tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62613312011-04-21T19:15:59.549-04:00The ongoing antics of a thirtysomething.Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.comBlogger1991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-70293525469728766752008-08-11T21:02:00.002-04:002008-08-11T21:12:23.118-04:00

....You're taking a walk with your spouse and you don't point out the cool cars or satelite dish or the pools at the houses you pass by. You point out how nicely the lawn is kept. Or how well the color of the shudders contrast with the color of the siding. And ooh! Look! I think they have a breakfast nook! I want a breakfast nook! And our driveway is too small. Look at their driveway and

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-63504134067266648712008-07-31T13:22:00.003-04:002008-07-31T14:03:47.357-04:00

I am such a fantasy football nerd. Not that this is a bad thing, though Barbara might say differently. But to a casual observer, July 31st isn't exactly a highwater mark of the year. Not so for fantasy football. Next to Christmas and a Saturday in late August (see below), I don't think I look forward to a day more than today. Because today I find out who everyone else in the league has kept!

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-2416423078413779752008-07-28T17:29:00.002-04:002008-07-28T17:32:25.347-04:00

I know. It's been a while. And you have all been eagerly wondering what the hell I've been doing with my life. I can say a lot has changed in the last year. Got married, changed jobs (and careers), learned a lot about myself and who I am, learned a lot about what I do know and what I don't know and I've come to one conclusion:I'll be fine, as long as I don't try so hard. :)That being said,

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1160617788559976422006-10-11T21:42:00.000-04:002006-10-11T21:49:48.573-04:00

Tomorrow. Tomorrow I start eating healthy. I've already got the exercise thing going. Been walking almost every day of the work week at lunch time. But I still eat badly. Not too much. Just nothing good for me. Too much fast food. I have purchased some lean cuisines (quite delicious if I do say so myself......and I do) and have to figure out a way to make it through breakfast and dinner

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1160490643366659732006-10-10T09:42:00.000-04:002006-10-10T10:30:43.506-04:00

So another summer has come and gone. And what do I have to show for it? Some good things. I had my first art exhibit at a winery up in Lancaster, PA. It went well. Had a good time and hopefully some sales will come of it. I have to be proactive though, so I'm now banging out even more landscapes than ever before. Castles seem to be the order of the day, which is cool, but I don't do

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1154706424062794122006-08-04T11:08:00.000-04:002006-08-04T11:47:04.146-04:00

To anyone of you regulars who reads this (basically Amy, Lauren, Tess, & Nat), I need your mailing address as soon as possible!!

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1153446515946933802006-07-20T21:41:00.000-04:002006-07-20T21:55:28.343-04:00

So if you are bored some night and want to get creatively drunk. Try a caramel candy apple!1/2 Cup Sour Apple Pucker1/2 Cup Butterscotch Schnapps2 Tablespoons TriplesecEverything should be freezer cold and you may want to cut it with a bit of water if you don't like the thickness of the drink (it gets to be like the consistency of cough syrup) but YUMMY YUM!!I thought about adding a section in my

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1152897930679802102006-07-14T11:57:00.000-04:002006-07-14T13:25:31.290-04:00

So something you might want to consider when moving into a home *cough*Amy*cough* is checking which rooms have cable and phone hookups, and which ones do not. Because if you go through all the trouble to set up your computer and speakers and printer and all that jazz just to find out that there isn't any way to get an internet connection in the room, weellll, let me just say that it's no fun

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1152284837872415672006-07-07T09:57:00.000-04:002006-07-07T11:07:17.993-04:00

Ok. It's been a while. Some highlights;Got my first professional paycheck for artwork via Mike's geocaching coin dealio.My cousin got married and has moved to Fort Worth, Texas. *sniffle*My sister's bridal shower was marred by the fact that half of her fiance's family wasn't invited. So she gets another shower. This one not a surprise. :)WE BOUGHT A HOUSE. This is the big one of course. It was a

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1140212368260951792006-02-17T13:57:00.000-05:002006-02-17T16:39:28.326-05:00

The tough times of being an artist typically occur when questions about your artwork crop up. Because it's never just a question. It becomes a statement of your ability to acheive your goals within this very difficult field. And I honestly don't think it has anything to do with Bea. I just get very defensive (usually without me knowing it at first, realizing it later, and not really being

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1139866164203322242006-02-13T13:20:00.000-05:002006-02-13T16:29:24.273-05:00

You haven't lived till you've seen two horse and buggy carriages duke it out like Nascar on a country road. I kid you not. Bea and I were driving to a little town called Lititz to see this awesome little chocolate factory (they actually make the chocolate that Hershey uses to make their candy) and on this back road, one horse drawn buggy was booking around another horse drawn buggy. I guess

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1139437664572952062006-02-08T17:24:00.000-05:002006-02-08T17:35:22.076-05:00

OK! All Right!! I Get It! Life is fast paced and we all need to get things done, but damn! This is getting goofy. Luckily I've got the weekend away with Bea up in Lancaster starting tomorrow. Fun, sun (though bitter cold, may snow tonight), and she's paying for it. :p Sort of a birthday/Valentine's day gift. And her gift from me is lingerie. Which I guess means it's a gift for myself, but as long

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1138296779551913472006-01-26T12:30:00.000-05:002006-01-26T12:32:59.566-05:00

