SuperDave's Nothings, Maybes and Rants

MANIFEST CREATIVE - A Year In Review

2008-01-19T06:15:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! We here at Manifest Creative would like to extend our most sincere wishes for a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2008 for you and yours.

With the onset of a New Year comes a fresh set of New Year’s resolutions - and the same could be said here at Manifest Creative. In 2008 we look forward to bringing you new and exciting services, as well as providing the highest level of customer service possible. We are resolved to bring you the best creative and design services available in the area!

As we enter into the New Year, it is amazing to look back just twelve months ago and see how far we have come... 2007 marked an especially great and exciting year for Manifest Creative! The company itself experienced a huge amount of growth, and as individuals we had the honor of working on some great projects with simply outstanding customers. We feel it is only fitting to attribute a great deal of our success to the companies and individuals who trusted us with their unique design needs.

That being said, we would like to share a sampling of projects that stand out as some of our best work.

The web development side of Manifest Creative really took off in 2007, and is still experiencing an ever increasing level of growth. One of the key websites that we developed was a high-traffic custom site for one the area’s newest and most exciting publications, the Big Sky Sun. Now, thousands of people from all over the world visit www.thebigskysun.com as their source for informative and entertaining news from across Southwest Montana. We admit that developing a website to handle the challenges of a rapidly expanding newspaper was a difficult task, but we are confident that the results speak for themselves.

Recently we also launched yet another noteworthy project in late December 2007 for Rivers To Peaks Real Estate in Big Sky, MT. The new www.riverstopeaks.com is a fine example of how we were able to design a beautiful and well functioning site, while overcoming challenges from not only a development standpoint, but also within an unique time frame to have the job completed. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Martha Johnson and the entire staff at Rivers To Peaks Real Estate, for trusting us to develop one of the most visited realty websites in the region!

Although the web development side of Manifest is going strong, we still have our roots planted deeply in the print industry as well. Throughout 2007 we catered to a broad range of customers, and completed a vast array of print products including creative postcards, brochures, family photo letters, wedding invites, and entire business identity packages with logos, business cards and letterhead. We often took projects from the very basics of initial logo concepts, clear through to printing and delivery.

We take extreme pride in every print project we create, as we do with all products we design. Some pieces that stand out from ‘07 include logo and/or identity work for Full Circle Indoor Kart Racing, Jackson Law P.C., Alternative Flooring, Alternative Waterscapes, RainDrain Seamless Gutters, Bozeman Fence, McAllister Contracting and Mail & More Bozeman. We’ve also had the privilege of working on advertisements, flyers, newsletters and a host of other unique products for clients such as American Land Title Co., The American Prairie Foundation, Montana Travel, Montana Tile & Stone and many others.

In closing (and since it is the New Year and all), we’d like to extend an offer to help your company fulfill the resolutions of increasing your brand’s awareness, making more profit, expanding your customer base and client satisfaction.

Call Manifest Creative today at 406-585-9406 and schedule your complimentary initial consultation. After all, it’s FREE… but the ideas we come up with may be priceless! If you then decide to schedule a project anytime in the first quarter of 2008, we’ll give you a $50.00 CREDIT towards any of our design services.

We look forward to hearing from you, and again wish you all the best in 2008!

Sincerely,

David Howlett & Philip Downer
Manifest Creative
www.manifestbozeman.com

I'm a BLOGGER!!!

2008-01-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

Well finally I did it... I joined BLOGGER! You see, I used to have do all my blogging on MYSPACE, but WEBSENSE has been blocking me from doing that for a few months now. I was deepy discouraged by this, and in turn stopped posting blogs for a while. Then something happened... I missed it! Seems that some part of me really enjoys putting my thoughts into words for anyone to read... so after some research I found myself here on BLOGGER.

I figured it would be a waste to just abandon all my blogs on MYSPACE, so I copied and pasted them all on here, which is why I have so many postings on January 15th. As you may have noticed, I put the actual dates of the original posting behind the blog tittles in parenthesis. It was interesting to re-post these blogs as it gave me a chance to re-read over all of them. I found it amazing to reinterpret how I was feeling during a particular day, time, month or even a year previously. It really was quite entertaining!

So YEAH... I have a new home on BLOGGER... I hope my life as a blogger only gets better from here. So I extend an invitation to please read, enjoy, think about and last but not least comment on my little blog. After all, that is what I'm here for!

Your's truly,

SuperDave

You Can’t Make A Heart Love Somebody (09/16/2007)

2008-01-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

So I was surfing the internet at work this morning, and as usual I had iTunes open in the background as I navigated my way through my normal electronic stomping grounds. I was listening to some country tunes (George Strait specifically) when the following song a came on. As the melody played, the words seemed to strike a haunting chord in me.

Suddenly I was deeply saddened by the truth of the lyrics, and couldn't help but look back on moments when those very words perfectly described scenarios in my life. Times when I was dating people and I fell haphazardly head over heels for them, only to learn they did not share my deep feelings of connection. Every time I can remember wondering what I could have done or said to somehow win the love and affection of the person I so desired.

I have also been on the opposite end of that spectrum. Yes, believe it or not I have had females vying for my attention. I have even been proposed to a few times. I am not proud of the fact that even I have broken a heart or two.

One time in particular, was with a beautiful, intelligent, vivacious and promising young woman, whom I had shared a lengthy relationship with. I recall one night we were engaged in a wonderful dinner. It was late fall and the interior of the upscale restaurant was lit with dozens of candles... shadows flickered and music played softly in the background. It was in fact very romantic. We had both a few glasses of wine, and suddenly she stared intensely into my eyes and then came right out and told me "David, you are The One".

I was at a complete loss for words, and I did the hardest gut check I can ever remember. The moment of silence seemed to drag on forever as she waited for my response with glowing anticipation. My mind was telling me "Say you love her!", but everything in the rest of my being was telling me not to. As much as I wanted to tell her she was "The One", I already knew she was not. That one single night was a distinct turning point in our relationship... she never forgave me, and ultimately it ended up destroying it.

So this goes out to all of us who have ever endured that helpless feeling of wanting the love of someone so terribly bad. It is also for those who have had to be the bearer of news that ended up hurting someone they truly cared about. Being let down or being the person doing the letting down is never easy...

So I share with you the lyrics to "You Can't Make A Heart Love Somebody" by George Strait

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

At a table for two, with candle light and wine.
That diamond burnin' holes in his pockets, thinkin' now's the perfect time.
When he popped the question, he could see the teardrops fill her eyes.
She said I knew this was comin' and I'm sorry, but I hope you realize.

You can't make a heart love somebody.
You can tell it what to do, but it won't listen at all.
You can't make a heart love somebody.
You can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall.

Then she reached for his hand and said, I want you to know,
I've done everything that I know of to make the feeling grow.
I've begged and I've pleaded with my heart, but there's no gettin' through.
My heart's the only part of me that's not in love with you.

You can't make a heart love somebody.
You can tell it what to do, but it won't listen at all.
You can't make a heart love somebody.
You can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall.

You can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Well there you go... a moment to reflect. Friends all I can say is love and learn, learn and love. Someday... God willing, maybe just maybe we will all find that soul mate we are in search of.

Good luck friends!

