Yes, I too succumb to peer-pressure.  I’ve thought about doing this since Mark started doing it.  (A very trendy guy he seems to have become.)  I finally have overcome the strong urge not post this at all or wait until Tuesday just to go against the grain.  I now will attempt to woo you with my version, (drum roll please,) of my very own:

Monday Melee

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

Misuse or overuse of words: like, f*ck, dude, man, buddy and many left unmentioned.  When can we go back to using the words correctly?  Why must we always use euphemistic language to soften the blow?  I say you may not like it but at least you can get the point across.  Besides, life is just too short for that kind of crap.

*close second: OLD NEWS

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

Beer commercials…  They can’t all be the greatest beer in the world.  There is only room for one beer to have the title.  Unfortunately, I personally don’t think it exists…  I know how I would be if I were a brewer, I’d drink it!!!  This friends, this very occurrence is quite possibly, what may have happened.  A perfect beer probably was created and the brewers got drunk and forgot how to do make it.  To mangle a Tenacious D line, none of this is the greatest beer in the world…  It is just a tribute.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

My pants…  I can’t them on or off fast enough and they never stay up when I want them to.  (I don’t want to be an ass to the entire world, nor show it to them either.)

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

Hats off to the woman who convinced me to move to this strange city…  Unfortunately, I still find it very strange and unfortunately unfamiliar.  Nevertheless, I think I like it.  Maybe if it were covered in chocolate or genitalia it would be more enticing.  Maybe I could convince some of my friends would come and visit too…

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

My insatiable ability to find new ways to amuse myself…  (No Mark and Diva, I already knew why God gave me two hands.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

Must I really?  Okay…  Love, Sex, Money, Carie, Steady Work, Sex, Happiness (the spelling needs to change to Happenis, because I’ve never been around anyone for long who wasn’t happy a penis was involved), Sex, Food, Love, Love that comes with food, Carie, my friends to be happy even in my abstinence (oops I meant absence…)

Thus is the conclusion of my Monday Melee.  You too can join in the fun by visiting The Monday Melee page and completing the steps.  Kick-start your brains on Mondays, meet other bloggers, and by George have a darn good time too.

[ Note: This is Diva's first Monday Melee, published on 11-Jun-2007 ]

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.
I hate haters. I’m sarcastic and all, but I don’t really hate anyone. I just think some people are completely ignorant and should wear a cone-dork hat all the time.

But people who hate everybody and everything (generally for no reason at all) annoy me greatly. Two words: hater blockers. You can find them at your corner store, reasonably priced, of course.

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.
Until proven otherwise, the voice on my voice mail the other night was really an extremely good impression of a female voice. Had I not known better, I would have thought it was really a chick leaving me that message.

UPDATE:  Diva has found out that Diva is way off.  I should be whipped with a wet noodle for spreading such rumors without concrete proof.  I admit it.  I was wrong.   I’m sorry.  Forgive a Diva, won’tcha?

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.
I am honestly unhappy with my daddy right now. I love him so much, I really do. And this may sound hateful, but I can’t help it.

He is drinking himself to death. No matter how much I love him, talk to him, beg him, get mad at him, ignore him, taxi him, and try to care for him… he just won’t knock it off. And I’ll be honest. I’m pissed about it. I’d like to have him around for a while. He’s not that old, but he’s diggin his own grave on drink at a time. If I was doing an asshat of the day post, he’s a prime target.

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.
I give that salesman at Lance Cunningham Ford credit for sucking my man into buying that damn truck after I had a tissy fit over it. Good for him.

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.
I may not have all the money in the world. I may not be able to give my kids all the crap that I’d like to give them. But I give them what’s really important. I love them.

So, I guess the answer is I’m a kick ass mama that would go through hell and high-water for her kiddies.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.
I wish that all of the many parts of my life would come together, for one fleeting moment even, and I could have that happy, content feeling inside. Pretty damn big wish I suppose.

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.