That's the name of the first mission in Grand Theft Auto 3. Know how I know? I bought it last night. Couldn't pass it up for 10 bucks. It took a bit to figure out the controls, but once I got that out of the way, I was carjacking my way around the city, blowing up other hoodlums and makin' it with the random hos on the street. Now if I can just figure out how to ramp jump my car onto the

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1138211973158430022006-01-25T12:53:00.000-05:002006-01-25T12:59:33.170-05:00

Yeah. I know. You know. We all know. Need to post more. :)So some more highlights:Had engagement party last week. Good times. Didn't know you get presents. Made out like a bandit (more than I made for my college graduation) and my mom got us a camcorder!! Awesome! Of course we haven't even opened it yet. :pLooks like Memorial Day weekend of 2007 for us. So keep your calanders open for

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1135105608178411102005-12-20T14:01:00.000-05:002005-12-20T14:06:48.190-05:00

But I avoid shopping centers and malls like the plague unless I can get there during off peak hours (which means no weekend shopping!!) Went to get some shopping done the other night at the mall (and to pick up newly sized engagement ring) only to be frustrated by Macy's lack of a discernable insurance policy. They have one. It costs $175, and it only lasts 5 years. WTF?! I mean, what

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1134077196146895912005-12-08T16:14:00.000-05:002005-12-08T16:26:36.160-05:00

It's started. I wasn't expecting to visit theknot.com so soon, but there I was today, trying to figure out what part of this cornucopia of information I should dive into first. Last night we went to get the ring sized. Hell of a time that. I-95 was backed up beyond belief, so I sat for an hour at the restaurant talking to Bea on the phone, trying to keep her mind off the idea of purchasing a

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1133497163728003212005-12-01T23:03:00.000-05:002005-12-01T23:19:23.780-05:00

Well. Time flies, don't it. I've been wanting to post for a while now, but haven't had any time. *Sob*Anyway, some highlights:Mom got married on the twelfth. Very nice time. They were kind enough to remember my father during the whole thing, and Bob (mom's new hubby) cried when he made his vows. Half the groomsmen showed up drunk, 10 minutes late for the service, and another one left before

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1131041767253275322005-11-03T13:10:00.000-05:002005-11-03T13:16:07.263-05:00

So the girl asks me to come over last night, spend some quality time. I say "Hey! I'll make dinner!" as the waste line needs to be looked at, what with all this bad food I've been eating lately. Get there, make dinner, but she's in a mood (seems to be a thing for women. Fine one second, moody the next). Anyway, long story short, it was kind of a frosty night, but I was willing to chalk it up

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1130870019217204092005-11-01T13:28:00.000-05:002005-11-01T13:33:39.233-05:00

As most people know and remember, my screen name and username for a lot of things is Malachi. Always liked it, was talked into keeping it by Mike and Alan a while back when I thought it was cool to change my screen names every month. Well, Sunday at church, they read from the book of Malachi. And I knew then, things were going to go well. And they have! My fantasy football team creamed the

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1129779654042567102005-10-19T23:22:00.000-04:002005-10-19T23:40:54.086-04:00

For those of you who actually follow this thing, you may have read about an incident back in June or so where one of our guys was arrested in our parking lot for trying to molest a 17-year-old girl who worked for us. Well, now one of my good buddies, Dave, is caught in the middle of a tradgedy. If you don't want to read the article (or can't) the long and short of it is that he had been seeing

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1128781136317175652005-10-08T10:13:00.000-04:002005-10-08T10:18:58.166-04:00

There is no feeling like the one a rainy day creates for me. The pitter patter on the roof. The misty look of the land outside. It's like a dreamy feeling for me. You can sit inside, cozied up under a blanket, having some hot soup or a piping hot cup of cocoa. It's just soothing for me. Ever since I was a kid I've loved the rain. Maybe because it was dark outside, which reminds me of night

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1128116206195430472005-09-30T17:31:00.000-04:002005-09-30T17:36:46.200-04:00

Whew!! Been a while, no? Sorry about that. Been busy with work and the woman. Seems I had the same problem keeping up with the blog the last time I had a girlfriend. But I'll do my best to keep up regardless. As far as the woman is concerned, things are going very well. We're both coming from the same place with regards to our past relationships, so while we're playing things cautiously,

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1127309908543761592005-09-21T09:24:00.000-04:002005-09-21T09:38:28.550-04:00

Had a great time last night. And it's Fondue, not Fondu. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle! G.I. Joe!!!It was a pretty cool place. Not as expensive as I feared, but that's probably because I had built this $100 ticket in my head. :p It was about $60 which was fine. The guy made our cheese dish right there in front of us and I was surprised that as hot as the cheese had to be to melt

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1127235241080957542005-09-20T12:35:00.000-04:002005-09-21T08:56:51.060-04:00

http://personals.yahoo.com/us/personals-1093401040-078375Whew. Finally have a few minutes to sit back and reflect on the weekend. Friday nights at home don't get much better than they did this Friday. :) Good times. Saturday was fun. Although the seminar was geared more toward writers than illustrators. Which I can see why, as there were probably 6 or 7 writers for every illustrator. YAY!! Less

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1126753949810498292005-09-14T23:07:00.000-04:002005-09-14T23:12:29.816-04:00

