Not sure if you knew this, but...
This blog has sort of been relocated. I packed it all up and shipped it to:
www.thomaskingsleytroupe.com
Catchy, isn't it?
I'll see you over there, yo.
-=TKT=-
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Tale of Two Kingsleys
So, yesterday was pretty much a fantastic day. I know there's nothing more irritating than hearing someone else is having a good time, especially if it coincides with you (or those you love) NOT having a good day, but so it goes.
Yesterday, I got to go out to Red Wing, Minnesota to take part in the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Minnesota Children's Book Authors & Illustrators. It's a really cool festival of sorts that takes place out at what I can only describe as an artist's compound/haven. It's got a whole bunch of old buildings and apparently writers/artists/musicians, etc. can rent these cool old houses for the day to get away from everything and just work on their art.
But, one day a year, it's like they open the floodgates and let a bunch of kids, teachers, librarians and everyone else who's interested in children's literature and illustration in. They had people walking on stilts, face painting, music, magic, books, books and more books.
I'd been asked by the people I work with at Picture Window Books months ago if I'd like to come out and read from my new book IF I WERE THE PRESIDENT. I'm no veteran to readings or school visits (having only done one each so far) but I was more than honored. The idea was, I'd come out, talk a little bit about writing, read the book and then sign some if people wanted me to.
Red Wing is about an hour away from my house and while I would have loved to bring Laura and the boys out there, we decided it was best if this was a solo trip. Jake's been a little crabby the last week, so we thought we'd spare the rest of the people at the festival his crazy antics. I was scheduled to read at 2pm and then again at 3pm.
I got there at 1pm and got to meet one of the people I'd only known through e-mail and Facebook face-to-face. I helped set up the Capstone Publishers stand (Picture Window Books is one of their imprints) and was floored by how much stuff they produce. Gotta say I was pretty giddy about seeing my four books front and center.
The interesting thing about the stand was that we had all these books there, but we weren't allowed to sell any of them. The Red Balloon Bookshop, which is probably our most famous kid's book store in the cities, had a place set up inside where they were selling all sorts of books, most of which were from the authors that were there to read and do signings. So, a bunch of people would come by to look at the cool books and want to buy them but we had to tell 'em. "Sorry. Only Red Balloon can sell book here, today." Never one to disappoint, we ended up giving some of the books away.
Good PR, I tell you. Very few people went away disappointed.
Anyway, pretty soon it was time to get to the room where I was going to read.
Now, I should say this. I was definitely the little fish in a bigger pond. Most of the other authors were bigger names for sure and got sort of 'top-billing' and big ol' autograph tables and all that fun stuff. They had me in a really cool classroom of sorts in the basement which looked like something I would decorate. Cool pictures of musicians, artists, etc...were all over the walls. There was inspirational messages, etc. Etc. The room was down in the basement, so my editor (Shelly) went around and roped people into coming and hearing me read.
I gotta admit, I was worried it was going to be a little like the scene in This Is Spinal Tap where they have a record signing event at a music store and no one shows up. Thankfully, Shelly was able to find a bunch of people and we were underway.
Before I started, a little guy walked up to me, eyes as big as saucers and nervous as all get-out. He said something I couldn't hear. I said: "I'm sorry. What did you say, buddy?" He was maybe two years old or just shy of it. He tried again and I think he was scared to death. His mom said: "He's trying to tell you his middle name is Kingsley, too."
I was floored. How awesome is that?
So, we talked about our names and where they originated from, etc. (for the record, 'Kingsley' is my great, great grandfathers last name. He had all girls, so the name died with him) Apparently, this little guy doesn't even go by his first name, just Kingsley. Very cool.
One of the things we did for each reading was have a drawing for a couple of my books. I ended up reading both IF I WERE PRESIDENT and PATRICK'S SUPER SOCKS and then giving 'em away right after. Sadly, little Kingsley didn't win one.
After the reading, I went upstairs to check out the place where The Red Balloon was selling books. I wanted to meet Lise Lunge-Larsen, who is an expert on Trolls and when writing THE TRUTH ABOUT TROLLS, I e-mailed her to clear up some questions I had. As I was looking through the books, Kingsley and his mom came by and told me they couldn't find my PRESIDENT book to buy. We were told they'd have it to sell to people and, conversely, let me sign them for anyone interested in that sort of thing.
"They said they left them back in the cities," Kingsley's mom said.
