Oh damn... the one time where I really needed that digicam! Today we were in Lexington, NC - the self-styled "barbeque capital of the world." BBQ being the one thing that I'll stop whatever I'm doing to check out, we got a recommendation from one of the locals.... there are 20 BBQ restaurants in an area about the size of oh.... South Buffalo. So we went to a place called Monk's - which actually didn't have a sign and we only knew it was the right place because of two things - 1) our directions, and 2) the 50 freaking cars in the parking lot!
Anyhow, the reason why I needed the cam because this meal was legitimately the LEAST appealing meal, as far as looks go, that I've had in all my travels. The meat was excellent - it was cooked over hickory and coals for 9 hours, with no basting - true Lexington-style BBQ. The problem was that the plate was divided into thirds - meat that was chopped and looked loosely like barf, coleslaw that was red and ugly (but tasty), and beans. The BBQ sauce that Lexington swears by is not very good - its very vinegary and no smoke flavor. Carolina BBQ is strictly about the pork, but to be honest I just like the pulled pork sandwiches with some thick-ass, molasses like BBQ sauce. To me, what I had today was definitely sub-par, and what you'll find in Texas or K.C. is 100x better.
Anyhow, and I know I've said this a thousand times but it can't ever be said enough... the women here are so sweet, you just want to lap them up. Its crazy. If there is any woman that can convince me to marry it would probably be a Southerner.
Joshua's Journal
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02/01/2006 20:23 #24598
Lexington, NCCategory: travel
01/30/2006 19:21 #24597
Why Liberals Will Never Be In PowerCategory: politics
I just love the Washington Post. Republicans are bigots and we can prove it! 
Liberal junk science continues to amuse me and all other Americans that lack chemical imbalance. The fact that they are taking this seriously and are trying to admonish people who aren't only bolsters the fact that these people are full of shit.
Liberal junk science continues to amuse me and all other Americans that lack chemical imbalance. The fact that they are taking this seriously and are trying to admonish people who aren't only bolsters the fact that these people are full of shit.
ajay - 01/31/06 01:46
What does this have anything to do with Liberals taking power in Washington?
I mean, Republicans can believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster and be in power; why can't the Liberals do the same?
If smarts were required to gain power, do you think Dubya would be at the top? ;-) :-D
What does this have anything to do with Liberals taking power in Washington?
I mean, Republicans can believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster and be in power; why can't the Liberals do the same?
If smarts were required to gain power, do you think Dubya would be at the top? ;-) :-D
ladycroft - 01/30/06 21:32
“emotions and implicit assumptions often influence why people choose their political affiliations, and that partisans stubbornly discount any information that challenges their preexisting beliefsâ€
Um..isn’t this basic cognitive dissonance?
“emotions and implicit assumptions often influence why people choose their political affiliations, and that partisans stubbornly discount any information that challenges their preexisting beliefsâ€
Um..isn’t this basic cognitive dissonance?
jenks - 01/30/06 20:09
that article is puketastic.
I hate that sensational pop-science crap- just meant to get people all whipped into a tizzy...
that article is puketastic.
I hate that sensational pop-science crap- just meant to get people all whipped into a tizzy...
jason - 01/30/06 19:25
hahaha. and they say at the end, "If you dont agree, well you're just ignorant and stupid! Nananananana!"
hahaha. and they say at the end, "If you dont agree, well you're just ignorant and stupid! Nananananana!"
01/29/2006 14:11 #24596
I need some adviceI've been musing a lot more than I usually do lately about a lot of things. Its dawned on me that over the past few months I've not bothered to do things that I enjoy, or een have forgotten about them altogether. I blame my current job for this. I'm gone quite a bit, and when I come home I don't have the energy to do those things that I enjoy.
I like spending hours checking out new music. I like to have the option to take an afternoon on a nice day to go up to the A-K, bring a book with me, and sit by the water and read. I like to spend time at SPoT and relax. I like to golf. I Like to have friends over for barbeque and beer. I like to go to friends' houses to shoot the breeze, watch music DVDs and smoke herbs. I like to go on long car rides by myself on nice days to clear my head. I like to visit my grandmother sporadically during the week to surprise her. I like going with my dad to his favorite bar for pints of Bass Ale and some wings. I like to hang out on my porch and people watch during the summer.