So I didn't drink at the party on Saturday. Wasn't too happy about it, but I was feeling vindictive and wanted to really stick it to my brother for thinking I'm an alcoholic. But, after talking to some people I trust, I've decided I'm right and I shouldn't handcuff myself to make someone else feel better. So I had a few beers on Sunday during the games. I'm glad. And while I'm glad my

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1126372277865850442005-09-10T13:05:00.000-04:002005-09-10T13:14:41.266-04:00

Can I just say that I fucking hate it when people try to be the voice of my conscience. Now I will admit, that I like a drink from time to time. I probably drink once or twice a week. On bad weeks, I might drink once every couple of nights, but I feel that I am in no way an alcoholic. Typically I can't even drink at parties because everyone is so busy getting drunk that I have to stay sober to

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1126326839549519272005-09-10T00:25:00.000-04:002005-09-10T00:33:59.553-04:00

I have come to the conclusion that I am not a multi-tasker by nature. Oh, I may force myself to do a couple of things at once during working hours; like listen to someone speak and write what they say down, but I obviously can't think and do something else at the same time. Or do that something else in conjunction with anything else without thinking. I was driving home from therapy the other

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1125974673790796932005-09-05T22:39:00.000-04:002005-09-05T22:44:33.813-04:00

Friday Night: Nothing much happening. Don't remember anything significant.Saturday Night: Took care of the Pops. Made sure he stayed as sane as an 84-year-old man can.Sunday Night: Went to the cuz's hourse for a while, saw some peeps, ate some food, got another call from the grandparents to geriatric sit for the night. Did so. Good times.Monday (Labor Day): No geriatric sitting. Plenty

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1125783471850950932005-09-03T17:31:00.000-04:002005-09-03T17:37:51.883-04:00

So here I am, on a Labor Day Saturday, painting diligently (well, mostly diligently), trying to see what the peeps are up to tonight (though I would have appreciated someone calling me and letting me know if anything was up, but I've come not to expect those calls) and now I will be spending the night at my grandparents house. To preface this, my grandfather went to the hospital earlier this

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1125628873724322742005-09-01T22:23:00.000-04:002005-09-01T22:41:13.750-04:00

Some highlights over the last week:Sleep is good. Thinking about doing more of it some day.Therapy is going well. The Doc is a nice guy, has good suggestions, the whole trust thing is coming along nicely.Must find ways to work harder on being consistent with painting, working out, creating schedules. HOW DO YOU PEOPLE DO IT?!!! Must be willpower. Need to pick some of that up at WalMartGas

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1125264491921513522005-08-28T17:13:00.000-04:002005-08-28T17:28:11.930-04:00

I only get sick twice a year. When the weather goes from cold to warm in the Spring, and it goes from hot to cool in the Fall. So I now have a sinus issue that's been going on since Friday. Today it comes with a side of headache. Could be worse though. It doesn't put me out of commission like other people, and at least one nostril isn't clogged up, so I don't have to breath through my mouth!

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1124908765979445712005-08-24T14:35:00.000-04:002005-08-24T14:39:25.986-04:00

The great thing about mothers is their uncanny ability to know when you need to hear something. Like when you think things aren't going nearly as well as you had planned them to, and that no one could give a rat fuck about your problems, here comes mom telling you how proud she is of you, and that everything will be ok.Go mom.In other news, I have gone against my new policy of not reading books

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1124760294269070192005-08-22T21:19:00.000-04:002005-08-22T21:24:54.276-04:00

I need new filters. And an oil change, some new tires, and maybe a memory wipe. I had my first session with the new therapist tonight. He seems like a nice guy. He's not placating or waiting for me to answer my own questions. I like that. But my homework this week is to figure out what filters I have placed in my mind to help me understand what people are saying to me. Right now, it looks

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1124572918369647082005-08-20T17:17:00.000-04:002005-08-20T17:26:58.613-04:00

Lots of stuff happening today. If you pay attention to my sidebar at all, you will notice that I have started a new book that does not have "Star Wars" in the title. That is because I have finally finished the 20-odd book long New Jedi Order series. It was a great series. lots of twists and turns, along with some surprises I never thought the series was capable of until I read it. So I've moved

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1123954470510654712005-08-13T13:27:00.000-04:002005-08-13T13:34:30.516-04:00

I have no good reason to post anything today. But I figure my fans don't care what I've done, they just want to live vicariously through me. Plus I wanted to update my sidebar. :)Went to a chinese buffet last night. Now I remember why I stopped going to them in the first place. Sucked my ass, but the waitresses were all cutie pie little asian girls. Yum Yum! Then went to see the new Duece

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1123462974094038662005-08-07T21:01:00.000-04:002005-08-07T21:02:54.100-04:00

Didn't go to the museum. Went golfing instead. Good times. Though it rained some and I was my usual, inconsistent self. But I still played pretty well for my standards, so yeah. I don't really know what I'm talking about right now. But I figured you might want to know. :)

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1123380245214006532005-08-06T21:57:00.000-04:002005-08-06T22:04:05.220-04:00

I wish I could do this all day every day. Eventually I will, and life will be good. But for now I only have Sayurdays to look forward to. I do get some drawing done during the week, which helps me prepare for painting on the weekend. Now I just have to finish my paintings. :p I think I'm going to see the Delaware Art Museum again tomorrow. I want to go a lot. See the early Illustrator's

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1123163598180710392005-08-04T09:21:00.000-04:002005-08-04T09:53:18.216-04:00

Four years ago today my father passed away. Miss ya man.

