And so it begins...

And a shaky beginning it is.

This began as a promise - nay, a solemn vow - that I would revitalize my long ignored blog to post about the things I care about in Frederick, Maryland. And what do I care about? It might be easier to state what I don't care about when it comes to my adopted city. It is such a vibrant, beautiful place to live. But hard choices have to be made. And so I choose the most important topic there is.

Stuff to do in Frederick. 

Now friends (and I assume you are all friends since who else would visit this tiny little place the interwebs?), before we move on something must be said. This is a personal blog. I do not represent or speak for any particular organization. I not advocate for any particular political, religious or social group.  I am not a professional writer. And while I appreciate any constructive criticism (this is a work in progress), what I am really looking for is positive participation.  I am good at finding out what's going on, and I am always on the lookout for MORE.

So send me your links, your news, your fundraisers. I will do what I can do help. But please remember this is for fun, not profit, and I can only promise to be honest and do my best.

First up...

Alive @ Five - Thursday, June 5 with Secondhand Ramblers

Sponsored by the Downtown Frederick Partnership, Alive @ Five occurs every Thursday (weather permitting) and features great music and adult beverages in a fantastic outdoor venue. Bring your dog, but leave the stroller at home as no one under 21 is admitted.

Oh the HUMANITY!

Roughly 48 (successful) hours in and I am informed that I am missing one the biggest (or maybe medium big, or perhaps somewhat large) sales of what remains of the year!  Indeed, it is Overstocktober at the aptly named Overstock.com. Furniture! Clothes! Appliances! Electronics! All there for the taking - for someone other than me.

I just know that I'm missing a great deal on something I've needed for ages...RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND. So please, anyone out there, do what I cannot. Go forth and purchase...

Introducing "Notober", the month of no shopping...

No - this is not confessions of a shopaholic. I honestly don't even think I have a problem (I know everyone says that, but I don't. I DON'T!). At the very least I am a functional shopper - meaning my credit cards are not smoking as I obsessively bid on that last commemorative on coin on QVC. 

So why am I making October "no shopping" month?  I could say that I want to save money, or that I've been listening to people who comment that they haven't seen me wear the same outfit in 6 weeks straight, or that I'm worried I might be an emotional shopper alleviating the pressures of life by buying cool stuff.  The truth is, I just want to do see if I can do it. Kinda like when I kicked coffee cold turkey (after first making an awesome pyramid of my collected cups). And because I think it's funny that everyone is so shocked that I'm doing it.

So off I go, into the land of fiscal responsibility and personal denial....

Merry Christmas

Mild Bill's Predictions for 2010

1. Tiger will sweep the golf world by winning 6 Tournaments in a Row.
2. Scientists will discover that on cold days there is “Global Cooling” and on warm days there is “Global Warming”.
3. “Hoarders” will get tax breaks for their work in keeping stuff out of scrap yards and garbage cans.
4. Greenpeace activists will be arrested for crimes against the environment when they arrive at a rally driving a 1972 Buick that leaks engine oil and Saskatchewan Seal Skin Dye.
5. Taylor Swift will rise to the top of the charts for her duet with Metallica.
6. The “new green” will be a light blue.
7. Scientist will discover that in 2012 there will be an end to the world as we know it and I’ll feel fine.
8. Break throughs in breakfast cereal technology will put the snap back into the crackle and pop.
9. McDonalds restaurants will claim that the Big Mac Hamburger is a good source of protein and essential fiber.
10. The price of a good cup of coffee will still be higher than the price of oil.

Caffeine Queen Quits Cold Turkey

Today is the first day of my new "coffee free" lifestyle. It's difficult to explain to my friend why I would do this, as they know I love my coffee. I mean LOVE my coffee. My coffee tower took less than 2 months to build - and those just the ones I purchased and had at work. However, three things have occurred to me in the last while. One is that I spend a lot of money on this vice...mostly in the form of lattes. Love my lattes. Second is that lattes are NOT calorie free. And I like my coffee with cream. Also a no-no for someone trying to get on the dietary straight and narrow. And finally - I just drink too much damn coffee. I sometimes dream about it. It's time to take a stand.

But now a personal challenge has become something bigger than myself (no butt jokes please) as those working closest to me scheme to break me. Today they presented me with a soy latter, dressed up as a present and highlighted with a spotlight. But they shall not WIN!!! I will be strong.

Oh the Nightmare

I was reading xkcd and came across my common nightmare (click on image to enlarge)...


Except in my dreams, I've just realized I've been enrolled in a math course for an entire semester without attending, there is an exam on that day, and I'm naked. Who says college doesn't stay with you forever.

Subtraction

In an effort to get back on track, a quick submission for Illustration Friday. It's a start...sigh.