In other words, I like having a life, and being able to live it on my own terms. While money is important, I've come to the conclusion that what I've been getting from my job is nothing compared to what I'm giving up. I love my neighborhood but I'm never here. Most importantly, (e:jason) is having a rough go of things and I have to deal with the guilt of not being around to help him through.
In the last year I've learned more about the business world than I did during the years I spent in college. I have made the decision that my current situation isn't tolerable for the variety of reasons I just listed. I'm updating my resume. While I love the fact that my job can be gratifying, and my boss is the best boss I could hope for, I need to get out of my situation. Whats the best way to go about this?
I like spending hours checking out new music. I like to have the option to take an afternoon on a nice day to go up to the A-K, bring a book with me, and sit by the water and read. I like to spend time at SPoT and relax. I like to golf. I Like to have friends over for barbeque and beer. I like to go to friends' houses to shoot the breeze, watch music DVDs and smoke herbs. I like to go on long car rides by myself on nice days to clear my head. I like to visit my grandmother sporadically during the week to surprise her. I like going with my dad to his favorite bar for pints of Bass Ale and some wings. I like to hang out on my porch and people watch during the summer.
In other words, I like having a life, and being able to live it on my own terms. While money is important, I've come to the conclusion that what I've been getting from my job is nothing compared to what I'm giving up. I love my neighborhood but I'm never here. Most importantly, (e:jason) is having a rough go of things and I have to deal with the guilt of not being around to help him through.
In the last year I've learned more about the business world than I did during the years I spent in college. I have made the decision that my current situation isn't tolerable for the variety of reasons I just listed. I'm updating my resume. While I love the fact that my job can be gratifying, and my boss is the best boss I could hope for, I need to get out of my situation. Whats the best way to go about this?
leetee - 01/31/06 13:30
I don't have much advice that hasn't been said here already. I have always played it safe when it comes to job searches. Updating your resume, making a plan on what you want to do and hitting the wants ads all while keeping your job and your paycheck coming in sounds like what i would do.
Have you considered asking your boss for less hours? Just a random thought... maybe it will ease things up a bit so you can be there more for Jason, see and be in your 'hood more and get the chance to job search all while still getting some money coming in. Or maybe unemployment would pay better? lol
I don't have much advice that hasn't been said here already. I have always played it safe when it comes to job searches. Updating your resume, making a plan on what you want to do and hitting the wants ads all while keeping your job and your paycheck coming in sounds like what i would do.
Have you considered asking your boss for less hours? Just a random thought... maybe it will ease things up a bit so you can be there more for Jason, see and be in your 'hood more and get the chance to job search all while still getting some money coming in. Or maybe unemployment would pay better? lol
theecarey - 01/29/06 20:01
I gather that you have been inching this way for at least a few months now. Quality and balance of lifestyle pays more than the check, no doubt. You have gained some amazing experience with this job and now it seems it is time to move on.
Ok, you have an updated resume. You know what you like/need from a boss and you know the lifestyle that you would like to get back to. That is a good start and there is no turning back.
Good for you for figuring out the what and why.. now it is a matter of how. Do you have any vacation or a period of time coming up that you can devote to the job search process?
A little bit of homework and self reflection before the resignation:
Consider your income: what you need to get by, what you need monetarily in order to live the lifestyle that you like and any other financials involved. What is the pay range that you are willing to accept in comparison to what you have now.
Your current position seems to have a good deal of freedom and independence. This will change. What kind of schedule, organizational culture, level of responsibility and autonomy will you tolerate, demand, desire.. ?
I am sure you have some contacts. Let them know you are looking for a new position. Call around and ask to talk to people in various positions to get a better idea of what is out there. Make a ‘contact card’ to hand out. Keep paper or disk copies of your resume/portfolio on you at all times. Every encounter is an opportunity to let people know that you are looking.
It may seem hokey, but make an action plan for yourself and establish a time line. All of this takes time, but you don’t want unproductive time to pass either. Check in with yourself, have a friend do the same.
A few other things to consider: what is it about your current job that you like? What could be done differently to make for a better work/life balance? Would you have an option to continue to work for the company in a manner that would allow you to have a more fulfilling life? (ie, can you negotiate with your boss?) If not, would you be willing to switch gears in a new field or would you want a similar knowledge based position?