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1122946787453320862005-08-01T21:26:00.000-04:002005-08-01T21:39:47.460-04:00

Hopefully sooner than later. It all started last Wednesday when my car stalled on one of the busier highways during rush hour. That was fun. Watching 20 cars and a couple semis either slam on their brakes or swerve at the last second. So I finally got it started again, and trundled it down to my uncle's shop (where it still resides). And not 20 minutes after I get home I get another surprise

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1122340656199247522005-07-25T21:08:00.000-04:002005-07-25T21:21:53.023-04:00

I don't understand people some times. One minute they're throwing cheeky little barbs at you about your job performance, the next they're singing your praises. It's all very confusing. Some day I may figure this all out. For now though, I need to draw, paint, be creative in general. So I shall keep this one short. (Also because nothing has happened to me lately.)Ok. I lied. I just saw the coolest

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1121994275652529512005-07-21T20:55:00.000-04:002005-07-21T21:04:35.656-04:00

So I took the good meds my cousin gave me. They didn't kick in till 3 in the morning. And my legs were still sore yesterday. I must have some freaky crazy immune system, because heavy duty drugs don't affect me like other people, and I must be the only person on the planet who can't get high from pot. I took about 5 good tokes from my cousins bowl a few weeks ago and didn't feel a damn thing.

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1121827003507597802005-07-19T22:23:00.000-04:002005-07-19T22:36:43.536-04:00

You know. You try to give 110%. You want to be a team player you know. So I ran home after work to cut the lawn before the daily rain shower from the 110% humidity hit. As I'm mowing along this small stone wall toward the front of the lawn, lo and behold a nest of yellow jackets attacks me!!! Now one yellowjacket is a nasty customer. I got about 8 of them. All in the back of my knees!!!

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1121480487759721442005-07-15T22:12:00.000-04:002005-07-15T22:21:27.763-04:00

I love my job. Oddly enough, working for a flooring company can be a relaxing thing. As long as I don't have any vested interest in how things go, life is grand. :) The guys are cool, we joke and poke fun at each other all day long (which, I think, is helping me get over my problem of being overly sensitive/defensive to such comments), and at the end of the day I go home. Though now I'm

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1121132220900287542005-07-11T21:28:00.000-04:002005-07-11T21:37:00.906-04:00

You've heard that old quip that goes "If I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all." That seems to apply to me and my car these days. Poor little Rosey. She just can't make it through a month anymore without something breaking. Now it's the altinator. For real this time. Conked out on me while I was trying to limp it over to my uncle's shop. But i'm not really put out by it.

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1120614225908774612005-07-05T21:34:00.000-04:002005-07-05T21:47:24.013-04:00

We had a surprise 50th birthday party for my uncle on Friday. This was my big coming out party with the bald head. My grandmother almost fell backward in the parking lot. My grandfather couldn't stop giggling (which for a gruff old Italian was kind of creepy), and my god-father says I must have done it to be more like him. (Though, to be honest, I'm about 1 of 3 people in my family who isn't

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1120181502217872332005-06-30T21:25:00.000-04:002005-06-30T21:31:42.223-04:00

I shaved my head. It came to me while I was running tonight. The hair was getting out of control again, looking like something out of a 90's pompadour hairdo movie. So I thought this would be different. It feels different. I'd like to say this will help me get into a mindset of change in my life, but I doubt it. Drastic things don't normally make me change all my bad habits in a day. I

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1119928500013625122005-06-27T23:00:00.000-04:002005-06-27T23:25:38.456-04:00

The friggin' cops showed up at work this morning! It wasn't /completely/ like an episode of COPS, but it had that flavor. Seems this girl (who is 17 and a high school drop out/part time pot fiend/alcoholic/recreational drug user) was either harassed or sexually assaulted by one of the guys who works for the company. And this guy is the adult version of all her worst qualities. Full blown coke

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1119761241118536852005-06-26T00:24:00.000-04:002005-06-26T00:47:21.163-04:00

Days come and they go. Life moves in it's own inimitable way. Nothing amazing to report, but I felt the need to post nonetheless. Had fun with the peeps last night. Had fun with the peeps today. I might be picking up a couple nights at a golf supply store. Seems the only place I would like to work at that wouldn't give me too much crap to deal with. Add that to the nights I'll be spending

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1119570906655627922005-06-23T19:47:00.000-04:002005-06-23T20:00:10.293-04:00

Day 1: Dogs and I have re-introduced ourselves to each other and have started off smashingly. They love me. The licking's a bit much (especially the face. Ick! Not the face!) but all in all, I think we're going to be good pals. And There are frogs to take care of too! Woo!Day 2: I came home from work to find a steaming present from one of the dogs lying on the kitchen floor. Guess I didn't get

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1119121813757298882005-06-18T15:05:00.000-04:002005-06-18T15:10:13.763-04:00

I thought the dogs has calmed down after that first night of jitters, but I guess they haven't. Every time I open the door to my cousin's place, I eagerly await to see what they have destroyed or pooped on next. Last night, after I got home from a friend's house warming party, there was cushion foam all over the floor. Yum. They've destroyed about 3 of their little dolls they like to drag

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1118881701887721002005-06-15T20:04:00.000-04:002005-06-15T20:28:21.930-04:00