      “I get up, and nothing gets me down… You got it tough?  I’ve seen the toughest around… I and know, baby, just how you feel… You’ve got to roll with the punches to get to what’s real…”

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

     Most people love to watch train wrecks — you know, those situations that are going to Hell in a handbasket fast?  They enjoy seeing others fail.  That’s a pretty pathetic outlook in my book. 

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

     That hyper-annoying “Mullah Cimoc“ guy is actually some ‘tard in Utah.  That’s why he got an Asshat of the Day award.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

     I have a *lot* of work to do tomorrow — errr, today, rather — and I’m not looking forward to it.

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

     A couple of weeks ago, LissaKay mentioned she had a tatoo.  I figured out where it was last night.  Good job, Lissa!  ROFLMAO

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

     It’s funny.  People come to me expecting me to give them the answers to Life, the Universe and Everything.  They ask for advice on so many subjects, because they know I’ll listen.  The funny thing is, I very, very rarely give advice — I mean, I can count the number of times on one hand.  There’s an art to asking questions that make people think about the things in a productive manner… and some days, I’m pretty skilled with it.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

     I wish for what everyone wishes for.  Love, Sex, Money, Sex, Fun, Sex and a really cool prize at the bottom the Cracker Jacks.   And Sex.

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.

     “After midnight, baby … we’re gonna let it all hang out…”

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

     I hate all the negativity in the world. Seriously, mean, negative people? I hate the bastards. MEAN PEOPLE SUCK! I wish they’d all f&#$ off and die!
  (Yeah, I can’t think of anything I haven’t posted already)

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

     My previous answer to the “Misanthropic” question is definitely bogus.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

     The last three months, on the second of the month, I’ve posted some time-lapse video from a recently discovered artist. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find anything new that really struck me the same way.
     Well, I did run across one guy … But he was such an arrogant prick, I couldn’t bring myself, in good conscience, to post his work.

     I’ll find something, tho … if I have to do it myself.

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

     My friend Novia was having a pretty rough time.  She started a business a few months ago, and it’s really great to see her succeeding in that, to see her coming out her funk and enjoying herself for a change.  And even though she’s had a lot more things dumped on her plate lately, she’s getting right through it.
     Cheers, girl.  Inspiration and optimism have put you on your way. 

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

     I remember someone once telling me that I was “too intense.”  I took that as a negative at the time.  But as opportunities have continued themselves, I find that intensity, passion and drive are what push me towards true happiness.
     A lot of people think “risky” is a bad thing, too.  Calculated risks, however, can be very rewarding.  I’m not afraid to take  Leap of Faith on the things that are important, things that actually matter.

     I’m on a damn good road.  And it’ll only get better.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

     Instead of naming something I wish for, I will state two profound truths:

• It’s only make believe when it’s impossible.
• Everything is possible.

     Of the most important things in my life … I have absolutely no doubts.

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.

     Okay, I suck.  I forgot last week’s Monday Melee.  And then, I forgot it yesterday, too.  I dunno how that happened!  Well, actually, I do, but I’m not telling.  Thpft!
     Meanwhile, I’m gonna sit here jamming out to Etta James some more…

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

     Some people are just gigantic asshats.  They serve no purpose, other than the be asshats.  I’m sure everyone knows at least one.  The worst types of asshats are the ones who can’t tolerate other asshats in the slightest.  They get all bent out of shape when someone treats them like they treat everyone else around them.
     Makes me wanna slap some sense into ‘em.

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

     Al Gore decided to slam the Media for “trivialities and nonsense” the other day.  He immediately followed up his jab for Media to pick up one of his pet causes — well, actually, the only cause.  Apparently, Mr. Gore feels that United States should pass Global Warming legislation which puts limits on pollution which are lower than our current standards.  What a ‘tard!

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

     I’m not unhappy.  Really.  ;-)  Gimme a few hours… I figure by 9AM, I’ll have something…

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

     Umm … Hey, you.  No, not you — that one … Yeah, you … Thanks.

