San Diego Padres of all time. I was fortunate to see him play in three cities: San Diego, Phoenix, and Here in Atlanta.
I was very fortunate to see him and my Padres on TV when I was growing up in Mesa, Arizona. I would like to thank the fine folks at old KUSK-TV from Prescott, Arizona for offering a feed of the Padres games to my TV.
Just after a commercial break from an Atlanta Braves game, SportSouth showed a highlight reel tribune to the great Mr. Padre.
I didn't learn of his death until just before noon today. I got a text from two of my best friends who are huge baseball fans. I got the news and the tributes from watching MLB Network and ESPN2. Man I wish I could see him hit the baseball one more time.
When I needed something to do in the summertime to fight off boredom, I would watch and listen to a lot of baseball. My Padres in the early 90's gave me hope as a young fan.
Knowing that Tony Gwynn wanted to study hitting made be believe he cared about his craft. He was already one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball, and for him to carry video equipment to study his own swing made him the best hitter in the business.
I could only hope to have the same dedication that he had.
Here's a look at Tony Gwynn's 3000th hit.
Tony Gwynn was one of my favorite San Diego Padres of all time. I was fortunate to see him play in three cities: San Diego, Phoenix, and Here in Atlanta.
I was very fortunate to see him and my Padres on TV when I was growing up in Mesa, Arizona. I would like to thank the fine folks at old KUSK-TV from Prescott, Arizona for offering a feed of the Padres games to my TV.
Just after a commercial break from an Atlanta Braves game, SportSouth showed a highlight reel tribune to the great Mr. Padre.
I didn't learn of his death until just before noon today. I got a text from two of my best friends who are huge baseball fans. I got the news and the tributes from watching MLB Network and ESPN2. Man I wish I could see him hit the baseball one more time.
When I needed something to do in the summertime to fight off boredom, I would watch and listen to a lot of baseball. My Padres in the early 90's gave me hope as a young fan.
Knowing that Tony Gwynn wanted to study hitting made be believe he cared about his craft. He was already one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball, and for him to carry video equipment to study his own swing made him the best hitter in the business.
I could only hope to have the same dedication that he had.
Here's a look at Tony Gwynn's 3000th hit.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Distant Video Replay of 2014 #21, Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" (1986)
In honor of Casey Kasem (1932-2014)
Dreams for Ben
This Sunday, today, I sit back and reflect on the fun I've had with Ben. Today was a magical moment where he handed me my Father's Day card and the card told me how good of a dad I am. I dream of being a great father to my son, Ben.
I am honored every day to soothe, feed, play with, clothe, read to, and diaper Ben. I take my job seriously as a father each and every day.
It's hard to leave Ben every day that I have to go to work. It's even harder to leave on weekends because that is some precious family time that I'm missing out on right now. I miss baby Ben right now.
Every time I get a chance to pick Ben up from day care, I cherish those moments more than I'll ever know. When I see the smile on his face each time, it lights up my day. Seeing him with his toothless smile is the best part of my day.
PHOTO: Ben and I getting into Acworth Beach
Sometimes I look more like an older brother than I do a father. That's O.K. That will make it look like Ben and I are pals later on in life.
I dream of Ben being smarter than I am. I hope that he is more athletically gifted than me. I dream of him playing soccer, basketball, baseball, and anything else he wants to play. I hope he'll like T-ball first. I like saying T-ball out loud. I put an emphasis on the "T".
Even though Ben is my son, he's got a friend for life in me. That I promise him. He can do anything at all and I'll be there with him and for him. He's got an ally in me.
I dream that I can take you to school here in Cobb County for the next 12+ years (kindergarten - Senior Year) and give you the stability and continuity that you deserve.
Kelly and I will work hard for you and give you everything you need to succeed. You name it, we'll come up with it.
Ben, no matter what you do and how grown up you are, you'll always be my little baby bear. I love you and I miss you.
Dad
I am honored every day to soothe, feed, play with, clothe, read to, and diaper Ben. I take my job seriously as a father each and every day.
It's hard to leave Ben every day that I have to go to work. It's even harder to leave on weekends because that is some precious family time that I'm missing out on right now. I miss baby Ben right now.
Every time I get a chance to pick Ben up from day care, I cherish those moments more than I'll ever know. When I see the smile on his face each time, it lights up my day. Seeing him with his toothless smile is the best part of my day.
Sometimes I look more like an older brother than I do a father. That's O.K. That will make it look like Ben and I are pals later on in life.
I dream of Ben being smarter than I am. I hope that he is more athletically gifted than me. I dream of him playing soccer, basketball, baseball, and anything else he wants to play. I hope he'll like T-ball first. I like saying T-ball out loud. I put an emphasis on the "T".
Even though Ben is my son, he's got a friend for life in me. That I promise him. He can do anything at all and I'll be there with him and for him. He's got an ally in me.
I dream that I can take you to school here in Cobb County for the next 12+ years (kindergarten - Senior Year) and give you the stability and continuity that you deserve.
Kelly and I will work hard for you and give you everything you need to succeed. You name it, we'll come up with it.
Ben, no matter what you do and how grown up you are, you'll always be my little baby bear. I love you and I miss you.