It's not my first choice, but I do what I can for my peeps. So i am the happy? custodian of an American Stratfordshire Terrier & a Pug. They're both very cool dogs. Old enough to be fairly docile and very lovable. Though the terrier thinks she's the size of the pug, and wants to sit in my lap the entire time. Which wouldn't be too bad if she didn't try to lick my face all the time. I don't

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1118720430993254402005-06-13T23:35:00.000-04:002005-06-13T23:40:30.993-04:00

The only reason I left the last post intact is that I think it's an honest representation of what I've been going through recently. I'm also glad that I read these things after I post them because my life isn't nearly as horrible as it sounds!! I know it might look like I'm about to jump off a building or something, but I'm not. It's just the depression talking. :p But Time does heal all

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1118719667766506062005-06-13T22:55:00.000-04:002005-06-13T23:27:47.796-04:00

It's just a bitch waiting for time to get its sweet ass in gear. I haven't posted much in the last few weeks because there hasn't been much in the positive going on. Got another rejection letter from a publisher last week. Then I got a text message from the ex saying I'm in her thoughts all the time, but her new boyfriend doesn't like her to talk to me. I'll have to talk to my shrink to see

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1117855024550423392005-06-03T22:57:00.000-04:002005-06-03T23:24:53.846-04:00

This is a disclaimer for any of you all who feel happy right now. I'm not, so this post won't be all happy and bubbley. It may still be funny as I seem to have a singular wit when I'm feeling nihilistic like this. By the way, nihilistic basically means a feeling of not believing in anything.Anyway. (it's funny that I worry about my grammar at times like this, but I know that Natalie reads this

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1117513320657335552005-05-31T00:13:00.000-04:002005-05-31T00:22:00.663-04:00

It's good to have a day off from time to time. Wish I could have been paid for it, but such is life in the big world. So I tried to get some painting done. Only problem is that I was interrupted about every half an hour or so by people who needed me to do them a favor. Gar. I wish people would leave me alone from time to time. Either that, or I need to start being more needy!! Yeah!

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1117340639108313692005-05-29T00:13:00.000-04:002005-05-29T00:27:22.936-04:00

I try to tell my drinking buddy that it's no use going above your station when you're at a bar. It seems to me that only certain kinds of people can talk to other kinds of people. Now in my case, it's either fat chicks, or the quiet types. I can't go and talk to some hot, blonde sun goddess. They're looking for something else I guess. I try to tell my friend this, but he persists in going after

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1116816383373049972005-05-22T22:19:00.000-04:002005-05-31T00:29:35.773-04:00

Saw Star Wars. Liked it. Will have to see it again as my mother was sitting next to me, and was giggling and laughing the entire time. She wasn't drunk or anything, she's just amazingly happy these days with being in love. She's met a guy and they're getting married in November. We're doing the whole shebang too. White dress, tuxes, the whole deal. And guess who's in the wedding party. That's

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1116560413599476912005-05-19T23:32:00.000-04:002005-05-19T23:40:13.603-04:00

I soooo overplayed my hand today. I was told by my cousin Michelle a week or so ago that Citibank needed testers for their new programs and I would be a shoe-in for a job there. It pays a couple dollars more an hour then my current job at the flooring company, so I thought "Hey! Sounds great!" So I told the boss that I had an opportunity elsewhere and told him he might want to think about

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1116464063570313702005-05-18T20:49:00.000-04:002005-05-18T20:54:23.576-04:00

Just the usual day in, day out crap going on. Nothing spectacular. I may be switching jobs again, unless the one I am at right now ponies up some serious cash for my services. I went from being a helper guy to office manager in less time then it takes to rip a fart. So that's been kind of grating on me. But the boss man did take myself and the other guys in the office to the Capital Grille

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1116117046583094042005-05-14T20:21:00.000-04:002005-05-14T20:30:46.600-04:00

Chasing Dreams is likeCatching a spider's web.You know it's there, within your grasp.But if you do not concentrate, and focus yourselfYou will miss it more often then grab it.Gossamar wings have more substance than a dream.But if you chase after them, and hold tight to you dreamsThey will be stronger then any stone wall, or iron bar.

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1115680791540120022005-05-09T19:14:00.000-04:002005-05-09T19:19:51.546-04:00

It had to happen sooner or later. And Mr. Blackbird caught me on a bad weekend. Haven't been in the best of moods, and a freakishly spastic bird flying around the basement wasn't conducive to my recovery. I do feel bad that it had to happen, but I haven't seen any birds flying around the basement since. And it's not like I didn't give it a chance. I gave it two!! But, old habits die hard,

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1115417016668279122005-05-06T17:57:00.000-04:002005-05-06T18:04:31.733-04:00

What with the impending arrival of the third and final prequel in the Star Wars series, I thought it would be a good idea to let the people I know that haven't seen any of the original movies yet (they are many oddly enough) get a chance to see them in High Definition! That's right! A long overdue Star Wars/drinking games movie night! Fun Fun Fun. And it can't come at a better time. Because that

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1115085609931831842005-05-02T21:52:00.000-04:002005-05-02T22:07:57.136-04:00

...you sit in your car after an interview and wonder whether or not you were staring at the interviewer's cleavage for more then 5 seconds. And if the interviewer noticed it or not. Or if you did it more then the 3 or 4 times you remember doing it. God it's tough being a man!! It's not like she even had a big bosom or anything. I'm guessing it's engrained in my psyche. Probably in every man's