     (No names, no names)

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

     I heard a rumour that I’m a really nice and generous guy who’s always around to offer a shoulder and a beer.  Yeah, okay, that’s true. 

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

     Tomorrow night’s Powerball Lottery sure sounds good.  I can think of all sorts of things I could do with those kinds of winnings… First on the list: Disney World again. ;-)

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.

     How can I love you if you won’t lie down?

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

     When someone has every need provided for them, they tend to get lazy, and unwilling to do anything for themselves.

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

     Al Sharpton.  Does that guy actually do anything besides get people riled up about ridiculous crap?

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

     Today, I feel like in an eternal cycle “waiting it out.”  Waiting for my house to be ready, waiting for payment for services rendered, waiting for a couple more opportunities, waiting for callbacks on a few different things…

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

     Thanks to Fracas & Jason for being such good sports and reposting that silly survey the other day. 

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

     I work hard.  I play hard.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

     I kinda wish I could put myself on autopilot and jump forward two months in time.  That’d be way cool.

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.

     Thanks for the mammaries…

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

     Of all the things about humanity in the world, there is one thing that we can all agree upon: mucus is disgusting.  As a matter of fact, beyond the old addage that the only thing we can be certain of is Death and Taxes, I’m sure that Mucus should replace Taxes.  Death and Mucus — it’ll happen to everyone.
     That said, why is that as soon as someone gets a severe case of Mucus Unendus, they immediately say, “You made me sick!” when it clearly could’ve been the ass at the checkout the other day who wouldn’t cover his mouth as he hacked up a lung?

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

     U-Haul Truck: $19.99.  Insurance: $14.99.  The look on your face when your final bill will come out to an average of $80: Priceless.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

     Should I be unhappy that I can’t think of anything that I’m unhappy about?

     No?

     Well, there is one thing … which is a nagging question … “Dammit, why does she have to live so far away?”

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

     Nick Kougioulis did a helluva good job on this video, combining two of my favorite things:

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

     I moved last weekend — finally finishing up the other side on Tuesday morning.  Through the week, I helped a friend move.  This past weekend, I helped more friends move.  Today, I helped another friend unload a truck.
     Somehow, I can exert myself like that, and not wake up sore and destroyed the next day.  I guess that means I’m in good shape. 

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

     Today’s my birthday … I wish the woman in #3 would come for a visit. 

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.

     This post was almost cancelled due to an unexpected case of sleep.

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

     Gossip sucks.  Seriously.  Who cares what X did, and who cares what Y has to say about it?  And why does Z feel a need to repeat it, especially if they know Y is nothing but a damn gossip?

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

     Can Offshoring with an Indian company really help your business?
     No… More on that later.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

     I was supposed to move into a house on the 20th.  That didn’t happen, because the previous tenants are pigs.  Thanks to all that, I’ve been busting my ass to get moved at the last minute.
     Sadly, I was really counting on that place.  This put me in a position where I had to find something at the very last minute (Saturday) when I’m supposed to be out my current place today.
     Fortunately, thanks to my friends, I found a solution.

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

     Very often, you never know who your true friends are until they’re tested.  Having been put in a rough spot the last few days, I’m glad to know that some of mine passed with flying colors.
     Thanks, Swanky and Jewel.

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

     Everything being so upside down lately has had me a little in-the-dumps.  But yesterday, after getting the worst part of the moving done, I realized something:  Sure, a lot of things haven’t worked out lately, but at the end of the day, I’m still laughing and trying to making the best of it.
     I must be doing something right.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

     I’ve peeled away a lot of layers and facades in my life the last couple of months … so much so that right now feels like starting over from scratch.
     There are a great many exciting things in my not-too-distant future.  I wish that every single one of them would come into fruition.

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.

     Sometimes, I sit and think…  Other times, I just sit.

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

     If you’re a polite, generous person, people will try and walk all over you.  That’s a fact, Jack!