Your's truly,

David

Call me Jerry... or just call me! (09/01/2007)

2008-01-15T20:55:00.001-08:00

I have a problem... you see by nature I tend to be an extremely social person. I am an extrovert to the highest degree, and I love to include others in the activities I enjoy. That being said, I don't enjoy doing most things on my own, as I would rather share my experiences with others. Admittedly I would rather be in the company of friends than be alone. This is a condition of mine that I struggle with constantly, as often I find myself not participating or failing to enjoy a particular activity due to the simple fact that I can't talk somebody into enjoying it with me. So go ahead and call me Jerry Maguire, but I just don't do well by myself.

Now I'm not saying that I can't do things alone, in fact I end up doing that more often than I care to admit; it is just that I prefer the company of others is all. I have known about this condition of mine for quite some time now, and I'm sure that is blatantly apparent to those who know me well. Fortunately for me, I have a wide pool of friends who I try to evenly displace my need for companionship on.

I don't know where this desire for socialization stems from, yet I cannot deny it's persistence in my psyche. Maybe it is due to the fact that for a number of years growing up I was extremely shy and somewhat quiet. Then somewhere in my late teens that all changed with an influx of new friends who thankfully pulled me out of my shell.

This metamorphosis from an introvert to an extrovert has had it's benefits, as well as it's drawbacks. On the plus side it has done amazing things to help me in my career... especially in sales. I have also been able to develop quite a few amazing and fulfilling relationships with a number of individuals, both professionally and personally. It has also helped me to have fabulous times up on stage singing, and has been an indispensable resource when the time comes to make a speech or toast.

On the flip side to this is there are periods of time in my life when I simply don't have friends available for one reason or another, and sometimes this leaves me with incredible feelings of despair and an unnerving sense of being alone. Often during these times I find myself desperately reaching out with phone calls, texts, emails or a number of other means of communication to anyone who will listen. There have been times when every effort I make seems to go unnoticed, every call ends up unanswered in a voicemail box, every text goes out with no reply or maybe simply ignored. It is at those times that my feelings of distress compound and intensify.

Luckily those moments of feeling alone are few and far between for the most part, and I consider myself blessed to have the great friends I do today. All in all, the benefits and positives of my "condition" far outweigh the negatives. As is the norm, I remain an optimist and each new day brings promise of that next experience.

In conclusion I have to say thanks to all of you who entertain me or bear with me as I attempt to entertain you. As my friends and loved ones, you are the sparkle in my eyes... the joy in my laughter... and my reason for living. You are a resource I hope to never lose and I sincerely hope that I am able to repay all you do for me whatever that may be.

~ David

Ode to Summer! (06/14/07)

2008-01-15T20:53:00.001-08:00

I wake up, the sun is already streaming through the shades covering my window and the light makes the room feel bright and warm. I stretch and smile as I hear birds of all kinds singing as they forage for worms, grubs, seed and other food in the yard. I feel a movement at my feet, and a little small lump under the covers slowly makes it's way up from the darkness. Then a small furry head peaks out from under the sheet, and in an instant I feel a cold nose on my ear and wet licks on my cheek. This is my dog Brutus's morning ritual, and his way of telling me it is time to roll out of bed and let him outside.

Lazily I pull the sheets away from my body and stretch again, before placing my feet on the floor and standing up. Just as soon as I'm on my feet, Brutus springs from the bed and awaits me anxiously at the door... tail wagging furiously. I slide into a pair of shorts and throw on a T-shirt before opening the bedroom door and watching Brutus bound off down the hallway. I too make my way down the hallway only to find Brutus waiting at the patio door leading to the back yard. I slide the door open and in mere seconds he is down the steps of the deck and sprinting across the lawn. He goes off and hides as he does his thing, and then returns to the center of the yard. He rolls on his back and sprawls out to and fro, joyfully basking in the moring sunlight.

I step out onto the deck and am immediately showered in intense sunshine, the warmth of which energizes my soul. I make my way cautiously across the aging deck which is riddled with nails precariously positioned in numerous locations like painful land minds for the soles of unlucky feet. Leaning over the rail, I look out past the fenceline and down at the still swollen and muddy Gallatin River. The recent rains and temperature have the water rushing madly and mightily right up to the banks. The plant don't mind though, as the trees have exploded into full bloom and everything is lush and green.

As I look out at the back yard, I realize that I am truly happy... Summer has finally arrived! I begin to think of all the recent adventures I have been on, and smile to myself. Just over the past few weeks I have had many a good time occupying myself with river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, bonfires, playing Frisbee golf (folf), riding the motorcycle, golfing, playing on the 4wheeler, and just the other day I even went up in a helicopter. Along with the warmth of Summer, comes almost too many fun opportunities to choose from. There are so many things still on my agenda to do, and so much more fun to be had... I can't wait!!!

So I raise a toast to Summer... to backyard barbecues, to sunburns and good friends, to hot days and tubing trips down the river, to girls in bikinis, to motorcycles, to fishing, to steep hikes up to mountain lakes, to tents and camping, to muddy roads and ATVs, to flat rocks for skipping, to skiing and tubing behind powerboats, to bonfires and roasting marshmallows, to drive thru movie theatres, to fireworks, to fairs and carnivals, to cotton candy and sticky fingers, to kayaking and rafting, to road trips with the windows down, to Music on Main, to the Crystal Rooftop, to hearty meals on outdoor patios, to ice cold beer, to 18 holes of golf, to cliff jumping, to everything else there is to see and do in this all-too-short, wonderfully warm season we call Summer.

So savor it... enjoy it... make the most of it... because as we all know, it will be gone and over all too soon! Have fun, be safe, and if if something springs up that I 'd be interested in... well for the love of it all, give me a shout!

Later,

Dave

I love you Mom!!! (05/12/07)

2008-01-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, so this one is for you Mom...!

Mom,

You are the amazing woman who carried me for three quarters of a year, and endured the pain of bringing me into this world. It was your voice... ever so soft and comforting, that soothed and reassured me even as I grew in your womb. It was you who first cradled me in your loving arms and looked into my eyes.

You introduced me to my Father, and my older siblings. It seems you were a mom long before really becoming a mom, taking in your step-children Vickie, Pam and Warren Jr. and raising and loving them as your own. Stacey was the first of your actual children, and it was your love that helped pull her thru the many complications of being premature. Although her chances of survival were unbelievably slim, you never gave up on her, and eventually through your strength she became healthy and strong. You and Dad called her your miracle, but in actuality you were really her miracle.

After you had me and we all came home from the hospital, you welcomed me into a clean and tidy home already filled with love and laughter. Even with all us "rug-rats" running around, the house was always immaculate... yet wonderfully comfortable.

As a baby I was always close to you, and you had the patience of a Saint through sleepless nights out in the rocking chair. You took me everywhere, showed me everything, and you made it a point to tell me about everything. You always talked, sang to me and kept me entertained, and I was always learning from you. You would often tickle me and get down on the floor to play with me. You have always said that I was a happy baby, and I have to believe that much of that comes from you.

Once I learned to crawl you told me that I was quite mischievous and tried to get into everything, but you always had a watchful eye on me. Before you knew it, I was walking... and then I caused some real trouble. You were always firm and strict, but yet somehow laughter would eventually win-out... at least most of the time.

I think I was about three when you gave birth to Danny, giving me a little brother and bringing the grand total of kids to six. Of course some of my older siblings were already out of the house at this point. Seems like there was usually at least five people at the dinner table on most nights. You are an amazing cook, and we always had wonderful hot home-made meals to feast on. Despite a number of mouths to feed, you never let us go hungry.

As kids, you allowed us get dirty and when we'd had enough, you would throw a couple of us in the bathtub and scrub us clean. You always kept a good supply of bubble bath at the ready, and we would sit in that tub and play until the water turned cold, and you'd have to remove us kicking and screaming because we wanted to stay in! Then, before putting us to bed you were always there to read us a story and kiss us goodnight.