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1115003546219038882005-05-01T23:05:00.000-04:002005-05-01T23:33:35.910-04:00

All of you PETA fans will be happy to know that Mr. Blackbird and I came to a reckoning this morning. He would fly upstairs to the kitchen, and then the family room. And I would allow him to fly out of the back to door to the relative safety of the woods behind the house. This way, I didn't have to brain the bastard again, and Mr. Blackbird didn't have to feel my wrath. Yay us! And the upside of

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1114882885343754842005-04-30T13:17:00.000-04:002005-04-30T13:49:06.566-04:00

I'll keep this short, as I could go on at length as to the consequences and reprecussions of having no car.Yesterday I woke up. My car battery was dead. Tried to jump it, but it wouldn't work.Got a ride from my brother to work.Got a ride from my brother to home.Got a ride from my cousin Michelle to Sears for a new battery.Went to change the battery, but decided to try and get my keys out of the

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1114743956986640182005-04-28T22:49:00.000-04:002005-04-28T23:05:56.986-04:00

It always feels good to be a part of something, no matter how trivial or right or left wing it may be. Seeing as I'm the Jesus freak of my generation ( at least amongst the people I know ) I felt the need to be a part of a choir again. I don't miss going to church itself, because as you all well know, I don't believe that active participation denotes faith. Faith is what you make it, but a

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1114648560626040372005-04-27T20:28:00.000-04:002005-04-27T20:36:00.626-04:00

Same great taste, with half the calories! And now I can get comments!! Woo! Plus it looks a lot nicer then the puke looking colors I had on the old one. Took me a bit to find out how to edit the settings so I could still have all my fun stuff on the side, but I got it now. So you'll be able to get your regular fix of the word of the day and all my other silly excentricities. If I've

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1114560467737692502005-04-26T20:03:00.000-04:002005-04-26T20:07:47.736-04:00

It truly can be said that I have a bird in my basement. Yup. Your typical, garden variety black bird has taken up residence at the Spalding household. Not the brightest thing in the world. Keeps ramming itself into light fixtures and windows. I've tried to entice it up the stairs so I can get it out the door, but no can do. I need bird seed!! All I have to offer it is some anise seed.

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1114484725496874102005-04-25T22:54:00.000-04:002005-04-25T23:05:25.496-04:00

It's been something of a crappy personal weekend. Nothing happened perse', just felt crappy all weekend and the week hasn't started off smashingly either. But I'm tired of being negative so I'll talk about the postives. The push toward a career in the art field (no matter where that might be) is a "Come Hell or High Water" affair. I may have a chance to work with the News Journal (the local

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1114044277926342332005-04-20T20:43:00.000-04:002005-04-20T20:44:37.926-04:00

Oh, and it's self deprEcation, not self deprIcation. Figures the one time I don't make absolutely certain of it, a certain language lover would point it out to me. :p But it's better to know then not, eh? (I'm all Canadian now.)

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1114044159365112492005-04-20T20:38:00.000-04:002005-04-20T20:42:39.366-04:00

I am down to 21o pounds, which is pretty good considering I was about 220 at New Year's time. I'm on my way to my goal of 185! (my college weight) The toughest part is not eating at night. I can handle it most nights, but some times I just need chocolate!! And now that it's getting hotter, all the ice cream joints are in full swing, so I have that to look forward to. :) Ah, summer. Now if

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1113958131705889402005-04-19T20:47:00.000-04:002005-04-19T20:54:15.950-04:00

I have taken it on the advice of a couple people recently to stop being so self-depricating. To those of you who may not know what that means, it goes something like this....Friend: "Hey Mark, How's it going?"Me: "I'm boring, aren't I?! Why do you even talk to me? I'm just a fat, hairy, loathesome, pathetic excuse for a human being!! Why do I do this to myself all the time?!! WAAAAAAHH!!

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1113791700796217692005-04-17T22:20:00.000-04:002005-04-17T22:45:21.386-04:00

I can't get it so comments appear on my blog!!! WAAAHH!!! So you have to email me if you want to compliment me on my wonderfully funny/witty blog! (Because I know I am, and my mommy tells me so).OK. Now that I've recovered a bit.My day consisted of going to play golf and getting outplayed by a man who is dying of enphysima, carrying a portable oxygen tank around with him on the course!!! Now I'm

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1113684245820038602005-04-16T16:40:00.000-04:002005-04-16T16:44:05.820-04:00

Helped move my cousin and her man into their new house today. That was a workout. Especially since we were trying to fit square things through rectangular holes half the time. But it's all in there and I got $20 for my efforts! Wooh!! I'm not completely poor anymore! And my aunt is treating me to a movie tonight! What movie you ask? Hell if I know, but it's free!! WHIPPEE!!! Ok. I need

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1113600869052289502005-04-15T17:27:00.000-04:002005-04-15T17:34:29.053-04:00

Woo!! I'm back!!! (Was I ever really gone though? Now there's a question for you. :p )So I did my taxes last night. I had to wait till this week because Waldenbooks messed up my ss# when they filed my wages, and I wanted to make sure the IRS couldn't get me 3 years from now for less then $2,000. Of course, I still OWE!!! GAH!! I have $5 to my name and I just wrote 2 checks that are sure to

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1103001263167663962004-12-14T01:08:00.000-05:002004-12-14T00:14:23.166-05:00