Dad
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Sunday Dream - a mystery wedge from a "Wheel of Fortune" game
Sometime Sunday Morning, I had a fascinating dream about my favorite game show of all time, Wheel of Fortune. I've had many, many dreams from that game show.
Wheel of Fortune has been the Game show I've had the most dreams about in my life. I can't think of any other game shows I have ever had dreamed about or had dreams about.
This one was more along the lines of the facebook game that I've played. In my dream, there was a RED $1500 mystery wedge that I could spin for. It had a French phrase on top of the wedge called "La Brouche." I've never heard of that word before, and I don't even know if it's a real word.
I don't know what was to be on the other side of that mystery wedge. I suspect that there would be a Bankrupt space or a Big Big money space on the other side.
In reality, I've played the Facebook version of Wheel of Fortune a couple of times this week. I don't have enough gold coins to upgrade any of the wedges on the wheel right now. I'm hoping to replace my $2500 space with a $3500 space. I hope I can pick up the $1000 mystery wedge and add to my Facebook winnings.
I'm many games from being a Wheel of Fortune Millionaire on Facebook. I achieved a $1,000,000 grand prize on my XBOX 360 game. I never won the big prize on the Nintendo Wii, but I am a career millionaire on that platform.
Time for me to dream big and then play big.
Wheel of Fortune has been the Game show I've had the most dreams about in my life. I can't think of any other game shows I have ever had dreamed about or had dreams about.
This one was more along the lines of the facebook game that I've played. In my dream, there was a RED $1500 mystery wedge that I could spin for. It had a French phrase on top of the wedge called "La Brouche." I've never heard of that word before, and I don't even know if it's a real word.
I don't know what was to be on the other side of that mystery wedge. I suspect that there would be a Bankrupt space or a Big Big money space on the other side.
In reality, I've played the Facebook version of Wheel of Fortune a couple of times this week. I don't have enough gold coins to upgrade any of the wedges on the wheel right now. I'm hoping to replace my $2500 space with a $3500 space. I hope I can pick up the $1000 mystery wedge and add to my Facebook winnings.
I'm many games from being a Wheel of Fortune Millionaire on Facebook. I achieved a $1,000,000 grand prize on my XBOX 360 game. I never won the big prize on the Nintendo Wii, but I am a career millionaire on that platform.
Time for me to dream big and then play big.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Dreaming of my Braves beating an American League team this season
I watched part of today's Braves/Mariners game on TV as I was here at work this afternoon. I missed that parts where Seattle scored its 2 runs as the Braves scored none in their latest loss today.
The Braves are 0-6 vs. the junior circuit this season, 0-2 vs. Boston at home, 0-2 vs. Boston at Fenway Park, and now 0-2 vs. Seattle at Turner Field. My hope is that those losses won't come back to bite the Braves come playoff time.
I was happy for half-a-game on Memorial Day when my Braves had a 6-1 lead over the Defending World Champion Boston Red Sox. In the top of the 5th, my dream of victory was deferred when David Ortiz smacked a 3-run homer to tie the game at 6.
I was disappointed that we lost the lead, but I was even more disappointed that there mroe Red Sox fans cheering for their team than there were Braves fans cheering for my team.
Tuesday and Wednesday's games were a blur. Both were losses that I can remember.
The Thursday game I was watching some of the time. I saw that the #Braves had a lead for a while, and I felt comfortable and watched a NETFLIX movie with my wife.
Later on in the night/the next morning, I learned that the Braves lost again. I was disappointed like a mini-punch in the gut got to me.
I bet there there wasn't even 5% Braves fans that infiltrated Fenway Park last week.
My next shot at redemption (and for the Braves) vs. the American League comes 9 days from now, June 15 vs. The Los Angeles Angels at Turner Field.
The Braves are 0-6 vs. the junior circuit this season, 0-2 vs. Boston at home, 0-2 vs. Boston at Fenway Park, and now 0-2 vs. Seattle at Turner Field. My hope is that those losses won't come back to bite the Braves come playoff time.
I was happy for half-a-game on Memorial Day when my Braves had a 6-1 lead over the Defending World Champion Boston Red Sox. In the top of the 5th, my dream of victory was deferred when David Ortiz smacked a 3-run homer to tie the game at 6.
I was disappointed that we lost the lead, but I was even more disappointed that there mroe Red Sox fans cheering for their team than there were Braves fans cheering for my team.
Tuesday and Wednesday's games were a blur. Both were losses that I can remember.
The Thursday game I was watching some of the time. I saw that the #Braves had a lead for a while, and I felt comfortable and watched a NETFLIX movie with my wife.
Later on in the night/the next morning, I learned that the Braves lost again. I was disappointed like a mini-punch in the gut got to me.
I bet there there wasn't even 5% Braves fans that infiltrated Fenway Park last week.
My next shot at redemption (and for the Braves) vs. the American League comes 9 days from now, June 15 vs. The Los Angeles Angels at Turner Field.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
20 years, I can't believe it
I could have never dreamed that it would be 20 years ago today that I graduated from high school with my class from Red Mountain in Mesa, Arizona.
So many things have happened and so much has changed since I last set foot inside a high school classroom.
Before I get started, I would like to say that I am sorry that I was not able to attend my 20-year class reunion. Life took a turn for me when I became a father for the first time on Christmas Day last year.