I was bummed by that, but it just so happened I had an extra copy in my laptop bag. I gave them my copy and she wanted to pay for it, yadda yadda. I told her I wouldn't hear of it. She then asked if I'd sign it and I said:
"Of course!"
I cracked open the book and wrote: "From one Kingsley to another!" and then signed my goofy signature.
Later on, I got to meet a really cool guy. He was an older dude named Ted who came by the Picture Window Books booth and was looking at all of the books laid out. Ted asked:
"You write any of these?"
I was almost a smart alec and said: "Any? Dude. I've written ALL of these." But I didn't. I smiled and pointed toward the ones at the front of the set up.
"I've written 4 of them, up there."
Ted asked if I did the illustrations and I told him what I tell a lot of people who ask me that. "Nope. I couldn't draw a picture to save my life."
Anyway, we got to talking about stuff. Turns out Ted's an illustrator and we talked about how despite the obstacles we have this need to keep doing what we love instead of saying: Eh...I'll never make it. Guess I'll watch Seinfeld re-runs.
He then asked how long I'd been at it. I told him since I was in 2nd grade, which is pretty much accurate. I wrote a story called Stick Man's First Voyage Into the Black Hole and I've never looked back.
Somehow we got on the topic of other books and I told Ted that even though I was asked to write a ballerina book (ahem) I was also given a chance to write a firefighter book. I told him I was a firefighter/EMT celebrating my 6 year anniversary on 9/11. He sort of laughed and said:
"That's a heckuva date for anniversaries." Ted then pointed down to his left leg, which I hadn't noticed until then was fake. He went on to explain that on the day the World Trade Center fell, he was in a life-altering crash. He was driving a bus with a bunch of special needs kids and another driver going in the opposite direction jumped over the center line and took them out. A bunch of the kids didn't make it, but four did. Ted's left leg was another casualty.
We talked for a long time and Shelly ended up giving Ted a copy of PATRICK'S SUPER SOCKS and I signed it for his grandson. I asked him if he had a card because it would be cool to keep in touch with him. He said he didn't, but asked me to wait there for a moment. Since his booth was right next to ours, it wasn't a problem. I do have to admit feeling bad that he was headed back to his car, just to get a business card.
When he came back, he handed me a giant, hardboard print of some of his work. It was this really cool picture of a bunch of tropical fish that's going to look insanely cool on the wall somewhere in our house (I'm thinking Jake's room). He said he wanted me to have it and we shook hands and said it was truly great to talk to each other. And you know what? It was.
I went home a little later, listening to the newest Eels album (Hombre Lobo), hurrying home to go see Patton Oswalt (stand-up comedian) on a date with my wife and some friends.
Yeah. Not a bad day/weekend.
Yesterday, I got to go out to Red Wing, Minnesota to take part in the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Minnesota Children's Book Authors & Illustrators. It's a really cool festival of sorts that takes place out at what I can only describe as an artist's compound/haven. It's got a whole bunch of old buildings and apparently writers/artists/musicians, etc. can rent these cool old houses for the day to get away from everything and just work on their art.
But, one day a year, it's like they open the floodgates and let a bunch of kids, teachers, librarians and everyone else who's interested in children's literature and illustration in. They had people walking on stilts, face painting, music, magic, books, books and more books.
I'd been asked by the people I work with at Picture Window Books months ago if I'd like to come out and read from my new book IF I WERE THE PRESIDENT. I'm no veteran to readings or school visits (having only done one each so far) but I was more than honored. The idea was, I'd come out, talk a little bit about writing, read the book and then sign some if people wanted me to.
Red Wing is about an hour away from my house and while I would have loved to bring Laura and the boys out there, we decided it was best if this was a solo trip. Jake's been a little crabby the last week, so we thought we'd spare the rest of the people at the festival his crazy antics. I was scheduled to read at 2pm and then again at 3pm.
I got there at 1pm and got to meet one of the people I'd only known through e-mail and Facebook face-to-face. I helped set up the Capstone Publishers stand (Picture Window Books is one of their imprints) and was floored by how much stuff they produce. Gotta say I was pretty giddy about seeing my four books front and center.
The interesting thing about the stand was that we had all these books there, but we weren't allowed to sell any of them. The Red Balloon Bookshop, which is probably our most famous kid's book store in the cities, had a place set up inside where they were selling all sorts of books, most of which were from the authors that were there to read and do signings. So, a bunch of people would come by to look at the cool books and want to buy them but we had to tell 'em. "Sorry. Only Red Balloon can sell book here, today." Never one to disappoint, we ended up giving some of the books away.