Man. Life has just been crazy lately. I'm not even sure when the last time I posted to this thing was. But I figure it means things are on a roll that I don't have that much time to mull over all sorts of esoteric stuff. Hmmm....esoteric, good word!! :p Must be the word of the day. As for a small recap of my life since my last post, it goes something like this. *Work all week, sometimes

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1100559527371007812004-11-15T17:47:00.000-05:002004-11-15T17:58:47.370-05:00

Yeah. Life is like a box of chocolates. You end up eating the whole damn thing way too fast, pass out for about a week, and wake up feeling like something between a car wreck and a pleasently plump Roman politician. Things have been good. Seems I have a girlfriend now (don't ask, its too complicated to put into words) and I think I had some good reviews from my teachers about the children's

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1099268451382844302004-10-31T19:14:00.000-05:002004-10-31T19:20:51.383-05:00

How much can change in a day or two? Oh, just about a whole lot! I don't know where this is all going, but now it seems that I'm an addictive person to be around, and my lady friend is an addict. :p She is a wonderfully nice change from the list of crazies and snobs I've been seeing lately, and I would like to think something meaningful can come of this, but I'm not going to get ahead of the

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1099155394859139302004-10-30T13:53:00.000-04:002004-10-30T12:56:34.860-04:00

Man. Traffic is getting crazy out there. It's like Christmas. Only....not. People all over the place, flying here there and everywhere. Jumping lanes and cutting people off. Ah. It must be getting close to winter. Whenever the weather gets worse, people's driving does too. yay. Thank god I'm just staying in today and cleaning and working on some art. I don't think I can handle all the

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1099011518619726932004-10-28T20:55:00.000-04:002004-10-28T20:58:38.620-04:00

LOL!! Well, if that doesn't beat all. And here I thought I could shake the curse of not saying anything about a girl I was dating without her immediatly dumping me! Yup! That's right! Not an hour after I posted that last bit, did she not get online and say she didn't think things would work out between us. Somethng about how I work jobs and she has a career and blah blah blah. I'm

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1099006691657250052004-10-28T19:32:00.000-04:002004-10-28T19:38:11.656-04:00

I don't know why I did it, but I somehow got dragged back into this dating thing once again. Oddly enough, this new girl is quite nice. Very intelligent, very rich (lol, I'm not a gold-digger, she contacted me), and is quite cute, although somehwat overweight, but it works for her. But she's a workaholic, so it's tough sometimes figuring out whether I'm bothering her, or if she's just busy and

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1098329566119133062004-10-20T23:27:00.000-04:002004-10-20T23:32:46.120-04:00

Some things aren't much sweeter then seeing the Yankees and their punk ass, jerk off fans, getting swept by the BoSox after being up 3-0 in a best of seven series. :p MWHAHAHA!!! Divine intervention is a wonderful thing. Other than that, my week has been pretty blah so far. I took the day off yesterday because of headaches and slept till about 12:30. Did nothing all day and that was good.

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1097990384326879412004-10-17T01:10:00.000-04:002004-10-17T01:19:44.326-04:00

Sitting around, sick in bed all day will do three things to you. First, you'll watch a lot of TV. Second, you'll do a lot of thinking. And third, because of all the sleeping you've done during the day, you can't get to bed at night. So what better time to do a little blogging. I somehow managed to watch Down with Love, Something's Gotta Give, and When Harry Met Sally all in one day. And of

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1097882341009065362004-10-15T19:11:00.000-04:002004-10-15T19:19:01.010-04:00

Another crash and burn, you'd think I would learn. I've been talking to some people about a new girl at the jewler's next door. She's been in a few times, we talk we laugh, and I've talked to some of the people there, and they make it out like she's somewhat interested in me. Ok. Fine. I figure you can't be a pussy and not ask someone out for fear of rejection. It's not even that anymore, I

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1097722170928955992004-10-13T22:33:00.000-04:002004-10-13T22:49:30.926-04:00

Yeah. It's been a while. Again. Seems I've been busy the last few weeks. Alumni weekend at the 'Cuse. Working two jobs. Painting up a storm (which basically works as a third job). And the longer my hair gets, the more women want me. MWHAHAHA!!! I'm like Samson or something. Went out for a nice date with an old friend while back at school. And now that I'm back is seems like every girl

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1096775928215834362004-10-02T23:52:00.000-04:002004-10-02T23:58:48.216-04:00

Hey!! How are ya?!! Doing good I hope. I myself have been a busy little bee. A busy little bee indeed. Sunday was awesome. The Nascar race was loud and fast as expected. The ride home was ironicly quiet and sloooooow. Way too much traffic. But the race itself was just crazy. Tuesday we had the storm of the year and I had to stay at my aunt's house because all the roads to my house were

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1095821326321943252004-09-21T22:43:00.000-04:002004-09-21T22:55:05.890-04:00

Well well well. Looks like picking up a few extra hours at Waldenbooks has turned into about 3 nights a week and less time to do anything around the house. Of course, this didn't stop me from going to Wal-Mart to pick up my copy of the Star Wars Trilogy! MWHAHAHAH!!! $40 no less! What a bargain! I don't care what people say about them being the evil empire and what not. They price according to my

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1095465527502494732004-09-17T19:52:00.000-04:002004-09-17T19:58:47.503-04:00