Some of my favorite times were the camping trips we would take every summer, and you always encouraged us to be adventurous and to go explore. You and Dad made it a point to get us out into the mountains and to the lakes and rivers... showing us a respect and a love for nature. Sometimes that exploring would lead to bruises and scrapes though, so when we came to you hurt and crying, you were always there to administer first-aid, brush the tears away and make it all better with a kiss.

As we all grew up, you always let us be who we wanted to be, and even though you sometimes disagreed with it, you were usually somewhat accepting of our friends and behavior. I remember a period of time when I had a mohawk, an earring, and a host of skater punk friends that were pretty much up to no good. You weren't very fond of them, and I laugh now at your comment of "Hey, if you all want to look and act like morons, that's up to you!" Must have sunk in though, because I eventually shaped up.

During my years in Junior High and High School, you always pushed me to do better and to pursue my interests. You were also there to reprimand me when I got into trouble, which I admit was sometimes far too frequent. Through your nudging and encouragement, I managed to get through everything and graduate.

It wasn't to long after that that I moved out on my own, and I remember how proud you were when I got my first job in Graphic Design at the newspaper. It was first time ever being away from you for long periods of time, and boy did I ever miss you... especially at dinner time! Fortunately I didn't live all that far away and was able to visit frequently.

Then suddenly we lost Dad, and unbelievably you were a cornerstone of strength for all us kids. Although I tried to be strong throughout the whole ordeal, seeing you... my mother... cry for my father, is one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. I'm your Son, and that day at the funeral I witnessed your heart break, and that in turn broke mine. It was the toughest thing I have ever had to go through, and it is one of the only times in my adult life that I have truly wept. I know you miss him everyday Mom, and so do I and the rest of the family, but as you know he is watching over us now and blesses all of our lives.

Those difficult times are quite a while back, and now all us kids are all grown and are pursuing lives of our own. We are all busy trying to survive and we don't get to see you as much as we would like. You are always there though Mom... mirrored in our mannerisms and expressions, and in our thoughts and prayers.

There is so much more I could have written... seemingly endless volumes of memories and experiences that we have shared. To me you are the world's best Mom... you have gone from being a step mom, to a wonderful mother, to a grandmother, and even to a great grand-mommy. You have taken care of your own children, raised step children, looked over other peoples children, and even taken in your grand-babies. You have been there for all us, giving us hope, inspiration and love. The impact you have had on our lives cannot be measured, and we could never repay you for everything you have been and done for all of us.

Thanks for being my Mom... I LOVE YOU!

Sincerely... your Son,

David

The Decay of Modern Communication and Socialization (05/05/2007)

2008-01-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

I must preface this post by saying I am very much a fan of new technology, and the convenience of today's modern devices and means of communication. I admit to being guilty myself of purchasing, subscribing, using... and sometimes even abusing much of what I'll be writing about in this blog. So I post this blog to hopefully add some insight and stir up the pot to get people thinking and talking... as always I want your opinions and kudos!

OK, so the other day I was talking to a friend of mine over the telephone about modern communication and some of my concerns with it. It seems as though with today's modern gadgets and conveniences, such as cellular phones and wireless internet, much of the population is losing it's grip on social interaction and proper communication.

What do I base this opinion on you ask? Well that's easy, as I simply have to open my cell phone and read a few texts, or log into my email and browse through some of my incoming mail. It's all right there in front of me... it's everywhere... spelling errors, the lack of proper punctuation and capitalization, words being used in the wrong sense, countless abbreviations... and blatant disregard of the English language as a whole.

Now this isn't something new, it has been going on for centuries. You see, with almost any great new invention, there are not only advantages, but also the adverse effects or fall-out that happens as a result of that invention. It is your basic cause and effect, although sometimes we are so caught up in the new fangled "thing" that we lose focus on what side effects it may be causing.

Let me give you some examples:

Letters/Messages - Written language in it's many forms, continues to be a powerful communication method, despite having been around for thousands of years. A side affect of written communication is that we lose the ability to relay our message in person, thus missing out on key signals from our other senses, such as body language, touch, taste and smell.

Telephone - The invention of the telephone is one of the most amazing technological breakthroughs of our time, and I can't imagine life without it. With all the benefits of the telephone, some of the side effects are that we lose much of the same things as listed above with the written message. So not only do we miss out on significant visual clues such as a handshake, head nod, or hand signals might give... but we also have nothing that is tangible. There is nothing to hold onto, all you have is just a voice on the line.

Email/Texts - Oh what would modern communication be without these wonderful tools? Although through the use of email and text messaging we are able to share entire thoughts or messages to single or multiple individuals with the press of a few buttons, it has many of the same limitations as the other previous examples. Then when you add in today's mix of ridiculous abbreviations and so-called "options" that these services provide us, it can get particularly messy.

Let's see, so I've described briefly how communication deteriorates when you are not dealing with the individual(s) you are interacting with face to face. Now I understand that there are certain parts of this degradation that are to be expected, and for the most part are unavoidable. I don't have much of a problem with that sort. What I do have concerns about though, are some of the adverse effects that our modern conveniences enable us to exercise.

One of my main complaints with today's communication is the manipulation of the English language. You see, with all our technological advances that are supposed to save us time and help speed up the world, it seems as if everybody is looking for ways to cut corners when it comes to actual communication. In doing so, many people have thrown the English book right out the window... trading it in for terrible spelling habits and an ever-growing and somewhat controversial phenomenon known as "internet slang" or "initialisms".

Initialsims such as "LOL" (Laughing out loud), which are more correctly described as acronyms, have traditionally been used in chat rooms and other text based communications. These acronyms are simply abbreviations originated to quickly express bodily reactions in the form of text. This list of initialisms is constantly growing, ever changing, and is now used along with "emoticons" and "smileys" by a majority of internet users. This form of relaying a message has also seen considerable widespread leakage into other forms of digital communication as well.

These initialisms/acronyms are becoming quite controversial, and as more and more of them emerge, they are becoming ever more problematic and obscure. While abbreviations such as "r" (are), "u" (you), and "4" (for) have become fairly common, these acronyms can often be difficult to decipher or misunderstood all together. The use of this type of communication, has been viewed down upon by many professionals, and they recommend against their use, either in general or in specific contexts such as business communications. These professionals tend to agree that these new words, being abbreviations for existing, long-used, phrases, don't "enrich" anything; they just shorten it.

On the other hand, there are those people who would say this isn't the decline of English at all, but instead a brand new youthful variety of language that's just beginning to evolve. Now I always had strong marks in English class, so I am relatively against this suggestion. I actually cringe when I get messages filled with spelling errors, initialisms, and the such. I mean are we as a society going to accept this "laziness" as the norm? I certainly hope not!

There are also a growing number of people who actually prefer electronic communication to actual physical contact. I think that speaks volumes about what type of impact these communications have on people these days. With modern technology we are able to control, who, when and where we want to message others. We can even avoid being contacted all together! So this is what being "connected" feels like huh... is it any wonder that there are more people than ever that feel isolated and alone?

If you ask me, I'd say modern communication is rather cold and emotionless. It gives us the ability to say things without expression, effectiveness or emotion. I'm sorry, but seeing a sad, Pacman looking emoticon has nowhere near the same effect as the sight of tears running down a someone's cheek as you hear them cry and feel their sobbing. That being said, nor does ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, underlined text, exclamation points (!!!), or even LOL have any of the power of uncontrollable laughter, a smile, and a gleam in the eye. As further evidence, I also have never been nearly as turned on by XOXOXO, as I have by the scent, touch, and kiss of a woman.