Good PR, I tell you. Very few people went away disappointed.
Anyway, pretty soon it was time to get to the room where I was going to read.
Now, I should say this. I was definitely the little fish in a bigger pond. Most of the other authors were bigger names for sure and got sort of 'top-billing' and big ol' autograph tables and all that fun stuff. They had me in a really cool classroom of sorts in the basement which looked like something I would decorate. Cool pictures of musicians, artists, etc...were all over the walls. There was inspirational messages, etc. Etc. The room was down in the basement, so my editor (Shelly) went around and roped people into coming and hearing me read.
I gotta admit, I was worried it was going to be a little like the scene in This Is Spinal Tap where they have a record signing event at a music store and no one shows up. Thankfully, Shelly was able to find a bunch of people and we were underway.
Before I started, a little guy walked up to me, eyes as big as saucers and nervous as all get-out. He said something I couldn't hear. I said: "I'm sorry. What did you say, buddy?" He was maybe two years old or just shy of it. He tried again and I think he was scared to death. His mom said: "He's trying to tell you his middle name is Kingsley, too."
I was floored. How awesome is that?
So, we talked about our names and where they originated from, etc. (for the record, 'Kingsley' is my great, great grandfathers last name. He had all girls, so the name died with him) Apparently, this little guy doesn't even go by his first name, just Kingsley. Very cool.
One of the things we did for each reading was have a drawing for a couple of my books. I ended up reading both IF I WERE PRESIDENT and PATRICK'S SUPER SOCKS and then giving 'em away right after. Sadly, little Kingsley didn't win one.
After the reading, I went upstairs to check out the place where The Red Balloon was selling books. I wanted to meet Lise Lunge-Larsen, who is an expert on Trolls and when writing THE TRUTH ABOUT TROLLS, I e-mailed her to clear up some questions I had. As I was looking through the books, Kingsley and his mom came by and told me they couldn't find my PRESIDENT book to buy. We were told they'd have it to sell to people and, conversely, let me sign them for anyone interested in that sort of thing.
"They said they left them back in the cities," Kingsley's mom said.
I was bummed by that, but it just so happened I had an extra copy in my laptop bag. I gave them my copy and she wanted to pay for it, yadda yadda. I told her I wouldn't hear of it. She then asked if I'd sign it and I said:
"Of course!"
I cracked open the book and wrote: "From one Kingsley to another!" and then signed my goofy signature.
Later on, I got to meet a really cool guy. He was an older dude named Ted who came by the Picture Window Books booth and was looking at all of the books laid out. Ted asked:
"You write any of these?"
I was almost a smart alec and said: "Any? Dude. I've written ALL of these." But I didn't. I smiled and pointed toward the ones at the front of the set up.
"I've written 4 of them, up there."
Ted asked if I did the illustrations and I told him what I tell a lot of people who ask me that. "Nope. I couldn't draw a picture to save my life."
Anyway, we got to talking about stuff. Turns out Ted's an illustrator and we talked about how despite the obstacles we have this need to keep doing what we love instead of saying: Eh...I'll never make it. Guess I'll watch Seinfeld re-runs.
He then asked how long I'd been at it. I told him since I was in 2nd grade, which is pretty much accurate. I wrote a story called Stick Man's First Voyage Into the Black Hole and I've never looked back.
Somehow we got on the topic of other books and I told Ted that even though I was asked to write a ballerina book (ahem) I was also given a chance to write a firefighter book. I told him I was a firefighter/EMT celebrating my 6 year anniversary on 9/11. He sort of laughed and said:
"That's a heckuva date for anniversaries." Ted then pointed down to his left leg, which I hadn't noticed until then was fake. He went on to explain that on the day the World Trade Center fell, he was in a life-altering crash. He was driving a bus with a bunch of special needs kids and another driver going in the opposite direction jumped over the center line and took them out. A bunch of the kids didn't make it, but four did. Ted's left leg was another casualty.
We talked for a long time and Shelly ended up giving Ted a copy of PATRICK'S SUPER SOCKS and I signed it for his grandson. I asked him if he had a card because it would be cool to keep in touch with him. He said he didn't, but asked me to wait there for a moment. Since his booth was right next to ours, it wasn't a problem. I do have to admit feeling bad that he was headed back to his car, just to get a business card.