My baby boy Ben is now five months old and he's growing faster than I can keep up with. Ben has come a long way from when he was sad and mad to a happy, laughing, sleeping, and content baby.
I have experienced so many highs and a couple of crushing lows since my time at RMHS.
Here are the high points of my life post-1994: I got married to the love of my life Kelly in 2011, I met my mother in 2009 after so many years of not knowing she was still alive, I became a father last year, and I've traveled much of the USA including stops in Arizona and California again.
The low points of my life have been when my dad died in 2007 and when I got laid off from CNN in 2011. I've bounced back from both of those trying times with love and support of my friends and family along the way.
I've gotten to live my dream of working in television as an editor, writer, video producer, and logger. I've basically gotten paid to watch TV and log some of the most important events in history and some of the most important plays in ballgames in my time with CNN, The Weather Channel, and now here at CBS46 in Atlanta.
Some people may say that some of the best times of our lives were spent during our lives in high school. I would dare say that the best times of my life have been within the past decade after our 10-year class reunion.
I would even argue that the best is yet to come. I still feel that I have a lot to do, a lot to see, and a lot to share with my wife and son.
I've seen how advanced television, the internet, social media, smartphones, technology, and journalism have become since 1994. I can't wait to see what the next 20 years will bring in our lives.
I would also like to take the time to remember our classmates who may be no longer with us. Let's raise a glass to them and remember all the good they brought to our lives, for that they are no longer suffering and having the utmost happiness wherever they may be today.
We've all had great moments and outstanding achievements in our lives. What are you most proud of today?
So many things have happened and so much has changed since I last set foot inside a high school classroom.
Before I get started, I would like to say that I am sorry that I was not able to attend my 20-year class reunion. Life took a turn for me when I became a father for the first time on Christmas Day last year.
My baby boy Ben is now five months old and he's growing faster than I can keep up with. Ben has come a long way from when he was sad and mad to a happy, laughing, sleeping, and content baby.
I have experienced so many highs and a couple of crushing lows since my time at RMHS.
Here are the high points of my life post-1994: I got married to the love of my life Kelly in 2011, I met my mother in 2009 after so many years of not knowing she was still alive, I became a father last year, and I've traveled much of the USA including stops in Arizona and California again.
The low points of my life have been when my dad died in 2007 and when I got laid off from CNN in 2011. I've bounced back from both of those trying times with love and support of my friends and family along the way.
I've gotten to live my dream of working in television as an editor, writer, video producer, and logger. I've basically gotten paid to watch TV and log some of the most important events in history and some of the most important plays in ballgames in my time with CNN, The Weather Channel, and now here at CBS46 in Atlanta.
Some people may say that some of the best times of our lives were spent during our lives in high school. I would dare say that the best times of my life have been within the past decade after our 10-year class reunion.
I would even argue that the best is yet to come. I still feel that I have a lot to do, a lot to see, and a lot to share with my wife and son.
I've seen how advanced television, the internet, social media, smartphones, technology, and journalism have become since 1994. I can't wait to see what the next 20 years will bring in our lives.
I would also like to take the time to remember our classmates who may be no longer with us. Let's raise a glass to them and remember all the good they brought to our lives, for that they are no longer suffering and having the utmost happiness wherever they may be today.
We've all had great moments and outstanding achievements in our lives. What are you most proud of today?
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Distant video replay of 2014 #18: San Diego Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals (1998)
My Cardinals make their first ever playoff appearance in Arizona at the expense of my Chargers.
Poem Dream
I remember 37 years when
I lived live before Ben.
I will teach counting from one to ten
to my baby boy Ben.
Someday I hope to have a den
to share with my son Ben.
The Braves General Manager is Frank Wren
That's the team that could be for Ben.
I love to write with a pen
Soon it will be pencils and crayons for Ben.
I don't know anybody named Glen.
I have a beautiful baby boy named Ben.
Now I don't want to remember when
I lived my life without Ben.
I lived live before Ben.
I will teach counting from one to ten
to my baby boy Ben.
Someday I hope to have a den
to share with my son Ben.
The Braves General Manager is Frank Wren
That's the team that could be for Ben.
I love to write with a pen
Soon it will be pencils and crayons for Ben.
I don't know anybody named Glen.
I have a beautiful baby boy named Ben.
Now I don't want to remember when
I lived my life without Ben.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Dreaming of weekends off
This was one of those dreams that I didn't have while I was asleep at anytime. It's a dream that I think about, wish about, daydream about, and occasionally pray about.
Last weekend, I had to leave my wife and new son behind while I had to go to work. I do that every weekend, but this past weekend was especially hard for me.
Last weekend, my wife, son, and I visited her family in Middle Georgia for the weekend. I had a wonderful time being there on Thursday Night, all of Friday, and Saturday Morning.
I felt really bad that I had to leave in the middle of a gathering with our friends and their newborn daughter.
It's a ritual that I will have to carry on for a while. I hope to not have to repeat this for a long time. I can do it for maybe a few more years.
I promise myself that I will be there for Ben's soccer games, baseball games, Saturday and Sunday activities, and anything else he and our entire family want to do.
If trading my current job for a job that gives me weekends off, then that is what I'm willing to do.