So to all of you out there I give you the following advice:

If possible plan a nice trip to visit a friend and bring a small gift... instead of simply just calling them. If visiting isn't an option, then call and talk to somebody.... in place of sending them a letter. If making a call just doesn't work out, sit down and in pen and paper actually write someone a nice message... before sending an electronic email. If you have no stamps, type up an email and make sure to use spellcheck... before texting to their phone. If completely out of options or you have to send multiple people the same message, then by all means text their cell. Now with all of these options, remember to use some class... respect yourself and respect the person your communicating with. This means using proper English, checking your spelling and grammar, using appropriate capitalization and punctuation, and for the love of English... can you please refrain from using initialisms, emoticons, smileys and such as much as possible!

Thanks for reading... LOL!

SuperDave

Good Guys Where Art Thou? (04/21/2007)

2008-01-15T20:46:00.000-08:00

Recently a girl "friend" of mine was engaged in a conversation with me about dating, relationships, sex, marriage, divorce... basically the full gamete of male and female interaction. We talked about our past dealings with the opposite sex, our triumphs, our failures, our could haves, our wish hadn'ts, and the of course the still looking fors. It was a very interesting conversation and as the talk dwindled down, this person concluded with a question, "Where have all the good guys gone?"

Now this is a question that isn't the brain child of just one female. It is a question that thru the years I have heard mentioned from the lips of a handful of women I have known. It remains a quandary that I have also heard on TV, and is even the title of a book. Also, if you were to glance through the personal ads or take the opportunity to view some female internet dating profiles, you most certainly would come across this "good guy" in frightenly frequent occurrences.

This has led me to do much deliberation, and ponder numerous times about just what the hell is the definition of a "good guy" anyhow? What key characteristics and attributes qualify any particular guy as "good"? Is there a universal model of this guy, or does it differ from woman to woman? Is it a physical characteristic like height and weight? Is it tan? Is it hairy or bald? Is it spiritual? Is it verbal or even mental? Does it weigh on financial well-being? Does it require philanthropy or volunteer work? Or is it perhaps a perfect mixture of all these things combined?

As you can see, this question (spawned in the recesses of hell) soon spirals into a variable black hole of curiosity. The scariest question spurred on by this "good guy" scenario begs for yet another answer... If there is truly, in fact a shortage of good guys, what does that make all the rest of us men? Bad... normal... run-of-the-mill... generic

I'm left wondering if this belief in a good guy is something that women naturally come up with, as if it were genetically ingrained in their psyche? Is it a fantastic story told to young girls by their mothers and grandmothers... a fable passed down from generation to generation through the ages? Did the good guy spring up in the pages of those tabloids you see next to the check-out isle in the supermarket, or perhaps within those romantic novels that nobody ever admits to reading... yet fill the shelves at the book store?

Now I have many guy friends who I consider great people. If asked, I could easily point out what I presume to be quite a few good guys out of the bunch. Yet somehow, a fair percentage of the female population would tend to disagree with me. This I find quite disturbing, somewhat demoralizing and a tad bit depressing. I have to wonder that if the majority of male population doesn't fit the god guy mold, is there any hope for the "other" guys. Is there some sort of Good Guy University, some self-help tapes, or at least a book like Good Guy for Dummies to refer to?

What I'm saying, is that I believe that generally most men want to live up to the good guy status. Perhaps we have just never been told what being a good guy is all about. Maybe all we need as men to cross the threshold into good guy-ism are some lessons... a little guidance... and some hope. Perhaps there is a chance that a great many of us are simply "good guys" in the making... and maybe one day... just one lovely day... we'll get there.

On second thought...no! You know what? To hell with all that! After all... if I remember correctly, the saying goes "Nice guys finish last". In my own personal adventures of pursuing women, I have come up with only a few conclusions about what women want in a "good guy"... so take it for what ever it's worth:

I believe that most women don't really want a "good guy" at all, instead what they do want is a bad guy who is good when they want him to be good. A guy who is sharp, funny, quick witted and clever, yet sincere, honest, and trustworthy. A guy who keeps himself in shape, but doesn't spend every last minute at the gym. A guy who he himself is at times the center of attention, yet makes her his center of attention. A guy who is strong, protective, and tough, yet has a soft side she can poke and play with. A guy who is exciting and dangerous, while making her feel safe and secure. A guy who gives flowers and gifts, yet doesn't try to buy her affection. A man who somehow knows what she wants and needs, regardless of the fact that what she needs and wants is ever changing. A guy that when she tries to run away during the hard times, actually wants to chase her down and make up. A man who will follow her suggestions and ideas, but at the same time has the confidence to take control and lead her.

As I mentioned before, these are just my own conclusions. I'm sure if I am very far from the truth on this, that I will soon be made well aware of it. So to all the men reading this, if nothing else, don't just be the man you are... be something better. And to all the women out there, stop looking for the "good guy" and instead try and look for the "good" in the "guy". There are plenty of good guys out there, perhaps you simply need to open your eyes a little wider.

This time, as like always... I welcome your comments and feedback and I hope to hear from you all soon.

Sincerely,

David

I couldn't have said it better... thanks George! (04/18/2007)

2008-01-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

Dearest friends,

Please read this message and repost it or send it to everyone. Sometimes we need something to make us reflect on what it is to be alive....

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

~ George Carlin

Internet Dating... The Fairy Tale (03/29/07)

2008-01-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and readers,

I honestly admit that I continue to dabble in "online dating" with varying degrees of success. It has been a very strange journey, and one that is continuously changing. One of the things that is always evolving is my "profile", or in other words, the description of myself. Over the course of my time on the internet, I have revised my profile many different times. I have written profiles that at the time I thought were wonderful, yet to my surprise, got very little views or responses. On the other hand, I have also written profiles that I wasn't particularly fond of, which have done very well. I suppose what I'm trying to get across here, is that you just never know how people who are reading your profile are going to react to it.

That being said, I wanted to share with you a profile I came up with that has proved to have great success for me. It was an idea that came to me as I was browsing thru profiles of females that were online in the area. It didn't take long as I was looking thru hundreds of profiles, to make the analogy that browsing profiles is rather similar to looking at the covers of books on a shelf in a library. You know, thumbing along until one peaks your interest. An idea was born and I ran with it... and to my surprise it worked!

Below you will find my profile that has received as much as three times the amount of attention and responses as compared with any of the other profiles I've tried. I get emails almost every day with compliments like one of the ones I received today, that was entitled "~Wow!!! What a profile!~" Imagine my surprise...

Now you are probably asking yourself why I would even put this into my blog. Well I suppose I just want to offer it as an example to help others by providing inspiration. It took me a fair amount of trial and error, before I finally found a couple of things that actually worked, and I wanted to share it with you. I ask that you please don't copy it, but instead use it to help spur ideas of a profile all your own. Have fun and be original!

Anyhow, below you'll find my profile as it reads on the dating site... I hope you find it entertaining and useful. Best of luck in your searching! As for me and this whole dating thing goes, well my fingers are still crossed. I am optimistic that she is still out there somewhere...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

About Me:

Hi, if you're reading this, then you're interested enough to want to know more about me... excellent!