When he came back, he handed me a giant, hardboard print of some of his work. It was this really cool picture of a bunch of tropical fish that's going to look insanely cool on the wall somewhere in our house (I'm thinking Jake's room). He said he wanted me to have it and we shook hands and said it was truly great to talk to each other. And you know what? It was.
I went home a little later, listening to the newest Eels album (Hombre Lobo), hurrying home to go see Patton Oswalt (stand-up comedian) on a date with my wife and some friends.
Yeah. Not a bad day/weekend.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Updates & A Fair To Remember
Yo, yo. What it is, Tappers.
So, looks like I took the month of August off from the bloggy blog. Sorry 'bout that. Heck, let's face it. You haven't been reading anyway. You've been busy with summer, updating your own blogs and you know...doing your own thing.
I get it. I do.
Well, I wish I could say that I'm done with GOODHALO'S mammoth revision, but I'm not. It's sloooow going, what with the other books I'm actually getting paid to write and the whole 2 other jobs and a family thing. My window of opportunity to get stuff done is small every night. Throw in the occasional late-night fire call and well...I'm shooting for the end of September to wrap this thing up.
Anyway, that's not why we're here. My family and I went out to the biggest money vaccum in the greater Twin Cities. I'm talking about the Minnesota State Fair.
It's a tradition that we go every year and this one was no exception. I won't bore you with a blow by blow, but the wackiest stuff happened about 10 minutes in.
As you know by now, I've now got two sons: Travis (4.5 years) and Jake (8 months). Since we've never been to the Fair with Jake, we had to bring a double-stroller that we had given to us from someone Laura knows from work. Her name might be Bernice, or Betty. I think it starts with a 'B.' Doesn't matter.
This thing is pretty beat up and smelled like an ashtray in a cigar factory's restroom. We aired it out, wiped it down and have used it plenty of times. We noticed one of the wheels looked a little funky, but we didn't think much of it. We were ready to roll toward deep fried goodness on a stick.
Travis & Jake, decked in their Minnesota best, ready to taste the fair.
About 3 minutes inside the fair, we took a turn to head down toward the Midway and breakfast (Mini Donuts). As we headed down the stretch, the stroller threw a wheel. I tried in vain to pound it back into place, but it was a total loss. We abandoned it behind a Sno-Cone stand.
Thinking we were in for a long day (and we were) we had to hit the rental place. We rolled out of the garage in a snappy new wagon for the low price of $13.
You can't keep the Troupes down. No sir. Not when there's deliciousness to be had.
For those keeping track at home, here's how much we spent within about 10 mintues:
Parking - $8 (Park n' Ride is for suckers with time to waste)
Admission - $22
Wagon rental - $13
Total - $43.00 (ouch)
The bonus? We got to see this brotherly love pretty much all day:
Travis zeroes in on the Mini Donuts, while Jake wonders where the hell we are.
So, looks like I took the month of August off from the bloggy blog. Sorry 'bout that. Heck, let's face it. You haven't been reading anyway. You've been busy with summer, updating your own blogs and you know...doing your own thing.
I get it. I do.
Well, I wish I could say that I'm done with GOODHALO'S mammoth revision, but I'm not. It's sloooow going, what with the other books I'm actually getting paid to write and the whole 2 other jobs and a family thing. My window of opportunity to get stuff done is small every night. Throw in the occasional late-night fire call and well...I'm shooting for the end of September to wrap this thing up.
Anyway, that's not why we're here. My family and I went out to the biggest money vaccum in the greater Twin Cities. I'm talking about the Minnesota State Fair.
It's a tradition that we go every year and this one was no exception. I won't bore you with a blow by blow, but the wackiest stuff happened about 10 minutes in.
As you know by now, I've now got two sons: Travis (4.5 years) and Jake (8 months). Since we've never been to the Fair with Jake, we had to bring a double-stroller that we had given to us from someone Laura knows from work. Her name might be Bernice, or Betty. I think it starts with a 'B.' Doesn't matter.
This thing is pretty beat up and smelled like an ashtray in a cigar factory's restroom. We aired it out, wiped it down and have used it plenty of times. We noticed one of the wheels looked a little funky, but we didn't think much of it. We were ready to roll toward deep fried goodness on a stick.