I've lived my dream job of working in Television and watching television at work for more than 14 years now. I believe that it is time for me to put on some big boy work clothes and be a real worker like most Americans are today.
Let my dreams begin.
Last weekend, I had to leave my wife and new son behind while I had to go to work. I do that every weekend, but this past weekend was especially hard for me.
Last weekend, my wife, son, and I visited her family in Middle Georgia for the weekend. I had a wonderful time being there on Thursday Night, all of Friday, and Saturday Morning.
I felt really bad that I had to leave in the middle of a gathering with our friends and their newborn daughter.
It's a ritual that I will have to carry on for a while. I hope to not have to repeat this for a long time. I can do it for maybe a few more years.
I promise myself that I will be there for Ben's soccer games, baseball games, Saturday and Sunday activities, and anything else he and our entire family want to do.
If trading my current job for a job that gives me weekends off, then that is what I'm willing to do.
I've lived my dream job of working in Television and watching television at work for more than 14 years now. I believe that it is time for me to put on some big boy work clothes and be a real worker like most Americans are today.
Let my dreams begin.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Dreaming of some exciting playoffs
I've been following some of the NBA and NHL Playoffs. To give the NHL the proper respect it deserves, I will call its postseason the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
I think that the Stanley Cup playoffs are more compelling than its NBA Counterpart. Here's why.
You can't really put a finger on who will win the Stanley cup as of this writing. Over in the NBA, everybody knows that the Miami Heat will be parading down Biscayne Boulevard after winning its 3rd NBA title in a row.
I can only dream that my B team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, can steal the Heat's Thunder (No Pun Intended).
The Heat are playing out of their minds right now, tearing up the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals and everyone else that has been in their path so far.
The Charlotte Bobcats were no match for the Heat, and the Brooklyn Nets have been a token opposition by taking the Heat to a whopping 5 games.
Back to the ice, all it takes is one hot goalie to carry you through the playoffs. That's all it takes despite having the best 20+ position players that have the potential to shoot the puck.
The Heat have the big 3 in LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Which of the remaining NHL and NBA teams have a big 3? Maybe the Spurs and Thunder.
If you want drama, tune into the Stanley Cup Playoffs to see who will hoist Lord Stanley's Cup over their heads. If you want an easy ride, just watch the Miami Heat dominate the postseason one more time.
I can only dream that the Thunder will spoil the party.
I think that the Stanley Cup playoffs are more compelling than its NBA Counterpart. Here's why.
You can't really put a finger on who will win the Stanley cup as of this writing. Over in the NBA, everybody knows that the Miami Heat will be parading down Biscayne Boulevard after winning its 3rd NBA title in a row.
I can only dream that my B team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, can steal the Heat's Thunder (No Pun Intended).
The Heat are playing out of their minds right now, tearing up the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals and everyone else that has been in their path so far.
The Charlotte Bobcats were no match for the Heat, and the Brooklyn Nets have been a token opposition by taking the Heat to a whopping 5 games.
Back to the ice, all it takes is one hot goalie to carry you through the playoffs. That's all it takes despite having the best 20+ position players that have the potential to shoot the puck.
The Heat have the big 3 in LeBron, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Which of the remaining NHL and NBA teams have a big 3? Maybe the Spurs and Thunder.
If you want drama, tune into the Stanley Cup Playoffs to see who will hoist Lord Stanley's Cup over their heads. If you want an easy ride, just watch the Miami Heat dominate the postseason one more time.
I can only dream that the Thunder will spoil the party.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Not a dream situation for the Braves, but they need to part ways with Dan Uggla
I had no dreams last night through this morning as I sit here typing up my latest blog entry.
One dream that may not come true for many people in their lifetimes is to play for the Atlanta Braves. That dream could soon come to an end for one Dan Uggla.
You see, he hasn't hit well for average since he came here from the Florida Marlins back in 2011. He hit no worse that .243 in any of his five seasons with the Marlins. He has hit no better than .233 since he has been a Brave.
Every season, we dream of him hitting .250 or better. Every year after that, we hope he can hit .240 or better. Then we plead for him to be able to get over the .230, .220, .210, well, you get the idea.
Surely, he can't be any worse than his .179 batting average from a year ago, can he? Unfortunately, yes he can.
So far, he's batting only .178 and we can only dream that it will go up. What he lacked in hitting, he made up for it in double-digit home run totals through 2013. So far, he only has two homers.
So, what to do with Dan Uggla?
Well, the Braves have to part ways with him, but not immediately.
They have to see if any of the 29 teams will trade for him. The Braves will have to absorb a lot of salary just to unload him onto some other team. If they can get some prospects and a player for him, well that's better than nothing.
If for some reason the Braves can't find a willing taker for Uggla, then they need to hold on to him.
If the Braves want to play on his desire to be a Brave, they need to put the fear of God in him, or at the very least send him down to (AAA) Gwinnett. That might just be the place Uggla can rediscover his stroke, his magic, and his mojo.
A little more seasoning can't hurt to see if he can be a major player or a contributor in the Braves lineup in the heat of a pennant chase.