At this stage, it's kind of like you've been looking at hundreds or perhaps even thousands of books on a shelf. As you browse the titles, every now and then one catches your eye. Now here you are, and you've gone and picked up MY book to peruse the inside cover. Now is my only chance to hook you, before you lose interest and place me back on the shelf with all the others...

This is the exciting tale of an intelligent, creative, hard working young man and his quest to find the woman of his dreams. Along his journey he experiences unbelievable adventures, intense romances, crushing heartache, wonderful friendships, dark betrayal, periods of happiness, sorrow and joy. Join along and experience his adventurous nature, optimist attitude, enthusiasm, and a never ending curiosity for life and all it has to offer.

The risks are high. The trail is long and treacherous. Loneliness and heartache rear up around every corner. Yet our hopeless romantic is willing to risk it all, as he believes that the reward is great... however slim the chances of reaching that goal may be. Will he find the romance and happiness he desires? When his back's against the wall and the chips are down, will he persevere? Find out...

Want to read more? Are you willing to venture further and delve into the story wholeheartedly? If so, send me a message... and perhaps together we'll begin work on an entirely new novel of our own!

First Date:

I try to never do the "same thing" on a first date... I love to spoil the woman I'm dating. When a girl dates me: flowers are standard, doors are ALWAYS opened, chairs are ALWAYS pulled out, and when we're walking downtown I make sure I take the street side so if a car jumped the curb I could get her out of the way and take the majority of the punishment. I was raised a gentleman - my 3 sisters and my mother wouldn't have it any other way. Oh and did I mention I have all my teeth and a selection of great shoes! As far as dating goes, I like to go on dates that are unusual, fun and interesting... and that is all for now!

Looking For:

I know I am asking for a lot here, but oh well here it goes…

I'm looking for the woman who I can't take my eyes, mind, or hands off of. The woman who sparks my curiosity, challenges my mind, leaves me breathless and wanting more. She should be an optimist with an adventurous spirit. She should love intensely, laugh often, and be willing to be at my side through it all... thin or flush. She needs to have a sense of humor and a zest for life. This woman can make her own way in the world, but yet likes to be taken care of as well. She should be able to handle herself well in social situations and like to be around other people. She should be confident in herself and her appearance whether wearing a stunning evening gown for a special night out, or just a simple sweat suit for a lazy Sunday in front of the fire. She should like to GO and DO things, like outdoor recreation, and be willing to get her fingers dirty every now and then. She should be able to transition between being rough-and-tumble, to being the utmost lady depending on the given situation. She should like to entertain, dance and be the center of attention. She should be honest, trustworthy, elegant, sophisticated, and the list goes on..... I want the fairy tale!

Of course I am realist as well, and I know that what I want.... I may never get. But without goals and a vision, the chances of finding true happiness fades...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Well, that's it.. hope you enjoyed it! As usual I look forward to any feedback and I welcome your comments.

Sincerely,

SuperDave

Thoughts of Friends (03/17/2007)

2008-01-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

Dearest friends,

You know I was thinking this morning on my bus ride to the YC of the importance of friends in my life. How friendships of all sorts have enriched and fulfilled my life to this point. I started wondering who, where, and how I would be, had I not been blessed by their presence. The people I know as friends have been right there with me for nearly every fun filled adventure of my life, and have thankfully also been my shoulder to lean on through times so incredibly painful that I wonder how I ever made it through. We have shared laughter, tears, adventure, music, drink, dance and more over the years.

In elementary school, I always had a plethora of friends to call upon, and I can recall getting off the bus after school every day and racing to the park for a pick up game of baseball, football, or an intense round of PIG at the basketball courts. In the evenings we would play fast paced, lamppost-lit games of ghost in the graveyard and kick-the-can before finally being called in for bedtime by the parental units. BMX bikes were all the rage back in those days, and my friends and I would spend countless hours building ramps and perfecting increasingly difficult ways to injure ourselves. If the BMX didn't do the trick, there was always my trampoline in the back yard to provide us with scores of bumps, bruises, burns and the every-so-often trip to the ER

Eventually BMX gave way to the automobile as I hit my early teen years. I was the first one of my friends to obtain a driver's license, and I remember driving my buddies everywhere in my faded tan 1978 Chevy single cab. That wonderful truck set me back a whole summer of hard fought earnings for the $500 needed to make it my own. With the windows down and the wind in our hair, having this gasoline powered monster in my grasp ushered in a fantastic new age of freedom and independence. No longer were my friends and I prisoners of the big yellow school bus, and we drove to school nearly every day, which often meant pooling our lunch money resources for the gas to do so. Weekend nights during this point in my life were spent on an exciting new pastime called "cruising", that we had all been waiting years to participate in. Getting to "do the loop" was a variable coming-of-age, and was THE thing to do!

As junior high finally evolved into high school, some of my fondest memories are of summer days spent out at the lake soaking up the sun, boating, cliff diving off the infamous Big Bob, and sharing laughter and stories around the campfire before retiring to our tents. The friends I had during this particular time of my life are still some of the closest friends I have to this day. I bought a motorcycle and remember vividly summer nights spent riding crotch rockets down "the cruise" with friends, late night parties, and awkward attempts at sneaking back in. Road trips were always a good time as well, with good buddies in tow, the music turned up, the windows rolled down and no particular time frame in which to adhere to.

Graduation from high school meant saying goodbye to a few good friends as they headed off for college. Instead of going to college myself, I decided to jump right into the job market and ended up getting my feet wet in graphic design. Moving out of my parents' house became an easy choice, and I recall the fun and excitement of getting my first apartment with some close friends.

Not to long after moving out I sadly lost my father to a massive heart attack, he died at home in front of my Mom and my little brother on his lunch break. I got the heartbreaking call at work and I made it to the house just minutes after the ambulance arrived. This loss was devastating to me, and my friends and their families were instrumental in helping me to deal with the hardship and pain. Words can not express my gratitude to them, even to this day.

Through the next few years our tight group of friends got even more so. The living arrangements changed several times as we moved around and in and out of each others places. It was a great time of get togethers, parties, visiting friends in college, and growing up a little more. I was one of the first in our group to turn 21, and I remember all the trickery involved in getting my friends into the bar with me and then trying to get away cleanly when we'd get caught.

Eventually restlessness caught up to a few of us (myself included), and so we ended up moving hundreds of miles away from each other. Some went away to school, while others simply moved somewhere else for a change of scenery. I myself packed my whole life up and moved to Bozeman and it is here that I have lived for the last 7 years.

Although I now call Bozeman home and continue to make new friendships, I still have a close connection, that I hope never dissolves, with my friends back home. It's funny that we can go for months on end without talking, but instantly catch back up with a phone call or visit. We make attempts at having mini-reunions every now and then for special occasions, events, weddings, birthdays, holidays and such. I'm always amazed by how much they continue to change and yet somehow stay the same too.

And so it goes as we walk through life constantly making new friends and acquaintances, some of them stick around for awhile and others just fade away. Some burn with super intensity for only a short while, while others are constantly aglow. Some of these friends play pivotal roles in our decision making while others provide varying degrees of influence, support and guidance.

To all of my friends out there - new, old, my past, my present, my life, and now MySpace... I give you thanks with the utmost sincerity. As most of you already know, I am an extremely social person, and you are the true source of much of my happiness. Without you all, my world would be far less spectacular. You enlighten me, provide me with inspiration, tie me up with fits of curiosity, and keep me ever hungry with a zest for life. Thank you... thank you... THANK YOU.

I want to leave you with this little quote I came up with awhile back:

"Intervention, be it divine or not... shapes us, molds us, and rewards us with the fruit of change."

