31 Days of Lessons Learned: It Can’t Rain all the Time

31 Days of Lessons Learned:  Day Five

It Can’t Rain all the Time

Today was one of those days where I got pretty upset about the idea of lost friendships – upset enough to even create a HULK SMASH playlist.  I got to thinking about Borders today and the friendships I made there.  The reason I was upset is because I started thinking that the company has been gone for a little over a year now and I slowly seeing those friendships drifting away.  Sure, I’m Facebook friends with a lot of my old colleagues, but in general, I feel like those relationships just aren’t the same.  It’s a sad thing to realize you’re potentially not important enough to maintain a relationship with.  I guess it’s a two-way street though.  I really need to step up too I suppose.

So, sometime during my woe is me pity party today, my wife kindly reminded me that a majority of my core group of friends are friends I made at Borders.  Those are folks who would probably do just about anything for me, and I think my wife and I would do the same thing.  Sure, we may not talk as often as we used to, but the friendships I’ve gained and kept through Borders are amazing.  As the great philosophers Blink 182 once said, “I guess this is growing up.”

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Time to put my big boy pants on and man up.

The HULK SMASH playlist is now gone and I’m filled with memories of how great my friendships really are.

As Eric Draven said in The Crow, “It Can’t Rain all the Time.”

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I do still miss the book world though..

Halloween Hijinks: New Devil’s Night Traditions (and a free Batman pumpkin stencil or two)

Day Thirty: New Devil’s Night Traditions (and a free Batman pumpkin stencil or two)

Tonight is the night before Halloween, which is also affectionately known as Devil’s Night (or Angel’s Night in the Detroit area).  Up until tonight, most of my thoughts of Devil’s Night revolve around mischief-making, The Crow, and Detroit burning itself down.  That’s not a very positive way to think of an evening (well, The Crow is a good graphic novel/movie), so this year, I decided to make Devil’s Night something new.  Now, for our family, Devil’s Night will include cupcakes, pumpkin carving (and if I have my way, Chinese food).

First, we have the cupcake eating…

Mmmm, this is a yummy new tradition.

Then, we have the pumpkin scooping…

Scoopin' out the pumpkins with Momma.

Momma's pumpkin gut bowl is fuller than mine.

Now, we apply the stencil on the pumpkin…

Daddy, I think you're doing it all wrong.

Then, we have the final product…

La La La La Elmo's World...

The new Dynamic Duo...all lit up!

If you’re interested in the Batman pumpkin stencil, follow the break where I’ll post the link to that stencil (and some of Joker and Catwoman as well).