Let's say the Braves hold on to him for the remainder of the season. If Uggla's struggles at the plate continue, don't trot him out there in the starting lineup every night like they did Derek Lowe for all of his September starts on the mound (all losses by the way). They need to use Uggla situationally for a chance to win and go back to the playoffs.
Finally, and this is a last resort: If Uggla can't hit or get back to a respectable .200+ batting average and be a cog in the lineup, they need to release him.
That last sentence pained me as I typed it up. He's one of the nicest Braves I've ever seen. I don't doubt that he's a hard worker and a great clubhouse guy. He came in with high expectations from his Florida days along with a huge contract in his Braves days.
The Braves can afford to eat a year's salary while re-stocking and re-loading after his contract is off the books after the 2015 season.
I wish Dan Uggla all the best in the world. You won't find anyone else rooting harder for him than me.
My dream is to see Dan Uggla succeed.
One dream that may not come true for many people in their lifetimes is to play for the Atlanta Braves. That dream could soon come to an end for one Dan Uggla.
You see, he hasn't hit well for average since he came here from the Florida Marlins back in 2011. He hit no worse that .243 in any of his five seasons with the Marlins. He has hit no better than .233 since he has been a Brave.
Every season, we dream of him hitting .250 or better. Every year after that, we hope he can hit .240 or better. Then we plead for him to be able to get over the .230, .220, .210, well, you get the idea.
Surely, he can't be any worse than his .179 batting average from a year ago, can he? Unfortunately, yes he can.
So far, he's batting only .178 and we can only dream that it will go up. What he lacked in hitting, he made up for it in double-digit home run totals through 2013. So far, he only has two homers.
So, what to do with Dan Uggla?
Well, the Braves have to part ways with him, but not immediately.
They have to see if any of the 29 teams will trade for him. The Braves will have to absorb a lot of salary just to unload him onto some other team. If they can get some prospects and a player for him, well that's better than nothing.
If for some reason the Braves can't find a willing taker for Uggla, then they need to hold on to him.
If the Braves want to play on his desire to be a Brave, they need to put the fear of God in him, or at the very least send him down to (AAA) Gwinnett. That might just be the place Uggla can rediscover his stroke, his magic, and his mojo.
A little more seasoning can't hurt to see if he can be a major player or a contributor in the Braves lineup in the heat of a pennant chase.
Let's say the Braves hold on to him for the remainder of the season. If Uggla's struggles at the plate continue, don't trot him out there in the starting lineup every night like they did Derek Lowe for all of his September starts on the mound (all losses by the way). They need to use Uggla situationally for a chance to win and go back to the playoffs.
Finally, and this is a last resort: If Uggla can't hit or get back to a respectable .200+ batting average and be a cog in the lineup, they need to release him.
That last sentence pained me as I typed it up. He's one of the nicest Braves I've ever seen. I don't doubt that he's a hard worker and a great clubhouse guy. He came in with high expectations from his Florida days along with a huge contract in his Braves days.
The Braves can afford to eat a year's salary while re-stocking and re-loading after his contract is off the books after the 2015 season.
I wish Dan Uggla all the best in the world. You won't find anyone else rooting harder for him than me.
My dream is to see Dan Uggla succeed.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Dreaming of winning $4,000
Saturday Morning, I had a dream where I won $4,000 in "The Price is Right" 'Check Game.' I don't know what additional prize I won in the game, but I had a check for $4,000 waiting to be deposited.
Later on in my dream, I was moving along on what appeared to be a cable car in Phoenix, Arizona. I think I was headed towards Mesa without a particular destination in mind. I was floating along on a ride. Midway through the dream, I told myself that I was dreaming. Surely this $4,000 would not be mine in a few hours.
I was envisioning myself taking that check to my credit union and depositing it for the good of my family. I was imaging thousands of the things I could do with the additional cash. Spending it wildly was not one of them.
In the end, my baby boy and my cat woke me up and I was not $4,000 richer. I'm at the same spot I was when I went to sleep on Friday.
I still watch "The Price is Right" in the mornings when I'm at home. I'm getting baby Ben to watch with me. I am a huge fan of any pricing game that offers up a car. My favorite game is the 'Dice Game.'
Later on in my dream, I was moving along on what appeared to be a cable car in Phoenix, Arizona. I think I was headed towards Mesa without a particular destination in mind. I was floating along on a ride. Midway through the dream, I told myself that I was dreaming. Surely this $4,000 would not be mine in a few hours.
I was envisioning myself taking that check to my credit union and depositing it for the good of my family. I was imaging thousands of the things I could do with the additional cash. Spending it wildly was not one of them.
In the end, my baby boy and my cat woke me up and I was not $4,000 richer. I'm at the same spot I was when I went to sleep on Friday.
I still watch "The Price is Right" in the mornings when I'm at home. I'm getting baby Ben to watch with me. I am a huge fan of any pricing game that offers up a car. My favorite game is the 'Dice Game.'
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Finally, something new in the dream department, a trip to California
First of all, the dream department has run dry for a long time. Last Night/This Morning was the first dream that I can remember in weeks. I can now write a little bit about it.
I found myself inside the small terminal of the El Centro/Imperial Valley Regional Airport. First of all, I found myself in El Centro, California. El Centro is one of those cities to pass through in order to get to where you want to go. Sometimes I'd stop and get a bite to eat in real life or get gasoline.
