Dusting Off the Keyboard...

Well, I finally did something this time around instead of just sitting and thinking, "Damn, wouldn't it be sweet if..."

For those in the know, I am a fan. I dig the original BBC series, the new series and Big Finish's Doctor Who audio adventures. What was extra cool was when BF announced that they were offering a chance to pitch a story idea, along with two pages of script, of a short episode that would star Peter Davison and Sarah Sutton.

Davison, who played Doc #5 in the original series might be possibly recognizable to those familiar with the BBC Hitchhikers Guide TV serial. He was the pig looking cow thing that was offering himself to Zaphod, Ford and company at the Restraunt at the End of the Universe.

Anyway, #5 was always one of my favorites, if not the favorite. When I started watching Who, PBS was showing stories from his run. To get the chance to possibly write an episode for Davison to star in, well, that I just couldn't pass up!

So, we'll see what happens from here. 1,200 entries to contend with. If nothing else, it felt euphoric to finally do something with my writing than to sit here and merely talk about it.

Wish me success, my friends. :)

Achieving Your Childhood Dreams: The Stumble Upon Edition...

When I was a lad, I recall having a short list of things that I wanted to do in life tucked away in my dresser's middle drawer.

I'd pull the list out of its safe-keeping spot and glance it over, occasionally scrawling a new desired life goal in waxy crayon and scratching out the ones I didn't like anymore. I hadn't actually thought of this list in decades, but I stumbled across it recently and decided I'd check in with my spelling-inept six year old self and see how I was doing...


1. A puppy of my very own.

I've co-owned a small handful of animals throughout the years, usually resulting in having to surrender them to the ex-girlfriend once our relationships would end. Usually they were the ones who'd bring the pets into the relationship, so it was logical that they would go with them after things were over. I think in one or two cases, I missed the animals way more than I did the owners.

I'm one who definitely gets attached to the cuddly beasties and I'm not afraid to admit that.

Then I met Katy, the golden retriever puppy I adopted while on a business trip to Houston. She was my puppy and she was awesome. I still miss her, she was a hell of a dog. She'd be the first dog I ever brought into a relationship and when that relationship was going to end, I knew she was coming with me! Heh.


2. Be a seal trainer.

Behold!



Alright, so that wild career in working with my favourite animal in the world didn't exactly take off. Turns out I needed more of a marine biology background and tons of experience with animal training to even think of doing this for a living, but this was the next best thing.

I found out that Sea World offered these "Sea Lion Interaction Programs" for an additional fee. I was surprised on my birthday with the opportunity to jump in with the sea lions, which I looked forward to. Then I had my surgery this year and had to wait some more.

Until July.

104 degrees that day.

In a wet suit.

Still, totally fucking worth it. It was even more awesome than I ever imagined it'd be. I'll probably post about this adventure later on, but it was definitely the coolest thing since swiss cheese dipped in awesome sauce.


3. Yep, this happened this year as well. Not by real design because I was looking more at the sticker prices and condition of the vehicles I was shopping for, but I have to admit that I did finally get my cool blue truck. Yay, TARDIS!


4. I'm never going to be President of the United States, nor the President of the United Federation of Planets, nor President of the local Rotary Club. I still may be president of my own company some day, but I believe in this case that ascending to the political path of the office of President was a childhood dream I came up with after watching Reagan on TV passing Jelly Bellys to his cabinet.

Having thought about it a bit more, I am actually the head of state of a nation in Cybernations, a game I play online. I rule my country fairly without any real world consequences and I can be President of my beloved Nachoburrito while eating Jelly Belly's if I so choose. Yes, I can nuke the crap out of my enemies while eating very cherry beans and lounging around in my pj's, thankyouverymuch.

So, I'll call this one good. :)


5. Make millions of dollars... Hrmmm. Work in progress. I'm happy making tens of dollars for now, but I'm keeping my eyes open.


6. Yep, went to California by myself, with friends and with ex-girlfriends several times since I was a kid. Last time I went was years ago, but I'm about due to go again. Done and done!


7. Beating up my brother M for tormenting me all those years. Truth be told, if I hadn't been so obnoxious, he'd probably have left me alone most likely.

I didn't quite kick his ass, but I do recall being bigger than him and pinning him to the floor during a good natured brotherly brawl in the living room. I think he still won that one or perhaps we ended in a draw if I recall, but I think being able to actually knock him on his ass helped us learn that we were both too old for that shit. Heh.


8. Rosie, sweet Rosie. I had the biggest crush on her when we were in Kindergarten together. I used to let her borrow my fingerpaints and she'd sometimes share her snacks with me at lunch. I loved her so much that I named my favorite stuffed seal after her. Ahhh, such young love.

If I recall correctly, she was in love with Jason though so we Rosie and I were only just friends, destined to never sit on the swings next to one another.

I never heard where she ended up, but I hope she is well. Although if she is single and still just as sweet after all these years at age 33 as she was at age 5, tell her to meet me at the swings after recess.


9. No and no, unless you count Halloween costumes. Not that I'd be interested in the godless Michael Bay Transformers one whit. Original series for the win.

I heard there's a DJ named DangerMouse, but I doubt I'd impress him/her with my awesome Penfold voice impressions.

"Oh, crumbs, Chief I bungled it again, eh?"

See? Nothing. No phone call or anything. Philistines.


So, that's part one of mine so far. How are y'all doing on yours?

Comments drop below in the bottom-hand side, yo!

TARDIS's Aren't So Much Made As Grown...

I knew it was time. He had seen better days and Lords knew he was on his last legs.

Poor old Gerald.

For those unfamiliar with my vehicle, I had a '98 Ford Ranger. It was a pretty good truck, all things considered.

In the grand tradition of my grandfather, I would name each vehicle that would join me through life's journeys. Since '92, I've had the Admiral, the Admiral II: Electric Boogaloo, the Deathsaturn and Gerald.

Each had served me well in their own capacity and I can recall many memories of adventures within them, Fruitless or otherwise.

It was a sad day letting Gerald go. I kept toying with the idea of repairing him, but knew that this was illogical. Needed a new engine, new tie rods, new brake shoes, an alignment, new tires and various other repairs that stacked up a bill estimate between $4,500 and $5,500.

I'd seen newer, lower milage vehicles for slightly over that price range, so I knew I had to let go. I had to find a new road buddy and after much searching...



Behold, the TARDIS!

Fellow Doctor Who fans can see the "resemblance" although I am missing the white dome light on top and the words "Police Box" enscribed somewhere on the body. It is also not police box shaped, nor is it dimensionally transcendental. Laws of the road and physics being as they are, authenticity will sadly be a dream unrealized. Heh.

Was writing up a "farewell to Gerald" piece and if it has promise, I'll post it up soon. In the meantime, I shall take a spin in the TARDIS and see where she takes me.

*Bwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
EEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRR*
dundundun dundundun dundundun dadundun dundundundun booweeeeoooooooooo weeeeeoooooooooooo...