Travis & Jake, decked in their Minnesota best, ready to taste the fair.We paid the ridiculous price of $22 to get into the fair, which to me seems criminal. Think about it. You're going in there to buy untold amounts of crap. The least they could do is let you in for free. But $11 a person? (kids were free) Can't help but feel like we took it in the shorts.
If that wasn't enough...
Old double stroller...we hardly knew ye.
If that wasn't enough...
Old double stroller...we hardly knew ye.About 3 minutes inside the fair, we took a turn to head down toward the Midway and breakfast (Mini Donuts). As we headed down the stretch, the stroller threw a wheel. I tried in vain to pound it back into place, but it was a total loss. We abandoned it behind a Sno-Cone stand.
Thinking we were in for a long day (and we were) we had to hit the rental place. We rolled out of the garage in a snappy new wagon for the low price of $13.
You can't keep the Troupes down. No sir. Not when there's deliciousness to be had.Parking - $8 (Park n' Ride is for suckers with time to waste)
Admission - $22
Wagon rental - $13
Total - $43.00 (ouch)
The bonus? We got to see this brotherly love pretty much all day:
Travis zeroes in on the Mini Donuts, while Jake wonders where the hell we are.A little while later, we're enjoying sugary delights and I can smell the bacon. For some reason (as my Facebook friends can attest) I've been jonesin' for the giant bacon they had last year. This year, the scent seemed to waft all the way out to Woodbury and I've been salivating ever since. Behold, the Excalibur of Bacon.
You don't need to remind me how dorky it is to wear a shirt
that shows my excitement for bacon. I know.
You don't need to remind me how dorky it is to wear a shirtthat shows my excitement for bacon. I know.
Anyway, here a quick run-down of the rest of the day:
We saw some cows.
These cows were resting.
We saw some cows.
These cows were resting.Travis and I went on the Giant Slide (not pictured).
He posed for a shot just outside the slide's exit.
Travis pensively considering what ride he'd like to try next.
Jake enjoyed a bottle with about 4 horses butts less than 10 feet from him.
Best. Life. Ever.
He posed for a shot just outside the slide's exit.
Travis pensively considering what ride he'd like to try next.Jake enjoyed a bottle with about 4 horses butts less than 10 feet from him.
Best. Life. Ever.We got our traditional Photo Booth black n' white pictures taken.
Travis went on some bumper boat thing.
A rare shot where Travis wasn't spinning out of control in the middle of Carny Lake.
A rare shot where Travis wasn't spinning out of control in the middle of Carny Lake.Travis and I went into a funhouse (LAME), and he wanted to go again. (we didn't)
Travis then went on an Atomic Drop-type thing. I think that's what it was called.
No one wanted to sit by the boy on the end. I think his name was Stinky.
Travis then went on an Atomic Drop-type thing. I think that's what it was called.
No one wanted to sit by the boy on the end. I think his name was Stinky.And I think he had fun.
Travis waving his hands in the air, like he just doesn't care.
Travis waving his hands in the air, like he just doesn't care.From there, the day went somewhat south. We were hungry and our tolerance levels were beginning to wane. I had to wait for some chicken tenders that took FOREVER to make. We had to make a mad dash across a football field length of slow-moving food grazers to a bathroom. We had ice cream cones that melted. Jake melted down a bit and fell asleep in our arms. And then we had the LONG walk back to our car (sans wagon).
All in all? A pretty good day. Not sure how people can go more than once a year, but that's just me.
*sigh* Sad that this post constitutes the newest writing I've done in a while. It was a nice break from revising, but I can already hear the undead calling me. Calling me back.
Until next time, Tappers.
Your lovin',
TKT
All in all? A pretty good day. Not sure how people can go more than once a year, but that's just me.
*sigh* Sad that this post constitutes the newest writing I've done in a while. It was a nice break from revising, but I can already hear the undead calling me. Calling me back.
Until next time, Tappers.
Your lovin',
TKT
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tiny GOODHALO Excerpt & Update
"Your bravery surprises me, Pious," Hurvick said. "But our fates are in the hands of the gods."
"Their hands are full," Pi replied, which made Lasha gasp.
From GOODHALO, by Thomas Kingsley Troupe
So, that's what I've been doing friends. Working FEVERISHLY on the revision and overhauling of my little zombie book, GOODHALO. I'm on a mission to trim this thing down to a decent fighting weight and it has been slow-going. I'm about 1/3 of the way through with the hope that I'll have it ready to show by fall-ish/end of September.
