Week 19... What I "Don't" Like

Greetings:  

In my Blog just 5 weeks ago, my title was "What I Like," and it has turned out to be my most viewed Blog.  So, this week, I have decided to write the complete opposite of that Blog Post and share with you "What I Don't Like."

As with my "Like" list, the following "Dislikes" are just a few of the things that I really don't like.  You may agree with some and you certainly may disagree with some or all, but it is absolutely not my intention to offend anyone.  This is just how I roll these days...

Yikes!!!

I Don't Like the Stench of Cigarettes.  If you are a smoker, absolute more power to you if that is your thing yikes!!!.  I myself enjoy a good cigar along with a good libation when the time is right.  For me, it is 30 to 45 minutes of pure pleasure.  However, my complaint stems from the "stench" that cigarettes generate.  As in: inside one's car, on the furniture and interior of one's house, on the clothing of a smoker, and on a smokers breath, etc.  I can understand, that, as a smoker, it may be difficult to separate the habit/taste and the lingering odor.  As a non-smoker, the "stench" that permeates can be extremely overpowering and, at least for me, unwelcome.  From a "non-smoker's" perspective.  Sorry, just sayin'.

I Don't Like Loud and Obnoxious.  Is there anything worse than being out and about in public and someone suddenly gets on their cell phone and acts as if they are all alone in a private room while talking on their phone?  But, you are actually sitting right next to them in a waiting room at a Doctor's Office.  Or, you are in an elevator with them.  Or, you are in a Public Restroom with them.  Or, you are behind them, waiting in a line to check out at any store.  And after five minutes, you feel like you somehow know everything that is currently going on in their life.  And how about the guy that walks around with the "Bluetooth" earpiece?  He is on permanent "standby" to be Loud and Obnoxious.  And suddenly, your cell phone rings.  What do you do?  I cancel the call and text back.  "What's up?"  I just can't won't compete with Loud and Obnoxious guy.  Nor do I want to.  I take my calls in a more private environment, so as to not bother those around me. 

With the Fire Chief & Mayor "sans" tie...  After 30 years

I Don't Like Ties.  This is actually a difficult one for me because Donna likes ties.  I have never been a "suit" type of guy.  In fact, I'm pretty much all about "casual."  Suits for me are just plain and simple awkward and uncomfortable.  Throw in a tie and awkward and uncomfortable compounds.  If I have to play "dress up," I'm more comfortable in a pair of slacks, a nice shirt, and a sports jacket, sans tie.  Give me a nice pair of cargo shorts, a nice button up shirt, my fedora, and hey, I'm ready to go.

I Don't Like Liars/Lying.  This is another difficult one for me because under various circumstances, pretty much "all of us" have told a "Little White Lie."  But, when someone looks you right in the eye and tells you a "Bold-Faced Lie," someone that you trust, and you take them at their word, I have a problem with that.  And then, to keep from getting caught lying, they have to tell another lie to cover their original lie and then it spirals out of control with even more "covering" lies.  And more than likely, they will eventually get caught in their lies, which can lead to hurt feelings and trust issues, etc.  I lean on:  Tell me the truth.  If it's bad, just be honest with me and we will work our way through the issue, whatever it is.  But, respect me by being honest.  Don't hide behind a lie.

My worst "foodie" nightmare...

I Don't Like Brussel Sprouts.  Holy smokes!!!  I have tried.  I have gone so far as to find a recipe(s) that looked to be a sure fire, no brainer, way of cooking them that would forever change my mind.  There is just no amount of salt & pepper or butter that, for me, can make Brussel Sprouts taste good.  Heck, I don't even like the way they look.  You won't find them on my plate.

I Don't Like Dirty Kitchens.  Dirty is relative.  My kitchen can actually be clean, but have dishes piled up in the sink, too much debris on the counter-tops, and certain things out of place and it's a "visual" I just can't deal with.  Un-rinsed dishes drive me nuts.  A glass left on the counter with milk still in it drives me nuts.  Don't pour more than you can swallow and don't waste my beloved milk for crying out loud.  A "Spotless" kitchen makes me smile.

And finally, on a more serious note...

I Don't Like Illegal Drugs.  No matter how "uncool" it may be to say that.  I've been there, done that.  More than likely, most of us have at some point in our lives.  If you have not, from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely say, "good for you."  Donna and I have been through "Hell" over the years with issues related to family and drugs.  It has been painful to say the least.  God has blessed us thus far in that we have not yet lost any of our children or close family to drugs.  Maybe, just maybe, a corner was turned recently and with God's continued Blessings, prayer, and hopefully a strong and focused will, we can get beyond this "evil."  As Neil Young sings in Needle and the Damage Done, "I watched the needle take another man...  Gone, gone, the damage done."  We have experienced the loss of those close to our family.  I say loud and clear:  Drugs are not Cool under any Circumstance, they are Insanely Evil.  

Ok, I'm done with my "soap-box."  But, I wanted to get that in.  I appreciate your indulgence.

Houston Texans Football:  Wow!!!  For the first time in team history, the Texans are off to a 3 & 0 start.  A 31 to 25 win over the Denver Broncos last week put us in rare air.  Of all 32 teams in the NFL, we are one of only three teams left undefeated.  This week, we are back at home in Reliant Stadium to play the Tennessee Titans, 1 & 2 so far.  Currently, the Texans are -12 point favorites.  Week 3 Wagers:  I went 1 & 1.  Through 3 weeks, I am 4 & 2 (66%) and I am up +$15.

Recipe's:  This week, I am highlighting one of my all time favorite "comfort food" dishes that I have made at home for years.  It's a simple, but very flavorful dish.  I call it "Mac and Tuna."  Prepare a Family Size Box of Kraft Velveeta Shells and Cheese.  Once done, add in two 12 ounce cans of Star-Kist Chunk Light Tuna in Water (drained), and finally, add in a 12 ounce bag of Frozen Sweet Peas (once microwaved).  Add just a touch of milk, a little butter, salt and pepper and I promise, you will find your smile.

Please forgive my Serving Dish...  An "oldie, but a goodie"

 
Market Watch:  Last week, Facebook jumped $3.00 and showed some life.  This week, it headed South again as it closed yesterday at 20.32, losing $2.00+ from last week.  To make matters worse, an Industry Expert this week suggested that it is still "over-priced."  Ouch...  that has to sting just a bit.

The End:  Again, Thank You so much for stopping by.  As always, I appreciate your time and hope you will check back next week for more.

Be safe, be smart, and always smile...  It's "Happy Friday"

adios