"Some things just aren't meant to be."

"Some things just aren't meant to be."

Sounds like a cliche, but it's fairly solid advice my mom gave me yesterday. Those words keep echoing in my mind as I wrap my mind around the fact that I am once again single.

It was made painfully official Wednesday night. "Ex-Siggy" says she has too much on her plate right now with a new job, family issues, and school. I tried to make the argument that it wasn't the best idea to push away the people that cared about her during this stressful time, but she had her mind made up.

"Some things just aren't meant to be."

As disappointed as I am in our relationship coming to an end, I also find myself not being "broken up" about it. Perhaps because I knew she was keeping me at arm's length. Perhaps because I've been hardened and calloused because of the Ex-"Thing" and what she put me through. Perhaps it all goes back to what my mom said...

"Some things just aren't meant to be."

In any case, I did some soul-searching. And with the exception of some deep-seeded trust issues (which seem to have served me in this case) and a really STUPID argument, I didn't do anything wrong.

But what bothers me is some friend of mine have been telling me that she's denying ever having dated me. If that's the case then perhaps it is for the best that we part ways.

In any case, I'm not going to dwell on it. As Dad told me last night, "There are other fish in the sea." And I'll go back to what Mom said.

"Some things just aren't meant to be."

So I guess I'm back on the market. A little older, a little sadder, and perhaps a little wiser.

The "R*****" Chronicles

I blanked out the R- word because it is a bit offensive to those who have real developmental problems... I guess this means The ex-"thing" is biased against mentally-challenged people! LOL

Anyway, I am FINALLY getting defrosted from last night's game. Granted, the temp dipped in the 30's, but when you have to keep your gloves off so you can take notes during the game you get a bit frosty. It was a good game, though, as Howard was able to rebound from an early deficit to win 20-8. They'll face a pretty big Tri-Valley squad next Monday... if it gets cold, perhaps I can get cursed to be set on fire again so I can stay warm this time! LOL But it was cool that I was able to fit into my leather coat and have it actually be LOOSE! No regrets about losing this weight, by cracky!

Speaking of the playoffs... how the HECK does Dell Rapids hang 70 POINTS on Sisseton?!? Granted Dells is good, but WOW! Of course, I'm an old Quarrier, and I can remember when we couldn't post 70 points in a SEASON, much less one game! I still remember my sophomore year when we had a total of TWO touchdowns... and one of them was a fumble that was picked up by our offensive guard and run in for a score. He was named our starting fullback next week!

But it should be pretty exciting and I'm looking forward to a return trip to the Dakotadome. I'm working with my friend "Bart" on the broadcasts, and asides from a couple of stumbles, we did pretty darn good! And after the Dome... VACATION!!!!

Speaking of which, I think I'm going to take a "Stay-cation" this fall. I was thinking of going to Wisconsin to see family, but considering that I pretty much disowned one of them, it would be really, really awkward to go back there. So I'm going to stay home, work out, sleep, visit family, clean and pack for my eventual move and catch up on my reading. Next spring when I'm a bit more financially stable, I might see about going to spend some time with my pal "Cliff Clavin" and his family in Tennessee.

So that's about it for now... hopefully some more good things happen this week and weekend; we'll have to wait and see.

A load of hot air!

Okay, so it was colder than a well-digger's backside yesterday, but it's a cute title.

Now that we survived the windstorm of yesterday past all I can say is YOWZA!!!

In fact, just taking a look at some of the pics around Brandon and Sioux Falls and Aberdeen, and it was a surprise no one was hurt or worse.

And the wind had a bit of an effect in my family. One of my family member's big pine trees is now at a permanent 45-degree angle. A few years ago, it had fallen over, we re-staked it and tied it down in the hopes that the roots would take hold again and keep it from doing the same thing. Took the ropes off this year and at the first gust of wind... BLAMMO!!!

Needless to say, it'll be coming down in the not to distant future... but if I get over there with a camera, I'll make sure to take a picture. Kinda looks like the old Zip Tower when it was supposed to collapse.



I don't know what makes me laugh more, the failed implosion or the guy's laugh!

We can make it better than before... better... stronger... faster!!

And cue the funky 70's theme music for the "Six Million Dollar Man!"

My friend Cory out on Lake Herman must have had this brewing. In one of his latest posts, he figures that the Republicans losing this Presidential election may just be a good thing. Without going into too much detail, he figures that who ever is going to be elected, faces about a 50-percent chance of reelection. So that might mean we'll only get four years of Obama "Change".