In any way I can help you, or if you could use an ear, Do Not hesitate to call/email me. Got it? :)
Best of luck, Josh.
I gather that you have been inching this way for at least a few months now. Quality and balance of lifestyle pays more than the check, no doubt. You have gained some amazing experience with this job and now it seems it is time to move on.
Ok, you have an updated resume. You know what you like/need from a boss and you know the lifestyle that you would like to get back to. That is a good start and there is no turning back.
Good for you for figuring out the what and why.. now it is a matter of how. Do you have any vacation or a period of time coming up that you can devote to the job search process?
A little bit of homework and self reflection before the resignation:
Consider your income: what you need to get by, what you need monetarily in order to live the lifestyle that you like and any other financials involved. What is the pay range that you are willing to accept in comparison to what you have now.
Your current position seems to have a good deal of freedom and independence. This will change. What kind of schedule, organizational culture, level of responsibility and autonomy will you tolerate, demand, desire.. ?
I am sure you have some contacts. Let them know you are looking for a new position. Call around and ask to talk to people in various positions to get a better idea of what is out there. Make a ‘contact card’ to hand out. Keep paper or disk copies of your resume/portfolio on you at all times. Every encounter is an opportunity to let people know that you are looking.
It may seem hokey, but make an action plan for yourself and establish a time line. All of this takes time, but you don’t want unproductive time to pass either. Check in with yourself, have a friend do the same.
A few other things to consider: what is it about your current job that you like? What could be done differently to make for a better work/life balance? Would you have an option to continue to work for the company in a manner that would allow you to have a more fulfilling life? (ie, can you negotiate with your boss?) If not, would you be willing to switch gears in a new field or would you want a similar knowledge based position?
In any way I can help you, or if you could use an ear, Do Not hesitate to call/email me. Got it? :)
Best of luck, Josh.
metalpeter - 01/29/06 19:28
I admit I'm not sure exactly what you are asking but Here is my answer.
Do what you are doing and try to find another Job. However don't take one just to get away from the other one. If you do that you may not be happy in that job, and if you are misrible there then you won't be happy at home probobly. In other words make sure it is a Job you will enjoy. Money is important but it shouldn't rule your life. I'm guessing that if you had a lose of pay you could find someplace in a good nieghboorhood that you two could Afforid. You don't want to move somewhare that isn't safe or whare you don't feal safe or comfortable cause then whats the point of changing jobs.
The only other advise I can give you is (don't know your job well enough to know if it is possibe) when you travel find fun stuff to do in the city you visit. Agian I don't know if you have enough down time for that. I wish you luck and hope that what I wrote wasn't a complete waste of your time.
I admit I'm not sure exactly what you are asking but Here is my answer.
Do what you are doing and try to find another Job. However don't take one just to get away from the other one. If you do that you may not be happy in that job, and if you are misrible there then you won't be happy at home probobly. In other words make sure it is a Job you will enjoy. Money is important but it shouldn't rule your life. I'm guessing that if you had a lose of pay you could find someplace in a good nieghboorhood that you two could Afforid. You don't want to move somewhare that isn't safe or whare you don't feal safe or comfortable cause then whats the point of changing jobs.
The only other advise I can give you is (don't know your job well enough to know if it is possibe) when you travel find fun stuff to do in the city you visit. Agian I don't know if you have enough down time for that. I wish you luck and hope that what I wrote wasn't a complete waste of your time.
ladycroft - 01/29/06 14:20
Ya, just do it!
Ya, just do it!
paul - 01/29/06 14:15
I have to say, just do it. You cannot believe how much your life can change when your job is compatible with your life.
I have to say, just do it. You cannot believe how much your life can change when your job is compatible with your life.
01/28/2006 18:18 #24595
You be the judgeCategory: my brother
If this ain't true, than nothing is.
Next to -
Similarities? HMM?
I'll be seeeiiinnnng yoooouuuuu (e:jason) - I hope you aren't afraid of Mr. Buzz Buzz!
Next to -
Similarities? HMM?
I'll be seeeiiinnnng yoooouuuuu (e:jason) - I hope you aren't afraid of Mr. Buzz Buzz!
hodown - 11/10/09 11:00
Sometimes the truth hurts.
