YESTERDAY: Hundreds of trick-or-treaters came to the door begging candy, and they were satisfied. We figure, keep the kids in the neighborhood happy and the house doesn't get egged. I remember being a kid.

TODAY: Raked and cleaned the yard, worked on the kitchen, breathed in a lot of dust, and did a lot of other "getting ready for winter stuff".

TOMORROW: Go to work, come home and vote. You vote too. It's important! VOTE!!!

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Fear and hate, religion and war. That's what you want, that's what you got. Four more years.

Today at work, "Silly Love Song" by Paul McCartney and Wings came on and I made a comment about it being around when I was about 5 or 6. Danielle asked how old I was and I said 39 and she accused me of lying. She said she thought I was about 30 which made me feel good. Behind us listening was CJ who is in his 20's. When I said 39, he looked like I was going to die at any minute. That's OK, I look 30.

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I've always hated jelly beans. Somebody gave me some the other day, I think I love jelly beans, except the black ones. I want jelly beans now.

I was working hard today in the kitchen. The plastic was covering everything. I was wearing a mask and completely covered in dust. The CD player is blaring and the doorbell rings. I see through the plastic covering the door there are two Mormon boys standing at the front door. They keep ringing and keep ringing. I finally walk out the back door and go around to the front.

JeepTick: Can I help you?

Mormon Boy: Hi, I see your pretty busy but I wondered if we could talk to you about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?

JeepTick: I really don't have time right now.

Mormon Boy: I see sir, but it'll only take a minute.

JeepTick: I really am pretty busy!

Mormon Boy: Is there a good time we can come back?

JeepTick: (turns back and walks away and yells so all the neighbors can hear) No, there will never be a good time for you to come back!!!

I was very busy and knowing the Mormon's stand homosexuality and after this week's elections, I was in no mood to listen to their shit without getting into an argument.

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OK, I still don't like jelly beans. Becky sent me to CVS where the best jelly beans (no black ones) could be found, but I only found out that's not what I've been eating. After some research, I found out what I've been eating are Mike and Ike's. They're like little pieces of heaven wrapped up in sugar...also found at CVS by the way.

Speaking of Maude, I dreamt about her last night.

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Happy Birthday Mom. I love you.

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We spent much of today hanging drywall in the kitchen and it's actually turned out very nice so far. We start taping tomorrow so we'll see what kind of mood I'm in tomorrow at this time. It's only 6pm and it seems like it's been dark forever. Winter must be just around the corner.

I found a game on E-Bay last week and it came today in the mail. It's called All About Schenectady and it's from around 1981. I haven't read the directions yet but it comes with several shopping lists. Some of the things on the shopping list are:

1. Go to WRGB-6, where the best CBS shows are telecast each week.

2. Visit Mohawk National Bank and ask about 24-Hour Access Banker.

3. Go to 3WD Radio AM/1240 and purchase some very affordable advertising.

and of course...

4. Go to Planned Parenthood to pick up some free pamphlets for a friend.

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A year in the life of Kaleb. Kaleb's problems started about a year ago and I would say she finally has her shiny silky smooth fur back. She is feeling good though she did put on some weight while she was taking her prednisone that she hasn't taken off yet. She likes to hang out in her bed on the second landing of the stairs these days. She can see most everything from there inside and out. Up until a couple of months ago, from the time she was born she has slept in bed under the cover. Lately, she likes to come to our bed and then move to her bed for the night. She may or may not come back in the morning. A year of skin problems, losing hair, arthritis, a fractured leg, and baths day after day; I guess they can change a dog. Here's a break down from her doctor's records. Between December and May she had a bath every other day.

I am now watching the worst show ever on TV. It's called House.

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I have literally spent what seems like every spare minute of the last month working on this kitchen, though honestly, I think I spend more time cleaning up after myself than working. The next week is gonna be for relaxing.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and it's the first time I won't be spending it with family. Because of my work schedule and because I didn't want to spend the whole day on an airplane or in an airport, I'll be at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Watch for me) I'm actually kind of excited about it. It's the only parade I can stand watching on television. I'm sure it'll beat the sucky Schenectady Thanksgiving Parade. Duncan was able to make it down to North Carolina for a few days for the first time since January. I've been there a couple of times since then. I think it's been since Christmas since we were down there at the same time.

Happy Anniversary to my folks. 55 freaking years. I don't know how they did it.

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26 November 2004

The Macy's Parade was a blast. The crowd was huge but unbelievably friendly and the weather was great. When I got on the train early yesterday morning, it was 65 degrees. When I got home last night, it was raining, windy and 36 degrees.

You could tell the bands were the best in the country but the crowd went freaking wild when Sponge Bob, Barney, and Pikachu went by. Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter was the human who got the most cheers. He can surely work a crowd. For your viewing pleasure, I thumbnailed my favorite pictures.

After the end of the parade, I passed one of the de-staging areas where they had just deflated Sponge Bob and Charlie Brown was next to go down.

They said 2 million people were there, I believe it. 40,000 people are expected tonight at the Schenectady parade. I think I'll pass. I need some rest for some heavy duty Christmas shopping.

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Today I worked on the dreaded job of Christmas shopping and I'm happy to say, it went pretty well. I'm about a third or a half of the way done and the rest of my list has been decided except for about two. Little kids are so easy but once they get some age on them, it gets hard. One thing that pissed me off is the fact that I decided on a great gift for Duncan a month ago and now every place I went to is sold out including online. I should have bought it when I saw it. Oh well, who would've thought?

I expect David and Mark is a few hours and Duncan should arrive soon after. Until then, Kaleb needs a walk.

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David and Mark were sent on their way today as they continue their exploration of the east coast. We hung out mostly while we explored the best that Schenectady and Albany can offer on a cold rainy day. It hardly seems like it's been almost three years since we saw them last and it was good not to be sick this time. Only sorry we didn't get a change to take them to Morrettes or Mikes.

Today at work, a regular asshole customer recognized my accent for the first time today and all of the sudden, he was being nice to me.

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