Your friend,

David

Just one of those surveys... (03/13/2007)

2008-01-15T20:32:00.001-08:00

Nothing better to do...

A N S W E R - T R U T H F U L L Y

1. Do you like anyone?: I like lotza people!
2. Do they know it? Some yes... some no.
3. Simple or complicated? Nothing is ever simple.

IN - T H E - L A S T - M O N T H - H A V E - Y O U

4. Had sex: Wouldn't you like to know!
5. Bought something: Yes... lot's of somethings.
6. Gotten sick?: Funny you should ask...
7. Been hugged?: I'm way behind on hugs I'm afraid.
8. Felt stupid?: At times...
9. Talked to an ex: Thankfully no!
10. Missed someone: My Dad... every single day.
11. Failed a test: Had to take a "random" yesterday!
13. Danced: Just minutes ago!
14. Gotten your hair cut?: Yup... my cowlicks are acting up!
15. Lied: Just little white ones...

U N I Q U E

16. Nervous habits?: Doodling and sketching.
17. Are you double jointed?: In some parts...
18. Can you roll your tongue?: Seriously, where is a mirror when you need one?
19. Can you raise one eyebrow?: Ummm... yeah.
20. Can you cross your eyes?: You mean they aren't supposed to be that way.... crap!
21. Do you make your bed daily? I get up at 3:30am... hell no!
22. Do you think you are unique?: Of course... don't you?

H A V E - Y O U - E V E R'S

23. Said "I Love you": Uh huh... who hasn't?
24. Given money to a homeless person: Yes
25. Smoked?: Once... hated it!
26. Waited all night for a phone call?: Define all-night...
27. Snuck out?: Every weekend as a teenager.
28. Sat and looked at the stars?: Not often enough.

M A N N E R S

29. Do you swear/curse?: Sometimes.
30. Do you ever spit?: Hardly ever and not in public.
31. You cook your own food?: Does mac & cheese count?
32. You do your own chores?: Who else will?
33. You like beef jerky?: Well I am a man....
35. You're happy with your life?: Yes, but I want more!
36. You own a dog?: Brutus is the coolest!
37. You spend your money wisely?: I'd say yes, others mght disagree...
38. Do you like to swim?: I once was on the swim team!
39. When you get bored do you call a friend: Sometimes.

D O - Y O U - P R E F E R'S

41. Flowers or angels?: Never heard of a guardian flower!
42. Gray or black?: Black at least to wear.
43. Color or black and white photos?: B&W
44. Lust or love?: Best when one leads to the other!
45. Sunrise or sunset?: Do I really have to pick?
46. M&Ms or Skittles?: Depends...
48. Staying up late or waking up early?: Staying up late.. I loathe getting up early!
49. Being hot or cold?: Hot!
50. Winter or Fall?: Winter... I like snowsports!
51. Left or right?: Right I suppose.
52. Having 10 acquaintances or 2 best friends?: 2 best if I had to choose...
53. Sunshine or rain?: Sunshine!

More have you evers:

Sleep in a bed of the opposite sex?: Yup
Hooked up in the woods?: Yes again...
Drank a bottle of alcohol by yourself?: Don't remember, so probably!
Hooked up in the shower?: A few times!
Been Dumped?: There was this one time...
Stolen money from a friend?: Borrowed yes... stolen no.
Slept naked?: Not usually, but a few times.
Been in a fist fight?: Several...
Snuck out of your house?: Didn't I answer this above?
Had a crush on a teacher?: Yup...
Seen someone die?: Unfortunately.
Been on an airplane? Skydiving baby!
Slept all day?: A few times!
Missed someone so much it hurt?: A few different someones.
Fallen asleep during school?: Yes...lol!
Been lonely?: Many times.
Cheated in a game?: If your not first... your last!
Been to the ER?: Which time do you want?
Been in a car accident?: Just 6 of them!
Had detention?: A few times in junior high.
Missed your first love?: Probably a time or two.
Cried yourself to sleep?: Not since I was a baby.
Sung in the shower?: All the time!
Kissed a complete stranger?: New Year's Night!
Laughed so hard you cried?: Two days ago while turning Louis's MySpace page into My Little Pony playland!
Cheated on a bf/gf?: Yes
Regretted hurting someone?: Yes
Regretted loving someone?: No
Been SUPER happy?: Most of the time!

SuperDave's State of the Nation (03/07/2007)

2008-01-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

We as Americans walk blindly through our lives, with tunneled vision, and narrow mindedness. Most of us take for granted everything from our civil liberties, to the very global health of this complex planet which allows our destructive existence. We are fatter than ever, lazier then ever, godless, self indulgent and arrogant beyond all control.Then again, ignorance certainly is bliss, and it seems we would rather retreat back into our self absorbed shells than deal with some of the real issues facing our society.

With each passing day we loose footing on many of the founding principals that this nation was built upon, and few seem to take notice with even fewer willing to do something about it. Once we were a mighty nation of progressive people, a breeding ground for thinkers, doers, inventors and leaders... but looking around today makes you wonder if those days have all but gone by the wayside.

What many people fail to realize is that America is actually a very young nation. We are a world superpower yes, but the world in which we live dangles precariously by an ever thinning thread. We are in the absolute vortex of a crazy world that increasingly sees America as a target and a threat. We used be a nation that was an icon of global integrity, but more and more we are looked at as the enemy.

If you really want to get into something scary, you'll have to look into where the US is situated on a more global scale. Increasingly we are viewed as prime a candidate for attack by Arab and Asian nations, with the latter of the two being fully capable of domination by sheer numbers alone. If you don't believe me, do some research of your own... you'll find it frightening to say the least.

Add in a host of other factors like pollution, global warming, and our "false economy" that struggles for survival, and the plot thickens into a rich concoction seemingly hell bent on self destruction. Perhaps that is why alcoholism and drug use (both recreational and prescription) are on the rise?

To sums things up, the world that we know seems to be in a horrible state of disrepair. The majority of the population seems far more concerned with who will be the next "American Idol" than who will be the next President. We need to make some serious changes. It begins with me, it begins with you... it is up to every individual to to take a hand in making some progress. After all, if we don't... who will?

MySpace and 3rd Grade Drama (02/19/2007)

2008-01-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

I recently had a friend of mine remove their profile from MySpace. After doing so, this person informed me that it was because of all the "3rd Grade Drama" that comes along with being a part of this online community. I wrote this person back with the following message that I rather liked... let me know what you think:

Dear _______ ,

I know it has taken me a little while to get back to you, but that seems to be the way of things between you and I, now doesn't it... I think that is because we both avoid this whole drama thing like the plague. I don't know about you, but I just want to live my life and be happy while doing so. That is why I very seldom watch the news... as it quickly drives me crazy.

As far as your comments on MySpace being similar to 3rd grade drama are concerned, it has been so long since I was in 3rd grade that my memory of it seems pretty fuzzy! But I can tell you with complete honesty that I only wish my life now, had as little drama in it as I remember having in 3rd grade.

As I see it 3rd grade was a pretty sweet deal... a typical day went something like this: I had to get up, eat breakfast, do some chores, catch the school bus, attend class, eat lunch, go to recess, go to some more class, get on the bus again, check in with Mom, go play with friends outside until dinner time, eat dinner, do the dishes, reconnect with my friends again and play until it was time to come in and get ready for bed. I had no worries, very little responsibilities, no real need for money, a roof over my head, and people around me that loved me. Not to mention I was the definition of physical fitness... I had absolutely no fat on me, I was fast, flexible, strong and innocent. Add to it, that the only problem I had with girls at the time, was trying to keep them as far away from us boys as possible!