But a lot of what he talks about, I had posted in a previous posting (By the way, you're welcome for the idea, Cory! LOL). In the posting, I had talked about how the Republican Party had drifted away from its belief of limited government. With such things as the Patriot Act, and now the Wall Street Get Out of Jail Free Bailout that Bush and Pelosi forced down our throats, we are now facing more government interference in our lives than ever before! Add to that fact, you have the so-called "moral majority" looking to impose their will on the populace of the U.S. via the Republican party, and it's no wonder that the party is in chaos.

I think what needs to happen in order for the Republican Party to be of any validity in 2012, is to dump the big government ideas... to dump the "moral majority" leadership that has been so divisive and get back to the idea of LIMITED GOVERNMENT. Make the party a clear alternative to the big-government-loving, tax-and-spend Democrats. Renew the "Contract with America" that called for a balanced budget amendment and congressional term limits. Get back to your Libertarian Roots, for crying out loud! Ronald Reagan and William F. Buckley are probably spinning in their graves!

Until you do that, you'll just be a cheap carbon-copy of the Democrats, and not a very good one at that.

To forgive or not to forgive....

So... I'm spending the afternoon wondering about some things I've done and said in my past. Some good, some not so good.

I've often wondered whether or not to forgive someone that was a very close person in my life, especially after some pretty big hurting that she did. But of course, looking at her blog, she has taken my privileged communication with her and has now reverted to calling me a "retard." Very mature, Nicci. Bravo!

I'm sorry, pal, but I'm not the one who intentionally deceived a person they were supposedly in love with. I'm not the one who purposefully humiliated this person and his family on a very special occasion. Granted, I did some not-so-lovely things in my life and it bothers the hell out of me what I said and did... but you have no shame, no scruples and no soul.

And the fact you have your henchmen dragging our dirty laundry out into public is really mature too. But I guess I should expect nothing less coming from you.

So I apologize for what I said. You want to tell me to eff off, fine. But at least be man enough to do it face to face.

As for forgiving you... well, the jury's still out on that.

Fact is, for the first time in my life, I'm quite content with where things are going. Work is going well... I have great friends... Swee' Pea is growing like a weed (and about as talkative as her uncle!)... Oh, and my girlfriend and I are doing great, too! This is one thing that's been bothering me. I feel bad about what I said, and I guess I was looking for some kind of closure.

That's what I get for being so naive...and for being a knave!

I should just let her get her digs in, big deal. I've dealt with worse in my life and it's not like she's a major part of mine now. To be honest, I have no feeling for her at all. I don't care about her anymore; I just wanted to close the book once and for all. As for her fiancee, who is actually a pretty nice guy... I sure as heck hope you know what you're getting yourself into, my friend.

Of course, I'm still bringing it up, so I must still have some issue. But maybe some day when you're all good little boys and girls, Uncle Jackrabit will tell you all the story.

But until then, I'll have the good sense (for once) to keep my big yap shut... Some people could take a lesson or two on that! LOL

I must be getting old...

I'm constantly cold... especially after tonight's football game.

My hands feel like ice cubes... Even Siggy says I have cold hands. The ex-thing might say because I'm cold-hearted. But it could be all that "insulation" I lost over the summer.

Or I just take after my mom, who always has cold hands in the winter.

Getting old sucks.

Adios, chumps!

Well, turns out the ex- thing got engaged. Let's hope she doesn't breed. Fouad... seriously, get a pre-nup.

I'm not sure but I also think she wants to hire assassins or thugs to take care of me. So if any of you find me missing, I'll send Jimmy Hoffa and Judge James Crater your regards! LOL

Hey, what good is an ex if you can't have a little humor at their expense!

Moderating posts...

For the time being, I'm now moderating comments due to the actions of a certain person who is so cowardly, they won't put their name on my board, and have to use third parties to attack me.

Too bad.

Fortunately, these folks are insigificant little pests and they'll amuse me for the time being. Then I'll grow tired of them and we'll be back to business as usual.

Do yourselves a favor. Avoid this parisite at all costs, if you value your sense of self-worth.

Stuffed Stupid...

A word of advice... DON'T go on a diet, lose 90 pounds and think you can eat five pancakes that take up the whole plate, no matter how good they are!

I think I'll eat again SOMETIME this week!

Redux

Apparently some people won't stand up for themselves, so they have to have people come on for them and vandalize a very nice page.

Coward. Wimp. Fake.

This person is bad news, gents and ladies; avoid with extreme prejudice! Just some friendly advice from your neighborhood Jackrabit1!

So here's the posting which was vandalized earier...

I realize it's been a while since I put any personal info up on here. I shall attempt to rectify that.

The weight loss challenge is coming to a conclusion. Earlier this month I stepped on the scale and weighed in at 190 pounds, which is only about 5 pounds over what I normally weighed in high school. Right now, I've lost 90 pounds since I started this little challenge back in April. Now I'm transitioning away from the "weight loss" part of my transformation to more of a "weight maintenance". In other words, staying active, building up some muscle, and eating a little more.

