Chris's Musings

Yesterday, after a long work week, I took off out of the city and away from the busyness of life and technology to go hike the Panther Creek Falls trail with a group of friends.  I have been looking forward to this hike for a while because a.) Panther Creek has been on my "really want to do" hikes for a while, and b.) I hadn't had the opportunity to get up to the mountains much this summer and had organized this day trip to do just that. I love hiking; I think I like getting out into nature in general but there's something about hiking that makes me feel happy.  Perhaps it's from my Boy Scout days and memories of treks to Philmont and camping trips; who knows? And I mean, I love hiking (not just walking).  If there isn't some adventure to where we're going then I'm not all that into it.  Panther Creek Falls was that kind of adventure.  Rumor is that it's one of the most fantastic waterfalls in Georgia and I couldn't wait to get to it. And

The other night, I went out to iTunes to add some Country songs to my playlist.  I've been listening to The Bull (one of the Country stations here in Atlanta) a lot lately and it was time to make a few purchases. Revoke my man card if you like, but I really like ballads.  One of the songs that I downloaded (partly because I love the lead vocalist's voice) is "If I die young" by The Band Perry.  I've been listening to it a lot lately, and have gotten really stuck on the words of the last verse... A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar They're worth so much more after I'm a goner And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singing Funny, when you're dead how people start listening Wow.  I don't want to speculate on what the song writer was intending to convey in this prose, but it appears like the desperate words of someone crying out for someone to listen; and in a final act of desperation destroying th

This has to be my favorite romantic song out right now... And I'm saving this dance. Yes, I am a "hopeless romantic" :-) "Hey Pretty Girl" Hey pretty girl, won't you look my way Love's in the air tonight You can bet you make this ol' boy's day Hey pretty girl, won't you look my way Hey pretty girl, can I have this dance And the next one after that Gonna make you mine there's a real good chance Hey pretty girl, can I have this dance Hey pretty girl, it feels so right Just like it's meant to be All wrapped up in my arms so tight Hey pretty girl, it feels so right Life's a long and winding ride Better have the right one by your side And happiness don't drag its feet Time moves faster than you think Hey pretty girl, wanna take you home My momma's gonna love you She'll make me sleep on the couch, I know Hey pretty girl, wanna take you home Hey pretty girl, let's build some dreams And a house on a piece of land W

Did you know that there is now a Waffle House kiosk in Turner Field? That was 13 games ago. They Braves haven't lost since!  They are 13-0 with a Waffle House in the building. Which only means one thing... The Waffle House is HOT.  Given that this is the case, here's a top 10 list of other uses of good WH mojo. 1.) Put one in Kyle Field.  Like... NOW! 2.) Take your next first date to Waffle House.  You think I'm crazy, but she could be the one! 3.) Before you get your PowerBall tickets, make sure you get it smothered, covered, and topped with some love. 4.) Who's to argue with some of Bert's Chili on your suit before that big interview? 5.) Carb loading before a marathon!!  Waffle... Hash Browns... PR baby. 6.)  Prospect meeting before the big contract negotiation (now, to be realistic, I've had pre-sales call strategy meetings at truck stop diners before, so this isn't terribly far fetched) 7.)  Did they announce layoffs at your comp

I was actually zoning out somewhat when this suggestion was directed at me.  I was out with a few friends fo queso and tacos at a nearby taqueria, awaiting the Smyrna fireworks show. My friend, a female, was talking about her experience with a guy that she's gone out with about three times now.  And then... "You know, you really should hold a class for guys" Of course, I was now paying attention and ready to tell my friend how unqualified I am to talk to anyone about dating.  (aka - you really should find a married guy to talk to us single knuckleheads about how to relate to women).  Then, she said something to the tune of... "Oh no, that's not what I mean.  I'm talking about guys having a plan." And she didn't mean having a plan for their life... or having anything figured out... she just meant that she wanted the guy to actually plan the date. Apparently (I'm hoping this guy doesn't read this, honestly), this guy whom she was se