Now fast forward to today, and I have to deal with a plethora of nerve racking duties like going to work, making money, paying bills, dealing with roommates, trying to attract the opposite sex (which brings on hundreds of other issues), keeping my weight in check (a constant battle), trying to be a responsible member of society, and attempting to keep my sanity all the while! So I guess if given the opportunity, I would take 3rd grade back in a heartbeat!

I guess what I'm trying to say here is that yes, I can fully understand that the additional drama of trying to keep up with something like MySpace can be totally frustrating! I have often thought of pulling the plug on it myself, but the sheer morbid curiosity of it all pulls me back in!

Whew... didn't intend on going off on a tangent like that, but as it so often works out, once I touch on a subject and the fingers get flying... I can't stop!

Sincerely,

David

Thoughts on Valentine's Day (02/14/2007)

2008-01-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well here it is... Valentine's day. Everywhere there are thousands of hues of red and pink. A day of beautiful flowers, thoughtful cards, love notes, poetry, and a day in which quite a few people popped the question and tears were shed in quivering answer. This was the first time I have been single over Valentine's Day in quite some time, so it was an especially interesting trip to sit back and watch the madness as a casual observer. Isn't it amazing that we put such emphasis on a single day? It's like saying, "Sweetheart I love and appreciate you all the time, but today I am overwhelmed with my affection for you because society and this holiday tells me to do so". I must of heard a dozen times prior to today one person asking another, "What are you getting your [person] for Valentine's Day?", therefore expecting a response of some "item". Some people are actually distressed at this time of year about buying the right gift... amazing isn't it! It begs to riddle the importance of this day. It is almost as if Valentine's Day is a reminder to us that our significant other needs acknowledgment, and that without this holiday we would take that special person for granted as perhaps we might usually do. Now I'm not trying to cheapen the romantic intentions of this day or even suggest that we shouldn't celebrate February 14th, on the contrary I assure you. What I am saying is that we should maybe not put so much importance on extravagant gifts and the merchandising of it all. What I'm saying is that perhaps the 14th should be a holiday in which the world slows down, nobody works, and the entire day is spent in the arms of the one you love. In this fast paced world we now live in, I can't possibly think of a more intricate gift than uninterrupted and unappreciated time. Nothing is more valuable or sacred, and time is something that once it is gone, can never be recovered. So I say to the individuals who are in a relationships, grab that special someone as if there were no tomorrow and love them fiercely with no regard for safety and no regret... because that is the gift that will be remembered... not the chocolate, not the roses, not the champagne or the shiny bling... just you. And if you don't have someone to give affection to, well then indulge in yourself... after all you have to love yourself before someone else will be willing to love you as well. So there you have it, some random thoughts on February 14th... HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

Sincerely,

SuperDave

MySpace Etiquette (02/07/2007)

2008-01-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

Hello friends one and all! Recently I was asked by someone in one of my slide shows to remove a photo of this person and their family member from my MySpace page. What I beg of you my friends, is to help me figure out if this is a request I should adhere to or not.

As I see it, my MySpace page is MY page to put what ever I so desire into the content. My site on MySpace makes me happy... and truth be told, I could really give a rat's ass as to what other people think! As I pointed out to this person, this community is called MySpace, not YourSpace. If it is not perfectly clear to everybody that all the people on my page are my close friends and having fun, I don't know what to say. Also, the photos I'm referring to are not compromising in any way, and that is why they are on there.

To me, asking to have a photo removed from a MySpace page is like asking someone to remove photos from a scrapbook or photo album. Am I wrong here? The person doing the asking remains an important person in my life, and I don't wish to disrespect them, but at the same time I'm kind of annoyed by this request.

Anyhow, I'd love some feedback on this subject. Also if there are any other individuals who would like to be removed from appearing on SuperDave's MySpace page, please put in your requests now so that I can do all the editing at one time.

Thanks,

Dave

A Sexy Dream... (01/06/2007)

2008-01-15T20:13:00.001-08:00

So I have this crazy dream where I find myself on the rooftop of a building in an unfamiliar city. It's a restaurant in the sky and it's late in the evening. The lights of the city are all around and romance hangs heavy in the air. I have an exquisite beauty sitting across the tiny glass table that is made just big enough for two. This beautiful creature and I are sipping wine and exchanging frequent glances. A gentle breeze cools the skin from the heat of the summer night. It's some sort of special occasion, I'm wearing a sport jacket, nice pants and Italian shoes, and my lady is wearing a stunning sexy little black dress. Her dress must have glitter or sequinns, because it sparkles with every movement and sets off the diamond earrings and necklace that adorn her neck. The waiter has just taken away the last of the dishes from our meal. That's when the lady leans over, and as I too lean in, genltly holds the back of my neck and whispers in my ear, "You've been a real good boy lately, and I have a surprise for you". Then she leans back in her chair, and as I watch through the glass table top, she uncrosses her legs and then slowly... deliberately... recrosses them the other way. In the transition I easily take notice that she has left her undergarments at home. I can't help but smile..

There is plenty more to the story than this little teaser, but hey... that is for me to enjoy!

BAR ROOM ROMANCE (01/06/2007)

2008-01-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

I was alone in a bar
on a cold winter's night
Loud was the music
dim was the light

I sat at a table
in the midst if the smoke
A glimpse of your beauty
and my interest awoke

On came the next song
so I took a chance
I took your hand in my own
and led you to dance

We circled the floor
we dipped and we swayed
and bumped into strangers
as the country beat played

Then suddenly it was over
almost before it had begun
The band finished playing
and our dance was done

I was dying to be close to you
this new friend I'd found
So I purchased a few drinks
and passed them around

We questioned each other
in simple conversation
the buzz from the alcohol
was my only salvation

The bar seemed too loud
so we spoke in each others ear
The excite was growing
to have you so near

The back of my head
embraced by your hand
Sweet breath in my ear
whispering plans

Your nose tickled my ear
as softly you spoke
Your scent a magic potion
that I choose to toke

The drinks took their toll
our speech was blurred
But your sensual voice
was all that I heard

Then the music stopped
the lights came all a glow
It's now closing time
and we all have to go

Finding our way to the door
your hand in mine
Then we're out on the street
the bar left behind

We're approached by women
who lost you earlier that night
They'd looked for you all over
and now had you in sight

They said you had to go
and you couldn't stay
I caught a fleeting glance
as they whisked you away

You jumped in their car
they gave you front seat
I watched the taillights fade
as you left down the street

I walk to my truck alone
annoyed by my plight
another bar room romance
on a cold Friday night

Written the Day after Brenna's Graduation Party (01/06/2007)

2008-01-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

Wow, I'm a little rough today....

You see my boys and I all headed to Chico Hot Springs in Livingston for one of our friend's graduation parties yesterday. And what a time we had, let me summarize the experience for you.

Well a few of us loaded up in my buddies Tahoe. We brought along a pony keg of Winter Ale, a case of Sierra Nevada, and two cases of Corona (the smaller kind like you see in Mexican restaurants used as salt and pepper shakers). I suppose I should mention here that one of my friends works for a distributor, so that made it nice! We also brought a CD player, the cards and poker chips, and our overnight stuff.

Before rolling into Chico we stopped at the Rib & Chop House in Livingston, which I had heard good things about, but never had eaten there. It's a nice place and the food was amazing... I highly recommend it.

