(this is) durkin.org

Sewage is just not a funny topic. No matter how you slice it. Ew. Still, it is a bit humorous to me that so many people I know are having sewage issues lately. Or thinking about one day having/preventing them, in some cases.

Really - Like three people that I know in Birmingham are having major issues right now, the kind that end up costing in the tens of thousands of dollars. Yikes.

We had some trouble over the weekend, and I ended up taking Monday off to (hopefully) deal with it. Luckily, we got off with a mere $90 tab to the plumber. By the way, if you’re in Birmingham, call Billy, he’s your man.

He said he found a washcloth in the line. A @#$@#%#@ washcloth! What the hell is that about? Who would come to our home and put a washcloth down the toilet? Why? I am stunned.

Anyway, I even went so far as to take a picture of the mess. It really doesn’t look so bad here, but the potential was kinda gross… Don’t feel compelled to look at the picture, I won’t hold it against you.

Winds Damage 450 Homes in Jefferson County. No shit. I was actually in my car during the storm, headed home early to leave town for the weekend. Wow. I’ve never before actually considered getting out of my car and into a ditch, but I almost did on Friday. Winds peaked at around 99 mph, and several tornados were spotted in the area.

I’ve driven in bad weather before, but nothing like this. The last thing I remember seeing as I pulled off the highway and onto the shoulder was the pine trees on the right side of the road, bending *waaay* *too* far over. Then the rain and hail blocked everything from site. And the radio went out.

So, I sat there, very still, and thought about getting out of the car. And I wondered if it would be better to be seated upright, or reclined in the event that a tree crushes my car. Mostly, I waited for it to end. Without a tree falling on, or even near, me or my car or my home.

When I could see again, I started the car and looked over my shoulder, preparing to pull onto the road. A man on a motorcycle passed me. I wonder what his day was like.

Although the storm only lasted for twenty minutes or so, and wasn’t even covered on the news outside of town much, it was a doozy. There were a quarter of a million homes without power for two-three days, and quite a bit of destruction. MR and I drove around our neighborhood and took some pictures.

The other day I wanted to post several songs, but was unable to do so for one reason or another, so here they are again, without the semi-romantic tie-in to VD:

Elvis Costello - Alison (as I have been told on more than one occasion, this song is sex)

Oasis - Slide Away (just Noel: alone, acoustic and angst-ridden. great rendition of my first favorite Oasis song)

Oingo Boingo - We Close Our Eyes (a singular love song)

The Dambuilders - Shrine (great bass line, great guitar, great lyrics ["she doesn't speak but she tells me all her favorite bands"] = great song)

The Pogues - Tuesday Morning (one of my favorite things about the Pogues is their consistently beautiful lyrics and music, however the vocals often are terrible. In a Bob Dylan/Tom Waits kinda way, that only adds to the music)

Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite days of the year… Odd, to think of it that way. But I like that it grounds me (in tradition as well as in faith) and makes me face up to things.

We all need a gut-check now and then.

Growing up, I attended a Catholic school. I can remember going to church on Ash Wednesday, and not really paying any attention to the service; just hoping really hard that my ashes would be good this year. When we all got back to the pews, we would push our hair back and look around at each other, checking out the ash-cross application. Catholic school kids are sooo fashion sheik.

Needless to say, I’ve learned a greater level of respect for Ash Wednesday since then. But I still admit to a certain level of satisfaction with a well-drawn cross.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Important note to those of you with significant others: always (and I mean *always*) give a gift in the morning. Always. Even if you have big plans later, give a card first thing. That way, they know you didn’t forget. I’ve made the mistake in the past of waiting to give all gifts and card during a special dinner, but its not a good idea. Many, many men I know will never live down waiting to give a gift or card. Or, God forbid, forgetting altogether!

Home again, home again, giggity-gig. Back in the office, after an extended weekend. Is there anything nicer, I ask you, then waking up on time for work for three whole days, and not having to go? Is there anything nicer than having a beer (or two? or more?) with lunch just because you want to? How about this - Is there anything nicer than staying up late into the night, talking and laughing and enjoying the time spent, just for the sake of it?

I really don’t think so.

And, just so you know, things will continue to be sporadic around here for a little while. This weekend, I have to go to Mobile, Alabama for work. Then I think next two months will be hellish, due to work, weddings and whatnot. The fun never stop, my friends.

One of these days, I’m going to post some pictures.

Of my own, I mean. This one is blatantly stolen from Max. This is MR and I the other night at a dive in Auburn, Touchdowns. They really do have the best chicken wings in the world. At least, since the Texas Taco Company closed its doors. But that is a story for another time. She’s the beautiful one on the right. I’m just there taking up space. Yes, you’re right, quite a bit of space. Thanks for noticing.

A short story for children: See John at Touchdowns. See John eat chicken wings and drink beer. John is fat. Look at John’s fat face. Don’t be that guy.

So, as I was saying, one of these days, I’m going to post some pictures. I promise.

And, I think I wanna do a new design (one that I have completely ripped off…)

Senator Lott on the Ashcroft situation:

“Let’s move on to important legislation. Let’s argue about ideas. Let’s argue how to make education better. Let’s argue about how to give tax relief.”

Hey, Trent, give me a break, will ya? Jeez. I think I preferred Republicans when they were just bitching about Billy, as opposed to this drivel.

And they caught all six of the escapees. Good. Here in Alabama, we don’t take no truck with criminals. Now, some states, like say Texas, why they let escapees go for weeks and weeks, and don’t even bring em all back alive. But not here, doggone.