As if that weren't enough, I've been tapped to write 4 more books for the younger set. And speaking of sets...I get to write all of the books in the new set myself! Picture Window Books asked if I'd be interested in writing 4 titles about legendary creatures/phenomena.
Er...yeah!
So, between now and November, I'm not only revising, revising, revising, I'm also writing books on VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES, BIGFOOT and THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE. By the time these puppies come out, I'll have 12 books published.
Seriously...how is that even possible? It seems like just yesterday that I was lucky enough to have PATRICK'S SUPER SOCKS published.
Cool times, friends. Busy times, to be sure, but cool times nonetheless.
So...don't take my long absences from the blog personally. I'm just one busy fella.
Wish me luck and think of how envious I am that you get to watch movies, play video games and do other fun stuff while I slave away in the Nerdery. Hopefully in November I'll be able to watch a DVD or two.
Ciao for now. Be good.
"Their hands are full," Pi replied, which made Lasha gasp.
From GOODHALO, by Thomas Kingsley Troupe
So, that's what I've been doing friends. Working FEVERISHLY on the revision and overhauling of my little zombie book, GOODHALO. I'm on a mission to trim this thing down to a decent fighting weight and it has been slow-going. I'm about 1/3 of the way through with the hope that I'll have it ready to show by fall-ish/end of September.
As if that weren't enough, I've been tapped to write 4 more books for the younger set. And speaking of sets...I get to write all of the books in the new set myself! Picture Window Books asked if I'd be interested in writing 4 titles about legendary creatures/phenomena.
Er...yeah!
So, between now and November, I'm not only revising, revising, revising, I'm also writing books on VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES, BIGFOOT and THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE. By the time these puppies come out, I'll have 12 books published.
Seriously...how is that even possible? It seems like just yesterday that I was lucky enough to have PATRICK'S SUPER SOCKS published.
Cool times, friends. Busy times, to be sure, but cool times nonetheless.
So...don't take my long absences from the blog personally. I'm just one busy fella.
Wish me luck and think of how envious I am that you get to watch movies, play video games and do other fun stuff while I slave away in the Nerdery. Hopefully in November I'll be able to watch a DVD or two.
Ciao for now. Be good.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I Hate Tuesdays (well, most of it anyway)
It was one of those days that sort of punched me in the snotbox and only occasionally let me up for air.
I'm talking about today. Tuesday. June 23rd. 2009.
Yes. Tuesday.
It's the hottest day of the year today. I woke up this morning and knew it was going to be sticky and gross. Minnesota. Land of 10,000 lakes and some of the most humid weather ever. Regardless, I work up ready to face the day with earnest, even if it was a day at work filled with meetings.
NOTE: I'm not a fan of meetings.
I did my usual walk from the parking lot to the building where my team meets once a week. Stupid move, but I sort of like to get away from the people on the shuttle bus who complain about work and it's really nice to spend some quality time with my iPod (Robotron 2.0).
By the time I got to the building about a half mile away, I was DRIPPING with sweat. Nice. Way to start the day.
From there, I had trouble staying awake in the meeting. Don't know if I'm still reeling from my crazy weekend of filming, but my eyes were heavy as all get-out. I made it though, got into my 2nd meeting and was just itching to get some work done.
So...when it was over, I walked back...through the heat and humdity.
Here's the thing, folks. I sort of don't mind that it's crazy-hot. I mean, we spend all winter (all 7 months of it) complaining that it's so stinking cold, that when it's hot, we complain about that. So, even though I might go "OH GOOD LORD" when I walk outside, I'm really thinking: At least it's not 7 feet of snow. I can do this.
I got through the rest of the day mostly unscathed. Sure, I thought another meeting of mine was happening an hour before it was actually scheduled. And yeah, I sort of punted when it came time to talk about stuff in the big-important-meeting-at-the-end-of-the-day, but I got through it.
God. I just realized how much my work life sounds like a Dilbert comic strip. Ugh. Need to do something about that.
One of the other reasons I'm not a big fan of Tuesdays is because we have manadatory drills for the fire department that I work at in my spare time. Tonight was no exception. On the way to drill, driving in one of the fire trucks, I was just minding my own business. The window was down, the conversation light and WHAM!!!
Something from outside, flew into the window and smacked me in the face. I hollered out and grabbed at my check and felt something thick and fuzzy. I didn't get a look, but I fired it out the window. It seriously was like someone wound up and punched me right in the gob. It stung like you don't want to know...