Inside the small airport, I was looking to catch a flight to Phoenix for some reason. I didn't know what I was going there for or why I was going there. All I knew was that I was going to go to Phoenix.
Just before I boarded my flight, I went outside and I saw a big walkway on the side where I enter the airport. Seconds later, I look up, and I see a highway sign that had the state of "Kentucky" just above a set of black and white numbers over it. I expect to see a green highway sign with white numbering with the state of "California" over it when I'm in California.
In reality: I haven't been to California since 2008 and the closest to California I'll come is either on TV or when I go back to Arizona for a visit within the next 2 years.
I found myself inside the small terminal of the El Centro/Imperial Valley Regional Airport. First of all, I found myself in El Centro, California. El Centro is one of those cities to pass through in order to get to where you want to go. Sometimes I'd stop and get a bite to eat in real life or get gasoline.
Inside the small airport, I was looking to catch a flight to Phoenix for some reason. I didn't know what I was going there for or why I was going there. All I knew was that I was going to go to Phoenix.
Just before I boarded my flight, I went outside and I saw a big walkway on the side where I enter the airport. Seconds later, I look up, and I see a highway sign that had the state of "Kentucky" just above a set of black and white numbers over it. I expect to see a green highway sign with white numbering with the state of "California" over it when I'm in California.
In reality: I haven't been to California since 2008 and the closest to California I'll come is either on TV or when I go back to Arizona for a visit within the next 2 years.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Weird dream about being in an airport/rental car counter
Sometime between 6:30 and 8:30 this morning, I had a dream where I was wainting to pick up a rental car at an airport checkout counter.
I was in a line all to myself while I should have been standing in a much longer line to where I could have actually gotten some help and service. Everyone else in line was getting what they came for and I was bumbling around waiting for someone to notice me.
Later on in the dream, someone noticed me and started to try to help me with a rental car. I feeling pretty good about this trip I was about to take to San Diego. All I needed were some wheels to get around town.
Near the end of the dream, I got a paper slip saying that there was no rental car available there for me. On the other side of the piece of paper, it read that I could rent a car in Kennesaw, Georgia. The dream took a bizarre twist for me, and just like that, I woke up.
In reality, I haven't been to San Diego in more than five years. I'm not sure when I'll return to America's finest city. I hope to return there as a vacationer with my wife and son someday. I can still dream, can't I?
I was in a line all to myself while I should have been standing in a much longer line to where I could have actually gotten some help and service. Everyone else in line was getting what they came for and I was bumbling around waiting for someone to notice me.
Later on in the dream, someone noticed me and started to try to help me with a rental car. I feeling pretty good about this trip I was about to take to San Diego. All I needed were some wheels to get around town.
Near the end of the dream, I got a paper slip saying that there was no rental car available there for me. On the other side of the piece of paper, it read that I could rent a car in Kennesaw, Georgia. The dream took a bizarre twist for me, and just like that, I woke up.
In reality, I haven't been to San Diego in more than five years. I'm not sure when I'll return to America's finest city. I hope to return there as a vacationer with my wife and son someday. I can still dream, can't I?
Saturday, March 15, 2014
I had a dream where I met a former co-worker
Early this morning, I had this two-part dream where I met someone I used to work with and got ni line for a buffet style steak and red meat dinner.
First, I met one of my old colleagues from my days at CNN Sports at an unknown parking deck. Me, the co-worker, and some other friends met up near a white Toyota pickup truck and had a good old time. We just talked and talked and talked and remembered old times.
A little later in the dream, I was in a buffet line for some dinner at the CNN Center. It was not at the CNN Diner where the traditional holiday dinner was served. It was on the 5th floor of the building where cooks and chefs served steak tips, steak rounds, and filet mignons. I took one of each and some of the excess juices to put on my meat. I guess I am a meat loving eater.
Back to the time I met up my co-worker: We were thinking of how to spend our time next time we met up. All I can say right now was that it was good to get together with him once again.
In reality: I reconnected with that co-worker on Facebook and hope to chat with him again soon. I really, really love steak and red meat. If I could have it for dinner every night, I would. I settle for having steak or prime rib once a week or every two weeks.
Off topic: I will return near CNN Center on Monday, March 24th for when I am set to return to Philips Arena for the Phoenix Suns/Atlanta Hawks game. I miss the NBA.
First, I met one of my old colleagues from my days at CNN Sports at an unknown parking deck. Me, the co-worker, and some other friends met up near a white Toyota pickup truck and had a good old time. We just talked and talked and talked and remembered old times.
A little later in the dream, I was in a buffet line for some dinner at the CNN Center. It was not at the CNN Diner where the traditional holiday dinner was served. It was on the 5th floor of the building where cooks and chefs served steak tips, steak rounds, and filet mignons. I took one of each and some of the excess juices to put on my meat. I guess I am a meat loving eater.
Back to the time I met up my co-worker: We were thinking of how to spend our time next time we met up. All I can say right now was that it was good to get together with him once again.
In reality: I reconnected with that co-worker on Facebook and hope to chat with him again soon. I really, really love steak and red meat. If I could have it for dinner every night, I would. I settle for having steak or prime rib once a week or every two weeks.