We finally made it to Chico at around 7pm and settled into one of the big cabins on the hill overlooking the resort. There were a few other people already at the cabin that were part of the party that we did not already know, so we all made acquaintances and tapped into the liquor to pre-game before heading to the hot springs.

Once inside the complex we played a few games of pool while waiting for all the other people in the party to filter in. Before long we were in our bathing suits and soaking in the warm water. It was snowing and the steam off the hot water made it hard to see people that were only a few feet away from you. It was pretty cool actually...

After soaking we all headed for the bar, slammed down some shots and suddenly everyone was having a smashing good time. Word soon got out that I could cut a rug, so I was pulled out onto the dance floor where I remained for most of the evening. It was crazy... my only breaks from dancing were to have more shots!

Well we all decided to leave the bar about 1AM this morning and head back to the cabin. Once back at the cabin it was madness, the party had grown to include not only the original party goers but a few people from the bar as well! Right about this time my memory starts to get a little fuzzy, but I woke up with all my clothes on, my money and wallet all still in tact, and a pounding in my head that only recently began to fade.

I hadn't partied like that for quite some time... I must admit I had a good time though! Well now I'm safely back in Bozeman, and not wanting to go bar-tending tonight at 5:30 at all.

Surprise... Dave can write a poem! (01/04/2007)

2008-01-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

Crushin'

When we talk on the phone
and it just feels right
when you're the last thought
I seem to think at night

When by the flash of your smile
I'm simply uplifted
When just by knowing you
my life is gifted

When I long to hear your laughter
over the long-distance line
When it is you and only you
for whom I pine

When you awake my imagination
and stimulate my mind
When all the other women
I choose to leave behind

When I feel like I know you
although we've barely just met
When you haunt my emotions
and I have no regret

When I find myself feeling
a little confused... a little blue
When I'm left here alone
crushing on you

Does On-Line Dating Work? (01/04/2007)

2008-01-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

To everyone out there searching for someone else, I beg to offer the question... Does internet dating ever really work? Further more, have you ever asked yourself what is the difference between online dating and the real thing? In this modern day game of electronic messaging, the lines can get blurry. I'm curious as to what are your experiences with online dating? Ever tried it? Did trying ever lead to meeting someone? If you actually met someone, did that ever lead to anything further?

From my own personal experiences on this subject I offer the following thoughts: Online dating is a great way to meet incredible people, that you otherwise would most likely miss in the hustle and bustle of the "real world"... but it also raises some questions as well. Ask yourself, do you want an inbox full of emails, or do you want to actually truely explore someone else. It seems to me that email just leads to a lot more talk and a lot less action. Honestly speaking, if you just want to chat with people and sent flirtatious emails, join a friggin' chat room.

Seriously though, to what level of satisfation can even be derived from this electronic form of an age-old game? Last time I checked, an email could not walk with you down a moon lit beach, hike with you to the top of a magnificent mountain, or treat you to even a simple dinner and a movie. We are human... along with the visual and mental attributes email has to offer, we need touch, taste, smells and a variety of other sensations.......... you know, something a bit more tangible.

I know it seems that internet dating is an exceptional way to get to know someone on a different level, but at the same time, how many people are actually being themselves on some of those sites. Ladies, do you really think some dude that drinks like a fish, can't hold a steady job, only showers once a week, stays up to 6AM in the morning playing PS2 and then sleeps in until 2PM is actually going to mention any of that in his "about me" section? ...Probably not!

That being said, I suppose when one is looking for other individuals to date and socialize with, it is only wise to put yourself out there as much as possile... thus maximizing one's potential for finding someone.

Well I suppose I had better get to the end of it, before I end up writing a freaking book on this subject... I want to hear from everyone on this subject. I want to know successes, failures, the funniest things people have emailed you or vice versa and everything in between.

Send me an email or post your own bulletin on this subject. I look forward to your responses...

Later,

Dave

MORE ABOUT SUPERDAVE (07/22/2006)

2008-01-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

LIFESTYLE
Drinking: Few times a week... socially.
Work habits: Flexible Hours
Smoking: Never
I travel for work: Occasionally
I travel for fun: Occasionally
Physical Fitness: Moderate Exercise
Dietary habits: Meat Lover / Gourmet / Fast Food Junkie

MY FAVORITES
Celebrity: Owen Willson - he cracks me up, although Jessica Simpson is a close runner up... purely eye candy though!
Airline: Southwest... they have the best peanuts!
Animal: Birds - I have this flying dream, maybe I'll tell you about sometime!
Appliance: Washer and Dryer... gets my clothes clean, and I like clean!
Artist: DaVinci... no, not because of the movie!
Beverage: Sobe Green Tea with Honey and Ginseng, oh yeah and Corona cerveza!
Books/Writers: John Saul, Robert M. Pirsig, King
Brands: Macintosh, Nike, Addidas
Candy/Snack: Snickers
Vehicle: Motorcycles - all kinds... two wheelers are just better!
City: Seattle... at least so far!
Clothing Store/Label: GAP, American Eagle, Buckle
Comedian: Chris Rock
Films: Matrix, Star Wars, anything by Pixar... mostly I like action/science fiction stuff, but ocassionally I'll watch "chick flicks"
Flower/Plant: Orchid
Food: Prime Rib at the Oasis in Manhattan, MT
Gadget: ipod
Game: beer pong
Hero: My Dad... he passed when I was 20... miss him everday.
Hotel/Motel: Are you Superman? - No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!
Indulgence: String cheese and a sandwhich that is aptly named "Your New Favorite"
Leisure Activities: Riding my Motorcycle when ever I can.
Local Hang-Out: R Bar in beautiful downtown Bozeman
Publications: Stuff, Maxim...
Music: Reggae... it's been my theme this summer.
Pets: My chihuahua Brutus... I didn't care for "small dogs" before I was given him, but he's changed my perspective!
Place To Live: Montana or the Tropics
Political Figure: I don't really like political figures... mostly I just put up with them!
Radio Show: Kidd Kraddick in the Morning
Season: Summer although Snowboarding is fun too!
Sports Team: New England Patriots
Travel Destination: Key West... I went Tarpon fishing there 2 years ago - it was awesome!
Turn-ons: Confidence, humor, flirting and lacey things!
TV Shows/Channels: I'm addicted to COPS - why do they always try to run?
Virtue: Honesty & Integrity
Software: OS X - I'm a big Macintosh fan... what can I say!
Stores: Best Buy... I love electronics!

MY DISLIKES
Activities I Avoid: Running long distance, cross country skiing... I am NOT an endurance athlete!
Bad Habits: Procrastination and speaking without being spoken to...is that a habit?
Foods I Hate: Black Licorice, Liver, Bugs, Snails and anthing with suckers or that's too chewy and squishy.
Music That Drives Me Nuts: Heavy Rock and Punk... you know the kind where it's just yelling and noise.
My Biggest Fears: Being average and not making a name for myself.
My Worst Job Ever: 4:30 A.M. newspaper route when I was 10... way too many heavy papers, slave wages, and biting dogs - NEVER AGAIN!
Pet Peeves: I dislike rude and obnoxious people.
Things That Make Me Angry: Hate, Greed, Disregard for Life, Cheating
Turn-Offs: Smoking, bad Breath, and playing "too hard to get"
Unforgivable Vices: Chain Smoking, Hard Drug Use, Daily Drug Use
World's Worst Evildoers: Adolf Hitler, Usama Bin Laden
Worst Fashion Crime: White socks with sandals... this means you Craig!