Sometimes the truth hurts.
lilho - 11/09/09 23:46
siblings can really be the most mean and most funny at the same time.
siblings can really be the most mean and most funny at the same time.
jenks - 01/28/06 19:38
omg. way too funny. you two crack me up.
omg. way too funny. you two crack me up.
jason - 01/28/06 18:29
Oh my fucking god you are going to die!!!!
<3
We'll see who is afraid of Mr. Buzz Buzz - I'll make you look like a skunk!
Oh my fucking god you are going to die!!!!
<3
We'll see who is afraid of Mr. Buzz Buzz - I'll make you look like a skunk!
01/24/2006 21:51 #24594
Pity PartyEMO MOMENT INCOMING
After this week, the next time I will be home for more than 2 days will be the end of February.
In general I love life, but lately I'm extremely upset and very pissed off, to the point that I want to just flat out quit my job and start looking elsewhere. Of course, if I don't get employment ASAP if I did that, 750 Elmwood would be a mere memory. So, it looks like I'm stuck submitting resumes and conducting interviews over the phone if I hope to get out of my situation.
END OF EMO TRANSMISSION
So this gave me a great idea. Lets face it, a lot of people are miserable lately around the good ol' (e:strip). I propose a Pity Party, to be thrown at a local bar. We can get together, bitch, get our drink on, gawk inappropriately at attractive body parts, listen to cool music, smell each other (I smell like Dunhill cologne, whiskey and Red Zone "aqua reef" deodorant), and get into trouble. I am totally down with this plan. The "happy people" can come along and tell dirty jokes, drink with us, and generally entertain the "unhappy people" - kind of like a teammate trying to pump up the other teammate.
After this week, the next time I will be home for more than 2 days will be the end of February.
In general I love life, but lately I'm extremely upset and very pissed off, to the point that I want to just flat out quit my job and start looking elsewhere. Of course, if I don't get employment ASAP if I did that, 750 Elmwood would be a mere memory. So, it looks like I'm stuck submitting resumes and conducting interviews over the phone if I hope to get out of my situation.
END OF EMO TRANSMISSION
So this gave me a great idea. Lets face it, a lot of people are miserable lately around the good ol' (e:strip). I propose a Pity Party, to be thrown at a local bar. We can get together, bitch, get our drink on, gawk inappropriately at attractive body parts, listen to cool music, smell each other (I smell like Dunhill cologne, whiskey and Red Zone "aqua reef" deodorant), and get into trouble. I am totally down with this plan. The "happy people" can come along and tell dirty jokes, drink with us, and generally entertain the "unhappy people" - kind of like a teammate trying to pump up the other teammate.
metalpeter - 01/25/06 18:29
Sounds like a plan, I would try to make it.
Sounds like a plan, I would try to make it.
theecarey - 01/25/06 16:35
See now, thats just a damn good idea.
See now, thats just a damn good idea.
ladycroft - 01/25/06 16:17
That sounds like a fabulous plan to me. Let's do it. Say when/where and I'll be there.
That sounds like a fabulous plan to me. Let's do it. Say when/where and I'll be there.
jenks - 01/24/06 22:21
Hell, I'm down. Just not til NEXT weekend.
Hell, I'm down. Just not til NEXT weekend.
oops. My apologies.
Somehow I read that as "Any woman that could convince me to marry it, would have to be a southerner." With "any woman" as the subject, not the object, as you wrote it. Reminds me of that joke- a teacher wrote the sentence "woman without her man is nothing" and asked a class to add punctuation. The men wrote "woman, without her man, is nothing." The women wrote "Woman! Without her, man is nothing."
And i must say, I like the vinegar sauce. On pulled pork. Not a huge ribs fan...
You know how I feel about vinegar-based sauce.
If you ever get down to Corpus Christi, TX - check out Howard's BBQ. I used to work there, it's fab!
Not that i, as a vegetarian, am a good judge of bbq itself, but i was amazed at the different kinds of sauces out there. Not even talking brands, but regions... the vinegar of the NC bbq isn't too my taste, i prefer the smokey hot tastes of the Texas stuff. Then again, my guess is that it tastes a hell of a lot different with meat.
"Any woman that can convince me to marry IT"????
lol nice slip there joshy. ;)