That's when it hit me . I GOT STUNG.
Now, I'm 36 years old (for another 4 months, anyway) and I've NEVER been stung by a bee before. And I'm a boy. I've done all kinds of dumb things. I've thrown rocks at beehives, I've stuck sticks into hornet's nests, you name it. Never have I been stung by anything. Until now.
I was like a kid. I told everyone in the department. "I got stung." "Seriously. Right in my face. Stung."
Even a fire chief who also serves in the Navy and was back for a week from Iraq got to hear about it.
"Mr. Troupe! It's been a long time. Good to see you."
"Good to see you, Greg. I got stung by a bee."
"Oh."
But even so, I can't bag on this Tuesday TOO much. Why is that you might ask? Well, two things, but I'm only going to talk about one.
FutureSand got picked by the judges to appear in the 'Best of 2009' show on Thursday night!!! Yes!!! Only 20 minutes before the bee stung me in my face, I got the news from Jason. We're in the top 15 (out of 90-something!) and we'll see how we do against some heavy hitters!!!
So, while Tuesdays generally suck. This one? Not so bad.
I'm talking about today. Tuesday. June 23rd. 2009.
Yes. Tuesday.
It's the hottest day of the year today. I woke up this morning and knew it was going to be sticky and gross. Minnesota. Land of 10,000 lakes and some of the most humid weather ever. Regardless, I work up ready to face the day with earnest, even if it was a day at work filled with meetings.
NOTE: I'm not a fan of meetings.
I did my usual walk from the parking lot to the building where my team meets once a week. Stupid move, but I sort of like to get away from the people on the shuttle bus who complain about work and it's really nice to spend some quality time with my iPod (Robotron 2.0).
By the time I got to the building about a half mile away, I was DRIPPING with sweat. Nice. Way to start the day.
From there, I had trouble staying awake in the meeting. Don't know if I'm still reeling from my crazy weekend of filming, but my eyes were heavy as all get-out. I made it though, got into my 2nd meeting and was just itching to get some work done.
So...when it was over, I walked back...through the heat and humdity.
Here's the thing, folks. I sort of don't mind that it's crazy-hot. I mean, we spend all winter (all 7 months of it) complaining that it's so stinking cold, that when it's hot, we complain about that. So, even though I might go "OH GOOD LORD" when I walk outside, I'm really thinking: At least it's not 7 feet of snow. I can do this.
I got through the rest of the day mostly unscathed. Sure, I thought another meeting of mine was happening an hour before it was actually scheduled. And yeah, I sort of punted when it came time to talk about stuff in the big-important-meeting-at-the-end-of-the-day, but I got through it.
God. I just realized how much my work life sounds like a Dilbert comic strip. Ugh. Need to do something about that.
One of the other reasons I'm not a big fan of Tuesdays is because we have manadatory drills for the fire department that I work at in my spare time. Tonight was no exception. On the way to drill, driving in one of the fire trucks, I was just minding my own business. The window was down, the conversation light and WHAM!!!
Something from outside, flew into the window and smacked me in the face. I hollered out and grabbed at my check and felt something thick and fuzzy. I didn't get a look, but I fired it out the window. It seriously was like someone wound up and punched me right in the gob. It stung like you don't want to know...
That's when it hit me . I GOT STUNG.
Now, I'm 36 years old (for another 4 months, anyway) and I've NEVER been stung by a bee before. And I'm a boy. I've done all kinds of dumb things. I've thrown rocks at beehives, I've stuck sticks into hornet's nests, you name it. Never have I been stung by anything. Until now.
I was like a kid. I told everyone in the department. "I got stung." "Seriously. Right in my face. Stung."
Even a fire chief who also serves in the Navy and was back for a week from Iraq got to hear about it.
"Mr. Troupe! It's been a long time. Good to see you."
"Good to see you, Greg. I got stung by a bee."
"Oh."
But even so, I can't bag on this Tuesday TOO much. Why is that you might ask? Well, two things, but I'm only going to talk about one.
FutureSand got picked by the judges to appear in the 'Best of 2009' show on Thursday night!!! Yes!!! Only 20 minutes before the bee stung me in my face, I got the news from Jason. We're in the top 15 (out of 90-something!) and we'll see how we do against some heavy hitters!!!
So, while Tuesdays generally suck. This one? Not so bad.
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