It's been interesting to say the least... so many compliments but so many incorrect assumptions, too. Some wondered if I didn't have cancer (weight loss and shaving my head for the Dairy Queen can do that). Others thought I had surgery, which my health plan would never allow. Nope I did it all by myself through hard work and some self-discipline.

So thanks for the supporters... a big "ha ha!" to those who doubted me... and a big hearty laugh to the ex who wants me to die in a fire!

Speaking of relationships, yours truly has found himself in one... I'm not going to say her name or post her picture because she values her privacy. But she is a person I've know for a few years. We met about 3 years ago, shortly after experiencing "the big betrayal" by you-know-who. I don't think either of us was ready for anything and we eventually lost contact. But life being what it is, we ended up meeting again and realized we do have feelings for each other.

It's been interesting... It's nice to know that there is someone that will be there for you that isn't a blood relative (and who won't throw your family's dirty laundry back at you). I've pretty much been a loner most of my life so this has been an interesting transition... going from someone who is normally self-reliant to reaching out to someone.

Of course, there's still that nagging little part of me that's waiting for "the other shoe" to drop. I had that happen with Nicci and part of me still feels that way with "Siggy" (my on-line pseudonym for her, short for "significant other"). It's not fair to her, after all, she didn't destroy my heart like Nicci did. But at the same time, I remember how terrible I felt and I'd like to avoid that in the forseeable future.

But I enjoy my time with "Siggy" and I'm pretty happy. The family has met her and it appears that she has met with their approval, which is good. Next step is meeting the extended family at my cousin Brian's wedding in December... if the other shoe doesn't drop! LOL

Speaking of which, I had a dream about you-know-who last night. I don't know why, I hadn't thought of her recently. And it was more of an image of her and not so much her doing anything. It could be my subconscious showing some remorse. The last time I talked to her, I said some pretty nasty things, things I normally would not say to anyone.

I can understand why I said them, after all I was hurt, angry and pretty much saying that stuff in self-defense. But it was inappropriate nevertheless. And though she's pretty much put me out of her life, if for some cosmic reason she ever comes across my little semi-demented ramblings, I just want to say I'm sorry. Of course, I don't expect her forgiveness, but then she's not a forgiving person.

On to more positive things. Work is going very well. We have some new blood in the announcing staff with our new news director and I think he'll do just fine. The fact that he's covered news all around the state is another big bonus! So welcome, Al, even if you are a USD graduate! LOL

Other than that, my other two jobs are going well. Let me explain... back in July, I found myself in a bit of fiscal difficulty. In other words, I was spending more money than I was bringing in. The bank doesn't like that and they let you know about it! So I worked some things out with the bank, put myself on a pretty restrictive budget, and started doing some extra jobs. I now host karaoke in Dell Rapids about 3-4 times a month and I also do the public address for Dakota State University football (as well as some volleyball). Granted, I can't veg out like I'm doing today, but I enjoy the extra jobs and the extra money is helping me get back to where I'd like to be fiscally.

But I'll be doing some other changes. I'm looking to move at the end of the year to a smaller apartment in my building. Something that doesn't bleed me dry on utilities and is a little easier rent-wise. I like my location and I'd really hate to move further away from the Community Center. So we'll see what happens. I'll also have some loans paid off at the beginning of the year, so that'll mean some extra money for the ol budget. And of course the falling gas prices is a welcome relief in that area of my budget!

Aside from that, life is pretty much going about the way I expected it. I'm leaner, stronger, healthier, a bit wiser, and a lot more positive in my outlook on life. I don't think you can ask for more than that.

Sports!

Since I've been concentrating too much on the politics, I think it's time I talk SPORTS!!! Cory, you can navigate away now! LOL

Vikings
If the Vikings were god-awful, I could understand. But the problem is, every time I try to write off these guys, they show flashes of brilliance, especially when they can block a field goal and return it for a touchdown TWICE!

I think this could be a very very good team, but I seriously doubt Childress' abilities as a coach. I think if things do not take a dramatic turn for the better, Zygi should dump him and hire someone like Bill Cowher.

SDSU
Since the Jacks joined the Missouri Valley Football Conference (Formerly the Gateway), it's been a season of ups and downs. The ups came early with the team's first-ever game against a major college opponent in over 40 years and nearly cracking the top-10. But now we're in the downs.

A brutal schedule has left the Yellow-and-Blue somewhat depleted, especially on the front line. Case in point, the 9 sacks that Cal Poly put on the Jacks last Saturday night. My friend Tyler Merriam from Brookings Radio says that it's not going to be an easy year for State. I'm inclined to agree. Granted, it'd be nice to be playoff-eligible in our first full year of D-I sports, but at the same time, we also have to look to the future. Our first year in the Great West wasn't easy and look what happened last year!