Off topic: I will return near CNN Center on Monday, March 24th for when I am set to return to Philips Arena for the Phoenix Suns/Atlanta Hawks game. I miss the NBA.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Dreaming of redemption
I don't remember exactly when I had this dream of me inside CNN.com. I remember it was during the day where I was working at my usual desk with an Apple Computer, and a Final Cut Pro station to put together videos for the day's work at CNN.com.
I don't remember what I did for work, and I don't even remember doing any work for the day that I was there. Later on in the dream, one of my former bosses came up to me to talk to me. I don't remember what we talked about, but I seem to remember that the conversation was positive and helpful to me. She was nicer to me than she had been in recent times.
After that conversation that I don't remember the substance of, she felt good about me and I felt good about her. It was a very respectful conversation all the way around. I could only hope for good, constructive conversations with her in the future.
In reality, I woke up and I realize that I work for CBS46 here in Atlanta. I don't work for CNN or cnn.com anymore. I can't expect redemption with my former cnn.com boss anytime soon. I can only learn from my mistakes and errors I made there and move forward.
I can only hope that there is some sort of redemption or a sense of thanks coming my way for 11+ years of service I gave to CNN and its family of networks.
I don't remember what I did for work, and I don't even remember doing any work for the day that I was there. Later on in the dream, one of my former bosses came up to me to talk to me. I don't remember what we talked about, but I seem to remember that the conversation was positive and helpful to me. She was nicer to me than she had been in recent times.
After that conversation that I don't remember the substance of, she felt good about me and I felt good about her. It was a very respectful conversation all the way around. I could only hope for good, constructive conversations with her in the future.
In reality, I woke up and I realize that I work for CBS46 here in Atlanta. I don't work for CNN or cnn.com anymore. I can't expect redemption with my former cnn.com boss anytime soon. I can only learn from my mistakes and errors I made there and move forward.
I can only hope that there is some sort of redemption or a sense of thanks coming my way for 11+ years of service I gave to CNN and its family of networks.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Dreaming of Las Vegas again
Early on Wednesday Morning, I had a nice dream where I was traveling again.
I was inside an airport either in Atlanta or Phoenix to board an airplane to Las Vegas. I think I was inside Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport since the floor was made of carpet.
I was running around all over the airport in order to find my terminal and find the airplane I needed to get on.
Somewhere along the way in my dream, I don't even remember flying as I suddenly got transported to the Las Vegas Strip. I was in my happy place in my dream.
As I got settled into Vegas, I met up with one of my best friends from my CNN days. He is a Vegas expert and I really wanted him to take me under his wing.
What I wanted even more in Vegas was a nice buffet table to hit up. I had visions of prime rib, roast beef, mashed potatoes, brown gravy, and Pepsi dancing in my head.
As I was moving down the line in the buffet at this unnamed restaurant, I was smiling all over inside. I couldn't believe what I was eating. It was really yummy.
In reality, I woke up again. I woke up to my alarm to get ready to take care of my son Ben. I have a solemn duty to feed him, take care of him, make him happy, and soothe him when necessary.
I have not been to Vegas since I was 31 years old back in 2007. That has been the only time I've been there since I was an adult.
I have dreams of traveling again someday. So far, I have a couple of places that I put in a hat that I want to go visit again someday.
This year, I have an opportunity to go to Iowa to see one of my best friends get married. That is my only trip planned for 2014.
For family, I want to go visit Middle Georgia and Northeastern Oklahoma sometime this year too.
One of my newest co-workers told me this great piece of advice. That advice is that no matter where you go on vacation with your new baby, you are also taking the work with you.
So, going to the beach with a new baby would be very challenging. I've seen people post pictures on Facebook taking their new babies on vacation and to the beach. I think that will be fun as long as our whole family put a lot of sunscreen on.
For now, I'll go back to Ben and daydream with him as I take care of him today.
I love you son :-).
I was inside an airport either in Atlanta or Phoenix to board an airplane to Las Vegas. I think I was inside Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport since the floor was made of carpet.
I was running around all over the airport in order to find my terminal and find the airplane I needed to get on.
Somewhere along the way in my dream, I don't even remember flying as I suddenly got transported to the Las Vegas Strip. I was in my happy place in my dream.
As I got settled into Vegas, I met up with one of my best friends from my CNN days. He is a Vegas expert and I really wanted him to take me under his wing.
What I wanted even more in Vegas was a nice buffet table to hit up. I had visions of prime rib, roast beef, mashed potatoes, brown gravy, and Pepsi dancing in my head.
As I was moving down the line in the buffet at this unnamed restaurant, I was smiling all over inside. I couldn't believe what I was eating. It was really yummy.
In reality, I woke up again. I woke up to my alarm to get ready to take care of my son Ben. I have a solemn duty to feed him, take care of him, make him happy, and soothe him when necessary.
I have not been to Vegas since I was 31 years old back in 2007. That has been the only time I've been there since I was an adult.
I have dreams of traveling again someday. So far, I have a couple of places that I put in a hat that I want to go visit again someday.
This year, I have an opportunity to go to Iowa to see one of my best friends get married. That is my only trip planned for 2014.
For family, I want to go visit Middle Georgia and Northeastern Oklahoma sometime this year too.