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

     All that talk about Fred Phelps really got me going.  People like him, who twist around the words of the Bible to support their own ignorant notions, really tick me off.
     Pat Robertson did a long bit about God’s Wrath a little over a year ago.  Why, instead of showing any Christian concern towards Ariel Sharon, Robertson said the reason was, “God’s Wrath!”.  Sam Venable from the Knoxville News-Sentinel let him have it with a laugh, too.

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

     I’ve had an extraordinary amount of crap and drama dumped on me lately.  It’s changed my attitude a little … I don’t laugh as much lately.  The sarcasm’s starting to sound serious…

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

     Oh, you who will remain nameless…  We’ve known each other for a long time.  You’ve always had my best interests at heart, even though the implementation wasn’t the best, at times.
     You’ve had a rough time with a lot of things, with someone dragging you into situations completely out of your control.  Yet, you still keep coming out on top.
     Seriously, if you’ll just stop and think about it, you’ll start to realize just how strong you really are.  You’re strong… you just don’t give yourself enough credit. 

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

     Patience is a virtue.  I’m finding out I do have some, after all.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

     I wish I was moved already…

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.

     Today’s Monday Melee is brought to you by the Letters A, K, and the number 47…

1. The Misanthtropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate.

     What the Hell snaps in peoples’ heads and makes them go on a rampage and start shooting people?  Certainly, I can imagine having one person tick you off so badly that you’ll seriously consider it.  But how do you get from that point to shooting more than fifty people on a college campus?
     That’s hardcore.

     And there are many, many more where he came from… people who have absolutely no value or respect for human life.

2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus.

     Earlier today, a couple of Mormons saw me pull into my driveway and came knocking on my door.  When I answered, they wanted to tell me all their story, despite my having told them, “I’m busy working.”
     It’s sort of amusing, really, when you consider that the basis of their religion relies heavily of the word of an angry teenager who was exiled from his Utah township.  Eventually, when hunger and the elements took their toll on him, he returned home with an elaborate hoax and was celebrated as a Saint.
     Seeing these two kids walking around, out of school and without jobs, certainly makes it seem that maybe, just maybe, that old tradition is alive and well…

3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with.

     I am currently unhappy that I cannot find a pair of shoes anywhere near as nice as the ones I’m wearing right now.  They’re old.  They stink.  They’re falling apart inside.  But I can’t let them go until I find a suitable replacement.
     These were built extremely well, dress-style in Italian leather, with a boot-style sole that makes them equally comfortable as casual shoes.  They’re the type of go anywhere, do anything, all-purpose, sensible shoes which look just as good with a tailored suit as they do with a t-shirt and jeans.
     And do you think I can find anything close to that for less than $400?  Oh, HELL no.

4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

     I read a few of Diva’s blogs last week, and was pretty impressed with a few of them.  I gave her the opportunity to jump in here, and she’s hit the ground running with some pretty good material.
     Kudos, Diva.  Good job!

5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it.

     Last week was tough, with the two court cases.  I was willing to negotiate in the first one to a large degree, but as they were unwilling, I still came out with exactly what I asked — and without having to bend over backwards.
     The second case was very difficult emotionally, and I got through it anyway — also in my favor.  I can’t take all of the credit, as I’ve surrounded myself with some pretty damn good people, as well.  They’ve propped me up when I’ve needed it.

     To the end, I attempted to make a lot of concessions and be reasonable with my family, which amazes me when I consider the Hell they were putting me through.  I tried to do the right thing, and was more than fair.
     At the same time, some of that probably has something to do with the fact I hang around with people who expect me to be that way.  I’m damn glad I’ve made the choice to hang around with them.

6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for.

     I wish I had written this earlier today…

Now it’s your turn.

You can take part in The Monday Melee, even make it a regular feature at your site by visiting The Monday Melee page and following the steps. Kick-start your brain on Mondays and meet other bloggers.