And perhaps when I get some more money, I'll actually invest in some season tickets. I'm sure "Siggy" would love that (she's a USD grad!)

World Series
Let's see, playoff team roll-call....

New York Mets? Choked in the last game of the regular season
New York Yankees? No-show to the playoffs
Chicago Cubs? Choked in the first round to Manny and the Dodgers after posting the best regular season record.
Chicago White Sox? Lost in the divisional series to a team that didn't exist 10 years ago. Need some more sleeping pills and vodka, Skipper?
Dodgers? Lost in the ALDS to an NL East Doormat. But what the hey, it's LA... the town of eternal summer slacking!

Let's see... who's left? Um... the Rays? the Phillies? How the hell did they get in?

Okay, all joking aside, I'm leaning toward the Rays. I have a soft spot for the Phillies, especially in day of "Krukkie" and "Nails" Dykstra and "Wild Thing". But I like that the Rays are a young, hustling squad that can hit the long ball, play the small ball and also have some solid pitching. In other words, everything the Twins should be!

So... GO RAYS!

Fantasy Football
My "Hendrickson Hardnockers" are back, baby! Okay, it's my fantasy team I have at the station, but it's a great diversion, not to mention a great source of Monday-morning smack!

So after losing to our RECEPTIONIST last week for the first loss of my season (How the HELL do all of my back and receivers suck SO BADLY??). But this last week, I blew out the competition 138-66! Holy Crap!

So here's my starting line up from last week.

QB-Ben Rothleisburger (PITTSBURGH)
RB-LenDale White (TENNESSEE)
RB-Chris Johnson (TENNESSEE)-yeah I know, two backs from the same team, but I scored a combined 62 points with these to so there!
RB/WR-Randy Moss (NEW ENGLAND)
WR-Jerrico Cotchery (NEW YORK JETS)-Favre's new favorite receiver!
WR-Santana Moss (WASHINGTON)
TE-Visanthe Shaincoe (MINNESOTA)
D/ST-PITTSBURGH
K-Taylor Melhaff (NEW ORLEANS)

All in all, a solid lineup, but I've got Kurt Warner waiting in the wings and he's coming off a bye week. And everyone says I was an idiot for drafting Warner!

Well, that's about it from the sports side of things... And remember... the Twins magic number for the 2009 MLB playoffs is 162!

Cool news!

Some of you may know who Josh Spies is. He's a wildlife artist out of Watertown and he's also an SDSU graduate.

Well, it turns out Mr. Spies has won the Federal Duck Stamp contest, which is a pretty huge honor for any wildlife artist, considering your work will be gracing hunting licenses all across the country.

Now I'm not much on art. I like the outdoor photography of Ansel Adams, which is simply awe-inspiring even 60-70 years later, but that's really about it for me. But I did check out Josh's website and I swear you were looking at a photograph, his art is that realistic.

I would check out the work that he has posted on line, especially the one titled "The Usual Suspects". It's too bad prints aren't available of that; that would be the perfect Christmas gift for my brothers!

Oops! I did it again!

I made another blog!

This one is for our chapter of Madison Kiwanis... check it out, tell me what you think!

http://madisonkiwanis.blogspot.com

What a novel concept!!!

So I've pretty much tuned out the Presidential Debate, because I'm not supporting either major candidate. I'm fairly convinced that both Obama and McCain are more concerned with pandering to their parties rather than doing what's good for the country, which is lowering taxes and holding the criminals on Wall Street accountable for their actions.

I watch Glenn Beck on CNN. Now before you say he's another conservative windbag, he's no Republican mouthpiece (like Limbaugh) and he doesn't take himself uber-seriously (like any of the Air America talking heads). I don't agree with some of his points, but in his latest commentary on CNN.com, he makes a valid point about what "We the People" need to do...

Giving our government more and more power every year has almost become routine. But when's the last time we've told our leaders that they're doing such a lousy job we want some of it back?

Massachusetts is now trying just that. On Election Day, their residents will vote on whether to eliminate their state income tax. If passed, each Massachusetts taxpayer would save an average of about $3,600 a year.

Of course, establishment politicians are sounding all kinds of dire warnings about what will happen to state programs without the tax, but I'd be willing to bet that they'll find a way to adapt and survive. After all, it's not called "Taxachusetts" for nothing.

Just remember our government has power only because We the People lend it to them. Maybe it's time to treat them like the subprime borrower they are and recall that loan.

Limiting governmental power... what a concept! How revolutionary! My big-government loving friend on Lake Herman would plotz!

Glenn Beck... closet Libertarian?