One of my newest co-workers told me this great piece of advice. That advice is that no matter where you go on vacation with your new baby, you are also taking the work with you.
So, going to the beach with a new baby would be very challenging. I've seen people post pictures on Facebook taking their new babies on vacation and to the beach. I think that will be fun as long as our whole family put a lot of sunscreen on.
For now, I'll go back to Ben and daydream with him as I take care of him today.
I love you son :-).
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Dreaming of casinos again
This weekend, I had a dream where I was inside a casino and a restaurant in the same building. This time, the dream took me to Atlantic City. I was walking through the area where they had craps, slots, poker tables one minute. The next minute, I walked through a kitchen where I saw sandwiches, hot meals, desserts, and pies wrapped in plastic just waiting to be served.
I suppose I was inspired to dream my dream of Atlantic City because I went to see "American Hustle" at the movie theater on Friday Night. That was the first movie I went to in 2014.
In reality, I have only been to Atlantic City one time, and I thought it was just O.K. I still want to go back to Las Vegas for food, folks, shows, and some light gambling. I will wait for a while so that I can be an excellent father to my baby Ben.
I suppose I was inspired to dream my dream of Atlantic City because I went to see "American Hustle" at the movie theater on Friday Night. That was the first movie I went to in 2014.
In reality, I have only been to Atlantic City one time, and I thought it was just O.K. I still want to go back to Las Vegas for food, folks, shows, and some light gambling. I will wait for a while so that I can be an excellent father to my baby Ben.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Dreaming of PAC-12 glory for Arizona State
Over the weekend, I had this dream where I was standing inside Sun Devil Stadium. The scene was the PAC-12 Championship game against what I believed to be the Stanford Cardinal. I could see a streaming LED display of gold pitchforks flying across the screens and some even coming at me.
That feeling of being on the field of Sun Devil Stadium was awesome. Seeing that later on in my dream, it had a happy ending. I saw that in my dream, we won the game and the PAC-12 Championship. There was no mention of what that game meant. I didn't even hear that it was for the Rose Bowl or any other major bowl or playoff game.
In reality, Arizona State lost the PAC-12 title game to Stanford near the end of the 2013 season. My Sun Devils went on to the Holiday Bowl where they would lost to Texas Tech. The Stanford Cardinal went to Pasadena, CA to play in the Rose Bowl. The Cardinal would lose to Michigan State.
The last time I set foot inside Sun Devil Stadium was in 2012 when the Oregon Ducks smoked my Sun Devils on a nationally televised Thursday Night game on ESPN.
I hope to make a triumphant return to Sun Devil Stadium and see my team play for victory. I've been back to the old stadium three times, winning two of those games (vs. Washington in 2005 and vs. California in 2007).
That feeling of being on the field of Sun Devil Stadium was awesome. Seeing that later on in my dream, it had a happy ending. I saw that in my dream, we won the game and the PAC-12 Championship. There was no mention of what that game meant. I didn't even hear that it was for the Rose Bowl or any other major bowl or playoff game.
In reality, Arizona State lost the PAC-12 title game to Stanford near the end of the 2013 season. My Sun Devils went on to the Holiday Bowl where they would lost to Texas Tech. The Stanford Cardinal went to Pasadena, CA to play in the Rose Bowl. The Cardinal would lose to Michigan State.
The last time I set foot inside Sun Devil Stadium was in 2012 when the Oregon Ducks smoked my Sun Devils on a nationally televised Thursday Night game on ESPN.
I hope to make a triumphant return to Sun Devil Stadium and see my team play for victory. I've been back to the old stadium three times, winning two of those games (vs. Washington in 2005 and vs. California in 2007).
Monday, January 13, 2014
Dreaming of The Weather Channel again
Over the weekend, I had this dream where I was back inside the Content Creation Center of The Weather Channel. I had not been there for more than a year and I found that my email, username, and password still work on the computers after all this time. I remember the room being a combination of blue and pink. It was so weird and cool to me.
In the dream, I was getting used to the Macs and Final Cut Pro again. I didn't do any real work mind you, I just had that happy to be there attitude when I was there.
In reality, I reached out to one of my favorite bosses there, and I found that there are a lot of well-qualified applicants for the video producer position. I am grateful that he wrote back to me and told me how he was doing and how life was going.
I was shooting for the 'you can go home again' angle in an attempt to return to The Weather Channel. I have never regularly returned to a place I left in my life. That list includes living in California, Arizona, and Buckhead. The list also includes working for CNN and The Weather Channel.
I'm happy and content to do more things here at CBS Atlanta News. I promise to give my all here.
In the dream, I was getting used to the Macs and Final Cut Pro again. I didn't do any real work mind you, I just had that happy to be there attitude when I was there.
In reality, I reached out to one of my favorite bosses there, and I found that there are a lot of well-qualified applicants for the video producer position. I am grateful that he wrote back to me and told me how he was doing and how life was going.
I was shooting for the 'you can go home again' angle in an attempt to return to The Weather Channel. I have never regularly returned to a place I left in my life. That list includes living in California, Arizona, and Buckhead. The list also includes working for CNN and The Weather Channel.
I'm happy and content to do more things here at CBS Atlanta News. I promise to give my all here.
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