I started working at a kiosk owned by Waldenbooks last night. It's just a calendar dealy, but I like it because I'm by myself and can just do my won thing. And apparently my own thing involves asking really odd questions to myself. For instance. Why is it that if you look at ears long enough, they seem to be completely aestetically displeasing to the eye. I mean, think about it! Here are

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1095302632995030432004-09-15T22:39:00.000-04:002004-09-15T22:43:52.996-04:00

If I could get through one week at work without having something come back to bite me in the ass, I just might be able to sleep easier at night. Today it was a customer who had made a large deposit we put a hold on. (Banks are legally allowed to put holds on funds from checks if we think the check may be bad) Well, I put the hold on, but didn't send them the letter that states we did it. So

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1095212039066818272004-09-14T21:29:00.000-04:002004-09-14T21:33:59.066-04:00

If you haven't read the DaVinci Code yet, well, it ain't the most amazing book in the world. The story is pretty weak, but the concepts and issues it raises are awe-inspiring. I've actually moved on to another book called The DaVinci Code: Decoded. It covers all the research Dan Brown did on the book (because he basically states at the onset that all the concepts and theories he puts forth in

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1094998526987380292004-09-12T10:05:00.000-04:002004-09-12T10:15:26.986-04:00

It's been one hell of a week, that's for sure. Had Monday off which always helps, but on Tuesday, right at the end of the dday (as it always does) this customer comes in all pissed off. Closes her accounts and we come to find out that her and her husband are on the outs and at some point he got a hold of an account number that he was not a part of. And a teller had given him the balance in

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1094319792575838622004-09-04T13:38:00.000-04:002004-09-04T13:43:12.576-04:00

So I have shaved off the beard. Seems some grandmothers want to introduce me to their grandaughters and a beard is apparantly not my way to make a good first impression. So my face is back from vacation. Of course, work has been work, what with being shortstaffed and all. Though I am getting overtime which will help my pocketbook a bit. Plus Waldenbooks scheduled me for MOnday (Labor Day)

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1093915103479858132004-08-30T21:05:00.000-04:002004-08-30T21:18:23.480-04:00

Things seem to be back to normal so to speak as I have been doing some working out, eating right, and working on the art. Don't you just wish the things you want and need would just magically appear instead of having to go through all of that nasty business of having to work for them?!! Though I guess I wouldn't appreciate them nearly as much if I didn't have to put all the work in. I just

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1093656255636331542004-08-27T21:10:00.000-04:002004-08-27T21:24:15.636-04:00

One heck of a week. Being shortstaffed at the bank doesn't help tension levels. I've actually started growing a beard in hopes to a.) give my face a rest from having to shave it twice in one sitting to get a smooth shave, and b.) to cover up all of the stress zits. Who knows how things will go, I just have to make sure I cover my assets. :) Though job security isn't a problem right now as

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1093138167306552392004-08-21T21:18:00.000-04:002004-08-21T21:29:27.306-04:00

Same 'ol same 'ol I guess. Nothing spectacular happening, which isn't bad, just not newsworthy. I've been reading a lot of articles on cnn.com over the past week and it's all craziness. People being raped and stabbed, or a child choking to death on a piece of popcorn. The sickest one was this homicide down in Florida they dubbed "The X-box slayings". These guys were squatting at a house and

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1092607345529365512004-08-15T18:01:00.000-04:002004-08-15T18:04:48.393-04:00

Went to the mall today to see my 54 year old wannabe date. LOL. Yes. I know. I'm a sad sad little man sometimes. But I think she's hot and that's all the matters. But I think people have a problem with the age difference, her being one of them. So I'm going to let her get hit on by fat, greasy old men, like she has been. It'll be good for her I'm sure. :) I myself have many prospects. They all

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1092441826632971692004-08-13T19:59:00.000-04:002004-08-13T20:03:46.633-04:00

Met a girl this week during my teller training classes. Too bad she works and lives in Jersey. I figure she's about an hour away from me as it is right now. That wouldn't be too horrible, but having to pay tolls on the Jersey Turnpike every time I go to see her just seems either A.) extremely desperate, or B.) extremely expensive just to get some ass. She is pretty cool though. Of course, as

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1092252478056922642004-08-11T15:25:00.000-04:002004-08-11T15:27:58.056-04:00

Saw one of those billboards you see outside of chuches on the side of the road today. Usually the messages they have are pretty corny, but I thought the one this particular church had was very good. "There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going" True dat. True dat.

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1092186198035063292004-08-10T20:55:00.000-04:002004-08-10T21:03:18.036-04:00

I can't run outside anymore!! WAAAAAHHH!!!! My legs have become too brittle to take chances on cross-country type running. I pulled a muscle in my calf last week, and did it again tonight. And for the last few weeks, my right ankle (the left one is the one I rolled down at the beach) feels hollow. So I don't need to roll another ankle, or get some kind of weird muscle, joint, bone injury.

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261331.post-1091901682887355382004-08-07T13:52:00.000-04:002004-08-07T14:01:22.886-04:00

So. It's been one hell of a week. Started and finished a whole bottle of wine on Sunday, which led to me being extremely late for work on Monday, which means no more drinking on Sunday nights. I was on a shoe string there for a bit, but considering my coworker is basically forcing the company's hand with her antics, I think I'm still flying under the radar a bit. Monday night I went running,

Mark Spaldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13015897409471909810noreply@blogger.com0